Bill Dutcher Amplifies Arizona’s Acoustic Guitar Scene
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Mike Smith of MNR Images
A hushed theater fills with a sound that seems impossible from a single guitar. Standing alone on stage, Bill Dutcher’s fingers dance across his instrument, coaxing out basslines, percussion, melody and harmony simultaneously. The audience watches in disbelief as one man creates what sounds like an entire ensemble.
“Every show sends listeners away saying, ‘How can one guy and one guitar do this?’” Dutcher says with a modest smile that belies his four decades of mastering this musical sleight of hand.
For 12 years, Dutcher has been answering that question through his “Extreme Acoustic” concert series at the Musical Instrument Museum. The acclaimed guitarist has built a reputation as not just a performer but a curator of Arizona’s acoustic guitar talent, creating a showcase that has become a cornerstone of the Valley’s musical landscape.
The series follows a simple yet powerful formula: three acoustic guitarists, each with a distinct style, performing individual sets before joining forces for a collaborative finale. The result is an evening that highlights the versatility and emotional range of the acoustic guitar in its many forms.
“Over the years, I’ve been able to showcase some of Arizona’s best acoustic guitar performers, and the variety has been absolutely amazing,” says Dutcher, who grew up in Dublin, Ohio, where his musical journey began on an accordion.
His journey to Arizona, however, began with a vacation in 1995, shortly after he married his wife.
“We came out to visit one of her uncles and immediately fell in love with the environment and vibe,” Dutcher recalls. “As a professional, full-time performer, I had pretty much hit the ceiling back in Ohio in terms of performance opportunities.”
Upon arriving in Arizona, Dutcher wasted no time establishing himself in the local scene, playing every open mic he could find — including at Cave Creek Coffee Company, where he was offered a seven-year residency.
What sets Dutcher apart is his mastery of multiple instruments. Beyond six-string guitars, he performs on 12-strings, Weissenborn Hawaiian guitars and, perhaps most distinctively, the harp guitar — an unusual instrument with additional unfretted bass strings that extend beyond the guitar’s neck.
“I’ve always been fascinated with stringed instruments,” he says. “I remember seeing a picture of a harp guitar and was completely mesmerized. I found the blueprints on the internet and took them to a guitar maker in Columbus, Ohio, named J. Thomas Davis, who built a custom harp guitar for me.”
The harp guitar allows Dutcher to create basslines and melodies simultaneously, expanding the compositional possibilities beyond a standard guitar.
“While I play a multitude of string instruments, I would have to say the harp guitar speaks to my soul the most,” he admits.
Dutcher’s versatility extends to his multiple musical projects. Beyond his solo performances, he’s a guitarist with The Local Spirits, an instrumental ensemble, performs classic rock covers with Audio Farm, and still reunites with his college band, The Crunch, which has been together for more than 35 years.
“I tend to burn the candle at both ends all the time,” Dutcher says. “I jokingly told a friend that my brain works like a computer hard drive. After every musical session, I need to wipe the hard drive clean and reinstall the operating system for the next type of music!”
Each project offers Dutcher a different creative outlet. The Local Spirits has reinvigorated his compositional drive after what he describes as a long-standing creative slump.
“I’ve come to the realization that while I struggle to write lyrical content for songs, I can create melodic acoustic guitar instrumental music all day long,” he explains. “I’ve had to focus on that strong suit, and I just keep generating new ideas, which makes me very happy.”
Perhaps his most meaningful collaboration, though, is with his 27-year-old son, Austin, an accomplished guitarist in his own right.
“We play fingerstyle duets and singer-songwriter material together at our monthly residency on the third Tuesday at Janey’s in Cave Creek,” Dutcher says. “I’m extremely proud and grateful to play music with my son. I have to pinch myself every time we’re performing together.”
While his father-son collaboration fulfills a personal passion, Dutcher’s “Extreme Acoustic” series serves a broader purpose, creating a catalog of treasured musical moments for Arizona’s guitar community that has grown more poignant with time. The upcoming show set for June 4 will showcase a fresh trio of distinctive guitar styles.
“For this next concert at MIM, the format will feature three solo acoustic performers: myself, Andy Paul and Jim Resnick,” Dutcher explains. “Andy is a fiery fingerstyle player in the traditions of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis and Jerry Reed. Jim is a phenomenal jazz player. Our three distinct styles will provide a cornucopia of different musical approaches for the audience’s enjoyment.”
The series continues to evolve, with Dutcher already planning its future direction.
“My focus with future shows is to not only continue bringing in seasoned veterans but also to introduce some of the upcoming younger performers who are making a splash on the scene,” he says. “It’s important to showcase both established talent and the next generation of acoustic guitarists who are pushing boundaries in our state.”
As both performer and educator, Dutcher offers hard-earned wisdom to aspiring guitarists.
“Put in the time and really practice,” he advises. “We live in this age of television talent shows where you hear teenage kids say, ‘I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.’ This notion of instant gratification based on minimal work doesn’t really hold water.”
Despite decades in the industry, Dutcher’s passion for his craft remains undiminished. When asked about his proudest accomplishment, he emphasizes the journey rather than any specific achievement.
“I never really thought about getting into music to be a superstar or a multimillionaire,” he says. “I played the guitar because it makes me happy. Everything in my musical life has manifested because I’ve held onto this love and passion for the instrument.”
For Dutcher, music is fundamentally about connection — with his instruments, with fellow musicians and, most importantly, with his audience.
“I feel fortunate and blessed to make other people smile and feel happy when they see me play,” he says. “I’ve always believed that we musicians are stewards, and our duty is to share our talent with others. If I can help a crowd forget about their worries for a couple of hours when they see me perform, then I’ve accomplished my job.”
‘Extreme Acoustic’
Wednesday, June 4 // 7:30 p.m. // The Musical Instrument Museum // 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix // $35.50+ // 480-478-6000 // mim.org
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