Post archive
Dead to the Core plays “Friend of the Devil”
A new video of “Friend of the Devil” by Dead to the Core, plus introductions to the musicians: Jefferson Hamer, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Laurence Scudder, and Wendy Ramsay.
Guitar Sessions 34: What would Jerry do?
Learn four secrets of Jerry Garcia’s lead guitar style in this video lesson.
In tune with Will Ackerman
A visit to the studio of guitarist, producer, and Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman. Plus an invitation to guitarists to take the #AckermanTuningChallenge.
Guitar Sessions 33: Play Joni Mitchell’s “Just Like This Train”
Learn to play a Joni Mitchell classic, inspired by her triumphant return to the stage at Newport Folk Festival 2022, in this video lesson.
“My First Guitar” podcast
Remembering first guitars in the debut episode of the Acoustic Guitar Podcast.
Guitar Sessions 32: How to use slash chords
Learn what slash chords are and how to use them to sweeten the sound of a chord progression or bass line.
Explore the guitar style of James Taylor
An in-depth video lesson on the distinctive fingerstyle guitar of JT, with examples to play based on some of his best-loved songs.
Guitar Sessions 31: Play Richard Thompson’s “Waltzing’s for Dreamers”
Learn to play a Richard Thompson classic in this video lesson.
Guitar Sessions 30: How to steal a chord progression
A video lesson on adapting cool chord progressions from other songs to spur your own song ideas.
Joan Armatrading interview and guitar lesson
A conversation with legendary U.K. songwriter Joan Armatrading, and a video lesson teaching guitar grooves and riffs from some of her best songs.
Play Guitar Like the Great Singer-Songwriters
A new book/video teaches the guitar styles of 14 legendary singer-songwriters, including Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Paul Simon, and Bill Withers.
Inside the song: “Hippie Hair (for the First Time)”
How I wrote “Hippie Hair”—a different kind of pandemic song, about growing locks that recalled my original music heroes.
Guitar Sessions 29: Play Graham Nash’s “Teach Your Children”
Learn an arrangement of the CSNY classic in dropped-D tuning, as used by Graham Nash.
12 tips for learning songs from records
Tricks and tools for figuring out guitar parts from your favorite recordings.
Guitar Sessions 28: Play the Beatles’ “Across the Universe”
Learn how to play John Lennon’s classic song, including the original guitar intro.
Guitar Sessions 27: Play “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in DADGAD tuning
Learn a DADGAD arrangement of the classic Christmas carol.
Larkin Poe’s journey from bluegrass to blues rock
How Megan and Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe traveled from bluegrass to blues rock and beyond.
Guitar Sessions 26: Intro to open G tuning
Learn the basics of open G tuning and an arrangement of the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” as played by Keith Richards.
Guitar Sessions 25: Play John Prine’s “Hello in There”
Learn the fingerpicking guitar part for John Prine’s classic “Hello in There.”
Happy Traum interview and guitar lesson
Roots music performer and teacher Happy Traum looks back at his 50-plus-year career, and shares how to play some of his signature songs.