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

“The Guitar Saved Me”: Rising Star Amythyst Kiah Talks Finding Solace in Music
By Jimmy Leslie published
The Gibson Generation artist and Our Native Daughters member delivers powerful acoustic soul on new album ‘Wary + Strange.’

The Best Gear of 2021: Our Roundup of the Year’s Top Guitars, Amps and Pedals
By Dave Hunter, Jimmy Leslie, James Volpe Rotondi, Christopher Scapelliti, Art Thompson published
What in the world of guitar gear got us excited in 2021? Guitar Player's editors and reviewers pick their favorites.

Yasmin Williams is a True Guitar Hero for a New Generation of Players
By Jimmy Leslie published
After mastering the ‘Guitar Hero’ game the experimental scholar became a lap-tapping star.

If You Strum a Ukulele In Space, Does It Make a Sound? Find Out In This Incredible Interview With Astronaut Chris Sembroski
By Jimmy Leslie published
The Air Force veteran took a Martin ukulele to space and discovered the joy of making music in microgravity.

Santa Cruz Guitar’s Happy Traum Signature Model HT/13 is a Fingerpicker's Dream Machine
By Jimmy Leslie published
The folk veteran’s guitar “goes far beyond wood, strings, frets and bracing.”

Taylor TaylorSense Guitar Health Monitoring System Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Not yet ratedThis smart device delivers live info on humidity, temperature, battery level and impact incidents via Bluetooth.

Fender Dhani Harrison Ukulele Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Uku g'joob! This accessibly priced and super stageworthy uke wins an Editors’ Pick.

Martin 00L Earth Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Capable of creating quite a ruckus this guitar’s overall tone is fittingly natural, raw, and organic.

“We Went from Nobody Giving a Shit About the Band to Selling Six Million Records”: Chris and Rich Robinson Talk ‘Shake Your Money Maker’
By Jimmy Leslie published
The famously feuding Black Crowes brothers reveal the craft of their landmark 1990 debut album.

Cordoba Fusion 5 Jet Black Review
By Jimmy Leslie published
For steel-string slingers transitioning to nylon.

Stageworthy Strategies, Part 1: Get Yourself Ready to Return to the Stage
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Gigs are back! Here’s how to get geared up and ready to perform.

Stageworthy Strategies, Part 3: How to Apply Compression and Overdrive to Acoustic Signals
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
A little compression can go a long way to enhancing your dynamics while overdrive can add an intriguing texture to your amplified acoustic guitar tone.

Stageworthy Strategies, Part 4: Acoustic Effects
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Don't let the electric guitar players have all the fun. When playing live, a carefully curated pedalboard can give your sound the edge.

Stageworthy Strategies, Part 5: Understanding Acoustic Amps
By Jimmy Leslie published
The right acoustic amp is your best gig buddy – so find your niche, dial in your tone and rock the planet!

The Gospel According to Taj Mahal Part 2: From North America to Hawaii
By Jimmy Leslie, Jules Leyhe published
In part two of Guitar Player's interview with Mahal, he tells us how the 12-string came into his life, talks slide guitar, Ben Harper and more.

The Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard Delivers a Whole Lotta Bang for the Buck
By Jimmy Leslie published
Super tonal versatility and wonderful playability for under a grand.

“I’m Trying to Paint a Picture or Tell You a Story, Just with the Guitar”: Fingerstyle Guru Andy Mckee Talks Inspiration
By Jimmy Leslie published
The percussive fingerstyle ambassador discusses his masterfully home-recorded EP, ‘Symbol.’

Orange Acoustic Pedal Review
By Jimmy Leslie published
With an easy to use DI/preamp unit that features a wealth of EQ and tone-sweetening possibilities, this pedal shows that Orange is keen to ensure electric players don't have all the fun.

“My Sensei Is Also a Student of Guitar”: Lawson Rollins on the Connection Between Martial Arts and Guitar Playing
By Jimmy Leslie published
The picado ninja talks flexibility, strength, and technique.

LR Baggs Voiceprint Acoustic DI Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
A revolutionary moment in acoustic guitar amplification has arrived as LR Baggs embraces the transformative power of digital technology.

The Gospel According to Taj Mahal: Resonations From Africa to America
By Jimmy Leslie, Jules Leyhe published
In part one of Guitar Player's epic interview with Mahal, the master songwriter unpacks his love of acoustic guitar and the resonator, and musical influences near and far.

Acoustic Recording Made Easy: How to Choose and Set Up Your Studio Guitar
By Jimmy Leslie published
Preparing your instrument for the studio environment.

Acoustic Recording Made Easy: Studio Supplements
By Jimmy Leslie published
Handy accessories that can make your acoustic recording experience more ergonomic and enjoyable.
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