Vivid Guitar

The newsletter for guitar players. Guitar lessons, today's top guitar players, guitar gear, and guitar news.

https://vividguitar.co/tag/newsletter/

Bite-sized guitar lessons & practice ideas, along with the most interesting guitar news, gear info, & more.

07/28/2026

Original or Reissue? Can You Tell the Difference? 🎸

Ever wondered what separates a real vintage guitar from a modern reissue?

In this week's guest article, Joe Dampt of Joe's Vintage Guitars shares the key details he looks for when evaluating vintage instruments—from serial numbers and pot codes to finish checking, hardware, and wear patterns. Whether you're dreaming of owning a pre-CBS Strat or simply want to avoid an expensive mistake, this guide is packed with practical insights.

Joe also explains why vintage guitars continue to command such high prices, when a reissue might actually be the smarter buy, and how to confidently inspect a guitar before handing over your money.

If you love vintage guitars—or hope to own one someday—this is a must-read.

🔗 Read the full article at the link in the comments

Have you ever played a true vintage guitar? Let us know what you thought in the comments!

06/23/2026

🎸 New Interview: Bob Wagner

After years of being one of Vermont's most respected sidemen—playing with artists like Mike Gordon, Kat Wright, and Josh Panda—Bob Wagner recently stepped into the spotlight with his debut solo album, I've Been Down.

We caught up with Bob to talk about recording the album in Nashville alongside musicians like Jano Rix, Oliver Wood, and Laur Joamets, what he learned touring with Mike Gordon, the gear inspiring him lately, and why listening is the most important skill a musician can develop.

Along the way, Bob shares insights on songwriting, improvisation, serving the song, and finding your own musical voice.

A few highlights:
🎵 Why a long walk often beats practicing when creativity stalls
🎵 Lessons from recording with world-class musicians in Nashville
🎵 What touring with Mike Gordon taught him about listening
🎵 The Benson Preamp and vintage guitars currently inspiring him
🎵 Why great playing starts with paying attention

Read the full interview at the link in bio.

06/16/2026

🎸 NEW INTERVIEW: Miles Okazaki

What practice habits have made the biggest difference over a lifetime of playing? How did decades of studying Thelonious Monk shape Miles Okazaki's musical voice? And why does he believe creative constraints can lead to better compositions?

In our latest interview, Miles shares practical insights from Fundamentals of Guitar, discusses his unique approach to rhythm and technique, talks about the gear he's using today, and gives a preview of his upcoming album, BOOMTOWN.

Read the full interview at the link in comments.

06/03/2026

🎸 NEW INTERVIEW: Dominyka Mauliūtė

Lithuanian guitarist Dominyka Mauliūtė has quickly become one of the most exciting young voices in jazz. In this interview, she shares how jazz taught her that there isn't just one "correct" way to express yourself, why sensitivity matters more than speed, and how philosophy influences her creative process.

We also discuss:
• Her current practice routine
• The influence of Wes Montgomery and Emily Remler
• Balancing technique with artistic authenticity
• Creating atmosphere with guitar and effects
• Her vision for immersive rock theatre performances

"If you're young, you often think becoming a good guitarist means becoming technically impressive. But music is really about emotional honesty and listening deeply."

Read the full interview at the link in the comments below.

06/01/2026

Based on guitarists interviews I've done, I created a FREE new guide called 'How Pros Practice; The practice habits of 20 professional jazz & improvisational guitarists'.

Discover the practice habits of 20 professional jazz & improvisational guitarists - featuring insights from Adam Levy, Cecil Alexander, Ariel Posen, Molly Miller, Tim Lerch, Charlie Ballantine, Scott Metzger, and more.

If you're interested, comment 'guitar' below, and I'll send you a link.

05/27/2026

Excited to share my latest interview with Will Brahm.

We talk about daily practice routines, the power of closed-position playing, staying melodic over fast-changing jazz harmony, and how he creates huge atmospheric textures in a trio setting without overplaying.

Will also shares insights on:
• Building fluency across the neck
• Improvising over complex changes
• Melody vs. harmony in composition
• His current live and recording setup
• Creating ambience with delay pedals
• His upcoming album TRUST and new single “In Dreams”

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation full of practical ideas for guitarists and musicians alike.

Read the full interview — link in comments.

05/20/2026

🎸 New interview with Harrison Whitford.

Harrison talks about improvisation, alternate tunings, songwriting, and the lessons he’s learned from playing with Phoebe Bridgers. He also shares insight into the making of Best of Kings, his project with Eli Hirsch, and why he tries to make playing guitar feel “as close to breathing as possible.”

Full interview at the link in comments.

05/06/2026

🎸 Guitarist Interview: Nick Granville

From jazz festivals to sessions with legends, Nick Granville has built a career around versatility, musicality, and deep improvisation.

In this interview, Nick breaks down:
• His evolving practice routine
• How he approaches improvisation
• What actually helps you improve (and what doesn’t)

If you're serious about getting better on guitar—this one’s worth your time.

👉 Read the full interview: vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-nick-granville/

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