No. 286, October 2016

On the Cover: Billy Bragg and Joe Henry—the guitarists’ new album, recorded along the Texas Eagle railroad line, pays homage to old, weird America.

Songs:

• Classic American locomotive song - “Rock Island Line”
• Ben Harper - “She’s Only Happy in the Sun”
• Donovan - “Season of the Witch”

Features: On tour, Ben Harper talks shop with his opening act Christopher Paul Stelling; Dynamic Duos: Rodrigo y Gabriela, Eric Skye and Mark Goldenberg, and Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge; guitarist Tashi Dorji’s avant-jazz know no bounds. Tonewoods—an in-depth primer and a battle to end clear-cutting in America’s largest national forest.

Lessons:

• 6 ways to bust out of your rut
• How to master chord melody
• 6 ways to improve fingerstyle blues
• How to harmonize in a Chet Atkins style

Gear Reviews:

• ToneWoodAmp
• Martin 00-18 Authentic 1931
• Breedlove Pursuit Concert KK
• Eastman AC–GA1CE and AC–GA2CE

Plus: Woody Guthrie’s Columbia River songs; reignite your love for guitar; and a sparkling guitar inspired by an outhouse.