No. 269, May 2015

Pickin’ & Singin’

Trey Hensley is Nashville’s hottest young player

Brandi Carlile

Inside the trio’s new album, The Firewatcher’s Daughter

Hard Roads

3 musicians learn the rules of the road while chasing their dreams

Have Guitar, Will Travel

The new generation of travel guitars show that small can be beautiful and sound good  

Keep Calm & Carry On

New FAA rules for flying with an instrument

The Beat

A documentary charts the rise of classical guitarist Sharon Isbin; comedic actor Ed Helms is serious about bluegrass; Tom Brosseau hocks his favorite guitar

PLAY

Here’s How

4 tips on finding the right teacher

The Basics

Learn to play Mississippi John Hurt’s alternating bass lines

Weekly Workout

How to play driving rock rhythms on the low strings

AG Trade

Shop Talk

Alvarez marks the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary; Bedell’s Blackbird Vegan guitar series is tasty indeed

Review: Taylor 616ce

The revoiced series displays excellent playability, a superlative build, and more  

Review: Michael Kelly Rick Turner S6 and N6

Two new models revisit the innovative designs of the Renaissance line

Guitar Guru

Should you reset the neck on your vintage guitar?

Great Acoustics

A rare 1919 Ditson 1-45

Mixed Media

Playlist

A definitive five-CD Lead Belly box; also, Imaginational Anthem Vol. 7 compilation, Lost and Found from the Buena Vista Social Club, and The Only Folk Collection You’ll Ever Need

Books

A devilish Rev. Gary Davis biography