Peppino D’Agostino Lesson
The contemporary fingerstyle guitarist talks about his percussive techniques, unusual alternate tunings, and the importance of melody. With video and tab. By Doug Young.

Tommy Emmanuel
The Australian fingerstyle wiz talks about the influence of Chet Atkins, his new double album, and his very personal connection to his guitars. With video of interview. By Jim Ohlschmidt.

The History of Larson Brothers Instruments
How two Swedish immigrants created some of the most innovative guitars of the early 20th century. By Walter Carter.

DEPARTMENTS

ACOUSTIC CLASSIC
Rainy Day People. Words and music by Gordon Lightfoot. By Andrew DuBrock.
The Rising of the Moon. Learn a fingerstyle arrangement of this classic Irish folk song. With audio and tab. By Dan Apczynski.

PRIVATE LESSON
Basic Bluegrass Soloing Lesson. Eric Thompson explains how to move from Carter-style leads to bluegrass and how to get a powerful flatpicking tone. With video and tab. By Scott Nygaard.

NEW GEAR 1
PRS Tony McManus Private Stock Review. Acoustic Guitar checks out the Celtic fingerstylist's signature model. With video. By Teja Gerken.

NEW GEAR 2
Taylor Doyle Deluxe DDX Review. Acoustic Guitar reviews a low-priced version of the fingerstylist’s signature instrument that produces balanced, crisp acoustic and amplified tones. With video. By Adam Perlmutter.

NEW GEAR 3
Godin Multiac ACS-SA Nylon USB Review. Acoustic-electric nylon-string with synth and USB output offers high volume playing without feedback. With video. By Gino Robair.

THE BASICS
Open-D Tuning Basics. Explore some basic chords and scale patterns in this popular alternate tuning. With video, tab, and music to “Jock O’Hazeldean.”. By Doug Young.

SHOPTALK
Acoustic Preamps. All you need to know about stand-alone acoustic guitar preamps. With video. Excerpted from Acoustic Guitar Guide to Amplification. By Doug Young.

PLAYLIST
Ari Hest, Sunset Over Hope Street. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.
Bruce Cockburn, Small Source of Comfort. By Kenny Berkowitz.
David Surette, Sun Dog. By Phil Catalfo.
Don Ross, Breakfast for Dogs. By Gary Lee Joyner.
Maggie Björklund, Coming Home. By Mark Smith.
Six Organs of Admittance, Asleep on the Floodplain. By Sarah Welsh.

WOODSHED
Bass Lines Lesson. Learn how to use and embellish jazzy walking bass in your fingerstyle arrangements. With video, tab, and music to “Oh! Susanna.”. By Mark Hanson.

GREAT ACOUSTICS
1984 Larry Sifel OM. By Greg Artzner.