Charlie Byrd - Contemporary Acoustic Jazz Guitar

[@halonfactor]

I was listening to Charlie when I was a 16. Though I was a rock guy, the way he was written about in GP magazine enticed me to buy an album. I wasn’t getting along with my dad at the time. He heard Charlie on my stereo, knocked and asked who I was listening to. I handed him the album. The next day he went out and bought his own stereo and every Charlie Byrd record he could find in town! haha. Super fan! Charlie brought us together. My dad and I were able to go see Charlie a few times. With his trio and with Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. As I’ve gone through my metal, southern rock, blues, delta blues phases, I’ve still been digging that nylon string jazz thing. It occupies most of my time now. Playing instrumental improvs with a looper for dinner and cocktail parties. I’m 60 now and Charlie is as fresh and beautiful sounding as ever. What a titan.

[@rosine2]

💗

[@Freetolicious]

Thanks for sharing this story. I'm adding this to my collection of Charlie Byrd.

[@CynthieD]

Your story is beautiful. Have loved Charlie Byrd for yrs - how blessed you were to see him live with your dad! Another guitarist you might dig is Wes Montgomery. 🎶🎸

[@F20ization]

@@CynthieD Wow do you also like montogomery?

[@LaurenceMSchwarz]

So true though isn't it? I'm a little younger than you (53), and the genre just stands the test of time. I have a great appreciation for all forms of music. I absolutely adore guitar in all of it's forms (30 year beginner, lol), but nothing speaks to my soul the way acoustic guitar, and especially acoustic jazz does.

[@patm7529]

Mr. Byrd use to come to our house in Kensington, Md. Back when I was only around 7 years old. I'm now 60. My father was also a musician. And had his friends come by quite often back then. The last time I had an opportunity to see Mr. Bird was in Georgetown, Wash. DC. I hadn't seen him for many years, but he recognized me, and I got to sit right in front. He was always very nice to me when I was a child. I was very happy he still remembered me later in life. Thanks, Mr. Charlie. God Bless.

[@jackhession629]

who's the guy he talks about who plays basanova?

[@MrJadePinwheel]

@@jackhession629 Joao Gilberto

[@Diegoyoutube24]

Was that at the Blues Alley? What year?

[@patm7529]

@@Diegoyoutube24 Yes it was. 1972. And here's some more info. Mr. Byrd and my father were friends with Roy Clark and taught him how to play guitar. Before he learned banjo. All were from Wash. DC. If I remember correctly there were only 15 or 20 tables at Blues Alley back then. And you could have heard a pin drop when the men were playing. No one was talking at the tables.

[@patm7529]

@@Diegoyoutube24 1972

[@WarrenNelson-dy3qb]

I booked Charlie in my tent show in 1994 have a recording of it.... a lifetime experience and what a gentle man

[@bilrux]

Charlie lived near me in Annapolis, MD, and he was a big influence on me when I started playing. This video was apparently done while he was fighting lung cancer, which he later succumbed to. My wife, a nurse, cared for him in his final days. Hid brother, Joe Byrd was also a great bassist, killed in a traffic accident by a driver paying more attention to a cell phone.

[@XAVYMARTIN]

Bill Ruxton kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqqZeniDaLCtbbs

[@robertleo7394]

Did not know about his brother; very sad indeed.

[@Violetcas97]

I love the sound of a nylon acoustic guitar. There's just a warmth to the notes that feels lost on steel

[@ecaepevolhturt]

Yes, especially for jazz.

[@charlesbobillier4992]

I Feel more connect To the Woods of the guitar through nylon.

[@hazor777]

Almost...... piano tone, to me .

[@guillermopellerano9106]

I agree

[@diegoambrosio9121]

00:00 Intro 05:04 Foreword 06:41 Explanation of the Intro 07:50 About technique of playing 09:23 Literature recommendation 10:19 Ex.1 10:47 Ex.2 11:45 About scales 12:51 Explanation of progression II V I 13:31 Ex.3 14:45 About harmony 15:18 Harmony demonstration of chords (II7 V7 I) 17:00 The sound of the guitar (hammer-on, pull-off, trill, slur) 18:07 Slur Exercise (Chromatic) 18:25 Slur Exercise (Scale) 19:20 Ex.4 Slur Exercise (Scale Faster) 19:31 Ex.5 Slur Exercise (Scale in Triplets) 19:46 About practicing and inventing exercises 20:40 The sound of the guitar: rascado or strum (basic) 22:38 The sound of the guitar: rascado or strum (with accent) 24:39 Examples: III, III, II and II, III, III 25:12 Observations for pick players 26:03 The sound of the guitar: rascado or strum (final words) 27:46 Example: 6/8 and 3/4 rhythms

[@saviomiranda3099]

Thank you

[@szamee83]

One more thanks to you

[@musket-hc1fc]

At a concert in the late 70's Charlie borrowed my Guild Mark VII, as his guitar had gotten lost during plane transit. My Guild remains extra special to me to this day!

[@jeffreynewton5324]

Wow, similar story here! In 1977, the great Wilton Felder (saxophonist with the Crusaders) borrowed my Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone for the same reason (at my college, DePauw; I was a music major). He also payed electric bass on many hits. Still my main axe...

[@jefftheposter]

I would love to grow old playing an instrument

[@P0tat00fD00M]

***** He isn't old yet I assume

[@TheStrataminor]

Rahul Meka Yes he's still 10

[@richardwarren8138]

Then, Jeff, learn to play one now, while you are young.

[@Zager-recap]

Jeff Xavier it's Time...Music require Much time and Hard work...you can learn all physics theories in 4 years but music require a whole life ( jazz take a life, classical music 50 years :) ).....1/ Have respect for music and Learn it 2/ Have a Good teacher..... These my only tips to you...Good Luck....

[@kayasmith5630]

Med Mahogany I understand the sentiment, but learning Physics would be very much along the same lines.....

[@even200x]

I love that he plays a nylon stringed classical.

[@MrJadePinwheel]

Brian Chamberlain he was a big influence on jose feliciano- go figure

[@XAVYMARTIN]

Brian Chamberlain kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqqZeniDaLCtbbs

[@PANDORAZTOYBOKZ]

If you dig the Nylon Jazz thing, Earl Klugh is a fantastic player from the 70's/80's R&B-Jazz scene who came up with George Benson and the likes

[@Rory99M]

@@PANDORAZTOYBOKZ thanks for suggesting. I love jazz guitar on a nylon string. Also laurendo almeida

[@CGR-wl3fp]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5uuf5RtYtx-hcU Hi! ☺☺ If you want to listen to the masterpiece "Autumn Leaves" with guitar, you can reach it via the link..🍁🍁🎶🎶

[@pierrechaouat]

Charlie Byrd was instrumental in the success of Brazilian music worldwide. As a gifted guitar player, he (and others) was able to mix Brazilian music with jazz. Unlike most Brazilian guitarists, he was able to play jazz standards and MPB songs with a unique jazz flavor, thanx to his harmony skills.

[@Stratbrat42]

A little history: Charlie said he was elected as Playboy's jazz guitarist of the year for several years running, then he said, "Then I went to playunder Segovia & learned how to play the guitar. I went backstage & met him in 1962 in Chapel Hill. What a super nice guy! Been a great fan ever since!!!!

[@SuperCarver2011]

I used to listen to Charlie and Stan Getz play Jazz Samba. He introduced me to jazz finger style guitar and the bossa nova craze back in the late 60s. I miss him and the jazz masters of his day like Wes Montgomery.

[@emiliogutierrez2354]

Listen "chega de saudade" João Gilberto full album

[@guitarman1932]

Nylon String Guitar Became Popular in the 60s. Jose Feliciano may have spearheaded the Nylon String Guitar Popularity. Charley Byrd was right there with his Great Nylon String Jazz. I purchased a Charley Byrd LP made live at a club in Washington DC. That album is just great.

[@rjlchristie]

@Ken Brown Yes, that can be said of the twentieth century. The guitar has had several periods of popularity or "mania" over past three centuries. Segovia was lucky enough to catch the wave of the new recording industry and did the instrument a service by commissioning and performing an expanded repertoire. The question as to whether his almost total dominance of the scene was a healthy thing is contentious.

[@19501960]

FABULOUS TO GET THIS FREE ON THE TUBE

[@carrera3561]

Beach boys

[@chezruss]

The Segovia of Jazz guitar - Charlie Byrd 1925 - 1999 . Wonderful, thanks for the post.

[@djsullivan9045]

Mr. Byrd is King of the Jazz (Classical) Guitar!

[@peterclapp11]

Many, many thanks to the kind soul who posted this fantastic video. I've been a Charlie Byrd fan since I listened to him accompany wife Ginny on "Byrd in the Wind" on my parents' record player, 50+ years ago.

[@XAVYMARTIN]

Peter Clapp kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqqZeniDaLCtbbs

[@XAVYMARTIN]

GMoorefan115 one day you will. And you are welcome always

[@hammondeggar8917]

One of my favorite guitarists. Crisp, yet easy on the ears.

[@markbruner2679]

Once again. ...I cannot understand how anyone doesn't like this?.....beautiful music .....played so very well.....serious and funny at the same time with great passion! I play guitar but not that well

[@sammyblackchow9541]

Some people can't assimilate a complex melody. I've been a fan of Charlie since 1961 He was my number one guitarist since then. I will admit to being very fond of PDL for the past few years.

[@XAVYMARTIN]

Mark Bruner kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqqZeniDaLCtbbs

[@autumnlikemusic]

Beautiful play. we are lucky that we can hear this music through the internet.

[@rnaldfshr]

One thing you cannot argue about is the music and the player.Pure class.

[@rayli4202]

I was totally blown away when I realized the entire intro was an improv. How do you come up with something so melodic and beautiful on spot?

[@100nortonfan7]

Back in the day, circa 1960's, I bought an LP record which featured Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, and his brother. The version featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim's composition of "One Note Samba" was a sound I will never forget to this day. It was sooooo frikin' cool. Charlie was my hero ever since. I bought a guitar and tried to emulate that sound, after many years of learning the guitar. Charlie, in his younger years, went to Spain to study classical guitar under the tutelage of the great Andres Segovia. The proof is in the pudding, as they say!

[@jtjsthompson357]

I was a student of this wonder of nature! WOW!

[@guyluca7361]

This is one of the best practical video I have seen. I will be watching it several times to absorb all this great information.

[@brianhagge1112]

This is the most awesome tutorial I’ve ever encountered. I’ve watched it over and over and over again. Charlie Byrd is the BOMB!

[@kohno214]

Thank you for the decades of music, Charlie. You're the best.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

The highest level of mastery.

[@MauriatOttolink]

NotOrdinaryInGames The highest!

[@BERRYHILLDO75]

Ninja

Simplesmente EXTRAORDINÁRIO. RIP Charlie Byrd.

[@lorenmichael1667]

I'm astounded by his talent.

[@freeatlast1963]

Agreed .....

[@grunntalll]

that beginning piece is one of the most beautiful things.

[@susantannenbaum9023]

In particular I love Charlie's duets with the Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida. Their version of the song Memories from Cats is absolutely lovely, but all of their duets are. Almeida's solo work is divine as are his collaborations recorded in the 1960's, for example with flute and soprano voice (that of Sally Terry). Their version of Bachianas Brasilieras is exquisite. But all this brings on too much nostalgia.

[@robertleo7394]

If you can check out Almeida's recording of a song entitled Brazilian Ukelele. Lightning speed!

[@davidcrawford3906]

With thanks to you, Ivan, and those who recorded these albums, Charlie Byrd lives forever!

[@notaperson3691]

He definitely caught my attention from the start. Very good sound on this vid.

[@ramaferian6184]

Wonderful... I Love u Charlie. Just wonderful music :)

[@BobSchusterMusiccom]

God Bless Arlen Roth for capturing these (now gone)artists in their prime.

[@johnhodges2846]

I thank God for giving us Charlie...Excuse me while I continue to improvise along with him on this early Sunday morning before church...

[@noesifuentes1663]

This guy is a legend!!!

[@rosieosho]

I am so happy I have found this video, Charlie Byrd has such a charismatic way of playing!

[@dougswindowonnature9438]

I, like Peter, have been listening to Charlie Byrd since I was young, 50+ years, and cannot ever recall hearing anyone with his style. He was an original. Amazing to see what he looked like after all this time.

[@danielpaskoful]

At several points during his playing I was moved to tears! I have been playing since I was a kid, mostly rock and blues. It wasn't till about 5 years ago I discovered jazz concepts and 251 1625 progressions with extended chords etc... I went back and "relearned" using books and videos. To be able to understand where Charlie is coming from and hear his example of where it can go makes me feel like a kid once again. At 48! Thank you!

[@a.yh.7336]

Just stumbled upon this gem... must be meant since I am in my 40s... female... and covid pa demic got me motivated to learn new things gs in life. A t wait to master these lessons he has shared

[@marcellesraman4560]

hi Mr.Byrd..Wes never used a pick.used his thumb.love your music.thank you for some interesting techniques.always a devout follower.am more a jazz player..will try to incorporate some of your teachings into my playin.bless ya

[@howardswett2046]

All these great players i v never seen before! Wow!

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Thanks for posting/sharing this. Much appreciated.

[@rowlymidgley3475]

A brilliant teacher and player of Bosa Nova

[@daniesavage]

Yes! Lazy Sunday Afternoons. Featuring Lesson Plans and Charlie Byrd!

[@Carryon392]

What an incredible set of hands.

[@akadert]

amazing video and artist

[@Malcolm701]

Brilliant master...

[@e.z.3631]

Love is a strong world. And i just love it

[@tablefortwo120]

Thank you for the upload. Enjoyed the whole video.

[@terencemoore4644]

Thanks, what an eye opener. Simple and powerful instruction.

[@SmallDays1]

So great to find this - thanks for putting it up Best wishes, Dave.

[@TheGurner1]

Blues For Night People was my intro to the C Byrd - one of the greats

[@F20ization]

Dear Yvan Zaitsev,thank you very much for posting this videi of charlie byrd.It is helping me to know many things about jazz finger style!However can you find an other one of Tuck andress called jazz finger mastery?i dont find it on youtube any more.

[@garr331]

Fn Charlie Byrd thank U for this.. I only wish I could Jam with U ...xo

[@kalatmanschoolofdancemusic1466]

He is Legend. Thanks for Sharing. SO Soulful.

[@nilsunderseer2157]

Byrd as always ... awesome! Does anyone know which guitar he is playing?

[@nilsunderseer2157]

Found it out by myself that he often plays a Takamine Custom build on tour.

[@St.Garoosh]

I love it. He's like, "Fuck this electric guitar shit. I'm old and hip."

[@peskypesky]

such beautiful playing!

[@yourself88xbl]

This is absolutely mind blowing.

[@joshpoynter4523]

A lifetime of information here. Thank you for posting.

[@plc5]

Thanks ! Great presentation. some fifty yrs ago my guitar teacher Mr.Glass used to rave about Charlie Bird . I remember seeing Montoya in concert when a friend I knew commented next time he would put some bubblegum in his tuning pegs. Needless to for a young teen ager it can be a bit discouraging to see such expertise in comparison.

[@arniemax1]

....Lots of 'debate' about the term 'acoustic'... picky about Jazz....I could Charlie would be laffing. I had teh opportunity to see Joe Pass @ the Showboat in mid- 70's.. Archtop...small amp (coulda gone either was) with that particular instrument... OH YEAH...AS I SAID NAVE SAID BEFORE--TIME PASSES, AND IF YOU BEGIN NOW-OR TOMORROW, IN 4 YEARS YOU'LL BE LOVIN' PLAYIN'...EITHER WAY YOU WILL GROW 4 MORE YEARS... AS A MUSICIAN, OR NOT.....NO NEED FOR IT TO BE EXPENSIVE..AND TIME?... A LITTLE BIT OF IT EACH DAY... YOU' BE AMAZED, AND GRATEFUL YOU MIOVED FORWARD ON A WISH.. LOVING MUSIC CAN ONLY HELP YOU IN ANY NUMBER OF WAYS... CHARLIE BYRD @ THE KING OF FRANCE IN ANNAPOLIS, FOR .FOR MANY YEARS...

[@AlxRayn]

Can someone please tell me the name of the Song he plays in the intro, that chord progression is beautiful

[@MarkSeibold]

Did anyone ever answer your question about the name of the first song that he played? I don't see an answer here. I'm going to try to find out, from local classical, jazz, and blues guitar players that I know in my generation of 60 - 65 years age, and hope to let you know, soon.

[@davidklepinger4809]

It wasn’t a composition, but an improvisation based on the key of G. He explains this in the video. He’s playing a repeating pattern using different positions, arpeggios, etc. Fun stuff.

[@marcot117]

He was improvising, but he is so good that everyting sounded like a writen composition

[@maksymilian5887]

Thats becomes to my ear... very well

[@MauriatOttolink]

Astounding. I hear the chords of Nancy With The Laughing Face and snatches of the melody but can't reconcile it with the bridge..(middle 8) which is not a million miles away from I Got Rhythm. Ah.. Just watched it again and he mentions the bridge but called it just the "RHYTHM" chords. Guess that's short hand for "I GOT...." I first encountered him in the Stan Getz Bossa Nova period (I'm a tenor player and guitar dabbler) and they both became life long heroes of mine. I do believe that Mr Byrd was invited by André Segovia to study under the great man and accepted the offer. Well you would do, wouldn't you? Thank You Ivan Zaytsev.

[@carlosmaceiras2062]

Un gran artista de siempre. ¡Cuánto sigue enseñando!

[@Nivenization]

Thanks for this very nice music.

[@zarroukfrederic52]

j'aime son style un bon virtuose merci a vous

[@SamuelSchuepbachOfficial]

what are the titles and authors of the two books he mentions at around 9:35?

[@anish_99]

1. Segovia scales by Segovia (any edition with fingerings would work well) 2. Mauro Guiliani 120 right hand studies.

[@ggg-qh3zu]

love jazz on classic guitar

[@hmadriansyah1]

Wonderful playing

[@CameronMosesart]

I could listen to this guy talk for days

[@pssushichef]

Thank you! It's nice to see Charlie again...I do miss his "live" shows though ;-{

[@hsmith801]

Charley Byrd has been bat it for a long time

[@Fretliner]

Very inspiring, thank you so much for sharing

[@tritodatkol]

Grandmaster thank you very much.

[@sundberg39]

Thanks for posting, very helpful

[@DanielMatzen]

What a master.

[@pierrebourquin460]

merci beaucoup ! thank you very much ! muchos gracias ! sublime !!!

[@micktulk]

I`m still looking for that really syncopated original piece written by Charlie. It`s in 6 en re and is a rondo. Unfortunately I cant remember the title. I learned it from a published sheet.Any help???? I used to play it and never tired of it but I couldn`t possibly remember it now. Looking for the dots ideally.

[@MartinRaetzJr]

That's fantastic! Thank you very much for uploading.

[@momomo9801]

Mestre dos mestres.

[@GTX1123]

I once played in front of Charlie Byrd. Yes, I was NERVOUS😳Our Jazz professor invited him to come and play for us as well as talk to us about Jazz music. Our professor told us that we had better show up and we had better be ready to showcase what we had been studying. He called on me first. Thank God I had been studying.

[@singtodeath8044]

beautiful..............

[@AntiKuschelweich]

All my love to you - wherever you are now... I can feel it :)

[@szyguitars]

man that is fantastic

[@thierrylopes2442]

Enfin du jazz qui ressemble à de la musique

[@peeweesherman]

Bruh, this guy rules.

[@shaiguitar]

Holy shit that opening!!

[@tanielafameitau8461]

Man this old geezer can play😌😌😌

[@FabioValenteOficial]

サンセット - ボサノヴァ - ファビオバレンテ Composer Brazilian New generation Bossa Nova, enjoy, Thanks!!

[@tedo3638]

Awesome sound!

[@nancypruitt2340]

I wish somebody would upload Brent Mason Hot Licks. It used to be on YT but has disappeared, yet others remain.

[@rjlchristie]

13:59 - 14.12 he appears to misname two chords. He names D9 as Dm7, He names Gma9 as G min7

[@sidvicious7573]

jazz perfected the guitar

[@vecernicek2]

Could someone please write down the names of the Brazilian guitarists he mentions?

[@garciacaldeira]

vecernicek2 Laurindo Almeida and João Gilberto.

[@robertleo7394]

He studied for a time with Spanish great Andre Segovia.

[@anthonyrampino4992]

I'm trying to learn to use the pick but it just feels so awkard holding it, I don't know if I use my thumb and index finger or my thumb index and middle or my thumb and middle I don't know how to hold the damn thing after using my fingers for so long. Great video though any guitar player musicians and watch this