Shawn Persinger, a.k.a. Prester John, owns a Taylor 410, two 310s, a 214ce-N, an 8-string baritone, and a GS Mini Bass. His music has been described as a myriad of delightful musical paradoxes: complex but catchy; virtuosic yet affable; smart and whimsical. His book The 50 Greatest Guitar Books has been hailed as a monumental achievement by readers and critics.

Volume 110 . 2025 Issue 1

Guitar Over 50

Your hands may start to feel different as you get older, but with bit of adaptation and patience, you can keep making music as long as you’ve got the drive.

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Volume 107 . 2023 Issue 3

Baritone Basics

A rich-voiced baritone guitar makes a remarkably versatile addition to your acoustic arsenal. Meet your new secret weapon.

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Volume 100 . 2021 Issue 2

Open Minor Tunings

Want an easy way to broaden your musical range with open tunings? Try open minor.

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Volume 99 . 2021 Issue 1

Best Practices

With more people embracing the guitar in recent months, learning how to practice is important. So is making time to have fun.

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