Latest articles by Jimmy Leslie
“It Was Like Coming Full Circle to Honor Libba Cotten”: Peter Rowan Reveals the Origin of “Panama Red”
The Americana legend tells the story of his signature song and explains how to play it
Fender Paramount Bluegrass Collection PM-180E Mandolin Review
A down-home handsome instrument with a modern classic sensibility that plays well right out of the box
Fender Paramount Bluegrass Collection PR-180E Resonator Review
This all-mahogany acoustic-electric round-neck resonator has a full and organic amplified sound
Is NAMM History?
Find out how this year's Anaheim event gave insights to the future of acoustic gear – and of the show itself
Three Strap-Button Strategies to Change the Way You Play
Buttonless like Cash? Treble-side? How you wear your guitar can make all the difference in how you play.
GP Presents Wayne Krantz in Oakland, California – Win Tickets
KCL (Krantz, Carlock, Lefebvre) will headline Yoshi’s at Jack London Square on Tuesday, September 13.
Martin 0012-28 and 000-42 Modern Deluxe Review
Contemporary updates, impeccable craft and superb tones make this 000 and parlor-sized pairing another thrilling addition to Martin's Modern Deluxe series.
Trey Anastasio on the Magic and Power of Open-String Suspensions
The Phish singer and guitarist explains how David Rawlings and Joe Pass inspired him to lean on open strings to enrich both his band's music and his solo work.
Lava Music Blue Lava Review
This brand-new smart guitar fits Lava’s many considerable innovations into a slightly more conventional, smaller, and far more affordable package.
How the Fingerstyle Slap Technique Can Light a Fire Under Your Acoustic Playing
Inspired by funk slap bass licks, this technique can add some serious dynamics to your tunes.
Trey Anastasio: "During a Lot of Phish Jams, I’ll Land on a Simple Phrase, Almost Childlike, and Then Run with it"
The Phish frontman talks all things acoustic – his expressive new solo album, 'Mercy,' the guitar that completely changed his music landscape, and his "holy grail" Martin.
GP Presents the Waybacks feat. James Nash in Berkeley, CA – Win Tickets!
Guitar Player welcomes the Americana maestros to the Bay Area’s legendary folk venue, the Freight & Salvage, next Friday, July 8.
Fender Smolder Acoustic Overdrive Review
Has Fender engineered the acoustic overdrive solution we've been waiting for?
GP Presents Con Brio Feat. Benjamin Andrews This Sunday, June 19, in San Francisco, CA – Win Tickets!
Guitar Player welcomes the Bay Area’s most rockin’ soul ensemble to the epicenter of jazz in their home region, SFJAZZ.
Writing and Recording Acoustic Rock, Part 2
How revelations with tuning, guitars and friends inspired the Spirit Hustler track “Circlin’ the Sun.”
Lava ME 3 Review
The era of the smart acoustic-electric guitar is upon us and this progressive instrument is a game-changer.
“There Was Something Special About ‘Get On Board’”: Ry Cooder Talks New Collaborative Album
The guitarist reunites with Taj Mahal for ‘Get On Board: The Songs of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.’
“It’s Okay to Sound Different from the Record”: Ry Cooder Reveals His Stage and Studio Secrets
Discover the source of the authentic guitar tones heard on his new album with Taj Mahal, ‘Get On Board: The Songs of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.’
Eric Johnson on His Acoustic Evolution, the Essence of Songwriting and Recreating His Legendary Virginia Strat
On EJ Vol. II, Johnson doubles down on his acoustic playing while taking the electric guitar into bold, new territory. Can he have it both ways?
Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Review
Fender's boundary-pushing Acoustasonic format was a big success on the Tele. Will the Strat follow suit?
GP Presents Andy McKee & Yasmin Williams this Thursday, May 5, in Berkeley, CA – Win Tickets!
Guitar Player welcomes the YouTube king and the prodigious lap tapper to legendary acoustic hotspot Freight & Salvage.
Gibson Generation Collection Review
These flat-tops are a fastball down the middle, with one exceptional curve in the form of the Player Port.
Writing and Recording Acoustic Rock, Part 1
Frets Editor Jimmy Leslie shares the lessons he learned creating Spirit Hustler’s inspired recording “The Spirit of ’69.”
