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‘String Theory: Guitar Obsessed’ Asks Why the Guitar Gets Under Our Skin

A smart, funny, heartfelt documentary about why the guitar rewires our brains.

What do executives from Fender, Gibson, Taylor and Martin Guitars have in common with former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, a neuroscientist, a CNN medical analyst, and some of the internet’s most influential guitar teachers?

The answer is ‘String Theory: Guitar Obsessed’, a feature-length documentary that dives deep into the psychology, culture, and lifelong fixation surrounding the world’s most beloved instrument.

Directed by Jarett Bellucci, a two-time Emmy Award winner, and created in collaboration with comedian and writer Randy Levin, the film explores why the guitar continues to shape lives across generations, careers, and continents. It is affectionate without being precious, funny without being smug, and deeply human in the way it lets obsession speak for itself.

Watch the Trailer

From Side Idea to Full-Blown Feature

What started as a casual idea for a short YouTube video quickly spiralled into something much bigger.

Bellucci and Levin first met in 2022 while working on a television commercial and bonded instantly over their shared love of guitar. Levin pitched the idea for a short documentary, initially envisioned as a 10 to 15-minute piece. Within nine weeks, and without any prior documentary experience or industry connections, Levin had secured interviews with 20 high-profile voices, all eager to talk about their relationship with the instrument.

By the time production wrapped, 24 contributors had joined the film, turning a passion project into a full-length documentary powered entirely by genuine enthusiasm rather than industry obligation.

Legends, Teachers, and Unexpected Voices

‘String Theory: Guitar Obsessed’ brings together an eclectic lineup that feels intentionally strange, and we like it that way.

The film features executives from iconic guitar brands like Fender, Gibson, Taylor and D’Angelico, alongside legendary Martin Guitars builder Dick Boak. It also includes four of the most influential online guitar teachers in the world: Marty Schwartz, Justin Sandercoe, Tyler Larson, and Charlie Wallace.

Then there are the voices you do not expect. Former government officials. Academics. Scientists. Shop owners. Each offering insight into how the guitar becomes a companion, a coping mechanism, a creative outlet, or a lifelong fixation.

Where to Watch

In a refreshingly generous move, the filmmakers chose to make the documentary free and globally accessible.

The film has already premiered on Amazon Prime, is featured on SPIN Magazine’s SpinTV, and is now available to watch worldwide on YouTube, where it has already drawn thousands of organic views.

Documentary Info

ItemDetails
TitleString Theory: Guitar Obsessed
DirectorsJarett Bellucci, Randy Levin
Runtime1 hour 5 minutes
FormatFeature-length documentary
AvailabilityAmazon Prime, SpinTV, YouTube
CostFree worldwide on YouTube
ThemeGuitar culture, psychology, obsession

Whether you play, used to play, or just know someone who cannot stop talking about guitars, this one understands the assignment.

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