002 - Kelly Joe Phelps, Dunlop Guitar Picks, Art of Chords

Being a #guitargeek is no easy task. You have to keep up on all of the geeky acoustic guitar things that are happening in the world, but with Acoustic Tuesday you can now keep your finger on the pulse.  

- A Little Practice Positivity & Inspiration: Every so often I find myself a little bummed out that I can't play exactly like my guitar heroes. I say things like I wish I could play just like Bryan Sutton, or I wish I could finger pick just like Tommy Emmanuel. The truth is everyone approaches guitar playing differently and your own unique way is what makes up your distinct sonic fingerprint. Your guitar heroes should inspire, motivate, and encourage; not be used for comparison because when it all comes down to it... we are all different, and we all approach music differently... hell, we even hear different things when listening to music. So embrace the way you play, strive for daily progress and when you find yourself bummed out wishing you could play just like your guitar hero, take a second, breathe, and be thankful for their unique music and approach, and know that you are bringing into the world your own unique music as well... and most importantly feel good about your musical journey!!!

- A Guitar Gadget That's Worth a Look: Not sure if you would consider a guitar pick a gadget, but I get asked about my favorite pick all the time. So here it is in all its glory. The Dunlop Ultex Sharp 2.0mm pick. I included a link in case you want to try them out: ( http://amzn.to/2vu5DvW )

- What I'm currently listening to: Tunesmith Retrofit by Kelly Joe Phelps. I absolutely adore this album. Kelly's songwriting, his playing, and his knack for being in the moment shine through here. This is one of those albums that takes me back to a specific place... (on a red line train heading from Chicago's loop to the Old Town School of Folk Music (located on the North side)... this was around 2006). My favorite track on this one is: "Tight to the Jar"... The line ..."Melody sweet til it rolls out the ear and the beer flows free as advice" always manages to get me. 

- A compendium of #lightbulbmoments: The book Art of Chords by Stephane Gagnon is chocked full of great information about how to look at chords in an analytical fashion to unlock their secrets. This book led to many #smallwins for me personally and if chord construction interests you then this is a book that should be on your list!!! ( http://amzn.to/2uHgmpD )

Have an amazing acoustic week and remember to keep on pickin'.

Cheers,
Tony

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com