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Ola Englund Dominates Rick Beato’s Channel: A Deep Dive into 16 Years of Guitar, Gear, and YouTube Mastery Friday December 5 2025, 10:39 AM

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Ola Englund Dominates Rick Beato’s Channel: A Deep Dive into 16 Years of Guitar, Gear, and YouTube Mastery

Sweden’s metal juggernaut and guitar innovator Ola Englund just dropped a bomb on YouTube by sitting down with legendary music educator Rick Beato for a “Coffee with Rick” interview, and it’s already making waves across the global guitar community.

Englund, whose YouTube career spans more than 16 years, has been at the forefront of metal education, gear demos, and original music creation. Over the course of the in-depth conversation, he touched on everything from his humble beginnings recording amp demos in his bedroom to the sprawling multi-room studio he now commands in Stockholm.

From Bedroom Demos to YouTube Titan
Ola started his channel back in 2007, initially focusing on raw amp demos without much commentary. By 2015, he realized that talking to his audience would set him apart in an increasingly crowded scene. “I needed to up my game,” Englund told Beato, reflecting on how he adapted to the platform’s evolving demands.

The conversation also revealed just how strategic his approach has always been. By carefully curating content he genuinely enjoys, Englund maintains authenticity while keeping his massive international audience engaged. Brands like Seymour Duncan quickly recognized his influence, leading to collaborations like the legendary Duncan Solar pickup.

YouTube as the Modern Guitar Hub
Englund shared insights into the evolution of YouTube over the last decade, noting that it has become the go-to platform for tutorials, product demos, and artist exposure. “Back then, you had to prove that YouTube was a place people could come to. Now, everyone understands it’s the biggest platform for this type of content,” he said.

He also reflected on how YouTube has educated a generation of guitarists on gear usage, signal paths, and effects. With tools like the Quad Cortex, Neural DSP plugins, and Synergy amplifiers, players today can experiment, model, and replicate sounds in ways that were impossible two decades ago.

Gear, Pedals, and Workflow Wisdom
True to form, Englund delved into his obsessive love for efficiency and functionality, from meticulously selecting distortion pedals to designing compact touring rigs. “Everything has to be set up already so I can just go like this,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of workflow for both creativity and content creation.

He also offered rare insight into the hardware vs. modeler debate, noting that while major acts still rely on amps, smaller or touring-focused bands are increasingly turning to digital solutions like Quad Cortex. He praised companies like Neural DSP for bridging the gap between digital plugins and real-world performance, and gave a nod to Synergy’s modular approach to amp modeling.

Why This Matters
For fans, fellow creators, and guitarists, this interview is a goldmine. It’s a masterclass in balancing artistry, business, and digital media savvy. From navigating YouTube trends to choosing the right amp or plugin, Englund’s perspective is grounded in 16 years of first-hand experience—hard-earned lessons that are both relatable and aspirational.

If you haven’t watched it yet, this is one of those interviews that doesn’t just entertain—it educates, inspires, and proves why Ola Englund remains one of metal and guitar’s most influential voices.