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

Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard

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.

Andy McKee performs live on stage during a concert at Columbia Theater Berlin on May 21, 2018 in Berlin, Germany.

“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

Orange Acoustic Pedal Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

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.

Lawson Rollins

“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 D.I.

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.

Taj Mahal

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 guitarist

Acoustic Recording Made Easy: How to Choose and Set Up Your Studio Guitar

By Jimmy Leslie published

Preparing your instrument for the studio environment.

Recording acoustic guitar

Acoustic Recording Made Easy: Studio Supplements

By Jimmy Leslie published

Handy accessories that can make your acoustic recording experience more ergonomic and enjoyable.

recording acoustic guitar

Acoustic Recording Made Easy: Getting Set Up to Record

By Jimmy Leslie published

Get a strong acoustic recording game going in your home studio.

Dweezil Zappa

Zappa Talks Zappa: Inside the Mind of Guitar Genius

By Jimmy Leslie published

Dweezil Zappa explains the art of the guitar solo and reveals how he culled his favorites to create his 'Live in The Moment II' album.

Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel’s Top Three Tips for Recording Melodic Acoustic Instrumentals

By Rod Brakes, Jimmy Leslie published

The Aussie guitar master shares his favorite studio tricks.

Guitar luthier adjusting bracing

The Highs and Lows of Acoustic Guitar Equalization: How Luthiers Control Treble and Bass in the Build

By Jimmy Leslie published

Santa Cruz Guitars founder Richard Hoover reveals the tricks of the trade.

Eric Johanson

Eric Johanson on New School Recording, Old School Guitar Playing, and Putting His Own Spin on Classic Tracks

By Jimmy Leslie published

On 'Covered Tracks,' the bayou bluesman reinterprets rockers with acoustic guitars and looping technology.

L.R. Baggs Voiceprint

Lloyd Baggs on His Digital Conversion and the Development of the Voiceprint Acoustic D.I.

By Jimmy Leslie published

L.R. Baggs's Voiceprint might well be the acoustic guitar's iPhone moment, revolutionizing acoustic amplification.

Guild BT-258E Deluxe

Guild BT-258E Deluxe 8-string Baritone Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

This bodacious jumbo acoustic has big plans for your low-end chord voicings.

Taylor Builder’s Edition K24ce

Taylor Builder's Edition K24ce Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

A luxurious all-koa entry in Taylor's top-drawer V-Class acoustic line-up.

Taylor's high-end Presentation series PS12ce Honduran Rosewood features West African Crelicam ebony binding and fretboard

Taylor Guitars Founder Bob Taylor is Saving Africa’s Vulnerable Ebony

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

The Ebony Project hopes to ensure premium fretboards, bridges and acoustic accessories for the foreseeable future.

Taylor GT 811E and GT K21E

Taylor GT 811E and GT K21E Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

The GT 811e is a versatile workhorse suitable to practically any style or situation, while the Hawaiian koa GT K21e is simply a dream machine.

Taylor Builder's Edition 324CE and 816CE

Taylor Builder's Edition 324ce and 816ce Review

By Jimmy Leslie last updated

V-Class bracing, Taylor's imaginative use of materials, and exquisite craft make for two cutting-edge acoustic guitars.

Guitar playing

Stageworthy Strategies, Part 2: Understanding Acoustic Preamps, D.I.s and Digital Enhancers

By Jimmy Leslie published

Gigs are back and it's time to get your acoustic guitar setup ready for the stage.

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.

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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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