Ask the Expert: Why Is the Action Suddenly High on My Guitar?
Action (string height) plays a big role in how comfortable it is to play your guitar. High action could be due to a lot of different reasons—some are easy fixes.
Video Lesson: Exploring Dropped-D Fingerpicking
Fingerpicking and dropped-D tuning fit together like hand and glove. For evidence, just consider the long list of fingerpicking classics played in dropped D, which includes Jorma Kaukonen’s “Embryonic Journey,” Pete Seeger’s “Living in the Country,” the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence,” Bert Jansch’s “Black Water Side,” Bruce Cockburn’s “Wondering Where the…
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Video Lesson: Learn the Bluesy Fundamentals of Eric Clapton’s Acoustic Style
Here you’ll learn some of Clapton’s most intriguing acoustic moves—sophisticated chord shapes, rollicking rhythms, sinuous solo lines, and more.
Fingerstylist Mark Vickness’ Solo Debut ‘Places’ is Varied and Virtuosic
A varied and virtuosic “photo album” of remote, gritty, and mystical locales
Brave New World: A Guide to Navigating Online Guitar Auctions
Today, virtually everyone who wants to sell a guitar—even a brick-and-mortar store—lists it on public internet auction sites. The result is that almost every guitar for sale in the world can be seen on your screen, and the potential buyers are practically limitless. If you are not already addicted to online guitar auctions, here is a pragmatic introduction to navigating this brave new world of musical commerce.
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How to Learn Eric Clapton’s Unplugged Classic ‘Layla’
Our arrangement is streamlined for a single guitar and captures Clapton's solos note for note.
Gear Review: Zero Glide Nut System
A properly set up guitar with a zero fret can have excellent intonation and buttery action.
Guitar Talk with John Leventhal: Manhattan Address, Southern Sound
Like many Baby Boomers, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer John Leventhal reflects the musical influences he heard growing up. The Beatles, Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, Howlin’ Wolf, Curtis Mayfield, Clarence White, and many others color his playing and musical sensibilities. He’s a lifelong New Yorker, yet his guitar work has…
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Great Acoustics: Two 1931 Kel Kroydon KK-1s Reunited After 86 Years
Kel Kroydon-branded instruments were built from late 1929 into 1932 and their remarkably light build and X-bracing make them sound unmistakably Gibson.
Rory Block Slides Into a New Tribute Series: Power Women of the Blues
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Rory Block has been one of the country’s preeminent blues artists for more than four decades and close to 30 albums now, but if you haven’t checked in with her in the past dozen years, you’ve missed out on some of the best music she’s ever made.
Album Review: Cecilia Zabala’s ‘The Color of Silence’ Is a Sensuous and Mysterious Excursion
Playing acoustic, seven-string Spanish, and requinto guitars, Cecilia Zabala weaves a tapestry of tango rhythms, jazz progressions, and Argentine folk melodies on The Color of Silence.
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Gear Review: D’Addario Self-Centering Cradle Capo
At well under $100, this is an affordable and solid-performing solution for guitarists interested in checking out this style of capo.
Learn Nathan Salsburg’s “B.B.”: A Melodic Instrumental with an Unusual Origin
Having accidentally overindulged on a giant bowl of rice and beans, Nathan Salsburg sat down uncomfortably with his guitar one night and got to work. Despite his dyspepsia, a new composition soon announced itself: “Bean Bloat.” By the time Salsburg recorded the tune for his most recent album, Third, he…
Guitar Review: Cort CJ-Retro
A quality budget jumbo acoustic-electric with fab (four) vintage looks.
Next-Gen Fingerstyle: Five Young Stars Share Their Secrets
A new crop of players continues to push fingerstyle guitar toward the future while celebrating the sounds of the past.
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Video Lesson: How to Build Scales on Acoustic Guitar, Part 2 of 2 (Minor Scales)
If you’re going to spend any time learning scales, why not really learn them? Why not own them? In the long run it'll be a valuable use of your time.
Woodshed: Learn Mary Flower’s ‘Liberal Rag’
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to play an approachable ragtime piece of mine in open G6 called “Liberal Rag,” a title I chose not necessarily as a political statement but to indicate that it can be played at an easy and relaxed tempo, by players at all levels.
Gear Review: Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Q-Discrete Parlor Guitar
I didn’t hop on any freight trains, but I certainly enjoyed toting the Q-Discrete around town with its modest weight, petite profile, and comfy gig bag.