Dom Flemons Brings a Deep Knowledge of Roots Music to His Work as the American Songster
The multi-instrumentalist scholar talks about how he found his own voice through the study of old and new songs, and what makes the ideal acoustic guitar.
Guitar Talk: Jimmy Buffett on His Evolving Collection of Golden-Era Instruments
Jimmy Buffett passed away September 1, 2023 at 76. Today, we're revisiting this conversation with the "Margaritaville" singer-songwriter about his collection of rarified golden-era guitars.
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The Milk Carton Kids Deepen Their Sound and Songwriting on ‘I Only See the Moon’
Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, aka the Milk Carton Kids, discuss the creative process behind what is perhaps their strongest set of songs to date.
Christopher Mallett Shines a Light on Pioneering Black American Guitarist and Composer Justin Holland
Mallett breathes new life into music that has languished since Holland’s passing more than a century ago.
Remembering Robbie Robertson
Robertson passed away August 9, 2023. Republished here is the cover story for our September 2011 issue, in which the legendary guitarist opened up about the Band, collaborating with Eric Clapton, and his collection of vintage Martins.
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Julian Lage Champions the Steel-String Acoustic on His Latest Blue Note Release
Lage talks about his uncommon use of the steel-string guitar in the evolution of his ensemble, as well as collaborating with his wife, singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy
A Guide to Playing Guitar Throughout Your Lifetime
Five high-achieving guitarists share how they maintain and continually improve their skills, while offering advice applicable to players of all styles.
How Nickel Creek’s Sean Watkins, Sara Watkins, and Chris Thile Made Their Most Ambitious Album Yet
On ‘Celebrants,’ their first new record in nine years, the trio rekindles their connection and explores new territory.
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Singer-Songwriter John Oates Explores the Music of Mississippi John Hurt
He will forever be best known as half of Hall & Oates, but John Oates has carved a distinct identity as a proponent of classic Americana
Spain and the Guitar: The Modern Classical Instrument Owes Much to Deep Iberian Roots
Many significant developments in classical guitar design and technique flourished in Spain during the past few centuries, but the story indeed began many years—perhaps millennia—earlier.
Remembering Roots and Blues Legend Steve James
The acoustic music world lost one of its most colorful figures when Steve James passed away on January 6, 2023, at 72.
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Belgian Classical Guitar Great Raphaella Smits Feels Right at Home Playing the Music of Argentina
The eight-string guitarist's latest album, ‘Che Argentina,’ is a passion project devoted to 20th-century works by seven Argentine composers.
How Megan and Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe Traveled from Bluegrass to Blues Rock and Beyond
To learn more about Larkin Poe's journey from acoustic roots music to amped-up rock, we caught up with the sisters by phone from their home bases in Nashville.
How Guitar Duo Rodrigo y Gabriela Is Informed by Eastern Spiritual Practices—and Thrash-Metal
On their latest release, In Between Thoughts... A New World, the spiritually inclined pair have invested their pan-genre musical values with some of their own more metaphysical ones.
Christie Lenée Explains the Surprising Sounds and Textures at Play on ‘Coming Alive’
The albums is an extension of Lenée’s current fascinations, which include experimenting with fingerstyle on the 12-string and an ongoing exploration of alternate tunings.
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Improviser Grant Gordy Thrives in the String-Band Ensemble Setting of His Latest Work
Since Grant Gordy's 2010 self-titled debut album, he has used bluegrass as a foundation while stretching out far beyond the genre’s confines to find his voice as an improviser, composer, and arranger.
Six Decades into His Musical Journey, Classical Guitarist Eliot Fisk Still Seeks New Summits
Now age 68, classical guitar virtuoso Eliot Fisk turns momentarily wistful looking back over his long and storied career. “Years pass by and I think, ‘How can this be?’ I’m just getting started,” he says, voice rising. “I’m at the point where I’m looking at the last chapters of my life.”
After More Than 40 Albums, John McCutcheon Is Still in Love with His Instruments
As you might expect from such a narrative songwriter, each of his guitars has a bit of a story behind it.
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Remembering David Lindley
Renowned maxi-instrumentalist David Lindley passed away March 3, 2023 at the age of 78. Republished here is a profile and in-depth interview, which originally ran as cover story for our June 2000 issue.
The Rich Musical Legacy of Doc Watson: A Rare Interview with the Legendary Guitarist
A rare interview with Arthel "Doc" Watson, an extraordinary entertainer who never failed to capture the admiration and affection of his audience.
South Korean Classical Guitarist Bokyung Byun Has Seen Tremendous Success Since Moving to the U.S.
South Korea–born classical guitar virtuoso Bokyung Byun (aka “Bo”) is riding a wave of musical achievements.
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Remembering Guitarist and Teacher Dix Bruce 1952–2023
The versatile, knowledgeable, and always cheerful musician and educator Dix Bruce passed away suddenly and peacefully in his sleep at age 70.
David Crosby—A Life Acoustic, His Story as Seen Through the Prism of His Guitars
Folk rock legend David Crosby recalls the Martin guitars he used at Woodstock, with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and more.
Remembering Roots Musician Steve James 1950–2023
To his colleagues at Acoustic Guitar, Steve James was not only the knowledgeable, reliable author of 185 well-regarded articles and reviews, he was a cherished friend, close collaborator, and the source of endlessly entertaining tales from the road.
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Polish Classical Guitarist Andrzej Grygier Wins Lucrative Baltimore Competition Purse
It was a competition quite unlike any other, and the prizes the highest in any guitar competition in the world, with a $35,000 first prize.