Carl Miner Q&A!

[@elrod1240]

this dude is incredibly great !!! so clean, I've never heard a twang or any kind of error when he plays. Being a studio player sets him apart from the rest!!

[@alexcorll90]

Good to hear Carl is working on recording some of these songs for real. I think a lot of the demos I hear from TNAG could easily go on an album or be made into full songs for a spotify playlist.

[@rzh3443]

Well, Lindsay, nice job. Now someone has to interview you with similar questions. My vote is "yes" for a Carl Miner concert on NAG, ASAP.

[@OrganicSoundsSelectGuitars]

Big fan here of Carl's playing. Now a bonus - he seems like a cool guy, too! Nice video!

[@CarlMiner]

❤️❤️

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

This feels like an early Christmas present for all of us guitar players who’ve been watching you here. Thank you for doing this. 🙂

[@CarlMiner]

🙂🙂

[@MelvinHughesatp]

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, "When I grow up, I want to be Carl Miner!" Thank you so much for finally letting us hear Carl speak!

[@CarlMiner]

Too kind! And maybe not the best choice! 😂😂

[@gr1887]

Chris Kamen here. This is so great and well deserved, Carl is the most inspiring player around.His touch is flawless. You can learn more about Carl also on the interviews on the Troy Grady 'Cracking the Code' interviews. Thanks to TNAG and Carl, a great combination.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Excellent suggestion! For folks who are curious: troygrady.com/product/carl-miner-bundle/

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you so much!!

[@chrisdavison7569]

@@CarlMiner Carl your playing is such an inspiration to me - and I am sure everyone else watching. I found you from the Troy Grady video about 'cross-picking' and was already heavily following TNAG, having purchased a guitar from the UK store. Then you turn up demoing for them...! Truly a match made in heaven... please do release your songs, I could listen to these awesome recordings of you playing some of the greatest instruments ever made, all day long, to find out they are improvised is mind blowing!

[@CarlMiner]

Chris Davison Thank you, Chris!!

[@michaeldelisle3100]

I suspected as much, but it still blows my mind that you're able to improvise with such originality, melody, and indeed, quantity. You, sir, are an inspiration. Play on !!!

[@CarlMiner]

❤️❤️ Thank you for saying that!

[@jeffstanton5526]

It's truly amazing how you come up with great compositions on the fly.

[@StefanGBucher]

I mean... it's kinda staggering! I'd have thought there'd at least be a bit of "I sketch out a few ideas over the weeks when I know I'm coming in for a session," at least! Damn you, Miner!!!

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you! ❤️ I’m really fortunate that I spend my days around better musicians than me, and they’re constantly putting ideas into my head!

[@paulboden7850]

"Woodier, drier, darker..."
Yeah! Great interview!

[@johntrescottluis]

Carl just played on 3 of my new songs and it was a great experience. He is a joy to work with.

[@tyler3705]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Carl, and Lindsay for playing MC. I listen to each new demo TNAG puts out and you are consistently inspiring. Looking forward to listening to anything you release.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@janieguitarnerd]

Also, what about a segment in the comments on the guitar demo's called "Carl's thoughts"...and he tells us what he hears in the demo of that particular guitar. How the guitar feels to play as well as the sound. Thanks!

[@CarlMiner]

Good idea!

[@steelhead197]

Great idea

[@domenicomigliaccio4090]

Wonderful musician ... I have bought the same pick after heared him !!!

[@petergrifindor]

Man, the guy in the background asked my question in the last second!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks mate. LOL

[@ericcen2731]

The best guitar player ever! This guy deserve more and more people to recognize his genius!!

[@gnulen]

insane that they are composed on the fly - they are some truly great arrangements.

[@ChiknEatnBaptist]

Carl minor is one of my favorite guitar players. He is super underrated.
I wish he would just make a simple album of him playing all the instrumentals on guitar for us to listen to all day.

[@nilsen589]

Minor 😂 should be his artist name

[@TheDennzio]

Thank you Lindsey and TNAG for interviewing Carl. Some very interesting insights. Wouldn't have thought Carl is a Gibson guy. PS Carl my favorite guitar albums are unaccompanied solos...hint hint 🤣

[@CarlMiner]

Thanks, Dennis! Mine too ;-)

[@hootguitars]

Thanks Carl and Lindsay.

[@curtvahle2018]

Wow! Thanks for doing this!! Looking forward to everything that comes from Carl :)

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you, Curt! I appreciate you so much!

[@breathplay112]

Carl we love you! If you did your own youtube I guess it would blow up and become really successfull fast. TNAGs production quality is awesome!

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you!! I do have a channel, but I certainly need to add more content! It’s coming!

[@tpf1952]

Thanks for hosting Carl Miner. A breathtaking, creative and gifted artist.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you so much!!

[@tamalkdey]

Man ! What did I discover !... waaahhhhh ! I saw all his videos on insta.. those tunes are so infectious ! Thanks The North American Guitar.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you!!!

[@davidpettorini7736]

Carl - if you are reading this- I need to say thank you for your amazing generosity. In September of this year I was in while you were doing some recording and waiting to look at some guitars. I was potentially trading a Collings OM42BaaaA and on your way out you sat and played at least half a dozen guitars so I could hear them out front (and played well :)). After hearing you play the OM, I ended up deciding to hang onto it, but I wanted to thank you, Linsey and Kim for all of your hospitality. The TNAG is a fantastic place to do business and I will be back!

[@rblanks2050]

hey great idea! im totally checking in

[@sasquatchlife8836]

I know Carl doesn't play the most advanced or complicated guitar techniques, but IMO, he may be a Top 5 guitarist in the world. Everything he plays just works and sounds so good and original.
I'm not saying what he plays is easy because it's not, but it's not necessarily super complex like what an Andy McKee would play. But man, Carl is just phenomenal.

[@alanray10818]

Gibson and Collings get some serious street cred in this Q&A. It's always neat to know what guitars a session guy uses when it comes down to it!

[@KommammoK]

Handing over guitars to Carl while he's just improvising... would be a nice day. I truly enjoy All the North American Guitar video's. Greetings from Belgium.

[@CarlMiner]

❤️❤️

[@edhead5296]

I'll be buying the music and TAB!

[@CarlMiner]

Stay tuned!!

[@roscoe2311]

This was cool to see, I must admit I'm such a Carl fanboy, I've learned over 50 of his tunes on this channel now and my playing has really excelled in the last 2 years because of it. Thanks Carl and TNAG

[@CarlMiner]

Wow, Thank you, Roscoe. That warms my heart to hear that!

[@marcinwieczorek485]

@@CarlMiner Thanks for the inspirations Carl, not nearly as many tunes as Roscoe but on the way hopefully - learning a lot from your style as well!

[@valebliz]

@@CarlMiner I’m starting to play acoustic after a few years of electric playing and I’m having a blast trying to learn a few of your tunes. The fact you come up with them on the spot is incredible tbh.

[@patrickhanly7458]

Please don't leave out the mandolin stuff that Carl does for the channel. I love them all!

[@charleslow3159]

This is so awesome, thank you TNAG and Carl! Carl, could you share more about what inspires you in your approach to the guitar? You have such a clear and distinct voice, and I can see your musicality fitting across different formats/mediums i.e. film

[@CarlMiner]

That’s very kind! I try to find inspiration in everything that is done with heart. I think above all else, presenting your art with joy, conviction, and intention is the most important part. Even above technique and accuracy. I’m still learning how, but I think the real inspiration comes from looking inwards and understanding what you connect with musically. Bob Dylan was a star because he meant every fucking word!

[@josephduchene5849]

The coolest thing to see is how many comments Carl is responding to, and responding to with real care. To have one of the best technical players opening up and sharing so much is a real treat. You do a great job of looking back genre-wise, while playing that music in a totally new way. You and Molly Tuttle are two of the best examples to follow in terms of skill and also handling success with grace.

[@anthonyrussell1129]

Thank you guys so much for doing this! I have always wondered what would a practice routine look like for someone aspiring to flatpick as clean and crisp as he does.

[@CarlMiner]

I’m fortunate to have a career that allows me to play every day, and that can be great practice. Other than that, it’s about writing my own music, particularly pieces that feel like a huge challenge. And be patient with yourself! It’s truly ok if it takes an entire year to “get it right”!

[@anthonyrussell1129]

@@CarlMiner Spoken like a true master. Thank you for the insight! 🙏

[@hidesertmusic]

It amazes me when an artist like Carl can pick up a guitar, strum it a bit and then come up with a song that showcases the instrument so well . Great music from incredible guitars. Thank you/

[@trentpuskorius]

Carl sign my guitar - your music and style has really inspired me.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you!! I really appreciate that.

[@martymcpeak4748]

Thanks Carl and TNAG for doing this, Carl I covet thy technique lol... Yourself and Josh Williams are my go to guys for inspiration on playing acoustic music.

[@CarlMiner]

Josh is an amazing musician! I’m honored you would say that.

[@StefanGBucher]

Carl Miner TNAG Sessions with tabs... yes, please!

[@telemaster]

Would love to see Carl’s Waterloo and Gibson. Please TNAG 🙏🏼 Great interview

[@JimiGLee]

Great to hear from Carl. What a player. Always fun slowing down the demos and learning them lol, lost count of how many I've been through now. Thanks for the video!

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you for saying that!!

[@johnlind5819]

Wonderful interview. Great job by both Carl and Lindsay - both excellent musicians!
Thanks, John
Gig Harbor, WA

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you!

[@shane5022]

1000 times yes to the albums!

[@CarlMiner]

Soon!

[@gabrieln3613]

Hi Carl, from Gabriel, when you were sharing about "don't make fun of me" (paraphrasing) on who you listen to, I was anticipating when you picked up that catchy lick from Kenny G! That would have been in the year 1999 or maybe 2000 so quite a while ago! I have since circled back and picked it up to play on harmonica the past couple years. I went from Oregon to Austin for 7 years (played all the clubs there with various bands and some good studio sessions too) and past 2 years been in San Diego......actually where I lived when I played full time as a 20 year old....actually opened here for Doc & Merle back in the day. A funny thing is I heard the man who founded Taylor Guitars say he once saw Doc when he was 10 and that inspired him to start guitar......it was a little theatre here and I was in the opening act. I remember the Taylor you once had along with the Martin of course.

[@richziehm7752]

Thanks Carl and Lindsay! Great interview. Carl, your playing is very inspiring and beautifully melodic. What is impressive is the solo nature of your work where each piece is a complete piece of music unto itself, no accompaniment needed!

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@roadworthy1102]

Class act and remarkable talent. Thanks, Carl.

[@rblanks2050]

carl clearly connects musically and is able to express it through his instruments.

[@CarlMiner]

💜💜

[@hbrianunderwood4946]

My two favorite TNAG players! Thank you!

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you! Lindsay is an amazing player!!

[@daddio307]

For those of you that appreciate the wonderful 'etudes', or mini-songs that Carl improvises on acoustic, (or Carl, if you're not aware of him), you should absolutely check out Jack Griffiths on the Peach Boutique channel. He does the same thing, but with electrics, and is phenomenal, just a delight.

[@valebliz]

Jack is one of the best electric players I ever heard.

[@SiggyMe]

Very nice interview. I have been watching Carl for over 10 years on the internet and admire his straight forward playing. I thought that most of what he was doing was winged based on what he felt showed off the guitar the best. Which of course makes sense. I have come to dislike one song for all guitars approach for demos out of the mistaken idea that somehow its being standardized so its fair to all the guitars. Its not because all guitars have different attributes that come in different strengths and have different needs for playing. My belief is that some who listening to music and understands the process will adjust and be able to hear different guitars and different songs. Since much of this on the spot creativity is captured video it shouldn't be too hard to go back over and find ideas to develop into an album. So look forward to that album. Will keep watching the demo. Ok, even after watching you play on dozens and dozens of guitars it was apparent that one of you favorite was all hog smaller guitar like the Waterloo 12 mh or Collings P1 mh guitars. Thanks for the doing the interview. It nice just to get the human side of the demo.

[@lyndontaylor1380]

Great stuff. Thanks Carl and Lindsay. It makes my day when a new Carl Miner demo comes out on TNAG. Always thought Collings guitars bring out the best in your playing, Carl.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you for saying that! That really means a lot!

[@jackaro2]

I love listening to/watching Carl play. He always inspires me to play

[@BradleyMcTaggart]

Thanks for finally doing this guys. It’s so fun to hear Carl’s answers here. Been listening to the guy repeatedly for a long time now and it’s great to get his thoughts on these topics. Please keep us updated on that recording - I’ll be first in line to purchase it.

[@CarlMiner]

❤️❤️

[@susanbaldwin4994]

Still and forever greatly talented.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

One of the best! Actually two of the best!!!

[@gr1887]

This is great! Chris Kamen here. Thanks for this.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you, Chris!! I appreciate you!!

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Aaaaaah epic! My favorite guitarist!

[@beatriced8184]

Awesome! can't wait for the TNAG sessions with Carl!

[@CarlMiner]

Me too! ❤️

[@Edmontonlad]

Awesome, thanks for doing this! Looking forward to the Q and A.

[@zollyclaman]

This was a lot of fun. My only complaint is that I was only 6 minutes long, lol.
Love Carl's playing. Like many others I've learnt them from watching these videos. One day I'll make a purchase from you guys and you have Carl to thank.

[@CarlMiner]

Thanks!! Let me know if you have any other q’s!

[@o.m.marques8669]

yes!

[@jeradmaclean1028]

After discovering TNAG and hearing Carl play great guitar pieces on different guitars, it was impossible not to become a big fan of both him and TNAB. Looking forward to Carl releasing as many of those compositions and improvisations as a collection sometime soon. Thanks for the music and inspiration, Carl.

[@WhiskeySam1]

Thank you for making this video. Carl is an inspiring player. I've saved more than one of his guitar reviews to my playlist just to copy his playing, or a chord change, or whatever. Please keep making content.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you so much, Sam! 💜

[@markspencer352]

Let's get Carl and Tommy together for a jam! Whew that would be so cool! Thank you so much for this vid.

[@JosedeCastrojopioficial]

Carl is The man!
He does this kind of thing improvising and for me are true songs ... haha ​​the leftovers of some people are treasures for others. Thanks Carl for the inspiration and The North American guitars for share.

[@skyemoz6559]

Always love watching Carl noodle on the guitar. Always great vids

[@xpaddy01]

I was just looking to see if there was anything fairly current that Carl was doing and this popped up! Thanks so must for this! I first learned about Carl from a segment of Troy Grady’s “Cracking the Code”. Because of that segment I certainly wanted to hear more of Carl’s playing! Besides just watching/hearing to see what I can totally steal from him, it’s just pure pleasure listing to him play. So thank you again for this update, and, Carl, looking forward to whatever you plan on doing in the future! No tabs required, will definitely buy your albums! ;)

[@changchikang5603]

brilliant! I must admit I was attracted by Carl at first and then got to know about The North American guitar. Carl’s tone is amazing. Thank you and maybe someday I could get one guitar from your shop.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you for your kind words!! ❤️❤️

[@haroldclark1787]

Well he's about the best thing to come along since Andrés Segovia. What a singular talent and a soaring musician.

[@mitchfortson8413]

Thx big fan ,I love my 183A blue ridge ,and play a lot of my own music as well ,great work

[@nectarandice]

Stoked!

[@twinrock54]

It is great to hear Carl. Thanks Linsdsay and TNAG.

[@ScottRandall31]

Very cool!

[@TN-D18]

Great player, killer right hand, and amazing taste and timing.

[@58landman]

Never heard of him but I play Collings guitars, too. And Nationals.

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

Jeez this guy is really good.

[@CarlMiner]

Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@jeremiebau]

Yeaaaahhhh ! A saw a question coming frequently :
What picks does he prefer ?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

We address this one at the end!

[@CarlMiner]

Dunlop Tortex Flex 1.14mm ❤️

[@skinnybreakfast]

Thank you for doing this! WE WANT MORE FROM CARL! He deserves more spotlight time please :)))

[@JanieWitte-lt2uy]

Publish those songs! Don’t forget to include that Collings CL Nicky Burst tune … With Tab, pls 😅. Love it!

[@TMoody]

This was awesome! Carl is a master and this lady is so nice.

[@o.m.marques8669]

Carl Miner and Tom Bukovac are my inspirations nowadays as far as UA-cam guitar players.

[@masterzippo121]

I am a huge fan. I look forward to your own album - I'll be the first to buy it :) suavic

[@SergeUnplugged]

Thank you team for the great interview

[@AllenShadd]

Keep killin' it Carl! Sounding as awesome these days as ever!

[@mgie22]

This man is a god, make the album!

[@basschouten976]

So stoked for this!
Question: Does Carl listen to celtic music and if so, what celtic music or artists inspire him?
and if there is time for it, a bonus question:
What does Carl recommend to have as a home setup to record acoustic guitar in almost studio quality to work for me as a guitarist from home.
Thanks so much and looking forward!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

The interview is already recorded, so we might have to do a follow up (or a live stream!) to get into the weeds on stuff like this!

[@basschouten976]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar that would be great! For now: looking forward to the livestream, cheers

[@CarlMiner]

I love Celtic music. I used to listen to Natalie Macmaster on a daily basis, as well as Seamus Egan. I also really love Cherish The Ladies!

[@basschouten976]

@@CarlMiner thank you so much Carl!

[@daciuk8]

Can’t wait and this is from a 65 year old player from old London Town 👍🇬🇧👍

[@CarlMiner]

I hope you enjoyed!

[@daciuk8]

@@CarlMiner my main go to acoustic is also a 2017 J45Vintage ,how bizarre as the song goes!

[@CarlMiner]

Paul Daciuk One of the most underrated guitars out there imho!

[@jez6345789]

TNAG has made me a fan of Carls demo's he certainly for having a few minutes with an instrument seems to nail a good part of what a specific guitar is about and look forward to hearing more recorded stuff.

[@tribestribes2555]

A great guy. Very fine guitarist.

[@9ramthebuffs9]

I would have sworn I heard a snippet of liams lullaby once or twice. Not that it matters or that the chords aren't one of the most common progressions.

[@staleyexplores]

I like the improv aspect, perspective is unique per person, maybe per ear..

[@zacharywilhelm5895]

❤️

[@CarlMiner]

❤️❤️🙂

[@stevenheck4769]

Great great player

[@bradh.689]

@Carl Miner I have tabs to the Bourgeois OM demo you did. How do I get them to you?

[@janieguitarnerd]

I would love to see mini lessons on your technique and the songs you play. How long does it take you to play one demo? Do you usually do it in one take? And how many demo's do you do at a time?
Thanks for the interview! Love it!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

We typically do 8-12 guitars in a 3-4 hour session. Carl might chime in, but speaking as an observer, the number of takes and the time per guitar varies!

[@CarlMiner]

I think it averages 1-3 takes maybe?

[@ScottyWig]

THANK YOU!! 🙏 TNAG for this Interview with the Instrumental “Master” Mr. Carl Miner!! ✨OK today is 7/19/22 is the CD recording of his Instrumentals available YET???

[@michaelrthrash1919]

Love This! What acoustic guitar strings do you use/prefer??????? Thank you guys so much for this! It’s like you’ve been reading my mind :-) lol Carl is the best!

[@janieguitarnerd]

I've been considering selling a few guitars through TNAG, and I would pay extra for a Carl Miner video and a personal review of them. Am I the only one?

[@patrickharber1770]

The songs are improvised!?!??

[@CarlMiner]

I mean, sometimes I have to try a couple times, but nothing is written until they hand me the guitar!

[@davidpettorini7736]

And Lindsey sorry for the typo and potential misspelling of your name - I love your playing as well!

[@robtemple2953]

How about string weight on your guitars. Especially dreads? Do you go for 12s or 13s or does it depend. :) Thanks. Love your artistry and focus on melody.

[@CarlMiner]

Thanks, Rob! I usually use Light gauge semi-flat wounds, but use mediums on the high E and B strings.