Acoustics

After nearly two decades apart, Curran and his Stefan Sobell “Butterfly” Model 1 create shimmering, meditative soundscapes rooted in British folk tradition and colored by psychedelic textures.

We’ll begin by exploring how dropped-D shapes work on the I, IV, and V chords in the key of D, then build from there with ways to move through the full 12-bar form.

Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Once dubbed “Nashville’s hottest young player” by this magazine, Trey Hensley brings his signature blend of Appalachian grit and bluesy finesse to Taylor’s new Gold Label 517e. In this video, captured at Soundcheck Nashville, Hensley weighs in on the new round-shoulder dreadnought and demonstrates its earthy depth and warm, old-school tone.  “I’ve […]

The acoustic guitar remains relevant because of the people who continue to do meaningful work with it. That’s why we make this magazine: to document and celebrate that work, and to keep the conversation going between musicians, makers, and listeners.

Little Folkies, a music program that aims to get young kids engaged with folk music, is the passion project singer-songwriter Irena Eide.

In this lesson Lisa takes a basic progression in C major and shows just how colorful and expressive chord substitutions can be.

Interest in small-bodied parlor guitars—precursors to the bulky modern dreadnought—is skyrocketing. Learn all about these guitars, why players love them, and which model could be right for you.

The arrangement presented here sits well on the guitar while intentionally retaining the playful rhythmic bounce of the melody.

Introducing Acoustic Guitar Couch Camp—a virtual retreat featuring workshops, performances, and community.

This arrangement draws on both the joy of my early classroom memories and the song’s evolution into a broader message of renewal.

Five-song EP blends manouche rhythms and fingerstyle flourishes into intricate, buoyant instrumentals.

Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: When Taylor Guitars introduced the 914ce in 1996, it set a new high-water mark for visual detail and tonal sophistication. Designed by Bob Taylor, the original model debuted with Indian rosewood, Engelmann spruce and the now-iconic Cindy inlay—an intricate motif featuring green abalone and mother-of-pearl, first designed for Bob’s wife.   Fast-forward to […]

Never fear. Slacking all the strings at once is something every guitar technician needs to do every day.

Consisting of world premiere recordings of three works based around Cuban rhythms, ‘Romántico’ features the exquisite classical guitar work of the reliably great Isbin.

Sponsored by Thompson Guitars: There are always great players that are part of the Thompson family that play at Rocky Grass and this year was no exception, with the likes of Liam Purcell (2022 winner Flatpick Competition), Lindsay Lou, Tom Knowlton from The Fretliners, Peter Rowan, Molly Tuttle, Seth Mulder, Travis Book from the Infamous Stringdusters, […]

Welles, 30, is a genuine phenomenon—an internet-era troubadour clearly in the tradition of Guthrie, Dylan, Prine, and Ochs (and Cobain, too), yet also very much of this moment.

This Mississippi Hill Country lick turns up again and again, in countless variations by players like R.L. Burnside and Robert Belfour. So let’s learn it!

The MS-00 is a guitar that’s straightforward, well-balanced, and built to be played, not pampered

The Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer, and educator explores three different takes on "You Are My Sunshine" and shows how to make rich and expressive solo arrangements from a simple melody.

This brief practice can lead to improved skills, enhanced creativity and flow, and more enjoyable playing sessions