Acoustic Guitar

You've probably heard the old adage that "tone is in the hands." But what does that really mean? And what makes tone good? We asked 14 prominent acoustic guitarists to weigh in, and got 14 unique responses. You'll want to listen with a notebook in hand, because this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, musical examples, insights, and exercises to try.Thanks to Henriksen Amplifiers for sponsoring this episode. For demo videos and more information, visit www.HenriksenAmplifiers.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Additional resources:Learn more about our guests: Abigail Dowd, Amber Russell, Chris Pierce, Eric Skye, Jason Vieaux, Lisa Liu, Maddie Witler, Pete Madsen, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Jackson, Sarah McQuaid, Sean McGowan, Tim Bertsch, and Valerie Turner.Read "15 Acoustic Guitar Pros Share Tips on Tone" from the January 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.Check out our popular Weekly Workout series for interesting technical workouts that will get your fretting- and picking-hand fingers working in different ways. Our intro music for this episode was the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1, performed by Sean McGowan. 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

Catch up with singer-songwriter Naima Bock in this bonus Acoustic Guitar Sessions episode. We enjoy an impromptu performance of a new song—“Showers”—then discuss Bock’s roots in Brazilian and British folk music and get a rundown of her guitars and gear. Listen to her album Giant Palm and visit NaimaBock.com to learn more.Support the show:Join our community on Patreon, where you’ll find bonus podcast episodes, exclusive guitar workshops, and plenty more great perks.Make a donation on PayPalLeave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it.)Support the show

We caught up with Alejandro Escovedo ahead of the release of Echo Dancing – his latest album in a legendary, genre-expansive career. Escovedo candidly discusses how painful personal experiences inform his songwriting, how he first picked up the guitar, why he prefers to play acoustic, and what makes Austin, Texas a great town for songwriters.Support the show:Listen to Part 2 on Patreon to learn about the guitars and gear Escovedo tours with, his memories of touring with John Prine, and how music can get us through hard times.Make a donation on PayPalGive a rating and reviewAdditional Resources:Pre-order Echo Dancing on Bandcamp (or check your local record store or preferred music streaming platforms on March 29.)Visit Alejandro Escovedo's website.Watch our 2016 Acoustic Guitar Sessions video with Escovedo.Read "Six-String Sagas" where 13 artists, including Alejandro Escovedo, share their guitar stories.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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

Catch up with London-based indie folk duo Flyte in this bonus Acoustic Guitar Sessions episode. We talk first and favorite guitars, writing for two voices, and enjoy a performance of “Chelsea Smiles” from their latest album. Visit Flyte’s website to hear more of their music.Support the show:Join our community on Patreon, where you’ll find bonus podcast episodes, exclusive guitar workshops, and plenty more great perks.Make a donation on PayPalLeave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it.)Support the show

How does competition fit into the creative process? We're joined by Abby Posner, Rachel Garcia, and Thu Tran for a candid roundtable discussion all about songwriting competitions. Explore the highs and lows of participating in these events, how to pick which song to enter, and the impact contests can have on a guitarist's career. Additional resources:Listen to Part 2 on Patreon.Visit Abby Posner’s website and watch the video for "Get Loud" - her 2023 USA Songwriting Competition grand prize winning song. Her latest album is Second Chances.Visit the Singer and the Songwriter's website and listen to "The Art of Missing You" - their West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest winner. Their latest album is In the Bleak Midwinter.Visit Jeffrey Pepper Rodger's website for an inside look at his song "Fly" - a grand prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.Learn more about the contests mentioned in this episode: John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Kerrville's Grassy Hill New Folk Competition, NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition, USA Songwriting Competition, West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest.The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Thu Tran.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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

Like so many musicians of a certain generation, our guests started playing guitar in large part because of the Beatles. Today, Laurence Juber, Mimi Fox, and Tim Sparks each take a different approach to arranging, adapting, reharmonizing, and reimagining these tunes. Tune in for a lively roundtable discussion, chock-full of inspiring musical examples, all about playing the music of the Beatles on acoustic guitar.Additional resources:Access Part 2 of this episode on Patreon.Visit Laurence Juber's website. Watch his Acoustic Guitar Sessions performance and pick up a copy of DADGAD Guitar Essentials to take an in-depth lesson with the fingerstyle master.Visit Mimi Fox's website. Watch her perform “Blackbird” for Acoustic Guitar Sessions.Visit Tim Spark's website. Learn how he arranged composer John Zorn’s avant-jazz project Masada for acoustic guitar.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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

From the Newport Folk Festival to art museums in Norway and every open mic, stadium, and radio station in between – if it’s a gig, Pieta Brown, Christopher Paul Stelling, and Sean Rowe are ready for it! This roundtable of well-traveled acoustic guitarists has played tons of shows across the globe – and are here to share insights, stories, laughs, and ideas to get you ready to play out, too.Additional resources:Listen to Part 2, where our guests share gig horror stories and advice for guitarists just starting out.Visit Pieta Brown's website and watch this Acoustic Guitar Sessions video for an intimate performance and to learn about her childhood, her family, and her guitars.Visit Christopher Paul Stelling's website and read his interview with Ben Harper about songwriting, guitars, and growing up in a famous music store. Watch his latest Sessions video, too.Visit Sean Rowe's website and watch his Acoustic Guitar Sessions performance, which features a trifecta of songs including a moving version of the Sade's “By Your Side.”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 Gretchen Menn, 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

Catch up with one of your favorite bluegrass bands! Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, and Chris Thile discuss breathing new life into classic tunes, what their kids really think of their music, and a whole lot more.This episode is sponsored by ToneWoodAmp, a magnetically attached game-changing multi-effects device for acoustic guitars. Get reverb, delay, and more—no amp required! Learn more at tonewoodamp.com.Additional resources:Access Part 2 of this episode on Patreon.Listen to Celebrants via Amazon, Bandcamp, or others.Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers teaches you how to play guitar like Nickel Creek's Sean Watkins and interviewed the band for the July-August 2023 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine. You'll find music to play for "This Side" in our 2002 Digital Archive and Chris Thile's "On Ice" in our 2005 Digital Archive.Read a profile of the Watkins Family Hour on the site of our sister publication, Strings magazine.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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSupport the show

In this roundtable discussion, Diego Figueiredo, Gwenifer Raymond, and Yasmin Williams share their unique perspectives on composing for solo guitar. Through conversation and inspiring demonstrations, our guests explore the differences between improvising and refining a piece, techniques for making one guitar feel like a full band, and more.This episode is sponsored by ToneWoodAmp, a magnetically attached game-changing multi-effects device for acoustic guitars. Get reverb, delay, and more—no amp required! Learn more at tonewoodamp.com.Additional resources:Listen to Part 2, where our guests discuss first songs, life-changing compositions, favorite tunings, and advice for finding your own voice on guitar.Visit Diego Figueiredo's website and watch this Acoustic Guitar Sessions video for his lightning-fast performance of the bossa nova standard, “One Note Samba.”Visit Gwenifer Raymond's website and watch her video lesson on how to play John Fahey's "Uncloudy Day."Visit Yasmin William's website and learn to play one of her compositions, "New Beginnings," a contemplative study in open-D tuning. Learn more about her unique Skytop Grand Concert built by luthier Eric Weigeshoff.The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Gwenifer Raymond.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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSupport the show

While both our guests are lauded for their electric guitar chops, this episode is all about playing unplugged. Join Eric Johnson and Gretchen Menn for a wide-ranging conversation exploring ego, joy, musical growth, and how to get good tone. (Hint: it's about a lot more than gear!)Thanks to ToneWoodAmp for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about their magnetically attached, game-changing multi-effects device for acoustic guitars at tonewoodamp.com — get reverb, delay, and more, no amp required!Additional resources:Check out Eric Johnson's website.Read this interview with Eric Johnson, which was the cover story of the February 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.Check out Gretchen Menn's website.Order a copy of The Way Music Works and Reading Between The Lines: The Acoustic Guitar Guide to Musical Literacy, both by Gretchen Menn.Support the show:Join Our Community on PatreonMake a donation on PayPalGive a rating and reviewThe 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

Go behind the workbench to explore the unique challenges and joys of guitar repair and restoration! What do Dana Bourgeois, Mamie Minch, and Martin Keith have in common? They’ve all been the author behind Acoustic Guitar magazine’s question-and-answer column “Ask the Expert,” for one. Now we find out what these guitar experts wish more people would ask about their instruments, and what advice they have for you.Support the show:Listen to Part 2 on Patreon to hear some hair-raising repair horror stories, plus get actionable advice for you and your guitars.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:Dana Bourgeois founded Bourgeois Guitars in 1974. He recently completed his 10,000th guitar, a custom OM Style 45.Mamie Minch is the co-owner of Brooklyn Lutherie and an active blues player.Martin Keith is a luthier, repair and restoration expert, and working musician.Read a selection of past Ask the Expert articles.Visit Frank Ford’s frets.com.Get a copy of the Acoustic Guitar Owner’s Manual or download the complete edition of Acoustic Guitar Care & Maintenance.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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

We sat down with Bruce Cockburn after the release of O Sun O Moon – his latest album in a distinguished career spanning five decades. Cockburn discusses creativity, guitars, songwriting, and even gives us a lesson in EADGAD tuning.Support the show:Listen to Part 2 on PatreonMake a donation on PayPalGive a rating and reviewAdditional resources:Listen to O Sun O Moon on Amazon, Apple, or Spotify.Check out Bruce Cockburn's website.Watch our 2015 Acoustic Guitar Sessions video with Cockburn.Order a copy of Play Guitar Like the Great Singer-Songwriters and explore the styles of Cockburn and 13 other great guitarists.The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Bruce Cockburn.This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

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 PatreonMake a one-time donation on PayPalAdditional 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial 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 PayPalGive a rating and reviewAdditional 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial 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 PatreonMake a one-time donation on PayPalLeave 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 100The Best Of Doc Watson, 1964-1968Doc & Merle Watson’s Guitar AlbumTrouble in Mind: The Doc Watson Country Blues CollectionFoundation: The Doc Watson Guitar Instrumental CollectionThe 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial 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 PayPalPost 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 LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensSenior Editor: Blair JacksonCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial 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 PatreonMake a donation on PayPalGive a rating and reviewAdditional 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 LustermanEditor: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensSenior Editor: Blair JacksonCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial 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 PaypalLeave 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 GuitaristsThe 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 LustermanEditor: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensSenior Editor: Blair JacksonCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSupport 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 PayPalLeave 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 LustermanEditor: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensSenior Editor: Blair JacksonCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial 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 LustermanEditor: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensSenior Editor: Blair JacksonCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show