# Sam Grassie's Guitar Journey

> Sam Grassie shares his acoustic guitar journey with Bert Jansch's influence and Berlin recording.
- Title: Sam Grassie's Guitar Journey · Guitar World | Shortify
- Summary: Sam Grassie shares his acoustic guitar journey with Bert Jansch's influence and Berlin recording. Sam Grassie released his solo debut album Where Two Hawks…
- Keywords: sam grassie, bert jansch, where two hawks fly, guitar, acoustic guitar, vintage guitar, modern guitar, berlin, folk music, scottish folk, malian blues, travelling folk club
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/sam-grasse-where-two-hawks-fly
- Published: 2026-10-02T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: sam grassie, bert jansch, where two hawks fly, guitar, acoustic guitar, vintage guitar, modern guitar, berlin, folk music, scottish folk, malian blues, travelling folk club
## Sam Grassie's Background
Sam Grassie grew up in Glasgow with traditional folk music influences from British guitarists like Bert Jansch and John Renbourn.
## Solo Debut Album
Grassie released his solo debut Where Two Hawks Fly with 11 tracks blending traditional folk and original compositions.
## Collaboration Experience
Grassie collaborated with electric guitarist Alfie Jones, who added lap steel to the track Abhail's.
## Recording Process
Grassie recorded the album in Berlin using a Yamaha FG-110 guitar that was difficult to play but produced a metallic sound.
## Bert Jansch Influence
Grassie considers Bert Jansch's music a constant influence, praising its raw, rugged and free sound.
## Malian Blues Fusion
Grassie fused Scottish trad with Malian blues, inspired by kora player Mansa Sissoko and banjo player Jayme Stone.
## Guitar Preferences
Grassie prefers vintage guitars for recording but uses modern guitars for live performances, especially in unamplified settings.
## Bert Jansch Guitar Experience
Grassie had moments with Bert Jansch's guitar, thinking, 'This is Bert Jansch's guitar and I'm lucky to hold it,' but found it not super-inspiring.

> I've had moments with it, thinking, 'This is Bert Jansch's guitar and I'm lucky to hold it,' but, playing-wise, it's not super-inspiring
## Social Media Impact
Grassie says social media has decreased his flow state but the guitar remains a torch to follow for self-improvement.
## Next Steps
Grassie plans to get a dreadnought Martin and record a live album with collaborators.
## Album Release
Where Two Hawks Fly is out now via Broadside Hacks Recordings.
## Guitar Experience
Grassie played Jackson C Frank's 1948 Brazilian rosewood D-28, which he calls the best guitar he's ever played.
## Chronic Fatigue
Grassie struggled with chronic fatigue, which made it hard to practice guitar but led to his solo debut.
## Future Plans
Grassie aims to record a live album with collaborators to capture the moment over days or weeks.
## Key takeaway

Sam Grassie released his solo debut album Where Two Hawks Fly after overcoming chronic fatigue, using vintage and modern guitars for different purposes.