Chet Atkins "Mr. Guitar" | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: July 18th, 1973
#johnnycarson #thetonightshow #chetatkins
Subscribe to Carson: / @johnnycarson
Follow Carson on Social:
Facebook: / johnnycarson
Instagram: / officialjohnnycarson
Twitter: / johnnycarson

[@hunter999888]

Chet Atkins was the real deal, pure class and confidence, humble yet absolutely brilliant. The guitar players guitar player forever.

[@FYMASMD]

Everyone has their opinion. The guitarist guitar player? You don’t know about very many guitar players. Segovia is what you speak of. Joe Pass is what Chet would hope to be as good. Wes Montgomery? Come on. Chester can’t compete with most decent jazz players.

[@lachiebradshaw6617]

Agree. In terms is skill, speed and harmonic complexity you are right. But, I listen to Chet about 10-20 times more than any other instrumental guitarist and I think that says it all.

[@lachiebradshaw6617]

Not THE guitarist’s guitarist though.

[@stevennieto9898]

Mr. Guitar himself.

[@charlesbunting2537]

Humble? He was a great picker but an ass.

[@joabei11]

"The Country Gentleman" ❤

[@MrUltraworld]

His playing was effortless. I miss him.

[@guitardave3028]

That's because of all the hard work of incessant practise....

[@roncaruso931]

A time when it was worth staying up late.

[@billgreen6263]

Yup for sure

[@KyOte13]

Chet was a gem of a human being. Incredibly humble and unbelievably talented. RIP Mr. Guitar 🎸😇

[@tonyrose6776]

Absolutely love Mr. Guitar! I had the pleasure of meeting him several times and each was very special thrill. My hero! He even played and autographed my guitar once.

[@randybock82]

What a cool story. I never met him but he has inspired me greatly through his records. Hope you still have the guitar.

[@grokeffer6226]

My Dad was a huge fan of Mr. Atkins for most of his life. Chet was one of the all-time greats.

[@lightbulb134]

Jeff Beck, Jimi, Prince, many others

[@jlglover4592]

My dad had a ton of Chet Atkins 8 tracks that we used to listen to driving through the mountains of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, etc. I couldn't tell you a song he played but I know his sound like no other.

[@davenc8527]

What a great interview. Chet Atkins was as good as it gets.

[@wayneconn1079]

He changed the world of guitar forever . Still miss him

[@christopherlandry5223]

Smooth as silk, master voice of the guitar. ❤

[@007Spadge]

Really love Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler together as well. They're album Neck and Neck is amazing

[@sandburgmartin7947]

100 percent. They also did PBS thing where they did instrumental of Lennon's "Imagine". Excellent.

[@paulofreire7520]

2 of a kind in their own field. 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@dcraft969]

Carson and Atkins together, doesn’t get any better than that.

[@WalkerTexas]

I don’t know Jesus and John were hard to beat.

[@makeitcount179]

Chet Atkins had it all with guitar playing. A legend.

[@DUGGER1947]

Very nice harmonics on the 2nd song he played, "Odd Folks of Okracoke." Chet mastered the use of harmonics, and even employed some finger tapping techniques (way before Eddie Van Halen) to accomplish some of his amazing harmonics.

[@DaniloMarrone]

Two legends talking. One legend playing. It doesn’t get better than that.

[@garyeaton8773]

The great Chet Atkins was one bad dude!

[@danpritchett5617]

I was privileged to see Chet perform in a small theatre down here in Dallas, in like 1988. Along in there. Just so wonderful.

[@robertmac7833]

I saw him in 1989 at a local theatre. Best birthday of my life!

[@davidyoung4504]

I loved how they kept the cameras on his hands!!!

[@billgreen6263]

Yup, great camera work. Hate when someone is playing great guitar riffs and the camera is on the person's face.

[@zeppelinboys]

@@billgreen6263 but our market research shows audience retention rates increase 5-7 percent when the show consists of all head shots. NO HANDS!

[@Smaug1]

The guy was a real force of nature. My uncle, who has been playing guitar since the early 60s told me about the time he and his girlfriend went to see him live in a little place in Nashville, and they couldn't BELIEVE all that music was coming from just him.

[@Luxsound67]

What a grandmaster 🙏

[@ernestconnell8087]

Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Roy Clark, Glen Campbell and a few others playing some damn good music up above.

[@PopularMonsterUSA]

I grew up watching Hee-Haw every Saturday night. Had a blast and have great memories for it.

[@QuadMochaMatti]

Where the heck is Buck or Don in that lineup?

[@dagrote1]

It was definitely the golden age for that style of guitar. Not that there are a lot of great pickers out there these days continuing the tradition and building on it, but they were the pioneers.

[@Kuyunu]

Yep! Merle Travis and Joe Maphis, Doc…!

[@gavinhadley7672]

..Tommy Emmanuel

[@billday6744]

My hero I met Chet in 1988 at the CAAS in Nashville a great guy and so kind to every one

[@randybock82]

Very cool! Good for you. He seems so down to earth.

[@martinspencer366]

The greatest all round guitarist ever, impossible to play better or smoother than Chet.

[@robertmac7833]

Absolutely! Only ONE Mr Guitar!

[@mattt5006]

They all bow to Paco De Lucia in heaven.

[@robertmac7833]

@@mattt5006 Chet doesn’t!

[@spacelemur7955]

I too love Chet, but it's a society of equals in the guitar Pantheon, gods all.

[@wechsler151]

Unless you're Jery Reed..

[@Pewtooyou]

Phenomenal... His rendition of "The Entertainer" is incredible.

[@philliprapisura2880]

You need to check out Richard Smith's. He picked up Chet's arrangement where he left off, and it's crazy.

[@vapeymcvape5000]

@@philliprapisura2880 The Entertainer is the only thing someone else does a better job than Chet. And yes, It's Richard Smith. Chet is still better though. Gotta give a mention to Chet playing Guy Van Duser's Stars and Stripes Forever arrangement and crushing it.

[@robertmac7833]

@@vapeymcvape5000 That is an impossible arrangement. Even with the score in front of me, I can hardly get past the first couple bars.

[@rmartin9426]

Wouldn’t it be great if we could steer the culture back towards men like Chet Atkins: Epic talent, quiet dignity, self effacing. Let the work speak for itself. The lost art of the gentleman. Johnny too.

[@user-oi9iz9jr8y]

One of the best guitarists of all time

[@Divocwax]

you can't be one of the best. the best stands alone. you can be one the greats.

[@philbrown1474]

@@Divocwaxyour comment isn’t one of the best I’ve read.

[@theeaskey]

One of the millions of great guitar players...

[@davidperkoski1132]

@@Divocwaxlet’s clear it up for you then Phil. Chet Atkinson is the best guitar player.

[@WalkerTexas]

That Hascal B Haile custom guitar is super sweet. Great playing.

[@robertmac7833]

The tone is so totally unique I can pick it out in a room full of guitars!

[@michael-grandpamoses2571]

Underrated. Top 5 guitarists ever

[@jamesdylandean614]

He and the other incredible finger guitarist are rarely ever mentioned among the great guitarists of all time. But, we who love his music and theirs's know better.

[@sleeve8651]

Chet obviously carved out a niche for himself ! Very specific flavor for those days ! Masterful ! R.I.P. '73 Mr. Atkins ❤🥀❤

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Masterful, particularly the second tune he played.

[@hermac6491]

About all you can say is 😮 WOW

[@uneedtherapy42]

I play the nylon stringed guitar and to sit there next to Johnny with about a few million watching on TV and play a tune like Chet did is incredible. No amp no pedals, etc etc. He was an absolute master of the guitar.

[@lestorhaslam]

Now that’s pure talent.

[@melindarozas1334]

They don't make them like this anymore!! Loved him!!!

[@gadymarcus2362]

Magnifico.😭

[@RICCARDOREARDON]

I WAS GIVEN. ON 8-TRACK TAPE BY MY FATHER THE "CHESTER AND LESTER:GUITAR MONSTERS:LIVE RECORDING".. I HAD TO IMPRESS MY FATHER.. I THINK THAT UNCLE~MR.JOHN-5 HAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF CHET ATKINS INFLUENCE ON HIM.. I LOVE THIS VIDEO.. THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING THIS VIDEO..

[@surfguy87]

Love when Carson asks the question "How do you play like that?" and Chet simply replies "You just gotta play to your touch". Been playing guitar since I was 17. I'm 36 now, and never heard anyone put it that way. Makes total sense now that I think of it. Chet Atkins was a master guitarist.

[@matthewlawton9241]

It's very very true. When I got my first guitar as a kid, I wanted to play Metallica and Megadeth. Imagine my horror when country music and bluegrass came out of my guitar! I've never known how to explain that to people who don't play, but Chet's phrase is as close as I've ever heard to putting it in a way that makes sense. There's what you like, and then there's what comes out of you, and sometimes, for some people, those two things are not in agreement!

[@peterbland7227]

Seems so humble and genteel. I love his live videos with Mark Knopfler. There is one back and form song where Mark gives this amazed look as Chet is soloing.

[@Nigelrathbone1]

Great musician, pioneer in rock n roll, guitarist extrordinaire

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Sure miss Chet and everything about him, PLUS: ZERO racism, ZERO bigotry and ZERO intolerance towards anyone. Just a gem! Sorely missed…glad his close friend Mark Knopfler is around.

[@innervisions1828]

A source of pride - so to speak for Chet was his all-inclusive nature. He was not dissuaded from signing Charlie Pride because of the color of his skin and the racial unrest in the mid-1960s. He proved through action that talent went beyond the Civil Rights Movement of the South. Politics was not a factor and he didn’t use Charlie Pride’s African-American heritage to make any other point besides the man could sing - and he had an audience who wanted to listen.

[@jessehayes486]

This legend influenced Mark Knopfler and my, what a legend he became. Such wonderful talent.

[@boguitar87]

The title at 8:41 is "The odd folks of Okracoke". Beautiful sounding guitar!

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

Chet is the man who first inspired Tommy Emmanuel to play guitar, and awarded the very first "Certified Guitar Player" (CGP) award to Tommy. Chet inspired so many others as well. A guitarist of his stature and influence had reason to be proud; yet, his humility and down=to-earth character were as much a part of his greatness as his playing.

[@johnnyx9892]

No the first CGP was actually awarded to Jerry Reed.

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

@@johnnyx9892 Thanks for the correction! 😎

[@rockinredneck57]

Tommy got the last CGP given by Chet. Chet's family gave one posthumously to his many years side man and guitarist , Paul Yandell.

[@louismosier8582]

Thanks so much for posting this! I saw the original broadcast and I never thought I would ever see it again.

[@DianeCagni-st5zc]

He was the very best!

[@itsjustmeMike527]

I just found this. Now I understand why Steve Howe lists Chet as a major influence on his guitar playing. They are/were both great guitarists. This piece is so similar to Steve's "Clap".

[@jamesdrynan]

Chet cooked and was an innovator and inspiration to many musicians. Lenny Breau, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel and many more pickers paid hommage to the " Country Gentleman. "

[@lorfo5545]

and Steve Howe...in 71..reincarned in Chet Atkins in " The Clap" Yes Album

[@markbrown7103]

Chad Atkins. One of the greatest guitars I’ve ever seen yet. He inspired me to play guitar. Yes and Jerry Reed was one. Great one also. I love to play style guitar. It is a beautiful way of playing a guitar. When you play finger style, you can put your whole heart and soul into it And it sounds beautiful. I myself have been playing since 1974. And still can’t play as well as chat. I keep trying, but have a hard time succeeding a very beautiful and very complicated guitarist. But that’s what makes guitar really challenging. Have a great day.👍🏼👍🏼🎸😎

[@PLA5207]

Magnificent is this Master. TY

[@DanStrahan-pq7do]

Transformed country music into a voluptuous artistic expression the second he arrived in Nashville after the war

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Chet Atkins on Johnny Carson. Nuff said.

[@princeharming8963]

Mr. Guitar... and Mr. Tasteful.

[@chrislawson7983]

Yankee doodle dixie is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing.

[@garygerding8735]

I loved Jerry Reeds funky off beat style and chets precission......different but both great!

[@philrisser6853]

more Robert Blake interviews please. hes comedic gold. Whata Performance by Chet

[@BandrewScott]

The music was great, but it was amazing hearing the inteview with Chet.

[@boards80]

Listening to Chet talking about smiling on Welk's shoe, I keep thinking of Neil LeVang smiling away playing Ghost Riders in the Sky and the maracas guys smiling having the time of his life. Chet was incred

[@Panufo]

The tune is Jerry Reed's "The Claw", kids...

[@jillkjv3816]

Very very cool. 😍

[@acedaytona1884]

Sooooo sick!!!!

[@Dman85612]

Chet was playing a Jerry Reed tune called " the claw." Chet and Jerry made two albums together that if you like guitar picking you will love. Chet also recorded numerous compositions by Jerry , who Chet credits as getting him interested in playing again.

[@FrettieFingers]

Made my day! Tuning: E flat B flat E flat G B flat E flat

[@paolospadaro]

!!Magic touch!!

[@nicestrat]

Absolutely amazing. Chet was obviously a highly talented and intelligent man. Love listening to his vinyl records to this day. Also, thumb pick on the G string?? Don't think I've seen that technique before. Gonna try it today!

[@Kylerjguitar]

Thanks for this upload! Truly important

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

The Tim Henson of his day.

[@jamesdylandean614]

I hope that God will have a place for him in the New Earth, so that we can enjoy his artistry forever.

[@justaguy6100]

Chet, I think, was a little too subtle for Johnny. He had some excellent jokes, "I tried singing, I think I got one fan letter." That was great.

[@BullpenBoss]

Playing Jerry Reed’s signature tune The Claw!

[@chrisvanhorne2285]

Carson and Atkins...very similar dudes.

[@williamgreeson8387]

His conversation is like his guitar playing.... soft-spoken yet brilliant. Chet Atkins was a class act, through and through.

[@bradburks696]

Would see him on Hee Haw and other country shows but it is amazing how watching someone play a guitar and watching his interview is so much more entertaining than the losers on late night over the past decade or so. But I'm 62 so maybe that's the reason I feel that way. And always thought Phyllis Newman was pretty hot, even as a kid.

[@zackvanhalen]

He has the same gentle touch as Andres Segovia.

[@rockinredneck57]

Chet lists him as one of big big influences.

[@robgilbert9008]

The bull that bucked me off

[@eddriver7815]

I met Chet in 1976 in Edmonton Canada where he was in concert . There were posters in the lobby reading " A Night WIth Chet Atkins . " After the show I grabbed a poster and told my wife ...im going to get him to autopgraph it . I walked back stage just like I belonged there . The security glanced at me but never stopped me . I saw Chet down the hall gointo his dressig room . I walked to his room , knocked on the door , and I introduced myself and asked hin if he would sign the poster . Just then a security lady walked in and asked me what I was doing there //// Chet said " oh he's fine , he's an old friend of mine " ... and signed it to me ..Your Friend Chet Atkins . I do not remember what I said ... we shook hands ... he had the biggest hands I ever saw .... and I left . I showed my wife what I had , and she was amazed and said , " i knew you were doing that " only you would do that " . All I remember is how c l a s s y he was. I have that poster still today up on my wall behind glass ... Thanks Chester .

[@zeppelinboys]

this America might be gone forever but at least we can watch re-runs until the power goes out!

[@OldBillOverHill]

He played for me when I was a paperboy.

[@lettots]

I could see where Steve Howe of yes got some of his influence.

[@RobKandell]

The man could play. His brother-in-law was no slouch on mandolin, either.

[@deloysterns]

The first song chet does is Jerry Reed's The Claw

[@johnpower2018]

That looks like a nylon string guitar.

[@jameshayden3952]

Self-taught Master.

[@troycarpenter3675]

Johnny at his peak

[@brettmcclung7590]

Chet Atkins was a great guitar 🎸 playrer. Would love to see appearances and episodes with Roy Clark, Dwight Yoakum, Glen Campbell, more of Dolly Parton, Roy Rogers, etc @Johnny Carson Full Shows, please!🙏 Of this show and others. All the performances and segments are nice, but I really want the full shows. Is it maybe easier to get more music clearances this way instead of full shows right now?? Just curious 🤔 If you have a minute to answer my questions that would be awesome Thanks.

[@JenniferIsbell-qr2tg]

❤

[@jega157]

Chets got it man.

[@davidespinosa1910]

Has anyone seen another video of Chet playing The Claw without Jerry ? I bet this is the only one !

[@hamperionsma7218]

70's music

[@snelsonakapoolim9844]

I heard a guy by the name of 'lighting Hopkins playing that first piece singing a lyric about mama had a turkey thought it was duck and not taking nothing from Atkins but in my opinion lighting was the greatest guitarists...

[@GuitarJams-zs7yf]

I believe the first song was a Jerry Reed song written by Jerry Reed. Jerry wrote several songs that Chet used.

[@Danny-nm9sn]

Thanks for sh aring. I always wondered if Chet and Johnny crossed paths on the set of The Tonight show. I should have known as Johnny would not miss booking the best guitarist of the age

[@roncaruso931]

A great musician.

[@njb7209]

❤️ 😎 👍

[@joeditta7792]

❤…that’s a JerryReed tune ?

[@QOTSAPT]

Is the break still going? I'm still waiting.

[@jackienosbisch3351]

You are right Jerry Reed was outstanding. However he Traveled with Chet Atkins for over twelve years and he was married to Chet Atkins daughter. The two often played together. Even after this twelve year tour. Steve Warner also traveled with them . He played the bass for Chet Atkins for many years

[@chadjustice8560]

Jerry wasn't married to chets daughter

[@markwilsher3218]

Yes I agree lots of great pickers out there but with chet if you know you know