April 16, 2025
Fender vs. Gibson: How Scale Length & String Gauge Affect Playability
Music & Arts’ resident guitar guru, Alan Day, shares a pro tip that will help beginning electric guitarists choose the perfect set of strings based on scale length.
Category: Guitar
March 14, 2025
Tales From the Repair Shop: Guitars & More
Arizona-based master technician Malinda Stratton shares a few of her recent repair adventures — including a Gibson L-50 restoration and an extra-tricky guitarrón fix.
February 13, 2025
Music & Artists: Jared James Nichols
The blues-rock guitar hero talks Epiphone Les Pauls, Blackstar amps, playing electric without a pick and the fine art of riff-writing.
January 28, 2025
Music & Artists: Béla Fleck
The world-renowned banjo master offers beginner tips as well as insight into his Gold Tone Mastertone “Bluegrass Heart” banjo.
January 16, 2025
Young Bob Dylan: Getting to Know the Complete Unknown
Elijah Wald, whose book Dylan Goes Electric! inspired the new biopic A Complete Unknown, talks about the musicianship of an American icon. Plus: Music & Arts Gear & Book Guide
January 13, 2025
Gator Cases: Meet the Makers
When musicians of all stripes have gear-transportation problems, Gator has durable, smartly designed solutions.
October 31, 2024
Tony Levin: Profiles in Education
The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig
October 22, 2024
William “Tiger” Fitzhugh: Discover Classical Guitar
Explore nylon-string technique with these tips from a veteran Nashville-based guitarist and Music & Arts instructor.
October 7, 2024
How to Build the Perfect Practice Routine
Essential tips for making the most out of your focused practice time. It’s happened to all of us. You sit down with your instrument with the intention of practicing, but quickly feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. Where do I even start? Am I practicing the right way? What should I […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Care & Maintenance, Part 2: When Does My Guitar Need a Setup & Intonation Adjustment?
Understanding the fundamental maintenance tasks that will help your guitar stay in tune. It’s hard to overstate the importance of having a guitar that consistently plays in tune. Many beginners struggle more than necessary simply because their instrument isn’t set up correctly. Proper tuning and intonation can make the difference between becoming a lifelong guitarist […]