Q&A with Ariel Posen
Ariel Posen is a Canadian-born guitarist and singer known for his soulful playing and emotionally rich songs. He first gained attention performing with bands and through regular appearances on Anderton’s Music YouTube channel. Since then, he has launched a successful solo career, releasing albums and touring internationally.
Ariel’s playing is marked by creative riffs and smooth phrasing, blending elements of rock, soul, R&B, Americana, and Beatles-inspired pop. Rolling Stone called him a “modern-day guitar hero,” and he was voted a top 10 rock guitarist by Music Radar. He has also earned multiple honors, including twice winning Breakout Artist of the Year from the Western Canadian Music Awards. In addition to performing, Ariel is a respected educator, with popular guitar lessons available on TrueFire and Patreon.
What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?
Don't compare! The work needs to be put in regardless, and there's no substitute for the work, but don't let what others do decide if you're worthy or not. Lean into your strength's and be the best you while also making sure you have all the bases covered.
What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?
I find so many people want to improve but that don't know what they want to get better at. Rather then just trying to get 'better' at the instrument, try to list at least 5-10 small things that you want to master or at least get better at. Try to knock off each thing at a time to give yourself some 'wins' rather than trying to take on everything at once all while not even knowing what it is you're trying to improve at.
How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?
It's a fine balance of trying to stay authentic and saying something new each time, while still doing the things that make you, you! At the end of the day, its more philosophical for me. I think of it like telling a story and building an arc throughout it. It's not so much about the notes you're playing (which of course are important) but more so how you're playing them and when and where you're utilizing them in the way to get your message across. Most of the time it's about the restraint.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?
I think it goes back to the self doubt based on what we see on the internet. As amazing as it is online, I think its never been worse for people to look down on themselves when comparing to what they see other people doing. It's easier said than done to stay in your line and only focus on your journey, but if you can do it, you will be much happier and more importantly, you'll be making a lot more progress as a musician.
What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?
I have some new music and some other really exciting things coming, and we just announced some big tours. Really looking forward to getting back out on the stage and doing our thing. Much more to come!
⚡ Lightning Round
One album every guitarist should listen to?
Standard Brands by Lenny Breau and Chet Atkins
Desert island guitar and amp?
Strat and a Two Rock
Guitar Practice
D minor Fingerstyle Etude with Alternating Bass
This week, let's dig into a minor fingerstyle etude. While the melody is built with somewhat basic arpeggiated notes, adding in alternating bass notes makes it challenging to people new to fingerstyle guitar.
Work on learning on bar at a time, playing each bar repeatedly until you get it down. As always, take it slow.
Gear Showcase
Mule Resophonic Guitars
Mule Resophonic Guitars stands out in the ocean of guitar companies by focusing on building incredible-quality steel bodied resonator guitars.
Founding and Early Days
Mule Resophonic Guitars was founded around 2012 in Saginaw, Michigan by luthier Matt Eich. After graduating from Roberto‑Venn School of Luthiery and sharpening his skills carving hundreds of necks at Huss & Dalton in Virginia, Eich returned home following a factory layoff. Inspired by seeing Kelly Joe Phelps perform on a resonator guitar, he set out to build his own metal‑bodied resonators. Work started in a small garage and quickly grew—12 orders in two weeks, then 25 in a month, and by year‑end over 60 on the waiting list
The Team and Workshop
Now a tight-knit shop, Mule operates from a 1,600 sq ft. workshop. They craft around 120 instruments annually, specializing in steel and brass‑bodied resonators prized for their rich, full-bodied tone, impressive volume, natural resonance, and vintage-style aesthetics.
Signature Models
Mule offers several standout models:
- Resonator – Available in tricone or single-cone variants.
- Mavis – A sleek, thinline resonator favored for professional tone and playability.
- Mulecaster – A T-style steel-bodied electric resonator, born from Eich’s interest in welding and metal, blending hollow‑body resonance with electric output.
Name, Philosophy, and Vision
The “Mule” name reflects the qualities of intelligence, grit, and hard work—echoing Eich’s own journey of persistence. His philosophy focuses on inspiration over perfection: crafting instruments that challenge players and spark creativity.
Artist Endorsements and Recognition
Notable musicians like Kelly Joe Phelps, Charlie Parr, Doug Wamble, Ariel Posen, Joey Landreth, Jeffrey Foucault, Dan Auerbach, and others have embraced Mule instruments. Their use of Mule’s resonators in blues, folk, roots, and country has sparked a broader appreciation for these modernized acoustic tools
Continued Storytelling and Community
More than just a shop, Mule fosters connection through storytelling—sharing customer stories, documentaries, and the “Pegamule” custom labels. Eich often speaks of the emotional power of music and craftsmanship to bring people together.
In just over a decade, Mule Resophonic Guitars has grown from a one-man garage project to a respected boutique builder known for hand-made, resonant, and inspiring instruments. Every guitar carries the story and heart that define Eich’s resilient, creative vision.
Noteworthy
- Gretsch announced a limited edition Falcon Center Block Jr. in Roundup Orange. Key features include a quilted maple top, an ebony fingerboard, a Bigsby® tremolo system, and TV Jones® TV Classic™ & TV Classic Plus™ Filter’Tron™ pickups
- Taylor released a new Legacy 914ce acoustic guitar. The high-end model features an Engelmann spruce top with Indian rosewood Back and Sides, a neo-tropical mahogany neck, an African ebony fretboard, LR Baggs - Element VTC Electronics, & a Venetian cutaway.
- Taylor also announced new all-solid-wood Gold Label Grand Pacific acoustic guitar models.
- Greg Koch interviewed YouTube guitar sensation and touring musician Ben Eller on his podcast. Apple | Spotify
Enjoy this newsletter? Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘
