Could Elvis really play the guitar or was he just pretending? (Musicians opinion)

Hey there! A lot of you guys frequently ask me if Elvis was a good guitar player. Check out this video to hear my opinion about this interesting question.
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[@ChrisEllisMedia]

Johnny Cash said that Elvis was one of the best Rhythm guitar players he ever heard. He hated that the record companies didn't let him play more on his records. Pretty amazing.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes he did!

[@flemit35]

I think Elvis remained in charge when he was in a studio, especially in the 50s & 70s when there wasn't the production line type recordings to satisfy movies. therefore it seems it was Elvis choice to use the guitar less, the type of rock and roll records he was making post his second album just didn't suit his guitar playing with the song One Night being an exception the only other noticeable time he used the guitar extensively are during the Elvis is Back sessions the first couple of recording session after he left the Army Reconsider Baby probably being the best example

[@paulstanfield5949]

Thanks for this Chris. Coming from Johnny Cash that's a great insight.

[@PROFESSOR-I.C.]

I'm a Johnny Cash fan and I never heard him say that. If he did, he was patronizing Elvis, which Johnny would do sometimes. Fact, Elvis only knew the three basic chords which she could barely play. In the beginning of his career , he used it the guitar mainly as a prop. Then, no guitar at all.

[@tonyarenee531]

@@PROFESSOR-I.C. Johnny Cash -------- 'The Elvis I knew was a kid full of fun', said Cash. 'He loved his work, loved his music, loved his guitar, loved gospel music and loved his mother'. --------- So IF He couldn't play his guitar why would "The Man In Black" say that!!! Yes Cash was known for kidding around I am a huge fan of Elvis Johnny Cash Merle Haggard all the Country Legends... My Dad Sang & Played his 63 Fender Strat to many artists My whole life .... AND in an interview Elvis DID say He only knew a few chords.... I SEE YOUR POSSIBLY AN ELVIS HATER??? Only guessing...... but putting someone down or demeaning them famous or not is just very disrespectful and rude AT LEASE HE SAID THAT HE ONLY KNEW A FEW BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE WONDERING .....

[@laurenerenn784]

Elvis probably would have used spoons if he had them in his hand at the time he was singing! He used everything he had, his body, a twitch, a wink, a flick and a dance, because he felt his music! He had it all and used it all. Beautiful to watch and hear!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Absolutely!!

[@SultanOfTwang1956]

​@John Gibson Music Hello there 😀 Just wanted to reach out and say how immensely enjoyable your presentation on Elvis Presley's guitar playing abilities was. I know there have been many, many doubters that have taken pot shots regarding the nature of his capabilities. I personally think one of the finest examples regarding that is him playing Scotty Moores Gibson Super 400 electric in the 1968 "Comeback Special" on "Baby What You Want Me To Do".

[@mariamariscal5616]

Nice comment ❤️🙏

[@sandralybrand9407]

The musicians that played for him said he always joked about only knowing 3 chords but they said he was a very good rythem guitar player as well as played piano very well.

[@johnbattles1002]

Thank you for this information video! I was born in 1955, the year that was considered Elvis' "breakthrough" year. So, I grew up listening to him a good bit and watching several of his movies (mainly because my sister was a fanatic about him - lol!). I've never understood why so many people have the ridiculous idea that he couldn't play the guitar. He could play both the guitar AND the piano! Not to mention his vocal chords being a whole orchestra all by themselves!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks for your comment! I totally agree with you 😊👍 Have a great day.

[@anthonymorales842]

He was a real musician great arranger. Understood everything about his craft

[@brendabooher6683]

Elvis is still the best. I still listen to him everyday. An awesome entertainer and guitar player.

[@mariamariscal5616]

Same here 😃

[@daytonabeachUSA]

There’s better music out there

[@randykirby2866]

Of coarse Elvis could play guitar. He was Elvis! Good job on the video. He deserves more credit for his guitar playing. If you listen to the Sun sessions you realize he was good rhythm guitar player in a pretty rocking band. Simple, yes. It was the 50's. He was no Hendrix or Clapton but these guys would have not existed if it was not for him.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you!

[@probyperson1]

Elvis played guitar (rhythm originally at Sun), lead guitar (‘68 Comeback Special), bass player (Bill Black couldn’t get the bass part on Baby I Don’t Care so stormed out, Elvis picked it up and did it himself), he also played piano throughout his life (In Concert Special from ‘77) and he also had a go at the drums on occasion too.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes!!

[@TheFarmerfitz]

Yes, the 68 comeback special showcased his guitar ability when he switched guitars with Scotty Moore. That was Elvis really playing Scotties guitar. Nothing fake about that.

[@matrix5000100]

Elvis not only played the guitar well, he also played the piano and other musical instruments very well.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes he did!

[@glennpaulsson2366]

@@johngibsonmusic he also played drums

[@walliegirl2]

@@glennpaulsson2366 Marty Robbins played guitar, piano, dobro, pedal steel guitar. AND he wrote over 200 great songs while Elvis only co-wrote 2 lousy songs. And Marty was a great singer. He was also Elvis' mentor when Elvis first started.

[@NateRuvin414]

Elvis was a tremendously underrated guitarisr

[@SallyBedow]

When Elvis was really young he would travel around with others like him. They had an old farm truck and had a hay rack trailer and they would stop at grocery store parking lots and play for gas and food money. I can remember him playing in the Piggly Wiggly lot in my hometown when I was pre-teen. He was the class of the group. We called it Rockabilly music back then.

[@banjopaul5749]

Amazing story 🤴🏻🎼⚡️

[@johngibsonmusic]

Wow! That's amazing Sally. Thanks for sharing this story. Have a great day!

[@TheFoofighter80]

The real thing Sally! Wow! Thanks!

[@alexgramm5170]

The old Piggly Wiggly..I remember those from Georgia when I was a kid in the 70S. Lived there for 2 yrs..from Massachusetts. Thats amazing that you saw and heard Elvis Presley in that setting!

[@jamesharwell]

You're a Memphis girl, then!

[@aprilradovic1356]

don,t forget 68 come back special, he was playing better than ever

[@richardortiz8704]

2021

[@johngibsonmusic]

Definitely! Wanted to use some comeback special clips but most of them are copyrighted.

[@JIMMYDIANO]

That was great John. You made me appreciate Elvis even more. I never thought of it that way before. He didn't do a bad job on a piano either. He used to put himself down and make fun of his own ability. But I just think that was his humble nature.

[@margarettaylor8107]

He also said he could not sing and dance.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much James! 😊🙏

[@elvicare35]

Er Ah, YUP...

[@mrnjo7]

How come John Lennon wanted so much to be like Elvis Presley ! Lennon could not mach Presley's looks but guitar and piano and sideburns were still a better option!

[@joepalooka2145]

There's another important issue to discuss regarding Elvis's guitar playing: that's singing and playing at the same time. Elvis had a fantastic sense of rhythm and timing and musical dynamics, which he combined with his voice and his guitar playing to produce something that had never been heard before. That's the source of his greatness, and something extremely few people have ever come close to matching. The Beatles for example.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you Joe!

[@par2552]

Nobody better than a musician like you John can confirm it, although I have never doubted Elvis's musical abilities. Thank you John, and take care. Paty.-

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks Paty! Take care.

[@phatxity9948]

He has super great ears

[@williamronneywilliams2639]

Top Video again John, Elvis is my hero and I love the impact he still has today. People like yourself with your reaction videos are furthering his legendary legacy.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much William! I really appreciate it.

[@williamronneywilliams2639]

@@johngibsonmusic and I truly appreciate the endless hours of Elvis reactions so that k you

[@williamronneywilliams2639]

@@johngibsonmusic no video jus audio a song few have heard, a friend threw a 45 vinyl record at my nose and when I read the title it was this track. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaqlp6KKqpmKpdk

[@zyxmyk]

Elvis didn't have to play much guitar, he was a great singer. No one asks how much piano Sinatra or Andy Williams could play. Elvis had a much more awesome voice than anybody in the Beatles or any of those bands. Having a great voice is much more rare than being able to play the guitar. He ended up with one of the best guitar players in the world in his band.

[@Wildlife_SA.]

Well said and true 👍🎸🎶🎤🎼⚡

[@lindahaas385]

Guitar AND Piano!!! He truly had music in his soul.

[@DellaStreet123]

Scotty Moore, who was Elvis' lead guitarist in his early career, confirmed that Elvis could play. He assessed Elvis' playing abilities as "well enough". I think the rumors that Elvis was pretending started with the movies, in which the guitars were often used as a prop, and continued because Elvis rarely played during his shows in Vegas.

[@mph7282]

Scotty once said that while Elvis wasn't a great guitarist, he had a great sense of rhythm and timing, which was just as important for what they were doing.

[@DellaStreet123]

I think it's not a coincidence that such small rockabilly groups as the Blue Moon Boys who had no drummer relied not just on double bass for their signature sound but also on a guitar player who put the rhythm into rhythm guitar. Elvis was one such example, and so was Johnny Cash, who didn't have a drummer until Fluke Holland joined the group.

[@jamesgeiger4795]

One characteristic of his playing is that he would do a walk up riff between certain chords in the progression

[@FEA666]

Elvis was a very complete artist. No doubt.. Thanks John..

[@johngibsonmusic]

I agree! 😊

[@roustabout583]

The 68 special is loaded with Elvis playing the guitar Nice topic!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes! Wanted to use some of it but most of it is copyrighted.

[@G60syncro]

Was gonna post this... That alone stands as a great testament of his musical ability!! Once you strip off all the Vegas glitz you're left with incredible jams and amazing chemistry between him and his band!!

[@2011littlejohn1]

That was my instant thought when I saw this title. Also on that performance he should have given the guitar back to Scotty More after he played One Night. The only thing wrong with that performance.

[@Nunzi3]

Could you IMAGINE having a 🎸 E played during that 68 spec. ??!! WOW Got to get my Butt to Graceland!! Respect ✊🏼! Boston 💪

[@roustabout583]

@@Nunzi3 a beautiful guitar even though it’s Scotty Moore’s they said they used scottys guitar for the intro on suspicious minds . Scotty called the 68 special” the night Elvis murdered my guitar “lol

[@Jim-zt1hl]

Thanks Bro for pointing that out!!!! You are totally right!!!! Long Live ELVIS THE KING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johngibsonmusic]

🙏😊 You are welcome!

[@Jim-zt1hl]

@johnnynotenglish9751 I did that was a year ago.....

[@ROCKINGMAN]

I would say he was a natural rhythm guitar player and used the guitar as a prop many times while performing. He had a good natural understanding of timing and strumming patterns which can be heard on many of his Sun recordings contributing to the overall sound which is surprisingly full. Not forgetting a reasonable piano player too. He owned too some real classic guitars.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you!

[@Elvis35-77]

Watching the sit down segments of the 68 Special over and over again was how I learned the basics many, many moons ago! Thank you Elvis!!!

[@icanfartloud]

Listen to "You're So Square", Baby I Don't Care. Elvis is the electric bass player on the recording.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Love this song! Didn't that he played bass on it. Thank you!

[@Tupelokid11]

Yes this is a well known fact!

[@jennytmaher]

@@johngibsonmusic Bill Black couldn't get the hang of playing the electric bass and gave up on it. Elvis picked up the bass and did it off the cuff.

[@xxcelr8rs]

@@johngibsonmusic Buddy Holly wrote it. Joni Mitchel covered it.

[@jared0817]

I had know idea, I just listened to it. That's so cool!

[@seaniek9175]

He looked at ease playing the guitar and made it look easy. He was also backed by some of the all time great musicians. Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry would also be very influential from that era .

[@matrix5000100]

@Seanie K: Is correct! When Elvis played the guitar it looked beautiful and was fun to watch.

[@karentranter7806]

Hi John, Thanks for clearing that up. A lot of people over the years have said he couldn't play. I thought he could because he was given a guitar when he was a kid. Thank you John, I appreciate you explaining this. Take care happy Easter xxx 💝

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much Karen! ☺️🙏 Have a great day and stay safe.

[@sandralybrand9407]

Happy Easter John! Elvis joked that he couldn't but his guys said he was very proficient at it. His piano playing was even better#

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks Sandra! 😊🙏

[@jimireefer3689]

That's right ! Elvis piano playing is solid

[@lisadee.]

Hey Johnny; I appreciate your detailed commentary on Elvis' guitar playing. It adds more validity for me coming from you, a musician; (a tremendously talented one 😉). This is the exact treat I needed today. Fantastic video. Btw; I believe mama Gladys bought Elvis his 1st guitar on a birthday, but he wanted a gun, which they could not afford. So this was his encounter with learning to play. 🎸 Stay safe out there Johnny, & have a restful Resurrection Day!! ✝ Thanks for the post. ❤

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much for your comment Lisa! Great information 😊 🙏❤️

[@tomwaite7332]

Right on man , I'm happy you did this video . Lots say he pretended to play . Thanks man 🙏🙏🙏🇨🇦

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much Tom! 🙏😊

[@haro82]

Elvis killed it in 68 special with Baby what you want me to do.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Absolutely!

[@dougdickason]

Johnny Cash was at Elvis' first ever live performances, and he said the only thing he was tuning in on was Elvis' rhythm playing on guitar. He wasn't listening to singing or even Scotty's playing, but to Elvis' playing. Also, on the first Sun recordings, they didn't have a drummer, so Cash and Sam Phillips have talked about how Elvis' rhythm playing had a percussive element to it that drove the songs, as well as bassist, Bill Black, and maybe he was influenced by Black. Interesting that he really didn't play much guitar after the 50's, except for the '68 special, where he played a lot. He also was a good bass player and it's him playing the electric bass on "You're so Square," because Black couldn't get the intro right and quit the song. Elvis also did a bass on a few later songs. He was a good piano player as well. So, Elvis made that comment during his last tv special that he was actually going to play the guitar and that he knew 3 chords, believe it or not, but fooled them for a long time. I think because he was joking around about that, many people actually took him serious and that's how a lot of this rumor, that Elvis couldn't play, began. P.S. I forgot about Elvis' first RCA album cover. It's classic of him with his eyes closed and his mouth wide open hitting a big note and him in his stance with guitar and an almost blurred strumming hand. That photo began the guitar in pop music explosion in a way, or was a big influence. Here's that album, kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXuZoH6rjNRog6c

[@johngibsonmusic]

Fantastic comment. Thanks for all the information 😊👍🙏

[@WildlifeSA963]

Thanks for all the information. Yes Elvis could really play the guitar and very well at that. 👍

[@dougdickason]

@@WildlifeSA963 I'm not saying he was a master player, but he could play, unlike the rumor that he faked playing.

[@charlenewebb5893]

Elvis played the piano to all self taught .A natural

[@walliegirl2]

Marty Robbins was self-taught as well. He could play guitar, piano, pedal steel guitar. AND he wrote over 200 great songs almost all by himself. Elvis only co-wrote 2 lousy songs.

[@mrnjo7]

Thank you Sir for your precious words for Elvis ! God bless you ,Amen !

[@johngibsonmusic]

😊🙏

[@dougguard1]

Elvis had a magic guitar. This guitar not only could plat strings, it could play a complete band uncluding drums. This magic guitar could be taken anywhere in particular the back of a sports convertible or even a motorcycle. They stopped making them about 1969.

[@JacoWium]

It must have been that darned Colonel Tom Parker who ordered those magic geetah's be shut down. 😀

[@christinebmorel5853]

Thank you so much John, I appreciate your support for The GOAT,I knew that he could play the guitar saw the 68 come back special.it was great God bless you and your family 👍🤒😷🙋☝👌🌹🔥⚡ TCB ⚡🙏 amen.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much! 😊🙏❤️

[@christinebmorel5853]

Your welcome.🙏 amen.

[@AdityasEPFC]

The 68, 1969 and 70 sit down sessions really show off his guitar skills!

[@rayadkins8685]

watch the king playing guitar During The rehearsals in the movie thats the way it is, also in the 68 TV Special, After All Elvis Is The King Of Music.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes! 👍

[@MarkRogersVOCFB]

The 68 Comeback Special would be the best example of his guitar skills when he gave it some focus.

[@justiceforall6412]

Elvis actually played guitar on all of his records. He was a very good rhythm guitarist and the Beatles said when they met him he was sitting around playing a bass and they were impressed with his playing.

[@matrix5000100]

@Justice For All: Correct! there are many testimonies from other musicians who have met Elvis personally who say that Elvis was very good at playing various musical instruments. I think Elvis was truly a musical genius and an incredible artist. Elvis did not need any music lessons or artistic rehearsals as his art was simply 100% pure nature. I think that's where Elvis Presley was really unique.

[@cut1986]

Thanks John. He could also hold his own on bass, piano, and sometimes drum. Bass on Your so Square intro was Elvis.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes! 😊👍

[@matrix5000100]

@cut1986: Correct! Elvis Presley had the best musicians in all areas of his time. Most of the musicians who played for Elvis were well known before they came to Elvis. Elvis also had a very good bass player. One day Elvis wanted a special use of the bass in the studio. The bass player didn't get it the way Elvis wanted. Elvis took the bass and played the bass himself. Everyone was happy, including the bass player. Elvis Presley was a musical genius.

[@robbiefutch6932]

Wasn't much Elvis couldn't do!!!! 🎼🎧🎤❤️

[@jerryapgar2579]

He couldn't write a song

[@joline2730]

He couldn't write !!!

[@magskelly6075]

But he could really sing.. Many a songwriter couldn't sing a note..

[@fender1000100]

@@magskelly6075 True, with a voice like that he could sing the phone book and sell records. He was one of a kind.

[@gutenbird]

@@jerryapgar2579 Elvis didn’t write any original songs that a I know of but he and his band had a way of making some big improvements. There were other guys doing covers who sounded kind of lame but Elvis usually made the song better. Compare him to Pat Boone who sounds a bit ridiculous sing black music. Elvis in the other hand had great rhythm and had that music in his bones.

[@elenicecastro9276]

@John Gibs... 💞💞💞 Parabéns pelo maravilhoso vídeo! Thank You very much! Bjs!🦋🌹🦋 🌠ELVIS FOREVER🌠👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johngibsonmusic]

Obrigado Elenice!! ❤️🙏😊

[@banjopaul5749]

Thanks for your insight Johnny G Good! He only needed to do what he needed to do to provide the rhythm element but he played on all of the sun sessions and if you listen closely there’s some good rhythm and picking in there..plus you’ll obs see him again in the 68 special showing his skills had improved. As we all know def a music playing musician as he was proficient on the piano and bass. Thanks again JG 🤴🏻⚡️🎼

[@margarettaylor8107]

DJ Fontana said Elvis was so talented that he could play anything he felt like.He would just pick it up a d play it he said.What a great guy D J was.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you. Thanks for your comment 🙏😊 Have a great day!

[@ms.sonshine8878]

Definitely. Watch him playing the guitar in King Creole to the song of the same name & the 68 Special he plays, Baby What You Want Me To Do.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes! Wanted to use the 68 Comeback Special but it is copyrighted.

[@marilynpresley2am]

Amazing video!! In my opinion, Elvis was one of the most influential artists of all time!!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes!!

[@johntynio3416]

Are you kidding me, the whole music world came alive and absolutely exploded when Elvis came on the scene! Guitar sales and lessons, ( piano and drums etc. ) but even bigger is that so much money poured in that all companies in music, and sound systems, record players, record companies, could now afford to hire on more engineers and develop the future! Colleges and Universities offered more engineering programs as people flooded in that area too! Just incalculable the jump start he gave to industries and the world that we are still enjoying today! The Beatles and the British invasion was all a result of Elvis! Thanks for knowing and saying that John!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Absolutely! 🙏👍

[@angelacalvert7599]

Thanks for picking out the chords as he played. If you haven't watched the entire 68 special, you need to. Elvis played all through it and he was so good. Again, thanks for doing this.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much Angela!

[@margarettaylor8107]

Elvis not only played the guitar, concurrently he sang hard and dance.Not many entertainers can do all three at once.I think he is a better guitar player than you say.Johnny Cash was a witness to that.He said he could listen to Elvis play the rhythm guitar all day long .He said Elvis had the most rhythm in him than anyone he had ever seen.I agree.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes, Elvis really could play rhythm!

[@aldenunion]

Piano to

[@PROFESSOR-I.C.]

Viva Las Vegas co-starring with Ann-Margret he was out danced and had to rehearse many times because of his awkwardness. Fact.

[@PROFESSOR-I.C.]

@@aldenunion never saw nor heard him play piano.

[@PROFESSOR-I.C.]

It took him a while to learn three basic chords that he struggled with. He later used the guitar as a prop or cover picture.

[@judyahlburg7404]

I was interested to hear your opinion on Elvis's ability with the guitar. In the 68 Comeback Special where he sings 'Baby What Do You Want Me to Do' and 'Trying to Get To You' he plays the guitar really well. Because of your guitar knowledge they might be good songs for you to do reactions to.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Absolutely! I will check them out ☺️👍

[@vintvarner16]

​@johngibsonmusic another good example is on the Dorsey show when he did Money Honey, his guitar was very loud but great

[@coliemaurie5526]

A good biopic about Elvis should involve the fact that Elvis' parents bought his first guitar a few months after Elvis entered a children's song contest without playing an instrument and his uncles were the first to show him how to play. Elvis said he was neither as good nor as bad on guitar as some claim. At the piano, he was very talented too (without any formal teaching).

[@brandonayong5823]

I think in the 50s obviously it was more of a stage tool than anything else. A lot of times he wasn't even playing his guitar. He already knew how to play but he was not really using it on stage. The one time where he showed that he really could rock on both acoustic and electric was on the 68 comeback special. That's the most guitar he has ever played. Also in the 1970 documentary " That's the way it is" you can see him play a lot in rehearsals. That being said he definitely wasn't a hendrix or a Clapton. Far from it. He said once that he only knew the basic cords. And a couple of more elaborated tricks but He surrounded himself with top class guitar players. Especially James Burton who was a great player. What many people don't know is that very early on he was playing many instruments in the studio. He could play drums. Bass. And especially piano. That's where he was more gifted

[@margarettaylor8107]

Brandon who do you think played guitar in his first band and on his beginng records...Elvis.Johnny Cash was witness...Louisiana Hayride days.He said he could listen and watch Elvis play rhythm guitar all day long.He said Elvis had the most rhythm of anyone he ever saw..also best vocalist and entertainer.DJ Fontana said Elvis was so talented he could pick up any instrument and play it. Do not forget he was also singing and dan ing while playing guitar . He said he could not dance, could not sing, and could not play guitar.He was being humble..that is the kind of man he was.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Interesting comment! Wanted to use some clips of the 68 Comeback Special but most of them are copyrighted.

[@brandonayong5823]

@@margarettaylor8107 not at any moment did I say he couldn't play

[@juancarloscabreramenendez7628]

In early non-professional Sun Records recordings like My Happiness, only Elvis is heard on his acoustic guitar and no additional accompaniment.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Have to check it out 😊👍

[@Tupelokid11]

Definitely, just Elvis on his own with his old acoustic

[@marc8vino]

Yes and at 18 years old in 53?

[@ChrisDan94_]

110% one of the greatest rhythm players ever.. People forget The Beatles copied his style! A lot of rocks bands wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the king.

[@matrix5000100]

@CJ Carpenter: 100% Yes!

[@blueorigin1550]

Tha was cool vid bro , yea he’s a great guitar player elvis was and by voice he influenced so many people and can say the entertainment business to, thx god for elvis aye ha 👍🏽😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes! 🙏😊 Thank you!

[@barbsmith235]

Yes John elvis sure could play the guitar 🎸 brilliant he was l don't remember the earlier days off elvis but he was amazing 🕺 lve been watching some off elvis shows and he was fantastic 🎶 at playing so yes wonderful elvis ❤️ greatest artist ever the king 👑 ♥️ elvis 🌹 thank u John your a great musician to 🎶🎶🎸🎶much ♥️ and godbless from uk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ❤️ 🎸 🎧🎤 ⭐ 🎶🙏

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes he could! 😊 Thanks for your comment Barb. Have a great day 🙏❤️

[@diannemacdonald5228]

Oh yes John a natural with the Guitar his Mama brought his 1st Guitar when 12yrs old A gift from his Mama love your channel Great answers i TOTALLY agree

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks Dianne! 😊

[@AdityasEPFC]

Recordings of “Mystery Train / Man” (Live 1969 version) and “Stranger in my own hometown” from 1969 demonstrate Elvis playing really aggressive raw rhythm guitar, they are both lesser known!

[@johngibsonmusic]

I have to check them out!

[@seanfitzpatrick4730]

Elvis had great instincts in everything he did

[@debbyschultz1729]

Love Elvis Always have always will!

[@johngibsonmusic]

🙏❤️

[@alanestlin312]

Listen to his rhythm playing on early Sun sessions superb

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes!

[@deniseperryman2814]

I don’t understand John any true Elvis fan new he could play the guitar so this Question is baffling to me Thanks anyway John at least I got to see Elvis in your clips even though I do watch him everyday you can never get enough of Elvis and I should know I’ve been a fan for 60yrs Love 💕 from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥰🤴🤴👑👑👑👑👍👏👏👏👋

[@johngibsonmusic]

Hi Denise! A lot of people frequently ask me this question, I am wondering too. That's the reason why I wanted to clear this up 😊👍 Have a great day! ❤️

[@shirleyaloysius4829]

Elvis is fantastic on playing the guitar. And Elvis was not kind of person who faked. He has his real talent. And honest . Thank you John and god bless you

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks so much Shirley!

[@Jeri_C11]

Thanks for that video. I recently sent a video of him just playing the guitar during 68 Special & he was playing the electric guitar really well. I proved my point to someone so I was happy to see this video. Love your songs by the way. You are extremely talented.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it 😊🙏

[@elviskess]

You can hear Elvis playing guitar on the 1960 recording of Reconsider Baby and the 1957 recording of Blue Christmas. Of course, the 68 special had great twelve bar blues on Baby What You Want Me To Do.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes!

[@rong805]

He was, after all, his own rhythm guitar player on most of his early stuff. It was just a stand up bass, electric guitar and Elvis' guitar. I don't know why people have such a hard on about him faking it. He didn't have to be Jimi. He was good enough to carry his tunes.

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you!

[@kelliintexas3575]

Elvis was a GREAT Rhythm guitar. He toured EVERY SINGLE DAY IN 1953- 1956 in a old car with just the trio. Elvis drove, Scotty on map & Bill in the back. DOUBLE BASS ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR. 1956 DJ joined on drums & they all toured, did movies & recorded until 1958. RCA bought his contract and he went into the ARMY. Most people don't know the SHEER HARD WORK it took Elvis to find fame. For 4 SOLID YEARS he toured a new city every one to two days!! Check out his schedule from 1954-1961 here: elvisconcerts.com/earlyconcerts/earlyconcerts.php?search_year=1955

[@johngibsonmusic]

Great comment! Thank you very much!

[@edchan8653]

Always use to think Elvis was pretending to play the guitar but you clarified the topic on whether he could play the guitar?.......thank you

[@TheCALFORD]

Elvis was an astonishing rhythm guitar player. Just listen to the sun tracks, A POWERHOUSE RYTHM AND HE NEVER USED A PICK EITHER. His timing in the early days was just great, Mystery Train is just outstanding. Take a look at the early footage

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you!

[@iblogthereforeiam4267]

I agree with you! 😊

[@rsvela1]

You are absolutely right

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you!

[@jackcarson6288]

Great analysis i totally agree.

[@johngibsonmusic]

😊👍

[@Art-is-craft]

Elvis was all about the song and performance. He was never going to dominate songs with a guitar solo.

[@alanstevenson-graham6268]

I see the chord patterns, I play, I'm glad you made this video for doubters

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you!

[@marnernordendal3927]

Thank you John never seen that before,

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you ☺️👍

[@TheCrossIsAll]

Johnny Cash and Roy Clark both stated, independently of one another, in their books, that Elvis was actually an amazing guitar player. Elvis liked to joke about only knowing three chords but that was simply self-depreciating humor. He was very good at guitar and he could also play several other instruments, according to his friends.

[@marnernordendal3927]

Thank you for explaining so good ☺️😊

[@johngibsonmusic]

🙏😊❤️

[@albrecqgerald]

i have seen Elvis in june 77 i was on the first rang of the audience and i can confirm that Elvis played really and very good the guitar. For "baby i don't care 1957" he play the bass too

[@johngibsonmusic]

Wow!!

[@irineomallari3259]

Thank you ❤

[@johngibsonmusic]

❤️

[@johng1902]

Thank you for a terrific vid! 🙂

[@sylviabell499]

I think he was great.

[@lynncunningham829]

John I'm a big fan of Elvis's I always knew he could do this he joked when Thomas said he couldn't play the guitar but I have a strong feeling he could thanks for proving me right

[@johngibsonmusic]

🙏😊

[@tcbsince73]

Wings of Pegasus channel did a detailed review of Baby What You What Me To Do and showed that of course Elvis was playing and the rumour is nonsense.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yup!

[@williamquinlan2193]

I read that Johny Cash once said he could listen to Elvis play rhythm guitar all day long. Elvis was an instinctive musician who could also play bass and piano. A song in Jailhouse Rock required a bass line by a Fender bass. Bill Black wasn't able to do it. Elvis picked it up and played it. During his 68 Special Elvis played the electric guitar in front of an audience for the first time.

[@johngibsonmusic]

🙏😊

[@colmflaherty3963]

Yes thanks very much John. There's a good example from the TV special, where he walks over to the crowd, and we see him play guitar there, And -that's the way it. in Studio, and on stage doing little sister sitting down. In fact, he could play many different instruments.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you! Yes you are right 😊👍

[@jamieroberts1985]

Yes he sure could play no doubt. He just loved to sing and move around was more his style.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes!

[@DrDespicable]

Elvis was a great self-accompanist, but even he would tell you that Scotty Moore did all the really heavy lifting.

[@neillanc65]

Presley had limited ability on the guitar. And he was the first to admit it. A much more competent piano player in comparison. He had an innate charisma. So whatever he did was elevated. He surrounded himself with top musicians. On lead - Scotty Moore, Hank Garland, Harold Braddley, Jerry Reed, Reggie Young and of course.. James Burton

[@thomaspetersen9991]

What you think.elvis was The biggest Star ever

[@janinifarris4414]

Mister john goodman I love your demeanor , From having used warmth in your delivery!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thank you very much!

[@Johnny_Doe]

Watch the 68 Comeback Special on the B-Stage. He definitely could play. Was he amazing? He was beyond a novice that’s for sure.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Yes!

[@lynncunningham829]

That rumor came out cuz he said he couldn't play a guitar I think what he meant was he couldn't play it as good as other guitar players play it like Jimmy Hendrix but Elvis could play the guitar

[@ejrodriguez188]

Loved it

[@locksmithsilva1163]

Thanks for the video because I always thought he played guitar. My father in law & neighbor said he didn't know how to play I argued with them, not in a bad way' but Elvis did know how to play.

[@johngibsonmusic]

☺️👍

[@revolution51]

I know what you mean. People ask me every time I go out to the store or just stop for gas, "Hey, could Elvis actually play the guitar?" Lots of curious fans still around since the mid 70's, 50 years ago, still wondering.

[@shirleysanchez1892]

❤️ 🎶 "Beautiful Dear John Gibson 🏆 Beloved Elvis Presley 💕 an extraordinary Singer 🎶 and persona ❤️ like no other's.. Magnificence 🏆 ln Abundance. Thanks for sharing 💕 Love and enjoy a fabulous 🌴 Day.. ". 🎶 ❤️

[@neillancaster6636]

Presley was the greatest vocalist ever. He was a competent rhythm guitarist. A better piano player. He surrounded himself with wonderful lead guitar players. Scotty Moore, Hank Garland, Harold Bradley, Glen Campbell, Tommy Tedesco, James Burton. He was cool with 3 chords!!

[@johngibsonmusic]

I totally agree with you!

[@Tupelokid11]

In 1953 Elvis walked into Sun studios in Memphis paid $4-00 and recorded 2 sides, the only things heard are Elvis and his acoustic guitar.

[@johngibsonmusic]

Amazing!!

[@andrew1212w]

Well researched video with interesting content for Elvis fans 👍

[@johngibsonmusic]

Thanks you very much 🙏😊