Playback Sessions

Sonora

Weekly interviews with the world's best musicians.

  1. 9 hr ago

    The Most Essential Guitar Tones For Session Players | Rob McNelley

    Rob McNelly is one of the most recorded guitar players in Nashville, playing on hit records for everyone from Bob Seger to Lady A and serving as the first-call session player for legendary producers like Dann Huff. In this episode, Rob pulls back the curtain on the Nashville session scene to break down how the pros actually craft guitar tone. He reveals the EQ frequency that fixes muddy guitars, why you must dial in a dry clean tone before touching your pedalboard, the volume pedal trick that keeps your gain stages clear[, and the massive difference between playing a live gig and layering a multi-platinum record 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Rob McNelley 01:20 Rob's Early Career and Move to Nashville 04:22 First Big Breaks and Touring Experiences 11:01 Transition to Session Work 19:02 Crafting the Perfect Guitar Tone 27:32 Exploring Gain Staging and Pedalboard Essentials 39:29 Dialing in Clean and R&B Tones 44:35 Mastering Delay and Slapback Effects 47:11 Exploring the Analog Man Pedal 47:34 Slapback Delay Techniques 48:19 Room Mics and Guitar Sound 50:12 Ethereal Guitar Effects 52:36 Volume Pedal Tricks 56:31 Cowboy Guitar Parts 59:52 Telecaster Sounds and Compression 01:08:15 Distortion vs. Fuzz 01:15:16 Essential Session Guitar Tones 01:28:40 Creative Projects and Collaborations 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley 🔥Guest: Jack Ruch Guest: Rob McNelley Executive Producers: Spencer Handley Editor: Carl Reeverts Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy #RobMcNelly #GuitarTone #SessionGuitarist #Nashville #GuitarPedals #VolumePedalHack #GuitarEQ #StudioMusician #DannHuff #LadyA #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintageGuitar #SonoraGuitarIntensive #GuitarLesson

    The Most Essential Guitar Tones For Session Players | Rob McNelley

  2. 22 hr ago

    Wagon Wheel Story That You Never Knew | Ketch Secor

    A deep, soulful dive with storyteller, songwriter, and Old Crow Medicine Show frontman Ketch Secor. This episode covers his new record A Story the Crow Told Me, stories of Doc Watson, the making of Wagon Wheel, his love of education, Nashville’s changing spirit, and the deep roots of American music. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 0:00 – Intro: Ketch Secor joins Playback Sessions 0:17 – A Story the Crow Told Me — the new record 1:05 – Meeting & playing for Doc Watson (life-changing story) 4:11 – From Nirvana to folk: how punk led him to old-time music 7:30 – The real story behind “Wagon Wheel” 17:36 – First Bob Dylan concert at age 12 – the spark that changed everything 21:09 – 🎵 “Junkin’” – song about finding lost 78s & musical treasures 33:04 – 🎵 “Hole in the Wall” – ode to small venues & the touring grind 36:19 – 🎵 “What Nashville Was” – tribute to a changing city 45:39 – 🎵 “Highland Rim” ft. Marty Stuart – wisdom from the hills 49:14 – 🎵 “Catch Me If You Can” – reflections on life on the road 54:20 – Old Crow Medicine Show Christmas Album 🎄 56:15 – Hosting Tennessee Crossroads (PBS) 1:12:10 – Ketch’s legacy: roots, truth & railroads 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️ Host: Spencer Handley 🔥 Guest: Ketch Secor Editor: Carl Reeverts Executive Producer: Spencer Handley Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintageGuitar #SonoraGuitarIntensive #KetchSecor #OldCrowMedicineShow #WagonWheel #DocWatson #BobDylan #AmericanaMusic #BluegrassMusic #FolkMusic #AcousticGuitar #Songwriting #CountryMusicHistory

    Wagon Wheel Story That You Never Knew | Ketch Secor

  3. 1 day ago

    5 Levels of Blues Guitar (Complete Masterclass w⧸ Jack Ruch)

    In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of blues guitar with renowned Nashville guitarist Jack Ruch. Starting from the fundamentals, Jack outlines the five levels of blues guitar, covering essential topics including pentatonic scales, chord tones, improvisation, and advanced harmonic concepts. With practical demonstrations and insightful tips, Jack shares his expertise on blending pentatonic scales with chord tones, using diminished and altered scales for chord substitutions, and enhancing articulation and dynamics in your playing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to add sophistication to your blues solos, this episode offers invaluable guidance. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Blues Guitar Mastery 00:51 Meet Jack Roush: Nashville's Blues Virtuoso 00:58 Level 1: The Basics of Blues Guitar 02:50 Understanding Blues Chord Progressions 08:57 Improvisation Techniques for Beginners 17:13 Level 2: Mapping Out Chord Tones 26:49 Practical Application and Gigging Tips 31:41 Level 3: Expanding Your Blues Harmony 37:34 Understanding Modes and Minor Scales 38:08 Transitioning Between Chords 40:14 Using Diminished Arpeggios 42:23 Expanding Harmonic Concepts 43:05 Chord Substitutions and Diminished Ideas 49:10 Advanced Chord Substitutions 01:01:35 Exploring the Altered Scale 01:09:03 Articulation Techniques and Dynamics 01:15:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley Guest: Jack Ruch Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins #JackRuch #BluesGuitar #GuitarLesson #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #Blues

    5 Levels of Blues Guitar (Complete Masterclass w⧸ Jack Ruch)

  4. 1 day ago

    Andy Wood's One Secret to Playing FAST

    Andy Wood, a virtuoso guitarist with deep musical roots in bluegrass, rock, country, metal, and fusion, shares transformative insights on technique, tone, and practice strategies in this episode. Wood discusses a pivotal mindset shift that improved his time feel, techniques from his mandolin playing that enhanced his right-hand precision, and his focus on depth over tone chasing. He also delves into his transition from sideman to artist, his alternate picking mechanics, and lessons from performing with top artists. With practical advice on practicing speed and maintaining precision, this episode offers essential tips for guitarists aiming to elevate their craft. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Mindset Shift 01:08 Andy Wood's Practice Techniques 02:27 Exploring Slide Guitar Techniques 07:08 Community Announcement and Free Resources 10:34 Signal Chain and Gear Discussion 15:31 Speed and Practice Approaches 15:44 The Metronome Mistake 16:01 Learning vs. Practicing 16:39 The Bell Curve of Speed 18:17 The Bicycle Analogy 18:50 Practicing at Target Tempo 19:53 Precision Over Speed 20:48 The Importance of Clean Playing 25:28 Student Success Stories 27:24 Advice from the Front Porch 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley Guest: Andy Wood Executive Producers: Spencer Handley Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy #AndyWood #GuitarLesson #AlternatePicking #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintageGuitar #SonoraGuitarIntensive #GuitarSpeed #BluegrassGuitar #FiddleTunes #SlideGuitar #DerekTrucks #GuitarTechnique #MusicTheory #ShredGuitar

    Andy Wood's One Secret to Playing FAST

  5. 2 days ago

    The Real Story Behind “Man of Constant Sorrow”| Dan Tyminski

    Dan Tyminski, a Grammy-winning icon of Bluegrass and Americana, shares his musical journey in this episode of the Playback podcast. Known for his role in 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' and performing with Alison Krauss and Union Station, Dan discusses his approach to groove, tone, and ensemble playing. He reflects on his influences, particularly Tony Rice, and shares insights on his transition to solo work, the impact of 'Man of Constant Sorrow', and his unexpected contribution to the EDM hit 'Hey Brother' with Avicii. The episode also explores Dan's personal stories, love for foosball, and thoughts on spirituality and storytelling. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dan Tyminski 02:06 Early Musical Influences 04:33 Joining Allison Kraus and Union Station 16:11 The O Brother, Where Art Thou? Experience 22:14 Life After the Film's Success 24:32 Transition to Solo Career 34:11 Foosball Obsession 39:25 Foosball Tournament Adventures 40:59 Meeting Foosball Legends 44:38 Spiritual Beliefs and Practices 46:11 The Unexpected Success of 'Hey Brother' 59:40 Musical Influences and Songwriting 01:04:08 Tribute to Tony Rice 01:09:04 Live Performance and Reflections 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley Guest: Dan Tyminski Editor: Carl Reeverts Executive Producers: Spencer Handley Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy #DanTyminski #OBrotherWhereArtThou #BluegrassGuitar #ManOfConstantSorrow #AviciiHeyBrother #TonyRice #AlisonKrauss #AcousticGuitar #RhythmGuitar #BluegrassMusic #GuitarInterview #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #CarterVintage #SonoraGuitar

    The Real Story Behind “Man of Constant Sorrow”| Dan Tyminski

  6. 3 days ago

    5 Levels of Bluegrass Guitar (Complete Masterclass w/ Shaun Richardson)

    Join Shaun Richardson, an accomplished bluegrass guitarist who has shared the stage with legends like Ricky Skaggs and Bela Fleck, as he breaks down the five levels of bluegrass guitar playing in an in-depth interview. From beginner tips to advanced techniques, Shaun provides insights into learning melodies, spicing up rhythms, incorporating jazz influences, and finding your own voice in bluegrass. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Bluegrass Guitar Levels 00:09 Meet Sean Richardson: Bluegrass Phenom 00:57 Sean's Musical Journey 04:32 Professional Milestones and Collaborations 08:06 Deep Dive into Bluegrass Techniques 12:47 Exploring Advanced Bluegrass Concepts 16:58 The Five Levels of Bluegrass Guitar 38:00 Conclusion and Sean's New Music 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley Guest: Shaun Richardson Executive Producers: Spencer Handley Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy #ShaunRichardson #BluegrassGuitar #GuitarLesson #Flatpicking #AcousticGuitar #CarterVintage #SonoraGuitar #BluegrassMusic #GuitarTips #GuitarSolo #FiddleTunes #MusicTheory #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley

    5 Levels of Bluegrass Guitar (Complete Masterclass w/ Shaun Richardson)

  7. 4 days ago

    The Untold Story of Sierra Hulls Mandolin Magic

    Sierra Hull, a mandolin virtuoso, shares her incredible journey from performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age 10, to getting a record deal at 13, and playing the White House by 20. In this special episode, Sierra delves into her early musical influences, learning from mentors like Alison Krauss and Béla Fleck, and her experiences transitioning from a prodigy to a seasoned artist. She also discusses her creative process, songwriting, and the freedom and challenges of releasing music as an independent artist. Tune in for a deep dive into Sierra's path of redefining her relationship with craft, creativity, and ambition. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Early Beginnings 00:56 Musical Influences and Early Mentors 04:17 First Performances and Breakthroughs 09:07 Meeting Alison Krauss and Early Collaborations 13:34 Transition to Adulthood and Continued Growth 18:51 Challenges and New Directions 35:13 Discovering a New Producer 36:01 A Chance Encounter with Béla 37:00 Collaborative Sessions Begin 39:22 Transforming the Record 41:09 Lessons from Béla 43:05 Practice and Growth 45:38 Songwriting Demonstration 59:57 Arranging for the Band 01:02:56 Balancing Career and Life 01:05:47 Independent Release Journey 01:10:48 Future Aspirations 01:13:00 Musical Performance 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley Guest: Sierra Hull Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague Camera/Sound: Richard Handley Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins #SierraHull #Mandolin #Bluegrass #PlaybackSessions #SpencerHandley #Bluegrass

    The Untold Story of Sierra Hulls Mandolin Magic

  8. 5 days ago

    How Did This Guitarist Play On 300 Gold Records | Sol Philcox Littlefield.

    Sol Philcox Littlefield is one of the most recorded guitarists of his generation, a Tele-wielding session machine with credits on over 25 #1 country hits and 300+ gold records. In this unfiltered episode, Sol breaks down how he went from a bored teenager in a small British town to a first-call Nashville session guitarist. We talk gear, tone, mentorship from Brent Mason, the reality of session work, and what younger players are doing right today. 🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora. https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment 👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more. https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570 ⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/ 📍 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sol Philcox-Littlefield 01:26 Early Life and Musical Beginnings 02:06 Discovering Country Music 02:36 Influences and Mentorship 04:21 Journey to Nashville 05:53 Parental Support and Small Town Life 07:21 Immersing in the Local Music Scene 12:32 Mentorship with Brent Mason 20:11 Transitioning to Session Work 25:49 Building a Career in Music 31:53 Advice for Aspiring Musicians 41:42 Remote Music Opportunities 42:52 Challenges of Living in Nashville 44:30 Adapting to the Modern Music Industry 46:19 Career Reflections and Decisions 50:30 Muscle Shoals Studio and Coffee Shop 53:52 Gear Talk: Guitars, Amps, and Pedals 59:21 Country Music Techniques and Influences 01:09:48 Future Aspirations and Teaching 🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials: -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions -Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast -Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast 🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. 🎙️Host: Spencer Handley Guest: Sol Philcox Littlefield Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague Camera/Sound: Aly Jordan Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins #SolPhilcox #PlaybackPodcast #GuitarPodcast #SessionGuitarist #BrentMason #CountryGuitar #StudioLife #TelecasterTone #NashvilleGuitarist #GuitarPlayerLife #ToneCrafting #SessionWork #VolumePedal #PedalboardRig #RecordingTips #GuitarInfluences #SlideGuitar #HotWired #playbacksessions #Spencerhandley

    How Did This Guitarist Play On 300 Gold Records | Sol Philcox Littlefield.
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Weekly interviews with the world's best musicians.

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