Jimmy Leslie
Jimmy Leslie is the former editor of Gig magazine and has more than 20 years of experience writing stories and coordinating GP Presents events for Guitar Player including the past decade acting as Frets acoustic editor. He’s worked with myriad guitar greats spanning generations and styles including Carlos Santana, Jack White, Samantha Fish, Leo Kottke, Tommy Emmanuel, Kaki King and Julian Lage. Jimmy has a side hustle serving as soundtrack sensei at the cruising lifestyle publication Latitudes and Attitudes. See Leslie’s many Guitar Player- and Frets-related videos on his YouTube channel, dig his Allman Brothers tribute at allmondbrothers.com, and check out his acoustic/electric modern classic rock artistry at at spirithustler.com. Visit the hub of his many adventures at jimmyleslie.com
Latest articles by Jimmy Leslie

“For the sophisticated player that wants it all.” We review the PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow
By Jimmy Leslie published
Built in Maryland, this new addition to the PRS S2 line hits the sweet spot between classic tone, modern versatility and pure playability

“The coolest acoustic-electric guitar gadget of the past decade is now better than ever.” We review the new ToneWoodAmp2 Portable Effects Processor for Acoustic-Electric Guitars
By Jimmy Leslie published
A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, multieffects and the free ToneWoodAmp Remote app are among the many upgrades

Buddy Guy’s wild tales about Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and the Bassman that got left on the runway
By Jimmy Leslie published
At nearly 90, Guy has seen and performed with some of guitar's greatest in blues and rock, and experienced the crazy ups and downs of touring

Win tickets to see former Police guitarist Andy Summers live at GP Presents in San Francisco
By Jimmy Leslie published
Summers makes a solo multimedia appearance at the new Presidio Theatre, September 27

Rick Beato on guitar’s forgotten greats and his upcoming performance at GP Presents. Here’s how to win tickets to see him
By Jimmy Leslie published
The YouTube music guru makes a rare live appearance in San Francisco at the new Presidio Theatre, September 25

Tommy Emmanuel reveals everything you need to know about his upcoming Guitar Camp U.S.A.
By Jimmy Leslie published
Presented by Dreamcatcher Events this October, the camp is a hands-on learning experience unlike any other, featuring the acoustic virtuoso and other noted guitarists

Win Tickets to Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals at GP Presents in Oakland, California
By Jimmy Leslie published
Harper is back on tour with his primary band, with his daughter Harris Harper as the opening act

How Tesla's Frank Hannon rediscovered his love of recording by making an album entirely on his phone
By Jimmy Leslie published
Recovering from loss and chased out of his home by hurricanes, Frank Hannon tracked his new album with just his smartphone and a portable microphone

Sounchecks, warm-ups and going to bed at 5am: How Ben Harper survives touring
By Jimmy Leslie published
Sounchecks, warm-ups and going to bed at 5am: How Ben Harper survives touring

We review the Powers Electric A-Type and find a stunningly unique and inspirational creation
By Jimmy Leslie published
Known for his acoustic creations over at Taylor Guitars, Andy Powers has designed a hollowbody electric that combines vintage vibes with modern and boutique elements

Win tickets to see Buddy Guy, with Taj Farrant, at Guitar Player Presents in Saratoga, California
By Jimmy Leslie published
The blues legend’s Damn Right Farewell tour stops at the Mountain Winery in the South Bay with 16-year-old Australian phenom on Tuesday, August 12

We review the Martin D-28 Billy Strings and DX-2E Billy Strings acoustics
By Jimmy Leslie published
These signature models from today's hottest acoustic guitarist deliver fantastic playability and tone. Which should you choose?

We review the Fishman Jon Gomm Powertap Earth Pro pickup system
By Jimmy Leslie published
Originally created for the English percussive fingerstylist's signature Ibanez acoustic, the system is now available for installation on any acoustic

Uber producer Bob Rock learned the secret sauce behind Alexander Dumble's amps during his long friendship with the famed designer
By Jimmy Leslie published
The producer shares tales of how Dumble's magic transformed many of the prized amps he's used on his productions

Acoustic guitar virtuoso Peppino D’Agostino hopes to help pain sufferers with 'Calm the Storm' music project
By Jimmy Leslie published
The guitarist collaborated with musician and psychologist Dr. Barbara Minton to compose music that would ease chronic pain, migraines and insomnia

Win tickets to Little Feat and Pure Prairie League at Guitar Player Presents in Napa, California
By Jimmy Leslie published
Little Feat is supporting a spirited new album featuring guitarists Scott Sharrard and Fred Tackett, and they’ll have country rockers Pure Prairie League in tow for a GP Presents/Blue Note show at the Meritage in Napa on Saturday, June 14

Our reviewer says the DigiTech HammerOn Pitch Shifter pedal makes him sound like a more creative lead player
By Jimmy Leslie published
Its seven modes give you instantaneous pitch shifting for hammer-ons, trills, instant harmonies, drop and capo tunings, and much more

The earliest live Sly and the Family Stone recordings are among the treasures from San Francisco's Summer of Love era rediscovered and released by High Moon Records
By Jimmy Leslie published
The label's latest discs include lost albums by Grace Slick associate Jeannie Piersol and psychedelic progenitors the Final Solution

Win tickets to see Anders Osborne and Bella Rayne perform at GP Presents in California's North Bay Area
By Jimmy Leslie published
GP Presents the legendary New Orleans artist and upstart Bay Area guitarist, who will preview their BottleRock sets at the Hopmonk Novato on Friday, May 23

I watched 'Becoming Led Zeppelin.' Here's how it shows acoustic guitar's vital role in Jimmy Page's heavy-metal musical vision
By Jimmy Leslie published
Even before they forged their union to supercharge guitar rock, Page and Robert Plant bonded over a folk singer.

Johnny A. walks us through his song-based live looping strategy as he demonstrates his guitar rig
By Jimmy Leslie published
The guitarist gave us a bird's-eye view of his pedalboard as he played through Jeff Beck’s “Morning Dew

Orianthi performs at Guitar Player Presents in Oakland, California — Win Tickets
By Jimmy Leslie published
The PRS signature guitarist will make her debut appearance at the monthly concert series with shows on April 16 and 17

Tommy Emmanuel shares his gig-day guitar routine, from sun-up to show time
By Jimmy Leslie published
The Australian acoustic guitar maestro reveals what it takes for him to be at peak performance for his high-energy solo shows
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