How To Spot A Bluegrass Player On Electric Guitar With Andy Wood
The country music guitar slinger dishes on building chops in bluegrass, his mandolin and guitar heroes, and how he finds his tones.
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Rhett and Zach are joined on this Dipped In Tone by country and bluegrass aficionado Andy Wood. Wood grew up in Knoxville with Appalachian bluegrass musics shaping his view of the world, and even though he’s celebrated for his guitar playing, he reveals that he didn’t pick up an electric until he was 17.
Mandolin was his home turf, where lightning-quick alternate picking was the norm rather than a shredding strategy—there’s no “nuclear arms race of chops” in bluegrass, Wood reveals. The real key to playing fast? Simply learning songs. Because of the different approaches, Wood shares how to spot an electric guitar player who started on bluegrass. Wondering where to start with American roots music? Wood has you covered there, too.
When he finally got around to guitar, Wood studied the playing of Nashville session weapons like Brent Mason alongside players like John Petrucci. Now, Wood throws an annual four-day retreat for guitar players called the Woodshed Guitar Experience, where you can learn from some of music’s greatest modern players.
Plus, learn about how Andy catches great electric tones in the studio, and stayed tuned for his new solo record, Charisma, which launches on August 9.
Joe Bonamassa and Brent Mason make guest appearances on Andy Wood’s new instrumental album, out August 9.
The 11-track collection of instrumental compositions is slated for release on August 9th . Andy Wood is backed by a collection of some of Music City’s finest musicians on drums, bass, organ, keys, strings and even traditional Asian instruments. Guitar legends Joe Bonamassa and Brent Mason also lend their talents to album. The album is available in numerous physical configurations as well as available via all digital service providers here.
Free Range Chicken feat. Brent Mason (Official Music Video) - Andy Wood
From the opening track “Shoot The Sun Down” to the outro of “Believe,” Andy Wood expresses his emotions through his fingers and playing. Andy Wood tackles the Alice In Chains classic “Rooster” in a solo guitar arrangement that demonstrates Wood’s versatility on the instrument. Joe Bonamassa lends his talents to the track “Moaning Lisa” and thefirst single “Free Range Chicken” features another Nashville legend, Brent Mason.
Andy Wood, Charisma.
The tracklist for Charisma is:
1) Shoot The Sun Down
2) Free Range Chicken feat. Brent Mason
3) Rooster
4) Storms and Sparrows
5) Charisma
6) Cherry Blossoms
7) Master Gracey’s Manor
8) Hylia
9) Moaning Lisa feat. Joe Bonamassa
10) Copperhead
11) Believe
Andy Wood will be touring throughout 2024 and beyond in support of Charisma with a handful of recently announced dates and more dates to be announced in the future. Andy also hosts a sleepaway guitar camp - The Woodshed Guitar Experience – that will be returning this September and registration is currently open at https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com. Aside from that, he also spends time as the band leader for the famed band The Stowaways onannual sold-out cruise, Shiprocked The announced tour dates are below and tickets for all upcoming events can be found at https://www.andywoodmusic.com/events/.
The 4-day event will feature clinics and performances hosted by guitar stars Tosin Abasi, Guthrie Trapp, Brent Mason, Mark Lettieri, Greg Koch, and more.
In an effort to create the most unique music instruction and vacation experience around, guitar phenom Andy Wood is back for the third year of his Woodshed Guitar Experience. The Woodshed Guitar Experience will take place at Lake Francis in Crossville, Tennessee from August 25th – August 28th.
The four-day, three-night all-inclusive experience gives players the luxury of time, space, and access to world-class guitarists who are there to help them make breakthroughs in craft and creativity. Joining the already impressive lineup of instructors and performers is Tosin Abasi from Animals As Leaders and country-guitar icon Guthrie Trapp. More information on the Woodshed Guitar Experience can be found at: https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com.
“The Woodshed Guitar Experience is a real passion project for me and one of my favorite things I get to do as a guitar player,” explains Andy Wood. “Getting together with some of the best players in the business to teach a group of dedicated attendees of all skill levels brings me more joy than I ever thought imaginable. I am so excited to get together with everyone this year for what I am sure will be the best camp yet.”
Now in its third year, the Woodshed Guitar Experience is organized by guitarist Andy Wood, who has toured professionally with Rascal Flatts, LoCash, Scott Stapp and others and just recently announced as part of the 2023 Shiprocked cruise. During the day, attendees enjoy small-group lessons, gear talks, jam sessions, and more. Players can bring their own gear or try out demo units from sponsors like Suhr, PRS Guitars, REVV Amplification, Wampler Pedals, and Open Chord Music, including some items that can be hard to find in local music stores. Guests are also treated to three nights of full-length concerts by the artists, showcasing world-class talent with top-tier production values in intimate venues.
The 2022 event features an international line-up. This year’s featured artists include Brent Mason, Mark Lettieri, Greg Koch, Nick Johnston, Martin Miller, and Tom Quayle. House band members Jim Riley, Daniel Kimbro, and Eli Bishop will also lead sessions. Attendance is limited to 125 people to ensure a VIP experience, and schedules are balanced so everyone can spend time with all the instructors. The result is a unique opportunity to learn from and jam with world- class players.
Experience options begin at $2,799 and include housing, all activities, meals, and an open bar, plus shuttle service for attendees in off-site accommodations. The camp stresses an all-inclusive philosophy, welcoming everyone from beginners and enthusiasts to veteran performers. Couples’ add-ons are available, and accommodations are made for special dietary requirements. Details and registration options are available at https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com.
Connect with The Woodshed Guitar Experience online:
Website: https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodshedguitarexperience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodshedguitarexperience/
Connect with Andy Wood online:
Website: https://www.andywoodmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andy.wood.12327
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywoodmusic/