Bluegrass

Bryan Sutton on Building Bluegrass Chops

July 3, 2020

In this episode of Chasing Frets, the award-winning guitarist reveals his secrets for developing speed, tone, and clarity on an acoustic, and poses the question "What are we doing to get in our own way?"

Bryan Sutton on the Art of Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar

June 29, 2020

Jason Shadrick and Andy Ellis

In this week's first episode, the champion flatpicker (he has won the IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award a staggering 10 times) explains how bluegrass rhythm guitar has developed over the years and describes specific techniques for developing your flatpick rhythm skills. As a bonus, he names a handful of classic albums that are required listening for anyone who loves flattop guitar.

Twang 101: Bluegrass Goes Electric!

February 9, 2019

Levi Clay

Steal inspiration, vocabulary, and picking techniques from legendary acoustic players.

Jon Stickley Live at PG

March 2, 2018

Jason Shadrick

One of the most progressive guitarists in bluegrass sits down to talk about mixing influences, the legendary Tony Rice, and using unexpected pedals with a flattop.

Basic Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar

July 23, 2016

Andy Falco

This step-by-step method will put you on the path to nailing barn-burning tempos.

10 Commandments of Bluegrass Guitar

November 21, 2015

Andy Falco

Essential tips for nailing that “high, lonesome” sound.

Jon Stickley Trio: “Darth Radar” Song Premiere

October 7, 2015

Jason Shadrick

An acoustic power trio that’s influenced as much by Tony Rice as they are by deadmau5.

The Punch Brothers’ Chris Eldridge and Chris Thile: Classically Blue(grass)

February 13, 2015

Jason Shadrick

The progressive acoustic outfit teams up with a legendary producer to create the band’s most wildly interesting album yet, The Phosphorescent Blues.

Pluck ’Em! A Crash Course in Country Guitar

September 20, 2014

Troy Nelson

Grab a Tele and dig into this comprehensive look at the art of twang.

Twang 101: Chromatic Country Runs

May 29, 2013

Erik Halbig

Understand everything you need to know about how to use the "country chromatic scale" and create some of the most finger-busting licks this side of Brent Mason.

Acoustic Adventures: Open for Business

August 10, 2012

Mike Cramer

No longer relegated to beginner-level melodies or open-position chords, open strings can add sonic spice to your solos and make them come alive.

Album Review: Carolina Chocolate Drops - "Leaving Eden"

April 6, 2012

Tessa Jeffers

The Piedmont multi-instrumentalists may be of a vanishing breed who call and respond to their ancestors, arranging classics like “Briggs’ Corn Shucking Jig,” dating as far back as 1855.