Chet Atkins The Best Ever!

[srgntschultz]

I have been watching a lot of Chet on old taped tv shows and on you tube,and its great to see guys like Tommy Emmanuel and Doyle Dykes and Richard Smith and others play Chets songs and play them well. But why does everyone seem to be in a speed contest,Chet never played them that way. Chet could play as fast as anyone but he did so only when it seemed fit! You could see on his face when he played a beautiful song like maybelle or happy again he really enjoyed it,and he was as smooth and clean as you will ever hear. I dont think guitar playing is a speed contest to see how fast one can play,to me a great clean and smooth style and tone is best,ifChet didnt show off with all his talent,i dont think anyone else has to either. If some would slow down a little i think it would sound better and soothing.

[Norm]

But why does everyone seem to be in a speed contest,Chet never played them that way. .

I've always felt that way. When I used to teach guitar I used to tell my students to let notes breathe.

Watching the YouTube clips of people playing Chet's arrangements faster than Chet I get the impression they probably feel since they play them faster it is an indicator that they are a better guitarist than Chet. 'Tain't so, McGhee...

This is like all those banjo players that think playing Earl Scruggs songs faster than Earl played them means they are better banjo players than Earl was. I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell them.

Jerry Reed, attending a show at CAAS heard another guitarist doing one of his tunes, again, played faster than Jerry had recorded it, actually left the audience in disgust.

Speed does tend to impress non-musicians but real musicians know that speed has it's place but creating a memorable arrangement is far, far, more difficult.

It's called playing tastefully and taste can't be taught.

...which is really too bad...

[RonBloor]

I've had an epiphany lately and it's exactly what you are saying. Chet was never an entertainer like some of the younger crowd are now. He was always a musician first and what a musician!!! Perhaps it's an age thing with me now, but I seem to be looking for the feeling that often comes between the notes.. Kind of what Norm's saying. Somehow I feel like saying Dah.... LOL.

[Phil Owens]

I've always felt that way. When I used to teach guitar I used to tell my students to let notes breathe.

Like this - http://youtu.be/p7bFQSYg1yU


Phil

[Craig_Pratt]

Thankfully music is about feeling. Chet interpreted songs the way he felt them, Tommy plays how he feels, and so does Richard, Doyle and everybody else. We all have different tastes and opinions. I hear guitarists all the time that don't really do anything for me, personally, but other people love their music. It doesn't make them bad or untasteful, just not for me. And I like arrangements and artists that other people don't care for.

I know there are some things that just aren't tasteful, I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is a lot of people give the impression that if a song isn't played exactly like Chet played it, or Jerry played it, or whoever, that it isn't good, or tasteful or "right".

Hopefully nobody takes this the wrong way, I'm not trying to start a fight! haha I'm definitely not pointing fingers at anybody in particular, so don't think that. I enjoy some music that other people don't like, and they enjoy music that I may not like. Luckily, we can all agree that we love music.

[alexjones]

Hey Guys,
I completely agree. I will admit that when I first started getting into fingerstyle about 6-7 years ago, I watched Live at Sheldon and Tommy's speed really made my jaw drop. Then after the years passed by trying to play like Tommy, I just realized, TO ME, a lot of his speedy stuff is just not tasteful. I can honestly say - I am sick of hearing people play Cannonball rag a bazillion miles an hour. As for the new generation - they are infatuated with speed. Look at all the CandyRat guys. Don't get me wrong - very talented individuals - much more talented than I will ever be. BUT my gosh - I can't stand to listen to their stuff for more than a few songs. MOST of it is just flashy, tappy mumbo jumbo melodies played a hundred miles an hour - almost gives you a headache. SO - I completely agree - Chet is the best. His tempo was always perfect and he never rushed things - too bad the new generation doesn't always see it like this.

These are MY thoughts, YMMV.
Alex

[Norm]

While he was flattered how guitarists tried to copy him he always advised people to find their own way.

Just playing his arrangements faster ain't it.

[JeffS]

I've heard several guitarists say, and I really agree with it: an accomplished musician can play a simple slow melody and move listeners to tears. One song that comes to mind is Chet's accompaniment to Gary Chapman on the song Softly and Tenderly. It's not what you play, but how you play it.

[Craig_Pratt]

I've heard several guitarists say, and I really agree with it: an accomplished musician can play a simple slow melody and move listeners to tears. One song that comes to mind is Chet's accompaniment to Gary Chapman on the song Softly and Tenderly. It's not what you play, but how you play it.

Exactly! Shakepeare said "Brevity is the soul of wit", and I believe that translates to the guitar. It's amazing how much Chet could get out of so "little".

[David Elliott]

Speed does tend to impress non-musicians but real musicians know that speed has it's place but creating a memorable arrangement is far, far, more difficult. It's called playing tastefully and taste can't be taught.

Unfortunately, real musicians make up only about 1/2 of 1% of those listening...