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Guitar playing tips and inspiration to play guitar consistently, have more fun and see more progress with your guitar routine. Every week your host, Tony Polecastro (from tacguitar.com) shows you a new guitar lick and shares new guitar gear and acoustic guitar music he‘s recently found. Tune out the overwhelm of online guitar lesson noise and let Tony be your guide to focus, fun and progress every Tuesday at 10am.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Learn how to unlock open D minor tuning magic! This video will show you four easy steps that are vital in creating the perfect sound. Open D minor has a rich, full, and haunting tone. Buckle up for this spooky tuning!
If you like the guitar I'm using in this episode, be sure to visit Mule Resonator Guitars to learn more about their resonator guitars.
Open D minor tuning has one key difference between normal open D tuning: the G string is tuned to an F instead of an F sharp. Otherwise, the tuning is the same.
Once you get into open D minor tuning, you're going to learn how to play a D minor scale, create chord shapes, and even improvise over the key of D minor. It's tons of fun playing in this open tuning and can provide haunting tones that are perfect for the Halloween season!
In addition to talking about open D minor tuning, this week's Tuesday TAC Guitar Lick Challenge will utilize an open D minor tuning. So, if you're looking for a slick lick to throw into your D minor playing, be sure to check out the challenge this week!
Last but not least, we'll cover the latest acoustic guitar news you can use. Featured on this episode...
- Old Town School celebrating John Prine Way
- Dead Sled Coffee and their spooky brews
- Billy Strings, Gruhn Guitars , and a vintage Martin Guitar
Tuesday Oct 19, 2021
Tuesday Oct 19, 2021
If you've ever wondered how some of these crazy, intricate designs on acoustic guitars are made, you're not alone. In this video you'll see how some of the greatest masters of inlay create beautiful inlay design!
The artists selected this week are world-renowned inlay artists, working with everything from lacquer to mother of pearl to create incredible art right on the guitar. We'll be featuring the folks who have created some of Martin Guitar's stunning instruments, as well as the incredibly talented Simon Haycraft who works on Thompson Guitars.
Whether you're just starting to play acoustic guitar or you've been playing for decades, I always love to show people that acoustic guitars can be incredible art pieces, whether their inlay work is subtle or over the top.
You'll also have a chance to preview an incredible documentary called Dragons & Vines. Brought to you by the folks at the Museum of Instrument Making, this 3-part documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in guitar design or inlay work. Be sure to check it out on the Museum of Instrument Making's website or YouTube channel!
In addition to discussing acoustic guitar inlay, you'll get to see how valuable playing the guitar for at least 10 minutes a day is, especially when dealing with this week's TAC Tuesday Guitar Lick Challenge. And, just to drive that concept home, you'll hear from a TAC Family member who has used the 10 minutes a day method to launch his guitar journey to new heights.
Last but not least, you'll get your weekly dose of acoustic guitar news you can use! Featured this week are…
- New Norman Blake album titled "Day by Day".
- Justin Townes Earle's Signature Model from Recording King
- Courtney Hartman's New Single
- The Lostines featured on Western AF's YouTube Channel
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
In this video, I'll show you the 5 best Canadian acoustic guitars under $800. These are the top 5 acoustic guitar made by trusted and respectable brands from Canada that I think are worth checking out in 2021!
This list includes all of the brands that are inside the Godin Company. And, while I'm sure there are plenty of guitars out there that are also under $800, I'll need your help to discover those. So be sure to leave a comment in the description about your favorite Canadian-made acoustic guitars that are under $800!
Now, back to our list! I chose each guitar on this list because they strike the perfect balance between quality, value, and sustainability. There are so many incredible things going on at each of these guitar builders, and I really hope you take a chance to check them out individually.
Once we're done with the 5 best canadian guitar under $800, I want to take a moment and talk about how awesome the live guitar party at TAC was. What an incredible turnout, and it was so great talking with all of the TAC members and hearing about their experiences.
Last but not least, I want to recognize the incredible amount of work Santa Cruz Guitar Company has done for the industry over the last 45 years. In fact, to help recognize and celebrate it, SCGC actually made a video highlighting the challenges they've faced over the last few years. I highly recommend you check it out!
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Lightnin' Hopkins is one of the greatest guitar players in American history — his playing has influenced generations of blues artists. If you want to learn how to play Lightnin's songs, watch this lesson where he talks about some of his riffs and philosophy.
This episode will show you some important mechanics of Lightnin' Hopkins' playing while also diving into his musical philosophy. By the end of the video, you'll gain some key insights on his playing and be able to apply some of his style and technique to your own guitar journey.
I love focusing on Lightnin' Hopkins because so much of it has to do with feeling the music in your heart. Don't get me wrong, theres plenty of technique to work on when emulating Lightnin's playing, but there's also a mindset you need to play music in his style.
Hopefully by the end of this episode, you'll have a greater appreciation for this master of blues guitarist. Be sure to let me know in the comment which one of his blues guitar lessons helped you the most!
In addition to learning Lightnin' Hopkins' style, you'll get a chance to try the TAC Tuesday Guitar Lick Challenge. You'll be focusing on pull-offs and "punching" the rhythm.
And, finally, I've got a host of artists that I want to talk about on the Acoustic Guitar News segment. I also want to address some of my concerns about @Gibson TV and their new guitar line.
Featured on this episode:
- Alexandr Misko
- Sean de Burca
- Elderly instruments
- Gibson Guitars
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
In this episode we're going to talk about the 10 most impactful singer-songwriter albums. We'll explore each album, and share what makes it so special. And in the end I'll reveal my favorite song from each one!
Each of these singer songwriter albums had a huge impact on acoustic music. In this episode specifically, I'm taking a closer look at the lyrics that really take some of these songs to the next level.
From Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell to Jeffrey Foucault, I'm excited to hear what you think of my list! Be sure to leave a comment and tell me what your favorite singer songwriter album is!
In addition to featuring the 10 most impactful singer songwriter albums of all time, I'll be giving you the rundown on this week's Tuesday TAC Guitar Lick Challenge. We'll be cleaning things up in Open D tuning!
Last but not least, I have a whole host of music releases to share with you — including, but not limited to, Béla Fleck, Daisy Tempest, Courtney Hartman, and Riddy Arman!
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
In this episode, I will teach you the 10 kinds of guitar snobs, what they LOVE to say and how to overcome their personalities — once and for all! Learn how to keep your ego in check when it comes to playing guitar or learning music theory!
Guitar snobs can be a difficult obstacle on your guitar journey. However, it's important to remember that there is a deeper, psychological reason behind the snobbery and trolling.
After years of experience in dealing with all the different kinds of guitar snobbery, elitism, and egotism, I've discovered the root of all of it: guitar playing.
It may sound like circular logic, but I want you to hear me out on this. Once you understand why these folks act the way that they do, you can overcome their attempts to make you feel insecure and gain greater mental strength and clarity on your guitar journey.
Besides chatting about guitar snobs, you'll get the chance to try out a new lick and see it used in a musical context! Let me know in the comments if you dig this new segment!
Last but not least, you'll get a dose of acoustic guitar news you can use! Featured this week…
- Trevor Gordon Hall and "This Beautiful Chaos"
- Billy Strings and "Renewal"
- Watchhouse and Andrew Marlin's custom guitar
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
There are a lot of different DI pedals out there. But how do you know which one is best for your needs? Watch this video and I'll tell you all about the 6 best acoustic guitar DIs, so that you can find the perfect one for your sound.
DI pedals are one of the more essential pedals for acoustic guitarists. A DI pedal allow you to capture the sound of your guitar and allow it to be processed on a soundboard. This allows a sound engineer or AV tech to change the balance on your guitar.
If you ever plan on playing live or playing through a PA, you'll really need a DI. Because you can't just plug your guitar straight into a soundboard, the DI allows your guitar to be processed through a soundboard.
Each of the acoustic guitar DIs featured in this episode have a slightly different sound. I'll play the same guitar and run it through different DIs to allow you to hear how each DI captures the same guitar's sound differently.
In addition to hearing my 6 favorite acoustic guitar DIs, you'll hear about what it's like to start a guitar journey. From imposter syndrome to creating expectations, you'll hear how one TAC Family member overcame those negative thoughts to start their journey on the right step.
Last but not least, you'll get my curated list of acoustic guitar news you can use.
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
If you're looking for the best acoustic guitar album, this list is for you. Here are ten of my favorite acoustic guitar albums ever recorded. From folk to country to rock, these albums represent some of the most iconic and timeless records in all of music history.
Each one of these albums was carefully selected after years of listening, playing, jamming, and learning songs off of these tracks. All of the albums featured on this list are live recordings, meaning there was an audience and the musicians didn't have the chance to do multiple tracks or takes.
Additionally, each of these albums prominently features the use of acoustic guitar. I'm not talking about just some chord strumming — each of these albums really showcases the abilities of acoustic guitarists.
If there was a live acoustic guitar album that you think belonged on this list but was left off, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know! I'm always excited to hear new music and get inspired from artists around the world!
From there, you'll hear a little more about the 90-Day progress parties at Tony's Acoustic Challenge. And, while you may have heard me tell you that your guitar success is directly related to your guitar routine, I want you to hear how this worked for a fellow TAC Family member.
To end things, as always, you'll get your weekly dose of acoustic guitar news you can use. This week's highlights include a D-18 battle from The North American Guitar, Heartbreaker Guitars highlight, and Luca Stricagnoli and his performance of "Smooth Criminal."
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
In this Technique Check, I show you how to execute hammer-ons and pull-offs.
A "hammer on" is when you use one finger (usually your first) to play a note on the guitar over an open string. A "pull off" is when you use one finger (usually your last) to play a note on the guitar by pulling it away from the strings.
Each of these techniques can help take your guitar playing to the next level. However, if not done properly, these techniques can be frustrating to practice and learn. That's why it's important that you watch this technique check on hammer-ons and pull-offs.
In the video, I'll define what a hammer-on and pull-off is, what it sounds like, how to best execute the technique, and the best ways to practice learning the technique. Whether you're a beginner guitar player or have been playing for years, these exercises can help fine-tune your hammer-on and pull-off technique.
Besides learning about these two crucial guitar techniques for beginners, you're also going to hear about one TAC family member who really took his playing to the next level by following his guitar routine.
Last but not least, you'll get my weekly roundup of guitar news you can use. From a guitar made to look like it was hand-built in the '20s to a cello bandit playing in an airport, don't miss this week's acoustic guitar news segment!
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Pete Huttlinger was one of the best fingerstyle guitarists in the world. What can you learn from him?
In this video, I'll cover 7 life lessons from Pete Huttlinger that cover everything from fingerstyle guitar to playing. If you're a beginner or intermediate player, these are great ways to improve your technique and bring fun, focus, and progress to your guitar journey.
It's not everyday that you get to interview Pete Huttlinger. I remember bringing him into the studio and feeling an incredible energy that day. Since then, Pete has passed away, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of thousands of guitarists and fans.
This video will show some of the most important things I learned from Pete. By extension, I hope these lessons are helpful for you on your guitar journey. Whether you've been playing for a year, had to relearn the guitar after a setback, or you've hit a guitar rut, this will video will no doubt be inspirational.
In addition, I'll go over some comments from a previous episode of Acoustic Tuesday, feature a guitarsenal or two, and finally send you on your way with some guitar news you can use!