Variations on a Theme—Explore Ways to Shape and Reshape a Simple Tune
In this guitar lesson, Mimi Fox shows how a simple melody can open the door to myriad musical possibilities.
Reimagining the Haunting Fiddle Tune “Chilly Winds”
Colorado-based guitarist and traditional music specialist Morgan Harris breaks down her arrangement of this folk classic.
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Hone Your Hybrid Picking on Jason Isbell’s Lighthearted Love Song “Foxes in the Snow”
Set to a bouncy minor-key groove, “Foxes” features some fine picking and is very fun to play, with a melodic solo that could stand on its own as an instrumental.
Five Young Players Honoring Tradition While Shaping New Acoustic Sounds
Presley Haile, Kapali Long, Jobi Riccio, Presley Barker, and Lizzie No are creating music that’s vivid and raw, honest and personal, and firmly rooted in the deep musical traditions they continue to hold sacred.
Great Acoustics: Jason Isbell’s 1940 Martin 0-17
Isbell owns some prized vintage guitars, but when it came to recording his latest solo acoustic album, the singer-songwriter turned to this smaller and plainer 0-17.
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Work Out on the Blues in E— Fingerstyle Lesson with Jontavious Willis
This lesson is about finding your own way through the E blues. Try things out, tweak them, and make them yours—that’s what the blues is all about.
Jason Isbell Takes the Solo Spotlight on ‘Foxes in the Snow’
Isbell sheds light on the creative choices behind his new solo album, a stunning close-up portrait that shows why he's one of today’s most revered singer-songwriters.
How to Choose the Right Repairperson for Your Guitar
Not every shop is suited for every job, and that is perfectly fine and reasonable.Take the time to find the right fit for you and your guitar—you’ll be glad you did.
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Cameron Knowler’s ‘CRK’ Bridges Early American Guitar Styles with a Deeply Personal Touch
Knowler has lovingly absorbed an archive’s worth of early American guitar styles, and it shows.
Play Jimmie Rodgers’ Bluesy Hit “Waiting for a Train”
“Waiting for a Train” first became a hit in 1929. Here, we’re keeping it simple and playing in C—an easy key for open-position cowboy chords.
Guitar Basics: How to Play Melody and Chords Together
When playing accompaniment, you have melody notes literally at your fingertips in and around the chord shapes—you just need to find those notes and spotlight them.
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With ‘One Guitar Woman,’ Sue Foley Honors the Women Who Helped Shape Guitar History
In this interview, the guitarist/historian talks about her new album, her musical journey, and the unshakable rhythm that holds it all together.
Gear Review: MusicNomad’s Precision Tools
These handy tools are easy enough for the DIY tech but solid enough for a pro.
Learn the Classic Fiddle Tune “Fisher’s Hornpipe” and Build Your Flatpicking Skills
No matter how you slice it, this melody is challenging on guitar. Yet it’s a catchy song, and if you attend a jam or two, you are sure to encounter it.
Guitar Talk: Arlen Roth Reflects on a Lifetime of Making and Teaching Music
More than a prolific solo artist and first-call sideman, Roth is one of the industry's most influential modern guitar instructors.
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5 Simple Exercises to Help Center Your Mind and Hands Before You Play Guitar
Whether preparing for a practice session or a performance, guitarists can tap into the mental resource of mindfulness.
Review: L.R. Baggs’ AEG-1 Is a Stage-Ready Acoustic-Electric with Innovative Construction and a Finely Tuned Pickup System
After spending time with the AEG-1, I found it to be a well-executed blend of comfort, playability, and a remarkably natural amplified tone.
