My dad told me when I could play guitar like Chet Atkins, he would upgrade my acoustic guitar to an electric guitar. It was not until years later I realized my fathers sense of humor...
@@false-flagburner4184 I have four Chet designed guitars, been playing professionally since 1969 , I had to quit Chet style and learn chicken picking, it was a great time to play country, Burrito brothers, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard were setting the pace for the next new style, it was called country rock, it was fun to be playing music for a living in those days. I got compliments for finger style Buckaroo, and others. A lot of rock and jazz pickers moved to country, that’s where the money was.
@@williamkelley4899 chicken picking can be more versatile in a lot of ways, although you do have one less finger available... I learnt all my finger picking tunes that way and I regret not learning it like chet cause I have one less finger available lol
I’m 75, I’ve been listening to Chet since the 50s. I own a country gentleman guitar and, I learned some of my favorite Chet songs. I play them sometimes just for me.
I'm 68 and also play guitar (since age 13). I'd like to hear some of your versions, but then you'd have to reciprocate and suffer through some of mine, ha ha.
His fretting hand technique is incredible. It literally never comes away from the neck and his hand just glides like it's a stick of butter. This man is a legend.
took me 15 years to reach that level of fingerstyle it's so satisfying to be able to play what you want to play but I still can't play as smooth as him it all comes down to the thickness of your fingers to get the cleanest sound possible, Or just heavily calloused fingers and the experience of playing a thousand songs a hundred times over to the point where you know the frets inside and out I highly encourage everyone to try playing at least once and maybe practice 1 song you love to hear and you'll never regret it no matter how angry you get at it or even if you break your guitar out of frustration since I've broken 2 of my acoustics while I was mad years back I regret it still since they were beautiful guitars, anyways I got off track and made it sound a little braggy but when I get too old and can't play anymore I want to hear the younger generations shredding better than I ever could've it's always a soul warmer listening to someone play good music
I had the great honour of meeting Chet in RCA studios way back in 1967 on the day he was recording Jerry Reed singing & playing Guitar Man. Following the recording he was going to lunch with Roy Orbison. Had the pleasure & honour of shaking the Big Os hand when he came to meet with Chet. Dim & Distant past but great memories. Sadly they have all passed on but we still have their great music to treasure.
My Dad did & could play like Chet... He took me to a bar once (mom made him take me to keep him out of trouble) where a band was but no one was dancing. When they went on break one of them asked Dad if he wanted to play during break. When Dad started playing, just about everyone got up to dance ! Yep my pop was good :) He got me my 1st electric for my 14th BD, in 1966. A 1966 Gibson ES335 .. Still have and play it..
I was about 17 or so and just started getting into guitar. I was a solid Jimmy Hendrix and also Eric Clapton fan. My mom said “ If you really want to hear a good guitar player, you need to listen to Chet Atkins.” She then bought a Chet album for me for my birthday. It was a real eye opener and I nearly wore it out. Those vinyl albums were precious treasures to me back then.
@@kimmedavid maybe he's using voice typing. he's sure old, my dude. ain't no old dude can type fast enough. don't judge someone by the way they're typing something.
If you haven't heard or hear of Chet Atkins, they you are missing out some of the most perfect guitar sounds of all time in the whole universe my friends.
He even has the bb king/albert king style tone in a single bended note that just screams emotion, all with a carefree expression. He had it all, really.
Chet wasn’t a “finger picker”! Watch the way a Spanish or flamenco player uses all 4/5 fingers playing treble and bass notes at the same time . Chet was about as good as Segovia or the Romero’s when playing Spanish or even Bach music especially orchestral music written for guitars. Chet was a master guitarist.
That was mind boggling! He did this in front of an audience and national TV . No room for mistakes. Just wow! I like to listen to him and Roy Clark and Glen Campbell jam.
I have never seen another musician that gave me the same sense that every note he played was the most important note in the world at that moment in time and I always got that from Chet Atkins.
Years ago, when I was dating my now wife, I took her to see Chet in concert. We had front row seats and he walked out and said" hi folks, I'm Chet and pick guitars", and amazed all of us for over three hours. I have never seen such talent on stage.
A pity the way we categorize music. I never listened to this guy until after he was dead, because he was "country", and I didn't like country. A friend was playing some of his stuff, and I was really impressed. When I asked who it was I was told "Chet Atkins". Amazing.
same here. My guitar professor in college played with Chet regularly, and talked about what a legend he was all the time. But it wasn't till I saw old footage of him on TV playing with George Benson, Mark Knopfler and others that I realized Chet Atkins is awesome and he can legitimately play whatever genre he wants.
Les Paul said, "why can you look at what I'm doing and play the same thing better than I do, but I look at what your doing and can't even begin to play".... I'm paraphrasing a little but you get the idea... High praise indeed, coming from Lester.
@@evil_of_banality …...you are comparing apples to oranges. Many classical players love Chet Atkins. And Chet admired them. He also played classical pieces. What it boils down to is Chet had respect for guitar players of all styles. Look at some of the different artists he played and recorded with. The great ones always give respect to others. The Beatles loved Chet. And Chet recorded their songs. That was Chet...………………...
I grew up with Chet Atkins music as my dad used his records to teach himself to play the guitar through the 60s. He never got as good as Chet, but every time I hear Chet play, I can hear my dad too.
chet atkins 2nd best, boogie bill boggs was untouchable yet his demons and pride snuffed out his spotlight before the world would ever remember his name.
cartnhorse lmao, your opinion is your opinion and Chet Adkins is definitely one of the greatest to ever live. I'm biased simply because my grandad was boogie bill, who chet disliked due to his talents
A musical inspiration to any who have an ear to listen. Chet was one of a kind who helped spawn other guitar prodigies like Lenny Breau. Their album together, Stand Brands is one of my all time favorites.
@@denverattaway9895 When I first started playing guitar, I learned Windy and Warm. Loved him throughout his storied career. He not only influenced me, but many guitarists.
@@BirdYoumans Indeed. I can't listen to Standard Brands without it evoking a tear. Chet was kinda like a father to Lenny. The emotion and duel chord voicings. One of my all time favorite albums. Im a decent finger picker myself.
He transcended being just a guitar player. He was truly connected to the instrument like very few are. Playing was as effortless as breathing it seemed, anything he could think of he could play, a true master.
Doc Watson, tommy Emmanuel, Merle Travis and jerry reed aren’t too shabby. And let’s not forget the originator les Paul. Go back and listen to his virtuosic performances.
He was my brothers idol...had all his records....we got the chance to see him when he came to our town...my brother was just recovering from a throat operation...he was in heaven....
not only did he understand the guitar better than most but he also understood the human ear better than most...a true maestro,God bless the man,we were SO lucky to have him
@@foto21 He's got an album titled Class Guitar, where he plays every selection on what might be the guitar he's playing on this video. He does touch on flamenco as well as a Broadway show tune or two, but it's mostly classical music.
My dad loved chet back in the early 60's had quite a few of his albums in his music collection. One of his favorites was named "The Other Chet Atkins ". It was all spanish guitar work ask me to sit down with him & listen to it. I still have that album plus his other works from the late 50's. Many from the 60's. I too now in 2021 listen to his music. All I can say to my late father, thanks for turning me on to his music!
My name is Fergus Brady,I’m from Dublin Ireland & my late friend Louie Stewart was one of the best jazz guitarists in the world, what an incredible unbelievable master of the guitar,his passing was a great loss to a lot of Irish musicians,I had the privilege of seen him play with Benny Goodman in Dublin in the early 70s.Rated up there with the best but probably not recognized or respected, check him out folks.
Chet Atkins was all that my dad listen to on our RCA Radio turn table. He would pretend he was playing along with a broom. Lolol. I Loved listening to Chet Atkins since I was a toddler. Thanks Dad.🤗
Totally agree, that one in the middle it reminded me a little bit if the theme from local hero. But I agree with you more now, sounded a bit like why worry.
Watch his face while he plays “Cascade,” the last arrangement of the three. This man loved what he did, and what he did was use God’s gift of incredible talent with a humble (but wonderful) personality. Chet will always be the best.
Chet will always be Mr Guitar .. my earliest memory is Chet playing Apache on Ed Sullivan show i was hooked and still play everyday 50 years later .. Thank you Chet !
Chet Atkins... wow! Let's hear it for higher education!!!! Thank you for your life long dedication,for sharing!! I've been playing about 40 yrs thank God I still am! Let's celebrate! The ones left behind there the ones who hurt! He left all of us with his love,heart and Faith! Anyone who misses him need only listen,... his music!!! He'll always be here to mend hearts and sooth the soul!! He did it all for us you know.
I don't know of any artist who rose so far above his peers, played such a wide range of genres and styles, always respected the music and melody and was as prolific in the number of albums he recorded. His albums are really a journey through popular music.
@@staceyowens8496 Honestly with many artists like this, I tend to believe that ^that is their primary talent/gift, and the technical skill comes so they can express the former
Chet Atkins. Incomparable greatness on acoustic or electric. Now I can understand why it is he has set such a high bench mark for guitar players like Mark Knopfler and Tommy Emmanuel to try and follow. I love it when he plays nylon string/classical guitar, makes me want to buy one again after many years of not owning one. Bravo Chet.
I still remember standing outside in the rain in front of the local "rock and roll" radio station, listening to "Boo-boo-stick beat" as a junior in high school. I was hooked on Chet and still am 60 years later. You are my idol, Chet. RIP CGP!
He paints musical pictures with an advanced vibe and technique. All memorized. It takes more than talent and hard work to get to this level. You have to be gifted.
Chilling a bit til Linda wakes up. I am a life long fan of Chet Atkins since my late bf Bud Miller introduced me to his talent in my teens. Imo he's the world's best...he's taught many well known guitarists, and influenced all who know him.
Exquisite.... Whenever I'm feeling down I listen to Chet.... Sails, one of the most tenderly beautiful songs he's ever recorded... Man, but we miss you!
Jay Dugas, in the early 80s (noted Louisiana guitar player) made a tape for me with Alone one on one side and Then Came Chet Atkins on the other .. I spent the rest of my life learning his tunes. It led me to others like Joe Passe and Jerry Reed .. l love you Chet, thanks for so many years of happiness.
The beAutiful sound coming from Chats hands can be heard across oceans on foreign lands. The greatest the world has ever seen and can play that guitar so clean and mean! We salute you Chet for being the absolute best whether playing back East or way out West!!!!!
I'm a hard rock guitarist for the most part that listens to music from classical, rap, pop, latino, country and metal...that's right love it all from Wagner to Slayer. Chet's playing almost brings tears to my eyes, such an amazing guitar player and the time he was doing it with guys like Roy Clark, and Jerry Reed took pure discipline and dedication to learn their craft...no RU-vid lessons to see how it is done. No ProTools to clean it up, just live performance mastery. Wearing a shirt, tie, and jacket, jut like Buddy Rich used to do on drums....and old lol. I think the Bass player in this video is playing a Steinberger too lol...shredders.
Incredible. Unbelievable that he can play like that without gurning or contorting his face like he is severely constipated, just the occasional smile or admonishment as if judging the quality of each note.
I'm 68 and my feet and lower legs bother me but my fingers are fine. And I attribute that to Fingerpicking all my Life. No Arthritis in my upper body and hands. Lower Back is a different story. Cheers! And if you play don't ever stop because it's fun.
I've learned to mimic a few of his songs over the years, but of course never like the CGP himself. When players play fast, it always seems like they are hurried, but no matter how fast Chet played, he always played relaxed. It was like he had a note due in 3/1000ths of a second, so he kind of moseyed up to it, smoked a cigarette, and then played it with perfect timing. I guess nothing but hours of practice every day can do that. But the KIND of man he was even overshadowed his perfection as a musician. He was a fellow who had very little coming up, yet never lost his kindness and gentle concern for others. Another like him shall not pass this way again.
If I had 1 millionth of his expertise on the guitar, I would be so happy. He makes it look so easy.....which it ain't. His little smiles and smirks....he actually looks likes he really enjoys it, albeit with no effort what so ever. What a guitarist.
Man he could play miss Mr Chet some people are just amazing and he is one of them I been playing 35 years and never be that good or even close but watching him inspires me to this day
When I was 10 to 12 wears old going down town on walnut st or chestnut st st the place was world less ? Music store you had to go up stairs to get to guitars and try them out I was poor didn't have the money hard life now I am 76 wears old a way back it was all ways Chet aktkins all ways now I am trying to get a grets guitar when I get the money
