Carl Tosten's Profile

Carl Tosten has a passion for guitars that began when his father bought him his first guitar at age 11. From his early years in a small town in Eastern Washington, his playing centered around the electric guitar, performing with various groups and diverse styles ranging from country to rock to jazz. In the mid 1990’s, after years of eclectic listening and playing, he began to focus fully on the acoustic guitar, creating masterful acoustic fingerstyle compositions which combine alternate tunings, multiple capos, percussive body slaps and right-hand tapping.

Known for his expressive and energetic guitar style, Tosten has been described as an “Acoustic One-Man Band.” His four self-produced solo recordings combine his unique and expressive guitar style with his strong and soulful voice. He writes songs layered with warmth, intelligence, oblique humor and acute observation of human nature. His dynamic vocals and rhythmic, percussive guitar style fill his performances with intense energy, stories and music — weaving a web of writing, singing and playing that captivates and inspires his audiences.

As an artist representative & traveling clinician for several major manufacturers — including Gibson, Dean Markley and Behringer — Tosten has had the opportunity to perform and conduct workshops and product demonstrations throughout the US and in Europe.

Tosten began his solo career in 1999 with the release of his first CD “The Kindness of a Stranger,” which features 10 original acoustic guitar compositions, including 3 with vocal tracks. In 2001, his second CD, “A Road Less Traveled,” was released with 14 tracks of intricate acoustic fingerstyle guitar. “Tomorrows Perfect Plan,” Carl’s 3rd CD, was released in the spring 2004 featuring 12 tracks of original songs with guitar and vocals. His 4th original recording, American Dream, released in 2006 also features his strong lyrics and introspective views on society, living, and love. The title track, American Dream, won 2nd place in the 2006 Woody Guthrie International Songwriting Competition. Carl’s instrumental work is featured on Guitar Masters Vol. 1 from Bohemian Productions.

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