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 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.
There are good guitar players.. Then there is Chet Atkins. His mastery of block chord voicing playing and the clawhammer technique is simply breathtaking.
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 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!!!
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.
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.
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, 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.
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
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.
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!
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.
By the way, when Chet put on this live performance, it was during a time when he was extremely sick. Chet played through several sicknesses that would have had a normal mortal person in the grave.
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!
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..
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,
Chet you're great guitarist and that will go down in annals of history...
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.
There are good guitar players.. Then there is Chet Atkins. His mastery of block chord voicing playing and the clawhammer technique is simply breathtaking.
INCREDiBLE. Breathtaking.
This is just plain amazing.... when he got to the bass melody and counterpoint i just fell off the chair...
God Bless America, and God Bless Chester Atkins.
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!
the greatest best grandest on and on and on nobodys close . thanks chet.
CHET ATKINS FOREVER! WHAT A GORGEOUS PLAYER!!!
wonderful..thanks for sharing
The Maestro -- and what a shirt!
The ritard before the final "trio" section is immortal. Sousa would be proud.
Mr. Chet Atkins awesome!!!!
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.
Even though your gone, thank you Chet and especially just before 911.
really fantatic , genius at work
excellent! Chet is a proud american!!
Outstanding!
I have seen a million "Arranged for". This is the best of the bunch. It's like it was written for guitar.
OMG that's incredible, Thanks for sharing
Excellent!
Fantastic!
This is great! Tabs for this are in a book called Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions Volume One if anyone wants to know.
Wow! Chet was fooking amazing!! Brilliant! Genius?!
god bless this soul and music rest in peace
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!!!
stupenda esecuzione. Chet ci manchi!
the way he finishes the song is great..
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.
Absolutely super-human technique! "Guitarist of the Century" for sure!
Genius at work.
True definition of the term GOAT!!!!
Chet was oustanding with that piece...quite an acomplishment....thats why he is always called the greatest ..CGP
Thks for posting
Calgary
You da man Chet.
There will not be another like him.
this guys just SOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!
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.
this is awesome!
What artistry!
+Earl Dwire AMEN TO THAT!!!!!
simply the best!
What an amazing man he was.
One of the best renditions I've ever heard. Thanks for sharing!
awesome!!
OMG - it just doesn't get any better than Chet. Mr Atkins - we miss ya buddy!
Boy you sure got me there!!!!
Thanks, I see we share the same pointed sense of humor. Same taste in music too... ;-)
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, 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.
Just amazing everytime I see Chet play this amazing arrangement by Guy Van Duser...Jack Baker NYC
Amazing
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.
GREAT!
I've been looking for this for 20 years!! Fantastic! Tahks you!
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 remember watching this - when it was first telecast!
OMG!!!
I am a finger picker but when it comes to playing two tunes at once like this one i give up he was great.
This guy is such a boss!
i miss his music, thank god ! he recorded it...love ya chet !
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
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.
Unfreakin real!
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)
Perfect
I'm not worthy to even be able to listen to such a stunning performance!
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
Best ever guys... Chet Atkins and Johny Cash
Get over it.
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!
no lo puedo creer!!!!!!!!!este tipo es un verdadero grosssssoooooooo,gracias por compartir esto,hermosa versión.
fantastic, such clean and uncluttered playing
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.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Incredibile performance!
This is brilliant! I never event hought of it beign played on guitar, and he does it SO well!
I love Chet Atkins. He is a wonderful guitar player.
Nice!
AMEN TO THAT!
Chet makes me proud to be an American
Brilliant!
Chat Atkins: guitar player par excellence.
wow inperssive thats a really hard song
to play on guitar that was awesome!!!
Selling my guitar now.........
Iain Brown I'll be smashing mine
An American treasure doing an American iconic tune!
I enjoyed watching this when it was broadcast back in about 1980. I wish someone would post the entire concert.
@1:50, I had an epiphany: I have several guitars for sale, all in excellent condition. I won't be needing them anymore. Peace:-)
@naturalthing1 two tunes at once fantastic you lost a genius when chet passed away so you should be proud
awsome
Cuando estoy deprimido, escucho esta música y me da nueva energía.
Chet is the Best.
He's the King...
Chet does the teaching!!!
By the way, when Chet put on this live performance, it was during a time when he was extremely sick. Chet played through several sicknesses that would have had a normal mortal person in the grave.
God he makes it look so easy, what a master he was.
Superbly performed by a master guitarist.
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!
cëst vraiment trop trop bon
he's a real monster!
He was the most under rated guitar player. Check out the video of him and Les Paul playing together.
This is so amazing!
Chet was the best.