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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 May 24, 2022
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Santa Cruz Guitar Company has been making some of the best guitars on the market for almost 50 years. Check out this episode to see why these guitars make tones like no other guitar can.
From the classics like the Vintage Southerner to the tiny but mighty Firefly, there's something for everyone on this list. I've had the pleasure of playing many guitars in my life, and @SantaCruzGuitarCo has always had high standards, and excellent craftsmanship.
In addition to talking about my 8 favorite guitars from this small-bench, boutique luthier, I have a whole slew of new music releases that I'm excited to share with you. From Pharis and Jason Romero to John Moreland, there's some awesome music for you to listen to this week!
Featured in this Episode
- Santa Cruz GuitarCo
- Eddie's Guitars
- Tom Sands
- Adrian Bellue
- Pharis and Jason Romero
- Smithsonian Folkways
- John Moreland
- Jeffrey Foucault
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Harmonics on acoustic guitar can be tricky! You can't rely on the gain of your amp, which means accuracy is super important. This episode will cover everything you should practice to start playing harmonics on acoustic guitar.
Before we go any further, you might be wondering what harmonics are. Harmonics create a bell-like tone you can make on your guitar by gently placing your finger above certain positions on the fretboard and plucking the string. It creates an overtone on the guitar. The end result is an airy, bell-like tone.
Between natural and false harmonics, there's a whole sonic landscape to discover with harmonics. The only problem is that playing harmonics on an acoustic guitar is much harder. Electric guitars benefit from having amplification, which means harmonics can be played even if you miss the sweet spot of where the harmonic is.
Natural harmonics are located on the 12th, 5th, and 7th frets on a guitar. There are other locations, too, but these are the common places guitarists play natural harmonics. These are considered the easiest harmonics to play on your guitar.
Additionally, there are also false harmonics, located all over your fretboard. Playing false harmonics requires accuracy, a gentle touch, and a little bit of trial-and-error.
Be sure to catch this whole episode to see how you can get better at playing harmonics on acoustic guitar!
Also featured on this episode...
- Charlie Parr
- Cristina Vane
- kyle orla stringworks
- Billy Strings
- Post Malone
- Jon Gomm
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Chord modifications, or mods, can elevate your rhythm and lead guitar playing. If you're ready to transform your open chords into deeper, complex chords with just a few adjustments, stay tuned!
This episode will cover chord modifications by way of learning a lick. We'll start by seeing how chord modifications come up in the guitar lick I call "cement mixer." This lick reveals so much about playing within a chord shape.
"Cement mixer" is the perfect gateway into chord mods. There's a perception that chord mods are an advanced technique. However, the sooner you can practice them, the more your sonic landscape will really open up. So, whether you're a beginner or advanced guitar player, you're going to learn so much from working on your chord mods.
Chord mods on guitar allow you to add melody to chord playing. It can add another layer of musicality to your rhythm playing. If you play just by yourself, I promise that employing some chord mods will spice up your playing.
In addition to learning the "cement mixer" lick and how chord mods can improve your playing, we'll get a chance to hear from Darren, a TAC Family member's experiences on building a guitar routine. It's well worth your time, so don't skip!
Featured on this Episode…
- Rick Turner Guitars
- Chicago Music Exchange
- Willi Carlisle
- Western AF
- Dion guitars
- Watchhouse
- Mule Resonator Guitars
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
The Byrds were pioneers of psychedelic and folk rock. While acoustic guitars weren't their main axes, there are still plenty of lessons to learn from this incredible band.
The Byrds have a rich history of rocking out and pushing the boundaries of rock. They weren't afraid to crossover into different genres. And, as a result, they took a variety of different techniques and applied them to non-traditional situations.
From the way they modified chords to how they reimagined certain arrangements, there are plenty of technique lessons you can learn from the Byrds. I want to specifically focus on 7 key areas of The Byrds' music.
By the end of this lesson, you'll learn some Byrds-inspired techniques that are sure to help you discover that '60s folk-rock sound on your guitar.
Besides discussing the techniques we can learn from the Byrds, you'll also get to hear more about the Tony's Acoustic Challenge Family, slide guitar technique from an earlier AT episode, and the interview that's inspiring me on my guitar journey right now.
Featured in this episode…
- Atkin Guitars
- David Bowie
- Chatham Rabbits
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
What if I told you my favorite acoustic 12-string guitar was less than $300? This episode will cover my top 10 favorite acoustic 12-string guitars. From the high-end to the low-end, you'll get a wide variety of takes on 10 guitars.
12-string guitars are known for their full, rich sound. It gives a natural chorus sound to an acoustic guitar. They can be a little difficult to play. Sometimes they're even harder to tune. But I promise, it's well worth your time.
The 12-string guitars that made my top 10 list are judged on value, tone, and beauty. They're all great guitars — especially the cheapest one. But for those who are loyal to Taylor Guitars, you'll be happy to know there are two Taylors on my list!
Featured in this episode…
- Charlie Parr
- National Guitars
- Orangewood Guitars
- Taylor Guitars
- Fender
- Martin Guitar
- Guild Guitars
- Seagull Guitars
- Larrivee
- Yamaha Guitars
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
I messed up a few weeks ago. I made a top 10 guitar YouTube channels to follow. But there weren't enough acoustics. All that changes this week.
This week, we're taking a look at my favorite acoustic guitar YouTube channels. From the more popular to the under the radar, this list is sure to dazzle and delight you. Did I mention there are no electric guitarists?
The whole point of the episode is to get you learning. However, I have a big caveat. YouTube is a super easy way to get distracted. You can go down a rabbit hole, through a worm hole, and out in the land of procrastination.
To avoid that situation, I want you to stay focused! Don't click on the suggested videos or get sidetracked. You're here on a mission. I want you to enjoy checking out these other YouTube guitar channels, but make sure you don't get too distracted!
Featured on this episode…
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
They take your breath away, step on your toes, sound like pianos, and play like a summer's breeze. Signature guitars are more than just a marketing gimmick — mostly. In this video, we're looking at the 10 best signature guitars.
There's a perception that signature guitars, also known as spec guitars, are only for really serious guitarists. That's because most of the guitars are 1) expensive, 2) built to an artists' specifications, 3) use high-quality materials. No expenses spared.
While there are many that are expensive, I have a couple on this list that are totally for beginners. This is a great opportunity to hear some of the best offerings from guitar makers like Martin, Taylor, Thompson, and so many more.
If you're excited to see how you can emulate a certain artists' sound, or you just want something that is vetted by your favorite artist, this episode is totally for you!
Now, I have to warn you. There's a fairly large plot twist at the end of this episode. So, in the comments below, be sure to let me know what you think my number one pick is. I'm almost 100% certain you aren't going to see it coming.
Featured in this episode…
- Martin Guitar
- The Fellowship of Acoustics
- Taylor Guitars
- ElderlyInstruments
- SantaCruzGuitarCo
- Thompson Guitars
- Gibson TV
- Collings Guitars
- Western AF
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Guitar scales are incredibly important. But they're also a little overwhelming. Why are there so many? Why is it all complicated? Does it have to be?
This episode is all about a acoustic guitar scale that I think simplifies a lot of things. To illustrate this, we'll start by learning a lick in the key of E. I'll continue by illustrating how and why this lick works.
You'll see what the lick teaches about the horizontal scales, how to apply the lick in your playing, and so much more. Think of the lick as the creative launching pad and the lesson behind it as the secret sauce that makes everything work.
The episode is part of a new series called Lesson Behind the Lick. I hope you like this format and find that it helps contextualize the licks. If you enjoy this and want to see more, be sure to leave a comment and let me know!
Also featured in this episode...
- The Nashville Predators
- The North American Guitar
- Carter Vintage Guitars
- Avril Lavigne
- John Lee Hooker Official
- Music is Win
- Hofner Guitars
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Slide guitar is zippy, twangy, and classic. On today's episode, you're going to learn how to use a bottleneck slide to bring those classic tones to your acoustic guitar. In 6 easy steps, I'll show you how to hold the slide properly, which tunings to use, and how to make single-string melodies!
Slide guitar is the open sky where the buffalo roam and where the waves lap the shore at sunset. It evokes a different time and place that the all-too-digital world we live in now. I've always been drawn to this sound and I can't wait to share it with you!
When I first started playing slide guitar, I thought that a slide was used for barre chords. Almost like a capo! Little did I know, the slide was for so much more than that.
I personally prefer using lap slides where you can see the fretboard more easily. Bottleneck slides are typically more accessible to players, especially if you are transitioning between playing slide and playing normally.
Slide guitar unlocks new sonic possibilities for your playing. If you are in a guitar rut, I highly recommend you pick up a slide. It will make you see the fretboard in a new way, and have you seeing new patterns and possibilities.
Be sure to watch the video to see my full thoughts on slide material (glass vs. metal vs. ceramic), which tunings to use, and how to properly work your slide!
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Look, I'm not saying Taylor Swift is like the Beatles of pop music right now, but she's a huge deal. Which is why this episode is dedicated to T-Swift and the incredible wisdom we can get from her guitar playing.
Taylor Swift's career is prolific. And through ever phase of her career, the acoustic guitar has been a mainstay. Whether it's her debut album or her folk revival albums of the past couple of years, she has fine-tuned her playing over the years.
Taylor Swift has so many tricks up her sleeve. From being a masterful palm-muter to her use of open tunings, Taylor is a source of inspiration for so many guitarists. I mean, why not take a few lessons from the most famous acoustic guitarists out there today?
If you liked this episode, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you part of Taylor's acoustic guitar playing resonates with you!
Featured on this episode…
- Taylor Swift
- The Marcus King Band
- Gibson Guitars
- Jared James Nichols