Chasing Frets

Will Bernard has played in every format from big band to solo. Hear his thoughts on the unique challenges and pleasures of the trio format.

For more information about Will Bernard visit https://www.willbernard.com

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Will Bernard is one of the most fascinating guitarists of the New York City jazz scene. On one hand, he’s a musical intellectual, with an impressive classical music pedigree. On the other hand, he’s a funky groove player with a particular affinity for New Orleans rhythms. 

How important are music-reading skills? And are they essential for your musical process? In this episode, Will reflects on a common dilemma for advancing guitarists. 

Hearing Sutton spin lightning-fast phrases on his Bourgeois and Martin dreadnoughts, it’s hard to imagine anyone picking a flattop with more power and finesse. In this episode of Chasing Frets, the award-winning guitarist reveals his secrets for developing speed, tone, and clarity on an acoustic, and poses the question "What are we doing to get in our own way?"

For more information about Bryan Sutton visit https://www.bryansutton.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Ever wonder what it's like being a session ace in the hyper-competitive Nashville studio scene? It's a world Sutton knows intimately, and in this episode he tells us how he became a first-call player and what it takes to pick with the best.

For more information about Bryan Sutton visit https://www.bryansutton.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

In this week's first episode, the champion flatpicker (he has won the IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award a staggering 10 times) explains how bluegrass rhythm guitar has developed over the years and describes specific techniques for developing your flatpick rhythm skills. As a bonus, he names a handful of classic albums that are required listening for anyone who loves flattop guitar.

For more information about Bryan Sutton visit https://www.bryansutton.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Blake discusses the evolution of his unique fingerstyle technique, which draws on sources ranging from Michael Hedges, West Africa, and Bob Brozman, Blake’s onetime teacher. 


Blake’s playing is steeped in traditional folk, blues, and ethnic music, but it’s seldom retro. He inevitably twists his influences into startling new configurations that feel simultaneously old and new, often employing slide and fretless guitar to stretch the boundaries of intonation and groove. His latest solo album is Mutable Set, released just a few weeks ago.

For more information about Blake Mills visit https://www.blakemillsonline.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Besides being a thrilling sideman and solo artist, Blake has been nominated twice for the Producer of Year Grammy. In this episode, he discusses playing guitar with a producer’s ear. 

Blake’s playing is steeped in traditional folk, blues, and ethnic music, but it’s seldom retro. He inevitably twists his influences into startling new configurations that feel simultaneously old and new, often employing slide and fretless guitar to stretch the boundaries of intonation and groove. His latest solo album is Mutable Set, released just a few weeks ago.

For more information about Blake Mills visit https://www.blakemillsonline.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Blake Mills, 31, is one of the most innovative and talked-about guitarists of his generations—a true player’s player. His career is unfolding on three fronts: As a session and touring guitarist, he’s worked with Billy Gibbons, Lucinda Williams, Fiona Apple, John Legend, Randy Newman, Lana Del Ray, the Avett Brothers, Vulfpeck, Carlene Carter, and Norah Jones. He’s also received two Grammy nominations for Producer of the Year, first for overseeing Alabama Shakes’ breakthroughs album Sound and Color in 2015, and again in 2017 for Perfume Genius’s No Shape album. He’s also created four acclaimed solo albums.

Blake’s playing is steeped in traditional folk, blues, and ethnic music, but it’s seldom retro. He inevitably twists his influences into startling new configurations that feel simultaneously old and new, often employing slide and fretless guitar to stretch the boundaries of intonation and groove. His latest solo album is Mutable Set, released just a few weeks ago.

For more information about Blake Mills visit https://www.blakemillsonline.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

The charismatic fingerpicker tours relentlessly and draws large, enthusiastic crowds to his solo concerts in the U.S., his native Australia, and around the world. Listen as he shares how he built his career and why naps are so important.

Check out Tommy's latest album, The Best of Tommysongs, at http://tommyemmanuel.com.

Visit Premier Guitar at http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up at [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica. 

One of the most engaging and entertaining guitarists on the planet recalls the enduring creative relationship he shared with his mentor, Chet Atkins.

Check out Tommy's latest album, The Best of Tommysongs, at http://tommyemmanuel.com.

Visit Premier Guitar at http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up at [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica.