Brent Mason Teaches "Southbound Train" Solo with His Furious Fingerstyle Shred | Shred with Shifty

Brent Mason has picked for the biggest and best names in country music: Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton, and George Strait are just a few of the country stars on whose records you can hear Mason’s Fender-on-Fender fretwork. But his solo on “Southbound Train,” the closing track on Travis Tritt’s 2000 record Down the Road I Go, might be his hottest work of all.
As Mason explains, the song scoots along at his favorite country tempo-a Cajun two-step, Mason says-which provides the rhythmic framework for his face-melter lead. Mason says the melodic and structural components came in part from his familiarity with jazz, and the mixing of jazz and blues with his usual twangy conventions. In fact, Mason’s furious note barrages occasionally earned him some raised eyebrows (and some choice words from Conway Twitty) in the more traditionalist Nashville studio system.
This might be the toughest solo our host has taken on so far on Shred With Shifty. The key to wrestling it? “You gotta keep playing [it] til you wanna pull out all your teeth and hair,” says Mason. Which Nashville producers and stars would let Mason off-leash in the studio? How does a session ace deal with hand injuries? Listen on, shredders. And if you’re brave enough, send in your take on Mason’s solo.
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Producer: Jason Shadrick
Executive Producers: Brady Sadler and Jake Brennan for Double Elvis
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Special thanks to Chris Peterson, Greg Nacron, and the entire Volume.com crew.

[@carl8229]

Its shocking how good country music was and how good the writers were back in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. We would still be getting those type of songs today but the record companies are no longer purchasing those type of songs. If your music doesn't include elements of pop/rap then you don't get any airplay. The studios are only interested in promoting people like Sam Hunt which is basically just talking, rapping, and making random noises. Country has fallen so far along with every other genre since 2015 that its not even funny. Songs like Brent played on were unbelievable.

[@Ottophil]

Who cares what labels and studios push anyway? The talent can promote themselves these days

[@joeldowdy404]

I agree 100%

[@DaNeOMiTe313]

Who even listens to the radio anymore? People know that if you want to hear real music then you gotta find it on your own. Mainstream radio isn’t going to offer you anything authentic/honest with substance and integrity.

[@8CountAudio]

The contrast between country then and now is shocking. Seems like every country hit after 2010 requires some tacked-on reference to whiskey

[@steveduffy272]

@@Ottophilcame here to say something similar and you worded it better. there’s an abundance of great music in every genre

[@chrisegg7936]

Brent briefly mentioned playing with George Jones, I highly recommend everyone check out his work on George's last album Cold Hard Truth. By '99 when that album was coming together, George had quit cocaine and drinking, and gotten his voice back as a result, but he wasn't considered a relevant artist anymore. But he still went into the studio with Nasvhille's elite at the time (Paul Franklin, Pig Robbins, and of course Brent Mason) and the result is an amazing showcase of everyone's talents, including a gritty and weathered sounding George Jones singing about all the mistakes he's made throughout his life. It's an incredible album with some incredible playing on it.

[@KDH1288]

Great record.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I don’t think I’ve heard that. But that’s about to CHANGE! ❤

[@TLCarrra]

The BEST guitar program ever! I'm a huge Hagstrom Player. I would love a Pat Smear Signature Chris, you can send it to me if you like😎👍

[@bldallas]

That peaked my interest, too. Thank god I got the chance to see George Jones live when he was at his prime (and no showed up, too 🤓👍). I wish they would have talked more about Brent’s playing with George.

[@DaringDan]

Brent is such a good player. You always get the best guests, Chris.

[@chrisquinn9104]

Brent’s a good teacher. Gracious dude. All that playing and he still digs it!

[@briannacery9939]

What a fantastic player! He knows so many things about studio work, jazz, country,electronics, people! Impressive!

[@matmarchi]

That’s what I needed for today

[@premierguitar]

Glad we can help!

[@MikeMcDaniel-pr1lk]

Brent is an absolute beast. Thank you Chris for putting this show together. Amazing

[@bethmacisaac1300]

Chris learn to take a compliment challenge. Great episode again, thanks! Brent does seem like an excellent teacher.

[@bluesslider76]

That was such a special and an end to the true Country eras. The voices and songwriting liquid gold still stands true. I grew up on his sound and all those artists. They’ll never be anything like the best of the best again. He’s the GOAT.

[@narbonneguitars8590]

Hey CHRIS???...just messaged Tom bukovak...an he said he would love to be on your show(shredding with shifty)...just him him up...🤘...keep up the great work...loving your videos an interviews

[@seanzinger]

Please YES

[@thomasdorris1122]

yes uncle Larry needs an appearance for sure

[@GASmotorsports]

Man he nailed every idea he had. It’s incredible how good at stuff people are.

[@patwest8304]

I absolutely love and adore and appreciate Chis Shiflett SOOOO much! Adios, amigos, and thank you, Chris!

[@waynechurchill7212]

He.s got the chops thank you brent mason

[@guitarpicker6844]

Please do this once a week at least with Brent. There is so much in his genius mind that you could easily fill a spot per week for the next several years. And the tone he had on this video has almost convinced me that I too need a fake Deluxe.

[@evanmiller2579]

What a great episode. Listening to him name all of these artists he has played with. Just amazing. Cool guy and what a player. One of my favorite episodes. Well done.

[@chrisshiflett5287]

thanks! Brent is the coolest and ya what a resume!

[@charliejohnson7703]

Favorite one yet!!! So good. I've loved his playing for 30 years.

[@natemink572]

God he's freaking amazing

[@alexmbrenner]

I had is instructional VHS. He’s a monster player

[@andychase7693]

I knew Brent Mason was/is an awesome guitarist, but (and it's probably part of why he's such a Nashville icon) he seems like a really cool, easygoing dude, as well! Great episode, Chris!

[@joshheller3561]

That look on Chris's face at 22:06 says it all. Made me smile!

[@johndcoffee632]

New episode and with Brent Mason, who could ask for more? Thanks Chris, Brent and PG

[@premierguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidsummerville351]

This channel is really top notch. It gets better every episode.

[@brucerichard2904]

Chris Shiflett asks some great questions.

[@DaNeOMiTe313]

Man…I gotta get me a Tele back in the collection. Such a versatile instrument…the GOAT of guitars imo.

[@BruceJWalts]

Brent Mason Band needs to be a thing, if it doesn't already exist. Rock On bros.

[@rickjason215]

He is a major thing.

[@attilathehun0]

He looks like Jason Newstead.

[@shanebreon2506]

Thought same thing!

[@daviderickson807]

Brent Mason…THIS is the one I’ve been waiting for!

[@FL-BEACH-MAN]

Loved this one - Brett Mason is one of greatest. nice guy too.

[@Teleman01]

When I moved to Nashville in 2020, one of the first bands I saw were "the Players" with Brent Mason. I've never seen anything like that before lol. Where I grew up, the bands had no timing and they really weren't that good. So it was good to see a band that listened to each other, had impeccable timing and great tone. Really taught me so much because I had never been around anything like that.

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

I was concerned Brent might get super in the weeds, but he was able to communicate nuances incredibly well. Also, it's ridiculous how Shifty can pick up any style.

[@trapperjohn8481]

Was just thinking it could be argued that Brent Mason has influenced more players than most or all of the big names that come to mind when discussing influential players. How many working players have learned and performed his parts over the decades, and how many of those even knew who played on those classic tunes?

[@ToddTheJoker]

Good god Brent is a monster guitarist!

[@BHJ7115]

Brent is a guitar god!

[@manydreams1life315]

Wow !!! A national treasure - Brent is just so good …. Player and Person

[@terryeaster1]

All i can say is .. YEEEEERRSSSSSSSS!!!!

[@JaakkoTK]

Classy stuff here! Thanks to both of you, greetings from Finland!

[@moebloggs7219]

This is REALLY good!! Like a totally fun master class. Brent is KILLER.. and I have a new found respect for Chris!

[@NoCoverCharge]

His tele with the bender is on my list for next guitar

[@dustyparker4806]

Chris, thanks man. Very cool!

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Two masters together !!

[@andrewkruger6832]

Wow - that was so enjoyable to watch - incredibly humble content. Thanks to both for that treat! It will be watched again.

[@stepitupandgo67]

dang...so awesome

[@paulgroot3984]

man, this is soooo cool!!!

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

LEGEND!

[@TwangTown]

All Brent's 1/2 step riffs can be done by playing the lower (root) and step up (target) note, as a chord. That's how I figured all that stuff out way back in the 80s. Jerry Reed, Albert Lee then jump to Brent... bam! I try to teach that as a half step by just sliding the entire chord up,.. from a note below. Literally the entire chord, just playing one string at a time. Fun video. Easier way to explain that riff tho.

[@BartDietvorst]

Yes!

[@billdowney1487]

Awesome

[@JohnGauge790]

This channel is soooo good.

[@brettliebermanmusic]

The last riff is insane 😮

[@seanzinger]

Good Lord this guy is a master

[@billmoyer914]

Shifty! I fkn love these videos!! Just the back and forth between you and the guest is so cool!! Gives an insight to what it’s kind of like from the eyes of the greats whether they’re touring guys or sessions! Also i’m a huge fan of yours and the Foos!!👍🏼💪🏼🎸

[@chrisshiflett5287]

thanks!!

[@tedwan]

@6:13 That's how you relic guitars 👍

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Brent is such a heady amazing player and cool dude . Shifty you done good on that solo , you kick butt too btw .......I might get this solo down in 6 months if Im lucky ! You picked a good one Shifty!

[@TylerRoyMusic]

His Fender Compugilist adds a lot of crunch too

[@clintwatts9863]

What a badass

[@Kasper911band]

I don’t even know anything about country, but this solo is fire 🔥

[@craigpetterson3962]

See you in Glasgow Shifty! 🤟🏻

[@wrzkace1]

wow brent is a real shredder

[@davidmahoherrezuelo]

38:22 "guitar sounds thin" Brent sounds through a Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster digital... No tubes Only hands

[@warnistt]

Tone it down Brent ,you're makin it hard on us cover bands :-)

[@benjohnson4810]

I've thought for a while that Brent is possibly the best guitarist alive right now, but there's always Tommy Emanuel, etc. too. The well rounded skill that those guys have is what i'm referring to. It's extremely daunting to learn, regardless your skill level.

[@pmunkey1]

Great episode Chris, now you've had Brent on the show, you have to get Tom Bukovac for season 2🎉

[@stevenblakeakahashburns]

Chris! I’ve bought tickets for Glasgow

[@augustusbetucius2931]

I recall my time in the 90s in "A" room bands. One guy I worked for insisted and expected everything to be note for note, dead on. I had to work out the solos for that "I'm In Love with the Waitress" tune by Alan Jackson. Gawd. I had to do the electric and acoustic solos. I spent a full week getting those down, then up to tempo (and a little beyond to give myself a ceiling/breathing room). Then having to do it live onstage. Holeefreakingcow.

[@martydibergi5228]

should have hired Brent or John Jorgenson

[@TonySavarino]

Shifty, “with your rock star clout” if you don’t have your guy at Friedman amps send him every amp they make you are dead to me. If they won’t give them to you shifty I’m sure you can buy them for Brent!!

[@78tag]

I went directly to the Friedman (Placator) on the Helix to check it out. Thanks boys.

[@McHale72]

I'm quite positive I'd be a better guitar player if I had Brent Mason on speed dial and I could ask him to show me how to do licks. Holy crap. I could never do things as effortlessly as he seems to but I'd at least feel I've gotten if I could play it at 1/3 speed.

[@petarkanev8156]

it's a shame that Chris is not touring in Europe. I'd love to see his shows.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

How the helicopter am I just now seeing this!?!?!?

[@jonbills587]

good lord that guy rips

[@jeffjfindley4802]

This is fabulous, thank you. Also, Brent's solo on Alan Jackson's cover of "Pop a Top" that is life-changing. Check it!

[@ccaputa]

So cool Chris and Brent, thanks.

[@tfajsh]

The second walk up that you guys worked on is really similar to what Brent played during the last run in the solo on Mercury Blues by Alan Jackson.

[@paullavallee1631]

all 4 seasons the humidity in my guitar area is 50%

[@terrapin7777]

I would love to hear a bit about what he is thinking when he is playing these parts, as opposed to just the notes. Is he thinking arpeggios, modes, scales, chord shapes, none of the above? Sometimes when I hear just a bit of the player's thinking and theory it helps me internalize and then generalize the concepts to my playing more than just the licks. Of course, it's awesome to listen to him talk and play either way. Nice job Shifty!

[@johnnylayton1672]

I wonder that Mason's rounder tone might be due to slightly higher string action? It's akin to Vince Gill's guitar tone also. If so, I can imagine that being a standout tonal feature Mason brings to especially the scorching tempo songs. You don't hear much string zing against the frets when he plays. Could possibly be an EQ thing and/or older strings but higher action is my first suspect here.

[@martydibergi5228]

now you need the other Hit Maker John Jorgenson❤❤❤

[@augustusbetucius2931]

I don't mean to be critical, but I was surprised that Chris wasn't familiar with the stacked humbucker as a hum free single coil. Those things have been around since at least the 80s. I always had assumed that Brent got the 'Nashville' tele idea from Reggie Young, since Brent has mentioned being influenced or inspired by Reggie, and Reggie had a single coil in the middle on his black tele.

[@ryannoel8978]

Pinch me is this a dream

[@stringlocker]

A stacked pickup is meant to make it more quiet. It's not to simulate a humbucker that's a different deal

[@forester057]

So right. Amp changes sounds from day to day. They never sound exactly the same. Hate your tone? Try again tomorrow…

[@thatkidfromtx]

Has anyone ever seen Brent and Steve Lukather in the same room?

[@forester057]

With Elvis too

[@TheBoomtown4]

Man can he rip, and he’s very versatile. His take on George Benson. 25:41 awesome.

[@jeremygalvan6238]

A Stacked Vintage bridge is a noiseless single coil… it’s not a humbucker.

[@rjw7032]

The SD STK-T1n vintage stack tele pickup is a stacked humbucker. There are noiseless single coils that use novel techniques like metal combs or dummy coils but this one is a stacked humbucker. It’s a real good PU btw with two pairs of leads to do all the humbucker things if you wish.

[@jeremygalvan6238]

@@rjw7032 I read what I typed directly off the Seymour Duncan webpage. I thought he said the Vintage Stack… which they describe as being all the vintage twang but none of the hum. That to me is different from a humbucker…

[@JohnSpo]

As a Helix user I am ashamed at how awful Chris's guitar sounds. Brent's sounds amazing. I thought it was an actual tube amp mic'd up.

[@chrisshiflett5287]

I have brought shame to the entire helix community and for that I apologize.

[@JohnSpo]

Hahaha… It’s okay, we all make mistakes! especially with modelers. I’ll send you some of my presets ;)

[@chrisshiflett5287]

@@JohnSpo please do!

[@flybynight1929]

Ha! My first guitar was a Haigstrom Swede. It's in a case and hasn't been touched in decades, but it was as close as I could get to a LP at the time.