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Sound and Vision: How songwriter Suzanne Vega uses visual imagery to express ideas and emotions. By Simone Solondz
Words and music to "Last Year’s Troubles"
Read the story online.

Tenor Tenure: The versatile little four-string guitar has held a place in popular music since the 1920s. By Michael Simmons

Designing Space: Fingerstyle master Pierre Bensusan balances silence, energy, and movement in his music. By Gary Joyner
Music to "L’Alchimiste"

DEPARTMENTS

JUMP STREET The prepared guitar of Janet Feder, Mali’s Habib Koité, Steve Howe’s acoustic CD, Happenings, and more.

REVIEWS Grateful Dawg documentary, swing instructional videos, and Hit List CDs.

ON THE WEB Pickers’ Pages: Bluegrass grows on the Internet. By Craig Havighurst

STAGE AND STUDIO EQ Training: Prepare yourself to make on-stage, on-the-spot equalization adjustments. By Chris Proctor

MARKETPLACE Browse the classified ads with live links to advertiser Web sites.

GEARBOX The RainSong OM reviewed, inside the National Reso-Phonic factory, equipment picks from Suzanne Vega, Pierre Bensusan, and others, plus new gear.

SHOPTALK European Revolution: Guitar making in the 19th century. By Ian Watchorn

Q&A Answers to your questions about Delta blues, playing open mics, and more.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Basics: Bass Runs. By David Hamburger
Words and music to "I Am a Pilgrim"

Swing Rhythm: Voice Leading. By Tony Marcus
Swing chord progressions

OFF THE RECORD Andrew DuBrock takes apart a Led Zeppelin classic.
Words and music to "Going to California"

GREAT ACOUSTICS Morton Seven-String Tricone. By Ben Elder

Cover: Suzanne Vega backstage at San Francisco’s Warfield Theater. Photo by Jay Blakesberg.