Tag: May 2017

Illustration of Ry Cooder and Lalo Guerrero by Olivia Wise

Ry Cooder Pays Tribute to Lalo Guerrero, “the Father of Chicano Music,” at Centennial Birthday Concert

Cooder and others honored the internationally acclaimed singer, performer, and prolific composer Eduardo “Lalo” Guerrero on what would have been Guerrero's 100th birthday.

Karen Peterson
April 4, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Microphone Phantom Power

Most of the time, phantom power just does its job silently, but a bit of knowledge can help when things go wrong or when choosing the gear with which you work.

Doug Young
March 27, 2017

Video Lesson: 5 Steps Toward Developing Chord Fluency on the Fretboard

Use a little music theory to learn how major and minor triads are built and to start connecting chord shapes. With an awareness of how these chords work, you’ll be primed to play songs as diverse as the Who’s “Substitute” and Paul Simon’s “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”—and to create your own chord progressions and solos.

Gretchen Menn
March 24, 2017

Pieta Brown’s New Album ‘Postcards’ Gets a Little Help from Friends Mark Knopfler, Calexico, and More

Each of the ten tracks features a special guest, including Rodriguez, Mason Jennings, David Lindley, and others.

Anna Pulley
March 24, 2017

LA Unplugged: 12 Must-See Acoustic Music Spaces In and Around Los Angeles

The City of Angels has a lot to offer acoustic guitarists wanting to buy a new axe, hit up an open mic, or listen to bluegrass while chowing down on pizza.

Melinda Newman
March 23, 2017

Gear Review: Luna’s New Concert-size Art Recorder Offers Smooth Playability and a Winning Sound

Right out of the box, it’s apparent that the Art Recorder is a very nice-sounding guitar. Its intonation is spot-on, and there are no dead spots on the neck,

Adam Perlmutter
March 21, 2017

Video Lesson: Using a Partial Capo Can Open Up New Doors Tonally

If you’re drawn to the creative possibilities of alternate tunings but don’t want to completely lose your bearings on the fingerboard, a partial capo may be just the ticket.

Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
March 14, 2017

Collings OM1 A Traditional acoustic guitar

GEAR REVIEW: Bill Collings Revisits His Roots in the New T-Series of Acoustic Guitars [VIDEO]

The guitar inside the case—the OM1A T—is a force to be reckoned with. It’s beautifully crafted and, though newly built, has a mature sound and a phenomenal responsiveness.

Adam Perlmutter
March 14, 2017

Review: Taylor Introduces Upgraded Version of Its Popular 814ce

Thanks to a top-notch fretwork and a perfect factory setup, along with Taylor’s streamlined C-shaped neck, the 814ce plays extremely well—as easily and quickly as a good electric guitar. The neck’s satin finish feels sleek and comfortable as well.

Adam Perlmutter
March 14, 2017

GEAR REVIEW: The Spector Timbre Acoustic Bass Is an Accessible, Affordable Option for Guitarists [VIDEO]

It’s simply one of the finest-sounding acoustic bass guitars on the market.

Greg Olwell
March 14, 2017

Close up view of Alvin Youngblood Hart's face and the upright neck of his acoustic guitar

Video Lesson: Play the Blues Like Alvin Youngblood Hart

Hart leans heavily on single-chord grooves with monotonic bass patterns. Learn some of these licks and how to capture the feel of Hart's acoustic blues.

Pete Madsen
March 14, 2017

GUITAR TALK: Singer-Songwriter Greg Brown on His Soft Spot for Martin D-18s & More [VIDEO]

Brown, a longtime Gibson player, had more than a few tales, including one about discovering a sweet vintage Martin D-18.

Greg Cahill
March 2, 2017

Acoustic Guitar Sessions Presents Sara Watkins

Sara Watkins plays two songs off the album, "Like New Year's Day" and "Move Me."

Whitney Phaneuf
October 12, 2016

How to Start a Jug Band in 5 Easy Steps

“There are at least hundreds, maybe thousands of jug bands out there. It’s amazing. I see them everywhere I go and hear some really good ones,” says guitarist and bandleader Jim Kweskin. “In every town, every village, every city, someone’s got a jug band. “It’s astounding to me.” Kweskin, the…

Greg Cahill
September 20, 2016