Keith Urban Is Always Learning On His Guitar

Keith Urban is one of country music's foremost guitar heroes. He often plays lead guitar while he sings, which is no easy feat. We asked him recently if there was anything in his guitar-playing skills that he has yet to achieve.

Keith told us, "It's constant learning sometimes through simple rediscovery, right back where I started. Like some of these songs on this latest album, I feel like I've come back full circle back to these songs that are new in some way."

He added, "Guitar playing is the same thing, trying different amps on tour, trying different picks, and different string gauges. My guitar tech will tell you I run the gamut of experimenting with things constantly through a tour."

Urban explained what he is aiming for. "I'm seeking inspiration, I just need to be inspired, and I tweak things. And then I stay inspired with a set list or a song so that night I am really looking forward to that moment of the show. So whatever it takes to keep me inspired, that's why I do what I do."

Urban's latest single, "Brown Eyes Baby," is closing in on the top five on the country charts this week. Keith told us he was immediately drawn to it when he first heard it.

Urban said, "I love songs that are looking to bring out the best in somebody and bring somebody back to life, you know. The songs that I've loved that have done that for me, that give me hope and lift me up and see me for who I can be. Those kinds of songs, those kinds of people really, which is what 'Brown Eyes Baby' is, and it's just sexy. It's sexy as hell. (laughs) I love that song."

Every time awards show nominations come out, it happens: artists will be left out for one reason or another. There are only so many slots for nominees and so much talent in country music. When the ACM Awards nominations were read, there were quite a few surprising omissions and snubs.

As we wait to see the winners for the ACM Awards, which will play out in Texas and air live on Amazon on May 11, we look at some acts that should have gotten some love from the ACM.

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Jelly Roll has had a fantastic year charting his first country number-one hit, "Son of a Sinner." On his current headlining tour, this guy also sold out arenas all over the country and was a massive hit at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, where he won three awards. Jelly should have at least gotten a nomination in the Visual Media category.

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I know there are many country male singers coming up and getting their shot in the Male Artist category. Keith has had his share over the years of winning Male Artist and earning nominations in the category. Keith toured extensively, and his show is amazing. He clearly should have been in the Entertainer of the Year category this year.

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Thomas consistently puts out great music and recently kicked off his current headlining tour. It's sad not to see Thomas' name in any category at all this year.

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This guy has had a wonderful year at country radio, on the road, and with his latest album, Same Truck, which came out in 2021. While his album is a bit old to get an album nod this year, McReery has never missed a beat vocally, and it would have been nice to see him in the Male Artist category. Maybe that category, like Entertainer, should have also had seven nominees this year.

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Yes, Carrie did get a 2023 ACM nomination for Entertainer of the Year, and she was appreciative. Still, Underwood is not in the Female Artist category with a huge and successful tour, a new album, and one of the best voices in country music. That is wrong on so many levels.