Music is the universal language
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14
Acoustic Guitar
Sus Chords, Arpeggio Embellishments, Minor 7 Barres, Humidity, Non-Diatonic Chords | Teaching Artist July Recap
Here’s a recap of all the new Acoustic Guitar Teaching Artist lessons from July. And there is a lot more to look forward to: interactive hangouts, virtual open mics, and more!
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
New From Acoustic Guitar— ‘The Steve James Songbook’
This songbook includes full guitar parts in standard notation and tablature, with lyrics, plus the stories behind 20 of Steve’s original songs.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Americana Champion Margo Price Takes Flight with Her New Signature Gibson J-45
The Nashville singer-songwriter talks about her bond with her instruments, her songwriting philosophy, and more.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Letter from the Editor: Acoustic Guitar Issue 354
If there’s a thread running through this issue, it’s not reinvention for its own sake, but the idea that familiar forms still hold new meaning.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Great Acoustics: Barney Kessel’s Well-Worn 1931 Gibson L-5 Helped Score Hits by Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis, and Others
In July 1948, Kessel purchased this early Gibson L-5 from Smith and went on to use it for two decades of studio sessions.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Review: I’m With Her’s Acoustic Palette and Chamber-Folk Instincts Shine on ‘Wild and Clear and Blue’
The arrangements are rustic but current; the harmonies, tight but never smug, infuse the record with a sense of quiet inventiveness.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Flatpicking Fire: Trey Hensley Smokes His Taylor Gold Label 517e
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Once dubbed “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar 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. […]
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
5 Minute Lesson: Julian Lage Teaches How to Add Dimension to Your Playing
Julian Lage shows how to turn a single melodic line into a layered, expressive statement—with just one subtle move.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Christian Lee Hutson Is Writing Songs Like a Bird on Rollercoaster
The singer-songwriter talks about melody, his “magical” Martin guitar, and the stripped-down tracks on his latest release, ‘Paradise Pop. 10 (Deluxe)’
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Learn a Contemporary Fingerstyle Arrangement of “Cielito Lindo,” a Mexican Cultural Treasure
Janet Noguera reimagines the iconic Mexican tune “Cielito Lindo” with modern textures, lush harmonics, and unexpected chord movement.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Contrast, Comping, Fretting, Ear Training, and Neck Issues | Teaching Artist June Recap
The five Acoustic Guitar Teaching Artists are creating lessons for guitarists just like you, with a new lesson every week. Here's a recap of all the TA activity from June.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Learn to Play Dave Van Ronk’s Freewheeling Take on “The Entertainer” | AG Patreon Song of the Month
Much like Van Ronk himself wasn’t concerned with strict adherence to societal norms, the version doesn’t follow the original chords exactly.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Explore the Art of Flatpicking Through Two Standout Billy Strings Solos
These solos from two classic American tunes, “Brown’s Ferry Blues” and “Reuben’s Train,” highlight the flatpicker’s deeply rooted and highly adventurous style.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Seven-String Classical Virtuoso Douglas Lora Explores His South American Roots
The newest member of the LAGQ reflects on his deep connection to classical and Brazilian music, his career as a seven-string guitarist, and his new role in the iconic quartet.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Learn a Slack-Key-Tinged Fingerstyle Arrangement of “Lady Athenry,” a Traditional Irish Jig
Although this is a dyed-in-the-wool old Irish melody, you’ll notice a bit of a slack-key influence; at times the arrangement sounds more Hawaiian than Celtic.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
The Pursuit of Playability: Taylor’s Action Control Neck™ Explained
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Since its earliest days, Taylor Guitars has been committed to crafting instruments that are easy to play. That pursuit of playability has driven a series of transformative neck design innovations. Bob Taylor’s slim-profile, bolt-on necks, set a new benchmark for playability in the 1970s. His groundbreaking NT neck, introduced in 1999, ensured […]
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Review: Martin’s New D-28 and D-X2E Billy Strings Signature Models
Inspired by two of Strings’ longtime musical companions, the stage-worthy D-28 and the road-ready D-X2E reflect the flatpicker's fast rise and deep roots.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
How To Build Your Own Fingerstyle Arrangements
In this lesson, we’ll look at how to build an arrangement of a melody from the ground up by working on the traditional tune “Greensleeves.”
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
Join Sean McGowan, Alex de Grassi, and Grant Gordy for an Introduction to ‘The Holistic Guitarist’
On July 17, Acoustic Guitar is hosting a live virtual event to celebrate the release of ‘The Holistic Guitarist: A Complete Guide to Musical Well-Being’ by Sean McGowan.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest
A Dylan Role for His Guitars Is Just the Latest Chapter in Lark Street Music Owner Buzzy Levine’s Vintage Saga
Loaning instruments to be used in Hollywood films is only a small part of the Teaneck music store proprietor's business, but it makes for some good stories, as the following interview shows.
Categories: Acoustics, General Interest