No. 295, July 2017

On the Cover: The Learning Issue special focus section offers 7 tips for finding the best guitar instructor for adult needs; getting the most out of Skype lessons; and how to self-evaluate your technique and fix flaws you find.

Songs:

• Alynda Lee Segarra - "The Body Electric"
• Elizabeth Cotton - "Freight Train"
• Duck Baker - "Odd Fellows March"
• Scott Joplin - "The Entertainer"

Features: A profile of Alynda Lee Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff; inside the gutbucket blues of Reverend Peyton; and guitarist Nathan Bell’s “Playing With and Through Pain,” complete with advice on prevention and recovery.

Lessons:

• Essential building blocks for better solos
• How to find your own fingerstyle voice
• Learn to play the blues like Elizabeth Cotton

Gear Reviews:

• Guild M-40E
• Taylor Academy 10e and 12e
• Trance Amulet M Pickup
• Boss Acoustic Singer Pro amp
• Fender Acoustic 200 amp
• Elliott Elite and Integrity capos

Plus: Danny Kortchmar’s acoustic side; catching up with folk-rocker Dan Bern; is it time for a re-fret?