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Built to Last: How the Grateful Dead recorded two all-time acoustic classics in the space of one year. By David Simons
Words and music to "Friend of the Devil"
Read the story online.

Sultan of Slide: Josh Graves, the first virtuoso of the Dobro, looks back on his long career in bluegrass. By Orville Johnson
Graves-style Dobro licks

Inside the Score: Classical guitarist and composer Roland Dyens searches for the emotional essence of each piece. By Stephen Dick
Music to "Flying Wigs"

DEPARTMENTS

JUMP STREET Guitars as art, Irish trad band Lúnasa, bluegrass rhythm ace Wyatt Rice, Happenings, and more.

REVIEWS Charley Patton on disc, new fingerstyle recordings, and Hit List CDs.

A.G. LETTER Guitar maker Kenny Hill visits his Spanish counterparts in Granada.

SONG CRAFT Brand-New Day: Lucy Kaplansky reconnects with her country-rock roots and delivers her best songs yet. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
Words and music to "Written on the Back of His Hand"

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

GEARBOX Budding guitar builder Michihiro Matsuda,Yamaha’s AG Stomp reviewed, equipment picks from Josh Graves, Wyatt Rice, Donogh Hennessy, and others, plus new gear.

SHOPTALK Take Your Pick: Exploring the possibilities of the custom-made flatpick. By David McCarty

Q&A Answers to your questions about studio jitters, repairing your guitar's braces , and more.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Basics: Multiple-Guitar Arrangements. By Paul Kotapish

Accompaniment Techniques: New Chord Colors. By Jim Josselyn

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

GREAT ACOUSTICS Supertone Entertainer. By Michael Wright

Cover: Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead play the Warfield theater in San Francisco. Photo by Jay Blakesberg