Acoustic Tuesday Show with Tony Polecastro

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at72/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 The Best Guitar Exercise Does it sometimes feel like your pick hand is out of sync and your fretting hand's accuracy is all out of whack? In this lesson, I'm going to teach you an exercise that will introduce speed accuracy independence and control to both your fretting and picking hand. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week’s featured acoustic artist is a folk duo called Red Tail Ring. This recommendation came to us from a YouTube commenter, and as soon as I pulled the name and got the tunes I immediately fell into a black hole of listening. The harmonies are very tight and the instrumentation is extremely diverse. They are wizards of the stringed instruments. Check out their synergy! #2 Journey Guitars Road Trip Series The Journey Guitars Road Trip Series are smaller, fixed neck travel guitars. They aren't collapsable, but they are very travel-friendly. These travel guitars are extremely convenient and comfortable to play. I tried one and I think it sounds AWESOME. #1 Bernunzio Uptown Music Store I want to tell you about a music store that I think is a hidden gem. The store is located in Rochester NY and is owned by John Bernunzio. They not only have banjos, but they also have an incredible array of vintage instruments. I encourage you to check out their shop, it needs to be in your list of stores to check out frequently.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at71/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode...   #4 The Importance of Reflection and Intention Grab a cup of coffee and a pen and paper. Reflection and Intention are the lynchpins to experiencing progress on the guitar. Being grateful for the experience you've had thus far (#smallwins) and then setting intentions moving forward is crucial in creating positive momentum in your guitar journey. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week’s featured acoustic artist is a duo, recommended to us by Glenn W. Everyone needs to stop what they're doing right now and listen to Clay Parker and Jodi James. I have been listening to them all week. I am completely enthralled by their harmonies, sound and dynamic as a duo. They are a musical treasure that needs to be listened to by all guitar geeks. #2 Wrist Grips Review These wrist grips almost give you an added strength. They offered an incredible amount of stability to both my picking and fretting hand. I can't explain it but I felt like I fatigued less and had more stamina. They just made me feel more stable. I think you'll notice a difference in using these wrist grips. #1 Revival:  The Sam Bush Story If you love bluegrass music, artists that define entire genres, if you love icon artists this documentary is for you. It's called Revival:  The Sam Bush Story. Talk about one of the most inspirational players - this documentary is on my list for tonight's viewing.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at70/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Three Steps To Play Bass Walks Does the mere thought of transitioning from chord to chord stop you dead in your tracks when you want to play a song? In this video lesson I share with you a way to make your chord changes not only easier... but more interesting and fun by adding bass walks. And if you watch to the end, you'll get the Master Formula to create ANY bass walk you want. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week’s featured acoustic artist is Gwenifer Raymond who comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Mark Clark H. from Ardre, Gotland. Mark says, "She's a young up and coming Welsh fingerstyle guitarist who's influenced by Fahey and other American Primitives, as well as old country blues. She also has a Ph.D. in astrophysics and designs video games in her day job--so pretty interesting bio. Her first LP just came out this year and it rocks deeply, or maybe picks deeply rather?" #2 Tonewood Amp Review The Tonewood Amp has been recommended to me many times. The folks at Tonewood were kind enough to send me a demo model. This unit is completely unassuming.  Installation was super easy, and it did not mark the finish on my guitar. I was intimidated to install it but am surprised at how easy and seamless it went. Once installed, it was extremely user-friendly. I see this as a very useful, creative tool. #1 The GIG At Belmont Review There's a lot of talk about planning in the new year. What vacations to take, guitars to buy, guitars to play.....well I found a place in Nashville that combines all of this! The GIG (Gallery of Iconic Guitars) actually features nearly 500 truly iconic guitars. 

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at69/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... Featured in This Episode... #4 Four Steps to Fingerpicking Freedom When starting out on your guitar journey, fingerpicking seems so cool, but also so difficult. And like me, maybe you thought, "I wanna learn that... but when I'm good enough." Well, I want to tell you that you that you are good enough, right now. Whether you're a beginner or have been playing guitar for a while, you can fingerpick as long as you know the four basic steps that I cover in this video. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Emily Barnes, who came recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Pam B. of Nazareth PA. As soon as I received Pam's recommendation I took it seriously. She lives in the same town where Martin Guitars is based, so clearly, she's a guitar geek who knows what she's talking about.  This recommendation totally blew my socks off. Emily is very much under the radar, but she shouldn't be. She's an outstanding singer/songwriter, her playing is fantastic and her lyrical content is so moving. You won't be disappointed. #2 Journey Instruments Travel Guitar Review As a guitar geek, we want to travel and we want to bring a guitar. But traveling with a guitar can sometimes be anxiety-inducing. I've tried quite a few of the travel guitars, but they all have that shape that causes red flags with the TSA. It's a hassle, and you're always worried about the guitar. Journey Instruments has the solution to your worries. #1 Auld Supercut Noah has been at a very special project for quite some time. One year ago, we had the Tony's Acoustic Challenge members participate in a song challenge. Over the course of two weeks, they learned an entire song, measure by measure. They had another two weeks to practice the song and then submit a video of themselves playing the song. We received over 60 video submissions of this song! We have made a supercut of the song Auld Lang Syne. It's a treat to watch. Sit back and enjoy!

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at68/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 What G Chord Is Correct?Ever see someone play a chord you thought you knew, but you notice their fingering looks different or it's a completely new shape you're not familiar with? That's because there are multiple ways of playing the same chord. And not only that...some ways of playing a chord are actually better depending on what style or sound you are going for. Watch this video on three ways to play the G Chord and why you might do so. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week?This week's featured acoustic artist is Cahalen Morrison & Eli West who come recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Zorn J. from El Paso TX. Zorn says, "The playing, the harmonizing, the unique vocals of Cahalen...I'm not eloquent enough to do these guys justice. These are the gentlemen that opened up the vast world of this genre & roots music." #2 LR Baggs Align Series Pedals ReviewLR Baggs sent us the full meal deal set of pedal boards to review and I'm so glad they did! We have the Session, Equalizer, Reverb and Active DI. In this segment, I show you each of these up close and go into detail on what I think about them. Each of these pedals individually is extremely useful. BUT I think when you actually chain them together as a series that's when their full potential is realized. See this Product Review #1 Preston Thompson NewsletterI found a great way for all of you acoustic guitar geeks to stay in the loop with one of the leading acoustic guitar makers in the United States. Clearly, you know by now I love Thompson Guitars. I love this newsletter too, you should sign up for it.  

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at67/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Three Strumming Patterns Without A Guitar Pick If you hate using guitar picks then this quick lesson is for you. Some guitar geeks just don't like guitar picks and that's ok, but what do you do when you want to strum along to a song? You certainly don't want to sit the tune out, so in this short video, I am going to share with you 3 ways you can strum along to a song without a guitar pick. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is The Devil Makes Three who comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Tony F. of Kansas City, MO. Tony says, "I love that they uphold bluegrass and Americana traditions, but add modern lyrical themes. They also have astounding energy live." #2 Native Sons Straps Review Native Sons Straps offers a whole plethora of design options, you're sure to find one that fits your style. In this segment I hit on quite a few options that they offer, I also tell you about a SPECIAL DEAL for Acoustic Tuesday viewers only. #1 Regal Musical Instruments History Book Review This would be a great gift for the guitar geek that may quite possibly have everything, BUT I can guarantee you they don't have this. It's an encyclopedia of Regal musical instrument knowledge. The tale of Regal Instruments is a fascinating tale. At the end of the book are ads on every Regal Guitar that was produced. The instruments shown in the ads are absolutely stunning.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at66/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Three Steps to Hack EVERY Guitar Lick A necessity on every guitar geeks journey is learning guitar licks. But a big problem that a ton of players face is that a guitar lick stays just that... a lick... that is never actually used when jamming to a tune or playing with your friends. So in this video, I teach you the MOST popular bluegrass lick AND how to incorporate ANY lick into your guitar playing! #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Eric Bibb who comes recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Cedric Perrier of London, England. Cedric describes Eric as "Quite simply one of the most prolific acoustic singer/songwriter bluesmen in the world today. Last year his album ‘Migration Blues’ was nominated for a Grammy alongside The Rolling Stones’ “Lonesome & Blue” album in the blues category." #2 Wazinator Stompbox Review I want to introduce you to a stompbox called the Wazinator. These stompboxes are made in Australia and they are AWESOME! I have tried out quite a few stomp boxes and I haven't (up until now) found one that floats my boat. They all seem to make a clicking sound when I'm using them. That is not the case with the Wazinator. #1 Acoustic Tuesday Holiday Buyer's Guide Let me describe a scenario to you....you are a guitar geek. You embrace your geekiness, you love it. But it never fails, people do not know what to get you. They are intimidated by your guitar geekiness. They get overwhelmed by all the 'gear' and so they get you a sweater.  It's a nice thought, but we don't need more sweaters. I have made a GUITAR GEEK HOLIDAY GIFT LIST! You're going to want to share this with those people who may be wondering what to get you.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at65/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Artificial Harmonics Made Easy I don't know about you, but one thing that keeps me out of a guitar rut is learning new techniques. So, in this video, I show you how simple it is to start playing artificial harmonics. Get out your guitar, because after watching this you will be playing them! #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Scott Mulvahill. Scott is doing something that I always thought was completely impossible - sing and play stand up bass at the same time. To me, this feat seems impossible and I am very impressed. #2 LR Baggs Venue DI Review This DI left me wondering why it took me so long to try it out. It's probably one of the most versatile DIs on the market. You can really dial it into your preferences, which I love. The tuner is one of the best tuners I have seen on a DI. I think they have thought of everything with this product! #1 Ask Matt - Sitka vs Adirondack Spruce Braces As a guitar geek do you ever find yourself pondering the question, "What is the difference between Sitka and Adirondack spruce braces?" Acoustic Tuesday correspondent Matt Chulka from Eddie's Guitars in St. Louis, MO helps us answer this tough question.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at64/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Play Guitar in Open-D This lesson on open tunings really helped me to break out of an acoustic guitar rut. This will unlock a massive amount of creativity and exploration on your guitar. Learn about my initial hesitations to alternate tuning, and how I overcame those! I'll share a guide with you that includes three easy steps to breaking through any fears you may have in alternate tuning. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Christie Lenee. Christie is an incredibly talented guitar player. In 2017 she won the International Finger Style Guitar Championship at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield KS. Christie has been recommended to me numerous times, I'm glad I finally checked her out! #2 Picker's Grip Review When I first started flatpicking my pick would spin constantly. I hated the feeling that I wasn't overly solid on my pick. This product would have helped me in those frustrations. Check out this segment where I discuss how Picker's Grip feels to use, and why I think it can help you in keeping control over your pick. #1 Preston Thompson Family Go Fund Me We are a tight knit community of acoustic guitar players. As a part of this family, we try to help out our own when we can. Preston Thompson of Thompson Guitars was recently in the hospital. He's on the road to recovery, but he and his family could definitely use some help. In this segment I give you details on how you can help Preston and his family out. We are thinking of you and sending you good vibes Thompson family!

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at63/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Your Quick Start Guide To Resonator Guitars Resonator guitars are some of the most distinctive sounding stringed instruments, and they are a blast to play, but they can be intimidating. Well, be intimidated no more because I show you the ins and outs of all types of resonator guitars in this quick start guide.   #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Toby Walker, who is an acoustic blues juggernaut you need to know. He's an incredible blues player and more impressive than his technical chops are his tone and feel...   #2 Beard Guitars Belle Beard Review Right at the beginning of 2018, I was lucky enough to find this guitar and add it to my guitarsenal. I had lusted after a guitar just like this for years and finally, the stars aligned. This resonator by Paul Beard looks slick and sexy, sounds slick and sexy, and even has a very special surprise hidden within it. Check out the full review to find out what secret this resophonic beauty is keeping.   #1 Mule Resophonic Guitars Tri-Cone Review This guitar's looks don't tell its full story. Beneath the hood of this hot rod lies a tri-cone resonator system that sounds gorgeous. From headstock to tailpiece, this Mule Resonator has loads of mojo to offer; handmade in Saginaw, Michigan by Matt Eich and his talented team this guitar carries with it a story so be sure to check out the entire review to hear about its origins and how it sounds.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at62/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday #4 Three Music Theory Mistakes to Avoid In this episode, I cover the 3 biggest music theory mistakes. I've learned my lesson with these mistakes, I'm want to help you learn and avoid them. You don't have to know standard notation; Not applying what you've learned in music theory; Feeling like you have to learn EVERYTHING on music theory. Featured in this episode... #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Tim Stafford, who is an acoustic guitar player you need to know. He's a fantastic flat picker, an all-around incredible songwriter and composer. Some of his instrumental stuff will leave you weak in the knees.   #2 Orange Acoustic Preamp I received this acoustic preamp to check out. I gave it a try and I'm very impressed with it. It's a two channel pre, and channel A actually utilizes a tube so you are able to get this wonderful, rich, harmonic blend. Channel B has a mic input with switchable fan and power. You can effectively play your guitar plugged in and in front of a mic all in one unit!   #1 Thompson Cuban Mahogany Dreadnought Review I featured this guitar in a past episode of Acoustic Tuesday, but I need to share it again. My Thompson Cuban Mahogany Dreadnought is mind-blowing. The string spacing, responsiveness, bark, overall volume - is amazing. It literally will make banjos run away with their tails between their legs.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at61/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Three Reasons To Use The Capo In this episode I discuss in detail when you may want to use a capo: To change keys easily; To replace barre chords; To get access to chord shapes for a specific style. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Chris Knight from Slaughters, KY. He's one of those songwriters who is able to paint such a vivid picture, with beautifully chosen words. You don't want to miss my segment featuring Chris! #2 The Music Emporium This is a beautiful store that stocks an amazing amount of acoustic guitars. The Music Emporium has a wonderful reputation and a great history. They have been around since 1968 and are based out of Lexington, MA. They have an unending supply of acoustic guitars that can be purchased through their website or in person. #1 Furch Guitars Review Are any of you confused about the difference between Furch and Stonebridge Guitars? Well look no further, I found the answer!

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at60/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday   Featured in This Episode... #4 The Secret of Barre Chords Do you think that barre chords SUCK? Well listen up, because I know if you knew the hidden power of barre chords you'd place them much higher on your guitar practice priority list. In this episode I show you the secret power of barre chords. Check it out. #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Sierra Ferrell who I am personally recommending to you. She's got a voice that is plucked from old time radio - it's so unique and has a wonderful vintage characteristic. #2 Ernie Ball Paradigm Strings Review I want to share with you my review of the Ernie Ball Paradigm Strings. The strings boast two main qualities, they are break resistant and ultra durable. I tested out those qualities, check out the segment to find out what I found out. #1 My First Guitar Book Review This book was sent to me as a gift from one of our AT viewers, Vic G. I would encourage you all to get the book. Seventy of the most influential guitarists are interviewed about their first guitar playing experiences. My First Guitar really shows the human connection to the guitar.

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at59/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Musical Alphabet and Note Memorization Does the musical alphabet and note memorization have you stumped? Grab a pen and paper and join me as we take a dive into learning them!   #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured acoustic artist is Glenn Jones, who was recommended to us by Acoustic Tuesday listener Richard L. from Kingsland, TX.   #2 Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner Guitar Review In this episode I review the Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner. I think this guitar is a true jack of all trades. It's capable of a lot, but may fly under the radar because of what seems to be basic specs (hint - it's NOT basic!).   #1 Robert Crumb Blues Heroes Book Review Looking for a gift for another guitar lover? I want to share with you a gift that may just fit the bill. The contents of this book by Robert Crumb were formally only available in a trading card form, now they are bound together in one book!

➜All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at58/➜Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday Featured in This Episode... #4 Boucher Guitars Boucher Guitars is located in Quebec Canada.  They definitely have their finger on the pulse of tradition. They are located in the heart of one of the best places for the raw materials they use in creating their guitars. The vibe of these guitars is steeped in tradition and style.   #3 What's On the Turntable This Week? This week's featured artist is Tim O'Brien. Tim was recommended by Acoustic Tuesday listener Eric T. from Ontario Canada. Eric said we need to check out Tim's music because of "his versatility and unique flavor."   #2 Manzer Guitars Linda Manzer is an incredible luthier from Toronto Canada. She's built guitars for Pat Metheny, Carlos Santana, Julian Lage, and many other well-known musicians. Be sure to watch what Pat Metheney has to say about his relationship with Linda.   #1 Parks Guitars Shelley Park of North Vancouver, BC. Shelley has been building guitars since 1991 and is considered the preeminent gypsy jazz guitar builder. Her guitars are stunning, and most reviews reflect on the laser-like projection of the guitars.