Editorial Policy

Our publication

Student of Guitar is managed by The Ordinary Trade Pty Ltd. This policy sets the editorial standards we expect across our publication, including work by contributors and updates to older articles.

Reporting, research and opinion

We distinguish researched guidance, personal experience and opinion. A hands-on review must be based on actual use. We do not imply that a writer tested a product, visited a place or interviewed someone when they did not. Rankings reflect editorial judgement rather than an objective guarantee that every reader will agree.

We check material facts against reliable sources, favour original sources where available, and attribute other people's reporting. Prices, specifications, availability and other changing details should carry enough context for readers to check them. We do not invent quotations, sources, author identities or expertise.

AI assistance

We use AI tools to assist with research, outlines, drafting, rewriting, headlines and editing, and to create or edit some illustrations. AI output is not a factual source or evidence of first-hand experience. The person responsible for an article must check its claims, quotations, sources and product details before publication. We remain responsible for what we publish.

We include a specific disclosure when AI-generated material substantially shapes an article or when a reader could mistake it for original reporting or documentary imagery. Routine spelling and grammar assistance does not require a separate notice.

Images and attribution

We use original, licensed and appropriately attributed images, along with illustrations. AI-generated scenes and materially altered photographs must not be presented as unaltered records of real people, events, places or product tests. We identify material AI image work in a nearby caption or credit. Routine cropping, resizing and exposure adjustments do not need that label unless they change the meaning.

An image credit does not replace permission or a valid legal basis for use. AI editing does not remove copyright obligations. We respect the rights of creators and assess concerns about images and other material when raised.

Advertising and commercial relationships

Advertising and affiliate commissions help fund the publication. We identify relevant affiliate relationships, sponsored content, gifted products and other material commercial arrangements in the content concerned. An advertisement is not an editorial endorsement. Commercial arrangements must not require a favourable verdict, invented experience or concealed sponsorship.

Privacy and contributions

Contributors must tell us about relevant conflicts, sources, permissions and material AI use. A pitch does not guarantee publication or transfer copyright; publication rights and any payment are agreed separately. We handle private correspondence carefully and remove unnecessary identifying details before using external editorial tools. Sensitive information and unpublished submissions require an appropriate privacy and permissions assessment.

Corrections and complaints

To report a factual error, rights concern or undisclosed commercial relationship, contact hello@studentofguitar.com or write to The Ordinary Trade Pty Ltd, 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood VIC 3134, Australia. Include the page URL, a clear description and supporting information you can lawfully share.

We review concerns and correct substantiated errors. Significant factual corrections should be noted on the article. These standards also guide our review of older work; publication of this policy does not mean every archived article has been audited. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal information in correspondence and requests.