Acoustic Guitar

It’s our first birthday! If you’ve been listening since the beginning, you remember "My First Guitar," where we heard stories from some incredible players. Now we bring you the luthier edition, with 15 outstanding makers reflecting on what they learned from and loved about building their first guitars. 

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is a listener-supported show:

• Join our community on Patreon
• Make a one-time donation on PayPal

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about the luthiers who generously shared their stories in this episode: 
  • Bob Benedetto; Dana Bourgeois; Leo Buendia; Monica Esparza; Jayne Henderson; Kenny Hill; Isaac Jang; Joshia de Jonge; William "Grit" Laskin; Linda Manzer; Raymond Morin; Steve Nall; Shelley Park; Rachel Rosenkrantz; Erich Solomon.
• Scroll through the gallery of first guitar photos.
• Explore our library of stories on guitarmakers and guitarmaking.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Tune in for a fascinating conversation – plus inspiring demonstrations – with nylon-string guitarist and singer Badi Assad. We talk composing and arranging, how to sing and play at the same time, and the importance of emotion and experimentation.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Assad explores her approach to re-interpreting pop songs on guitar.
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

• Listen to Ilha on Amazon, Apple, or Spotify.
• Check out Badi Assad's website.
• Watch her Acoustic Guitar Sessions videos.
• Find the music for Assad's composition "Farewell" in the Acoustic Guitar archives.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

To celebrate 100 years of Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson, we invited 11 distinguished guests to share their stories and reflect on his legacy. You'll hear from a range of talented musicians, producers, and makers—including bluegrass titan Peter Rowan, monumental mandolinist Sierra Hull, flatpicking ace David Grier, and more. From poignant memories to laugh-out-loud moments, we explore this great guitarist’s far-reaching and enduring influence on roots music and our lives.

Support the show:

• Join our community on Patreon
• Make a one-time donation on PayPal
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Thanks to our guests: Alan Barnosky; B Townes; Beppe Gambetta; David Grier; David Mathis; John Leventhal; Lindsay Craven; Mitch Greenhill; Peter Rowan; Sierra Hull; Tommy Emmanuel.

Additional Resources:

• Read this 1993 interview with Doc Watson from the Acoustic Guitar archives.
• Take a flatpicking master class with Alan Barnosky, where you'll learn to think and play like the greats, including Watson.
• Learn more about Merlefest.
• Learn more about the Doc Watson Signature Model from Gallagher Guitar.

Recommended Listening:

• I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100
• The Best Of Doc Watson, 1964-1968
• Doc & Merle Watson’s Guitar Album
• Trouble in Mind: The Doc Watson Country Blues Collection
• Foundation: The Doc Watson Guitar Instrumental Collection

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Alan Barnosky.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Join us for an illuminating discussion about the past and present of roots music with the American Songster himself: Dom Flemons. We explore the history behind the songs and instruments he's collected, his new album, Bob Dylan, and a whole lot more.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, and learn how to incorporate traditional music into your set lists.
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Post a review (this helps more guitarists find the show - we really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

• Check out Dom Flemons' website (and see if he's performing near you.)
• Listen to Traveling Wildfire and American Songster Radio.
• Watch Dom Flemons play "Too Long I've Been Gone" on his custom Fraulini Angelina for Acoustic Guitar Sessions.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Join us for a lively, honest conversation with boundary-pushing guitarist Kaki King. Learn how she develops new tunings, the story behind the passerelle bridge, and why the third-to-last show is always the best performance of a tour.

Thanks to Elixir® Strings for sponsoring this episode. Get a set today at ElixirStrings.com.

Support the show:

• Join our community on Patreon
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

• Visit Kaki King's website.
• Watch her 2016 Acoustic Guitar Sessions performance.
• Learn to play "Ingots" from Legs to Make Us Longer.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jamie Stillway.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jamie Stillway, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Join our illustrious panel for an in-depth conversation on songwriting. Each of our guests has a unique perspective and process – Sunny War forged her singular folk-punk style busking on the Venice Beach Boardwalk; Madison Cunningham won this year’s Grammy for Best Roots Performance; Adam Levy is a songwriter and guitarist who’s worked with Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, and many others. What they all have in common is commitment to their craft and the belief that you can write songs, too.

Thanks to PRS Guitars for sponsoring this episode. Check out PRS Guitars' full-line of acoustics at www.prsguitars.com/products/se_acoustics.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where our guests discuss how and when to share songs-in-progress, co-writing, and more. Plus, Sunny War shares the first song she ever wrote as a kid (spoiler alert: it’s a real banger!)
• Make a one-time contribution to the show on Paypal
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

 Additional resources:

• Learn more about Sunny War at her website and read our 2018 profile here. Listen to Anarchist Gospel.
• Learn more about Madison Cunningham at her website and learn to play her song “Life According to Raechel.” Listen to Revealer.
• Learn more about Adam Levy at his website and learn to play his composition “Clandestino (Elegy for a Cheesemonger).” Listen to Marie (EP).
• Check out our book Play Guitar Like the Great Singer-Songwriters (featuring lessons by Adam Levy, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, and other great teachers).
• Download Songwriting Basics for Guitarists

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Adam Levy.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Support the show

Andrés Segovia was born on February 21, 1893. To mark his 130th birthday, we spoke with three contemporary guitarists who each studied with the Maestro: Lily Afshar, Liona Boyd, and Michael Chapdelaine. Each of our guests shares their unique (or infamous) experience and how playing for Segovia when they were students impacts the way they see music today.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Liona Boyd and Michael Chapdelaine debate what Segovia’s legacy will be in another hundred years.
• Make a one-time donation on PayPal
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

• Learn more about Lily Afshar at her website and read her “Letter from Tehran” here.
• Learn more about Liona Boyd at her website and read about the ups and downs of her journey with focal dystonia.
• Learn more about Michael Chapdelaine at his website and check out his “Steel-String Guitarist’s Introduction to Nylon-String Techniques and Repertoire” and video lesson on how to play the classical guitar standard “Romanza.”
• From the Classical Guitar magazine archive, a 17-part centenary celebration of Segovia.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Blair Jackson, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Join us for a rollicking conversation and to hear some original tunes performed by the late legendary roots-and-blues raconteur Steve James.

In this episode, he shares stories and insights about his guitars and guitar heroes, treats us to some favorite songs and explains the writing process behind them, and entertains and educates us in the way that only Steve James can.

Please note: James passed away in January 2023; this recording session took place in August 2022. Read more about the life of this great musician and our cherished friend here.

Additional resources:

• Listen to Part 2 of this episode, where you’ll hear more stories from the road and more songs.
• Explore our book collaborations in the Essential Steve James collection.
• Buy albums through Hobemian Records and Antone’s Records (or stream on Spotify or Apple Music.)
• Learn more about the National Guitars ResoRocket.

You'll find expanded show notes, including photos and articles, on AcousticGuitar.com.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and David Lusterman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is brought to you by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions. Want to make the leap from beginning to intermediate player? Feel more confident soloing? Whatever intention you set, this episode offers not-to-be-missed tips and ideas for making 2023 your best year of guitar yet. Our panel of experts – featuring David Hamburger and Marlene Hutchinson – shares practical advice for setting, measuring, and achieving your guitar goals. 

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon – this time, it’s unlocked and free for everyone! Happy new year!
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

• David Hamburger’s website. Check out The Acoustic Guitar Method books and Acoustic Guitar Slide Basics, plus his lesson series at fretboardconfidential.com. 
• Marlene Hutchinson’s website. Also check out her Learn to Play Guitar in a Day course and Tips for Guitar Playing Success podcast.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by David Hamburger.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jamie Stillway, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Take a virtual road trip across the United States to visit four independent guitar stores and learn what makes them vital to the communities they serve. As you’ll hear, each of these shops is more than just a retail outlet – and each of these shopkeepers has a unique perspective on why that is and what to look forward to in the future.

Catch up with Richard Johnston of Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, California; Stan and Lillian Werbin of Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan; Raymond Morin of Acoustic Music Works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and George Gruhn of Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

We’re releasing this episode during peak holiday shopping season for a reason. Please visit your local music store for all your gifting needs (or to treat yourself!) When you buy from local, independently owned businesses, 29.3% of the revenue is recirculated into the local economy (as opposed to 5.8% from Amazon.) And, please leave a comment on our website to give a shout out to your favorite store, wherever you live!

Support the show:

• Join our community on Patreon, where you’ll find bonus podcast episodes, guitar lessons, and plenty more great perks.
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

• Acoustic Music Works (2142 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217)
• Elderly Instruments (1100 N Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906)
• Gruhn Guitars (2120 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204)
• Gryphon Stringed Instruments (211 Lambert Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306)
• If you’re shopping for a guitar, you might be interested in our guide to identifying acoustic guitar shapes and sizes. Also check out “Ask the Expert: Why Does My New Guitar Need a Setup?”  and “How to Shop for a Used Guitar.”

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Does the Great American Songbook endure because the songs themselves are timeless or because musicians give them a fresh spin? San Francisco–based jazz guitarists Mimi Fox, Nick Rossi, and Paul Mehling weigh in! Join us for a lively roundtable discussion on acoustic jazz standards and making jazz accessible to all kinds of listeners. 

Support the show:

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

• Mimi Fox’s website
• Nick Rossi’s website
• Paul Mehling/The Hot Club of San Francisco’s website
• Watch Mimi Fox perform “Blackbird” for Acoustic Guitar Sessions and learn to play her jazzy arrangement of “America the Beautiful.”
• Paul Mehling plays “Minor Swing” in this Acoustic Guitar Session. If you’re feeling inspired to play like Django Reinhardt, check out Mehling’s gypsy-jazz lesson, “Learn the La Pompe Manouche Style in 6 Easy Steps.”
• Nick Rossi teaches the rhythm of Harlem Swing greats Freddie Green, John Trueheart, Bernard Addison, Morris White, and Al Casey in this video lesson. And learn the Nick Lucas classic “Picking the Guitar” here.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Mimi Fox.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Mimi Fox, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
•  Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

 Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Join us us for an in-depth discussion on the songwriting process and the importance of following your ear with trailblazing singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz. We explore her evolution as a multi-instrumentalist, her guitars, and how she leaned into the unfamiliar to create some of her most powerful music yet.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where you’ll learn how Jarosz prepares for songwriting sessions and how her 2021 album Blue Heron Suite came to be, despite and because of the pandemic.
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Post a review

Additional resources:

• Sarah Jarosz’s website
• Listen to Blue Heron Suite and World on the Ground
• Learn to play Sarah Jarosz and John Leventhal’s take on “Little Satchel”
• Get to know I’m With Her
• Watch our 2014 Session with Sarah Jarosz and this 2011 performance at the Acoustic Guitar office

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Did you know you can expand the sonic possibilities of your acoustic guitar simply by plugging in? But how do you use a guitar, pickup, preamp, and effects to craft your own particular sound? How do you fight feedback? When is it worth investing in high-end gear? We get answers from the recording engineer who wrote the book on acoustic amplification: Doug Young.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where you’ll learn how to choose the right pickup for your playing style (plus find out what gear iconic artists like Billy Strings and Jimmy Page use!)
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

• Doug Young’s website
• Acoustic Guitar Amplification Essentials by Doug Young
• Explore some recent articles by Doug Young for Acoustic Guitar: Online Learning Resources and Digital Tools for Acoustic Guitar and Learn the Essential Techniques of Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar
• Check out our reviews and how-to articles on home recording, amplifiers, and other gear. Plus, host Nick Grizzle’s roundup of pickups and microphones.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Doug Young.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

“I feel drawn to using my ability, talent, and platform to fill in some gaps that I feel are being hewn into the historical record… We have to do more than just tap our feet.”

We Zoomed from California to Sweden to talk with the great guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Bibb. Tune in for captivating stories and insights about his musical upbringing, the limits of being known as a blues player, and the role music plays in uniting and shaping the world today.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Bibb demos guitars from his collection – including the 12-string he played for the King of Sweden and BB King. Plus, Bibb shares what he looks (and listens) for at guitar shops.
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

• Visit Eric Bibb’s website.
• Listen to Dear America.
• Learn to play guitar like Eric Bibb.
• Watch his Acoustic Guitar Sessions video.
• Read Blair Jackson’s review of Global Griot.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Eric Bibb.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

Photograph of Eric Bibb courtesy of Michael Wall.

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Join Happy Traum, Jane Miller, Jess Baron, and Sean McGowan for an uplifting roundtable on teaching (and learning) guitar. We discuss community building, the pros and cons of different lesson formats, the challenges and opportunities of starting guitar at any age, and much more. Not to worry – this episode isn’t just for music instructors, but should prove illuminating and encouraging to all guitarists.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Happy Traum gives an impromptu lesson and all of our panelists share their favorite things about teaching guitar.
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

• Visit Happy Traum’s website, Homespun Music Instruction, and learn a few songs from his storied career.
• Visit Jane Miller’s website, check out Triads for the Improvising Guitarist, and explore some of her lessons for Acoustic Guitar.
•  Learn more about Jess Baron and Guitars in the Classrom, read this story about the nonprofit in our sister publication, Ukulele, and check out her book Your Musical Child.
• Visit Sean Mcgowan’s website, check out this collection of his 5-star rated books, and videos on Truefire.
• Visit co-host Jamie Stillway’s website and lessons for Acoustic Guitar.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

 The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jamie Stillway.

 This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jamie Stillway, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman.

 Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

We were so excited to talk with bluegrass superstar Molly Tuttle, we couldn’t wait to share the conversation with you! So here’s a bonus episode, outside of our regular monthly schedule. Tuttle discusses her guitar education, playing music with friends, and how a surprising wood made its way into her signature Thompson dreadnought. Plus, we learn about her guilty pleasure listening and what the punk music she grew up on has in common with the music she’s making today.

Support the show:

• Join our community on Patreon
• Make a donation on PayPal
• Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

• Molly Tuttle’s website
• Listen to Crooked Tree and …but i'd rather be with you
• Crosspicking 101: A Private Bluegrass Lesson with Molly Tuttle
• Video Lesson: Molly Tuttle Breaks Down Her Deft Right-Hand Techniques
• Learn more about Molly Tuttle Signature Model Thompson guitar

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jamie Stillway, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman.

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Tommy Emmanuel is a Certified Guitar Player, an honorific bestowed on him by fingerstyle legend Chet Atkins. Emmanuel has recorded over 35 albums, sells out venues across the globe, and is renowned for his virtuosic solo guitar skills. We explore his approach to writing and arranging; collaborating with fellow musicians; and what makes a great guitarist. (Hint: it’s not being a purist with your sound or mastering every bit of music theory.) We hope this conversation inspires you to pick up your guitar and let the music flow through you!

Support the show:

• Listen to Part Two, our bonus episode, on Patreon. You’ll learn all about Tommy’s guitars and gear, how he chooses who to tour and record with, and more.
• Make a donation on PayPal

 Additional resources:

• Tommy Emmanuel’s website
• Listen to Accomplice One and Best of Tommysongs
• Lessons with Tommy Emmanuel on Truefire
• A step-by-step breakdown of his guitar styles and techniques
• Info about his next in-person guitar camp
• ‘Guitar Boogie’: Watch Tommy Emmanuel Shred on this Acoustic Classic

 The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Powell
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

 The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Tommy Emmanuel.

 The show is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman.

 Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon and to the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California for their hospitality.

Support the show

In our first episode, we share stories of first guitars. Tune in for renowned musicians Eric Bibb, Bruce Cockburn, Courtney Hartman, Richard Thompson, Badi Assad, Sharon Isbin, and Tommy Emmanuel; heartwarming, inspiring, and surprising tales from the community; plus previously unheard recordings of Doc Watson and Michael Hedges. Find out who volunteered to study music out of a sense of family duty, who had his first guitar smashed, and who's still playing theirs today.

Support the show:

• Listen to Part Two, our bonus episode, on Patreon. You’ll hear more fascinating guitar stories, including Dick Boak demonstrating the first instrument he ever built, long before his storied career with C.F. Martin & Co began.
•  Make a donation on PayPal

Additional resources:

• Learn more about the artists who shared their stories in this episode:
  • Badi Assad, Eric Bibb, Dick Boak, Bruce Cockburn, Tommy Emmanuel, Courtney Hartman, Sharon Isbin, Richard Thompson. 
• If you want to keep your first (or second, third, or 30th!) guitar in top playing condition, check out the Acoustic Guitar Owner’s Manual and Acoustic Guitar Care & Maintenance guides.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

• Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
• Editor: Adam Perlmutter
• Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
• Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
• Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
• Digital Content Director: Stephanie Powell
• Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
• Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

Thanks to Nick Grizzle and Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers for hosting this episode, to Tanya Gonzalez for producing, and to Joey Lusterman for directing and editing. 

 Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

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