To Support the Channel: Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com Danny Gatton was and is a huge influence on me, especially his "Strictly Rhythm Guitar" video from Hot Licks. In my tribute to Danny, I take a walk through some of his history, gear, and also cover some of his playing concepts that have stuck with me. Link for Danny's Rhythm Guitar Video https://amzn.to/376svEJ Spotify Playlist for Gatton https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ok... Gear for this vide...
May 17, 2023•13 min•Ep. 56
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com This was another topic that I have been asked many times about over the last 10 months. These are my setup tips for Telecasters. I call them hacks, as I tend to not use measurements, and go more by feel and sound. I cover looking at the nut, neck relief, action, and pickup height. Gear for this video 1967 Telecaster - stock except for ste...
May 16, 2023•23 min•Ep. 55
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com CORRECTION - The "Stars On The Water" rhythm part was both Albert Lee and Hank DeVito. They played the same part but were panned hard left and right. Hank indicated he used his Esquire and a Vox AC30 on the track. DeVito is an esteemed steel player, guitarist, songwriter, and photographer. As a musician, he was an original member of Emmyl...
May 15, 2023•18 min•Ep. 54
To Support the Channel: Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com Albert Lee's playing floored me when I heard it on Eric Clapton's "Just One Night" album. I soon began racing down the rabbit hole learning as much as I could about his playing style, gear, and buying every album I could find that listed him on the credits. This episode is a tribute to Albert, and the huge influence he has had on electric guitar players in Country & all roots-based music style...
May 14, 2023•24 min•Ep. 53
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com This is a walkthrough of Broadcaster/Esquire/Nocaster/Telecaster bridge pickups from 1950-1969. Thanks to Ron Ellis for his invaluable help in making this video. 2-weeks ago, I released an episode on pickups, and I found I had included some erroneous information on Broadcaster pickups. I immediately pulled the video from YouTube, and have...
May 13, 2023•23 min•Ep. 52
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com Today I spotlight a multi-instrumentalist, and a criminally underrated Telecaster player, Ricky Skaggs. Besides his remarkable guitar work, I also looked at the unique way that he ended up as his own Telecaster player after Ray Flacke left his band. Also, I show some great Skaggs-influenced B-bender and non-bender licks. Spotify Ricky Ska...
May 12, 2023•32 min•Ep. 51
To Support the Channel: Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com For my 50th episode, I take a look at the guitar reference books that have influenced me the most. I also continue my lick of the week showing some of Joe Walsh's faux steel licks he used in a recent concert with the Eagles on "Peaceful Easy Feeling." Some of the licks Joe used are variations of Bernie Leadon's guitar parts on the original recording. 1. The Guitar Book, by Tom Wheeler 2. The Fende...
May 11, 2023•22 min•Ep. 50
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com Today I take a look at our obsession with vintage guitars. It all started with a good friend calling me and informing me that he was going to sell a high-end boutique amp and guitar, so he could afford a vintage guitar. Although I supported him in doing it, I also had to look at what drives me and so many others to become obsessed about o...
May 10, 2023•23 min•Ep. 49
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com In the continuing series, of how the various components affect tone, today's chapter is on wood. As to not spread too wide of a net, I stick to old-school Fender used woods ash, alder, pine, and basswood, when covering bodies, and solid maple, maple cap, and rosewood board necks. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster Support the show...
May 09, 2023•15 min•Ep. 48
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com I remember vividly seeing this "new" guitarist play on TV in the early 90s. He had this crazy-looking gray Tele, with a mini in the neck, a Strat in the middle, and boy howdy could he play! Of course, that guitarist was Brent Mason, and he has gone on to be one of the most recorded, and influential players to ever set foot in Nashville, T...
May 08, 2023•25 min•Ep. 47
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com I love relics when they are done well, but must say that there are few things uglier than when aging is done badly. In today's AZ, I retell the story of seeing Joe Glaser age a pickup cover in a restoration project, long before the beginning of the Fender relics. I also dispel the often-told story that the Relic series happened after Fend...
May 07, 2023•16 min•Ep. 46
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Back in 1996, I got a call on a Saturday night from a drummer friend asking me to go on a 30-day run of dates in Wyoming and New Mexico. And by the way, we leave Monday. We were playing clubs 6-nights a week, 5 hours a night, with Sundays off to travel to the next show. I experienced some of the craziest gigs of my life, and probably learned more than I did in a year of lessons. I also tip the hat to the great Jim Weider. He played in The Band after Robertson, a...
May 06, 2023•20 min•Ep. 45
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com How do changing bridges, saddles, and perhaps even tuners affect your guitar's tone? Today I take that on, looking at vintage style 3-saddle bridges vs heavy brass 6-saddle bridges, what to expect going from steel to brass saddles, and what happens when you install die-cast tuners. I close the show with a nod to one of the great Telecaste...
May 05, 2023•21 min•Ep. 44
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com In this episode, we take a trip in the Wayback Machine and take a look at my 1992 era pedalboard. After last week's Klon, and the birth of boutique episode, I thought about what was my rig was back in the early 90s. Besides the original TS808, that is long gone, I still had all of the pedals I used, and even the plastic Boss BCB6 pedalboa...
May 04, 2023•23 min•Ep. 43
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac The decision to do a Klon focused episode was made easy by a good buddy loaning me his gold horsie Klon, and by the fact that I also had access to a silver horsie version. For this AZ, I wanted to set the context for the birth of this storied pedal by explaining what trends were occurring in music retail, and how that and the new collectible pedal market set the stage for both Bill Finnegan's Klon and the other boutique builders. Gear Used: 2014 Crook Custom Vin...
May 03, 2023•14 min•Ep. 42
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac People often ask me what it takes to be a guitar tech, and how to find a job as one. Here I lay out some important considerations for anyone wanting to pursue a position as a guitar tech. Gear Used: 2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley with Adder Neck, and underwound Florance TE60 http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/ Pick: Blue Chip TPR 35 RB Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel. Amp: 1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker Effects ...
May 02, 2023•22 min•Ep. 41
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com This episode of AZ was inspired by finding a 1983 JV bound 62 reissue Telecaster recently, and from a past Truetone Lounge interview with John Jorgenson in 2017. In the interview, Jorgenson mentioned that he used a "JV Telecaster" on the first two Desert Rose Band albums, including the iconic solo to "Hello Trouble." In addition to that, ...
May 01, 2023•23 min•Ep. 40
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com Even though I am a Tele-Guy, there are times when you just need a Les Paul. In today's AZ, I tell how I finagled my way into the Gibson Custom Shop and was able to go through 35 R9 (1959 Reissues) to find the one that checked all the boxes, lightweight, gorgeous top, and acoustically loud. Also, I explain what mods I have done, and what p...
Apr 30, 2023•20 min•Ep. 39
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com With my "Why The Deluxe Reverb is the Best Amp" video, many of you asked for a comparison between one of my 60's Deluxe Reverb amps, and the new Tone Master modeling amp. Well here it is, my unvarnished take on the amp, and I have to say that Fender did a great job on the Tone Master. Gear used in Video: 2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 T...
Apr 29, 2023•16 min•Ep. 38
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac The purpose of today's episode is to put forth the question, can we start using the chorus effect again without being subjected to ridicule? After the overuse of it in the 80s and '90s, it has become the pariah of effects. Should it be freed after its nearly 20-year quarantine, or does it deserve to continue to be an outcast? To support the show: go to www.askzac.com and visit the store Gear used in Video: 2018 Danocaster Double-Cut (1955 Stratocaster Style) wit...
Apr 28, 2023•17 min•Ep. 37
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac All of us start playing guitar for various reasons. Here is my story, and please share yours below. To support the show: go to www.askzac.com and visit the store Gear used in Video: 2018 Danocaster Double-Cut (1955 Stratocaster Style) with Ron Ellis 50/60 FAT pickups. Soft V neck, ash body, faded Inca Silver finish. Raw Vintage Trem Springs https://danocaster.com/ Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel. Pick: Blue Chip TPR 35 RB Amp: 1965 ...
Apr 27, 2023•16 min•Ep. 36
CORRECTION: Pete used 7 out of the 21 stockpiled Yoakam originals on each of the first 3 albums they released together. Pete Anderson turned Nashville on its ear with his playing and production on Dwight Yoakam's 1986 release, Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. His use of a Tele and Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, instead of the Music City norm of a Strat going direct with heavy chorus, made Dwight's record stand-out, and radio and record buyers responded by quickly turning Yoakam into a bonafide star. In...
Apr 26, 2023•20 min•Ep. 35
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac In this episode, I spell out some philosophies and techniques that have helped my soloing improve. 1. Getting a Looper Pedal (I use an MXR Clone Looper) https://amzn.to/2AwoM7o 2. Singing a solo over the changes 3. Finding Rhythmic and Melodic Motifs 4. Limiting Myself - Play like a hero, or with a different sound 5. Become a guitar tinkerer. Make what I steal my own. To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com Gear used in Video: 2019 Danocaster ...
Apr 25, 2023•20 min•Ep. 34
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com Although I started on the guitar in 1985, by 1992 I was a full-fledged Telecaster guy. In the ensuing decades, I have not deviated an iota from my love of the senior solid-body guitar. Here I tell how I fell for the Telecaster, and how the simple, pure elegance of the Telecaster design gives it an edge over all of its many electric guitar...
Apr 24, 2023•27 min•Ep. 33
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac After my past Mostortion episode, John Lomas, the designer contacted me. When preparing that episode, I had not been able to track him down. Recently, we spoke on the phone, and I was able to get "The Rest Of The Story" on this Nashville favorite. Also, I wanted to keep up the pick and finger exercises with a couple of Atkins/Travis licks I learned from my "Guitar Dad," Pat Grogan. To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com Gear used in Video: 20...
Apr 23, 2023•16 min•Ep. 32
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Here is the best playing advice I have ever received. Also, I had to share James Burton's outro on "Ooh Las Vegas" that Heitor Crespo at Ultimate Elvis Guitar was kind enough to show me how to play. Please support the channel by going to my store at www.AskZac.com Gear Used: 2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley with Duncan La Brea pickups http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/ Strings: Ernie Ball 10,11,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel. Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb amp wi...
Apr 22, 2023•16 min•Ep. 31
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Most guitar players make many gear purchases based on what their heroes use. This is fine in itself, but what is more difficult, is to know when their gear is not working for us. And to keep from getting too philosophical, I also dissect some of the licks and parts to "Quarantine Man Blues" that I play at the top of the show. The Danny Gatton Hot Licks video I mentioned https://amzn.to/3g42h9u Gear used ...
Apr 21, 2023•18 min•Ep. 30
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com As you can tell from my videos, I am a dyed-in-the-wool Telecaster guy. However, if I am playing electric, and the faithful Tele is not cutting it, I am going to first reach for a Strat. Besides the different sounds it offers, I also get more variation by setting the action higher on the Strat, and by floating the vibrato to keep me from ...
Apr 20, 2023•22 min•Ep. 29
To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com For years, I lugged around a huge pedalboard that weighed as much as a combo amp. After making multiple trips to my car for all my gear, I started getting weary of the big board. Through doing the Truetone Lounge interviews, I got to see quite a few large boards, but I was most intrigued by the players that got the most from small pedalbo...
Apr 19, 2023•21 min•Ep. 28
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Sometimes saying "yes" can change your trajectory in fantastic ways. I am so glad I said "yes" when I was offered a column with Vintage Guitar Magazine 16-years ago. Like many, I started cleaning out and fixing things around the house during this crazy time of isolation. While looking at my overcrowded bookshelves, I decided to take the 16-years worth of Vintage Guitar Magazines, and cut out all of the c...
Apr 18, 2023•15 min•Ep. 27
