SUBSCRIBE!

'O Brother' and the Bluegrass Boom
How the phenomenal success of a motion picture soundtrack turned the music world on its ear. By Craig Havighurst
Words and music to "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow"
Read the story online.

Sweet Sorrow
Soulful songwriter Patty Griffin explores the sad beauty of being human. By Rani Arbo
Words and music to "Makin' Pies"

Celtic Guitar
Tony McManus, Alec Stone Sweet, and Steve Baughman on the myths and realities behind the burgeoning genre. By Danny Carnahan
Music to "The Old Bush"

 

 

DEPARTMENTS

JUMP STREET East German guitar maker Richard Jacob, Michelle Shocked records again, a Cajun tribute CD, Happenings, and more.

REVIEWS Robert Hellenga's new novel, Blues Lessons, and Hit List CDs.

HERE'S HOW Back to School: How to find a good guitar teacher. By Sam Shaber

SONG CRAFT Other Voices, Other Rooms: Tapping into the spirit and style of another songwriter to get your own creative juices flowing. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

MARKETPLACE Browse the classified ads with live links to advertiser websites.

GEARBOX Three preamps reviewed, a visit with Arizona luthier Mike Baranik, equipment picks from Michelle Shocked, Patty Griffin, Tony McManus, and others, plus new gear.

Q&A Answers to your questions about tuning a 12-string, broken headstocks, and more.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Basics: Flatpicking 101. By David Hamburger
Music to "Blackberry Blossom"

Lead Techniques: Melodic Improvisation. By Chris Grampp
Music to "Red River Valley"

GREAT ACOUSTICS Gelas Double-Top Guitar. By Eric Schoenberg

Cover: Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, and Alison Krauss harmonize at the Grammy Awards show, February. Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.