Trace Bundy

An Interview with Trace Bundy, hosted by Gary Gutierrez of The Lesson Studio

Gary Gutierrez: Trace, thanks for joining us. Let’s start with your origin story. You have such a unique playing style. What first drew you to the guitar?

Trace Bundy: It really happened by accident. My brother and I were walking around Buena Vista as kids and came across a guitar at a yard sale for 10 dollars. We each had 5 dollars in our pockets, so we bought it. We started learning with guitar magazines, mostly Metallica songs at first. My brother took the heavier route, and I leaned more acoustic. I also thought I had a pretty bad singing voice, so all my creativity went straight into the guitar. I loved thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways to express ideas through the instrument.

Gary: For someone hearing you play for the first time, it is clear your approach is not traditional. How would you describe the style of guitar you play?

Trace: The general term is fingerstyle guitar, but that is pretty broad. What I do includes tapping, percussion, looping, and using capos in unusual ways to make one guitar sound like multiple instruments at once. It is really about being creative and seeing how far I can stretch what the guitar can do.

Gary: Did you ever take lessons in this style, or were you mostly self taught?

Trace: No lessons. Completely self taught. I definitely missed out on things lessons would have helped with, but I also tried things only because I did not know any better, and that led to some of the techniques I use now. Early on, tabs were a huge resource for me. Every song I learned introduced a new technique. Over time, I got really into music theory, but I had to teach it to myself in my own way before I knew the official terms for anything.

Gary: Was there a moment that felt like a turning point in your creativity?

Trace: Yes. One day, I was sitting on my bed playing guitar and realized I was tapping out a melody with one hand. I thought, what if I hit a bass note with the other hand. It felt impossible at first, but I kept working on it and eventually wrote my first tapping piece (an early version of my song called “Dueling Ninjas“). I played it in a little coffee shop and the whole room stood up and applauded when I finished. That moment told me I was onto something.

Gary: You tour internationally, but our community knows you from your big annual show here in town. Tell us about your event at the Boulder Theater.

Trace: It is called Trace Bundy’s Acoustic Holiday, and this year is the 17th annual show. Throughout the year I am touring across the United States and internationally in places like China, Europe, and across Asia, but I save this show as the big hometown celebration to close out the year. It is not all holiday music, just a handful of seasonal songs mixed with originals and covers. I also bring in a special guest every year, usually someone who has inspired me or whose music I really love.

Gary: Can you share who this year’s special guest is?

Trace: Her name is Emma Harner. She is an amazing guitarist and vocalist who has been getting a lot of attention online. When I first listened, I immediately thought, this is something special. I am excited for people to hear her.

Gary: Our team here at The Lesson Studio has had the joy of working with your kids in both lessons and Rock and Pop Music Academy. What drew your family to TLS?

Trace: We have loved it. The best part is giving kids the chance to be on stage with lights, a great sound setup, bandmates, and learning how to perform as a group. It teaches confidence, leadership, listening, and teamwork. Your teachers do such a great job identifying each kid’s strengths and bringing those forward so no one gets lost in the background. It is a really special
experience.

Gary: Before we wrap, is there anything else you would like our community to know?

Trace: Just that we are grateful. Music is not only about learning an instrument. It is about growing as a person. TLS has really supported that for our kids, and we appreciate it.