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In The Air
John Mayer reflects on his pop success, his beginnings as a blues-rock shredder, and the power of sophisticated chord structures. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
Read the story online.

Archtop Architecture
Redesigning the vaunted archtop guitar. By Teja Gerken

Chasing the Serpent's Tail
Martin Simpson's fusion of British trad guitar styles and tunings with American deep blues finds its perfect expression on Righteousness and Humidity. By David Hamburger

Words and music to "Georgie"

DEPARTMENTS

JUMP STREET Avant acoustic guitarist Elliott Sharp, singer-songwriter Noe Venable, uke meister Jim Beloff, Happenings, and more.

REVIEWS Guitar stars honor their mentors on Guitar Harvest and Hit List CDs.

HERE'S HOW Stage Steps: Getting ready to perform. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

SONGCRAFT Independence Day: Country singer Shelby Lynne resolves her Identity Crisis by going it alone. By Paul Zollo

Words and music to "Baby"

GEARBOX New Fishman and Schertler acoustic amps reviewed.

Q&A Answers to your questions about tiples, hand injuries, and bridge pins.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Basics: Irish Song Accompaniment. By Danny Carnahan

Words and music to "Rosemary Fair"

Fingerstyle Techniques: Playing and Composing in D-Minor Tuning. By Pete Madsen

Music to "Day of the Dead"

GREAT ACOUSTICS 1955 Gretsch Rancher. By George Gruhn

Cover: John Mayer. Photo by Amanda Parks.