Hot AF

Published: Fri, 05/31/24

Ms. Fretboard and I are back from the first weekend of the Kerrville Folk Festival. The weather was, as the kids say, hot AF. Luckily, our campsite…

The Ice Cream Window

Published: Fri, 05/24/24

Updated: Fri, 05/24/24

I have a deadline. I'm writing this newsletter on Thursday night, and if I can get it done by 9pm, Ms. Fretboard and I will have time to go to Amy's…

Last Call – Slide Improvisation Workshop

Published: Fri, 05/17/24

Depending on what time zone you're in, as this hits your inbo you might be fast asleep in heliotrope pajamas, just rolling up to the Frisbee-golf…

Ten Quatrains About Slide Improvisation

Published: Fri, 05/17/24

Updated: Fri, 05/17/24

Behold, the alternating thumbA mystery, it can becomeWhen necessary to be pliedWhile fingerpicking with a slide The challenge is to play the lickson…

Ry Cooder vs. Duane Allman

Published: Fri, 05/17/24

Updated: Fri, 05/17/24

I'm guessing I'm not the only one whose shorthand for this or that technique or playing style is based on which musician I swiped it from. When it…

Slide Improvisation Workshop – FAQs

Published: Thu, 05/16/24

Updated: Thu, 05/16/24

Behold, the answers to a few questions I've been getting about this Saturday's Slide Improvisation workshop, answered here for your decision-making…

Slide Soloing in Four Steps

Published: Tue, 05/14/24

Updated: Tue, 05/14/24

This Saturday's Slide Improvisation workshop is about the four steps it takes to play self-accompanied slide solos over an alternating-thumb…

Improvising When Necessary

Published: Fri, 05/10/24

Updated: Fri, 05/10/24

I'm not a big fan of change. Mostly, it bugs me when I've learned how to use some tool – a web site, a piece of software – or I've woven something…

Another Idle Moment Co-opted By A Restless Brain

Published: Fri, 05/03/24

Updated: Sat, 05/04/24

Before I moved to Austin, I don't think I would have associated the Lone Star State with "going to to the beach." But one look at a map is all you…

Exchange Rate

Published: Fri, 04/26/24

I am often – okay, usually – the first one up in our house, and most mornings the family cat is waiting to come inside. Sometimes she's just curled up…