Guitar Center unveils in-store AI shopping assist

Now live in locations nationwide, Guitar Center's Rig Advisor is a mobile-based tool that helps customers discover, compare, and explore gear in real time by prioritizing products available at that specific store location. It enhances the in-store experience by giving musicians an easy way to navigate options and make more confident decisions, whether they’re browsing solo or working with a store expert.

“Rig Advisor is like having a professional gear consultant in the palm of your hand, delivering lightning-fast answers as you explore our music stores,” said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. “It will turn our stores into tech-powered music hubs where creativity, curiosity, and inspiration lead the way.”

Guitar Center unveils in-store AI shopping assist

Rig Advisor was designed to transform music retail into a more inspiring and intuitive experience, whether you are just getting started or building your next professional rig. This revolutionary tool simplifies the gear journey with a friendly interface that keeps things clear and engaging. Customers scan a QR code in-store, type in an artist, song, tone, or gear-related question, and Rig Advisor delivers instant recommendations based on what is in stock at that specific location. Built for musicians at every level, from first-time players to seasoned pros, Rig Advisor offers a streamlined way to explore, compare, and understand products that are available in-store. Key features include:

• Discovery Made Simple: Whether you’re a beginner, a gift giver, or the musician who has everything, Rig Advisor delivers instant, expert-level guidance, anytime, anywhere in the store right at your fingertips
• Artist-Inspired Tones: Uncover gear and settings inspired by your favorite songs or artists using intelligent pedal, amp, and tone suggestions
• Custom Rig and Setup Planning: Build complete setups for recording, gigging, podcasting, and more based on what you own or want to create
• Side-by-Side Comparisons: Compare similar gear to find what best fits your style, tone, and goals
• Live Store Inventory: Choose your store to instantly see what recommended gear is available to try in person that day
• Multilingual Support: Rig Advisor automatically responds in the language customers use without the need to adjust settings
• Shop and Learn: Simplifies complex gear concepts such as analog versus digital or tube versus solid-state, turning them into clear, actionable insights
   

Unlike traditional e-commerce filters or backend tools, Rig Advisor was built specifically for the in-store experience, putting inspiration, education, and creativity front and center to help musicians shop with confidence. Rig Advisor is available now at Guitar Center stores nationwide.