One of the most influential and innovative guitarists of the past quarter century, Preston Reed invented integrated percussive guitar playing in the late 1980's, revolutionising the way the acoustic guitar is played and inspiring generations of musicians around the world ever since.

Employing multi-voiced grooves, polyrhythmic percussion and story-telling compositions, Reed's visionary approach fully exploits the breathtaking orchestral potential of the acoustic guitar.

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Preston Reed and I chat about:

3:56 How he developed his unique style in the 1980’s. 5:05 The question how to play drums & guitar at the same time? 5:36 His inspirattion of Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Healy and Stanley Jordan. 7:30 How he developed a “drums first” approach. 11:11 His compositional process – sometimes inspired by mistakes and wrong notes… 18:03 His influences ranging from Beatles, Animals, Zombies to Big Bands and Film soundtracks. 20:42 Preston’s experience studying classical guitar as a young player. 25:00 Techniques used – 2 hands playing one line . 26:32 All about his custom guitar built by Mark Bailey and why does he have velcro pasted to the back? 29:45 the pickup configuration Preston uses. 33:06 Preston’s other (non-guitar) hobbies. 34:51 What advice would he give other guitarists? 37:00 Preston talks about his love for jazz and his CD “Spirit” recorded on an archtop guitar! 42:49 Closing track “The Last Viking”from the CD “In Here, Out There”

Visit Preston Reed’s Website at http://www.prestonreed.com

About the Podcast

Ask me a question for the podcast Q & A episodes HERE - http://adamrafferty.com/ask Learn my solo arrangements and get private video guitar coaching & feedback from me on http://www.studywithadam.com Like, join friend us on the Facebook podcast page https://www.facebook.com/fingerstyleguitarhangout/

Bill Cooley has been called "one of Nashville's most respected sidemen" by Guitar Player Magazine.

He has toured and recorded with Kathy Mattea for over 28 years. Bill has also toured with Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, and Alan Jackson to name a few.

Bill has released his fourth CD, "In Search of Home," a solo guitar album that made the Editor's List for Best Music of 2016 in Premier Guitar Magazine.

Show Notes: 

In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Bill Cooley and I chat about:

Bill's musical background and influences growing up in the 60's - from surf bands to Beatles to Leo Kottke.

His guitar teachers and the meaning they had in his life.

His new CD "In Search of Home" and his recording process * staying relaxed in the studio.

Bill tells about his sideman experience in Nashville starting in 1985.

His 28 year artistic relationship with Kathy Mattea.

The creative process they use to stay fresh and alert.

Bill's musical priority - conveying emotion.

His guitar technique & right hand concepts.

Bill talks about giving clinics at Berklee College of Music with Kathy Mattea.

What would Bill tell students to do? Find out...

Closing track - title track from new cd "In Search of Home"

  You can find Bill Cooley's Website online at http://billcooleymusic.com

Ask me a question for the podcast Q & A episodes HERE - http://www.adamrafferty.com/ask

Learn my solo arrangements and get private video guitar coaching & feedback from me http://studywithadam.com

Al Petteway is a Grammy & Indie Award Winner, best known for his lyrical and powerful fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing heard on dozens of recordings, instructional videos, and film soundtracks, including several PBS documentaries by Ken Burns, most notably the Emmy-winning film “The National Parks-America’s Best idea.”

Al’s compositions are strongly influenced by the Celtic, Folk, Rock and Blues styles he has performed in the studio and on stage with many of the best-known artists in those genres.

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Al Petteway gives his thoughts and insights on:

His wide array musical influences starting with Chet Atkins and the Beatles.

His upright bass studies in college, and how it influences his guitar playing.

His approach to solo guitar arranging, separation of parts, and technique.

His appreciation for melodic bass players like Jaco Pastorius and Paul McCartney.

The story behind his new CD, "The Collectors Passion", recorded on just an iPad and an inexpensive Roland interface.

His experiences of playing with other musicians who pushed him to new heights.

Thoughts on recording sessions, relaxation, mindset and spontaneity.

His personal journey with aging, arthritis and continuing playing.

Al's personal top 3 take-away tips for guitarists who want to improve dramatically. Links:

You can find Al Petteway's Website online at http://www.alandamy.com/al.html

Ask me a question for the podcast Q & A episodes HERE - adamrafferty.com/ask

Learn my solo arrangements and get private video guitar coaching & feedback from me studywithadam.com

Tony McManus has come to be recognized throughout the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic Music. In Tony’s hands the complex ornamentation normally associated with fiddles and pipes are accurately transferred to guitar in a way that preserves the integrity and emotional impact of the music.  

In this episode Tony tells us what Celtic music is, his influences & background plus he demonstrates techniques on the guitar live for us.

4:53 Tony tells us what Celtic music is, where it’ from & describes the spirit behind it.

10:00 Tony plays his arrangement a popular Irish tune from the band “Planxty” – demonstrates scales in DADGAD tuning.

12:16 Tony shows fiddle ornamentation with the left hand.

13:05 Tony adds a bassline to the “Planxty” arrangement.

14:00 I ask Tony to play we reminice about meeting at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society in Nashville.

15:55 Tony talks about & demonstrates a piece with deft hammer ons – “Sandizan” by Soïg Siberil .

22:39 Similarities of ornamentation in middle eastern music to Irish music.

23:45 Teaching advanced students – getting them out of their comfort zone.

24:39 Demonstration of a piece in 9/8 time.

27:03 Tony admits limitations and likes the challenges.

27:23 Tony describes Beppe Gambetta’s guitar festival and how he began his explorations of Bach.

35:48 Fingernails & Technique – Tony uses nails like flatpicks.

37:39 Tony’s duo with Julia Koaspern.

38:50 Tony unveils a mini Mike Greenfield Guitar.

40:11 I ask Tony – what things should guitarists do differently?

43:07 Tony talks about Pat Metheny’s unexpected pick thickness.

44:40 Tony’s talks about his CD “Mysterious Boundaries” and upcoming CD projects.

50:00 Does Tony play other styles or instruments?

51:21 Parting thoughts – his wonder with music around the world & different cultures.

You can find Tony’s website online at http://www.tonymcmanus.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyMcManusMusic/

Ask me a question for the podcast Q & A episodes HERE – adamrafferty.com/ask

Learn my solo arrangements and get private video guitar coaching & feedback from me studywithadam.com

In this episode we have student Q & A. Ben from Virginia asks… “How do you maintain a repertoire of several fingerstyle guitar pieces and also learn new tunes, arrangements and concepts?”

Show Notes:

8 points to help you remember old pieces and learn new ones as well:

(2:52) Consider finding a small background music gig – coffee shop maybe? (4:55) Surprise! I don’t remember all my arrangements (5:58) Don’t let 1/2 baked arrangements kick around (6:38) Delegate to Youtube (7:33) How do I keep my old tunes alive? (8:39) Regarding creativity (9:24) Regarding musicianship & studying theory (11:09) Practice using old tune / new tune method.

Links:

Ask me a question for the podcast HERE – adamrafferty.com/ask

Improve your guitar playing - get personal guitar coaching from me and learn my solo arrangements step-by-step at studywithadam.com 

In this very first episode we have student Q & A. Gary from New Zealand asks… “How will practicing triplet based rhythms like 6/8 make my straight 4/4 time better for fingerstyle guitar?”

One of the most important aspects of guitar playing is rhythm. Many players struggle with groove, so here are some ideas for you.

In this particular episode you will learn:

• Where I learned this information
• How to work on your rhythm with a hand drum
• Body rhythm vs head rhythm
• Improving your touch and tone as well as time
• The concept of additive rhythm – “Bo Diddley beat” vs typical 16th notes
• Here is the Remo Kid’s Djembe I practice grooves on

• Ask me a question for the podcast HERE – adamrafferty.com/ask
• This lesson, called “Improve Your Groove” with full walkthrough and mp3 play alongs is available on studywithadam.com