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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 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Immerse yourself in the world of guitar-themed podcasts. These 10 guitar podcasts are sure to keep you motivated, inspired, and committed to playing!
I'm a huge fan of podcasts. Whether it's more story-based or interview style, there are so many great podcasts being made. When it comes to guitar geek content, though, there's a handful I find myself turning to time and time again.
From the family of @Fretboard Journal podcasts to @Cory Wong and his podcast "Wong Notes" I am always surprised at how much I learn from podcasts.
In addition to being awesome educational tools that help me stay engaged with guitar playing, guitar podcasts are fun and entertaining. Seriously. If you don't believe me, be sure to check them out!
As always, if I missed your favorite podcast, let me know in the comments below! I'm always on the lookout for new shows.
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured in this episode…
-Rattlesnake Cable Company
-Tom Feldmann ~ PlayCountryBlues
-James Clear
-Acoustic Guitar Magazine
-Thompson Guitars
- Goose Island
- Chicago Blackhawks
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
Songwriting and the craft behind it are mysterious. From lyrics to melody to rhythms, there are so many pieces to juggle. To help you get inspired and write your first song, check out these 12 songwriters to help kickstart your songwriting journey!
Writing a song is a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be. It should be a liberating process that allows you to express yourself. If that doesn't sound like your process, I want you to check out some of the songwriters in this episode.
There's a little something for everyone. Whether you're into moody and dark explorations of the soul, or the more whimsical moments of life, these songwriters are sure to inspire you. The key is to listen widely and find what makes you want to sing, write, and play more.
Songwriting isn't an easy process, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one—unless, you prefer it that way! This episode is for the creatively-blocked or the too-shy-to-start. No matter where you are on your songwriting journey, you can find something that'll inspire you today!
Featured in this episode...
- Simon Flory
- Jeffrey Foucault
- Caitlin Canty
- Dead Horses
- Courtney Hartman
- Bayou Concerts
- Tom Catmull
- 11thAndGrant
- Travis Yost Music
- Riddy Arman
- Benjamin Tod
- John Moreland
- Old Town School
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Resonator guitars can make the bluesiest, dirtiest sounds—making them unmatched as instruments. But does this Michigan-based small bench luthier make the best resonators?
Mule Resonator Guitars makes, in my humble opinion, some of the best resonator guitars. There are so many reasons why I love Mule Resonator Guitars, from the human-centered design to the community.
This episode outlines the biggest reasons why Mule Resonators are simply the best in the industry. I know that's a big statement—controversial, even. But I stand by it. Be sure to watch the episode to see why I've become a zealot for this great guitar brand.
I'll also be addressing comments from previous shows, including but limited to the question, "what is the TAC Family?" I love answering questions about the guitars and the TAC Family, so be sure to leave a comment if a question crosses your mind!
Featured in this episode…
- Emerald Guitars
- Jamie Dupuis
- Guitar Girl Magazine
- Yasmin Williams
- Rushadicus
- Billy Strings
- Gibson TV
- The Acoustic Shoppe
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
Fretboard Summit is a HUGE guitar festival held every year, sponsored by Fretboard Journal. But is it worth it? Check out my highlights from this intensely guitar-geek festival.
It was a whirlwind, but the Fretboard Summit festival truly opened my eyes up. From the incredibly talented musicians showcased—day after day, night after night—to the BIGGEST lesson I've learned, I cannot recommend this festival enough.
There are so many incredible folks I met, and so many more I'm looking forward to meeting again. The level of instruction and talent that was present was wholly inspiring.
If you ever have the opportunity to attend the Fretboard Summit, I highly encourage you to go. The folks at Fretboard Journal and the Old Town School of Folk Music know how to put on a great show. Don't miss out next time!
Featured in this episode…
- Old Town School
- Halland Guitars
- Thompson Guitars
- Julian Lage
- Mule Resonator Guitars
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Bourgeois acoustic guitars are stunning. The problem? They come in so many models and customizable options. In this video, I'll go over the 5 Bourgeois Guitars that are sure to knock your socks off.
Bourgeois Guitars, based in Maine, make about 400 guitars a year. Started By Dana Bourgeois, their small team is dedicated to quality, tone, and consistency. The result? Some of the consistently best guitars I've ever played.
In the comments below, be sure to let me know which Bourgeois Guitar you're most excited to try. If you're lucky enough to have played one, which one was your favorite? Your comment might just be featured in a future episode of Acoustic Tuesday!
In addition, I'd love to feature you in an upcoming episode with your guitarsenal! It's easy and quick, and you end up supporting Guitars 4 Vets, a music rehabilitation group for veterans in the US. Just follow the link below to see the instructions!
⬇Guitarsenal shirts⬇
https://tonys-acoustic-challenge.creator-spring.com/listing/guitarsenal_polecastro?
⬇Guitarsenal submission⬇
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured in this episode...
- Bourgeois Guitars
- Thompson Guitars
- Charlie Parr
- Guitar World
- Mule Resonator Guitars
- Fretboard Journal
Tuesday Sep 06, 2022
Tuesday Sep 06, 2022
Learn cross picking on acoustic guitar in just 4 easy steps with this simple, easy-to-use approach!
Cross picking is a picking pattern that involves skipping strings in your picking pattern. It doesn't use fingers, instead opting for a pick. It's a great way to get that cascading finger pick sound but with more bite!
The hardest part of cross picking lies in switching pick directions. While normal strumming strikes all the strings in one direction, cross picking has you alternating pick direction with each string you strike.
To help you learn how to cross pick, I've created 4 easy steps — think of them as checkpoints or mini-lessons. Once you feel good at one part, move on to the next one!
On one final note, don't forget to check out the cross picking musicians that I've listed in the episode. They're incredibly talented and worth giving a listen to if you're interested in learning this great strumming pattern.
Featured in this Episode...
- Gwenifer Raymond
- Bob Minner
- SantaCruzGuitarCo
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Looking for music documentaries that'll inspire you? Whether you're a hardcore guitarist or just getting started, these music docs will get you rearing to grab your guitar and start playing again!
About this time, every year, I start thinking about movies. With the sun setting earlier and school starting again, it feels like the perfect time to watch a movie. And, if you're bemoaning the end of a summer concert series, music documentaries are a great workaround.
Whether you're just starting out on your guitar journey or you've been playing for years, there are some hidden gems and deep cuts on this list that are sure to inspire you on your guitar journey.
From documentaries on Native American musicians in rock and roll history to @Machine Gun Kelly and his new documentary, I really want you to take the time to pick at least one of these films.
In addition to talking about some of my recommendations for music documentaries, you'll hear about...
- Omeleto
- Dan Tyminski
- Gwenifer Raymond
- Guitarbench
- Mule Resonator Guitars
- Marcus King
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
What do Eric Clapton, Richie Havens, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and John Denver have in common? They all played Guild acoustic guitars. They make good guitars, but are they worth the hype?
In short, absolutely. Guild Guitars makes some incredible acoustic guitars. Whether you're looking for a punchy sound that will stand out in a jam session or a mellow, dark guitar that'll evoke a woodsy spirit, you're sure to find a Guild that'll suit your needs.
I've had the luxury of playing most of these guitars, but there are some that I've only heard on youtube and in demos. That being said, they were so good, I couldn't not include them on this list.
Whether you're in the market for a new guitar or you're just curious about Guild guitars, I highly encourage you to play one of the guitars on this list. They all sound great, but for entirely different reasons.
In addition, there are plenty of price points on this list. Even beginners can find a great guitar on this list for an affordable price. If you're unsure about what guitar on this list suits you, just leave comment and I'll try to respond to it within a couple of episodes!
Featured in this episode...
- Old Town School of Folk Music
- John Mayer
- Riddy Arman
- Western AF
- Caitlin Canty
- the local honeys
- Music Villa
- Gibson TV
- Tommy Emmanuel
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Is a $50 guitar pick worth it? Is a wooden pick right for you? Does plastic reign supreme? All this and more will be revealed in this episode on my 10 favorite guitar picks ever made.
Guitar picks are the cheapest way to experiment with your sound. The thickness, material, and shape can all have huge impacts on your acoustic guitar's tone.
From super-hard mandolin picks to sharper tortoiseshell picks, you're going to hear how some of these picks impact your tone. Whether you want round, woody tones or piercing, steely tones, there's a pick in this list for you.
In addition to talking about acoustic guitar pick tone, I'll cover the comfort and usability of some of these picks as well. If you have trouble holding pick or if you find the pick is flying out of your hands all the time, you might just find something on this list that'll help you.
In addition, you'll see...
- Adam Grant
- Piedmont Blūz
- Folkway Music
- Emerald Guitars
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
Modern fingerstyle guitar is, quite possibly, the greatest extension of the instrument — an orchestral sound contained within one instrument. But there's so many modern fingerstyle guitarists out there. Where do you begin?
On this episode of Acoustic Tuesday, you'll hear about 15 modern fingerstyle guitarists you need to check out. From commercially successful artists to up-and-coming Youtubers, you're going to see some incredible guitarists.
What I love about this style is that it pushes the guitar to new heights. It's not just about mastery of the guitar. It's about pushing the limits of what playing a guitar means.
From the percussion to the harmonics and sweep picking, there's some incredible techniques to check out from all these guitarists. You'll notice there is a percussive and rhythmic quality to all these guitars. That's just part of the beauty of this style.
If you want to hear more of this style, be sure to check out all of the artists featured in this episode. There's something for everyone, whether you've heard modern fingerstyle guitar before or not!
Featured in this episode...
- Kelly Joe Phelps Tribute
- Western AF
- Mule Resonator Guitars
- Willi Carlisle