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“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  - Luke 2:14

Acoustic Guitar

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lessons, music to play, and how-tos for all guitarists
Updated: 1 hour 32 min ago

Patreon Song of the Month: “Bury Me Beneath the Weeping Willow”

Fri, 04/17/2026 - 06:00
 “Bury Me Beneath the Weeping Willow”
This arrangement is based loosely on the version recorded by Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice (1980), and it works as a study in traditional flatpicking accompaniment.

Adding Strap Locks to Your Guitar Has Never Been Easier

Thu, 04/16/2026 - 23:55
Adding Strap Locks to Your Guitar Has Never Been Easier
Sponsored by MusicNomad: MusicNomad’s Acousti-Lok™ is a strap solution that adds the safety & flexibility of using strap locks on your acoustic guitar without permanently modifying it. Designed to be used with Schaller style strap locks, Acousti-Lok’s strong, solid brass construction gives you the security you have been looking for. With different Acousti-Lok versions to choose […]

Review: Madison Cunningham’s ‘Ace’ Fuses Nylon-String Nuance and Electric Bite

Wed, 04/15/2026 - 06:00
madison_cunningham-photo-claire-marie-vogel
This new 14-song release traces both emotional and sonic extremes.

You Don’t Last 50 Years Without Getting It Right

Fri, 04/10/2026 - 21:26
You Don’t Last 50 Years Without Getting It Right
Sponsored by Shubb: Shubb Capos have earned a place in countless gig bags, vintage guitar cases, bars, clubs, recording studios and stadiums because they do one thing incredibly well: they work. Intonation, elegant simplicity, and legendary reliability are the reasons Shubb has stood the test of time—and why it continues to lead today. Shubb has spent […]

Carrying the Flame—Guitarist Larry Del Casale Celebrates the Legacy of Carlos Barbosa-Lima

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 06:00
Larry-Del-Casale-_D850565-photo-Angelo Mannino
In this interview, Del Casale reflects on a life shaped by the enduring influence of his longtime friend and collaborator.

Essential Tips: How to Prepare and Bring Your Best to Every Performance

Wed, 04/01/2026 - 06:00
 Joey Lusterman
Whether you’re a freelancing sideperson, a member of a touring band, or a bandleader, the basic responsibilities are the same. Here are some waysto make that next gig a success.

Enter to Win a Year of Guitar Lessons

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 13:08
Enter to Win a Year of Guitar Lessons
One lucky winner gets a membership in our Patreon community!

Chromatic Connections: How to Make the Spaces Between Chord Tones a Source of Color and Momentum

Wed, 03/25/2026 - 06:00
Jane Miller playing acoustic guitar with colorful background
This lesson will show you how drawing a line between two chord tones can create melodic embellishments and add a touch of sophisticated tension to your playing.

Taylor Showdown

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 23:00
Taylor Showdown
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Our third Super Auditorium Showdown features award-winning singer-songwriter Joshua Taylor putting two voices of the Gold Label Collection to the test: the Gold Label K14e with Hawaiian koa back and sides and the Gold Label 514e with mahogany back and sides. Both guitars share a torrefied Sitka spruce top, which adds a […]

Song of the Month: “Honolulu March”

Fri, 03/20/2026 - 08:29
 “Honolulu March”
“Honolulu March,” recorded by guitarists Pale K. Lua and David K. Kaili around 1914–15, reflects the early steel-guitar style that captivated mainland audiences during the first Hawaiian-music craze. Lua was one of the early lap-steel players to record commercially and tour the mainland with Hawaiian troupes at a time when the instrument’s sliding, vocal-like sound was still new to […]

Jazz-Folk with Prawit Siriwat & Daniel Durst | Acoustic Guitar Sessions

Wed, 03/18/2026 - 06:30
Jazz-Folk with Prawit Siriwat & Daniel Durst | Acoustic Guitar Sessions
While improv and exploration are key to the duo’s performance, restraint and simplicity have equal weight.

Letter from the Editor | Acoustic Guitar, Spring 2026 Issue 357

Fri, 03/13/2026 - 06:00
Letter from the Editor | Acoustic Guitar, Spring 2026 Issue 357
From the Spring 2026 Issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine With this issue, Acoustic Guitar settles into its new quarterly rhythm. At a time when publishing—and so much else—feels unsettled, the change has prompted us to look closely at what belongs in each issue and how deeply we want to explore it. A quarterly pace also feels closer […]

The Instrument Inside: Treat Your Mind and Body with the Same Care You Give Your Playing

Wed, 03/11/2026 - 06:00
Plant growing from guitar headstock-Igor Sun/Joey Lusterman
Developing a healthy and positive mindset will go a long way toward helping your musical success.

Remembering the Rambling Ragtime Guitar Troubadour Roy Book Binder, 1943–2026

Tue, 03/10/2026 - 06:00
Remembering the Rambling Ragtime Guitar Troubadour Roy Book Binder, 1943–2026
A student of Reverend Gary Davis, Book Binder spent decades sharing the blues with audiences everywhere from concert halls to small clubs.

Remembering John Hammond, Solo Blues Guitar Stalwart, 1942-2026

Mon, 03/09/2026 - 11:00
Remembering John Hammond, Solo Blues Guitar Stalwart, 1942-2026
Hammond spent more than half a century carrying forward the country-blues tradition in his commanding solo performances.

Play Sierra Hull’s Lyrical New Ballad “Spitfire”

Wed, 03/04/2026 - 06:00
 Bethany Brook Showalter and Spencer Showalter
Hull’s rich tone and attention to detail in the chord voicings and picking patterns are evident throughout this heartfelt and beautifully crafted song.

Review: John Gorka Returns with ‘unentitled’

Fri, 02/27/2026 - 06:00
 John Gorka Returns with ‘unentitled’
On his first album in seven years, the folk fixture delivers a set of spare, thoughtful songs grounded in voice and guitar.

Unlock a Powerful New Voice with Dropped-D Tuning

Wed, 02/25/2026 - 06:00
Mary Flower with acoustic guitar on black background
Whether you fingerpick or flatpick, dropped-D tuning adds depth and texture, and can anchor a melody with a strong, pulsing bass.

The Next Generation Grand Auditoriums Have Arrived

Thu, 02/19/2026 - 23:45
The Next Generation Grand Auditoriums Have Arrived
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: The Grand Auditorium has long been celebrated for its balance, comfort, and musical versatility — a guitar equally at home on the couch, in the studio, or under stage lights. Now, that trusted platform has been thoughtfully reimagined from the inside out. The Next Generation Grand Auditorium introduces a trio of purposeful […]

Thoughtful Tips for Supporting Others Musically

Wed, 02/18/2026 - 06:00
Charlie Rauh, right, backing up Finnish singer-songwriter Peppina, Courtesy of Charlie Rauh
Playing the supportive role as a musician calls for heightened awareness, deep listening, patience, and an open mind.

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