Mike, you have an impeccable way of explaining the role of bluegrass rhythm guitar. Fantastic video I’ve watched several times now! Please continue with the instructional videos. They are much appreciated.
Fantastic video. As a newbie guitar player, I’m not feeling drawn to playing leads or solos, but love the idea of holding down the rhythm and throwing in some sweet walk ups / downs or runs when appropriate. New sub here!
I recently sold a D-35 to a Bluegrass player , he had no aspirations of going beyond the 3rd fret . Seemed every tune was built around looping GCD pattern , that's when i started to understand a bit more how stylized & structured Bluegrass playing is . Listening to Doc or Tony take off on a lead floats my boat .
As mostly a mandolin player I have to say there are tons of guitar thrashers who absolutely need to hear this. I have often had to fight to be heard over a guitarist who literally "beats" every ounce of tone out of a great Martin or other guitar. Your lesson is right on target from start to finish. Every player needs to know their place in the mix for the best band outcome. 100%👍
Thanks for the feedback. Guitar players don’t realize how loud they are most of the time. Many believe they need the loudest guitar to be heard, especially during their leads. What they need to do is back off on the rhythm and leave dynamic range for their breaks. It’s counter-intuitive, but to be heard often means to stop playing so loud and people around you, at least the ones who are listening, will follow.
I've played Bluegrass guitar for 50 years now the boom chuck-A rhythm is way too noisy and more of a country rhythm. When I was growing up learning, more often than not I was told to keep the rhythm to a boom chuck only. Tony 🌾 was good at his style of rhythm, but jazz inspired. Dan Tyminski has the best rhythm style. Hands down. I've played his style even before I ever heard him.
There's only one thing more important than the lead player and that's the rhythm player because if the rhythm playing good solid rhythm the lead is going to sound so much better.
Mike, this vid is loaded with good solid information that is well and clearly explained. I hope that all bluegrass guitar players will give it the attention it deserves. I'm especially glad that you encouraged the use of a metronome and listening to the great rhythm players (I'm particularly partial to Red Smiley) as ways to gain competence. Great job, thanks.
I would argue that a good lead player absolutely interacts ‘rhythmically’ with the band. The best lead playing is incredibly rhythmic Fantastic video and playing!
A really valuable video as you describe and discuss what all guitar players should keep in mind, always. That guitar sounds beautiful, like a piano and your singing is A-OK as well.
I like what you're doing here Mike, with all these new videos that are going up!!! Keep up the good work. You're a great player with a firm understanding of what's up....you used the term "swell"....I call it "pulse".
Hi Mike! Boy seeing you again playing music sure brings back a lot of memories. Good to see you again. Playing at Marilyn's, legion post, swanton, etc. Was the best. With Jimmy Thompson, John justice, Stan Lowe, Chester, Pam perry, Tim Ellis..so many great talents. - Mark
Hey Mark, Wow! You’re going back quite awhile! I have fond memories of growing up and playing with all the people you mentioned and many more; including Conley Varble, the Henslys, Jim, Larry, and Alvie Hurst, AJ Fuller, just to mention a few. Good times!!
Wow. Great video Mike. This is the first I've heard/seen you since way back in H.S. Odd that I am watching Bluegrass videos and this pops up. Great Job!
Mike that Del Mccory video link you added below does show him driving the song/band.. Interestingly, the guitar he is playing is the Martin 2009 D18 Del Mccoury (1 0f 50 made), I used to own # 15..Great D18.. Wish I still had it.
I like what ur saying here ur excatly right that's how I learn to play years ago but I learned how to play the wildwood flower by listen to maybell Carter record I practest it for a long time until I got it.just like she does it
Way over due for a course like this....Tony R would even slip in some wicked rhythm right in the middle of a lead run.When playing with Rowan & those beautiful girls it was fire.
Yes, they made 50 D18 Del Mccourys in 2009.. They had adi top, 1-11/16" nut width with a full chunky size C shape Mahogany neck, bone nut and saddle, Rear shifted scalloped (GE style) bracing, Honduron Back and sides. It was very similar to the 2012 Martin D18 Authentic 39'. They are very hard to find for sale as the owners love them and there are so few of them.. They were made at the same time as the Martin D28 Dan Tyminski model. Martin gave #1 D18 Del Mccoury to Del Mccoury. Similarly, Martin gave Dan Tyminski #1 D28 Dan Tyminski. By the way, there is a guy that is extraordinarily great rhythm player. Great bluegrass guitar and mandolin player..He also plays banjo and fiddle.
Hi Steve, Thanks for the feedback. So sorry to hear your guitar was stolen. You may want to check with your home owners insurance if you own a home. I had a guitar stolen back in 2003 and it covered it.
@@1963mikey Thanks for the reply. Yeah unfortunately I don't own my and I never had renter's insurance. but as soon as I get my next guitar I'm going to be buying it. Out of curiosity what did they need to cover your guitar that was ? It sure hurts.
@@Steve-si8hx I had to submit an appraisal from a qualified appraiser. It’s always a good idea to have your guitar appraised and updated if you own something vintage where the replacement value varies quite a bit. I think I also submitted a police report showing it had been stolen.
@@1963mikey okay so the next guitar guess I'm going to be getting it appraised then. Thanks for the information, and the lessons. I will be going to be going through all of your lessons once I I got another guitar
Absolutely agreed as well as singing. It’s nice to be able to take a break to a song now and then, but that shouldn’t be the main focus. If your goal is to flatpick leads and nothing else, then you become a hired gun to play flash and get applause, but you’ll never be a Larry Sparks.
Hi George, I made a bunch of videos on various topics on my RU-vid channel. You’re welcome to subscribe or just search my name, Mike Wilhoyte and they should all pop up.
Great video on the forgotten importance of Bluegrass rhythm work in the band. I like your Martin Dread of course, are you going to be doing any videos with that Sexauer Dread that Bruce did for you a couple of years ago?
Yep. Everyone thinks louder is better now. Good points. Dynamic range is what matters. When to back off etc is what matters. Not being loud. Ffs get an Amp if you want to be loud all the time
Check our this video of Del. He kicks the tune with rhythm guitar and he’s playing the same rhythm lick. Notice he’s not really defining the 2nd boom (D string), but rather hitting multiple strings. The feel is essentially the same ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fUkEKiMSUco.html
Hey Mike, I'm a little disappointed in your vocals, and what I mean by that is I'm disappointed that your not singing more, I love how you sing Cabin home on the hill so please do a video with you singing and playing, it sounds awesome! Great videos by the way, giving me some great advice to advance my guitar playing!👍
Hey Gilbert, I appreciate the feedback! It’s always a tough balancing act when doing these videos. I’m trying to keep them to a max length of 20 min so getting in all the points I’m trying to make without blathering on or doing too much demonstration is always a challenge!
Hi Bill, I must be using Elixirs phosphor bronze nanoweb mediums. The XSs are a bit brighter out of the gate and seem to hold up a bit better than Elixirs.
