News

Learn to Play 3 Common Crosspicking Patterns

Posted by Kelsey Holt on June 25, 2015

There have been many crosspickers in flatpicking’s brief history, including Doc Watson, Dan Crary, and Clarence White. This excerpt will teach you to play 3 common crosspicking patterns.

Paul Simon Speaks Candidly About the Art and Craft of Song Writing

Posted by Kelsey Holt on June 21, 2015

In this excerpt from Rock Troubadors, Paul Simon discusses writing and arranging some of his most famous songs.

Say Hello to the Newly Redesigned Acoustic Guitar Store!

Posted by Joey Lusterman on June 4, 2015

If you're reading this, you may have already noticed our recent redesign. We've made it much easier to browse through all of books, instructional video guides, magazine back issues, and more. Now is a great time to check out some of our newest series like The 5-Minute Lesson (brief, insightful tips on warm-up exercises, practice tips, gig preparation and other useful topics) and Be a Better Acoustic Guitarist (real-world advice and expert insight that will help improve your guitar playing). Thanks for checking out the new Acoustic Guitar store. We hope the redesign makes it faster and easier for you...

Strengthen Your Picking and Fretting Hands with "Drop Two Chord Arpeggios"

Posted by Anita Evans on May 28, 2015

The latest in our super-popular Weekly Workout series explores drop two chord arpeggios. You'll work through a variety of chord types using diatonic chords of major and melodic minor scales, all the while getting a comprehensive workout for the fretting and picking hands.

Guitar + Harmonica: How to "Tongue Block"

Posted by Tricia Baxter on May 22, 2015

This excerpt from A Basic Harmonica Lesson for Guitarists teaches you a vital technique called "tongue blocking." It also covers the chord progression used by Neil Young on his popular guitar-and-harp song, “Heart of Gold.”