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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 Dec 20, 2022
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
Grab your guitar and add some "Big Bill-isms" into your life! It's time to infuse the Chicago acoustic blues legend Big Bill Broonzy into your life.
Before I go any further I want to acknowledge Chris Walz from Old Town School of Folk Music and Tom Feldman from Play Country Blues. Many of the lessons I teach today come from these two. I'm grateful for their instruction and be sure to check out their channel's below.
Now, back to Big Bill Broonzy. There are so many elements that make up his signature sound. He's got a big, full, sound. But he also nimbly executes rolls for a melodic flare.
I spend a few of the lessons focusing on thumb technique. That's because Big Bill Broonzy drove so many of his songs with the bass line on his thumb. You can't not hear it. Be sure to pay attention, but don't be afraid to modify or play things in your own style!
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured in this episode...
- Old Town School
- Play Country Blues
- Buffalo Kin
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
In true countdown fashion, I'll be ranking 11 of my favorite Martin Guitars. There are hundreds of guitars, lines, and years to choose from. Which one will take my number one spot?
Martin Guitar has been in the business longer than most American companies. With immigrant roots, Martin Guitars revolutionized the guitar multiple times in the 1900s. From dreadnought builds to X bracing, they've made some incredible strides.
Today, they're one of the most recognizable acoustic guitar brands. They're prized for their value, playability, and collectability. So, given all this, how could I possibly pick my favorite martin — let alone, narrow it down to just 11?
Obvious price is a huge concern. I could sit here and pick out museum quality, six-figure guitars. But I won't. Instead, I'm picking guitars that might be attainable for you. That's right. We're not just daydreaming here. This could be how you find your favorite Martin!
Overall, I wanted these 11 guitars to represent the wealth of offerings that Martin Guitar has. If there was a guitar that struck a chord with you, let me know in the comments! I'd love to see what you liked about it and whether you went through with seeking it out!
Also featured on this episode…
- Maurys Music
- Acoustic Letter
- The Guitar Spa Singapore
- Sweetwater
- Seymour Duncan
- Andrea Stolpe
- Blueguitone
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
You already know listening to music makes you a better musician. But what happens when you listen to some of the most revolutionary, insane, and technically dazzling acoustic guitar music?
This episode is dedicated to some of the best acoustic guitar instrumental albums. I'll go through 12 different albums that any acoustic guitar player needs to know. I know I've done episodes like this before. All I'll say is that this is filled with deep cuts that you probably haven't heard before. Why?
Because these beautiful records are honest, stunning expressions of what the acoustic guitar can do. Many of the albums are filled with originals. Some songs are solo acoustic guitar. Some have a jazz foundation. But all of them will blow your mind as a guitar geek.
From Ariel Posen to Bill Frisell, I want this list to inspire you. I want you running to the record store and hunting one of these albums down — if not more! Whether you're lost or looking to expand your creative potential, you're bound to find something unforgettable in these records. Let me know in the comments what you find!
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured on this episode…
- ArielPosen
- Rob Ickes
- Bill Frisell
- Ivan Rosenberg
- Gwenifer Raymond
- Guitar World
- Beard Guitars
- Larkin Poe
- Old Town School
- Normans Rare Guitars
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Why do you sound so good in the shower? Can you replicate that sound on your acoustic guitar? What's stopping you from getting that cathedral sound? It all comes down to reverb pedals.
On this episode, we'll talk about using reverb pedals on acoustic guitar. Using pedals on guitar feels like mixing oil and water, but it's easy and intuitive once you understand how to do it. Reverb can feel like a particularly tricky effect on the acoustic guitar, but I promise it's worth adding.
I'll start by giving a quick rundown of how reverb works. From there, you'll hear when to use reverb. Finally, you'll get the top five reverb pedals I recommend to students and friends. Whether you want something simple or a complete mind-bending reverb pedal, I have a recommendation for you.
Reverb on acoustic guitar shouldn't be an afterthought in you rig. Even if you're new to guitar, it's worth springing the funds for. Here's why: if it helps you pick up the guitar, play, and find joy in your guitar playing, then just do it.
You don't need to justify getting a delay pedal. You don't have to wait until you're "good enough." I highly encourage you to take the plunge, have fun, and explore effects pedals on your acoustic guitar.
Featured in this episode...
- Earth Quaker Devices
- Strymon
- Collision Devices
- K & K Music
- Tom Sands Guitars
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
What started off as a mild interest in this builder has become an obsession. So what's the big deal about a guitar maker hailing from the Czech Republic?
Furch Guitars focuses on making high-quality guitars at a relatively affordable price. Sounds like the pitch from almost any guitar company, right? Here's the thing about Furch Guitars, though…
Furch Guitars make exceptional Swiss-Army Knife guitars. Whether you want to finger pick, flat pick, plug-in on stage or play in your bedroom, these guitars can do it all.
Here's a little more about Furch Guitars. Founded over 40 years ago, Furch has expanded over the years to include travel guitars, master-grade guitars, and more. Most Furch guitars are organized by color, which you'll hear more about on this episode. There's also the Vintage series which I highly recommend you look into.
Whether you're into small, punchy guitars or deep, warm dreadnoughts, Furch has a guitar for you. If your favorite Furch isn't on this list, please let me know in the comments! I'm always on the hunt for new guitars and would love to hear what you're playing and why you love it!
Featured in this episode…
- AlamoMusicCenterSanAntonio
- HeartbreakerGuitars
- Adam Grant
- Gruhn Guitars
- GreenfieldGuitars
- Billy Strings
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
I used to think using a delay pedal on acoustic guitar was crazy. Now, I recommend every acoustic guitar player to get a delay pedal. Why?
Delay pedals have the ability to fill space. When you're playing by yourself, it can feel empty sometimes. By using a delay pedal, you can almost hear harmonies and dissonance when your playing a run, practicing scales, or playing melody and fills.
Besides filling space, using a delay pedal helps you learn to groove. Because of the delay in notes, you have to keep time. If you don't your notes will overlap in odd ways. If that's the effect you're going for, rock on. But if not, you'll learn to keep time quickly!
Delay pedals are also expressive. If you feel like you've hit a creative rut, try playing some scales through a delay pedal. Seriously, you'll be surprised by what you hear.
Delay pedals have tons of knobs, features, and switches. It can look intimidating to a first-time buyer. I'll go over some of the features in this video, but if I didn't address an aspect of a delay pedal, let me know by leaving a comment!
Featured in this episode...
- Collision Devices
- Strymon
- LR Baggs
- Fishman Music
- Adam Grant
- Christie Lenée
- Martin Guitar
- American Airlines
- Jesca Hoop
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
You told yourself you'd be a guitar player this year. Have you met your goals and aspirations? Or are you guilty of telling yourself one of these 11 lies? Watch now to learn how to find progress again.
Every year, thousands of people pick up the guitar. They dream of playing songs, solos, and licks that sounds like their guitar heroes. Every year, though, people give up on playing guitar or don't touch it for months on end.
In this episode, we'll talk about what's going on when this happens. I've found that it most of this boils down to 11 common lies we tell ourselves. It can be something as small as saying you don't have "enough" time or as large as gatekeeping yourself.
Whatever lie you tell yourself, I'll show you how to move beyond your pattern of self sabotage. This all sounds like a self-help seminar. In some ways, it is. But I stand by examining your obstacles and roadblocks to progress on guitar.
Whether you've just started playing guitar or you've played for decades, there's plenty to learn in this episode, so be sure to watch the whole way through. You never know what you'll find!
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured in this episode…
- Emerald City Guitars
- Martin Guitars
- Dead Horses
- Adam Grant
- Mary Spender
- Normans Rare Guitars
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Billy Strings is one of the best instrumentalists of our time. Hands down. But what can you learn from Billy Strings? Even if you're picking up a guitar for the first time?
From drone strings to using chromatics, there's something every guitarist can learn from Billy Strings. Primarily a flatpicking guitarist, Billy Strings is also a talented finger picker, electric guitarist, and banjo player.
Billy's life experience, emersion in the musical world, and consistency has led him to being one of the best instrumentalists of our time. A master of tension-building and even melodic phrasing, Billy Strings is a guitarist who deserves close attention.
So what is this video going to do for you? And, more importantly, what won't it do? Well, I'm hoping to inspire you with some quick lessons on important techniques or philosophical lessons. What I won't do is teach you a specific song.
With that in mind, I want you to be open to learning some new techniques that borrow heavily from Billy Strings' playing. Whether you've been playing for years or you've just picked up guitar, there's a lesson for you.
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Also featured in this episode…
- Bryan Sutton
- AustinCityLimitsTV
- Tommy Emmanuel
- The Art Of Listening
- Luca Stricagnoli
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Blade angles. Metal or plastic. Weight. Thumbpicks come in a variety of specifications, which makes choosing the right one important. See which thumbpick is fit for you in my top 10 countdown of the best thumbpicks to use!
Using a thumbpick is an easy way to change up the tone on your guitar. If you enjoy fingerpicking, this will give you a brighter attack. However, you can also use a thumbpick like a flatpick—it's just attached to your thumb!
Because the thumbpick has a sharper attack, you can use it to bring out the treble and lower the dull attack of your thumb. However, if you like that percussive effect of the thumb, a thumbpick might not be for you.
But when it comes to choosing thumbpicks, there are many considerations to make. From the blade angles to the materials the thumbpick is made out of, you want to make sure the thumbpick is built for the kind of music you want to play.
Featured in this episode...
- Grit Laskin
- Charlie Parr
- Spider John Koerner
- Greg Koch
- Songbirds Foundation
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
Jeffrey Foucault is a triple threat. He rights bone-chilling lyrics, is an incredible guitar player, and has an unforgettable voice. So what can you learn from the master of the Americana genre?
If you haven't heard of Jeffrey Foucault, I'm going to feature some great clips that'll help you open your eyes to his artistry. More importantly, though, you're going to learn 10 lessons from Jeffrey Foucault.
From emphasizing the "one" to using your personal experience in songwriting, there's so much you can learn from this guitar player. Jeffrey flies under the radar too often, and I believe his songwriting and artistry deserves closer attention.
I love Jeffrey Foucault's playing because it's unique without sounding "out there." He rides a fine line between fingerpicking and flatpicking, blues and country, folk and bluegrass. His lyrics cut deep. His voice is unmatched.
If you're interested in learning how to play like Jeffrey Foucault or want to know how to incorporate some of his style into your playing, be sure to watch the whole episode!
Featured in this episode...
- Jeffrey Foucault
- Bob Minner
- The Bluegrass Situation [ BGS ]
- Billy Strings
- Ryan Truettner
- GrassRoots Community Network
- WYCEradio
- Red Ants Pants Music Festival
- Wayne Griffith
- Alex Inselberg
- WKU PBS
- Mule Resonator Guitars