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 Recording Made Easy: How to Choose and Use the Best Mics
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Producer Mikel Ross schools us on how to get the best results in the studio.

Taylor 724ce Koa Grand Auditorium Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
For the everyday player who appreciates a lighter, freer, more touch-sensitive tone

GP Presents Joe Satriani on Sunday, October 2 in Oakland, CA – Win Tickets!
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
Guitar Player welcomes the icon’s Earth Tour to the fabulous Fox Theatre

Acoustic Tips for Electric Players
By Jimmy Leslie published
How to maximize that big hollow box

“I Loved That Feeling of Trying to Improve as a Player”: Jack Johnson Dives Deep Into His Enchanting New Record, ‘Meet the Moonlight’
By Jimmy Leslie published
The oft-imitated Hawaiian with the hallmark rhythm hand talks signature style

“The Guitar Is an Endless Exploration”: Acoustic Legend Peter Rowan Looks Back on a Lifetime in Music
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
The Americana treasure connects bluegrass luminaries from Bill Monroe, Jerry Garcia and Tony Rice to Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, both of whom join him on his new album, ‘Calling You From My Mountain’

“It Was Like Coming Full Circle to Honor Libba Cotten”: Peter Rowan Reveals the Origin of “Panama Red”
By Jimmy Leslie published
The Americana legend tells the story of his signature song and explains how to play it

Fender Paramount Bluegrass Collection PM-180E Mandolin Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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
By Jimmy Leslie published
This all-mahogany acoustic-electric round-neck resonator has a full and organic amplified sound

Is NAMM History?
By Jimmy Leslie published
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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
By Jimmy Leslie published
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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
By Jimmy Leslie published
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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"
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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!
By Jimmy Leslie published
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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!
By Jimmy Leslie published
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
How revelations with tuning, guitars and friends inspired the Spirit Hustler track “Circlin’ the Sun.”

Lava ME 3 Review
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
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
By Jimmy Leslie last updated
The guitarist reunites with Taj Mahal for ‘Get On Board: The Songs of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.’
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