No. 357 Spring 2026

On the Cover: Jeff Tweedy
For nearly 40 years, songwriter and guitarist Jeff Tweedy has been breaking musical ground, not only with his bands Wilco and Uncle Tupelo, but with collaborations, solo and family projects, and more. Here, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers talks with Tweedy about the inspirations behind his latest burst of creativity—and his love of surprises and imperfections.

Special Focus: The Almighty Dreadnought
Our special focus traces the design, players, and recordings that helped the powerful flattop become the engine of bluegrass, folk, country, and beyond. Michael John Simmons explores the instrument’s history and cultural impact; Greg Ruby reviews the Collings DS1 A Hill Country, a modern 12-fret interpretation rooted in early dreadnought tradition; and Simmons examines a rare 1938 Larson Brothers Euphonon dreadnought in Great Acoustics.

Also in the features department, Buck Curran and Gwenifer Raymond discuss the Welsh artist’s distinct approach to fingerstyle guitar; and in Guitar Talk, guitarist/composer Ben Garnett breaks down his “beyond category” sound.

In the lessons section, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers’ series on soloing fundamentals continues with part five: How to bring a melody to life; Doug Young shows how to make your own fingerstyle arrangements; and Sean McGowan explores the power of three with a Weekly Workout on triplets.

Songs to play include Neil Young’s enduring classic “Heart of Gold”; a World Premiere of Jeff Tweedy’s new title track, “Twilight Override”; George and Ira Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm”; a study in flatpicking via Kenny Baker’s arrangement of “Carroll County Blues”; classical guitarist Laura Snowden’s take on the Irish folk song “Carrickfergus”; and Furry Lewis’ rolling version of “Billy Lyons and Stack O’Lee” as interpreted by Mamie Minch.

Elsewhere, you’ll find reviews of the Martin Jeff Tweedy 00DB and 000 Jr E signature models. Plus, author Joseph Skibell pays tribute to the late luthier Ken Parker, whose visionary designs reshaped the electric guitar and the acoustic archtop; AG’s gear expert Martin Keith explains why acoustic guitar bodies taper from heel to tail; Blair Jackson shares his thoughts on This Changing Sky, the brilliant debut album from Laura Snowden; and more!