No. 323 July/August 2020

On the Cover: Alex de Grassi

Having released his first solo album in 17 years, acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist Alex de Grassi offers an exclusive lesson on his sophisticated approach to the steel-string guitar.

 Special Focus: The 1970s Lutherie Revival

Influential guitar builders Michael Gurian, Linda Manzer, Richard Hoover, and Steve Klein share reminiscences of the era that saw a rise in independent guitar makers, and the beginnings of companies like Taylor, Collings, and Santa Cruz.

 Features, Lessons & Departments

• Self-Care: Tips and techniques for guitarists of a certain age
• Guitar Talk: Italian fingerstylist Alberto Lombardi
• Benjamin Verdery: The versatile classical guitarist discusses his many and varied projects
• Woodshed: Gwenifer Raymond brings light to John Fahey’s “Uncloudy Day”
• Weekly Workout: Learn how to create dynamic arrangements
• Here’s How: Dealing with resistances to practicing
• Makers & Shakers: A visit with Luis Enrique Uyaguari, one of Ecuador’s premier guitar makers

Songs

• “Georgia on My Mind” - an arrangement of Ray Charles’ classic interpretation
• “I Will” - a new Beatles arrangement by Laurence Juber
• “Wabash Blues” - a Delmore Brothers classic
• “Oh Shenandoah” - a classic North American folk song, with fingerstyle accompaniment
• “Chapdelaine” - a brand new piece for classical guitar (also playable on steel-string)

 Gear Reviews

• Martin SC-13E
• Collings 001 14-Fret
• Orange Crush Acoustic 30 amplifier
• Curtis Novak Gold foil soundhole pickup
• D’Addario Casein pick

 And more!