Best Stratocaster Podcasts (2025)

1
Legendary Players of The Fender Stratocaster 11:48

16d ago11:48

11:48

On this episode, we discuss some key player's who helped the Fender Stratocaster take off and have kept it alive and at the forefront of guitar playing over the decades. Check out this Spotify playlist of killer Strat tunes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3pIA2YJBogIZAgjTxlhAFR?si=8a11b672e70f49ffBy shadsguitarshow

1
Daniel Kimbro - From sideman to songwriter, Daniel shares his musical path 1:07:04

5h ago1:07:04

1:07:04

What does it take to become a musical chameleon who commands respect across diverse genres? Daniel Kimbro delivers a masterclass in musical versatility on this episode of Chewing the Gristle. From his beginnings in a family folk band called Mountain Soul to his current status as bassist for Jerry Douglas and session player on Eric Clapton records, …

1
The Story of Neil Young's Old Black 9:57

10d ago9:57

9:57

On this episode, we take a brief dive into one of the most legendary Les Pauls of all time. Neil Young's Old Black! We'll discuss it origin and the many modifications he's made to it over the decades. Check out this Spotify playlist of tracks featuring Old Black https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3yFByHPIJdusawGmNxJyeo?si=9a2764f8be49468b…

1
String Gauges Of The Stars 16:45

13d ago16:45

16:45

On this episode we discuss the string gauge preferences of some of the most famous players. Comment and let me know what brand and gauge you prefer!By shadsguitarshow

1
Gibson vs. Fender Trademarks Explained 10:04

1M ago10:04

10:04

On this episode we discuss the differences between Gibson & Fenders trademarks. We'll also dive into the recent Gibson vs. Dean lawsuit and discuss the outcome.By shadsguitarshow

1
Comparison... Why Can't You Play Like Them? 15:40

1M ago15:40

15:40

On this episode we discuss comparing ourselves to other players. While it can be a bad thing, it can also motivate us to push ourselves to another level if we put in the work and eliminate some of the distractions that keep us stuck.By shadsguitarshow

1
The Evolution Of Country Guitar 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

On this episode, we discuss the evolution of country guitar playing. From the early pioneers to the modern day purveyors of the country sound as well as the gear that has defined the genre. Take a listen to the Spotify playlist below for examples of the evolution of country guitar! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2GskNTGFjQAgGsYM50nvxg?si=5c23d69…

1
David Gilmour's #0001 Strat 10:46

2M ago10:46

10:46

On this episode, we discuss the the legendary #0001 Strat owned by the even more legendary guitarist, David Gilmour.By shadsguitarshow

1
The Magic Of 80's Guitar Tone 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

On this episode, we discuss the magical 80's pop rock guitar tone. We will explore the studio players, the gear and some musical examples of why we are experiencing a resurgence in interest in this unique sound. Here's a link to a Spotify list of 80's songs I reference in the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4OaVAww594htZpvYgYx0nU?si=118c…

1
What's The Most Versatile Guitar? 2:10

2M ago2:10

2:10

On this mini-episode, I ask the question, "what is the most versatile guitar?" Comment and let me know your thoughts!By shadsguitarshow

1
The Origins Of Lead Electric Guitar 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

On this episode we explore the pioneers of electric lead guitar. We'll discuss a few highly influential players from the early days of electric guitar and I'll share a few tracks you should check out to get a feel for earliest electric lead guitar recordings.By shadsguitarshow

1
Do We Still Care About Vintage Guitars? 12:25

2M ago12:25

12:25

On this episode, I want to discuss vintage guitars. For many of us, it's a dream to own the same guitar our heroes played, but for younger players, they may be aspiring to own the guitars of their heroes that don't fall into the vintage camp. Do we still care about vintage guitars?By shadsguitarshow

1
Would You Want A Huge Guitar Collection? 2:22

2M ago2:22

2:22

On this mini-episode, I ask the question, "would you want a huge guitar collection?" Comment and let me know your thoughts!By shadsguitarshow

1
What's Up With Brazilian Rosewood? 12:28

2M ago12:28

12:28

On this episode we dive into what makes Brazilian Rosewood so special... assuming you believe there's anything special about it.By shadsguitarshow

1
The Magic Of The Charlie Christian Pickup 13:13

3M ago13:13

13:13

In this episode we take a look at the Charlie Christian pickup. The design, sound and what makes it a pickup that is regaining popularity today with many winders seeking to recreate it in a more compact design.By shadsguitarshow

1
The Rise Of The Effects Based Guitar Player 15:46

3M ago15:46

15:46

On this episode, we discuss the rise of the effects based guitarist... We talk gear and players and some music you might want to check out!By shadsguitarshow

1
Does "Made In USA" still matter? 12:04

3M ago12:04

12:04

In this episode, we discuss whether or not "Made in USA" still matters to the guitar buying community.By shadsguitarshow

1
Iconic Albums - Toto IV 54:51

3M ago54:51

54:51

Toto are back touring the globe in 2025 and Matt has tickets for the Sydney show! What better time to revisit Toto's smash hit fourth album? Matt, Rob & Gabor investigate the record featuring Steve Lukather at the top of his game. We bless the rains! ___________________________________ The Guitar Speak Podcast is produced and hosted by Matt Wakelin…

1
NAMM 2025 - GSP #254 1:29:55

3M ago1:29:55

1:29:55

NAMM 2025 - all the hits!! And a couple of misses... Matt, Gabor and Rob give their take on the biggest music trade show on planet Earth. ___________________________________ The Guitar Speak Podcast is produced and hosted by Matt Wakeling in Sydney, Australia. The show features deep dive interviews with amazing guitarists from around the globe, occ…

1
Let's Talk About The Telecaster 23:43

4M ago23:43

23:43

On this episode, we discuss the basics of the mighty Telecaster. Origin, design philosophy, the players, etc.By shadsguitarshow

1
Glyn Evans Pickups Q & A - GSP #253 1:08:43

4M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Glyn Evans, of Mr Glyn's Pickups New Zealand, returns to answer your questions. After 30 years of full time pickup design and production, Glyn has a fantastic ability to decipher the science of pickups in distinctly musical terms. It's a fascinating Q & A! mrglynspickups.com ____________________________________________________________ The Guitar Sp…

1
How To Impress People As A Guitar Player 13:28

4M ago13:28

13:28

In this episode we discuss the best way to impress people as guitar players. It's probably not what you think!By shadsguitarshow

1
Episode 350 - The Final Episode 42:45

4M ago42:45

42:45

It’s been our great pleasure to make this show for anyone who would listen, week after week, for 7 years. Knowing you were out there, and hearing from so many of you, really fed us as we pushed forward to that “next” guitar. This is the final episode of The High Gain Podcast. Enjoy! This website and our Instagram account will remain active. If you’…

1
Jerry Garcia's Alligator Guitar - Chad Winn's deep dive GSP#252 43:14

4M ago43:14

43:14

Jerry Garcia's unique "Alligator Strat" holds legend status in Grateful Dead lore - and is arguably one of the first heavily modded Strat's to grace the stage of a high profile band. Ace Nashville guitar tech, Chad Winn, joins us to go deep on the history of this guitar from it's hybrid vintage heritage through to the extensive mods Garcia and the …

1
5 Of My Favorite Tasty Guitar Players 10:58

4M ago10:58

10:58

Let's talk about some tasty guitar players! You know, those guys who just always seem to choose the right notes and have the right tones?By shadsguitarshow

1
Andy Scott - Sweet GSP#251 30:29

4M ago30:29

30:29

Andy Scott has spent over 50 years - and counting - rocking as the lead guitarist of Sweet. The UK band has enjoyed phenomenal international chart success with hits like "Ballroom Blitz", "Fox on the Run" and "Love is Like Oxygen". Sweet influenced bands like Def Leppard, Kiss and the Scorpions to name but a few. Andy joins us to talk guitars, reco…

1
Episode 349 - Epiphone 1963 Firebird I 25:11

4M ago25:11

25:11

In 1963 Gibson introduced the Firebird series of guitars. It came in multiple variations, with several options. The “lowest” model was the Firebird I, so named because of its single pickup. Now, as part of its “Inspired by Gibson Custom” series, there is an Epiphone 1963 Firebird I. In our humble opinion, its simplicity makes it somehow cooler than…

1
Crafting Guitar Tones For Solo Playing vs. Band Mix 6:19

4M ago6:19

6:19

In this episode I want to discuss how we craft guitar tones for a specific purposes. The way we think about the tones should be different depending on the application.By shadsguitarshow

1
Best Practices For Selling Used Gear 16:16

4M ago16:16

16:16

In this episode we discuss some best practices for successfully selling used gear.By shadsguitarshow

1
Episode 348 - Hamer Steve Stevens SS2 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

Hamer had a long history of making great guitars, especially for the metal crowd. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that not only did Steve Stevens have a signature model named after him, but he played it in the Top Gun Anthem video. Double cool. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/t…

1
The Do's and Don'ts of improving as a player 21:43

5M ago21:43

21:43

In this episode we focus on how to improve as a player in the most effective way. Let's discuss lessons... the do's and don'ts of growth as a player and some best practices for assuring success!By shadsguitarshow

1
2024 - The Year in Guitar. GSP#250. 1:56:56

5M ago1:56:56

1:56:56

2024 - what a year for guitar! The Iconic Albums team assemble to talk through all the good stuff. Matt, Rob & Gabor discuss favourite albums, gear, gigs, podcasts, books and more and debut the impromtu "what Rob said" segment \m/ _______________________________ The Guitar Speak Podcast is produced and hosted by Matt Wakeling in Sydney, Australia. …

1
Episode 347 - Yamaha Samurai SG12A 24:58

5M ago24:58

24:58

Yamaha was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha. Dealing primarily in keyboard instruments, it took a while to get around to designing electric guitars. But in the 1960s they did exactly that. One of the most unique shapes they came up with was known as the “Flying Samurai”. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || htt…

1
Episode 346 - Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster 22:47

5M ago22:47

22:47

Hello Kitty is perhaps the most recognizable character of Japan’s “cute” culture. The ubiquitous cat has appeared on just about every object you can imagine, and guitars are no exception. Having debuted in 2006, the Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster is now being reissued, just in time for Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow u…

1
129- 2024 Premier Guitar Mystery Stocking (Jason) 1:09:04

5M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

This has been a fun annual event to do each year. I enjoy the anticipation, the fun in the forums, and the chance to get something I normally would not pick out myself. I would also say that I am a consumer of Premier Guitar’s content and for me this is a small way to support what they do. Of course, not all people feel this way. Many believe it to…

1
Why you should learn other people's music 10:22

5M ago10:22

10:22

In today's episode we explore the value of learning other people's music. Also we talk about the value of expanding your own music vocabulary by listening to new genre's and players for fresh inspiration.By shadsguitarshow

1
Episode 345 - Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster 23:26

5M ago23:26

23:26

When you grow up listening to classical music, and studying the violin pyrotechnics of Nicolo Paganini, you’re bound to emerge as one of the most unique shredders in the world. And if you’re Yngwie Malmsteen, you get your own signature Fender Stratocaster. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.…

1
How Many Guitars Do You Actually Need? 14:16

5M ago14:16

14:16

Today's episode explores the question of how many guitars do you actually need? Not how many do you WANT, but how many do you NEED. While this question is different for all of us, it's a fun idea to explore.By shadsguitarshow

1
Is The Era Of The Guitar Amp Dead? 14:31

5M ago14:31

14:31

on this episode we discuss the guitar amplifier and explore whether or not they are still relevant in our modern and rapidly evolving technological environment.By shadsguitarshow

1
Episode 344 - Dwight Guitars 23:46

5M ago23:46

23:46

Man, that Dwight guitar sure does look like an Epiphone Coronet, you might be thinking. You’ve got a sharp eye my friends - back in the day, the fine folk from Kalamazoo badged some Coronets for Sunny Shields Music in Illinois. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || …

1
Boutique Guitars... Revolution or Rip Off? 20:37

5M ago20:37

20:37

Let's talk about the boutique guitar world! Do you see it as an exciting and growing world of options and superior quality or are boutique builders just ripping off established designs?By shadsguitarshow

1
Are You Too Old To Play Guitar? 13:16

6M ago13:16

13:16

Today we discuss the idea of age as it relaters to playing guitar. I believe that playing music is not just a young person's game and that you can remain relevant and involved in making music at any age.By shadsguitarshow

1
What If You're Not A Great Guitar Player? 8:34

6M ago8:34

8:34

This episode discusses guitar talent and whether or not you have to be a great player to add something unique and interesting to the guitar playing conversation.By shadsguitarshow

1
Guitar Modifications... Did You Buy The Wrong Guitar? 12:58

6M ago12:58

12:58

today we discuss guitar modifications. Some would say that if you have to change things on a guitar, you probably bought the wrong guitar. Others would argue that a good guitar can be made great with a few tweaks. I'm going to give you my perspective on it.By shadsguitarshow

1
Episode 343 - Jackson Monarkh Baritone 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

It was Danelectro that brought us the baritone electric guitar, but it’s Jackson that has now released what is perhaps the doomiest version of that instrument. We tried our hand at some death metal this week (glad that’s over). Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || …

1
The Story of the Les Paul Junior: The Power of Simplicity 15:43

6M ago15:43

15:43

Join me as we discuss the simple but mighty Les Paul Junior! We'll look at it's origin, design philosophy, construction and some players who have used the junior to great effect!By shadsguitarshow

1
128- Are You A Guitar Player or Collector (Jason) 1:08:55

6M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

As you just heard in the intro, Jason is now a licensed therapist in Texas. Although this podcast has never been about true scientific therapy and the advice here was never meant to treat anything but an entertainment deficiency. My hope was always that you left here encouraged, happier, and motivated to be a better person and musician… then in whi…

1
Episode 342 - Doubleday Guitars 26:36

6M ago26:36

26:36

We are truly living in a renaissance of custom guitar building. Just when you play one, another pops up to surprise and delight you. And the Doubleday Broadwing is no exception. Made in Austin, Texas by Walker Doubleday, we think these guitars would fit any bill, any place, any time. Special thanks to Superfan Alex for the gracious loan of this fan…

1
Episode 341 - Epiphone Coronet USA 26:18

6M ago26:18

26:18

Originally introduced in 1959, shortly after Gibson bought the brand, the Coronet was the first Epiphone solidbody guitar. What started out as a student model would eventually come to be regarded as the rock and roll machine it is today. So why did it take so long to reissue a US made version of the original? Who knows, but we’re sure glad it’s her…

1
The Story Of The Gibson ES-335: The Birth Of A Legend 11:22

6M ago11:22

11:22

Join me as we discuss the story of the ES-335. From its inception, through the golden era of the model. We'll discuss the design theory, its popularity and some classic examples of ES-335 in rock music recordings.By shadsguitarshow

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Stratocaster Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen