Dickey Betts' AMAZING Guitar Style - 3 Simple Keys to Ramblin' Man Success 

Dickey was the heart of the Allman Brothers.

May God bless Dickey's soul. Great vid! Cheers!

Thanks for the treat, my man... I'm a big Dickey Betts fan.

Great video which I found this day after Dickey died. The Brothers music has brought untold joy to my life! I went to over a 100 concerts put on by various members of the band. Just incredible emotion! Rest in eternity Dickey Betts! By the way, your playing at the end of the video was amazing! Loved it.

I have always preferred Dickie’s playing over Duane’s. They had similar styles but I loved his repetitive licks and that clean middle position LP tone. He played so fluently the notes just blended together. Brothers and Sisters was also my intro to the Allman Bros.

You knocked that out of the park my friend. You got Dickey down pat.

Pittsburgh , Pa . October 15 , 1971 , Syria Mosque . The Allman Brothers Band . What a monumental nite .

First time I ever heard the Allmans was "Ramblin Man" on the AM radio when I was a kid in the 70's. I thought those sweet solos of Dickie's were the best guitar I'd ever heard. They are still in my top 10

Duane said, "Watch out for Dickie Betts!" He's not just smooth - he's full of fire, too! Listen to his sensational lead break on "Trouble No More" from the "Live At the Fillmore East" album.

I drove from Dallas, TX to the 1971 Atlanta Rock Festival, mainly to see ABB.

Few players can move me, really only a handful. I’ve seen Dickey and the ABB live more times than I care to count, and each time I’ve seen them, Dickey took me places not many players can. After Dickey was let go, I saw him at a show at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park NJ. After the show, he was signing autographs at his bus, so I grabbed a Strat I had in my car and took it over to him. When I met him he signed the Strat, I then thanked him for all the beautiful music he gave us, he was sitting on the steps of the bus at that time, when I thanked him, he stood up and gave me a hug and thanked me for being at the show. Dickey has a reputation of being a curmudgeon at times, I found him to be most gracious. Nice job with the video Mark, you nailed Dickey’s sound! Btw, everyone talks about Duane’s work on the Fillmore album, Dickey was on fire when that was recorded, “You Don’t Love Me” is a prime example of some of the finest guitar work recorded live ever. Thanks for this Mark! PS: did you have a chance to check out Alvin Lee’s outro solo on Bluest Blues, I’m wondering what your take is.

YES! Thank you for showcasing Dickey!! His blues, bluegrass and Western swing styles are amazing! Not to mention his singing and songwriting. Saw the ABB in the 90’s a couple of times. Greggs voice was blown out one night so It turned into the Dickey Betts show! So amazing and an unforgettable night!

"I'm the famous guitar-player; Dickie is the great guitar-player..." --Dwayne Allman Do you know, the first 'Ramblin Man' solo (good job btw) was played by Les Dudek. That's when Dickie is heard, "Allll riight(!)"

I'm a saxophone player but I love the guitar. I've learned other instruments but the guitar is my nemesis. I can't play it to save my life. Maybe chords, but lead lines are not happening. Out of frustration I began to play saxophone along the records of the solos I love. This song translates so well and it also helped improve my breathing for playing. Just brilliant.

I used to see them at a local club in Jacksonville FL in 1969 before they were known outside of the S.E. and it was obvious that they were a very special group of musicians. 😊

Dickie is the shit. He can also play slide well. People forget that.

I remember hearing an interview with Duane in which he basically said “ Dickie plays a lot of cool stuff that I get credit for“ and that’s true

With you, Mark. Dickey had to raise the bar when Duane passed and I believe made a commitment to take the band to great heights. Gregg signed up and really was a great partner, and together they were able to complete their mission together with Duane smiling over them. Eat a Peach put the icing on the cake for both of them.

Dickie was The Allman Brothers. The Toler brothers were awesome too.

Nice job on the solo. Dickie Betts sound can be recognized after just a couple notes. I love his style .

Mark, you really nailed his style perfectly. I was a big fan of the Allman Brothers Band and I always preferred Dickie’s “countrified” style more than Duane’s bluesy style. It was his songs which attracted me to the band. Thanks for the lesson Mark.

One of my all time favorite albums is “Highway Call “ that dobro sound takes me back to a better time every time that I hear it to this day

Well done Mark A great presentation! Unfortunately Dickie doesnt get enough recognition for his wonderful melodies. To me he was the ultimate player in the Allmans l too fell in love with the iconic album Brothers and Sisters particularly Jessica and Ramblin man.A great example of Southern country rock.

Dickie Betts one of the most awesome guitarist that ever played

Dickey was unique among the blues rock guitarists of this era, I saw him several times with ABB and solo, always great live, it

Wow that was some of the best four and half minutes I have ever had. eye opening. Thanks.

After Duane's untimely and sad passing they subbed Chris Haynes and Derek Trucks (nephew of the drummer). You can always tell Derek's licks as he has a signature rake.

Totally agree that's Betts had a great/unique sound. Thanks for the video! Always wanted to learn his style.

I hope someone knows this and can answer my question. About 50 years ago I was present for a Johnny Russell concert. He brought a guitar picker with him he called the "wild man." He introduced him by name and I think it was Dickey Betts. He had a string bender mounted on the strings above the nut. A rod ran down the neck of the guitar parallel to the big E string. He used his thumb to push the rod and he got some wild sounds from his guitar. He was a show all to himself with that guitar. I have searched YT but I haven't found anything. Any body ever seen or heard of this guitar man? Thanks.

This is so funny, about a month ago I decided I really should focus some jamming/practicing time to major pentatonic but I'd always catch myself throwing in the 4th.

Dickey had a bluegrass style, it's how he was raised, his dad being a fiddle player.

This was very nice! Thank you for paying respect to Dickie.

THAT, was a good analysis! I always just figured it was pentatonic; opened my eyes s bit. Farther on Up the Road... 🤘

Hey Mark. I know this is blasphemy but I've always thought Dickie had more creative lines. Frankie Lombardi played drums in one of my old cover bands in CT. Frankie was Dickie's guitar tech with the Allman Bros and played drums for the Dickie Betts Band. Great drummer and humble guy. He told us some crazy stories about Dickie and the Bros. One being that when Dickie was finally fired from the ABB the news came via fax. Anyway, great job as always on the video. -Mark

Great lesson! Looking at these comments, I'll never understand why people always have to say "this guitar player is BETTER than that guitar player". Dickie isn't trying to be Duane. Sports are a "competition". Music is not. The beauty of music is that we all approach it in our own way. Some people can actually enjoy Dickie's playing without "voting" on who is "better". One of the many things that made ABB such a GREAT band is the fact that Duane & Dickie had completely different styles, and that's actually ok.

Great short but distinct capsule into this oft somewhat under rated fantastic musician and guitarist, M.Z.! Like you........I really came into Allmanland with the 'Brothers & Sisters' album (I believe it is Butch Truck's son on the cover as I recall) and was hooked by Dickie's style! I believe every serious soloing guitarist owes it to themselves to study Bett's unique style if for no other reason than this is proof that we shouldn't just copy other's styles but make our own. You've certainly given a great introduction into doing just that here!! Jim C.

Love Dickeys melodic solos

Nice. Les Dudek did the Ramblin Man solo on the recording.

Another superb lesson demonstrated well.

Like you, Brothers and Sisters was the Allman's album that really resonated with me. It was the upbeat groove of Jessica that won me over my first year out of high school. I was stationed in South Korea so it always reminds me of those days and the good times we had.

Excellent analysis with perfect examples.

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing and Betts has it in spades. Mix that with Duane's Coricidin craziness and it's lightening in a bottle. ( unintentional bad pun) I just found your site today and I like the subject & simple breakdowns so I subbed. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

I remember Greg Allman talking about how he and Duane put the Allmans together and Duane said, "we need a lead guitarist", Greg said "what are you?' Duane said, "yeah but this guy is great also". I actually paraphrasing not quoting but you get the point!

Mark. As usual, another really insightful and useful vid. So glad I came across your channel. Cheers from Canada.

Dickie Betts puts a lot of nature references in his songwriting (Let Nature Sing, Bougainvillea, Blue Skies, etc). I like his guitar picking style too, but his songwriting is a breath of fresh air. Thanks for the video.

You nailed this. I tripped over this / stumbled upon it a few decades ago long before I even knew what notes I was playing. It just felt natural and it flowed. Thanks for showing the flexibility of his style. His free spirit shines thru his picking.

Awesome

I've gotten to see them live many times and was backstage a few times but during that period (early 1990s) Dickey was frequently in trouble and he was never around much when I went backstage. I bought a PRS back then after seeing Dickie switch to them from Les Pauls..

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL AND YOUR TEACHING . DICKEY BETTS IS ONE OF THE GREATS . AWESOME VIDEO SIR .

Great

Thank you, my friend, for this epiphany!

Tab and Backing Track for This Lesson (for Mark Z Members): mark-z-guitar-school.teachable.com/courses/1330554/lectures/37667472

Great video! Thank you ! You really described Dickeys style!

did not know about hexatonic but fun, I can see it being named how it was. So just add the fourth to the major penta scale. Another note: raising 3rd to fourth makes it a C maj penta and kind of has that effect on the G chord, sounding very ramblin manish. Had another idea making a pentatonic thats exotic harmonic minor is just a raised 5th so just raising the 5th is a bit interesting.

Bro amazing once again! The first video I ever watched you on was your incredible lesson on the Knack solo for My Sharona. I immediately had to click on,and subscribe. Just watching the expression’s on you’re face and seeing the joy in you’re eyes as you teach us these jaw dropping solo’s and licks! I can’t personally thank you enough! Another favorite was your solo on Love Gun. Thank you for your awesome teaching style! Always a huge fan Christian.

Hey Mark! I’ve watched a bunch of your videos, and they’re ALL great, but for me, this one is your best!!! I am going to really study what you showed. Dickie Betts: KILLER guitarist!

Nicely done, Mark. Very enjoyable. Great playing!

Thanks Mark, Dickie is an awesome player. I wonder if you realise just how many people who have helped?

Love the way you broke this down!

Great video. Wicked solo 🎸

That was great,thanks

Dwayne was an excellent slide man,,,,can't take that from him,,,Now Dickey,,,could play a solo for days and never bore you ! Lol ! What a pair of Aces !!! 😂✌️✝️💕🎸🎶💕🎶💕🎶💕

great work thank you - Love the Allmans

You’ve got the style bang on 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

Great playin Mark.

Great video, Mark! I love Dickie Betts. I think he’s a great player to study and learn licks because his melodies add a uniquely major scale, upbeat feel to rock that fit really well alongside the Page, Clapton, Angus rock blues licks that we all absorb naturally over decades of listening. I can’t think of anyone else in rock who plays like him? Maybe Jerry Garcia kind of?

Great video.

Awesome Mark!

oh MAN,,,,without FE, Black Sabbath and Mountain Climbing, who know.s Always wanted to play guitar. Reunion band bit in '05 was great. Tune on the set was Ramblin' Man, harmony and the LD lead my band mate. Slayed it. Now, Jessica shows almost every time i pick up a guitar. As much as i loved Duane's playing, Dickie was so important. 'Can't Lose What You Never Had" ;) Love this solo.

Nice 👍 lesson! I’ve always enjoyed Dickey’s playing, as well.

Hello; Good job really. we can feel that you really like Dickie Betts!! Beside your demo shows you as a very nice person. it gives the envy to meet and jam. Cheers from France

WOW, I'm hooked!

I honestly think of Duane and Dickey as equals. Duane was amazing and gets the press but Betts had a style that was unique. Love them both!

Awesome lesson for everyone, have a great day

Awesome lesson for everyone

Nailed it. Again. Thanks 🤙🤙

great stuff, thanks!

outstanding. as always.

Thank you !!! 😊

Both musicians unique & remarkable player's, huge part of Southern Rock sound, style & pure essence. Great lesson 👍 & livestream today Mark ( I wish that guy who popped in last sec who said he couldn't play as well as us would have said something sooner, I'm lucky to punch this song out using scales😅 Thanks again Mark! That was alot of fun. 🖤 Kris IL 🦋

that was beautiful

Dickey Betts is probably my favourite guitar player. Good as Duane was, I still prefer Dickey.

Crazy because I was introduced to the Allman Brothers through Guitar Hero.

nicely done

I have been in search of this kind of break down, I too have loved Dicky Betts style and sometimes while playing along with the song find the groove, Blue Sky is the song that got me the most, that I have worked the hardest on to get Dicky playinh style. The intro and lead while they were in Germany I believe to be one of the best leads ever played, like his prime. There is another guy who played with them when for a short time can't remember his name, he is a jazz guy wore a French burea hat and coveralls. He played a strat, dqmb wish I could remember, he actually pushed Dicky on stage to pull out his best, Dicky stated the guy was a better quitarest, but I believe he challenged Dicky to new heights within his style, to me yes the guy was great but he was a jazz player, that new how to lead that style over lay, he would do Duane's part, Dicky had been Duanes partner together created the essence of the entire sound as a team that is the sound of the Allman. Brothers Band, like Warren Hains learned all the Duane leads, took time but was actually truly in the original spirit and sound of the original sound, the jazz guy was a great alteration similar in spirit but Warren was on the money as he improved had the groove to my ear at least.

Nice!

Excellent info dude, thanks! If you haven't heard it yet, the Live At Winterland version of this song was on the super deluxe edition of Brothers and Sisters, and in my opinion has the best live southern rock solos ever taped. I love Duane going off on Blue Sky live as much as the next person, but you could feel the mourning Dickey had (In my opinion) in his bones from losing his friend and bandmate just two years prior.

The Allman Brothers did not consider themselves a “Southern Rock Band,” nor did they want to be considered as such. Dickey’s influence was definitely country and can be considered southern-style rock, since it was played on electric guitars. The band also had serious roots in Blues and classic Soul and R&B. Much like The Ventures, who were considered at the forefront of “Surf” music but did not want to be labeled as such, the ABB were at the beginning of the Southern Rock era so they were branded. The Ventures covered and composed every type of pop music. They considered themselves an instrumental rock band even though their best known music (outside of the Hawaii 5-0 theme) was Surf style.

I prefer Duane myself but Dickey is a legend as well. I treat the Allman brother with and without Duane as two different bands in a way. I like both but when I need early Allman brothers that’s all that I can listen to.

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Is there something similar for JJ Cale? I could be wrong but Cale also seems to be using a unique scale.

Dickey is still around

wow....

nice pickin' thanks

Dickie tended to use 100W Marshalls where Duane used 50W also, giving Dickie more clean headroom. The 50W would have tended to break up a little more.

That’s a nifty lp

I saved up and bought a Les Paul because of Dickie. I love many guitar players but none more than Dickie Betts

MARK ZABEL, can you make another video showing more dickie bett HABITS he does using the major pentatonic scale, mixolydian scale, hexatonic scale?

Quick question, I see this as a G Phrygian fingering at 1:15 instead of Mixo. Can you tell me if I am seeing this wrong please. Great lesson!

In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.

I just learned Ioften use the dicky betts scale