In this week's issue 📩
- Trey Anastasio-Style Anchor Pedal Tone Riff
- Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio acoustic guitars
- New Fender Hot Rod Deluxe™ 30th Anniversary amp, and other interesting news
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Guitar Practice
Trey Anastasio-Style Anchor Pedal Tone Riff
In this recent newsletter issue, we took at look at an example of a riff using a pedal tone (which is a repeatedly-played note that stays constant while the other notes change around it).
Today, we'll look at a similar concept, which can be referred to as a anchor note. This technique is frequently used by the great Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio.
It's a cool technique that often sounds more difficult than it is, and is sure to impress your audience. 😎
In this example, we were sliding in and out of the same note (G on the 8th fret of the B string), and changing the note that follows it. We play this by anchoring our index finger, barred over the B and E strings on the 8th fret.
The below examples shows 2 very similar riffs, over a Cmaj7 chord, and then an Em7b5 chord. You'll notice there's only 1 different note between the two sections.
Start by listening to the audio example a few times to get an idea of what this technique sounds like. This clip is at a pretty fast tempo (92 bpm), but work on it slowly at first, before trying to build up speed.
Gear Showcase
Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio
If you’ve spent any time around Taylor’s lineup, you already know the Grand Auditorium shape is kind of their sweet spot. The Taylor 314ce Studio and Taylor 414ce Studio take that familiar feel and give it a really appealing twist. Think of them as an upgraded, all-solid-wood take on the super popular Taylor 214ce—a step up in tone and depth, while keeping things practical and player-friendly.
Both Studio models feature a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top, which basically means the wood has been specially roasted to give it a more broken-in, mature sound right out of the case. The 314ce Studio pairs that top with solid sapele back and sides, giving you a warm, balanced voice with a nice focused midrange. It’s the kind of guitar that handles strumming, fingerpicking, and light lead work without ever feeling out of its lane. The 414ce Studio swaps in solid Indian rosewood for the back and sides, which adds more shimmer on top and a deeper low end. If you like a bit more sparkle and complexity in your chords, the 414ce leans that way.
Playability is classic Taylor. Both guitars have a comfortable 1 11/16" nut width and slim necks, which gives it a bit more of an electric guitar feel compared to the 1 3/4" nut Taylor typically uses on it's higher-end guitars. The necks are made at Taylor’s Mexico factory, while the bodies are built in the USA. That combo helps keep the price reasonable while still delivering the fit and finish people expect from Taylor. In your hands, they feel smooth, fast, and broken-in from day one.
And like most modern Taylors, they’re ready for the stage. Plug in and you’ve got that clear, natural amplified sound Taylor is known for. If you’ve been playing a 214ce and love it but want more depth, more resonance, and the feel of all-solid wood, these Studio models are a natural next move. With the 314ce Studio and 414ce Studio, you’re getting a seriously capable, gig-ready acoustic that feels like a true step up without jumping into boutique pricing.
News & Notes 🗞️
- Fender released a new 30th Anniversary edition Hot Rod Deluxe amplifier. 40 watts, with Normal, Drive, and More Drive channels. Features a commemorative black western covering and vintage 50s Brown and Gold grille cloth. Includes a Celestion 12" G12M-65 Creamback Speaker. MSRP: $1,299.
- Fender also teased a John Osborne signature telecaster. The official announcement is expected today.
- John Scofield joined The Upside of Jazz podcast with Joe Alterman. They talked about about what playing music means for him, seamlessly flowing between genres, and more. Apple Podcasts
- Julian Lage joined Norah Jones on her Norah Jones Is Playing Along podcast. They bounced between discussion and playing several duets - including Norah writing & singing her own lyrics to Julian's song Day and Age. They chatted about Julian's upbringing, naming instrumental songs, and much more. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Richie Kotzen joined Rick Beato for a new interview. Richie shared some great stories about his time playing with Poison, Mr. Big, and Stanley Clarke, as well as how he developed his signature style. He also offers some great methods to help improve your playing and find your own voice on the instrument.
- Brown Amplification introduced an updated ALKENE Nashville Overdrive pedal. ALKENE expands on the original circuit with two internal switches and one external clipping switch, giving meaningful tonal options without overcomplicating things.
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