Bluegrass Guitar with Bryan Sutton - The G Run (breakdown and history)

[@6stringsurfersk8er]

I can't believe how many people complain about him actually teaching about the run and application. People just don't have patience. This is a fundamental bluegrass technique, and deserves the attention. He shows many ways of applying it. He is a master offering these tips for free. We should all be grateful. There was a time, not long ago, when you had to figure this stuff out by ear.

[@ArtistWorksInc]

David James well stated, thank you!

[@geraldwest3428]

David James Unfortunately, there is an unlimited supply of gainsayers here at KZbin, that are always competing on who can be the most disruptive. I greatly appreciate the time and effort clearly displayed in this video.Thank you, very much!

[@williamharvey9702]

+David James wow , I like your great attitude !

[@detlefdeclercq8544]

+David James Great response. I caught myself - right about now - being unpatient, hating on the fact that i really had to wait a couple of minutes, and listening to this "nonsense" before he would start playing. And at that very moment, I read your comment and I realized that i was wrong. Good reaction!

[@235buz]

Well said. The good part is,, you'll never have to worry about buying the album of an impatient musician. They don't exist!

[@MrMusicguyma]

I have played bluegrass for 40 years. This is a great lesson on the function of the G run. Bryan isolates different styles, and the "why" as well the "how". IMO everybody who attempts to play bluegrass should watch this.

[@jim34morrison]

This helps immeasurably to lead new pickers. I am very in debt to this man.

[@Abletoth]

7 years after this was posted and I’m loving it. Just now getting into playing blue grass. Everything helps!

[@Pyreneesie]

I love how mellow he is. You can see his love for the music. He knows you'll be on to somthin' if ya try it. He's giving away gold here.

[@thegratefulbrad3072]

Man, that guitar tone astonished me at one strum. That's like buttered rum sonically. That's a smooth sounding rich warm sound.

[@REM1956]

This was a fantastic 9 minutes, well spent. Not only did we get several different ways to play the G run, but info about specific players and how they used it. That allows us to seek out these players and hear the use in proper context. I understand people's frustrations with wanting the "advertised" content quickly. So many KZbin videos are full of rambling blather taking 15 minutes to get to the 2 minute nugget you came for. But this included everything the title implied, clearly, and without any egocentric filler.

[@manifestgtr]

Man..that is one of those magical martins that just sounds RIDICULOUS

[@Iregretmostofmyposts]

Thank you for this. I've played different kinds of music over the last 20 something years and I never had an interest in bluegrass. I'm getting the opportunity to play with some folks and I've caught the bug. Getting these details to get that authentic sound is really helpful. I'm a stickler for authentic sound in folk and this is great.

[@rickykelleher9833]

I've played G runs while playing bluegrass music for a while now and thought I understood it. This lesson is great. Makes you rethink the whole thing. I've started using the simpler (but incredibly effective) Flatt version he showed at the start. If ya can't knuckle down and brush up the basics, maybe Guitar Hero is more to your suiting!

[@petercontarino646]

All wisdom. Thank you Bryan! I am new to bluegrass and no one has explained the point of the G run till now.

[@BrianCampbell303]

Excellent lesson, and for me it lead to a breakthrough of sorts. I'm a good fingerstylist and decent at strumming, but for me flatpicking makes me feel like a recovering stroke victim. I've been learning some flat picking lately (Molly Tuttle, Wild Flower, the Beatle's Here Comes the Sun) but for me it's often hit and miss, too often miss. But the way Bryan showed how to position the right hand made it suddenly much easier to do these runs. If others have shown me this in other lessons, somehow it didn't compute. I think Bryan put me on to something. Thanks!

[@fattymcfatterson3651]

I remember the first time I heard Bryan Sutton (around 2002)...his pick attack and picking/fretting hand synchronization just absolutely floored me. Awesome player...and seems like a nice person too.

[@scottadcock550]

if you are a bluegrass musician on any level- when bryan sutton talks, you should listen

[@sonicbudha9420]

Great!

[@orollins61]

Thank you so much for the lesson. Many here haven't any patience to listen. You're the teacher. Beautiful old Martin! The double pick-guard seems part of the Martin legacy from that time period. Earl Scruggs used to pick on one with 2 pick-guards too.

[@georgeovitt5443]

Great lesson, thanks. I find it hard to believe that so many people complain about spending eight minutes not only learning a little something they might not have known, but also learning a little music history. If you already knew all this, then skip the lesson, there's plenty to choose from. I mean, it's free! And if Bryan just played the lick and said not a word people would moan about that. Not having the money for lessons, I just appreciate all the great people who put up free stuff; just take away what you can from each teacher and you can get better!

[@bettyswedensky1819]

My son plays . He love to watch these as he says you can always learn more .

[@lorenwhitaker4903]

GUYS! This isn't "how to play a G-run." Rather, it's Bryan Sutton, who would know, giving us a mini-"lecture" _about_ the G-run, how it evolved, how it fits in bluegrass rhythm, what its function is, and so on. I'd imagine that Sutton assumes we already know how to *play* a G-run. Listen to the guy - it's *about* the G-run. This is a music lesson; not a guitar technique lesson. He's talking so much because that's what he intended to do - to talk about the G-run. To tell us about it. (Thanks, Bryan!)

[@mesnevisokak]

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[@guitarista666]

Loren, I think he does explain how to do the G run -- quite a few of them and their historical significance. Bryan does a great job here.

[@pablpfanque]

He gifted that Martin to Billy Strings. During a 2020 Billy Stings-Bryan Sutton show at The Station House Inn in Nashville, Billy mentioned watching his DVDs when he was a kid.

[@johndavies4541]

Great lesson. Just starting to get the hang of Bluegrass style guitar and this was a helpful addition. A split screen with second camera on the left hand would have made this easier to pick up but that's a small niggle. As for those folks grumbling about the lesson, it seems to be the curse of the KZbin generation that if you can't learn it in under three minutes then why bother. We should be grateful for talented musicians like Bryan who take time to pass on these lessons and the musical history that goes with it.

[@scottadcock550]

if you are a bluegrass guitar player on any level, when bryan sutton talks, you should listen- especially when he is talking about G runs.

[@karenlaferney8008]

Everybody in too much of a hurry. Listen up and maybe, just maybe you'll learn some context and history to put into your playing. That way when you Do play something Worth listening to it will mean something down the road. By the way, 10,000 hrs can't be rushed. It takes time. Why not enjoy the time and learn on the journey?! Thanks Bryan for the freebie.

[@sublimingmule6356]

This has been a really helpful lesson to me for understanding what's actually going on in a g run. I've been playing guitar for over 10 years and been very interested in punk and metal. But I'm trying to build my fretboard knowledge, and guitar skills, so I started looking at bluegrass, and jazz to learn different ways of thinking about the instrument, and I've had trouble understanding what I'm hearing in a g run. Very well made video!

[@Baci302]

Thanks. I'm new to bluegrass and really appreciate the lesson and the rationale behind the technique.

[@philiprundall3432]

It's important to remember that this lesson is hauled out of the context of a full, complex and thoughtfully designed curriculum. Some lessons zoom in on a very specific issue such as this one on the G run. In others, Bryan teaches specific tunes at Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels. I have been signed up for 6 years and it has been worth every cent. Bryan is a superb teacher and it should be remembered that the responses to your own submitted videos is what lies at the heart of these ArtistWorks schools (I'm also a student in Mike Marshall's mandolin school). To get anything up to 20 minutes feed back from a player of Bryan's or Mike's calibre is simply amazing. If you wish to progress as a player, I cannot recommend ArtistWorks enough.

[@Pyreneesie]

I just learned something today that will change my guitar playing life. Thank you Bryan.

[@rayvoorhies7180]

Excellent lesson. I appreciate a teacher that explains why we do certain things and the history behind it. This lesson convinced me to sign up.

[@groovelife415]

My family is full of amazing bluegrass players. We're all from Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. When I grew up family would come over and we would have a big dinner. Afterwards everyone would sit out on the porch and play old tunes and religious hymns. We had fiddle, mandolin, banjo, a few guitars, and some amazing singers. It was an amazing time, and I was lucky to be taught by some of the best pickers around. It's crazy to see stuff I learned as a kid, and think about almost instinctively, being explained like this. One of my relatives from long, long ago played on the radio with Lester and Earl regularly. We have some wonderful old recordings of it. Actually have quite a few old time family members that played with the big names in bluegrass. Just a wonderful genre filled with wonderful, welcoming people. Unfortunately, the younger ones don't seem interested in continuing the family tradition. It may die off in our family, but somewhere else another family is just picking it up!

[@Derekmartin20]

My family came out of Eastern Kentucky. I remember every get together Bluegrass would break out lol. What a good time in life that was. Most have passed away and I hold them memories with me.

[@scarbrough.]

What an outstanding message to begin flatpicking!

[@aaronwestmusic7171]

Gotta love that double pickguard

[@Kirk1914]

An awesome lesson on forms and use of the G run, in G or D.

[@JohnRitchhart]

These negative people can only dream of playing like Bryan.

[@jonathanm2690]

this video is so good, if ever you wanted to learn bluegrass, watch his videos then start listening to your favourite music and you will start hearing the techniques Bryan talks about, makes you appreciate the music even more. it enriches your listening experience

[@jamesblair4070]

Bryan - of interest is a song by Special Consensus called "Monroe's Doctrine" - specifically talks of the G run based on Bill Monroe's early version... a piece of the verse goes "Lester and his old G run... " don't know if you've heard them.

[@capt.ryanganim5225]

I really just want to thank YOU! Keep it going, nice to have someone holding our hands.. #lessons and learning!

[@patrickconners949]

I am signing up for the Bluegrass academy as soon as I get back from the Delfest music academty after memorial day. I can't wait! I like the Del Mccoury F not in the G run. I use it all the time. Thanks for the video

[@DougHinVA]

this is the feel for 'The Butcher's Boy' that I learned from a man who recorded with Jimmy Rogers and the Carters in Bristol in the late 1920s

[@TomDurkin1987]

Great vid. never though of adding those blue notes like Del. Great tip to spice things up

[@michaelgoldstein3701]

Just a very nice explaination of the run ( which is of the authentic bluegrass sound ) and in addition how to apply it to Keys G & D with a little practice any other - nice for a free 9 minute

[@janetyoung6097]

Jimmy Rogers also used that technique as well in Waitin for the Train.

[@dufus2273]

thanks Bryan, that's a lot to absorb for a old intermediate player. working on it.

[@ThrashRoC]

All these GREAT Martin Guitars in all these Bluegrass Vids ... I LOVE it !! and i REALLY start to LOVE Bluegrass Great Lesson !!

[@usernamemykel]

My Taylor's whoop ass on my CF Martins!

[@paulfitz6614]

That guitar sounds great, huge sound.

[@stevenhearrell1564]

I love bluegrass music, and am well acquainted with the G run, on the guitar. I was surprised when I heard the same run, or something similar to it, on an early Louis Armstrong piece. I think he was playing with the Hot 5 or Hot 7. I cannot tell you the song or the instrument, although I believe it was a wind instrument. It immediately caught my ear. Actually, I was a little shocked upon hearing it, in a different genre than Bluegrass, although I shouldn't have been. It is basically the pentatonic scale, so it should not be unexpected in other types of music. Thanks for the lesson, Bryan. I enjoy your playing!

[@stanhankins3175]

That guitar is a full blooded cannon. Sweet!

[@desmaudsley751]

N

[@robertjohnson1681]

Billy Strings owns that git now

[@edmoss2020]

Thanks Bryan great stuff.

[@deltachord8990]

Absolutely right, David James.

[@marthavaughan4660]

Wisely pushing the efficacy of rhythm w/ timing. Place to begin.

[@kidgloves2]

Great lesson. I actually appreciate the history. I'm signing up Bryan!

[@DeiseSkelly]

Did you? And if so, how did it go?

[@Dionydejesus]

I love the way that Beautiful guitar sounds!!

[@grizzlyadamsmith6038]

YEAH,.... I WAS REALLY LOOKING AT THE NAME ALSO.....COULDN'T SEE IF IT WAS C F. MARTIN, OR NOT.???....SOUNDED LIKE A BIG OL' 28 ...OR 35...DREDNAUGHT,...??..BUT SO MANY GOOD ONES OUT THERE TODAY...."TAYLOR" GIVES A GREAT VOICE ALSO...!!

[@Suns41]

I believe that is the 1948 Martin D28 he gifted to Billy Strings

[@shocknawh01]

Sounds great, I'm slowly learning how to play bluegrass. I mostly fingerpick

[@cygnusfloyd]

Perfect breakdown!

[@ngzcaz]

I never thought of the Fnote in the run.. Played it all those other ways but not that one. I will try it.....

[@ProjectTwang]

The F is the dominant 7th and creates a mixolydian sound.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Super great and informative lesson!

[@colinstevens7013]

Tanks Bryan .Appreciate it.

[@stegil56]

This is the style I am working on for myself. This was such a gift! Thank you for the great opportunity

[@brysonbuckner8104]

Lester Flatt’s g run is one key of bluegrass with Earl Scruggs three finger style

[@peterirving9458]

His playing proceeds him, but he is a damn good teacher too

[@denniskopp3281]

Your Martin is a real hoss !

[@adamhubbard2416]

Is this the Martin billy strings bought off him 1948 d 28

[@moritzengel2735]

Billy Strings has recorded his album home on that guitar.

[@Jack22VV]

I'm pretty sure he used a thompson not a martin but I could be wrong

[@moritzengel2735]

@@Jack22VV Maby he played both on different tracks.

[@moritzengel2735]

@@Jack22VV Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5aqmKKPltGegKs

[@jph2455]

Pretty sure Bryan gifted this guitar to Billy

[@waveoven1051]

Awesome lesson!!!

[@yves2075]

Your guitar has an excellent sound! Nice sustain.

[@WildwoodvalleyBoy]

...keep in mind that Lester's G-run was somewhat lacking, because of the fact that he used a thumb pick !,...and it can't be done properly with a thumb pick ! Carter Stanley never had a good G-run because of that fact. So, lets name someone else: I like to refer to Jimmy Martin and, more especially, - Red Allen, as epitomizing the G-run. It seems that both of them "dwelled" on the A string "hammer-on" note before going to the next notes!

[@siggesaltens2663]

you damn right . i should know, started up in the earley 60ies :no intrenet all by the ear & rafdio.

[@obscurebandfan]

Digging the history leson.

[@ystadcop6935]

Very good, great insight well explained.

[@bombs7]

Excellent lesson & teacher !

[@The314moses]

Great lesson!

[@janetyoung6097]

that is how my dad learned to play is from Listening to Jimmy Rogers.

[@rolanddoucet458]

Brilliant Bryan. Thank you so much.

[@moritzengel2735]

Really helpful tutorial! Thank you!

[@doctorjones9083]

Question? How old is the bluegrass style of music? And did this style of music originate in the south? I really like and enjoy this type of music. Thank you.

[@usernamemykel]

In the south by Irish and Scotch settlers.

[@davidriggs2729]

How do I skip all this stuff and just commence to play like Bryan?

[@pebberbrown]

Hey wait - there's 2 pickguards on his guitar! Is that some kind of anti-gravity thing or what?

[@davidmchenry79]

haha someone mentioned in another video that one of the former owners of the guitar was left-handed, so it ended up with pickguards on both sides :) These old Martins are just amazing

[@wazazaza2]

Really helpful- love the insights into bluegrass music

[@LPFreeBackingTracks]

Crazy good!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@braveheart4603]

What's going on with that guitar ? Was it originally left handed or something ?

[@guitarsword1]

Tnx Bryon.

[@johngerritsenvideos5382]

SIMPLIFY it use the dominant 7th interval with the chord i.e f note with g chord or Bb with c chord

[@josephliptak]

Why two pickguards? Is this for flipping it over to play left-handed?

[@fidpiano]

is that a capo across the strings before nut.

[@skatetodeath666]

I can't find the other lessons you did. Anybody know where they are ? Thanks

[@donaldblankenship5163]

Thank you!

[@daffy5486]

Great instruction easy to follow!!!

[@johnhicks7057]

What kind of cable do you use. I see that style of many Bluegrass pickers

[@davidcox9115]

That's a good sounding guitar

[@dmpme951]

intelligent discussion of the chord construction-development.. rarely articulated.. thank you for your video!

[@Darren-D.C-Cross]

wow what model is the guitar?

[@kalleblom5564]

Do I see a G7th Heritage Capo there? Do you have a prototype? I think it's not yet released .... thanks!

[@taylorweeks7888]

what guitar is that? and how does it sound so good?

[@blinknlites1493]

Any Martin over 6k sounds that good lol, that might be a very late 60’s d 28, that is an amazing guitar, I bet easily worth over 10k, from memory they came with double pickguards, I think it truly sounds so good because of the fingers using it, (tone is in the fingers)(I have two Martin’s that sound Terrible) there’s an article by premiere guitar about this guy, he’s an amazing artist, I’d love to see him and billy strings have a play off!

[@777danid]

ill try

[@johnpaulbonnell7038]

" I'd go string up this ol martin box n goin join some band"

[@wasteyelo1]

I though this was a great lesson. Not a Bluegrass player by trade but have always been intrigued by it. Similar to Gypsy Swing in someways.

[@berrydark425]

How do you play the intro.

[@aliwhitwell]

Go to 2:00 for the lesson!

[@usernamemykel]

Confused. What's the difference between a "run" and a "lick"?

[@freecitizen2760]

usernamemykel : Interesting question ... so I researched it. 1: Lick: a melodic phrase used in an improvised solo, characteristic of a style or player. Jazz players learn Charlie Parker licks. Blues players learn Muddy Waters licks. Licks become standard parts of the vocabulary of any given style, and you call them "blues licks" or "gospel licks". 2: Riff: a repeated figure. 3: Run: a fast scalar passage. 4: Fill: a phrase, usually improvised, to "fill" the space, usually during a pause in the phrasing of the vocalist or lead melody. It can be played by any instrument.

[@teresaandmontymortensen7937]

How heavy of a pick do you recommend for flat picking?

[@solomonpale]

Not Bryan, but most serious flatpickers use picks on the thicker end of the spectrum, 1.5-3mm.

[@maxlewis5571]

THE CRIS SHARP STRUMMING/G RUN LESSON RE LESTER FLATT STYLE IS MORE INFORMATIVE. LESTER’S UNIQUE STRUMMING STYLE USING THUMB AND FIRST FINGER JOHN PEARS HIGH-RIDER METAL PICK CAUSES A MUCH MORE FULLER & DYNAMIC SOUND THAN FLAT PICK ONLY MINUS LESTERS MORE DIVERSE STRUMMING . YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU CHECKED IT OUT FOR IT ADDS FULLER DIMENSION TO YOU PLAYING.

[@GijiSeema]

How can I contact u

[@Life-of-Bluegrass_Music]

Sutton is great