The role of guitar videos has changed considerably over the past ten years. For a long time they were specialist items, typically reserved for learners as an additional teaching aid from lessons and CDs. Combined with full length music videos, they could also be accessed as technical demonstrations on television shows, but were most commonly viewed as an ephemeral form of media. In the past ten years they have expanded to form a key part of internet sites, with a wide range of videos mixing professional instruction and amateur performances. While quality control is still an issue, at a bare minimum they provide valuable assistance to learners, particularly when seeking out a particular chord, scale or song to practice. Moreover, they provide important exposure to musicians, and can be used as a calling card to talent scouts. Some of the best guitar videos are also linked to instructor sites that recommend equipment, and advertise personally-produced instructional DVDs and CDs.