Tommy Emmanuel is the finest fingerstylist ever.

Expand your musical horizons!

The late great Chet Atkins is the consummate master of fingerpicking, and the inspiration for thousands of humble pickers, of which I am one. Check out Chet's stuff at http://www.misterguitar.com or just do a Google search; he recorded hundreds of albums.

Tom Boyer. Tom's gift for melody will leap out of your speakers. He never sounds like he's copying anyone, but you'll definitely enjoy the influences of Chet Atkins and Doyle Dykes in Tom's stuff. His tribute to Edgar Cruz, 'Cruz'n,' is worth the price of the CD. www.tomboyerguitar.com

Precision, innovation, and smooooothitude aptly describe the guitar of Jim Earp. And although Jim is the hardest working guitarist in San Diego, he's not too busy to encourage a newcomer like me. His 'Be Thou My Vision' is still one of the best ever acoustic hymn albums. http://www.guitar9.com/bethoumyvision.html

Guitar builder to the stars, Kirk Sand has been creating some of the finest fingerpicking guitars--especially nylon guitars--in the world. (Richard Smith's primary concert guitar is a Sand.) Kirk also owns The Guitar Shoppe in Laguna Beach, Ca. He is one of the nicest, kindest people you would ever want to meet. http://www.sandguitars.com

John Knowles is a big wheel in the fingerstyle world. He is one of the four people dubbed CGP (certified guitar player) by Chet Atkins for lifelong contribution to guitar music. He was a close friend of Chet, and collaberated with him in writing, arranging, and recording. But you would never know any of that from talking to John. What a gentle, unpretentious soul. http://johnknowles.com/

Tommy Emmanuel has long demonstrated the tone, playability, and power of the Maton EBG-808. I was fortunate enough to purchase one this past March. If you play live and have been looking for a new guitar, don't overlook Maton; their AP5 pickup system is incredible. http://www.maton.com.au