No. 226, October 2011

On the Cover: Sarah Jarosz. The rising star and multi-instrumentalist discusses guitars, octave mandolins, and her expansive and adventurous sophomore album. 

Songs:

• Bob Dylan – "Lay Lady Lay"
• Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne – "Free Fallin'"
• John Prine – "Souvenirs"

Features: Richard Thompson on Songwriting and the Guitar. How the renowned folk-rock guitarist uses his instrument to find new songs; Players Choice Awards 2011. Acoustic Guitar readers vote for their favorite products in 36 categories; Gibson Brothers. The bluegrass siblings from upstate New York traffic in tight harmonies and acoustic guitar playing that’s rich in groove and tone; Write Like the Beatles. Learn how the Fab Four borrowed from relative and parallel keys to create their unique chord progressions;

Lessons:

• Standard Tuning Fingerstyle Lesson. Belgian guitarist Jacques Stotzem talks about the importance of melody and emotion in fingerstyle arrangements.
• The Blues Scale and Simple Lead Licks. Use the notes of the blues scale to create repeating riffs in your blues solos. 
• Guide Tone Chords Lesson. Learn how to build and understand these foundational jazz guitar chords.

Gear Reviews:

• Taylor 416ce 
• Martin DRS1