Recommended Gear

The Gear I Use

I get asked all the time what gear I use, so here it is: the exact make and model of the tools, supports, strings, and recording equipment I reach for, along with a few websites I think are worth your time.

A quick note: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means CGC may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only list gear I actually use and would happily recommend either way.

Practice & Tuning

Korg KDM-2 Metronome

Hands down the best metronome I have ever owned. It is solid, loud, and has every feature I need.

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D’Addario Clip-On Tuner

Clips onto the headstock so I can leave it on all the time. Nice and discreet, it just runs out of batteries now and then.

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String Winder

A little gadget that saves a lot of time when you are changing strings.

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PageFlip Firefly Pedal

The magical little pedal I use to turn pages on my iPad, so I can keep my hands on the guitar while practising or performing. Light, and it has yet to disappoint.

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Posture & Support

ErgoPlay Tappert Support

I use this about eighty percent of the time and I love it. It is great for my back and attaches securely to the guitar.

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Guitar Footstool

For the times I am not using the ErgoPlay, I just use a footstool. Always good to have one or two around.

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Strings & Nail Care

D’Addario Strings

The new Dynacore strings are great. I also use the standard J46 strings when I am not performing.

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Micro-Mesh Buffing Pads

These were hard to find for a while, they are actually used for polishing scientific equipment. They never seem to wear out, and the best way to improve your sound is to take care of your nail surface.

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Recording & Filming

Canon 6D

One of the two camera bodies I use to film my videos.

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Canon T5i

My second camera body for filming lessons and performances.

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Canon 24-70mm f/2.8

My go-to standard zoom lens for filming.

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Canon 70-200mm f/2.8

My telephoto lens for closer, compressed shots.

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My Guitars

Garrett Lee

A concert guitar by the American luthier Garrett Lee. It has a 644mm scale and a double-top construction of spruce and cedar.

Luthier-built

Paul Sheridan

A concert guitar by the Australian luthier Paul Sheridan. It is lattice braced with a cedar top and a 640mm scale length.

Luthier-built

Visesnut Case

The exact guitar case I use to protect my Sheridan.

Accessory

Websites Worth Your Time

Drew Henderson

An outstanding guitarist with a real flair for teaching and videography.

Visit site

This is Classical Guitar

A great resource for free lessons and gear reviews, run by my friend and colleague Bradford Werner.

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Productions d’Oz

A music publisher with a large catalogue of high quality scores.

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IMSLP

A deep archive of original scores that is invaluable for research and repertoire exploration.

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Ukulele Corner

A sister website to Classical Guitar Corner, featuring the teaching of Jeff Peterson.

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Where It All Comes Together

Good gear helps, but a clear path helps more. When you are ready for a structured curriculum, personal feedback, and a community to learn alongside, the CGC Academy is here for you.

Explore the Academy