Acoustic Tuesday | Guitar Routine Show

078 - Your Guitar Fingerboard Care Kit

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at78/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 5 Reasons A Metronome Can Be Fun!

I don't want you to freak out about this learning and playing tip. Don't turn the show-off and run away. I want to show you how you can have fun with a metronome. I'll share with you five reasons why it can be fun, and in the learning tip link, you'll learn three steps in using a metronome to make it fun!

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is a duo, Robert Bowlin and Wil Maring. This duo comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Jon B. of Makanda, IL. Jon says, "Robert and Wil are local artists, and though their websites kind of fade away after 2009, they are still in Southern IL and still playing together. I am fortunate to see them at a friends 4th of July party every year where they play for a dozen or so people. In 1978 Robert took second place in Winfield at the National Flat Pick Championship in the flat pick division and in 79 he won the fingerpick title at Winfield......Oh, and Robert's guitarsenal will make you drool. Last 4th of July he brought his 1935 D28 Herringbone."

#2 GHS Fingerboard Care Kit Review

I put this through its paces, so I could share my experience with it. It was super easy to use. This tiny care kit is so convenient and it very guitar and travel-friendly. I used it on a dobro that I had, I hadn't cleaned it in three years or so. Check out the video to see the dramatic impact this care kit had on my fretboard! I am tickled with this product, I think it's a fantastic kit.

#1 Daddario Humitrak System Review

The humiditrak is a small blue tooth unit that sits in your guitar case (with clip or velcro) and it gauges your temperature and humidity, and communicates to an app on your phone! You can set it up to send alerts to your phone if your guitar is in any sort of danger. I am floored. It has made me realize that I should get one of these for all of my guitars.

077 - Modern Day Troubadours

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at77/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#5 Top 10 Valentine's Day Guitar Geek Gifts

In this episode (starting at minute 25:43) we provide you with a little special Valentine's Day report. Check out our top 10 guitar geek-centric Valentine's Day gifts!

#4 Three Reasons Why Drop D Tuning Is Awesome

Drop D tuning was one the first tunings I was exposed to, and I didn't know what the hell it meant. I finally figured it out and was really happy I did because it unlocked a whole different world of creativity. In this episode, I show you some tips and tricks to open up your knowledge of drop D tuning.

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is Conny Berghall. Conny comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Rikus V. of Johannesburg South Africa. Rikus says, "He is the most amazing guitar player I have ever seen just watch and listen." Rikus was totally right. This guy is unbelievable. Conny has carved out his own path in terms of percussion and the melodies that he puts together.

#2 AER Amplifiers Review

Let me tell you about a tiny, yet powerful acoustic guitar amplifier. These amps have a very woody, transparent tone. They are made by AER in Germany and built like total tanks. I have also learned that Tommy Emmanuel has an artist edition!

#1 Find Your Way: A Busker's Documentary Review

This documentary is about 5 separate buskers (street musicians) in Seattle. Good news, this documentary weaves together 5 different stories throughout the entire movie. I am delighted with it, I found it extremely inspirational and thought-provoking. The theme that had the biggest impact on me is that it seemed to toy with the idea of various people trying to define success, which is so fascinating.

076 - Combining Bass And Melody On Acoustic Guitar

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at76/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 Combining Bass And Melody On Acoustic Guitar

I want to share with you how to combine bass lines and melody lines to create a composed piece of music. I will show you a simple and effective method to do this, and it's not a complicated approach - you don't even have to know what you're doing.

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is a duo, Jake and Rebekah Workman. This duo comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Andrew D. of Richland, WA. Andrew says, "Both of their skills are SICK." - he need not say anything further, because that pretty much sums it up. I have seen Jake play in person, and he is a phenomenal player. The two of them together are incredible.

#2 G7th Performance 3 Capo Review

After using this capo for about two months, I am way impressed with it! I think this is a Swiss army knife of capos. This capo creates a buzz-free playing experience. They have done a wonderful job in designing it. I think this is a great one size fits all capo!

#1 PureWave Massager Review

The PureWave Massager has relieved so much tension for me. I have used it on my forearms and hands, it has helped me out a ton. It increases blood flow to my forearms so they don't feel as tight and sore as they would without using it. This massager makes me feel nimble and loose.

075 - Practicing VS Rehearsing On Acoustic Guitar

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at75/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 Practicing VS Rehearsing On Acoustic Guitar

In this episode I talk about the expectations we set for ourselves. Part of having fun as a guitar player is managing your expectations. I will cover the differences between learning, practicing and rehearsing. Set your intentions for these, and be happier with the outcomes!

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week's featured acoustic artist is a local MT band who I have been wanting to feature for quite some time. I have been listening to them since their start. They are a great group of guys, wonderful musicians. They started around 2009 and are going strong, making incredible music. What I love about this band is that their arrangements are intricate. They are amazing to listen to, kind of like if the Beatles were in a bluegrass band.

#2 LR Baggs Lyric Pickup Review

This pickup system produces beautiful tone. What I love about this system is that it uses this true mic technology, which allows you to play it aggressively without giving you an odd tone. It sounds so pure and is super feedback resistant. You're going to want to listen to the tone it produces!

#1 LJ Williams Guitar Review

Sometimes we find ourselves going down an online rabbit hole of pictures of guitars. Well, last weekend I found myself venturing down what turned out to be a very fruitful rabbit hole. The picture that caught my eye was a striking tonewood! It looked 3D, holographic-like. I was stunned. It lead me to a new luthier that I had not heard of....check it out.

074 - Play Acoustic Guitar In DADGAD Tuning

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at74/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 Play Acoustic Guitar In DADGAD Tuning

 Maybe you've wanted to look into DADGAD tuning but felt it was this elusive thing, or maybe you've never heard of it at all! Well, this lesson will help you not only get started but also playing in this tuning today!

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is Eric Skye, who comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Trent S. from La Crete, Alberta, Canada. Trent says, "What I love? Everything. I love his fingerpicking, and I especially love his Flatpicking. His album June Apple is absolutely fantastic, and it's not lighting fast so it's awesome to sit down and play along with. I just recently did a lesson with him, he's super kind and explains things so well. And he's got 50 fiddle tunes up on his website in standard notation for the true music geek!"

#2 Eric Bibb Shares His Favorite Guitar

I want you to think back (AT Episode 66), where we featured an artist named Eric Bibb. Eric is a fantastic blues player and a torchbearer of the folk tradition. He had just released an album called Global Griot. We heard from Eric right after our feature so we, of course, hit him up for his responses to three burning questions we had for him. Check out his video response!

#1 Harlem Street Singer Review

This movie is something I think everyone should watch. This is the story of Reverend Gary Davis, from when he grew up in the deep south. He was an integral part of the 1960s folk scene. You'll agree it's a must watch documentary.

073 - Spice Up Your Strumming On Acoustic Guitar

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at73/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 Five FUN Strumming Patterns For Acoustic Guitar

Do you strum the same few patterns for almost every song you play? Well, you won't anymore. Whether you need more strumming patterns in your repertoire or are interested in learning some new ones, this video lesson will do the trick!

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist came recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Caleb H.  I know Doyle Dykes as a fingerpicker, but he is a musical chameleon. He is an amazing musical arranger, composer, and player. Doyle's one of those players that you need to know about if you're an acoustic guitar player.

#2 Faith Guitars Review

I love fine guitars, it's pretty clear. BUT I do know there is an array of guitars out there, in all price ranges and categories. Each guitar has it's good qualities. Just because a guitar is inexpensive doesn't mean it's not a good guitar. Faith Guitars does a great job in balancing the price of their guitars and a really good sounding guitar. These guitars are made in the UK and come at a really fantastic price.

#1 American Epic Review

American Epic is a musical TV series that I just recently started to get into. This show really traces the roots of American music. The series is fascinating, from the footage that they dug up, to the songs featured, to the interviews....this show is multifaceted.

072 - The Guitar Exercise To Rule Them All

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at72/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 The Best Guitar Exercise

Does it sometimes feel like your pick hand is out of sync and your fretting hand's accuracy is all out of whack? In this lesson, I'm going to teach you an exercise that will introduce speed accuracy independence and control to both your fretting and picking hand.

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is a folk duo called Red Tail Ring. This recommendation came to us from a YouTube commenter, and as soon as I pulled the name and got the tunes I immediately fell into a black hole of listening. The harmonies are very tight and the instrumentation is extremely diverse. They are wizards of the stringed instruments. Check out their synergy!

#2 Journey Guitars Road Trip Series

The Journey Guitars Road Trip Series are smaller, fixed neck travel guitars. They aren't collapsable, but they are very travel-friendly. These travel guitars are extremely convenient and comfortable to play. I tried one and I think it sounds AWESOME.

#1 Bernunzio Uptown Music Store

I want to tell you about a music store that I think is a hidden gem. The store is located in Rochester NY and is owned by John Bernunzio. They not only have banjos, but they also have an incredible array of vintage instruments. I encourage you to check out their shop, it needs to be in your list of stores to check out frequently.

071 - Best Acoustic Guitar Year EVER!

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at71/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 The Importance of Reflection and Intention

Grab a cup of coffee and a pen and paper. Reflection and Intention are the lynchpins to experiencing progress on the guitar. Being grateful for the experience you've had thus far (#smallwins) and then setting intentions moving forward is crucial in creating positive momentum in your guitar journey.

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is a duo, recommended to us by Glenn W. Everyone needs to stop what they're doing right now and listen to Clay Parker and Jodi James. I have been listening to them all week. I am completely enthralled by their harmonies, sound and dynamic as a duo. They are a musical treasure that needs to be listened to by all guitar geeks.

#2 Wrist Grips Review

These wrist grips almost give you an added strength. They offered an incredible amount of stability to both my picking and fretting hand. I can't explain it but I felt like I fatigued less and had more stamina. They just made me feel more stable. I think you'll notice a difference in using these wrist grips.

#1 Revival:  The Sam Bush Story

If you love bluegrass music, artists that define entire genres, if you love icon artists this documentary is for you. It's called Revival:  The Sam Bush Story. Talk about one of the most inspirational players - this documentary is on my list for tonight's viewing.

070 - Chord Changes Made Easy With THIS Trick

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at70/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 Three Steps To Play Bass Walks

Does the mere thought of transitioning from chord to chord stop you dead in your tracks when you want to play a song? In this video lesson I share with you a way to make your chord changes not only easier... but more interesting and fun by adding bass walks. And if you watch to the end, you'll get the Master Formula to create ANY bass walk you want.

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week’s featured acoustic artist is Gwenifer Raymond who comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Mark Clark H. from Ardre, Gotland. Mark says, "She's a young up and coming Welsh fingerstyle guitarist who's influenced by Fahey and other American Primitives, as well as old country blues. She also has a Ph.D. in astrophysics and designs video games in her day job--so pretty interesting bio. Her first LP just came out this year and it rocks deeply, or maybe picks deeply rather?"

#2 Tonewood Amp Review

The Tonewood Amp has been recommended to me many times. The folks at Tonewood were kind enough to send me a demo model. This unit is completely unassuming.  Installation was super easy, and it did not mark the finish on my guitar. I was intimidated to install it but am surprised at how easy and seamless it went. Once installed, it was extremely user-friendly. I see this as a very useful, creative tool.

#1 The GIG At Belmont Review

There's a lot of talk about planning in the new year. What vacations to take, guitars to buy, guitars to play.....well I found a place in Nashville that combines all of this! The GIG (Gallery of Iconic Guitars) actually features nearly 500 truly iconic guitars. 

069 - How To Fingerpick On Guitar

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at69/
➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday

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#4 Four Steps to Fingerpicking Freedom

When starting out on your guitar journey, fingerpicking seems so cool, but also so difficult. And like me, maybe you thought, "I wanna learn that... but when I'm good enough." Well, I want to tell you that you that you are good enough, right now. Whether you're a beginner or have been playing guitar for a while, you can fingerpick as long as you know the four basic steps that I cover in this video.

#3 What's On the Turntable This Week?

This week's featured acoustic artist is Emily Barnes, who came recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Pam B. of Nazareth PA. As soon as I received Pam's recommendation I took it seriously. She lives in the same town where Martin Guitars is based, so clearly, she's a guitar geek who knows what she's talking about.  This recommendation totally blew my socks off. Emily is very much under the radar, but she shouldn't be. She's an outstanding singer/songwriter, her playing is fantastic and her lyrical content is so moving. You won't be disappointed.

#2 Journey Instruments Travel Guitar Review

As a guitar geek, we want to travel and we want to bring a guitar. But traveling with a guitar can sometimes be anxiety-inducing. I've tried quite a few of the travel guitars, but they all have that shape that causes red flags with the TSA. It's a hassle, and you're always worried about the guitar. Journey Instruments has the solution to your worries.

#1 Auld Supercut

Noah has been at a very special project for quite some time. One year ago, we had the Tony's Acoustic Challenge members participate in a song challenge. Over the course of two weeks, they learned an entire song, measure by measure. They had another two weeks to practice the song and then submit a video of themselves playing the song. We received over 60 video submissions of this song! We have made a supercut of the song Auld Lang Syne. It's a treat to watch. Sit back and enjoy!