FRETS LEARN

Unleash your inner minstrel.

BY JIMMY LESLIE

USING DIFFERENT ACOUSTIC

instruments in unique ways is a big part of what separates prog from the rest of rock music. Generally speaking, traditional American styles don’t mix into a progressive recipe as readily as they do in other classic genres. It’s better to delve back in time and across the Atlantic to find flavors that do. Here are a few style and gear suggestions to help you incorporate acoustic instruments into a tasty prog stew.

LOSE THE BLUES. EMBRACE THE CLASSICS

Delta blues and folk-revival influences are prominent in practically every other corner of the acoustic-rock arena, but to honor the spirit initiated by prog pioneers such as Rush and Genesis, lose the “Crossroads” licks and “Times They Are A-Changin’” tendencies. Instead, look way back to baroque and classical composers as well as “modern” acoustic masters from Europe, such as flamenco fabuloso Paco de Lucía and Celtic guru Bert Jansch. They inspired progressive acoustic icons such as Steve Howe, Alex Lifeson, Steve Hackett and Jimmy Page.