I realized after my first couple of open mics that I learned and practiced seated and played standing. Finding opportunities to play standing has become part of my routine.
Depending on your type of music you can also volunteer to entertain in nursing homes. That helps a lot. Call the activities director at the home you want to play in and see what it takes to get on their schedule.
1. excellent advice! 2. yes - but obvious 3. still obvious - just be confident. 4. obvious 5. you're right ..... SILLY! 6. go with a friend. 7. record it if possible. 8. don't go first. 9. thank the venue and host. 10. ask host for feedback.
#smallwins Tuning in from Evanston, Illinois, great show this week as always! I just graduated high school and as a gift my amazing grandma got me a guitar I’ve been lusting after for months (Ibanez Ae245jr). This allowed me to pay it forward and give my old Yamaha F325D to my friend who’s been playing on a cheap plastic thing for far too long and I’ve never seen him so happy! Truly a gift that keeps on giving!
Steven Bolfing thank you! I agree, I don’t think I could have brought myself to sell it. It was my first guitar and I bought it for myself so it carries too much sentimental value to sell
Congrats! It’s so exciting when you almost there with the money but it’s all you have to spend. I’ll be getting a Takamine a nice one for a heck of deal I made with them no one there makes me feel like an amateur or don’t make you feel like your just a girl. They say hi and let you roam the entire store when your ready their there with you. If you are ever in Maryland the guitar store name is Atomic Music in Beltsville MD my guitar geek friend Matt I think knows more than the owners do their great guys too. Recycling at it best
Tuning in from my office six floors above Hollywood Blvd. The Dark Phoenix world premier is setting up on the street below. Sometimes it's crazy how life turns out.
#smallwin. I got the courage up to play at my first Bluegrass Jam at a local brewery last night. Although I’m not really a picker (lead player) I do know some bass runs and turnarounds. I just Retired last month and finally after 46 years in the Trucking Industry. I can really focus on my Guitar Journey. I’ve seen almost all of the Acoustic Tuesday’s shows and have picked up some very awesome tips as well as enjoying the running stories. Recently I stopped running because of some back issues but in the last 20 years I ran 10 Marathons (none of them well) #learntosuffer and still enjoy seeing others out on the roads while I’m walking me dogs in the early mornings. Keep up the great work guys and the guitar geekiness rolling. Cheers from Richmond, Va. BTW I’m a Jameson fan Mile L
I'm thinking of doing my first open mic. Thanks for the tips! I played electric guitar in bands with my dad, in clubs, bars, private parties, etc. from age 13 to 23. After that I played as a one man band with a bass drum on my right foot, tambourine on my left foot, harmonica on a rack, and of course my 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars on my lap. At the same time, I played in a few bands also. Starting in the 1990's I played as a single with background tracks that I recorded myself using a 4 track Fostex SR-5 recorder, an Alesis SR-16 drum machine, (natural sounding), bass guitar, acoustic/electric guitars, mandolin, harmonicas, and harmonies. Sometimes I had to record two parts at the same time since I only had 4 tracks. Then mixed it all down. It took hundreds of hours! I did this until around 2005. I had to retire because of scoliosis. It got to painful to move the equipment. I still practice hours every day and kept all my work. I have 5 notebooks full of typed out lyrics, etc. Well over 1,000 songs. I keep learning new ones also. I guess it's time to do some open mics! Thanks for all the videos, tips, and reviews!
Tony, seriously, Travis Meeks and Days of The New is one of my main inspirations for picking up the guitar and following TAC. My goal is to be able to play his songs along with the music. Thanks for the feature. You should try to get Travis to show up for an interview
I am already prepared for making mistakes, forgetting how to play the chord and suffering from 'holy crap look at those people' jitters when I do an open mic at ALF..
Nancy Shumway from Germantown, MD sorry for falling behind just have not played for four days! love the show you have a knack for making you’re guitar geeks feel comfortable thanks to everyone
Ahoy from Sarasota Florida. You are absolutely correct regarding the Devil at the Crossroads film. Outstanding! The illustration gave it a Graphic Novel feel and I did not realize he was a member of the 27 club. Seemingly the first. Love the show boys. Keep them coming.
Hey from Columbia,SC area! Great show and great tips on the open mic.As a former host I tried to allay the anxieties for a lot of open mic virgins. These tips will help to prepare them. Great job!
Watched Tuesday evening from Boston, Massachusetts. Thanks for another fun show. About Crossroads, there is a book titled "On Stranger Tides" by Tim Powers, featuring pirates looking for the Fountain of Youth. A huge part of the background is their involvement with voodoo, and brings up many links between voodoo and the Crossroads. Book was used as the idea for one of the Johnny Depp Pirate movies, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". The one with Ian McShane as Blackbeard. Of course the book goes into a lot more detail about the voodoo practices and Crossroads connections.
#smallwins Did my first open mic as a guitar and harmony duet. Things were going just perfectly until I forgot to take the capo off before starting the 2nd song, which put me in a different key at my partner. We started again sans capo, and people loved the song. One additional advice item for an open mic, tune your guitar before going up. Our guitars were all tuned, but there was one first time player, who did great, but one string was slightly off. Thanks Tony & Noah for an enjoyable and informative show..Lou A
Great advice. The biggest thing I'd say is to take your time getting set. Check your tuning. Breathe. Also, some advice I heard Tommy Emmanuel say, don't be afraid to tell the audience you're nervous. Hell, that'll get them on your side!
A FINE AS FROGS HAIR SHOW TONY AND NOAH! Godda have Acoustic Life or else! I'm sure when we arrive at those pearly gates, St. Peter with guitar in hand will ask: Are you a subscriber to Acoustic Life? Yes=Up. No = Down. How else could it possibly be? Now it's time for DaveyJO to put his tools away, lock the shop and head for my guitar! Thanks Guys for another Great show! Love, Light, Peace and Pickin! DaveyJO in Pa.
In the late 60's and early 70's I played in a number of bands and was very comfortable performing in front of a live audience. Years later I stopped playing in front of people and developed some stage fright. Even now it is a problem. I remember Joe Walsh in an interview encouraging musicians to get out there and keep doing it so you will remain comfortable.
I know this place I never feel anxious when going or going in. I live in Maryland but It’s about a thirty minute drive. They are Atomic Music in Beltsville Md .I buy everything from them I call up my guitar geek friend Matt he knows more than the two owners but they are also great guys. I bought a Strat Electric it has inlays of birds. That guitars name is Birdie. Then I have an Ovation Celebrity that one is called Cherry baby. Then need couple of weeks I’ll have my Takamine Electric Acoustic his name will be Buster. So all my guitar are recycled and beautiful to me. So thanks for the message.
“ Learn something new, get a new wrinkle on the brain” by Noah.... I will remember this quote! Love it! Great show, and a newbie to guitar, been taking lessons for a year now. Guitar is my therapy. 💜... Jackie from Albertville, Alabama
#tonetalk Three questions 1) how do I break the cycle of holding your and is a guitar’s neck like a snake that you know if you let go it’ll and it’s wiggling to get out of the hold. 2) sometimes when I look at my picking hand it’s over the lower frets but not hitting the frets. Everything I know I’ve taught myself. My boyfriend is a master at Electric guitar but has no patience to teach me. I’ve learned part way with Tony but I’m missed at couple challenges behind do to medical issues I’m terminal ill! some days I can’t practice. Due to lung issues. used to play back in the eighties a little in the nineties I tried playing with my fathers Montana classical he was a master classical guitarist! In the year the Charvel’s were very popular and I got ripped off by Guitar Center. one of the tuning pegs broke and caused the the stock to break in my Dads guitar broke a big piece of one the sides of tuning pegs it actually broke the wood in the stock. Then at the time a boyfriend of mine bought me a Charvel Jackson with locking bridge-part of the guitar. Then one day I said maybe I can get a nice acoustic guitar took my charvel and they really under priced it I didn’t know how to buy guitars yet. I said are you sure $200 is the right price they kept saying yes yes. So I traded It on a Yamaha Acoustic I was really scared by the guy that was working there for a while. Now I have a mini Guitarsenal oh is I had a time machine I’d go back and keep my Charvel
I went for the "go out and play all willy-nilly" method for my first open-mic. It was horrible, but I did it, so there's that. I wish I'd had this advice beforehand! Oh well!
Great as always, Tony. I play open mics on our local folk club circuit (some of which don't even have mics!). Of your 5 points, I did all of them but #5 before my first and I do them all still. I would add two more which I have found to be helpful. First, go with a friend or play in a duo or band rather than solo to start with. Second, and so important I would substitute it for any of your 5 is (and I don't usually shout on the internet) - HOWEVER TEMPTING IT MAY BE, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL till after you did your spot! Thanks, Tony.
#tone talk...Hey Tony and Noah, Mark Lindrin coming to you from Bloomington, Il. I've heard of frets being different sizes, esp for electric guitars, and was wondering if this is also a thing for acoustic guitars??!! If so, please explain how frets contribute to an acoustic's sound and/or tone. Thanks a million. ANDDDDDDDDDDDDDD, have often wondered what possessed you both to move to Montana? Great show. Glad you thought of it and brought it to the masses.
#SmallWin - took delivery of my Bourgeois L-DBO 12-fret all mahogany last Thursday. Watched it for weeks on Eddie’s Guitars’ website and the Memorial Day Sale was too much to resist. It’s making me stay up too late right now, but it is worth every minute of lost sleep. Awesome!
I wish TAC was set up for monthly billing. Not everyone can afford to drop $80 at one time. I'm probably not the only person sitting on the side lines. I am thankful for the free stuff you put out though.
Great segment on the first open mic performance (Oops, I meant learning experience, sorry Tony😁). Seriously, one other piece of advice to anyone doing their first open mic: You're about to do something that 99% of this world's population either can't do, doesn't have the nerve to do, or both. You should celebrate that and be proud of it. Now go up on stage and have fun!👍
#smallwins Watching from Fridingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Have fun pronouncing it Noah ^^), great show with interesting topics as usual. After years of trying different string gauges, I think that I finally found the ones that I need for my favourite guitar tuning, a variation of Open D (Low to high: Adad'a'd''): 10-59's for normal playing and 13-72's for playing slide - can't wait to drive down to my local music store to try them out!
I have no idea if you've ever featured him before (as I haven't gone back and watched every episode yet) but if you haven't you really should check out Kelly Joe Phelps. One of the coolest acoustic guitarists I've encountered.
Awww, man! You took an AT contributor's letter about his trip to Heart Breaker Guitar and showed his picture, but still haven't played my video from when I visited Chicago Music Exchange vlog? Sigh.......can't have everything I guess.
#askmatt what difference, if any, is a two-piece matchbook back compared to a 3-piece back? I originally thought the purpose was to use two different tone woods (like rosewood and maple) but I’ve recently seen this done with all the same woods (on a Martin OM-35 and a Martin M-36 both in rosewood). Is it just to use pieces that are too small or is there a structure and/or sonic variation? Thanks
#tonetalk #askthebeard I would be interested in your opinion on the impact of quarter-sawn vs flat-sawn tonewood (back/sides) on acoustic guitar. I've seen some gorgeous BRW guitars, but it's obvious they are not quartersawn (and most are typically less expensive). Does it make a difference in tone? Thanks for another great show! Steve Brazoria, TX
#small win going to get my new used guitar in about a week ! You guys inspire me not to become blocked which I was now I’m watching picking Cherry Baby up and playing today I got up early to watch yeah I guess you could say two small wins
#smallwins and shoutout to Phoenixvlle PA middle school orchestra and my daughter and her class mates for taking first place in their music in the parks win. Think fretless guitars 😉
Can anyone give me a tip to not holding the neck very tight. The other problem I have if when I look to see my picking hand it’s a lot over the top of the hole. Plus I have double jointed joints in my hands so your very first part of the knuckle sits flat on the knuckle pointed up help
Hello from Traverse City Michigan, try holding your thumb on the center of your neck making a "u" shape with them middle of your palm concentrating on arching your fingers to play with just the tips. It'll make you have to press with your thumb instead of creating a death grip stranglehold on the neck. P.S. along Time ago I spent time in oxen hill and campsprings. If you can run this by Tony ,I teach little kids begginer guitar.
Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do when you get into your set and you can't hear yourself or the person you're playing with and there are no monitors (other than 'don't play that room!)?
Tuning in from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Hey Tony, check out Eiro Nareth on UA-cam. Some great finger style covers. He's also working on a release of original stuff.
#YouKnowYouAreAGuitarGeekWhen immediately after watching the James Taylor guitarsonal clip, you suddenly realize it has been HOURS since you held the one you love in your arms, and you are filled with the overwhelming urge to run to the next room and hug your beloved Martin!
Went to watch my first open mic night ever tonight, but the real #smallwin was getting to enjoy a pour of Pappy Van Winkle while watching the entertainment. It was amazing, but I’m still a #scotch drinker.
#smallwins Went to Kerrville Folk Festival (Texas) for the first time. Great experience. Really liked singer/songwriter/acoustic guitar player Ellis Delaney ua-cam.com/video/2HIybL9Gkhw/v-deo.html
I could write this one... I played open mics weekly for easily 8-10 years and was the guy others want to play with and audiences wanted to hear my songs and singing. rule #1 is know the damm song ! Know all the chords and lyrics. rule #2 is don't talk about getting set up.... be ready, guitar in tune, and start playing inside 15-20 seconds. rule #3 Do not go on stage with those who want to 'back you up' when you are unsure or know they are lousy players. Do not let 'hangers on' ruin your gig. rule #4 Accept that most folks at open mic cannot sing or write songs. If you are pretty good at both, it's because you got born with music in you genetically. You have some talent or you don't... just accept it. You didn't earn it... it is a gift.
Noah has great taste in music. Noah, check out this youtube channel: ua-cam.com/channels/xB5SjUyV3yQZOLLYV63KnQ.htmlvideos It has plenty of unreleased material from Travis Meeks. Above all "Limited Eyes" and "Boundaries" are acoustic masterpieces.
99% of acoustic open mics are a waste of time because the audiences just keep talking loudly during each performance. And I must have tried about 30 different acoustic open mic venues but it was the same sad story .I didn’t mind their yak yak so much when I played myself but trying to enjoy and LEARN from others playing during the din became too much and I stopped going. And ironically it was the people who’d come to play or had just finished playing who would talk the loudest?!?! Happily I discovered a golden acoustic open mic here in London where the organiser tells the audience NOT TO CHAT DURING PERFORMANCES. And it’s full of people who not only respect the rule of silence but turn up to play because of that rule of silence. It’s a wonderful venue. I won’t give the venue’s address away here for fear of the yak yak brigade arriving there and ruining yet another open mic.
I realized after my first couple of open mics that I learned and practiced seated and played standing. Finding opportunities to play standing has become part of my routine.
I'm 17, and played my first open mic last month. LISTEN TO THIS MAN! He knows what he's talking about👍🏻
Good for you. May there be many more
Depending on your type of music you can also volunteer to entertain in nursing homes. That helps a lot. Call the activities director at the home you want to play in and see what it takes to get on their schedule.
Yup, my ex-wife plays in memory cafes for people with dementia. Gets you playing out and gives back to the community
1. excellent advice!
2. yes - but obvious
3. still obvious - just be confident.
4. obvious
5. you're right ..... SILLY!
6. go with a friend.
7. record it if possible.
8. don't go first.
9. thank the venue and host.
10. ask host for feedback.
#smallwins
Tuning in from Evanston, Illinois, great show this week as always! I just graduated high school and as a gift my amazing grandma got me a guitar I’ve been lusting after for months (Ibanez Ae245jr). This allowed me to pay it forward and give my old Yamaha F325D to my friend who’s been playing on a cheap plastic thing for far too long and I’ve never seen him so happy! Truly a gift that keeps on giving!
Congratulations! I truly believe guitars should be gifted, whenever possible, rather than sold. You are starting down a fantastic path.
Steven Bolfing thank you! I agree, I don’t think I could have brought myself to sell it. It was my first guitar and I bought it for myself so it carries too much sentimental value to sell
Congrats! It’s so exciting when you almost there with the money but it’s all you have to spend. I’ll be getting a Takamine a nice one for a heck of deal I made with them no one there makes me feel like an amateur or don’t make you feel like your just a girl. They say hi and let you roam the entire store when your ready their there with you. If you are ever in Maryland the guitar store name is Atomic Music in Beltsville MD my guitar geek friend Matt I think knows more than the owners do their great guys too. Recycling at it best
Lol
Like Guitar Center
Tuning in from my office six floors above Hollywood Blvd. The Dark Phoenix world premier is setting up on the street below. Sometimes it's crazy how life turns out.
#smallwin. I got the courage up to play at my first Bluegrass Jam at a local brewery last night. Although I’m not really a picker (lead player) I do know some bass runs and turnarounds. I just Retired last month and finally after 46 years in the Trucking Industry. I can really focus on my Guitar Journey. I’ve seen almost all of the Acoustic Tuesday’s shows and have picked up some very awesome tips as well as enjoying the running stories. Recently I stopped running because of some back issues but in the last 20 years I ran 10 Marathons (none of them well) #learntosuffer and still enjoy seeing others out on the roads while I’m walking me dogs in the early mornings. Keep up the great work guys and the guitar geekiness rolling.
Cheers from Richmond, Va. BTW I’m a Jameson fan
Mile L
I'm thinking of doing my first open mic. Thanks for the tips! I played electric guitar in bands with my dad, in clubs, bars, private parties, etc. from age 13 to 23. After that I played as a one man band with a bass drum on my right foot, tambourine on my left foot, harmonica on a rack, and of course my 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars on my lap. At the same time, I played in a few bands also. Starting in the 1990's I played as a single with background tracks that I recorded myself using a 4 track Fostex SR-5 recorder, an Alesis SR-16 drum machine, (natural sounding), bass guitar, acoustic/electric guitars, mandolin, harmonicas, and harmonies. Sometimes I had to record two parts at the same time since I only had 4 tracks. Then mixed it all down. It took hundreds of hours! I did this until around 2005. I had to retire because of scoliosis. It got to painful to move the equipment. I still practice hours every day and kept all my work. I have 5 notebooks full of typed out lyrics, etc. Well over 1,000 songs. I keep learning new ones also. I guess it's time to do some open mics! Thanks for all the videos, tips, and reviews!
Back in town & home from a gig and seeing ACOUSTIC TUESDAY ! ! ! ( with a glass of Merlo) :-) .....Life is good ( today ) . :-) Thanks guys !
Another awesome show fellas! Thanks for bringing the guitar "geekism" every week! Oh, and thanks for the plug on HBG!
Nice show as always! Tuning in from singapore! Love the #tonetalk hopefully it will be more frequent. :)
Hello from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina... Love the show!
Some of the suggestions were so silly, others woudn't talk about it. But, you did! Thanks mate ❤️
Tony, seriously, Travis Meeks and Days of The New is one of my main inspirations for picking up the guitar and following TAC. My goal is to be able to play his songs along with the music. Thanks for the feature. You should try to get Travis to show up for an interview
Good advice!
I am already prepared for making mistakes, forgetting how to play the chord and suffering from 'holy crap look at those people' jitters when I do an open mic at ALF..
Great show as usual
great video Tony thank you all helps.
Bought my Guitarsenal t- shirt today
Nancy Shumway I got one too. Very comfortable! But be forewarned that Teespring can take a while if they have a lot of orders.
This is a great video. 2022 gots me hitting the open mics, and this is going to get me more ready. Thanks!
Nancy Shumway from Germantown, MD sorry for falling behind just have not played for four days! love the show you have a knack for making you’re guitar geeks feel comfortable thanks to everyone
Ahoy from Sarasota Florida. You are absolutely correct regarding the Devil at the Crossroads film. Outstanding! The illustration gave it a Graphic Novel feel and I did not realize he was a member of the 27 club. Seemingly the first. Love the show boys. Keep them coming.
Hey from Columbia,SC area! Great show and great tips on the open mic.As a former host I tried to allay the anxieties for a lot of open mic virgins. These tips will help to prepare them. Great job!
Will be pursuing my performing journey and love your food for thought about coming into it as a learning experience that calmed my nerves a bit.
Watched Tuesday evening from Boston, Massachusetts. Thanks for another fun show. About Crossroads, there is a book titled "On Stranger Tides" by Tim Powers, featuring pirates looking for the Fountain of Youth. A huge part of the background is their involvement with voodoo, and brings up many links between voodoo and the Crossroads. Book was used as the idea for one of the Johnny Depp Pirate movies, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". The one with Ian McShane as Blackbeard. Of course the book goes into a lot more detail about the voodoo practices and Crossroads connections.
#smallwins Did my first open mic as a guitar and harmony duet. Things were going just perfectly until I forgot to take the capo off before starting the 2nd song, which put me in a different key at my partner. We started again sans capo, and people loved the song. One additional advice item for an open mic, tune your guitar before going up. Our guitars were all tuned, but there was one first time player, who did great, but one string was slightly off. Thanks Tony & Noah for an enjoyable and informative show..Lou A
Congratulations!
Great advice. The biggest thing I'd say is to take your time getting set. Check your tuning. Breathe. Also, some advice I heard Tommy Emmanuel say, don't be afraid to tell the audience you're nervous. Hell, that'll get them on your side!
A FINE AS FROGS HAIR SHOW TONY AND NOAH! Godda have Acoustic Life or else! I'm sure when we arrive at those pearly gates, St. Peter with guitar in hand will ask: Are you a subscriber to Acoustic Life? Yes=Up. No = Down. How else could it possibly be? Now it's time for DaveyJO to put his tools away, lock the shop and head for my guitar! Thanks Guys for another Great show! Love, Light, Peace and Pickin! DaveyJO in Pa.
I Love Acoustic Tuesdays, I learn so much as an artist ☺👍
In the late 60's and early 70's I played in a number of bands and was very comfortable performing in front of a live audience. Years later I stopped playing in front of people and developed some stage fright. Even now it is a problem. I remember Joe Walsh in an interview encouraging musicians to get out there and keep doing it so you will remain comfortable.
I know this place I never feel anxious when going or going in. I live in Maryland but It’s about a thirty minute drive. They are Atomic Music in Beltsville Md .I buy everything from them I call up my guitar geek friend Matt he knows more than the two owners but they are also great guys. I bought a Strat Electric it has inlays of birds. That guitars name is Birdie. Then I have an Ovation Celebrity that one is called Cherry baby. Then need couple of weeks I’ll have my Takamine Electric Acoustic his name will be Buster. So all my guitar are recycled and beautiful to me. So thanks for the message.
Update on the name of my Takamine it’s name is Gite’ which in Japanese is Guitar
“ Learn something new, get a new wrinkle on the brain” by Noah.... I will remember this quote! Love it! Great show, and a newbie to guitar, been taking lessons for a year now. Guitar is my therapy. 💜... Jackie from Albertville, Alabama
It's Wednesday! Better late than never. Greetings again from Dover Pa.
#tonetalk Three questions 1) how do I break the cycle of holding your and is a guitar’s neck like a snake that you know if you let go it’ll and it’s wiggling to get out of the hold. 2) sometimes when I look at my picking hand it’s over the lower frets but not hitting the frets. Everything I know I’ve taught myself. My boyfriend is a master at Electric guitar but has no patience to teach me. I’ve learned part way with Tony but I’m missed at couple challenges behind do to medical issues I’m terminal ill! some days I can’t practice. Due to lung issues. used to play back in the eighties a little in the nineties I tried playing with my fathers Montana classical he was a master classical guitarist! In the year the Charvel’s were very popular and I got ripped off by Guitar Center. one of the tuning pegs broke and caused the the stock to break in my Dads guitar broke a big piece of one the sides of tuning pegs it actually broke the wood in the stock. Then at the time a boyfriend of mine bought me a Charvel Jackson with locking bridge-part of the guitar. Then one day I said maybe I can get a nice acoustic guitar took my charvel and they really under priced it I didn’t know how to buy guitars yet. I said are you sure $200 is the right price they kept saying yes yes. So I traded It on a Yamaha Acoustic I was really scared by the guy that was working there for a while. Now I have a mini Guitarsenal oh is I had a time machine I’d go back and keep my Charvel
Thanks for the mention!!!Rick C
I went for the "go out and play all willy-nilly" method for my first open-mic. It was horrible, but I did it, so there's that. I wish I'd had this advice beforehand! Oh well!
Congrats! Never fear, the first time is all about experiencing and surviving. Your next time will be great.
Watching in Saskatchewan Canada
Great as always, Tony. I play open mics on our local folk club circuit (some of which don't even have mics!). Of your 5 points, I did all of them but #5 before my first and I do them all still. I would add two more which I have found to be helpful. First, go with a friend or play in a duo or band rather than solo to start with. Second, and so important I would substitute it for any of your 5 is (and I don't usually shout on the internet) - HOWEVER TEMPTING IT MAY BE, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL till after you did your spot! Thanks, Tony.
My picking hand over some of the frets
Travis Meeks + Days of The New you guys Mae m day! I was a big grunge fan, but pickers really hit me
I got here on time for the first time ever!
#tone talk...Hey Tony and Noah, Mark Lindrin coming to you from Bloomington, Il. I've heard of frets being different sizes, esp for electric guitars, and was wondering if this is also a thing for acoustic guitars??!! If so, please explain how frets contribute to an acoustic's sound and/or tone. Thanks a million. ANDDDDDDDDDDDDDD, have often wondered what possessed you both to move to Montana? Great show. Glad you thought of it and brought it to the masses.
#SmallWin - took delivery of my Bourgeois L-DBO 12-fret all mahogany last Thursday. Watched it for weeks on Eddie’s Guitars’ website and the Memorial Day Sale was too much to resist. It’s making me stay up too late right now, but it is worth every minute of lost sleep. Awesome!
Huge! Congratulations. I'm so envious, I think your Bourgeois will keep ME up late, dreaming of owning my own. LOL
It is spectacular. It’s making me practice more so I can pull out everything it’s got to give. 😊
Thumbs up just for the jersey! GO HAWKS!
Travis Meeks: anybody else notice the resemblance of Jim Morrison of the Doors? Yes, I'm showing my age; Jim passed about 40 years ago.
I had a Doors 8 track tape how old do I feel now.....lol🤓🎸
I wish TAC was set up for monthly billing. Not everyone can afford to drop $80 at one time. I'm probably not the only person sitting on the side lines. I am thankful for the free stuff you put out though.
I see you reppin Corey Crawford! Great video 😊
Great segment on the first open mic performance (Oops, I meant learning experience, sorry Tony😁). Seriously, one other piece of advice to anyone doing their first open mic: You're about to do something that 99% of this world's population either can't do, doesn't have the nerve to do, or both. You should celebrate that and be proud of it. Now go up on stage and have fun!👍
#smallwins
Watching from Fridingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Have fun pronouncing it Noah ^^), great show with interesting topics as usual. After years of trying different string gauges, I think that I finally found the ones that I need for my favourite guitar tuning, a variation of Open D (Low to high: Adad'a'd''): 10-59's for normal playing and 13-72's for playing slide - can't wait to drive down to my local music store to try them out!
I have no idea if you've ever featured him before (as I haven't gone back and watched every episode yet) but if you haven't you really should check out Kelly Joe Phelps. One of the coolest acoustic guitarists I've encountered.
They have, and you are correct -KJP is awesome.
Awww, man! You took an AT contributor's letter about his trip to Heart Breaker Guitar and showed his picture, but still haven't played my video from when I visited Chicago Music Exchange vlog? Sigh.......can't have everything I guess.
#askmatt what difference, if any, is a two-piece matchbook back compared to a 3-piece back? I originally thought the purpose was to use two different tone woods (like rosewood and maple) but I’ve recently seen this done with all the same woods (on a Martin OM-35 and a Martin M-36 both in rosewood). Is it just to use pieces that are too small or is there a structure and/or sonic variation? Thanks
We are running out of the best rose wood is one explanation I've heard and manufacturers are using smaller and smaller pieces regularly.
#tonetalk #askthebeard I would be interested in your opinion on the impact of quarter-sawn vs flat-sawn tonewood (back/sides) on acoustic guitar. I've seen some gorgeous BRW guitars, but it's obvious they are not quartersawn (and most are typically less expensive). Does it make a difference in tone? Thanks for another great show! Steve Brazoria, TX
#small win going to get my new used guitar in about a week ! You guys inspire me not to become blocked which I was now I’m watching picking Cherry Baby up and playing today I got up early to watch yeah I guess you could say two small wins
There's no such thing as a "used" guitar; they're "aged" or "matured". LOL
Hello everyone of you geeks!
#smallwins and shoutout to Phoenixvlle PA middle school orchestra and my daughter and her class mates for taking first place in their music in the parks win. Think fretless guitars 😉
Can anyone give me a tip to not holding the neck very tight. The other problem I have if when I look to see my picking hand it’s a lot over the top of the hole. Plus I have double jointed joints in my hands so your very first part of the knuckle sits flat on the knuckle pointed up help
Hello from Traverse City Michigan, try holding your thumb on the center of your neck making a "u" shape with them middle of your palm concentrating on arching your fingers to play with just the tips. It'll make you have to press with your thumb instead of creating a death grip stranglehold on the neck. P.S. along Time ago I spent time in oxen hill and campsprings. If you can run this by Tony ,I teach little kids begginer guitar.
Oh my God there is a Vulcan quarry less than 15 miles from here.
Hi Tony - greetings from germany!
Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do when you get into your set and you can't hear yourself or the person you're playing with and there are no monitors (other than 'don't play that room!)?
What type of songs would you recommend for your first set? Fast or slow?
Any truly great song will also sound amazing brought down to the acoustic level and this guy is outstanding!!
morning everyone from Tacoma,Wa
Hi there, everyone. Living my best Acoustic Life in ridiculously hot Florida. 😎
Tuning in from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Hey Tony, check out Eiro Nareth on UA-cam. Some great finger style covers. He's also working on a release of original stuff.
#YouKnowYouAreAGuitarGeekWhen immediately after watching the James Taylor guitarsonal clip, you suddenly realize it has been HOURS since you held the one you love in your arms, and you are filled with the overwhelming urge to run to the next room and hug your beloved Martin!
*guy buys a guitar for his girlfriend at HEARTBREAKER guitars...* for real? That's just ICE COLD foreshadowing.
LOL!!! That's what I was thinking!!!
James Taylor needs a Guitarsenal shirt.
Went to watch my first open mic night ever tonight, but the real #smallwin was getting to enjoy a pour of Pappy Van Winkle while watching the entertainment. It was amazing, but I’m still a #scotch drinker.
People play covers at Open Mic?
#smallwins Went to Kerrville Folk Festival (Texas) for the first time. Great experience. Really liked singer/songwriter/acoustic guitar player Ellis Delaney ua-cam.com/video/2HIybL9Gkhw/v-deo.html
I could write this one... I played open mics weekly for easily 8-10 years and was the guy others want to play with and audiences wanted to hear my songs and singing. rule #1 is know the damm song ! Know all the chords and lyrics. rule #2 is don't talk about getting set up.... be ready, guitar in tune, and start playing inside 15-20 seconds. rule #3 Do not go on stage with those who want to 'back you up' when you are unsure or know they are lousy players. Do not let 'hangers on' ruin your gig. rule #4 Accept that most folks at open mic cannot sing or write songs. If you are pretty good at both, it's because you got born with music in you genetically. You have some talent or you don't... just accept it. You didn't earn it... it is a gift.
I recommended Days of the New ages ago...
Noah has great taste in music. Noah, check out this youtube channel: ua-cam.com/channels/xB5SjUyV3yQZOLLYV63KnQ.htmlvideos It has plenty of unreleased material from Travis Meeks. Above all "Limited Eyes" and "Boundaries" are acoustic masterpieces.
#youknowyouraguitargeekwhen you talk to your guitar like its a person.
Well yeah, are you suggesting your guitar may NOT be a person? LOL
99% of acoustic open mics are a waste of time because the audiences just keep talking loudly during each performance. And I must have tried about 30 different acoustic open mic venues but it was the same sad story .I didn’t mind their yak yak so much when I played myself but trying to enjoy and LEARN from others playing during the din became too much and I stopped going. And ironically it was the people who’d come to play or had just finished playing who would talk the loudest?!?! Happily I discovered a golden acoustic open mic here in London where the organiser tells the audience NOT TO CHAT DURING PERFORMANCES. And it’s full of people who not only respect the rule of silence but turn up to play because of that rule of silence. It’s a wonderful venue. I won’t give the venue’s address away here for fear of the yak yak brigade arriving there and ruining yet another open mic.