Acoustic Tuesday Show With Tony Polecastro

Charlie Parr is one of the most under-the-radar living guitar legends out there. He's known for his wild country blues and roots sound. In this video, you'll learn how to sound like this guitar legend and learn some tips and tricks from my years of knowing and playing with him! ​Charlie Parr is first and foremost a folk artist. He's incredible talented, humble, and dedicated to carrying on the traditions of folk music. Whether its hill country blues or a one of his original compositions, I highly recommend you check him out! Once you've gotten a taste of his sound, you're probably wondering how you can incorporate his techniques and style into your own playing. Luck for you, that's why I made this episode. I'll be serving 10 guitar lessons to help you emulate Charlie Parr.  But more importantly, you'll learn how to find your own sound via the wisdom of Charlie Parr — just check out the episode and you'll know what I mean! Featured in this episode... - Charlie Parr   - Smithsonian Folkways  - Sam Bush   - Tayl

Gibson has an incredible history of making some of the best acoustic guitars. But after 100 years, which ones are their best acoustic guitars ever made? Whenever I talk about Gibson Guitars, I'm always sure to upset, puzzle, dazzle, and mystify some folks. So, before you go any further, I want you to know this is just my perspective on things. Take it for what it's worth. I've played thousands of guitars for even thousands of more hours.  When I made this list I wanted to remove some of the super expensive, vintage Gibson acoustic guitars that are truly cost prohibitive. Many Gibson acoustic guitars are just way too expensive, but just know I considered putting them on this list. From the Keb Mo signature to the True Vintage J-200, there are some incredible guitars on this list. Be sure to watch the full episode to see if your favorite Gibson acoustic guitar is on this list! In addition to talking about some of the best acoustic guitars Gibson has made, we'll take a look at some comments from the episode I di

Drop D tuning can open up an entire new sonic soundscape, but do you know how best to practice your shapes and scales in this alternate tuning? On today's episode of Acoustic Tuesday, you're going to get a lesson behind the acoustic guitar lick of the week. Every Tuesday, I offer you a quick lesson on learning an awesome lick. But this week, you'll get to see the theory, rationale, and benefits behind learning the lick this week. Specifically, this lick focuses on drop D tuning for the acoustic guitar. Drop D tuning is when you turn your low E string to a low D. This gives you awesome bass sounds and can infuse your playing with bluesy mojo sounds.  If you aren't a fan of the blues (to which I say, check yourself!), drop D tuning is used in a variety of different genres. From American Primitive to modern fingerstyle, you're sure to find a great way to apply drop D tuning to your playing. Besides covering drop D tuning, you'll also hear from TAC Family member Shannon and how building a solid guitar routine hel

Ever wondered what slide is the best for playing slide guitar? Brass? Bronze? Glass? Heavy? Light? All this will — and more — will be covered in this episode of Acoustic Tuesday! Bottleneck slides are perhaps the most important piece of gear for playing slide guitar...besides your guitar, of course! That's why I've dedicated a whole episode to discussing the importance of picking out the right slide.  There are so many choices out there. It can be totally overwhelming. And sometimes, when you're overwhelmed, you just go with the cheapest price. I'm here to advise you against doing that. Instead, take a look at these 10 slide manufacturers to see what to look for in a high-quality slide that can work within your budget. I'll also add that I have a preference for bronze or brass slides. I explain why in the video, but it ultimately boils down to a combination of tone and feel. I really love the heavy feeling of a slide that sits comfortably on my finger and has enough weight that it isn't bouncing off the strin

Resonator guitars have so many myths tied to them. They have to be played differently. They're way too expensive. They are only good for one style. But is any of this actually true? On today's episode of Acoustic Tuesday, you'll get a chance to see my top 10 favorite resonator guitars. This list is made up of many different resonator guitars at different price points. Every guitar on this list is a great bang for your buck regardless. I love resonator guitars because they have some great punchy tones. Like a banjo, the decay on resonators can be really quick, but as a soon as you add a slide, the tone morphs so much. But this brings us to the first common misconception: resonators have to be played with a slide. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Resonator guitars can be played like a normal guitar. Sure, using a slide gives it a very bluesy or country sound, but in reality, they sound just as good without a slide. You don't need any different techniques really.  There's also a perception that resonator

Synthesizers. BOOMING snare hits. Shredding. The 80s aren't known for acoustic guitar playing. But that's will change in this episode of Acoustic Tuesday! We'll be taking a look at the 10 best acoustic guitar albums of the 80s, paying close attention to some of the best flatpickers and fingerpickers of that decade. I'm not talking about one-off power ballads that use an acoustic guitar in the intro. I'm talking about whole albums that pushed the genre of acoustic guitar music. You'll recognize some classics on here like Tony Rice's "Church Street Blues," and Michael Hedge's "Aerial Boundaries." With each of the albums chosen, I'll highlight my favorite song off the album in the hopes that you can check them out for yourself.  In addition to discussing the 10 best acoustic guitar albums of the 80s, you'll hear a very important story from TAC Family member Johnny. He noticed that he actually enjoys playing guitar now more than he did when he was younger. Why is this? Be sure to listen to him tell his story abou

Santa Cruz Guitar Company has been making some of the best guitars on the market for almost 50 years. Check out this episode to see why these guitars make tones like no other guitar can. From the classics like the Vintage Southerner to the tiny but mighty Firefly, there's something for everyone on this list. I've had the pleasure of playing many guitars in my life, and @SantaCruzGuitarCo has always had high standards, and excellent craftsmanship. In addition to talking about my 8 favorite guitars from this small-bench, boutique luthier, I have a whole slew of new music releases that I'm excited to share with you. From Pharis and Jason Romero to John Moreland, there's some awesome music for you to listen to this week! Featured in this Episode Santa Cruz GuitarCo Eddie's Guitars Tom Sands Adrian Bellue Pharis and Jason Romero Smithsonian Folkways John Moreland Jeffrey Foucault

Harmonics on acoustic guitar can be tricky! You can't rely on the gain of your amp, which means accuracy is super important. This episode will cover everything you should practice to start playing harmonics on acoustic guitar. Before we go any further, you might be wondering what harmonics are. Harmonics create a bell-like tone you can make on your guitar by gently placing your finger above certain positions on the fretboard and plucking the string. It creates an overtone on the guitar. The end result is an airy, bell-like tone. Between natural and false harmonics, there's a whole sonic landscape to discover with harmonics. The only problem is that playing harmonics on an acoustic guitar is much harder. Electric guitars benefit from having amplification, which means harmonics can be played even if you miss the sweet spot of where the harmonic is. Natural harmonics are located on the 12th, 5th, and 7th frets on a guitar. There are other locations, too, but these are the common places guitarists play natural ha

Chord modifications, or mods, can elevate your rhythm and lead guitar playing. If you're ready to transform your open chords into deeper, complex chords with just a few adjustments, stay tuned! This episode will cover chord modifications by way of learning a lick. We'll start by seeing how chord modifications come up in the guitar lick I call "cement mixer." This lick reveals so much about playing within a chord shape. "Cement mixer" is the perfect gateway into chord mods. There's a perception that chord mods are an advanced technique. However, the sooner you can practice them, the more your sonic landscape will really open up. So, whether you're a beginner or advanced guitar player, you're going to learn so much from working on your chord mods. Chord mods on guitar allow you to add melody to chord playing. It can add another layer of musicality to your rhythm playing. If you play just by yourself, I promise that employing some chord mods will spice up your playing. In addition to learning the "ceme

The Byrds were pioneers of psychedelic and folk rock. While acoustic guitars weren't their main axes, there are still plenty of lessons to learn from this incredible band. The Byrds have a rich history of rocking out and pushing the boundaries of rock. They weren't afraid to crossover into different genres. And, as a result, they took a variety of different techniques and applied them to non-traditional situations. From the way they modified chords to how they reimagined certain arrangements, there are plenty of technique lessons you can learn from the Byrds. I want to specifically focus on 7 key areas of The Byrds' music. By the end of this lesson, you'll learn some Byrds-inspired techniques that are sure to help you discover that '60s folk-rock sound on your guitar. Besides discussing the techniques we can learn from the Byrds, you'll also get to hear more about the Tony's Acoustic Challenge Family, slide guitar technique from an earlier AT episode, and the interview that's inspiring me on my guita

What if I told you my favorite acoustic 12-string guitar was less than $300? This episode will cover my top 10 favorite acoustic 12-string guitars. From the high-end to the low-end, you'll get a wide variety of takes on 10 guitars. 12-string guitars are known for their full, rich sound. It gives a natural chorus sound to an acoustic guitar. They can be a little difficult to play. Sometimes they're even harder to tune. But I promise, it's well worth your time. The 12-string guitars that made my top 10 list are judged on value, tone, and beauty. They're all great guitars — especially the cheapest one. But for those who are loyal to Taylor Guitars, you'll be happy to know there are two Taylors on my list! Featured in this episode… Charlie Parr National Guitars Orangewood Guitars Taylor Guitars Fender Martin Guitar Guild Guitars Seagull Guitars Larrivee Yamaha Guitars

I messed up a few weeks ago. I made a top 10 guitar YouTube channels to follow. But there weren't enough acoustics. All that changes this week. This week, we're taking a look at my favorite acoustic guitar YouTube channels. From the more popular to the under the radar, this list is sure to dazzle and delight you. Did I mention there are no electric guitarists? The whole point of the episode is to get you learning. However, I have a big caveat. YouTube is a super easy way to get distracted. You can go down a rabbit hole, through a worm hole, and out in the land of procrastination. To avoid that situation, I want you to stay focused! Don't click on the suggested videos or get sidetracked. You're here on a mission. I want you to enjoy checking out these other YouTube guitar channels, but make sure you don't get too distracted! Featured on this episode… Lessons With Marcel Banjo Ben Clark Jake Workman Brandon Johnson Music With Ryan Fretboard Confidential Tom Feldmann ~ PlayCountryBlues daddystovepipe

They take your breath away, step on your toes, sound like pianos, and play like a summer's breeze. Signature guitars are more than just a marketing gimmick — mostly. In this video, we're looking at the 10 best signature guitars. There's a perception that signature guitars, also known as spec guitars, are only for really serious guitarists. That's because most of the guitars are 1) expensive, 2) built to an artists' specifications, 3) use high-quality materials. No expenses spared. While there are many that are expensive, I have a couple on this list that are totally for beginners. This is a great opportunity to hear some of the best offerings from guitar makers like Martin, Taylor, Thompson, and so many more. If you're excited to see how you can emulate a certain artists' sound, or you just want something that is vetted by your favorite artist, this episode is totally for you! Now, I have to warn you. There's a fairly large plot twist at the end of this episode. So, in the comments below, be sure to

Guitar scales are incredibly important. But they're also a little overwhelming. Why are there so many? Why is it all complicated? Does it have to be? This episode is all about a acoustic guitar scale that I think simplifies a lot of things. To illustrate this, we'll start by learning a lick in the key of E. I'll continue by illustrating how and why this lick works. You'll see what the lick teaches about the horizontal scales, how to apply the lick in your playing, and so much more. Think of the lick as the creative launching pad and the lesson behind it as the secret sauce that makes everything work. The episode is part of a new series called Lesson Behind the Lick. I hope you like this format and find that it helps contextualize the licks. If you enjoy this and want to see more, be sure to leave a comment and let me know! Also featured in this episode... - The Nashville Predators  - The North American Guitar   - Carter Vintage Guitars   - Avril Lavigne   - John Lee Hooker Official   - Music is Win   - Hofner

Slide guitar is zippy, twangy, and classic. On today's episode, you're going to learn how to use a bottleneck slide to bring those classic tones to your acoustic guitar. In 6 easy steps, I'll show you how to hold the slide properly, which tunings to use, and how to make single-string melodies! Slide guitar is the open sky where the buffalo roam and where the waves lap the shore at sunset. It evokes a different time and place that the all-too-digital world we live in now. I've always been drawn to this sound and I can't wait to share it with you! When I first started playing slide guitar, I thought that a slide was used for barre chords. Almost like a capo! Little did I know, the slide was for so much more than that.  I personally prefer using lap slides where you can see the fretboard more easily. Bottleneck slides are typically more accessible to players, especially if you are transitioning between playing slide and playing normally.  Slide guitar unlocks new sonic possibilities for your playing. If you are

Look, I'm not saying Taylor Swift is like the Beatles of pop music right now, but she's a huge deal. Which is why this episode is dedicated to T-Swift and the incredible wisdom we can get from her guitar playing. Taylor Swift's career is prolific. And through ever phase of her career, the acoustic guitar has been a mainstay. Whether it's her debut album or her folk revival albums of the past couple of years, she has fine-tuned her playing over the years. Taylor Swift has so many tricks up her sleeve. From being a masterful palm-muter to her use of open tunings, Taylor is a source of inspiration for so many guitarists. I mean, why not take a few lessons from the most famous acoustic guitarists out there today? If you liked this episode, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you part of Taylor's acoustic guitar playing resonates with you! Featured on this episode… Taylor Swift The Marcus King Band Gibson Guitars Jared James Nichols

​Taylor Guitars  raises the bar for acoustic guitars. But how do you know which Taylor Guitar is right for your needs? Stay tuned to hear about some of the best Taylor Acoustic Guitars for 2022. Taylor Guitars has been at the forefront of guitar making for decades. And they show no sign of stopping. Taylor Guitars was named one of the most innovative manufacturers by Fast Company — but that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Taylor Guitars actually stand the test of time. They look phenomenal. They play incredibly with a variety of tones and body styles to accommodate any player.  I haven't liked every Taylor Guitar I've played, though. Sometimes they're too chime-y or thin. Despite this, I think Taylor still makes some unforgettable acoustic guitars. That's why this episode is covering the five best Taylor Acoustic Guitars.  In addition to hearing about Taylor Guitars, you'll also see... - Jeff Jewitt   - New York Rangers   - Mike Dawes - Bluegrass Life  

Are you struggling to find good guitar geeks on YouTube? Can't find funny, inspirational, and interesting guitarists on YouTube? Check out this episode for a round-up of the 10 must-follow guitar geeks on YouTube! There are thousands of guitar personalities on YouTube. How do you know who to watch, who gives good advice, and who you should steer clear of? This list of must-follow guitar geeks includes some teachers, some musical artists, and usually a combination of both. All of their YouTube videos are informative, entertaining, and interesting. Honestly, one of the filters I used is whether I'd want to hang out with these YouTube guitar personalities. Whether it was their sense of humor, their technical prowess, their approach to learning, or some combination of all of the above, this is my list of the 10 must-follow guitar geeks on YouTube. These guitar geeks have wisdom to impart, regardless of whether you're just starting your guitar journey or are years into it. I think they're content

What can guitar players learn from one of the best banjo players of all time? In this episode, we'll take a closer look at Earl Scruggs, his banjo technique, and how guitar players can apply these techniques to expand their tonal horizons! I am a huge Earl Scruggs fan. His banjo playing definitely cements him in the hall of fame of banjo musicians. Earl Scruggs was filled with wisdom, which is why I wanted to dedicate a whole episode to the legend. Even though he mostly played banjo, I think there are so many life and technique lessons to learn from Earl Scruggs. One of the inspirations for this episode came from a video clip of Earl Scruggs. In the footage, he swaps his banjo for a guitar. Without hesitation, Scruggs was able to dive right into the role of rhythm guitar. Scruggs' flexibility and rhythmic prowess allowed for spontaneity and collaboration — something I think all of us could benefit from learning! As far as specific technique we can learn from Earl Scruggs' playing, I really want

Looking for a technique that can help you stand out with relative ease? Try staccato playing with this in-depth lesson! Add staccato playing to your tonal toolbox and start jamming away! This episode will dive into a technique called staccato playing. Staccato playing involves using short, punchy notes to create rhythmic drive and tonal separation from other notes. If you've never heard or tried this technique, don't worry — I'll show you how to both use the technique and how to apply it to your playing. I love staccato playing because it allows rhythmic playing. It has a choppy sound that can give you more options to approach playing a lick or song. When you add staccato to a single-note phrase, it stands out so much more. In addition to learning how to use staccato playing, I'll also show you how staccato notes can help you control dynamics in your playing. Because it has a loud but punchy tone, you can insert notes without burying others you are playing with. If you're worried about this