There are good guitar players.. Then there is Chet Atkins. His mastery of block chord voicing playing and the clawhammer technique is simply breathtaking.
I had the pleasure of meeting Chet on several occasions when he was the guest artist with our orchestra. He was a great player and a wonderful person to be around. He could play any style of music. He did a little country, a little jazz and a bit of classical guitar. He could really work a crowd and put on a great show.
Chet Atkins is, today, not noted by many guitar enthusiasts simply because he was a country artist. As far as pure technical skill, there was probably none better with an acoustic guitar. He truly was a genius.
This is the best!!! Memories of my father taking me to see Chet as a young girl. As a United States Navy Officer I am brought to tears of joy listening to this rendition. Thank you!!!
Amazing! I watch this several times a week. I love the close up at 0:53, the expression on his face, like he knows exactly how bad ass that part sounds!
I was lucky enough to be in Chet's office when he was learning this from Guy Van Duser's recording. He said "Let me play you this thing I'm learning" and proceeded to goof up the song part way through. He said "Damn, I knew this this morning!" This was an epiphany for me--geniuses had to practice,too! It changed my life and made me appreciate Chet even more.
I was lucky enough to be in Chet's office at RCA when he was learning this from Guy Van Duser....he said "Let me play you this song I'm learning..." and proceeded to play it---blowing it part way through. He said "Damn, I knew this this morning!" And I had the epiphany--even geniuses had to practice! It was a revelation to me, the first inkling that everybody had feet of clay...and it made me a better and more sympathetic person. Like Chet had been all along!
I saw this on TV when I was a kid and recorded it on to a little tape recorder/cassette. Blew my socks off. Then I lost the tape. Searched for years until I did find it earlier this summer & I was surprised that the quality wasn't that bad! I've been looking on RUclips for this, thanks.
The best guitarist of all time hands down. Jimi, Slowhand, and all those other so called "gods of guitar" can only do a third of what Chet could do. On the other side of the coin, Segovia didn't identify as much as an entertainer, he was distant, aloof, as a classical master. Chet identified with everybody. It's sad he's gone from this world, but his legacy lives on through these videos. Awesome post..
For everybody who loved ( and still loves Chet) , he has a musical son. Tommie Emanuel does what chet did. Making a whole lot of people happy by playing guitar and beeing a very good person.
I came here to specifically listen Chet play this today! July 4th! I'm a guitar player although I'm not up to par with Chet Atkins, it will take me a long to reach his level being able to play guitar like him!
Wow... what lively and spirited exchange - just what this site is all about! Yes, they're all good.. in their own way - And when you say Reinhardt, knopfler, or Paisley yes, guitar comes to mind. But when you say "Guitar" - There's only one: Chet Atkins
Chet, mark knopfler and tommy emmanuel have a special relationship and talent for their styles in guitar. They gave worked together in different projects. Everyone should look up their collaborations.
@basenjibigmama Very cool story, thank you for sharing. It is very inspiring to hear that someone with Chet's talent still have has to practice and put in the hard work.
It is amazing to me that these comments on a video of a great master are ridden with political and offensive posts. Chet's performance is stellar and I thank ys1982 for posting this great video. YS1982, you can remove errant posts! Mark
In the intro (I'm not looking through all the comments) Chet said that Guy Van Duser, who arranged and plays this all the way through, was this kid who listened to all of Chet's records and played along with them -- and nobody told him that they were multi-tracked. Electrifying performance.
This is just amazing! I read once that he said that Take Five was the hardest piece he ever did, but its hard to believe it was harder than this. Maybe he said that before he ddid this one. Still, I guess he knows!
Absolutely phenomenal, not that I'd expect anything less from the master. BTW, I want the job of the bongo player in the background--getting paid to sit on stage, not play my drum, and listen to Chet all day long. =D
There are good guitar players.. Then there is Chet Atkins. His mastery of block chord voicing playing and the clawhammer technique is simply breathtaking.
I had the pleasure of meeting Chet on several occasions when he was the guest artist with our orchestra. He was a great player and a wonderful person to be around. He could play any style of music. He did a little country, a little jazz and a bit of classical guitar. He could really work a crowd and put on a great show.
Chet Atkins is, today, not noted by many guitar enthusiasts simply because he was a country artist. As far as pure technical skill, there was probably none better with an acoustic guitar. He truly was a genius.
This is the best!!! Memories of my father taking me to see Chet as a young girl. As a United States Navy Officer I am brought to tears of joy listening to this rendition. Thank you!!!
This is just plain amazing.... when he got to the bass melody and counterpoint i just fell off the chair...
Amazing! I watch this several times a week. I love the close up at 0:53, the expression on his face, like he knows exactly how bad ass that part sounds!
This is great! Tabs for this are in a book called Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions Volume One if anyone wants to know.
God bless u Chet and Mr. Sousa and rest in peace. Beyond brilliant playing and a genius composition...should be played everywhere every July 4th.
Ya know, you think other players are great until you hear Chet. Chet Atkins redefines the meaning of greatness, creates an entirely new standard.
I was lucky enough to be in Chet's office when he was learning this from Guy Van Duser's recording. He said "Let me play you this thing I'm learning" and proceeded to goof up the song part way through. He said "Damn, I knew this this morning!" This was an epiphany for me--geniuses had to practice,too! It changed my life and made me appreciate Chet even more.
Chet was oustanding with that piece...quite an acomplishment....thats why he is always called the greatest ..CGP
Thks for posting
Calgary
One of the best renditions I've ever heard. Thanks for sharing!
I was lucky enough to be in Chet's office at RCA when he was learning this from Guy Van Duser....he said "Let me play you this song I'm learning..." and proceeded to play it---blowing it part way through. He said "Damn, I knew this this morning!" And I had the epiphany--even geniuses had to practice! It was a revelation to me, the first inkling that everybody had feet of clay...and it made me a better and more sympathetic person. Like Chet had been all along!
I saw this on TV when I was a kid and recorded it on to a little tape recorder/cassette. Blew my socks off. Then I lost the tape. Searched for years until I did find it earlier this summer & I was surprised that the quality wasn't that bad! I've been looking on RUclips for this, thanks.
OMG - it just doesn't get any better than Chet. Mr Atkins - we miss ya buddy!
The best guitarist of all time hands down. Jimi, Slowhand, and all those other so called "gods of guitar" can only do a third of what Chet could do. On the other side of the coin, Segovia didn't identify as much as an entertainer, he was distant, aloof, as a classical master. Chet identified with everybody. It's sad he's gone from this world, but his legacy lives on through these videos. Awesome post..
I'm not worthy to even be able to listen to such a stunning performance!
Bravo! The master...rip Chet. Sousa must have smiled when you played.
Maybe now they're jamming together XD
Souza also said this was played to march to, not race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been looking for this for 20 years!! Fantastic! Tahks you!
Absolutely super-human technique! "Guitarist of the Century" for sure!
Just what I was looking for fantastic, now I need to find the music and play this.....thanks!
forget the war just listen and enjoy, thank you for posting
For everybody who loved ( and still loves Chet) , he has a musical son. Tommie Emanuel does what chet did. Making a whole lot of people happy by playing guitar and beeing a very good person.
no lo puedo creer!!!!!!!!!este tipo es un verdadero grosssssoooooooo,gracias por compartir esto,hermosa versión.
The Maestro -- and what a shirt!
The ritard before the final "trio" section is immortal. Sousa would be proud.
Chet was a true American Icon. If I could play half as good as him, I would be twice as good as I am now,
I came here to specifically listen Chet play this today! July 4th! I'm a guitar player although I'm not up to par with Chet Atkins, it will take me a long to reach his level being able to play guitar like him!
I enjoyed watching this when it was broadcast back in about 1980. I wish someone would post the entire concert.
Chet you're great guitarist and that will go down in annals of history...
fantastic, such clean and uncluttered playing
This is brilliant! I never event hought of it beign played on guitar, and he does it SO well!
i miss his music, thank god ! he recorded it...love ya chet !
You da man Chet.
There will not be another like him.
Cuando estoy deprimido, escucho esta música y me da nueva energía.
Just amazing everytime I see Chet play this amazing arrangement by Guy Van Duser...Jack Baker NYC
wonderful..thanks for sharing
I am a finger picker but when it comes to playing two tunes at once like this one i give up he was great.
I remember watching this - when it was first telecast!
OMG!!!
I love Chet Atkins. He is a wonderful guitar player.
really fantatic , genius at work
I have seen a million "Arranged for". This is the best of the bunch. It's like it was written for guitar.
Wow... what lively and spirited exchange - just what this site is all about!
Yes, they're all good.. in their own way -
And when you say Reinhardt, knopfler, or Paisley yes, guitar comes to mind.
But when you say "Guitar" - There's only one: Chet Atkins
What artistry!
+Earl Dwire AMEN TO THAT!!!!!
Excelente guitarrista, un manejo increible de la guitarra! Hermoso video! Saludos.
John Philip Sousa would have been proud to know that God had him write this song so that Chet could play it! (said with tongue in cheek)
stupenda esecuzione. Chet ci manchi!
Superbly performed by a master guitarist.
CHET ATKINS FOREVER! WHAT A GORGEOUS PLAYER!!!
Wow! Chet was fooking amazing!! Brilliant! Genius?!
OMG that's incredible, Thanks for sharing
Yep, a true guitarist only open his mouth to get his viewers even more amazed
the greatest best grandest on and on and on nobodys close . thanks chet.
Thanks, I see we share the same pointed sense of humor. Same taste in music too... ;-)
INCREDiBLE. Breathtaking.
Chet, mark knopfler and tommy emmanuel have a special relationship and talent for their styles in guitar. They gave worked together in different projects. Everyone should look up their collaborations.
God Bless America, and God Bless Chester Atkins.
really nice playing as usual from this guy!
Even though your gone, thank you Chet and especially just before 911.
One of Chet's superior Guitar work.
the way he finishes the song is great..
@basenjibigmama Very cool story, thank you for sharing. It is very inspiring to hear that someone with Chet's talent still have has to practice and put in the hard work.
this is awesome!
True definition of the term GOAT!!!!
Outstanding!
god bless this soul and music rest in peace
Fantastic!
excellent! Chet is a proud american!!
This is so amazing!
this guys just SOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!
I actually saw this when it aired in '78. It's cut off this clip but Chet introduced the song as an arrangement by Guy Van Duser.
He made perfection look so simple!
Excellent!
It is amazing to me that these comments on a video of a great master are ridden with political and offensive posts. Chet's performance is stellar and I thank ys1982 for posting this great video. YS1982, you can remove errant posts!
Mark
In the intro (I'm not looking through all the comments) Chet said that Guy Van Duser, who arranged and plays this all the way through, was this kid who listened to all of Chet's records and played along with them -- and nobody told him that they were multi-tracked.
Electrifying performance.
This is just amazing! I read once that he said that Take Five was the hardest piece he ever did, but its hard to believe it was harder than this. Maybe he said that before he ddid this one. Still, I guess he knows!
Absolutely phenomenal, not that I'd expect anything less from the master. BTW, I want the job of the bongo player in the background--getting paid to sit on stage, not play my drum, and listen to Chet all day long. =D
One of the best things EVER
God he makes it look so easy, what a master he was.
Mr. Chet Atkins awesome!!!!
Genius at work.
Boy you sure got me there!!!!
Incredibile performance!
YEA! you're funny. Chet has ALWAYS ended this with that when playing live. Thanx DC
wow inperssive thats a really hard song
to play on guitar that was awesome!!!
@1:50, I had an epiphany: I have several guitars for sale, all in excellent condition. I won't be needing them anymore. Peace:-)
Amazing
awesome!!
simply the best!
@naturalthing1 two tunes at once fantastic you lost a genius when chet passed away so you should be proud
What an amazing man he was.
this is the best version i've ever heard of the star spangled banner!
Only this is Stars and Stripes Forever.
Well you just did what few have done on here.
You proved that you are a jerk in TWO languages.
That is a true accomplishment! So feel proud!!!!!
This is just jaw-droppingly good. How do you make this look easy?
The man was born with a guitar in his hands.
GREAT!
Chat Atkins: guitar player par excellence.
@Perky010136 Ditto there will never be another quite like Chet two tunes at once fantastic
This guy is such a boss!
hahahah "you may think this is the end...well it is"
absolutely brilliant...youd think 10 people were playing this if you didnt watch him...
cëst vraiment trop trop bon
Selling my guitar now.........
Iain Brown I'll be smashing mine