Ask Zac Podcast By Zac Childs cover art

Ask Zac

Ask Zac

By: Zac Childs
Listen for free

About this listen

Zac Childs is a music insider and historian. He is the host of the acclaimed Truetone Lounge interview series and contributed to Vintage Guitar Magazine for 15 years via his Ask Zac column, and numerous featured articles, product reviews, and cover stories. On his ASK ZAC channel, Zac takes a look at players and gear and also answers guitar-related questions in ways that were never possible via print.

© 2025 Ask Zac
Music
Episodes
  • Ricky Skaggs’ Telecaster Masterclass on "I’m Tired." - Lesson
    Jul 8 2025

    Ricky Skaggs is mostly known for his mandolin and bluegrass chops, but on “I’m Tired,” he rips a Telecaster solo that deserves a spot in the Tele Hall of Fame.
    In this video, we break down the legendary Tele/B-Bender solo from his 1987 tune “I’m Tired,” a Ray Price/Mell Tillis shuffle, that blends Bluegrass, Honky Tonk, and hardcore twang.
    I breakdown the solo, and show you why it works so well, the phrasing, the pedal steel illusions, and how Skaggs used the B-bender as an essential part of his electric guitar style.

    Ricky playing the tune on the Opry in 1987
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGUg2AqpkAw

    Full ACL performance from 1987
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJho_B-r1aw&t=1595s

    To Support the Channel:
    Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
    Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
    Venmo @AskZac
    Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • How Reggie Young Reshaped Merle Haggard’s Sound with a Strat
    Jun 27 2025

    Reggie Young may be one of the most recorded guitarists in history—but did you know he played a 1957 Stratocaster on Merle Haggard’s Back to the Barrooms album? In this video, we dig into Reggie's tasteful, understated Strat work that helped shape the tone and feel of one of Haggard’s most emotional and booze-soaked records.

    We'll talk about:
    The tone Reggie got from his Strat
    How his playing elevated tracks like “Makeup & Faded Blue Jeans” “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,” and “Leonard.”

    To Support the Channel:
    Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
    Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
    Venmo @AskZac
    Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • The TC Electronic Chorus Pedal Makes a Comeback
    Jun 17 2025

    I didn’t think I’d be adding a chorus pedal back to my board… until a recent session totally changed my mind.

    In this video, I talk about the TC Electronic Stereo Chorus Flanger — a pedal that quietly shaped the Nashville sound in the '80s and '90s. It was originally built in Denmark back in 1976 as a studio-friendly chorus with super low noise and a clean, transparent sound. Turns out, that clarity is exactly what made it a favorite for tons of session players — and even guys like Eric Johnson for his legendary clean tone.

    After dusting one off in the studio recently, I remembered why this thing was so loved — and now it’s officially earned its spot back on my board.

    If you’re into that classic shimmer or just curious why chorus is cool again, stick around.

    To Support the Channel:
    Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
    Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
    Venmo @AskZac
    Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    21 mins
No reviews yet