Flatpicking Master Class: Learn to Think and Play Like the Greats

Here we’ll explore flatpicking guitar through some musical examples based on its key practitioners from Doc Watson to Molly Tuttle and identify some of the genre's essential recordings.

Bob Minner Records a Star-Studded Tribute to Norman Blake

While making his latest album, From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn, a star-studded tribute to Norman and Nancy Blake, Bob Minner got the chance to befriend the Blakes.

Indie Folk Songwriter Joan Shelley Heads Home with ‘The Spur’

The Spur is a batch of songs that reflect on putting down roots, coming out of what Joan Shelley calls a “period of opposite extremes—of creative hyper-connection and physical isolation."

Exploring James Taylor’s Singular and Sophisticated Guitar Style

In James Taylor’s music, the guitar provides much more than accompaniment. Learn how to play like James Taylor in this acoustic guitar lesson.

What to Look for When Buying a Gypsy-Jazz Guitar, from Tone to Playability

A gypsy jazz guitar's optimal setup differs from that of a regular steel-string. Here's what to look when buying a gypsy jazz guitar.

Why Isn’t My Acoustic Guitar Intonating Well, and What Can I Do About It?

Here are some things to check if you notice something is outside of the reasonable range of intonation on your guitar and it’s off enough to bother the ear.

Thomas Ripsam, C.F. Martin and Co.’s First Non-Family CEO, Combines a Love of Guitar with Global Business Experience

Thomas Ripsam’s path to CEO at C.F. Martin & Co.’s Nazareth, Pennsylvania, headquarters is even more unlikely than most.

Learn Tony Rice’s Flatpicking Take on the Traditional Fiddle Tune ‘Cattle in the Cane’

Tony Rice's take on “Cattle in the Cane” is not only a good introduction to fiddle tunes, but to flatpicking in general as it covers the hallmarks of the style.

Learn Chord-Melody Techniques from Jazz Guitarist Eddie Lang

Here are some ideas from jazz great Eddie Lang for some new chord melody techniques and textures on guitar, applied to the verse of the old standard “After You’ve Gone.”

How to Fix Problems Caused by Incorrect Neck Angles on Acoustic Guitars

Neck angle is probably the single most crucial variable for the playability of a flattop guitar. Here's how to fix it if it's off.