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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 Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Two-hand tapping on guitar isn't easy. It's even harder on acoustic guitar. But what if there was an easy, step-by-step guide for learning how to tap on acoustic guitar?
Tapping on guitar is an advanced technique. It provides a bright, ethereal sound (as long as you're not using overdrive or distortion!). And, for most of the guitar's existence, it's been used primarily on electric guitar. It's that classic shredding sound that was popularized by Eddie Van Halen and other electric guitarists.
But what if the same technique is applied to acoustic guitar? On today's episode, you'll get an easy step-by-step guide to learning how to two-hand tap on acoustic guitar. It requires a good amount of dexterity and finger strength, but Tony's Acoustic Challenge members should be up for the challenge.
By tuning down the guitar, breaking the technique into chunks, and creating actionable steps where you feel confident in your playing, I hope you can successfully apply these techniques to your playing. It's a bit of a specialized skill, but you never know what kind of creative horizons you may expand.
Two-hand tapping is a fairly new technique for acoustic guitarists. If you want to hear more examples of this technique, I highly recommend you visit the modern fingerstyle acoustic guitar genre. Many of the players in this style are virtuosos, but you'll get a taste of what kind of sonic possibilities exist.
Featured in this episode...
- Hawktail
- Molly Tuttle
- Tommy Emmanuel
- Martin Guitar
- Billy Strings
- Taylor Guitars
- Mule Resonator Guitars
- Carter Vintage Guitars
- National Guitars
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Colter Wall's guitar playing is like no other. Here are 10 lessons you can learn from this real country guitarist that'll help you progress on your guitar journey.
Colter Wall has captured the hearts and minds of the country, folk, and bluegrass world. His guitar playing is incredibly unique. From the way he strums to the stories he spins, I truly hope this episode gets you to check out his work.
But you're also going to learn some important lessons about playing acoustic guitar through the lens of Colter Wall. By the end of this episode, you'll have 10 lessons about how this incredibly unique guitarist approaches the acoustic guitar.
We'll be covering his thumb technique, his gear, and his general attitude when it comes to playing and composing songs. I promise you, this is not an episode you want to miss.
Featured in this episode…
- Kelly Joe Phelps
- Jeffrey Foucault
- Charlie Parr
- Daisy Tempest
- Megan Linford
- Atkin Guitars
- The Fellowship of Acoustics
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Epiphone guitars have quite the reputation. But does their street cred match up with how they sound? Check out my list of the 10 best Epiphone acoustic guitars ever made.
@OfficialEpiphone guitars are kinda known as the less desirable branch of the Gibson family. They aren't as expensive, are made with cheaper parts (usually), and don't have the same prestige as a Gibson guitar. But does that really matter? Doesn't it all come down to the sound?
Fortunately for you, that's probably the biggest consideration I have when I'm making recommendations. So, after reviewing thousands of guitars in my lifetime, I've gained a certain understanding of what to look for in a guitar.
As a result, this is my list of the 10 best Epiphone guitars out there. The prices on this list run from as high as $6,000 to, well, much more affordable than that. There's a little something for everyone here so be sure to check out the whole episode.
Featured in this episode...
- Epiphone
- Gibson
- GemsOnVHS
- National Guitars
- Recording King Guitars
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Learning closed position, moveable chords can unlock your understanding of the fretboard. More importantly? You will be able to play a song or lick in any key, anywhere on the fretboard.
In this lesson behind the lick, you'll learn all about closed position moveable patterns. Closed position movable patterns involve NO open strings. That means that you can easily move the pattern to a different key without a capo or a changing your tuning.
Closed position patterns truly unlock the fretboard for you. When you play in closed position, you learn a pattern rather than specific frets or open string patterns.
This means that you can play in a variety of keys. When you start playing with others or you want to sing along, you'll find you mind need to play in different keys. If you've learned a scale, chord pattern, or lick in closed position, this transition will be very easy.
I want you to try learning closed position. You may find that you'll have even more flexibility on the fretboard.
Featured in this Episode
- Martin Guitar
- Ear Trumpet Labs
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Charlie Parr is one of the most under-the-radar living guitar legends out there. He's known for his wild country blues and roots sound. In this video, you'll learn how to sound like this guitar legend and learn some tips and tricks from my years of knowing and playing with him!
Charlie Parr is first and foremost a folk artist. He's incredible talented, humble, and dedicated to carrying on the traditions of folk music. Whether its hill country blues or a one of his original compositions, I highly recommend you check him out!
Once you've gotten a taste of his sound, you're probably wondering how you can incorporate his techniques and style into your own playing. Luck for you, that's why I made this episode. I'll be serving 10 guitar lessons to help you emulate Charlie Parr.
But more importantly, you'll learn how to find your own sound via the wisdom of Charlie Parr — just check out the episode and you'll know what I mean!
Featured in this episode...
- Charlie Parr
- Smithsonian Folkways
- Sam Bush
- Taylor Guitars
- Chicago Music Exchange
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Gibson has an incredible history of making some of the best acoustic guitars. But after 100 years, which ones are their best acoustic guitars ever made?
Whenever I talk about Gibson Guitars, I'm always sure to upset, puzzle, dazzle, and mystify some folks. So, before you go any further, I want you to know this is just my perspective on things. Take it for what it's worth. I've played thousands of guitars for even thousands of more hours.
When I made this list I wanted to remove some of the super expensive, vintage Gibson acoustic guitars that are truly cost prohibitive. Many Gibson acoustic guitars are just way too expensive, but just know I considered putting them on this list.
From the Keb Mo signature to the True Vintage J-200, there are some incredible guitars on this list. Be sure to watch the full episode to see if your favorite Gibson acoustic guitar is on this list!
In addition to talking about some of the best acoustic guitars Gibson has made, we'll take a look at some comments from the episode I did on the 10 best guitar albums from the '80s. Seems like a ruffled some feathers, so be sure to tune and see if you agree with your fellow TAC Family members!
Featured in this Episode...
- Gibson TV
- Metallica
- Dead Horses
- Beard Guitars
- Atkin Guitars
- Thompson Guitars
- Billy Strings
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Drop D tuning can open up an entire new sonic soundscape, but do you know how best to practice your shapes and scales in this alternate tuning?
On today's episode of Acoustic Tuesday, you're going to get a lesson behind the acoustic guitar lick of the week. Every Tuesday, I offer you a quick lesson on learning an awesome lick. But this week, you'll get to see the theory, rationale, and benefits behind learning the lick this week.
Specifically, this lick focuses on drop D tuning for the acoustic guitar. Drop D tuning is when you turn your low E string to a low D. This gives you awesome bass sounds and can infuse your playing with bluesy mojo sounds.
If you aren't a fan of the blues (to which I say, check yourself!), drop D tuning is used in a variety of different genres. From American Primitive to modern fingerstyle, you're sure to find a great way to apply drop D tuning to your playing.
Besides covering drop D tuning, you'll also hear from TAC Family member Shannon and how building a solid guitar routine helped her in a difficult point in her life. Perhaps her story could inspire you, no?
Featured in this Episode
- Jeffrey Foucault
- Heartbreaker Guitars
- Martin Guitar
- SantaCruzGuitarCo
- Luca Stricagnoli
- Normans Rare Guitars
- Dean Guitars
- Gibson TV
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Ever wondered what slide is the best for playing slide guitar? Brass? Bronze? Glass? Heavy? Light? All this will — and more — will be covered in this episode of Acoustic Tuesday!
Bottleneck slides are perhaps the most important piece of gear for playing slide guitar...besides your guitar, of course! That's why I've dedicated a whole episode to discussing the importance of picking out the right slide.
There are so many choices out there. It can be totally overwhelming. And sometimes, when you're overwhelmed, you just go with the cheapest price. I'm here to advise you against doing that. Instead, take a look at these 10 slide manufacturers to see what to look for in a high-quality slide that can work within your budget.
I'll also add that I have a preference for bronze or brass slides. I explain why in the video, but it ultimately boils down to a combination of tone and feel. I really love the heavy feeling of a slide that sits comfortably on my finger and has enough weight that it isn't bouncing off the strings.
In addition to talking about slides for slide guitar, you'll also hear from a TAC Family member and Guitars For Vets member on how she is able to achieve all of her guitar goals this year. Inspiring stuff, and I highly recommend you heed her advice!
Featured in this Episode...
- Robert Barnett
- Caitlin Canty
- Marcus Miller
- Scott's Bass Lessons
- Paste Magazine
- Cristina Vane
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Resonator guitars have so many myths tied to them. They have to be played differently. They're way too expensive. They are only good for one style. But is any of this actually true?
On today's episode of Acoustic Tuesday, you'll get a chance to see my top 10 favorite resonator guitars. This list is made up of many different resonator guitars at different price points. Every guitar on this list is a great bang for your buck regardless.
I love resonator guitars because they have some great punchy tones. Like a banjo, the decay on resonators can be really quick, but as a soon as you add a slide, the tone morphs so much. But this brings us to the first common misconception: resonators have to be played with a slide.
This couldn't be farther from the truth. Resonator guitars can be played like a normal guitar. Sure, using a slide gives it a very bluesy or country sound, but in reality, they sound just as good without a slide. You don't need any different techniques really.
There's also a perception that resonator guitars are expensive. Well, I'm here to tell you that there are so many options that don't have to break the bank. Just make sure to watch the full segment to see my picks for the best affordable resonator guitars!
Featured in this Guide...
- Gold Tone
- National Guitars
- RecordingKingOfficial
- Beard Guitars
- Gretsch Guitars
- Mule Resonator Guitars
- RepublicGuitars
Featured in the Acoustic Guitar News
- Michael J. Miles
- Eric Lugosch
- Adam Grant
- Chicago Music Exchange
- Fretboard Journal
- Old Town School of Folk Music
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Synthesizers. BOOMING snare hits. Shredding. The 80s aren't known for acoustic guitar playing. But that's will change in this episode of Acoustic Tuesday!
We'll be taking a look at the 10 best acoustic guitar albums of the 80s, paying close attention to some of the best flatpickers and fingerpickers of that decade. I'm not talking about one-off power ballads that use an acoustic guitar in the intro. I'm talking about whole albums that pushed the genre of acoustic guitar music.
You'll recognize some classics on here like Tony Rice's "Church Street Blues," and Michael Hedge's "Aerial Boundaries." With each of the albums chosen, I'll highlight my favorite song off the album in the hopes that you can check them out for yourself.
In addition to discussing the 10 best acoustic guitar albums of the 80s, you'll hear a very important story from TAC Family member Johnny. He noticed that he actually enjoys playing guitar now more than he did when he was younger. Why is this? Be sure to listen to him tell his story about building a routine that lets him find more fun, focus, and progress on his guitar journey.
Last but not least, we'll also cover some of the latest acoustic guitar news. From chatting coffee with one of my favorite acoustic duos to checking out the beautiful craftsmanship of metal engravers and inlay workers, this episode is sure to scratch that acoustic guitar content itch.
Featured in this episode...
- Mule Resonator Guitars
- Small Glories
- Doglio Coffee
- Carter Vintage Guitars
- Eric Skye
- SantaCruzGuitarCo
- Martin Guitar