CANNONSBURG — With 12 strings, three sets and one stage between them, Ashlanders Chris Kitchen and Josh Woods are expected to practically redefine the limits of modern guitar playing when they pair for a concert Thursday at Callihan’s American Pub & Grill.

Woods, 24, has gained a tremendous reputation since his induction to the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame. He has been playing the instrument since he was 3, according to family history. He credits his father, John, for introducing him to the music of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, the pioneers of the complicated picking style he has become known for.

“If it wasn’t for Dad I wouldn’t have ever heard of Chet and Merle. Me and dad would drive to Louisa together every night, so we had plenty of time to listen to it. I caught the bug for it then and I’ve had that bug for three years now,” Woods said, explaining he had previously been a rock guitarist emulating artists including Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and Yngwie Malmsteen.

After practicing the syncopated style for three years and receiving encouragement from several recognized players, Woods won the Grand Champion Award during the 2010 National Thumbpickers competition, and was inducted into the hall of fame with the Horizon Award in 2011.

Kitchen, who has a wife, Patty, and three dogs, has been playing guitar since age 6, and local musicians still tell stories of his dedication to early practice regimens.

“I have never lost interest. I think my love of music was inherited from my dad, Crawford Kitchen. He took me to many concerts when I was younger and always had country music playing in the house,” said Kitchen, who has been performing more than 200 shows a year since 1979.

“I honed my country and rock chops in Kentucky and my jazz/ethnic/world chops in Miami/Fort Lauderdale. I have played with some important figures in jazz, and that is where most of my education comes from ... Lord knows I did not learn much in college. I have played on over 300 CDs and radio jingles ranging from tele-twang/honky tonk country to blues, rock, metal, gospel, reggae and calypso, but jazz/cinematic is my favorite. I have quit touring for years now and only play locally. Life is good.”

Both Woods and Kitchen are quick to say the other guy is the better musician.

“He’s too good, man! I think he represents the next generation of guitarists and he is one of the best pickers in the Tri-state,” Kitchen said, joking he may have to injure Woods before the show to keep his talent in check. “Our styles are pretty different, but we’re going to come together on a couple of songs.”

Woods said sharing a stage with Kitchen is nothing less than an honor.

“I’ve watched all of his videos on YouTube,” he said. “Chris can do about anything he wants on guitar. ... I wish I could! He is amazing.”

Musician and business owner Tal Callihan said he wanted to bring the two guitarists together for an evening of unparalleled entertainment.

“I thought it would be nice to have two of the most revered guitar players in the area play together, and it really fits what we’ve been doing out here,” Callihan said.

“Anybody that’s never experienced Josh Woods ... regardless of what kind of music you listen to, you have to appreciate what he does,” Callihan said, adding he’s been listening to Kitchen for many years.

“Chris is always amazing. He is pretty much an entirely different style than Josh Woods, but everything he does is incredible.”

Seating for the event is limited, Callihan said, with tickets available at the door. The show will start with happy hour at 5 p.m.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.