THE SECRET LIFE OF ANI DIFRANCO On guitar, on stage, and in the studio. Read the interview with Ani DiFranco. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers
Words and music to "Hello Birmingham"

CRAZY DREAMS Paul Brady reflects on his career as a Celtic trad pioneer and pop songwriter. By Danny Carnahan
Words and music to "Arthur McBride"

HANDS ON How to avoid and treat guitar-related hand injuries. Read the story online. By Hassaun Ali Jones-Bey

DEPARTMENTS

JUMP STREET Richard Shindell, Jon Lundberg, a farewell from the editor, Happenings, and more.

REVIEWS Hit List records, Neil Young’s latest, and a book and two new CDs from Pat Metheny.

A.G. LETTER David McCarty reports on the thriving bluegrass scene in Roanoke, Virginia.

STAGE AND STUDIO

Homegrown CD Winner No. 4: Jim Earp, Smiles to Go. By Teja Gerken
Troubleshooting Your Show: How to keep your audience enthralled. By Mike Barris

GEARBOX CFox and Breedlove nylon-strings reviewed, New Gear, and equipment picks from our featured artists.

SHOPTALK Case Study: How to choose the proper case or gig bag for your guitar. By Teja Gerken

DEAR A.G. Answers to your questions.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Basics: Ear Training. By Andrew DuBrock
Musical examples
Fingerstyle Techniques: Beyond Patterns. By Gary Joyner
Musical examples

OFF THE RECORD Laurence Juber arranges a Beatles classic.
Music to "Yesterday"

GREAT ACOUSTICS 1927 Simplicio. By Bianca Soros

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

Cover: Righteous Babe Ani DiFranco. Photo by Jay Blakesberg.