Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar magazine

Join us for conversations that explore why we play, collect, build, obsess over guitars and how rewarding it is to make music of our own. Each month, your hosts at Acoustic Guitar magazine connect you with great guitarists – from preeminent pickers and fingerstyle sensations to trailblazing songwriters, luthiers, and the acoustic guitar community at large.

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Top 10 Acoustic Guitar Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Acoustic Guitar episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Acoustic Guitar for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Acoustic Guitar episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Students of Segovia

Acoustic Guitar

02/22/23 • 29 min

Andrés Segovia was born on February 21, 1893. To mark his 130th birthday, we spoke with three contemporary guitarists who each studied with the Maestro: Lily Afshar, Liona Boyd, and Michael Chapdelaine. Each of our guests shares their unique (or infamous) experience and how playing for Segovia when they were students impacts the way they see music today.

Support the show:

Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Liona Boyd and Michael Chapdelaine debate what Segovia’s legacy will be in another hundred years.
Make a one-time donation on PayPal
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

Learn more about Lily Afshar at her website and read her “Letter from Tehran” here.
Learn more about Liona Boyd at her website and read about the ups and downs of her journey with focal dystonia.
Learn more about Michael Chapdelaine at his website and check out his “Steel-String Guitarist’s Introduction to Nylon-String Techniques and Repertoire” and video lesson on how to play the classical guitar standard “Romanza.”
From the Classical Guitar magazine archive, a 17-part centenary celebration of Segovia.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Blair Jackson, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editor: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

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Nickel Creek

Acoustic Guitar

11/29/23 • 27 min

Catch up with one of your favorite bluegrass bands! Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, and Chris Thile discuss breathing new life into classic tunes, what their kids really think of their music, and a whole lot more.

This episode is sponsored by ToneWoodAmp, a magnetically attached game-changing multi-effects device for acoustic guitars. Get reverb, delay, and more—no amp required! Learn more at tonewoodamp.com.

Additional resources:

Access Part 2 of this episode on Patreon.
Listen to Celebrants via Amazon, Bandcamp, or others.
Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers teaches you how to play guitar like Nickel Creek's Sean Watkins and interviewed the band for the July-August 2023 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
You'll find music to play for "This Side" in our 2002 Digital Archive and Chris Thile's "On Ice" in our 2005 Digital Archive.
Read a profile of the Watkins Family Hour on the site of our sister publication, Strings magazine.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Support the show

My First Guitar, Luthier Edition

Acoustic Guitar

06/28/23 • 54 min

It’s our first birthday! If you’ve been listening since the beginning, you remember "My First Guitar," where we heard stories from some incredible players. Now we bring you the luthier edition, with 15 outstanding makers reflecting on what they learned from and loved about building their first guitars.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is a listener-supported show:

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the luthiers who generously shared their stories in this episode:
- Bob Benedetto; Dana Bourgeois; Leo Buendia; Monica Esparza; Jayne Henderson; Kenny Hill; Isaac Jang; Joshia de Jonge; William "Grit" Laskin; Linda Manzer; Raymond Morin; Steve Nall; Shelley Park; Rachel Rosenkrantz; Erich Solomon.
Scroll through the gallery of first guitar photos.
Explore our library of stories on guitarmakers and guitarmaking.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Achieve Your Guitar Goals

Acoustic Guitar

12/28/22 • 33 min

Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions. Want to make the leap from beginning to intermediate player? Feel more confident soloing? Whatever intention you set, this episode offers not-to-be-missed tips and ideas for making 2023 your best year of guitar yet. Our panel of experts – featuring David Hamburger and Marlene Hutchinson – shares practical advice for setting, measuring, and achieving your guitar goals.

Support the show:

Listen to Part 2 on Patreon – this time, it’s unlocked and free for everyone! Happy new year!
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Additional resources:

David Hamburger’s website. Check out The Acoustic Guitar Method books and Acoustic Guitar Slide Basics, plus his lesson series at fretboardconfidential.com.
Marlene Hutchinson’s website. Also check out her Learn to Play Guitar in a Day course and Tips for Guitar Playing Success podcast.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by David Hamburger.
This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jamie Stillway, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editor: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Alejandro Escovedo

Acoustic Guitar

03/27/24 • 30 min

We caught up with Alejandro Escovedo ahead of the release of Echo Dancing – his latest album in a legendary, genre-expansive career. Escovedo candidly discusses how painful personal experiences inform his songwriting, how he first picked up the guitar, why he prefers to play acoustic, and what makes Austin, Texas a great town for songwriters.

Support the show:

Listen to Part 2 on Patreon to learn about the guitars and gear Escovedo tours with, his memories of touring with John Prine, and how music can get us through hard times.
Make a donation on PayPal
Give a rating and review

Additional Resources:

Pre-order Echo Dancing on Bandcamp (or check your local record store or preferred music streaming platforms on March 29.)
Visit Alejandro Escovedo's website.
Watch our 2016 Acoustic Guitar Sessions video with Escovedo.
Read "Six-String Sagas" where 13 artists, including Alejandro Escovedo, share their guitar stories.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Tips on Tone

Acoustic Guitar

04/24/24 • 59 min

You've probably heard the old adage that "tone is in the hands." But what does that really mean? And what makes tone good? We asked 14 prominent acoustic guitarists to weigh in, and got 14 unique responses. You'll want to listen with a notebook in hand, because this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, musical examples, insights, and exercises to try.

Thanks to Henriksen Amplifiers for sponsoring this episode. For demo videos and more information, visit www.HenriksenAmplifiers.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Additional resources:

Learn more about our guests: Abigail Dowd, Amber Russell, Chris Pierce, Eric Skye, Jason Vieaux, Lisa Liu, Maddie Witler, Pete Madsen, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Jackson, Sarah McQuaid, Sean McGowan, Tim Bertsch, and Valerie Turner.
Read "15 Acoustic Guitar Pros Share Tips on Tone" from the January 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
Check out our popular Weekly Workout series for interesting technical workouts that will get your fretting- and picking-hand fingers working in different ways.

Our intro music for this episode was the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1, performed by Sean McGowan.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Eric Bibb

Acoustic Guitar

09/14/22 • 41 min

“I feel drawn to using my ability, talent, and platform to fill in some gaps that I feel are being hewn into the historical record... We have to do more than just tap our feet.”

We Zoomed from California to Sweden to talk with the great guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Bibb. Tune in for captivating stories and insights about his musical upbringing, the limits of being known as a blues player, and the role music plays in uniting and shaping the world today.

Support the show:

Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Bibb demos guitars from his collection – including the 12-string he played for the King of Sweden and BB King. Plus, Bibb shares what he looks (and listens) for at guitar shops.
Make a donation on PayPal
Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

Visit Eric Bibb’s website.
Listen to Dear America.
Learn to play guitar like Eric Bibb.
Watch his Acoustic Guitar Sessions video.
Read Blair Jackson’s review of Global Griot.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editor: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Senior Editor: Blair Jackson
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Eric Bibb.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

Photograph of Eric Bibb courtesy of Michael Wall.

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Badi Assad

Acoustic Guitar

06/01/23 • 29 min

Tune in for a fascinating conversation – plus inspiring demonstrations – with nylon-string guitarist and singer Badi Assad. We talk composing and arranging, how to sing and play at the same time, and the importance of emotion and experimentation.

Support the show:

Listen to Part 2 on Patreon, where Assad explores her approach to re-interpreting pop songs on guitar.
Make a donation on PayPal
Give a rating and review

Additional resources:

Listen to Ilha on Amazon, Apple, or Spotify.
Check out Badi Assad's website.
Watch her Acoustic Guitar Sessions videos.
Find the music for Assad's composition "Farewell" in the Acoustic Guitar archives.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Doc Watson Memories

Acoustic Guitar

05/17/23 • 36 min

To celebrate 100 years of Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson, we invited 11 distinguished guests to share their stories and reflect on his legacy. You'll hear from a range of talented musicians, producers, and makers—including bluegrass titan Peter Rowan, monumental mandolinist Sierra Hull, flatpicking ace David Grier, and more. From poignant memories to laugh-out-loud moments, we explore this great guitarist’s far-reaching and enduring influence on roots music and our lives.

Support the show:

Join our community on Patreon
Make a one-time donation on PayPal
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)

Thanks to our guests: Alan Barnosky; B Townes; Beppe Gambetta; David Grier; David Mathis; John Leventhal; Lindsay Craven; Mitch Greenhill; Peter Rowan; Sierra Hull; Tommy Emmanuel.

Additional Resources:

Read this 1993 interview with Doc Watson from the Acoustic Guitar archives.
Take a flatpicking master class with Alan Barnosky, where you'll learn to think and play like the greats, including Watson.
Learn more about Merlefest.
Learn more about the Doc Watson Signature Model from Gallagher Guitar.

Recommended Listening:

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Alan Barnosky.

This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:

Publisher: Lyzy Lusterman
Editorial Director: Adam Perlmutter
Managing Editor: Kevin Owens
Creative Director: Joey Lusterman
Digital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal Broi
Digital Content Manager: Nick Grizzle
Marketing Services Manager: Tanya Gonzalez

Special thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.

Support the show

Steve James

Acoustic Guitar

01/25/23 • 39 min

Join us for a rollicking conversation and to hear some original tunes performed by the late legendary roots-and-blues raconteur Steve James.

In this episode, he shares stories and insights about his guitars and guitar heroes, treats us to some favorite songs and explains the writing process behind them, and entertains and educates us in the way that only Steve James can.

Please note: James passed away in January 2023; this recording session took place in August 2022. Read more about the life of this great musician and our cherished friend here.

Additional resources:

Listen to Part 2 of this episode, where you’ll hear more stories from the road and more songs.
Explore our book collaborations in the Essential Steve James collection.
Buy albums through Hobemian Records and Antone’s Records (or stream on Spotify or Apple Music.)
Learn more about the National Guitars ResoRocket.

You'll find expanded show notes, including photos and articles, on AcousticGuitar.com.
This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and David Lusterman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.

The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is brought to you by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including: