Playback Sessions

Rob McNelly is one of the most recorded guitar players in Nashville, playing on hit records for everyone from Bob Seger to Lady A and serving as the first-call session player for legendary producers like Dann Huff.

In this episode, Rob pulls back the curtain on the Nashville session scene to break down how the pros actually craft guitar tone. He reveals the EQ frequency that fixes muddy guitars, why you must dial in a dry clean tone before touching your pedalboard, the volume pedal trick that keeps your gain stages clear[, and the massive difference between playing a live gig and layering a multi-platinum record

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

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📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rob McNelley

01:20 Rob's Early Career and Move to Nashville

04:22 First Big Breaks and Touring Experiences

11:01 Transition to Session Work

19:02 Crafting the Perfect Guitar Tone

27:32 Exploring Gain Staging and Pedalboard Essentials

39:29 Dialing in Clean and R&B Tones

44:35 Mastering Delay and Slapback Effects

47:11 Exploring the Analog Man Pedal

47:34 Slapback Delay Techniques

48:19 Room Mics and Guitar Sound

50:12 Ethereal Guitar Effects

52:36 Volume Pedal Tricks

56:31 Cowboy Guitar Parts

59:52 Telecaster Sounds and Compression

01:08:15 Distortion vs. Fuzz

01:15:16 Essential Session Guitar Tones

01:28:40 Creative Projects and Collaborations

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

🔥Guest: Jack Ruch

Guest: Rob McNelley

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley

Editor: Carl Reeverts

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#RobMcNelly #GuitarTone #SessionGuitarist #Nashville #GuitarPedals #VolumePedalHack #GuitarEQ #StudioMusician #DannHuff #LadyA #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintageGuitar #SonoraGuitarIntensive #GuitarLesson

A deep, soulful dive with storyteller, songwriter, and Old Crow Medicine Show frontman Ketch Secor. This episode covers his new record A Story the Crow Told Me, stories of Doc Watson, the making of Wagon Wheel, his love of education, Nashville’s changing spirit, and the deep roots of American music.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Ketch Secor joins Playback Sessions

0:17 – A Story the Crow Told Me — the new record

1:05 – Meeting & playing for Doc Watson (life-changing story)

4:11 – From Nirvana to folk: how punk led him to old-time music

7:30 – The real story behind “Wagon Wheel”

17:36 – First Bob Dylan concert at age 12 – the spark that changed everything

21:09 – 🎵 “Junkin’” – song about finding lost 78s & musical treasures

33:04 – 🎵 “Hole in the Wall” – ode to small venues & the touring grind

36:19 – 🎵 “What Nashville Was” – tribute to a changing city

45:39 – 🎵 “Highland Rim” ft. Marty Stuart – wisdom from the hills

49:14 – 🎵 “Catch Me If You Can” – reflections on life on the road

54:20 – Old Crow Medicine Show Christmas Album 🎄

56:15 – Hosting Tennessee Crossroads (PBS)

1:12:10 – Ketch’s legacy: roots, truth & railroads

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️ Host: Spencer Handley

🔥 Guest: Ketch Secor

Editor: Carl Reeverts

Executive Producer: Spencer Handley

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintageGuitar #SonoraGuitarIntensive #KetchSecor #OldCrowMedicineShow #WagonWheel #DocWatson #BobDylan #AmericanaMusic #BluegrassMusic #FolkMusic #AcousticGuitar #Songwriting #CountryMusicHistory

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of blues guitar with renowned Nashville guitarist Jack Ruch. Starting from the fundamentals, Jack outlines the five levels of blues guitar, covering essential topics including pentatonic scales, chord tones, improvisation, and advanced harmonic concepts. With practical demonstrations and insightful tips, Jack shares his expertise on blending pentatonic scales with chord tones, using diminished and altered scales for chord substitutions, and enhancing articulation and dynamics in your playing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to add sophistication to your blues solos, this episode offers invaluable guidance.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Blues Guitar Mastery

00:51 Meet Jack Roush: Nashville's Blues Virtuoso

00:58 Level 1: The Basics of Blues Guitar

02:50 Understanding Blues Chord Progressions

08:57 Improvisation Techniques for Beginners

17:13 Level 2: Mapping Out Chord Tones

26:49 Practical Application and Gigging Tips

31:41 Level 3: Expanding Your Blues Harmony

37:34 Understanding Modes and Minor Scales

38:08 Transitioning Between Chords

40:14 Using Diminished Arpeggios

42:23 Expanding Harmonic Concepts

43:05 Chord Substitutions and Diminished Ideas

49:10 Advanced Chord Substitutions

01:01:35 Exploring the Altered Scale

01:09:03 Articulation Techniques and Dynamics

01:15:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Jack Ruch

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins

#JackRuch #BluesGuitar #GuitarLesson #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #Blues

Andy Wood, a virtuoso guitarist with deep musical roots in bluegrass, rock, country, metal, and fusion, shares transformative insights on technique, tone, and practice strategies in this episode. Wood discusses a pivotal mindset shift that improved his time feel, techniques from his mandolin playing that enhanced his right-hand precision, and his focus on depth over tone chasing. He also delves into his transition from sideman to artist, his alternate picking mechanics, and lessons from performing with top artists. With practical advice on practicing speed and maintaining precision, this episode offers essential tips for guitarists aiming to elevate their craft.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Mindset Shift

01:08 Andy Wood's Practice Techniques

02:27 Exploring Slide Guitar Techniques

07:08 Community Announcement and Free Resources

10:34 Signal Chain and Gear Discussion

15:31 Speed and Practice Approaches

15:44 The Metronome Mistake

16:01 Learning vs. Practicing

16:39 The Bell Curve of Speed

18:17 The Bicycle Analogy

18:50 Practicing at Target Tempo

19:53 Precision Over Speed

20:48 The Importance of Clean Playing

25:28 Student Success Stories

27:24 Advice from the Front Porch

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Andy Wood

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#AndyWood #GuitarLesson #AlternatePicking #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintageGuitar #SonoraGuitarIntensive #GuitarSpeed #BluegrassGuitar #FiddleTunes #SlideGuitar #DerekTrucks #GuitarTechnique #MusicTheory #ShredGuitar

Dan Tyminski, a Grammy-winning icon of Bluegrass and Americana, shares his musical journey in this episode of the Playback podcast. Known for his role in 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' and performing with Alison Krauss and Union Station, Dan discusses his approach to groove, tone, and ensemble playing. He reflects on his influences, particularly Tony Rice, and shares insights on his transition to solo work, the impact of 'Man of Constant Sorrow', and his unexpected contribution to the EDM hit 'Hey Brother' with Avicii. The episode also explores Dan's personal stories, love for foosball, and thoughts on spirituality and storytelling.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dan Tyminski

02:06 Early Musical Influences

04:33 Joining Allison Kraus and Union Station

16:11 The O Brother, Where Art Thou? Experience

22:14 Life After the Film's Success

24:32 Transition to Solo Career

34:11 Foosball Obsession

39:25 Foosball Tournament Adventures

40:59 Meeting Foosball Legends

44:38 Spiritual Beliefs and Practices

46:11 The Unexpected Success of 'Hey Brother'

59:40 Musical Influences and Songwriting

01:04:08 Tribute to Tony Rice

01:09:04 Live Performance and Reflections

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Dan Tyminski

Editor: Carl Reeverts

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#DanTyminski #OBrotherWhereArtThou #BluegrassGuitar #ManOfConstantSorrow #AviciiHeyBrother #TonyRice #AlisonKrauss #AcousticGuitar #RhythmGuitar #BluegrassMusic #GuitarInterview #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintage #SonoraGuitar

Join Shaun Richardson, an accomplished bluegrass guitarist who has shared the stage with legends like Ricky Skaggs and Bela Fleck, as he breaks down the five levels of bluegrass guitar playing in an in-depth interview. From beginner tips to advanced techniques, Shaun provides insights into learning melodies, spicing up rhythms, incorporating jazz influences, and finding your own voice in bluegrass.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bluegrass Guitar Levels

00:09 Meet Sean Richardson: Bluegrass Phenom

00:57 Sean's Musical Journey

04:32 Professional Milestones and Collaborations

08:06 Deep Dive into Bluegrass Techniques

12:47 Exploring Advanced Bluegrass Concepts

16:58 The Five Levels of Bluegrass Guitar

38:00 Conclusion and Sean's New Music

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Shaun Richardson

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#ShaunRichardson #BluegrassGuitar #GuitarLesson #Flatpicking #AcousticGuitar #CarterVintage #SonoraGuitar #BluegrassMusic #GuitarTips #GuitarSolo #FiddleTunes #MusicTheory #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley

Sierra Hull, a mandolin virtuoso, shares her incredible journey from performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age 10, to getting a record deal at 13, and playing the White House by 20. In this special episode, Sierra delves into her early musical influences, learning from mentors like Alison Krauss and Béla Fleck, and her experiences transitioning from a prodigy to a seasoned artist. She also discusses her creative process, songwriting, and the freedom and challenges of releasing music as an independent artist. Tune in for a deep dive into Sierra's path of redefining her relationship with craft, creativity, and ambition.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Early Beginnings

00:56 Musical Influences and Early Mentors

04:17 First Performances and Breakthroughs

09:07 Meeting Alison Krauss and Early Collaborations

13:34 Transition to Adulthood and Continued Growth

18:51 Challenges and New Directions

35:13 Discovering a New Producer

36:01 A Chance Encounter with Béla

37:00 Collaborative Sessions Begin

39:22 Transforming the Record

41:09 Lessons from Béla

43:05 Practice and Growth

45:38 Songwriting Demonstration

59:57 Arranging for the Band

01:02:56 Balancing Career and Life

01:05:47 Independent Release Journey

01:10:48 Future Aspirations

01:13:00 Musical Performance

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Sierra Hull

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Camera/Sound: Richard Handley

Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins

#SierraHull #Mandolin #Bluegrass #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #Bluegrass

Sol Philcox Littlefield is one of the most recorded guitarists of his generation, a Tele-wielding session machine with credits on over 25 #1 country hits and 300+ gold records.

In this unfiltered episode, Sol breaks down how he went from a bored teenager in a small British town to a first-call Nashville session guitarist. We talk gear, tone, mentorship from Brent Mason, the reality of session work, and what younger players are doing right today.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sol Philcox-Littlefield

01:26 Early Life and Musical Beginnings

02:06 Discovering Country Music

02:36 Influences and Mentorship

04:21 Journey to Nashville

05:53 Parental Support and Small Town Life

07:21 Immersing in the Local Music Scene

12:32 Mentorship with Brent Mason

20:11 Transitioning to Session Work

25:49 Building a Career in Music

31:53 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

41:42 Remote Music Opportunities

42:52 Challenges of Living in Nashville

44:30 Adapting to the Modern Music Industry

46:19 Career Reflections and Decisions

50:30 Muscle Shoals Studio and Coffee Shop

53:52 Gear Talk: Guitars, Amps, and Pedals

59:21 Country Music Techniques and Influences

01:09:48 Future Aspirations and Teaching

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Sol Philcox Littlefield

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Camera/Sound: Aly Jordan

Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins

#SolPhilcox #PlaybackPodcast #GuitarPodcast #SessionGuitarist #BrentMason #CountryGuitar #StudioLife #TelecasterTone #NashvilleGuitarist #GuitarPlayerLife #ToneCrafting #SessionWork #VolumePedal #PedalboardRig #RecordingTips #GuitarInfluences #SlideGuitar #HotWired #playbacksessions #Spencerhandley

In this episode, Billy Strings sits down with his longtime mentor Rob Cappelletto at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville to talk about breaking out of ruts, rethinking practice, and staying a student even at the top of your game.

We cover Billy’s journey from instinctive, ear-based bluegrass to studying jazz, Bach, and fretboard fluency through Sonora. He breaks down how specific exercises shaped his new record, shares stories from the road (including playing with Ringo), and gets candid about nerves, self-doubt, and the grind of staying sharp as a performer.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Intro – Playing Without Thinking

00:12 How Billy Found Sonora & Met Rob

01:59 Does Music Theory Kill Creativity?

03:28 Learning to Apply New Concepts on Stage

04:18 Billy’s Early Years: Playing by Ear

06:10 Hitting a Plateau & Seeking Growth

07:12 From Practice to Performance: The “Escanaba” Story

09:31 Chord Mastery & Playing the Changes

11:12 Robb and Chris Thile Story

12:15 Breaking Out of the Bluegrass Box

14:06 Balancing Jazz, Bach & Tony Rice

15:15 Real Progress: Chord Integration in Old Tunes

18:56 Early Influences: From Hendrix to Doc

21:11 Improvisation, Melody & Staying Connected on Stage

27:24 Playing with Intention & Audience Energy

34:57 Rob & Billy Jam + Practicing What Matters

37:31 Dealing with Success, Doubt & What Comes Next

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Billy Strings

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Camera/Sound: Aly Jordan

Editors: Spencer Handley, Clayton Hopkins

🪕 Subscribe for weekly interviews with some of the world’s most inspiring guitar players.

#BillyStrings #Guitar #Sonora #RobCappelletto #Bluegrass #GuitarPractice #Improvisation #FretboardFluency #HighwayHypnosis #CarterVintage #Playbacksessions #SpencerHandley

Noah Levine went from broke college kid building cabinets to playing stadiums with Noah Kahan, all without credits, connections, or a plan B.

This isn’t a story about luck. It’s about obsession, relentless follow-up, and delivering when it counts.

In this raw and revealing episode, Noah breaks down what actually gets you the gig — the invisible traits producers look for, how to follow up without being annoying, and the mindset that took him from a garage in Vermont to the biggest stages in the country.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Noah Levine's Journey

01:05 Early Musical Influences and Beginnings

03:39 High School and the Path to Berklee

06:13 Internship and Breakthrough with Noah Kahan

10:33 Touring and Songwriting Success

16:06 Creative Process and Collaborations

21:16 Songwriting Techniques and Inspirations

29:35 Touring Experiences with Noah Kahan

29:47 The Greatest Feeling and Hilarious Experiences

31:21 First Large Show and Pinch Me Moments

32:55 Skills Acquired as a Touring Guitar Player

35:18 Balancing Health and Social Aspects on Tour

36:29 Life on the Road vs. Time at Home

37:41 Vision for Personal Artist Project

40:07 Influences and Guitar Heroes

48:43 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Reflections

51:44 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

55:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Noah Levine

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Camera/Sound: Aly Jordan

Editors: Spencer Handley, Clayton Hopkins

#Noahlevine #NoahKahan #PlaybackSessions #Spencerhandley