Acoustic Guitar

This Mississippi Hill Country lick turns up again and again, in countless variations by players like R.L. Burnside and Robert Belfour. So let’s learn it!

The MS-00 is a guitar that’s straightforward, well-balanced, and built to be played, not pampered

The Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer, and educator explores three different takes on "You Are My Sunshine" and shows how to make rich and expressive solo arrangements from a simple melody.

This brief practice can lead to improved skills, enhanced creativity and flow, and more enjoyable playing sessions

Here’s a recap of all the new Acoustic Guitar Teaching Artist lessons from July. And there is a lot more to look forward to: interactive hangouts, virtual open mics, and more!

This songbook includes full guitar parts in standard notation and tablature, with lyrics, plus the stories behind 20 of Steve’s original songs.

The Nashville singer-songwriter talks about her bond with her instruments, her songwriting philosophy, and more.

If there’s a thread running through this issue, it’s not reinvention for its own sake, but the idea that familiar forms still hold new meaning.

In July 1948, Kessel purchased this early Gibson L-5 from Smith and went on to use it for two decades of studio sessions.

The arrangements are rustic but current; the harmonies, tight but never smug, infuse the record with a sense of quiet inventiveness.

Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Once dubbed “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine, Trey Hensley brings his signature blend of Appalachian grit and bluesy finesse to Taylor’s new Gold Label 517e. In this video, captured at Soundcheck Nashville, Hensley weighs in on the new round-shoulder dreadnought and demonstrates its earthy depth and warm, old-school tone.   […]

Julian Lage shows how to turn a single melodic line into a layered, expressive statement—with just one subtle move.

The singer-songwriter talks about melody, his “magical” Martin guitar, and the stripped-down tracks on his latest release, ‘Paradise Pop. 10 (Deluxe)’

Janet Noguera reimagines the iconic Mexican tune “Cielito Lindo” with modern textures, lush harmonics, and unexpected chord movement.

The five Acoustic Guitar Teaching Artists are creating lessons for guitarists just like you, with a new lesson every week. Here's a recap of all the TA activity from June.

Much like Van Ronk himself wasn’t concerned with strict adherence to societal norms, the version doesn’t follow the original chords exactly.

These solos from two classic American tunes, “Brown’s Ferry Blues” and “Reuben’s Train,” highlight the flatpicker’s deeply rooted and highly adventurous style.

The newest member of the LAGQ reflects on his deep connection to classical and Brazilian music, his career as a seven-string guitarist, and his new role in the iconic quartet.

Although this is a dyed-in-the-wool old Irish melody, you’ll notice a bit of a slack-key influence; at times the arrangement sounds more Hawaiian than Celtic.

Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Since its earliest days, Taylor Guitars has been committed to crafting instruments that are easy to play. That pursuit of playability has driven a series of transformative neck design innovations. Bob Taylor’s slim-profile, bolt-on necks, set a new benchmark for playability in the 1970s. His groundbreaking NT neck, introduced in 1999, ensured […]