Jimmy LeslieSocial Links NavigationJimmy 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 Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster Review By Jimmy Leslie last updated 20 August 21 This acoustic-electric hybrid is a bold-sounding, shape-shifting Swiss Army Knife of a guitar. An Acoustic Guitar Player’s Practical Guide to Using Alternate Tunings By Jimmy Leslie published 19 August 21 From Neil Young and The Doobie Brothers to The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. A Brief Guide to Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods By Jimmy Leslie published 4 August 21 Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover gives us the lowdown on the most popular woods used in acoustic guitar building. Busting Tonewood Myths: Forget Everything You’ve Heard About Bass and Treble By Jimmy Leslie published 30 July 21 Richard Hoover of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company schools us on the nature of tonewoods. Six Great Ways to Expand Your Acoustic Guitar Tone By Jimmy Leslie published 28 July 21 These tried and trusted methods of string attack are guaranteed to broaden your tonal horizons. Fender Acoustic Junior Go Review By Jimmy Leslie last updated 28 July 21 A compact all-in-one amp solution for players on the move. 7 Tips for a Successful Solo Gig By Jimmy Leslie published 21 July 21 These essential dos and don’ts will stand any guitarist in good stead. How Compositional Curiosity and the Theater Led Kaki King to Acoustic Invention and an Evocative New Album By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 The acoustic trailblazer talks her new album, 'Modern Yesterdays,' sound design, developing the Passerelle, and more. Acoustic Icon Leo Kottke on Miking, Reunions, and How to Play Well with Others By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 With bassist Mike Gordon rejoining him on new album 'Noon,' Kottke unpacks the writing and recording process. Understanding the Two Main Types of Acoustic Pickups – and How to Amplify Them By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Start your journey to great amplified acoustic tone here. How to Add Advanced Plucking Patterns to Your Acoustic Fingerstyle Technique By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Your path to finger freedom continues with the education of your thumb. Alain Johannes on Rebounding From Illness and Loss Through the Redemptive Possibilities of Acoustic Songwriting By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Alain Johannes' latest album is a tour de force of inventive acoustic instrumentation and alternate tunings. How to Explore the Glory of Acoustic Resonance and Sympathetic Strings By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Investigate how you can sometimes get an extra bit of reverberation or the hint of a surprise harmonic from your acoustic. Radial Engineering PZ-Pro Acoustic Preamp Review By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 The often difficult task of delivering natural, warm acoustic-electric tones just got a lot easier. Joe Robinson Unpacks the Technique Behind His Breathtaking Electric and Acoustic Guitar Virtuosity By Jimmy Leslie published 19 July 21 Robinson reflects on acoustic highlights and offers insights into his new album and signature Maton. Why It's an Exciting Time to Be an Acoustic Guitarist By Jimmy Leslie last updated 14 July 21 With formidably talented players taking the instrument to new heights and innovative acoustic-electric builds, are we living in the new golden age of acoustic guitar? Rich Robinson Reveals His Acoustic Tone Secrets By Jimmy Leslie last updated 14 July 21 Learn the tricks of trade from The Black Crowes and Magpie Salute guitarist himself. Acoustic Relativity: How Body Size Is Crucial When Choosing the Right Guitar By Jimmy Leslie last updated 14 July 21 Does your guitar fit your body? If not, you might not be getting the best out of it or your playing. Ben Harper Reveals Intimate Details About His Solo Lap-Style Affair, 'Winter Is for Lovers' By Jimmy Leslie published 25 June 21 How the Californian multi-instrumentalist's search for a unique sound put a special John Monteleone archtop lap-style guitar in his hands and paved the way for a record like no other. Steve Hackett Details the Techniques Behind His Dramatic Nylon-String Showcase, ‘Under a Mediterranean Sky‘ By Jimmy Leslie published 25 May 21 Referencing Segovia et al, Hackett's latest album is a typically adventurous undertaking that is as much an orchestral album as it is acoustic. Channel Your Inner Lifeson, Howe, and Hackett with this Primer on Acoustic Prog By Jimmy Leslie published 17 May 21 Sometimes, an old-world solution is the most progressive path. Breedlove Jeff Bridges Amazon Concert Sunburst CE Review By Jimmy Leslie published 20 April 21 A beautifully built and affordable acoustic with an eco-conscious build and sweet tones? The Dude abides. How to Understand and Apply Nashville Tuning By Jimmy Leslie published 23 March 21 Nashville tuning provides the high chime on the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” Rush’s “Natural Science,” and Pink Floyd’s “Hey You.” Godin Multiac Grand Concert Deluxe Review By Jimmy Leslie published 18 March 21 The Canadian hybrid specialist's new flagship acoustic-electric nylon-string is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Jimmy Buffett Returns to His Folk Roots to Rework Deep Cuts From His Catalog By Jimmy Leslie last updated 5 March 21 The mayor of Margaritaville on songwriting, desert island guitars, and the importance of telling a good story. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Archives Get The Pick NewsletterAll the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors LATEST ARTICLES1“People had so many crazy ideas about what the song meant. But it was complete B.S." His song about a killer and a haunted lake launched an urban legend. Thirty years later, some fans still think "Possum Kingdom" is true2“Robby and I looked at each other when the strings were being recorded and asked, 'Should we really be doing this?’ ” With 2 billion streams, Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” is one of the most played songs in the world. Johnny Rzeznik reveals its odd history3"There was a guy walking down the street, singing it at the top of his lungs. I thought, 'Wow — that song can be interpreted a whole different way.' " Warren Haynes explains the lucky break that led to his transformational take on U2's "One"4“It took me months of searching through tens of thousands of photos. And there we had it: George Harrison at home with his collection of guitars.” An unusual guitar is at the center of a mystery about the Beatles' White Album, released 56 years ago today5"It came down to saying, ‘Man, you’re playing better than I am. You gotta take the part.’ You gotta be honest with each other, or it’s just going to be crap.” Scott Gorham recalls finding his footing with Thin Lizzy’s 1976 classic “Emerald”
Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster Review By Jimmy Leslie last updated 20 August 21 This acoustic-electric hybrid is a bold-sounding, shape-shifting Swiss Army Knife of a guitar.
An Acoustic Guitar Player’s Practical Guide to Using Alternate Tunings By Jimmy Leslie published 19 August 21 From Neil Young and The Doobie Brothers to The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.
A Brief Guide to Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods By Jimmy Leslie published 4 August 21 Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover gives us the lowdown on the most popular woods used in acoustic guitar building.
Busting Tonewood Myths: Forget Everything You’ve Heard About Bass and Treble By Jimmy Leslie published 30 July 21 Richard Hoover of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company schools us on the nature of tonewoods.
Six Great Ways to Expand Your Acoustic Guitar Tone By Jimmy Leslie published 28 July 21 These tried and trusted methods of string attack are guaranteed to broaden your tonal horizons.
Fender Acoustic Junior Go Review By Jimmy Leslie last updated 28 July 21 A compact all-in-one amp solution for players on the move.
7 Tips for a Successful Solo Gig By Jimmy Leslie published 21 July 21 These essential dos and don’ts will stand any guitarist in good stead.
How Compositional Curiosity and the Theater Led Kaki King to Acoustic Invention and an Evocative New Album By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 The acoustic trailblazer talks her new album, 'Modern Yesterdays,' sound design, developing the Passerelle, and more.
Acoustic Icon Leo Kottke on Miking, Reunions, and How to Play Well with Others By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 With bassist Mike Gordon rejoining him on new album 'Noon,' Kottke unpacks the writing and recording process.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Acoustic Pickups – and How to Amplify Them By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Start your journey to great amplified acoustic tone here.
How to Add Advanced Plucking Patterns to Your Acoustic Fingerstyle Technique By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Your path to finger freedom continues with the education of your thumb.
Alain Johannes on Rebounding From Illness and Loss Through the Redemptive Possibilities of Acoustic Songwriting By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Alain Johannes' latest album is a tour de force of inventive acoustic instrumentation and alternate tunings.
How to Explore the Glory of Acoustic Resonance and Sympathetic Strings By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 Investigate how you can sometimes get an extra bit of reverberation or the hint of a surprise harmonic from your acoustic.
Radial Engineering PZ-Pro Acoustic Preamp Review By Jimmy Leslie last updated 21 July 21 The often difficult task of delivering natural, warm acoustic-electric tones just got a lot easier.
Joe Robinson Unpacks the Technique Behind His Breathtaking Electric and Acoustic Guitar Virtuosity By Jimmy Leslie published 19 July 21 Robinson reflects on acoustic highlights and offers insights into his new album and signature Maton.
Why It's an Exciting Time to Be an Acoustic Guitarist By Jimmy Leslie last updated 14 July 21 With formidably talented players taking the instrument to new heights and innovative acoustic-electric builds, are we living in the new golden age of acoustic guitar?
Rich Robinson Reveals His Acoustic Tone Secrets By Jimmy Leslie last updated 14 July 21 Learn the tricks of trade from The Black Crowes and Magpie Salute guitarist himself.
Acoustic Relativity: How Body Size Is Crucial When Choosing the Right Guitar By Jimmy Leslie last updated 14 July 21 Does your guitar fit your body? If not, you might not be getting the best out of it or your playing.
Ben Harper Reveals Intimate Details About His Solo Lap-Style Affair, 'Winter Is for Lovers' By Jimmy Leslie published 25 June 21 How the Californian multi-instrumentalist's search for a unique sound put a special John Monteleone archtop lap-style guitar in his hands and paved the way for a record like no other.
Steve Hackett Details the Techniques Behind His Dramatic Nylon-String Showcase, ‘Under a Mediterranean Sky‘ By Jimmy Leslie published 25 May 21 Referencing Segovia et al, Hackett's latest album is a typically adventurous undertaking that is as much an orchestral album as it is acoustic.
Channel Your Inner Lifeson, Howe, and Hackett with this Primer on Acoustic Prog By Jimmy Leslie published 17 May 21 Sometimes, an old-world solution is the most progressive path.
Breedlove Jeff Bridges Amazon Concert Sunburst CE Review By Jimmy Leslie published 20 April 21 A beautifully built and affordable acoustic with an eco-conscious build and sweet tones? The Dude abides.
How to Understand and Apply Nashville Tuning By Jimmy Leslie published 23 March 21 Nashville tuning provides the high chime on the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” Rush’s “Natural Science,” and Pink Floyd’s “Hey You.”
Godin Multiac Grand Concert Deluxe Review By Jimmy Leslie published 18 March 21 The Canadian hybrid specialist's new flagship acoustic-electric nylon-string is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Jimmy Buffett Returns to His Folk Roots to Rework Deep Cuts From His Catalog By Jimmy Leslie last updated 5 March 21 The mayor of Margaritaville on songwriting, desert island guitars, and the importance of telling a good story.
