Jimmy Leslie

Jimmy Leslie has been Frets editor since 2016. See many Guitar Player- and Frets-related videos on his YouTube channel, and learn about his acoustic/electric rock group at spirithustler.com.

Latest articles by Jimmy Leslie

Acoustic guitar

Five Great Tips Every Singing Guitarist Needs to Know

By Jimmy Leslie published

How to use your guitar to find the best key for your voice

T.E.N. featuring Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta), Eric McFadden (pFunk), Norwood Fisher (Fishbone)

Eric McFadden Talks Acoustic AC/DC Covers and Playing Mandolin with P-Funk

By Jimmy Leslie published

Video The virtuoso multi-instrumentalist explains how he wowed George Clinton and scored a bunk on the P-Funk bus.

Video
DeArmond RHC-B pickup

How to Choose the Right Acoustic Guitar Pickup

By Jimmy Leslie published

Video From magnetic soundhole pickups and piezo transducers to onboard mics.

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martin acoustics

What Guitar Body Size Will Bring Out the Best in You?

By Jimmy Leslie published

We take a look at the pros and cons from parlor size to dreadnought.

US musician Keb' Mo' poses in the press room with the award for Best Americana Album for "Oklahoma" during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles.

Master Fingerpicker Keb’ Mo’ Reveals the Craft Behind ‘Oklahoma’

By Jimmy Leslie published

Video Last year’s winner of the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album talks guitars.

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Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster

Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

This acoustic-electric hybrid is a bold-sounding, shape-shifting Swiss Army Knife of a guitar.

Photo of Neil YOUNG; shot in a Warner Brothers rented house in Chelsea, West London

An Acoustic Guitar Player’s Practical Guide to Using Alternate Tunings

By Jimmy Leslie published

From Neil Young and The Doobie Brothers to The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Richard Hoover of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company

A Brief Guide to Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods

By Jimmy Leslie published

Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover gives us the lowdown on the most popular woods used in acoustic guitar building.

tonewood

Busting Tonewood Myths: Forget Everything You’ve Heard About Bass and Treble

By Jimmy Leslie published

Richard Hoover of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company schools us on the nature of tonewoods.

Martin 000-15M

Six Great Ways to Expand Your Acoustic Guitar Tone

By Jimmy Leslie published

These tried and trusted methods of string attack are guaranteed to broaden your tonal horizons.

Fender Acoustic Go

Fender Acoustic Junior Go Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

A compact all-in-one amp solution for players on the move.

Tuning Martin acoustic

7 Tips for a Successful Solo Gig

By Jimmy Leslie published

These essential dos and don’ts will stand any guitarist in good stead.

Kaki King

How Compositional Curiosity and the Theater Led Kaki King to Acoustic Invention and an Evocative New Album

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

The acoustic trailblazer talks her new album, 'Modern Yesterdays,' sound design, developing the Passerelle, and more.

Leo Kottke

Acoustic Icon Leo Kottke on Miking, Reunions, and How to Play Well with Others

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

With bassist Mike Gordon rejoining him on new album 'Noon,' Kottke unpacks the writing and recording process.

Guild M-240E Troubadour

Understanding the Two Main Types of Acoustic Pickups – and How to Amplify Them

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Start your journey to great amplified acoustic tone here.

Lindsey Buckingham

How to Add Advanced Plucking Patterns to Your Acoustic Fingerstyle Technique

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Your path to finger freedom continues with the education of your thumb.

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Alain Johannes on Rebounding From Illness and Loss Through the Redemptive Possibilities of Acoustic Songwriting

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Alain Johannes' latest album is a tour de force of inventive acoustic instrumentation and alternate tunings.

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4 Real Truths About Using Fake Nails on Acoustic Guitar

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Your path to finger freedom continues with essential advice for using acrylic and other synthetic nails.

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How to Explore the Glory of Acoustic Resonance and Sympathetic Strings

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Investigate how you can sometimes get an extra bit of reverberation or the hint of a surprise harmonic from your acoustic.

Radial Engineering PZ-PRO

Radial Engineering PZ-Pro Acoustic Preamp Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

The often difficult task of delivering natural, warm acoustic-electric tones just got a lot easier.

Joe Robinson

Joe Robinson Unpacks the Technique Behind His Breathtaking Electric and Acoustic Guitar Virtuosity

By Jimmy Leslie published

Robinson reflects on acoustic highlights and offers insights into his new album and signature Maton.

Why It's an Exciting Time to be an Acoustic Guitarist

Why It's an Exciting Time to Be an Acoustic Guitarist

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

With formidably talented players taking the instrument to new heights and innovative acoustic-electric builds, are we living in the new golden age of acoustic guitar?

Rich Robinson performs on stage at Sala Apolo on September 25, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.

Rich Robinson Reveals His Acoustic Tone Secrets

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Learn the tricks of trade from The Black Crowes and Magpie Salute guitarist himself.

Break Out of Your Acoustic Box by Taking a Fresh Approach to Your Guitar Playing

Break Out of Your Acoustic Box by Taking a Fresh Approach to Your Guitar Playing

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Got the lockdown blues? Try these four ways to free your muse on the acoustic.

Martin De Goni Authentic 1843

Acoustic Relativity: How Body Size Is Crucial When Choosing the Right Guitar

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

Does your guitar fit your body? If not, you might not be getting the best out of it or your playing.

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