When I first had a chance to talk to Chet Atkins live I told him in astonishment "You make it look so easy!". He replied "Well, it is." I sorta wanted to poke him in the eye, but after about another 10,000 hours of practice, I see what he meant. It IS easy now (but it certainly didn't used to be...) JS
When i first had the luck to see this video i thought : "How can He make it look so easy ??" Well, i am still missing 9970 hours of pratice to be able to hope to see what You have seen . Thank You !
John Standefer exactly what I was thinking yesterday after getting used to cannonball rag, I was thinking well this is getting easier and better. At one point its really difficult but with hard work and practice, it becomes easy with time.
Just to let y’all know who may not know, John is among many other things, a National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion (Winfield Winner). To win is no small feat, his playing shows the kind of musicianship that rises to the top!
Hands down best solo guitar version of this wonderful old tune. Spot on groove and so clear. Have to be a player to appreciate how well John plays this tune. Chet would be envious.
It's hard to imagine Chet being envious, but those are mighty nice words. Chet heard me play as a teenager but not after I came into my own. I started appearing at the Chet convention in Nashville the very year he wasn't able to come anymore. I do wish he could have heard some of the newer arrangements. He meant the world to a lot of us fingerpickers. - JS
Well, gee. Thanks for the nice words - and it really means a lot telling the story of your uncle. I grew up in West Texas and most all of the Standefer bunch played guitar, mandolin or fiddle. I played all 3 and settled on guitar in my early teens. Music was our entertainment back then and a big part of the closeness of the family. It's particularly great to see your kids playing music (and it keeps them out of all kinds of other mischief, while developing some character too, I believe). JS : )
Hi John, Thanks for your reply. Mom's side of the family were most all musicians. My grandpa taught music when he wasn't working the mines in Alabama. The migrated to California in the 30's working the fields, and playing barn dances for extra money. My uncle grew up with Roy Nichols, Merle Haggerd's old guitar player, and Johnny Gimble used to come to my aunt's house, and then Johnny Russell was from our home town here in Fresno. Lots of music influence. I still play and love it!
I very often have a little crooked smile come across my face too when I discover these unusual harmonies and licks. Good that others are sharing in the fun! JS
Did Chester 'hear' your picking John? If 'NO' then he SHOULD have & he'd SURELY have awarded you a CGP without doubt. Your 'take' on Muhlenburg County Thumbing is SO subtly DIFFERENT & quite DELIGHTFUL. Our 'gentle leader' was a UNIQUE VOICE in his day as are YOU in yours. Thankyou, Sir!
Been at it for 50 years myself and it's a pretty cool thing that we can still wake up every morning knowing that if we pick up a guitar it'll show us something new today. I've been playing guitar with a 23 year old wizard lately and we're both learning new stuff from each other every time we get together. Fun stuff... JS
The guitar in this video is the Larrivee LV 10 that I won at the National Fingerpicking Contest in 2002. Nice guitar and a nice size - between an OM and a dreadnaught where it has a bit more bass than a smaller guitar and a bit more clarity than a bigger one. Thanks... John
nice one john.. i love old rag swing genre . thank god for loop and slow speed playback to allow me to learn this tune and see John's smiling face as i play it over for the 100..1000th time!
Thanks so much. Compliments generally fall in the area of the 'nice arrangement', 'good playing technique', that sort of thing, which I always appreciate. Few folks mention the emotional impact though and, when you get down to it, the most important thing an artist can do is to touch people's emotions and lift their day in some way. Thanks for the kind words... John
John, I just stumbled on to this version. I've played it end to end multiple times. I've started working on the tune, and will very likely, "lift" some your things. My favorite things about this version of the tune are: 1) You clearly love to play and that comes across! 2) this is a subtle but sophisticated read of the tune. None of the flourishes get in the way of the tune. 3) You play the tune with ease and authority. You're obviously incredibly talented, but folks might not have any idea how much work/practice it takes to get something THAT smooth. Nice job I wish you much success!
Thanks for the nice words. I have a pile of these little guitar arrangement gems, but people always seem to find this one. I always liked the tune and think of Merle and Chet when I hear it. Since both of them (and about a thousand other guys) have already played and recorded it, I was just trying to do something a little different. Glad you enjoyed it! - JS
Wonderful version of "I'll See You In My Dreams"! Bravo!! Those 10000 hours of practice sure paid off well. Always a pleasure to hear your pickin'. Now that the pandemic is (hopefully) winding down, I look forward to live shows soon. I simply have to join CAAS and get to a convention soon. I'm 71, and who knows how long I'll be able to. Being there would be ecstasy for me. Stay well, keep making that beautiful music, and be careful with those power tools!
Hello John - I have to say, you must be one of the most underrated finger-pickers there is - that rare light touch and accuracy of fingering - every note clear as a bell, and perfectly balanced dynamics. Your rendition of this classic a joy to listen to - Merle Travis, who used this as one his signature tunes, couldn't have improved on your performance. Long may you continue demonstrating the musical word with such skill, feeling and artistry.
I can listen to you over & over and STILL find something I missed! how wonderful your soul is because it shines through your talent. you are REAL my friend!
This guy is a natural. Born not made. Some cats have that God given ease and rhythm that playin for him is as easy as turnin on the radio. Could dig him all night.
First up -- Oh those tones! Gorgeous! Your version is beautifully LIVELY, plus light on the touch. Some others are kinda stodgy. Many exquisite improv chords and runs. Loved it. Kept me unexpectedly thrilled beginning to end.
John, i, just like you grew up on had ground. My family come from southeastern New Mexico, Hobbs, Carlsbad, El Paso and Borger Texas. We also made music to pass the time and because many family gathering were just for the joy of sharing that music. Some of the best memories of my life come from those times. I still play guitar and my children play music also, so we are making new memories for the future i am amazed that our last names are strikingly similar. My name is STANDIFER. I have kinfolks all over Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma and bought we must be kin somewhere along the way. I enjoyed your video and wish I could play half as well as you do. Thanks for sharing.
Wes - Thanks for the good word. Since so many thumbpickers play this, figured if I was going to do it, it had better at least be different (if not better) than the average. I spent a fair amount of time playing around with it to get happy with the arrangement. It's always good to hear that it's been noticed... John : )
John, you're truly amazing and an inspiration. My uncle tried to talk me into playing this style years ago, and I wished I had listened to him back then. I always enjoy coming to RUclips to periodically listen to your music. And for the life of me, I can't imagine why one person would dislike your talent. I guess they just don't understand the depth, and hard work it takes to be the guitarist you are. Thanks again for sharing. My uncle's gone now, and this keeps him close.
John, I can’t tell you how much I just love your playing, it just grabs my soul and puts a huge smile on my face. Thank you so much for your artistry. What a wonderful and creative performance, and you do it with everything that you do. Bravo!
I have just ran across this video and I have to say you just blew me away!!! An 'Excellent Job' my man!!! I'm working on this for my 85 yr. old father, I have a problem with my thumb on the right-hand and you amazed me with your talent....Salute :0
This is the first time ever hearing you pick...Love your style of picking , might just have to still a few licks from you, I been playing for 42 years and still learning from every one I can, Thanks for the post :)
Quite an uplift to an otherwise dreary / rainy weekend. I feel better after having listened to that inspirational rendition of an old classic. I can't recall ever having heard it played as well especially with the runs and flourishes. Then again, what's cake without some nice icing!!?!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks. I knew that if I was going to record 'I'll See You In My Dreams', which everybody and their dog plays, I'd better come up with some interesting twists to stand out in a crowd. I really enjoy arranging guitar solos that have a lot of interesting stuff going on (while still remaining musical). Though there are piles of these on my CDs, I don't have many of them on youtube. Another one to look at is 'Man Of Constant Sorrow'. Thanks again. Always nice to hear a good word... John
Never heard a better version. I bought your tabs for this a couple of years ago and they helped very much. You have taken what potential God has given you and blessed many. Thanks John!
When I first had a chance to talk to Chet Atkins live I told him in astonishment "You make it look so easy!". He replied "Well, it is." I sorta wanted to poke him in the eye, but after about another 10,000 hours of practice, I see what he meant. It IS easy now (but it certainly didn't used to be...) JS
When i first had the luck to see this video i thought : "How can He make it look so easy ??" Well, i am still missing 9970 hours of pratice to be able to hope to see what You have seen . Thank You !
it was for chet lol
John Standefer exactly what I was thinking yesterday after getting used to cannonball rag, I was thinking well this is getting easier and better. At one point its really difficult but with hard work and practice, it becomes easy with time.
If i could play it half as you john id be over the moon man.
Legendary!!
Just to let y’all know who may not know, John is among many other things, a National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion (Winfield Winner). To win is no small feat, his playing shows the kind of musicianship that rises to the top!
14yrs later still here watching and learning
Hands down best solo guitar version of this wonderful old tune. Spot on groove and so clear. Have to be a player to appreciate how well John plays this tune. Chet would be envious.
It's hard to imagine Chet being envious, but those are mighty nice words. Chet heard me play as a teenager but not after I came into my own. I started appearing at the Chet convention in Nashville the very year he wasn't able to come anymore. I do wish he could have heard some of the newer arrangements. He meant the world to a lot of us fingerpickers. - JS
Yeah !
@@johnstandefer Great job! Thank you sir! Such command and gentle string control! Love it!
AND that 'lil turnaround lick before 2nd verse...yeh baby!
John used to play this song for me when he was a kid...............Hello from Arizona John
a parte quella camicia e lo sfondo blu tutto è meraviglioso. Grandissimo John!
Bravo John, it's a nice song and good performance ..
thank you very much for sharing ..
Regards Claude ..
He makes it look so easy.
Woo hoo! Masterful playing.JOY!
Hi John, What a beautifull way to play this song on the guitar! Thanks for sharing!
Joop.
Well, gee. Thanks for the nice words - and it really means a lot telling the story of your uncle. I grew up in West Texas and most all of the Standefer bunch played guitar, mandolin or fiddle. I played all 3 and settled on guitar in my early teens. Music was our entertainment back then and a big part of the closeness of the family. It's particularly great to see your kids playing music (and it keeps them out of all kinds of other mischief, while developing some character too, I believe). JS : )
Hat's off! Great playing of a classic. Well done 👍 Cheers
just perfect rendition, with color and skill thanks John
My goodness!! What joy your music brings!!
All time best version
Wow! Just brilliant John. Great performance.
Simply fabulous John
Hi John, Thanks for your reply. Mom's side of the family were most all musicians. My grandpa taught music when he wasn't working the mines in Alabama. The migrated to California in the 30's working the fields, and playing barn dances for extra money. My uncle grew up with Roy Nichols, Merle Haggerd's old guitar player, and Johnny Gimble used to come to my aunt's house, and then Johnny Russell was from our home town here in Fresno. Lots of music influence. I still play and love it!
I very often have a little crooked smile come across my face too when I discover these unusual harmonies and licks. Good that others are sharing in the fun! JS
smokin Genius man ,,,,,must learn this one as well ,,,god bless man
Lordy! This belongs in the pantheon of "I'll See You In My Dreams" versions. So beautifully crafted and excuted!
Did Chester 'hear' your picking John? If 'NO' then he SHOULD have & he'd SURELY have awarded you a CGP without doubt. Your 'take' on Muhlenburg County Thumbing is SO subtly DIFFERENT & quite DELIGHTFUL. Our 'gentle leader' was a UNIQUE VOICE in his day as are YOU in yours. Thankyou, Sir!
Brilliant well done John
Love it!
Really excellent John.
Been at it for 50 years myself and it's a pretty cool thing that we can still wake up every morning knowing that if we pick up a guitar it'll show us something new today. I've been playing guitar with a 23 year old wizard lately and we're both learning new stuff from each other every time we get together. Fun stuff... JS
I don't throw praise around loosely but this guys disgustingly good.. inspiring. Time to log some more hours in!
Outstanding!!!!!
Outstanding guitarist and a not only beautiful guitar… but one that rings like a bell. Thank you for your performance.
Thankyou John for bringing memories of happier times. 😊
Mindblowing. Thank you so much!
Tight and clean! Thanks...
Such tasty playing! I also enjoy how much it looks like you are enjoying playing. I’m right there enjoying it with you!
High level of picking, absolutely great !
Absolutely amazing!
John That is the BEST version of that beautiful old tune Ive ever heard. Including Chet & Tommy Emmanuel & any of the others.
GREAT job!!
Thank you.
The guitar in this video is the Larrivee LV 10 that I won at the National Fingerpicking Contest in 2002. Nice guitar and a nice size - between an OM and a dreadnaught where it has a bit more bass than a smaller guitar and a bit more clarity than a bigger one. Thanks... John
Listening to John's version of this tune can't help but brighten your day!!
nice one john.. i love old rag swing genre .
thank god for loop and slow speed playback to allow me to learn this tune and see John's smiling face as i play it over for the 100..1000th time!
Really great playing john!!!
Thanks so much. Compliments generally fall in the area of the 'nice arrangement', 'good playing technique', that sort of thing, which I always appreciate. Few folks mention the emotional impact though and, when you get down to it, the most important thing an artist can do is to touch people's emotions and lift their day in some way. Thanks for the kind words... John
John, I just stumbled on to this version. I've played it end to end multiple times. I've started working on the tune, and will very likely, "lift" some your things. My favorite things about this version of the tune are: 1) You clearly love to play and that comes across! 2) this is a subtle but sophisticated read of the tune. None of the flourishes get in the way of the tune. 3) You play the tune with ease and authority. You're obviously incredibly talented, but folks might not have any idea how much work/practice it takes to get something THAT smooth. Nice job I wish you much success!
Spotless performance, Sir
Thanks for the nice words. I have a pile of these little guitar arrangement gems, but people always seem to find this one. I always liked the tune and think of Merle and Chet when I hear it. Since both of them (and about a thousand other guys) have already played and recorded it, I was just trying to do something a little different. Glad you enjoyed it! - JS
Wonderful version of "I'll See You In My Dreams"! Bravo!! Those 10000 hours of practice sure paid off well. Always a pleasure to hear your pickin'. Now that the pandemic is (hopefully) winding down, I look forward to live shows soon. I simply have to join CAAS and get to a convention soon. I'm 71, and who knows how long I'll be able to. Being there would be ecstasy for me. Stay well, keep making that beautiful music, and be careful with those power tools!
Excellent playing! That end run made my head spin... lol
The first time I met Mr Standefer he was at Beacock Music in Vancouver WA... Still the greatest I have ever met..
you play rhythmically like a hammer and harmonically like a gosh darn angel, simply fantastic
Fantastic John. I wish I could ........
John---a wonderful talent you have, thanks for sharing it.
Hello John - I have to say, you must be one of the most underrated finger-pickers there is - that rare light touch and accuracy of fingering - every note clear as a bell, and perfectly balanced dynamics. Your rendition of this classic a joy to listen to - Merle Travis, who used this as one his signature tunes, couldn't have improved on your performance. Long may you continue demonstrating the musical word with such skill, feeling and artistry.
What a journey that was, listening to your version of this timeless classic! Subscribed.
I really love this, thank's John
I've developed a slight obsession with this tune. Beautiful rendition
I love this playing. Bravo !
I can listen to you over & over and STILL find something I missed! how wonderful your soul is because it shines through your talent. you are REAL my friend!
Sweet. Thanks John. This song reminds me of the show in memory of George Harrison.
What can I say! Stellar John!
This guy is a natural. Born not made. Some cats have that God given ease and rhythm that playin for him is as easy as turnin on the radio. Could dig him all night.
Gorgeous timing and playing. Just beautiful to the ear. Thanks for posting this.
Sounds wonderful!
Simply amazing
This is the best version I ever heard of this tune!
First up -- Oh those tones! Gorgeous!
Your version is beautifully LIVELY, plus light on the touch. Some others are kinda stodgy.
Many exquisite improv chords and runs. Loved it. Kept me unexpectedly thrilled beginning to end.
I love that shirt - It goes perfectly with the song!
Best rendition I've heard by far!!!
John, you are an American treasure! Thanks for posting this, and I hope you post many more.
The best version of "I'll see you in my dreams"! I listen to it in the loop every day and John puts me in a good mood.
John, i, just like you grew up on had ground. My family come from southeastern New Mexico, Hobbs, Carlsbad, El Paso and Borger Texas. We also made music to pass the time and because many family gathering were just for the joy of sharing that music. Some of the best memories of my life come from those times. I still play guitar and my children play music also, so we are making new memories for the future i am amazed that our last names are strikingly similar. My name is STANDIFER. I have kinfolks all over Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma and bought we must be kin somewhere along the way. I enjoyed your video and wish I could play half as well as you do. Thanks for sharing.
Wes - Thanks for the good word. Since so many thumbpickers play this, figured if I was going to do it, it had better at least be different (if not better) than the average. I spent a fair amount of time playing around with it to get happy with the arrangement. It's always good to hear that it's been noticed... John : )
John, you're truly amazing and an inspiration. My uncle tried to talk me into playing this style years ago, and I wished I had listened to him back then. I always enjoy coming to RUclips to periodically listen to your music. And for the life of me, I can't imagine why one person would dislike your talent. I guess they just don't understand the depth, and hard work it takes to be the guitarist you are. Thanks again for sharing. My uncle's gone now, and this keeps him close.
John, I can’t tell you how much I just love your playing, it just grabs my soul and puts a huge smile on my face. Thank you so much for your artistry. What a wonderful and creative performance, and you do it with everything that you do. Bravo!
It's like Chet, Mark, and Merle rolled into one with some extra delightful flourishes - great!
This is an absolute excellent version of this song. Very well played sir.
This is by far the best version of this tune I have ever heard, I keep coming back to listen and watch, FANTASTIC SKILL.
Thank you for posting this -great job - ever since my mom passed away this song is at the top of my list as now I know the true meaning of the song!-
John,
That was wonderful! My words can't tell you how that made me feel, I guess really warm and hopeful... Amazing! Thank you
Smooth and commanding striking of the strings sir! Enjoyed!
Beautiful. I love it.
That was outstanding John, great chords and I loved what you done with it, Superb.
This old man knows some magic tricks, you're awesome Mr. Standefer. Thank you for uploading
I love hearing everyone's rendition of this song.
One of my favourite players! I love this tune!
I have just ran across this video and I have to say you just blew me away!!! An 'Excellent Job' my man!!! I'm working on this for my 85 yr. old father, I have a problem with my thumb on the right-hand and you amazed me with your talent....Salute :0
Just beautifully done!
Simply the best version of this tune I’ve ever heard sir. Following your page now.
This is smokin HOT! From the music to the video editing and originality! Love this!
Excellent performance.👏👏👏👍👍👍
Wow just wow!!! Most incredible version 😍
Great performance.👍👏👍👏
Love your relaxed playing …excellent .😊
This is the first time ever hearing you pick...Love your style of picking , might just have to still a few licks from you, I been playing for 42 years and still learning from every one I can, Thanks for the post :)
Still one of the nicest cleanest versions out there.
Quite an uplift to an otherwise dreary / rainy weekend. I feel better after having listened to that inspirational rendition of an old classic. I can't recall ever having heard it played as well especially with the runs and flourishes. Then again, what's cake without some nice icing!!?!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks. I knew that if I was going to record 'I'll See You In My Dreams', which everybody and their dog plays, I'd better come up with some interesting twists to stand out in a crowd. I really enjoy arranging guitar solos that have a lot of interesting stuff going on (while still remaining musical). Though there are piles of these on my CDs, I don't have many of them on youtube. Another one to look at is 'Man Of Constant Sorrow'. Thanks again. Always nice to hear a good word... John
Thanks for the Inspiration John.
After fifty years, I'll try it your way!
Great playing and arranging as usual.
Never heard a better version. I bought your tabs for this a couple of years ago and they helped very much.
You have taken what potential God has given you and blessed many.
Thanks John!
Fantastic stuff, who on earth would give this a thumbs down. Good job, and great tone and arrangement.