John Fahey: The Black Flag of Solo Steel-String with Hayden Pedigo

You could call John Fahey the Johnny Appleseed of solo steel-string guitar playing, but Black Flag is probably a more appropriate reference. Like the punk progenitors would do many years later, Fahey not only crafted a uniquely rooted musical approach that would be adopted by legions of practitioners, he self-released his records on his Takoma Records label and hit the road, well before DIY was a common approach.

Joining us to talk Fahey is solo guitarist Hayden Pedigo, whose warmly sincere instrumentals balance the “trickster manifestations” that have led him to walk in a Gucci show and found him the subject of the 2021 documentary, Kid Candidate. His latest, I’ll Be Waiting As You Drive Away, was released this month on Mexican Summer.

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Premier Guitar editors Jason Shadrick and Nick Millevoi are arguing over which 100 guitarists you should know. Together, they dig deep into each player’s catalog to uncover what makes them unique, influential, and important. Will Robert Quine make the list? Probably not. Trey Anastasio? Definitely. Listen each week as they break down iconic tracks, legendary tones, and even let the occasional guest air their grievances.

• No. of episodes: 60
• Latest episode: 2025-07-14
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