Training Example: Acoustic Guitar – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H2] Information, Instruction, Inspiration for Acoustic Guitarists
[IMG: The Kinks on the Dutch TV program Fanclub, 1967. From left, Ray Davies, Pete Quaife, Mick Avory, and Dave Davies. Photo: W. Veenman]
[H3] How to Play the Kinks’ Swingy, Snarky Hit “Sunny Afternoon”
Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
[H3] Two Minute Tech: The Action Control Neck
Sponsored Story
[IMG: Selmer-Maccaferri_o-Type_Nachbau-photo-wikimedia-Holzwurm52-Creative-Commons-Attribution-Share-Alike-4.0-International]
[H3] Ask the Expert: Scale Length and 12- vs. 14-Fret Designs—How They Affect Your Guitar’s Tone, Feel, and Playability
Martin Keith
[IMG: Lead Belly playing acoustic guitar in the office of The Daily Worker, Photo: The Daily Worker]
[H3] Learn to Play “Goodnight, Irene”—A Folk Standard Made Famous by Lead Belly and the Weavers
Maurice Tani
[H3] Watch Christopher “Isto” White Perform His Arrangement of “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love”
Joey Lusterman ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] I want to...
[IMG: Learn to Play a New Song]
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[H2] Subscribe to Acoustic Guitar Magazine
SUBSCRIBE RENEW
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[H2] Learn from your friends
at Acoustic Guitar
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$5/month gets you a new video lessson every week, plus workshops, virtual roundtables, and songs to play. JOIN THE COMMUNITY
[H2] Join Our Patreon Community
AcousticGuitar.com is a free resource for guitarists, but it isn’t free to produce. Pledge as little as $2 and get special perks in return. LEARN MORE
[H2] Join Our Patreon Community
AcousticGuitar.com is a free resource for guitarists, but it isn’t free to produce. Pledge as little as $1 now and get special perks in return. LEARN MORE
[H2] Popular Lessons
ALL LESSONS
[H3] Song of the Month: “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 Adam Perlmutter March 20, 2026
[IMG: Sierra Hull, Photo: Bethany Brook Showalter and Spencer Showalter]
[H3] Play Sierra Hull’s Lyrical New Ballad “Spitfire”
Hull’s rich tone and attention to detail in the chord voicings and picking patterns are evident throughout this heartfelt and beautifully crafted song. Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers March 4, 2026
[IMG: Person carrying guitar case on a city street, Photo: Joey Lusterman]
[H3] Essential Tips: How to Prepare and Bring Your Best to Every Performance
Whether you’re a freelancing sideperson, a member of a touring band, or a bandleader, the basic responsibilities are the same. Here are some ways to make that next gig a Greg Ruby April 1, 2026
[IMG: Plant growing from guitar headstock-Igor Sun/Joey Lusterman]
[H3] The Instrument Inside: Treat Your Mind and Body with the Same Care You Give Your Playing
Developing a healthy and positive mindset will go a long way toward helping your musical success. Sean McGowan March 11, 2026
[H3] Patreon Song of the Month: “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. Adam Perlmutter April 17, 2026 ADVERTISEMENT ALL LESSONS
[H2] Latest Gear Reviews & Stories
ALL GEAR
[IMG: Preston Thompson 0000-EIA acoustic guitar, Photo: Kimberly Teichrow]
[H3] Review: The Heirloom-Worthy Preston Thompson 0000-EIA Pairs Dreadnought Power with OM Clarity
This light and balanced guitar marries the 16-inch lower-bout girth of a classic dreadnought with the slim waist and narrow body depth of a 000. James Rotondi April 22, 2026
[IMG: Diagram of different guitar fretboard radii compared-Illustration: Bill Evans]
[H3] Ask the Expert: Fretboard Radius—What It Is, How It Works, and Who Should Care
Except in the extreme cases of vintage 7.25-inch electrics, or dead-flat classicals, the differences between most common radii are usually fairly subtle. Martin Keith January 28, 2026
[IMG: Collings-AustinCity-Limits-C10-guitar-Joe Bastura/Collings Guitars]
[H3] Great Acoustics—The Collings Custom ‘Austin City Limits’ C10
Built with salvaged stage wood and Texas tonewoods, this one-of-a-kind commemorative guitar has a built-in history. Adam Perlmutter January 21, 2026
[H3] Mamie Minch | My Workbench | The Lifespan of Frets
Mamie Minch walks through the different stages of fret wear and explains why seemingly small details matter so much when it comes to sound and playability. Mamie Minch January 18, 2026
[H3] The Sounds of 2025: Guitars and Gear that Carried the Acoustic Tradition Forward
2025 was as much about old ideas made new as it was about new ones pointing toward the acoustic guitar’s future. Here we look back at a cross section of Adam Perlmutter December 31, 2025 ADVERTISEMENT ALL GEAR
[H2] Acoustic Artists
ALL ARTISTS
[IMG: Rez Abbasi with his fretless Washburn Custom Shop NV100, Photo: Jimmy Katz]
[H3] Rez Abbasi on Expanding the Flattop Guitar’s Role in Jazz
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, and raised in Los Angeles, Abbasi has been a stalwart member of the New York jazz scene for more than three decades. Mac Randall April 29, 2026
[H3] Watch Lisa Liu and Greg Ruby Perform a Trio of Duets
In this exclusive clip from a San Francisco house concert, guitarists Lisa Liu and Greg Ruby expertly groove through versions of three classic tunes. Joey Lusterman April 26, 2026
[H3] Recent and Remarkable: Records from Early Spring 2026
New releases from February, March, and April showcase the expressive possibilities of acoustic guitar music Joey Lusterman April 24, 2026
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[H3] Review: Madison Cunningham’s ‘Ace’ Fuses Nylon-String Nuance and Electric Bite
This new 14-song release traces both emotional and sonic extremes. Natalia Zukerman April 15, 2026
[IMG: Larry-Del-Casale-_D850565-photo-Angelo Mannino]
[H3] Carrying the Flame—Guitarist Larry Del Casale Celebrates the Legacy of Carlos Barbosa-Lima
In this interview, Del Casale reflects on a life shaped by the enduring influence of his longtime friend and collaborator. Mark Small April 8, 2026 ADVERTISEMENT ALL ARTISTS
[H2] About Us
Acoustic Guitar is an independent, next-generation family business founded in 1990 and based in the Bay Area of California. We’re a small team of real musicians and music lovers – and we’re proud to serve guitarists like you. LEARN MORE
[IMG: Adam Perlmutter]
Adam Perlmutter, Editorial Director Alan Barnosky, instructor Cathy Fink, instructor Doug Young, instructor E.E. Bradman, contributor Greg Ruby, instructor Gretchen Menn, instructor
[IMG: Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers]
Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, Senior Editor
[IMG: Lyzy Lusterman]
Lyzy Lusterman, Publisher Mary Flower, instructor

[H2] About Us
Acoustic Guitar serves the practical needs of all acoustic guitar players, young and old, beginning and experienced, with instruction, information, and inspiration.We publish new issues of the magazine six times per year, new episodes of the podcast each month, a weekly newsletter, and this website is updated daily.Acoustic Guitar is a next-generation family business founded in 1990 and based in the Bay Area of California. We’re a small team of real real musicians and music lovers – and we’re proud to serve guitarists like you. Lyzy Lusterman, Publisher Adam Perlmutter, Editorial Director Kevin Owens, Managing Editor
[IMG: Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers]
Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, Editor at Large
[IMG: Stephanie]
Stephanie Campos Dal Broi, Digital Content Director Anita Evans, Chief Operating Officer Joey Lusterman, Creative Director Bill Evans, Art Director Amy-lynn Fischer, Group Sales Manager Tanya Gonzalez, Marketing Services Manager Geneva Thompson, Marketing Coordinator David Lusterman, FounderWatch highlights from our virtual Editorial Team Hangout
[H2] How We Started
I was born in 1950 and like millions of my generation I took up the guitar and banjo at the intersection of the American folk music revival and the British rock invasion. I played in jug bands, rock bands, and jams throughout my teens and early twenties. Soon after, my focus shifted to classical music and the cello and after a brief career working for several New York magazine publishers I launched Strings, the magazine for players and makers of bowed stringed instruments in 1986. My love of roots and rock music was still very much alive, of course, and then a curious thing happened. In 1989 I damaged two disks in my low back and it became very painful to sit and play the cello. My friend David Leishman loaned me his Gibson J-45 so I’d have a way to make music standing up. Suddenly I was back playing the songs of my teen years. My rekindled enthusiasm for roots and rock met my entrepreneurial instincts and the result was Acoustic Guitar magazine. I had the good fortune to team up with a similarly motivated editor, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers. And the amazing luck to publish our first issue in 1990 when the acoustic music revival was really heating up, witness the success of artists like Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega, and Indigo Girls, the meteoric rise of MTV Unplugged, and the growth of indy record labels specializing in roots, Americana, and singer-songwriter genres. Much has changed in the business of media since those days, but the popularity of acoustic music among both artists and audiences endures. And will for many years to come. I’m grateful to play a small part. David Lusterman, Founder

[H2] Enter to Win a Year of Guitar Lessons
One lucky winner gets a membership in our Patreon community!Sponsored StoryMarch 29, 2026
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[H2] Win a Year of Guitar Lessons on Acoustic Guitar Patreon
Five awesome Teaching Artists—Isa Burke, Lisa Liu, Mamie Minch, Sean McGowan, and Thu Tran—want to help you grow as a guitarist! Beginning April 1, they’ll be sharing engaging insights and invaluable guitar wisdom with the Acoustic Guitar Patreon community each and every week. To celebrate the launch of this series,…Sponsored StoryMarch 19, 2025ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Enter to Win a Yamaha TAG3 C TransAcoustic Guitar and 12 Sets of Elixir® Strings
Grand Prize: Yamaha TAG3 C and 12 sets of Elixir Acoustic 80/20 Bronze Strings with NANOWEB® Coating, Light gauge. MSRP $3,023.88 The newest addition to the revolutionary line of Yamaha TransAcoustic guitars, the TAG3 C features onboard effects, looper, and Bluetooth capabilities at your fingertips—no external gear required. Quality, all-solid mahogany construction…Sponsored StoryDecember 20, 2024
[H2] Enter to Win an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom J-180 LS Acoustic Guitar
One Guitar. One Lucky Winner.  In collaboration with Gibson™ Custom, Epiphone is proud to offer the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom J-180 LS, a new version of this player-favorite guitar.  The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom J-180 LS offers a thermally aged solid spruce top, star mother of pearl inlays, Gibson-style…Sponsored StoryDecember 19, 2024
[H2] Win One of Five Limited Edition Shubb 50th Anniversary Capos
To celebrate their 5 decades of making state-of-the-art capos, Shubb is giving away 5 limited edition anniversary capos! GRAND PRIZE Titanium T1 Made of solid titanium, offering an unprecedented combination of lightness and strength. The capo of tomorrow. (MSRP $240) SECOND PLACE Sequoia eC1b A one-of-a-kind brass capo, adorned with intricate…Sponsored StoryAugust 1, 2024ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Enter to Win a Prize Pack from ToneWoodAmp and Kremona Guitars
We're teaming up with ToneWoodAmp and Kremona Guitars to give away this awesome prize packSponsored StorySeptember 25, 2023
[H2] Enter to Win a Tascam Portacapture Handheld Recorder
The X8 and X6, from Tascam’s new line of generation Portacapture 32-bit float multi-track handheld recorders, combine high-resolution sound quality with intuitive app-like control that makes it fast and easy to set up for recording. GRAND PRIZE: Portacapture X8  32-bit/192kHz, 8-track Portable Multitrack Recorder and USB Audio Interface, 2 Detachable…Sponsored StorySeptember 14, 2023
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[H2] 2 Chances to Win a Henriksen Bud Ten Acoustic Amplifier
At only 20 lbs, The Bud TEN sounds great with acoustic instruments, vocals, and has plenty of volume to handle any playing situation.Sponsored StoryMarch 15, 2023ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Enter to Win An Acoustic Guitar Prize Pack from Elixir® Strings and Yamaha
GRAND PRIZEOne lucky winner will receive this Yamaha Red Label FGX3 guitar and 12 sets of Elixir Acoustic 80/20 Bronze Strings with NANOWEB Coating, Light gauge. MSRP: $1,856.08 SECOND PRIZE (3 WINNERS)Three second prize winners will get three sets of Elixir Acoustic 80/20 Bronze Strings with NANOWEB Coating, Light gauge. …Sponsored StoryDecember 15, 2022
[H2] Enter to Win 2 Luna Guitars!
One Grand Prize Winner Will Receive Vineyard Koa Bevel Grand Auditorium $1,049Constructed with the pro musician in mind, this Vineyard Koa is built on a 25.5 scale length traditional grand auditorium cutaway body with koa back & sides, a solid spruce top overlaid with a beautiful koa veneer that offers…Sponsored StoryMay 23, 2022
[H2] 6 Chances to Win a Shubb Paua Pearl Iridescent Capo
The Paua Pearl capo uses the same durable titanium process as our other Capo Royale models, so its color-shifting beauty will last practically forever.  And it’s randomly occurring color patterns make each capo unique.  Six lucky winners.  Choice of C1P for steel or C2P for nylon.  MSRP: $32.95 per prize.…Sponsored StoryMay 2, 2022ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Santa Cruz Guitar Company + Acoustic Guitar Present the Ultimate DADGAD Giveaway!
3 lucky winners will receive a copy of the new DADGAD Guitar Essentials book + two sets of the new Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension Strings for DADGAD! Prize value: $60.99.Sponsored StoryApril 18, 2022
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[H2] Win this Keep It Simple, Setup and Total Guitar Spa Kit
Enter to win a set of precision gauges and tools combined with step-by-step guidelines anybody can follow and setup their guitar to play and sound great, and a spa kit designed to detail, clean, polish, or condition. Prize: One KEEP IT SIMPLE, SETUP (KISS)™ and one TOTAL GUITAR SPA KIT   MSRP: $343.98 …Sponsored StoryMarch 23, 2022
[H2] Win a Free Zoom Lesson with Steve James, Access to AG Plus, and More!
Want to take your guitar playing to a new level? Take inspiring lessons with master artist-teachers in the comfort of your own home? And build your personal library of outstanding instructional books and videos? Then it’s time to enter Acoustic Guitar’s Be a Better Guitarist Giveaway. As the lucky top…Sponsored StoryAugust 24, 2021
[H2] Enter to Win a Gibson Orianthi SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar
CHERRY FINISH. GOLD TUNERS. GIBSON TONE. Fiery Australian-born guitarist Orianthi Panagaris has been knocking people out with her playing for over a decade and has played and collaborated with Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Carrie Underwood, and Richie Sambora, among others. Now she has a new Gibson signature model, and it’s…Sponsored StoryJuly 13, 2021ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Win a Private Guitar Lesson With Fingerstyle Legend Alex De Grassi!
Want to take your guitar playing to a new level? Take inspiring lessons with master artist-teachers in the comfort of your own home? And build your personal library of outstanding instructional books and videos? Then it’s time to enter Acoustic Guitar’s Be a Better Guitarist Giveaway. As the lucky top…Sponsored StoryJune 29, 2021
[H2] Enter to Win a PRS SE P20E Parlor Guitar
The PRS SE P20E is a parlor-sized acoustic with a big voice. Congratulations to our lucky winner: Mikhail R. of the Bronx!Sponsored StoryMay 5, 2021
[H2] Win a Free Zoom Lesson with Gretchen Menn, Access to AG Plus, and More!
Want to take your guitar playing to a new level? Take inspiring lessons with master artist-teachers in the comfort of your own home? And build your personal library of outstanding instructional books and videos? Then it’s time to enter Acoustic Guitar’s Be a Better Guitarist Giveaway. As the lucky top…Sponsored StoryApril 26, 2021ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] 6 Chances to Win a Gold Capo Royale from Shubb
Congratulations to our six lucky winners: Anthony C. of New Jersey, John P. of Florida, Malcolm C. of Ontario, Kevin L. of North Carolina, Richard K. of North Carolina, and Jacques R. of Quebec!Sponsored StoryFebruary 23, 2021
[H2] Win a Free Zoom Lesson with “Acoustic Guitar Method” Author David Hamburger + More!
Want to take your guitar playing to a new level? Take inspiring lessons with master artist-teachers in the comfort of your own home? And build your personal library of outstanding instructional books and videos? Then it’s time to enter Acoustic Guitar’s Be a Better Guitarist Giveaway. As the lucky top…Sponsored StoryFebruary 16, 2021
[H2] It’s the Be a Better Guitarist Giveaway. Enter Today!
Want to take your guitar playing to a new level? Take inspiring lessons with master artist-teachers in the comfort of your own home? And build your personal library of outstanding instructional books and videos? Then it’s time to enter Acoustic Guitar’s Be a Better Guitarist Giveaway. As the lucky top…Sponsored StoryDecember 28, 2020ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Enter to Win a New Guild M-25E Guitar
An American Classic Made New The Guild M-25E expands on the M-20, featuring added appointments and a gloss finished top and headstock. This concert size acoustic guitar is built with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides. It features a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and bone nut and saddle. The…Sponsored StorySeptember 16, 2020
[H2] Enter to Win a RainSong Vintage Dreadnought
With a large, deep body and wide waist, RainSong’s V-DR1100N2 has the powerful bass and ringing treble of a great rhythmic guitar, but still maintains a wonderfully balanced sound, with clear distinction among individual notes. From rhythm to lead, the DR makes its presence known.  GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 15, 2020…Sponsored StoryJuly 6, 2020
[H2] Win a Fender Malibu Acoustic Prize Pack
ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE + FENDER GIVEAWAY ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE: MALIBU CLASSIC ACOUSTIC GUITAR Ideal for recording, the short-scale Malibu shape is compact and focused, just like its sound. The low end is balanced by the lively highs, while the midrange is balanced and present.   ACOUSTIC 200…Sponsored StoryApril 28, 2020ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Enter to Win a Taylor Builder’s Edition 517e
THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2019  One lucky winner will receive the Taylor Builder’s Edition 517e in Wild Honey Burst (MSRP $ 2,999) This round-shoulder Grand Pacific resonates with a finely-honed balance of low-end power and clarity across the middle and upper registers, producing warm, rounded tone in which notes…Sponsored StoryDecember 19, 2019

[H2] Two Minute Tech: The Action Control Neck
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Is your acoustic guitar feeling stiff, sluggish or harder to play than it should? The culprit may be your action. In this episode of Two Minute Tech, Rob Magargal breaks down one of the most important factors in playability: string height, also known as action. He explains…Sponsored StoryMay 17, 2026
[H2] The Ben Harper Gold Label 512e Special Edition
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Ben Harper is connecting with his new Taylor guitar. Find out why the Ben Harper Gold Label 512e responds to every touch with warmth and clarity, delivering the tone, feel and performance that inspires Harper’s distinctive musical expression. Designed in partnership with Taylor, this special-edition Grand Concert…Sponsored StoryApril 21, 2026ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] 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…Sponsored StoryApril 16, 2026
[H2] 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…Sponsored StoryApril 10, 2026
[H2] Enter to Win a Year of Guitar Lessons
One lucky winner gets a membership in our Patreon community!Sponsored StoryMarch 29, 2026ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] 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…Sponsored StoryMarch 24, 2026
[H2] 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…Sponsored StoryFebruary 19, 2026
[H2] New From Acoustic Guitar— ‘Fingerpicking the Great American Songbook’
Learn to play 23 solo guitar arrangements of beloved standards and overlooked gemsJoey LustermanFebruary 1, 2026ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Blending Classical Tone with Modern Innovation – The Bromo BEN2C
Sponsored by Bromo Guitars: The Bromo BEN2C Fusion Craft electric nylon string guitar blends classical tones with modern innovation. Ideal for both fingerstyle and strumming, it fuses nylon strings with a sleek, ultra-thin 42mm (1.65”) body featuring a cutaway, deep belly contour, and smoothly rounded body edge, along with a C-profile, slim 48mm (1 7/8”) neck paired with an innovative Comfy Nut and a 400mm (15.75”) fretboard radius. This design delivers unparalleled playability for…Sponsored StoryDecember 15, 2025
[H2] Learn to Setup Your Acoustic Guitar with MusicNomad’s Keep It Simple Setup Method
Sponsored by MusicNomad: Saving time and money while improving their sound and playability, 1000s of guitar players have learned to setup their guitar with MuiscNomad’s KEEP IT SIMPLE SETUP (KISS)™ system. Their most popular Setup Starter Kit has demystified the guitar setup process with innovative, precision gauges and tools combined with step-by-step general guidelines anybody…Sponsored StoryDecember 2, 2025
[H2] New Model from Thompson Guitars
Sponsored by Thompson Guitars: The new Thompson Deep Modified Classical Hybrid (DMC) was designed to be a crossover instrument similar to Willie Nelson’s Trigger, but with a deeper body, and we use a forward shifted X-bracing pattern. Developed for musicians that are seeking a guitar with brilliance, comfort and exceptional playability,…Sponsored StoryNovember 22, 2025ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Danny Worsnop Brings Heart and Humor to “Our Neck of the Woods”
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Taylor Guitars invites you into its creative backyard with Our Neck of the Woods, a new video series streaming on the company’s official YouTube channel. Each episode offers a mix of artist stories, laughs, insights and live performances straight from the Taylor factory in El Cajon, California.…Sponsored StoryNovember 18, 2025
[H2] Pathfinder Series: Connecting Generations, Honoring Artists, Inspiring the World
Sponsored by Shubb: Music transcends boundaries, connecting hearts across cultures and continents. In 2025, Shubb Capos is proud to present the Pathfinder Series, a celebration of groundbreaking artists who have elevated solo fingerstyle acoustic guitar into a universal language of expression.  Individually designed for each artist, these capos embody their unique…Sponsored StoryNovember 13, 2025
[H2] Trey Hensley Plays His New Taylor Gold Label 517e Grand Pacific
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: Once dubbed “Nashville’s hottest young player” by this 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…Sponsored StoryOctober 30, 2025
[H2] Legacy Collection Origins: Bob Taylor Reveals his Legacy 914ce Inspiration
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: When Taylor Guitars introduced the 914ce in 1996, it set a new high-water mark for visual detail and tonal sophistication. Designed by Bob Taylor, the original model debuted with Indian rosewood, Engelmann spruce and the now-iconic Cindy inlay—an intricate motif featuring green abalone and mother-of-pearl, first designed…Sponsored StoryAugust 28, 2025ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] Thompson Guitars Attends the 53rd Annual Rocky Grass
Sponsored by Thompson Guitars: There are always great players that are part of the Thompson family that play at Rocky Grass and this year was no exception, with the likes of Liam Purcell (2022 winner Flatpick Competition), Lindsay Lou, Tom Knowlton from The Fretliners, Peter Rowan, Molly Tuttle, Seth Mulder, Travis…Sponsored StoryAugust 21, 2025
[H2] Flatpicking Fire: Trey Hensley Smokes His Taylor Gold Label 517e
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…Sponsored StoryJuly 19, 2025
[H2] Watch the Replay | Sean McGowan, Alex de Grassi, and Grant Gordy Livestream for ‘The Holistic Guitarist’
On July 17, Acoustic Guitar hosted a live virtual event to celebrate the release of ‘The Holistic Guitarist: A Complete Guide to Musical Well-Being’ by Sean McGowan.Joey LustermanJuly 18, 2025ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] The Pursuit of Playability: Taylor’s Action Control Neck™ Explained
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…Sponsored StoryJune 26, 2025
[H2] Clean & Polish Your Guitars Like the Pros
Sponsored by MusicNomad: Cleaning your guitar regularly helps prevent dirt and grime buildup while protecting your investment. With MusicNomad’s Guitar ONE, it’s easy to learn how to clean, polish, and wax your guitar. Guitar ONE works on all stringed instrument types, including electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, ukuleles, and more. …Sponsored StoryJune 3, 2025
[H2] Coffee & Guitars with Andy Powers: Built for the Way You Play
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: In this episode of Coffee & Guitars, master guitar designer Andy Powers shares how every Taylor guitar is designed to feel intuitive and responsive the moment you start playing. In his time at Taylor, Andy has ensured that playability remains central to how we build guitars, from player-focused design to…Sponsored StoryMay 17, 2025ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] The Evolution of the Taylor 814: Builder’s Edition vs. Gold Label
Sponsored by Taylor Guitars: In this video conversation, Taylor’s Chief Guitar Designer Andy Powers joins Mike Venezia to explore two standout takes on the 814: the Builder’s Edition 814ce and the new Gold Label 814e. Though both share the same Taylor DNA—including signature playability—each reflects a distinct expression of Taylor’s evolving…Sponsored StoryApril 22, 2025
[H2] Watch the Replay of Charlie Rauh’s Book Launch Livestream | ‘Simply, Patiently, Quietly’
For guitarists seeking new repertoire or anyone drawn to the creative process, this book offers a path back to curiosity and wonder. Enjoy the replay of our discussion, reading, and performance to celebrate the release of Simply, Patiently, Quietly.Joey LustermanApril 18, 2025
[H2] The Ultimate Fret Care Resource with MusicNomad’s Fret Care Hub
Sponsored by MusicNomad: To continue their passion for helping guitars and basses look, sound, and play the best, MusicNomad has created the ultimate fret care resource. The MusicNomad Fret Care Hub unleashes well-thought-out fret care information to take your frets to the next level. “We wanted to create one place our…Sponsored StoryApril 15, 2025ADVERTISEMENT
[H2] The Bromo BAN7E: Acoustic Perfection in a Jumbo Body
Sponsored by Bromo Guitars: Introducing the Bromo BAN7E jumbo acoustic guitar – a story told through craftsmanship, tone, and artistry. Designed for musicians who demand both excellence and beauty, the BAN7E features a jumbo-shaped body crafted with a solid spruce top and 5A-grade flame maple back and sides, offering a stunning,…Sponsored StoryApril 14, 2025