British guitarist reacts to NATIONAL CHAMPION player Richard Smith! 

I met Richard during a break at the CD table at a concert with him and Tommy Emmanuel. I thanked him for working so hard to put on a great show and he smiled and said "This is not work we are having fun!". Great guy. All smiles and jolly as can be.

He's not only a technical master, he has incredible time and rhythm. Whether playing a ragtime piece like this or a improvising a gypsy jazz solo, he can bounce and swing and stutter and stagger and strut like no one else. I adore this guys playing.

I just discovered Richard Smith last week - WOW!!!

I've heard a saying that goes something like this...."A professional player practices until he gets it right. A master practices until he can't play it wrong". 😎👍

I suffer from severe Depression and Loneliness for a long time, over 3 decades. Pretty much lost the ability to experience joy. Any Joy. And then there is this famous piece of Music that has the most positive and uplifting vibes of anything that i have ever heard. And to have it played by one of the greatest, Richard Smith, and appreciated and enjoyed by another one of the greatest, Tommy Emmanuel, is a real treat. This is "goosebumps stuff" and always gives me a big smile on my face every single time i hear it.

My husband & I are attending a small venue concert tomorrow night - this will be Kevin’s 2nd time to see Richard Smith play. He’s so excited!!

Fingerstyle if my favorite style of guitar playing. Excellent.

My husband loves Richard Smith - we live in Memphis & were fortunate enough to see him in concert at a local music studio. It was a small intimate show: absolutely fantastic! 🎸

It's amazing that this piece can be performed with such richness and delicacy on a six-string guitar. Top, top guitar playing.

The Entertainer is difficult enough to play on piano. I've never seen this played on guitar, yet alone acoustic. Awesome. Great analysis, Fil.

Such an excellent guitar player. Clarity, technical skill, feeling with which he executes this song, are all amazing.

Richard played with Chet Atkins at age 11 but has surpassed him in ability. Listen to Chet’s version of The Entertainer and then listen to Richard’s. Chet literally only plays half of the tune. All of the very difficult parts in the middle of the tune, Chet passes on. I think Richard is the best in the world.

Always a pleasure to listen to people like Richard who are just so talented. He’s also surrounded by extremely talented guitarists on stage with him in this video.👍👍

Glad you covered this performance,. Also very good analysis.

You’re Brilliant! Absolutely! Love your take, spot on!

About 15 years ago Richard came to the small, Texas Panhandle, town where I was working. I picked up bass while I was living there and played with two small groups in a restaurant and a senior citizen home. Richard was visiting a luthier who lived in the town at the time and joined in to play with us. Of course, WOW, but more wow was a technique where he crossed two strings with his left hand and made a snare drum sound as he picked. When he played a march he had his own drum solo in the middle. Incredible. I have not been able to find him doing that online.

I would absolutely love to see Richard and Tommy live, they are both masters of the guitar. Thanks for posting this Fil.

what a performance bravo! effortless

When Richard was about 20 or 21, he was touring with his brothers, one on bass and vocal, one on second guitar. I heard them at a Borders bookstore in Albuquerque! They did a good bit of gypsy jazz kind of stuff, and he was a brilliant lead player in that style. The three of them were also engaging and pleasant young men. He has, of course, grown in ability since then, but he was already a monster.

It gives me goosebumps when you see an elite Artist in Aw of other artists

Hard to imagine Richard's version here could ever be bettered, if only in terms of faithfulness to Joplin. World class.

Why Phil is a real musician and so top notch as a person is that he can bring us these amazing players to love and learn from with the same excitement as if Eddie VH was playing. People use to wonder how as a young lad I could listen to Metal and be a big Sabbath Head but love Blondie New Wave Classical and even country. It's music and if you love music you can enjoy it if you know people are actually playing it and the talent it takes to make it. As a minister I get flack for my music choice at times but music is truly a gift and Phil can spot the gifted - keep them coming Phil ! Pastor Scott

I met Richard at Station Inn Nashville, such a pleasant chap. He's English & a child prodigy.Such clarity & precision of lines...and his chord shifts & jumps without a squeek, are amazing. Love it.

I love that classic song!!...He plays this so smooth and effortlessly....thanks Fil.....😎❤🤘

In the original clip, immediately after Tommy bows in respect, you can hear Tommy telling the crowd, “THAT’S why he’s the national champion, because NO ONE can play this!” RESPECT

He is in the us, out of Nashville I believe he said, go support him!! Saw him on tour last year, where he drove to all his gigs and played almost every night. Told the story that at the end of the dates, he would have played about 38ish gigs in 40ish nights! Just 80 of us, two without gray hair, all just swept up by two hours of nylon insanity that does question ones musical verve, and just being the presence of someone at a really in classifiable level. If you made it through this brother Fil, rock!

Richard plays with such a smooth flow, and lots of expression. I was at a party at Tommy's home back in 2011 or 2012. Richard was there. Still have video of the party. A lot of amazing players were there... among them - Jack Pearson and the late Pete Huttlinger. When Tommy, Richard and Jack got going in Tommy's kitchen - it was magic.

Wow! Mind blowing talent. I had never heard Richard Smith before. Thank you for highlighting this. Excuse my French, but holy shit, what talent!

Unbelievably transition between chord shapes and bass runs,so smooth and unstaggered,great feeling and dynamics.Its so hard to get a piece to this standard,I know ive tried for decades and still not achieved any where near despite many many hours of practice

The smile says it all doesn't it ? I was the same when I first saw this version of Richard Smith playing his own arrangement. I've played guitar for over 30 years and this blew me away. For Richard to make such a difficult piece look so easy is a classic sign of how good a musician you are. He actually played this tune as a duet when he was a boy with Chet Atkins himself, and he was very good then. Even Chet said to watch out for this boy cuz he's gonna be great. If Chet Atkins said that about me my hat size would definitely go up !! There is a video of the two of them playing together on YT, check it out.

Never heard of this guy - thanks for showing this absolutely world class playing. And what a respectful reaction of Tommy. Great! Top of the best of the peak!!!

Loved your breakdown of this incredible guitar genius.

He plays so many different styles too. And all of them perfectly...including classical style.

Never heard it on guitar before, awesome! He really is a fine player. Smooth as silk and just makes it look so easy. Wonderful! Great post!

Incredible playing. Loved it.

I found myself transfixed by his hands. It was like his fingers were dancing to the music. I was so focused on what his hands were doing I started to forget there's a person behind them! Then watching his fingers move so fluidly and hearing the notes played so crisply and cleanly, I got the impression of watching the workings of a music box. All the little gears and springs and levers all in perfect synchronicity. To play a perfect song, just for us. Thank you for sharing.

Absolutely fabulous video!

Glad to see you get to my suggestion in reply to your review posting of TE playing "Classical Gas"! Nice comments about Richard & Kirk Sand guitars. The 4K source video link I originally forwarded is now topping 2.6M views so Richard is getting heard.You'll find that there is a deep bench of "unsung" world class Guitarists at CAAS each year. Here's hoping you continue to enjoy discovering them!

Really enjoyed your reaction....He is the level of player that you only really start to appreciate how good he is, the better you become. To someone who doesn't play, or has a very basic level of skill, he is a great player, to really good players, this man is a genius :)

That was CRAZY GOOD !!!!!

For those who are intersted the guitar tab for this piece is free to download at Richards web site. And yes it is hard.

Richard appeared in my house concert series last October - and will be back again next October. What an awesome show he put on!

His technique really shines through as he plays this 'clockwork' composition that requires tremendous precision. The tune just floats out of the guitar into the atmosphere, as Scott Joplin intended.

One cannot NOT SMILE while he plays.

Genius arrangement and execution.

Hi Fil, Love 💕 The Sounds The Nylon Strings Brilliant Richard Finger Style...Thank You Fil For Bringing Attention To This Virtuoso 🎼💕🎶

Truly amazing! Brilliantly arrange and executed. It takes an incredible amount of constant practice to play at that level and that's IF you have the talent.

I just love watching masters enjoying each other for the sake of the music. No envy, greed or anything like that, just a love of great music!

I was there at convention and heard it live. He was playing his Sands into a Henriksen acoustic amp. Great amp Great Guitar and even greater player.

Sometimes you can analyse, interpret, dissect a performance. Other times you just have to forget all that and lose yourself in the wonder of the moment. Just brilliant.

This was a very cool performance of the classic piece "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin. You're right about some of the top players not being household names Richard Smith is one of them. another great analysis Fil, thanks

Incredibe, thank you so much

It's not just "technical ability" and "expression". It's also sheer musicianship, here on full display. This man is a consummate musician.

Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins described Richard Smith as "Our Hero." I saw him with his Guitar Trio many years ago- the other two were his brothers. He was incredible- he talked about Chet Atkins that night and mentioned that Chet was improving health wise- he was very ill at the time. It was obvious Richard was one of the best and he's now a fixture in Nashville. Thom Bresh said that Richard watches you with this special look and then whatever you have played- he's got it- a sort of visual instant memory. He mentioned how he had played something to Richard which included a little mistake and Richard then said: " Can I try that?" and then played it back exactly the same including that little mistake. The Breshman then said to him "I'm wise to you now, you're a British droid!"

this is one of my favourite song to play.

I've seen so many fantastic guitar players unknown who are as good better than or as good as the legends when I lived in Vancouver Bc, playing at clubs.

Oh I'm so glad you got this, I kept meaning to recommend, I love Tommy's reactions

I'm floored when I hear him play!!........how can you be that good!!!

Of course Richard is a great player but this just leaves me in awe of Scott Joplin. There are many players who can actually play this song well but to have composed it... What an accomplishment! It's a musical work of art.

I watched this and heard my guitar laughing hysterically from the other room. What a jerk. Awesome analysis!

I have only heard this on piano before. Great analysis \m/

I love the way, I noticed halfway through after the analysis, that he adds the F# bass note with the thumb when he's chording the higher strings. Just "jumps on in there".. I have enough trouble running both lines of mood for a day...

Phenomenal performance of an extremely difficult piece to play.

Love what you do and your content. Amazing the sheer talent sprinkled around the globe. So glad people get some recognition. Cheers!

This whole guitar clinic was unreal. Very entertaining stuff. What a performance by everyone.

Some play for diversion, some play for distinction, some play for the cheering crowds, some for exclusive haunts, some play for sliding scales, many for exponential gains, admission not half as free as to folks appears, takes steel will to cross fretful barriers, still the cinder can't stop glowing with every breath.

Wow! Awesome/Mad Skills!!

magic fingers....That guy has a totally separate limbic system in each fingertip!!!! Awesome vid, Phil!!!!!

I don’t have words for this! Otherworldly, epic!

I must have watched that video a hundred times on LMR Maxs channel. You can't help but grin watching him play it. Absolute gem.

Speaking of expression, Dear Fil, there were moments during Richard’s performance when Tommy, You, and I seemed to have the same expression on our faces. That’s the evocative aspect of any truly artistic expression. Awesome shared experience!

My father in law has a very old Martin acoustic and I have heard him play the entertainer. His father was an original member of The Sons Of The Pioneers.

I'm officially totally impressed... Wow man thanks Fil Yer The Man

You just can’t say a word while Richard is playing. Totally stunning.

He gives the guitar a mellow smooth tone. Nice

Brilliant #Sunnyside of excellence

Just love this rendition and his choice of the ragtime Scott Joplin piece is fantastic.

Amazing guitarist.

One of Joplins mastrrpieces. A true giant of Americas rich musical heritage.I never tire of returning to this great performance.

Great choice Fil. Only heard this on piano. Loved that movie with Redford & Newman. 2 thumbs up!!!

First saw this played by Chet Atkins. Fell in love with it!

Tommy looked like a kid in a candy store. hahah he was losing his mind. Those little things people wouldn't notice like the way he ran up the low E then arpeggiated the chord soooo smoothly right after it. 5:48 is what I'm talking about. hmmm He has his low E detuned to D? what? That's interesting. Never heard of this guy but man.... did he play that well or what? That pause, tho. hahah he's laughing at Tommy kneeling. You don't see tapping... no fast runs.... no distortion.... yet.... try to PLAY THIS!!! yeah, that's what I thought. Always great vids, Fil! I've been digging going through your old vids and seeing some stuff I had not seen before.

Beautiful what a talented player as you have often said yourself Fil it's this kind of clean playing that's so impressive no affects just a plain clean sound everything spot on not one note off

If Mr Smith was a basketball player the entire NBA couldn't guard him

I dont know what I'm talking about either, but when I started I played a little guitar and what I appreciate here is how quickly and gracefully he jumps from one end of the fret board all the way to the other end to continue the musical phrase he was playing. As graceful smooth and seamless as a ballerina. How impressive! He literally breathes music.

I really appreciate what you do ,and how you showcase the best guitar players out there. You are an awesome guitarist as bro. Thanx.

Richard is a genius.

Amazing!

I saw Richard and Tommy on the same bill about two years ago . THE BEST ! Tommy is very generous to bring many artists along with him on tour . They are introduced to the public . They get name recognition from a very devoted audience . While I have seen Tommy about six times , he always seems BETTER . I have told him " the show was TWO hours , I had my money's worth after 15 minutes " !

Very nice. Always really liked this song. This is my first time hearing it played on an acoustic guitar.

I had seen this some time ago -- absolutely smooth as silk. Thanks, Fil!

Vid is BRILLIANT my dude 😎 you’re fluent description of the style, sounds and talent are Impeccable 👌🏻 Loved this very much

Few things make my day more than watching guitar greatness.

Richard met Chet Atkins in England and was invited to play on stage when he was 12 years old. Richard is a great player. Sitting next to him is Tommy E. and Jim Nichols. All great players. There are lots of great players in the fingerstyle world. Lots. People you have never heard of that are jaw dropping. Same with the classical and Flamenco world.

I have hear this on piano so many times, always enjoy it, his solo in the lead, almost using elements of Bach, unexpected yet masterful WOW

And the absolute BEST part is that he's enjoying the music and the playing as he's doing it. There's nothing quite as wonderful as a musician that is sharing his love and enjoyment. P.S. If you watch the original video at the very beginning, you can see that he is plugged in. So the mic is inside the guitar. This is one of my favorite guitar videos. Three amazin guitarists playing Paganini, including Florian Cristea (Romenia/violin) Richard Smith (USA/guitar) Bina Coquet (São Paulo/Brazil) Nando Vicencio (bass) Fernando Seifarth (guitar). ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aHwzzSYhHrs.html

Love this guy. 🎉

Thanks Fil...

What are the thumbs down for ???? This was great !

Fantastic virtuosity. Enough said. Great review once again Fil, many thanks.