Doc Watson - "Deep River Blues" (Doc's Guitar: Fingerpicking & Flatpicking DVD)

[@davidmuir7711]

The man is a metronome. So clean and steady.

[@richierich8678]

thats the real deal right there. no music compares to a tune like that

[@dornkile5616]

Funniest thing I ever saw happen at a concert - Doc and Merle were playing in the old Alumni gym on the Hill at University of Tennessee - back in the '70's. Everybody was enjoying the picking and singing, when during a brief lull, some joker in the balcony yells out: 'play such and such Doc' (don't remember the song). Undeterred from what he and Merle had planned, Doc 'looked' up in the vicinity of the voice and calmly declares: 'ah yeah, I remember my first beer too'. Audience loved it - and Doc kept right on playing.

[@chrisshort4864]

That is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@francisbmoore675]

Medication music😂

[@bobcarrphoto7938]

I was at that show!

[@FlatlandMando]

What a natural performer, all the way around, no stress, no strain, just music.

[@SteveSavagemusic]

Yep.. due to 10's of thousands of hours of practice.

[@joepalooka2145]

Those of us who were lucky enough to sit close to Doc Watson in a live performance, gained a life-long love and appreciation for him. Not just for his wonderful musical talents, but for his great warmth as a human being and his sense of humour. He was totally genuine and honest. He was a great man.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Doc lived about 40 miles down the mountain from where I went to college at Appalachian State. I saw him play 4 times. He was always a gentleman who seemed truly surprised and grateful that people, especially poor college students, would lay down their money to listen to him play. He remains a national treasure long after he's gone.

[@evelynovercash1147]

Me, too, Michael. I had the same experience. We didn't realize it was a big deal. We just wanted to hear him play.

[@DooDooBatterInPant]

My uncle used to play with him so I was lucky enough to meet him he was an awesome guy

[@kevinbaker7803]

Michael Colloton re

[@jimmyoleary8667]

Excellent! The One and only Doc!

[@QuantumMech_88]

Thanks for sharing this Michael . This means a lot & Be Blessed . Lefty

[@dancochrane617]

Doc Watson was a brilliant musician. He had a style and a feeling for the guitar. He was an ace among deuces.

[@theonetruemorty4078]

Been coming back here for 10 years now and it's still magic.

[@j0n1]

"See I just play... with one finger and a thumb. I don't use the... the sensible... 'chuckles' three-finger-method that you should use on fingerstyle guitar." Legend.

[@ssmith954]

What a fantastic piece of history! Thanks to Smithsonian Folkways for this 6 minutes of joy!

[@Modernbluesharmonica]

For some reason, the fact that 67 people give this video a thumbs-down cheers me immensely. Here's one of the great masters of American music, a real gentleman, and blind to boot, sharing his trade secrets. How dare he! "He sucks!" Etc. If Doc teaching "Deep River Blues" irritates you, I know a cat in a paper bag who's lonely for a partner.

[@adamartley6451]

He’s missed for sure. I bet that cat misses him too.

[@sheridanbernasconi9261]

how can anyone disaprove? even if it's not your cup of tea, to openly express "thumbs down" scares the bejeezus outta me!

[@trebortrahrebe2575]

Tell me you didn't put a cat in a paper bag.

[@chrisschuele4743]

Not enough to flashing lights and shiny things for the millennials

[@mitchrobertson5601]

Regardless what any generation might think, Music is eternal always has been, otherwise we would not have modes, and if you ever have the chance or fate to travel to his part of the country, up in them mountains and glens of North Carolina, and the electricity goes out, your gonna get a big dose of his style of playing when they break out the acoustic instruments start up the Parlor playing.

[@nelsonmcdonough9418]

It just doesn’t get any better than listening to Doc Watson!!! What an amazing talent!

[@paulwillard5991]

One of the all time best guitar pickers!! There will NEVER be another like Doc!!!

[@Wizzy-Waywell]

I'm from the UK and I always admired Docs playing and singing - what a guy we owe him so much

[@sheckyfeinstein]

I love humble guys with talent.

[@2322Hoover]

When a master plays, the most ordinary things sound different, and very special. Thankyou, Doc.

[@Anonymoose]

Doc is a National Treasure. I met him in the early 60s, I've tried to emulate him for all the years since, and this is one of the first of his tunes I tried to master. I can play it. I can even play it fairly well. Can I play it like Doc? No. Nobody can. When we lost him, we lost an era...

[@SaposJoint]

I listen to Doc with my eyes closed. God, I miss him.

[@horseman528]

If I lived a thousand years, I would never be able to play that good. What a pleasure to listen to Coc play.

[@markpower3282]

I thought the same but I had a savage music teacher who went through it piece by piece until it was passable. After that it was just play it over and over and listen to the little extras. Would not take as long as you think.

[@franklyons5433]

Got to travel with Doc Watson and Merle Watson for a while I was blessed

[@Hklbrries]

Deets?

[@Dambuskers]

Been locked down for 10 weeks , And i have endeavoured to learn this song . ..Just had another listen to Doc .. And i need to go back and put in another few hundred hours ..He was the master

[@markpower3282]

Always the same isnt it. You practice like hell at it then one day you think, 'hey, that's not half bad', then you listen to Doc again and consider chopping your own hands off!!!

[@fiftypeehead]

Funny how all the most talented guitarists are so modest and humble

[@ronj9448]

+Q Tips Wallet Nothing to prove! Their talents speak louder than they themselves would.

[@nathanbecker3605]

Very well said my friend

[@GentlemenRockU]

Correct: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

[@rbrockman6635]

Not funny at all, but it's the way it is and more importantly the way it should be. Doc and people of his talent are always humble down to the ground honest standards that most people will never ,as hard as they try , will never understand. And that to is the way it is but shouldn't be.

[@randypenn8763]

When personal pride is absent honest artistry flourishes! Doc's music is proof!

[@SGTJDerek]

Grew up around pickers. Loved to just sit and listen. Now, oh so many years later, after watching Fil from Wings of Pegasus do his break down videos, I have fallen in love with just sitting and listening to good players all over again. Thanks Fil for the gift of being able to really appreciate Doc on a whole new level.

[@wattsun7946]

Doc makes it look effortless and Docs picking is so clean and crisp its truly was a gift .What a beautiful legacy he left.

[@gregmccarter5386]

He could see better than any man who ever lived..his eyes were his heart..everything you hear comes from his heart.

[@TowerofGuitars]

No joke, getting the thumb totally independent from the fingers takes forever

[@harrylampton]

We are so fortunate to have this record! Thank You SmithsonianFolkways .

[@fuzzboxworld]

Love Doc Watson. Fingerboard closeups are like watching someone cheating at cards!

[@FlatlandMando]

That is funny, dry dry humour I can appreciate.

[@billygarrison6530]

no one is cheating here

[@sirolivermally]

fuzzboxworld great sense of humor! obviously not everyone gets it ;-)

[@danlevay5657]

I tried but can’t see him playing those high notes. It does sound and look like there is another guitar. Doc is amazing!

[@diment0857]

Now this is an artist with a capital A. Doc Watson is a treasure, always will be.

[@watsjd1]

I have this video. It changed my guitar life. I've tried to steal some licks from him, but there's only one Doc Watson. He has a rythmic feel and punch that can't be duplicated.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Far as I can tell, Doc had perfect pitch and rhythm, or darned close to it. His sense of time when playing was metronomic - almost perfect - but never lost its sense of swing.

[@smoovegittar]

I was fortunate to catch Doc with his son a few times. Warm feelings - thanks for posting.

[@rattleshakti]

What a wonderful man was Doc Watson

[@97teledlx]

Doc is so smooth. Who would have thought you could play the bass line and chord melody at the same time as a solo act. Doc and Merle are pure genius and masters of their respective trade. I cannot thank you enough for sharing. Now to practice, practice, practice.

[@vallanddess]

glad I had the privilege to see Doc and Merle many years ago, probably early eighties. Genuinely nice people.

[@wmialil]

Doc and the Delmore Brothers. True inspiration.

[@curtisshaw8046]

Please show your respect, and homage to this man!

[@davidbirks7166]

Almost 40 years ago, my best friend (to this day) made a cassette tape for me. One side was all Mississippi John Hurt; the other side was all Doc and Merle Watson. For me, listening and learning the songs I heard was truly a life changing experience for me. A lot of people say that but, for me, it was.

[@goodun2974]

You might have to explain cassette tapes, and the concept of making mix tapes for your friends, to the millennial generation, sigh...

[@josemolina959]

Sweet and beautiful! Beautiful voice!

[@davidbirks7166]

This makes me happy everytime I watch it. All day long and twice on sunday. Doc Watson!

[@stevesheldon8616]

I tried to copy Doc's Deep River Blues...for about ten years. I got so I could play most of the notes but I could never make it swing like he could. He is so smooth and clean that it makes you think it's easy. It ain't.

[@FistPie]

Steve Sheldon I’ve been practicing thumbs picking for a few months now. Still hasn’t clicked haha. I’ve been playing guitar for 15 years. Not easy is an understatement.

[@kellyrojo78]

Yes there is a swing to it..... Most people wouldn't hear that I reckon

[@tedpeterson1156]

kellyrojo78 He'd been playing it maybe 50 years when this was recorded? Long time anyway. A lot of people can play fast, but there's more to it than that, to keep the tone at tempo is tough. Those clicks and squeals on the B and E strings are like ear candy, meanwhile, the thumb never quits with the alternating bass.

[@alexmcinnes5259]

Even Tommy Emmanuels versions sound too 'Tick Tock'.

[@jordanchiaruttiniREALTOR]

Christ this feels like cheating

[@davenc8527]

My favorite song ever. Thank you, Doc.

[@wjb5805]

I actually got to shake his hand during the David Holt days. They were playing in Los Gatos so i said hello there and then the next year I got to see them in Redwood city too.

[@talister106]

Thank you Doc, your music will last forever.

[@daviddoyle4516]

Doc was everyones teacher,,,, I was blessed to see the man several times,,,he always delivered,,,,

[@dominussatthanas3114]

David Doyle that sounds wrong

[@stevenm322]

Only because your way of thinking is wrong and you may want to get that corrected.

[@stevenm322]

I am jealous of you. I sure wish I could have seen him at least once. I have been lucky that I saw Gordon Lightfoot live since he was a very young man. He was always wonderful and the audience always came first. One little theatre in the round had a little buzz somewhere and he spent like twelve hours before the show trying to find it so we would not hear it. He said he was sorry because he didn't find it for us. We never heard any buzz at all, he did and maybe had better hearing than us, but we all appreciated what he did for us. He gave us respect and he never once acted like he was better than anyone, ever. I am glad to have seen him for so many years. Doc Watson was every bit the gentleman that always cared about others. A great man and talent. I am so happy they made these documentaries of him and how he did things and why. It was not lost to the ages like so many things that mankind has lost because we didn't have the foresight to write it down or take notes and now there are so many things of old that we cannot do nor figure out how they did. Anyways I love Doc and may he rest in peace.

[@jokeyman2943]

I own this video tape, the reason i kept my old VCR, still trying to learn 25% of what Doc can do, on a good day with the wind at my back. Impressive, only 2 fingers playing what sounds like 5. Always make me smile, thank you forever Doc.

[@ironheadgrunt]

I never saw Doc in an organized concert, but one night about 20 years ago at the open jam at Herd Reid's store in Shingletown (Laurel Bloomery), TN, in walks Doc with his guitar to jam with all the local musicians. It was awesome. The only bad part was that it was obvious that there were some there that were jealous of Doc and the attention he commanded.

[@mijlaid]

How sad that some would think that way. I would have taken it as bragging rights that I've played with Doc Watson!

[@noisepuppet]

I'd have fainted

[@scottrunde8129]

I saw Doc 3 or 4 times live in concert, one time about 3 feet in front of me with his son Merle. He was unassuming and humble while displaying a unique style and being one of the all time best flat pickers I have ever seen or heard. Wish I could play 20% as good as this blind master and American Treasure. If someone doesn't like Doc and his music it's because they don't understand it and probably never will. You have to live the blues to know what he's playing, because his guitar speaks louder than he ever did!

[@bobnobody3191]

Amen brother!

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

I love how he sneaks those little string-bends into the middle of a picking run. They make the song quite a bit more interesting from a listener's perspective.

[@tedpeterson1156]

There are actually a few different picking styles in this short lesson, it isn't as easy as it might seem.

[@MrPennystyle01]

​@@tedpeterson1156 No one said it was easy dickhole

[@taylorrosado9151]

I was very lucky to meet Doc and Merle at show in Carolina Merle was the most Friendly person ever he didn't know me from Adam but our Love for bluegrass made us brothers God Bless

[@3melendr]

Ole Doc is on the Praise and Worship team consisting of millions of saved saints and angels. Wow, imagine the sound. Better yet get there!

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

Classic and timeless

[@crazycoyote1738]

Calm and Beautiful!!

[@Skwerrlly]

Awesome little session from a truly great, yet humble man.You can't get angry at those who gave this a thumbs down, just feel sorry for them.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

Doc and his son Merle were a wonder. So much talent.

[@AtwoodKnives]

Ralph Rinsler is a fascinating man himself and was instrumental in promoting the craft pottery traditions of the Carolinas. He was a great musician as well and discovered Doc Watson. We should all be grateful for historians of his caliber.

[@mr.wizard2974]

Doc you brought a lot of enjoyment to all of us with your expertise! Thank you!

[@austenrobinson2747]

1/4 of my Mt Rushmore of flatpickers. Tony, Clarence and Norman complete it. Every flatpicker to ever learn these types of tune owe a deep gratitude to these four for showing us how it’s done. RIP one and all except Norman for showing us how it’s done.

[@letsbetravis]

A wonderful musician and inspiration. Doc is in heaven now, pickin' with his boy again.

[@fridgemagnett]

Some of what is truly great about America.

[@DannyDishon]

This was one of my first finger picking songs. Thank you, Doc.

[@rynemurray1091]

The rhythm with the right hand is incredible! So skilled

[@painlessremovals4447]

Hard to figure what over 200 people were thinking when they gave this a thumbs down. Doc is such a humble master of finger picking guitar & an absolute joy to watch & listen to. Pearls before swine comes to mind. But I reckon these are the same morons who give a negative response no matter how good the music & musicians - just to be controversial or simply because they lack the capacity to appreciate real talent & beauty. One wonders what they are doing checking this out in the first place. Shouldn't they be subscribing to something less demanding for their limited hearts & brains... ?

[@gernotboesser6901]

👏♥️🙏👌

[@lhk1951]

absolutely the best flat picker ever. what a musical giant and a wonderful human being. So many young guitarists were influenced by Doc. RIP.

[@sharpsound2011]

Doc was magic! I could listen to him all day! I would be lucky and what ever town I was in back in the 80s, I'd see some small establishment where Doc was playing.....I went to three Merlefests. I had the opportunity to see him many times, what an amazing human. And all his fine picking friends. I saw David Grissman and Doc at a little festival here in TN not far from where I live under a tent in a pasture field.

[@Skwerrlly]

Doc Watson,what a treasure

[@JessanDunnOtis]

Thank heaven for Doc Watson - more music there; and, thanks for your music here. RIP

[@yuckydude]

Doc was one of the first bluegrass albums I had, back when I was in high school in the 90s. We saw him several times in WV, VA, and NC. I met him once when he played at Mountain Stage in Charleston, WV. He was a true Appalachian mountain man, with the artistry and humility that I always loved in traditional Appalachian culture.

[@andrewfyakim525]

I love you and miss you Doc! You are the best in so many ways...

[@SiggyMe]

Great Guy, humble and a real talent, RIP. Thanks for your music!

[@bustaboy60]

Saw him and his son circa '68-'69 at UCLA...one of the best concerts ever...

[@williamatkinson8883]

Our group the Songcatchers, had the privilege of performing with Doc at the Lincoln theater on one of his last live shows. I was only able to spend a few minutes before we had to get to the dressing room. What a humble man, so talented and amazing to watch.

[@spunnek75]

Such a wonderful artist and person, this Doc Watson.. Everything he said makes soo much sense in this turorial. Just like his wonderful lyrics. For me he is the soul of bluegrass.

[@gtnsteve1]

It is great to have the Doc artistry on the 'net for all time.

[@cAnthonyL]

The technology has permitted it! I’m viewing this analog rendering on a device accessible anywhere in the world!

[@bobtronic73]

that rhythm and voice

[@michaelhayes6887]

Travis picking with the thumb is great, and Doc is Timeless. Thanks!

[@jwbatx54]

Rest In Peace Doc...your work here is done...now on to the greatest audience of all

[@Zuhlsmann1]

Unbelievable how smooth he does this! It seriously looks effortless.

[@organjoe]

one the coolest musicians ever - wish I had seen him live.

[@DrStich]

Never saw him perform live, one of my biggest regrets. My favorite Doc song ever.

[@hangdogit]

I saw him twice live. He was the amazing combination of musical virtuoso and personal modesty that I'd heard described by others. I still remember the first time I saw him -- on the old Flatt & Scruggs half-hour black & white TV music shown on a West Palm Beach FL station about 1965. Flatt raved about this special guest, Doc Watson, and how honored they were to have him (I'd never heard of Doc and hadn't been playing the guitar many years). I wondered what the praise was all about...until he began to play. The crown went wild and literally would not let Doc off the stage -- and Flatt/Scruggs back on as was their usual routine after guests did a song or two. I'd never heard anyone play the guitar like Doc could -- before or after that. I couldn't believe the sound that he could get out of a guitar: full-fledged fiddle tunes on a guitar -- something more common now (after Doc showed that it was possible), but unheard of back then. Doc pioneered that -- and solo country guitar generally, as a lead instrument on a par with fiddle and banjo. Before that, country guitar was mostly just backup chords for fiddle and banjo (I've played that role myself in old-time bands) To the extent that I know flatpicking (still not expert level), it is from Doc Watson records. So seeing him live was the completion of a musical journey.

[@leonarddomenico9711]

I was lucky enough to meet Doc Watson in Asheville NC

[@snakemansnakes1]

What a treat this is a real master class from a true gentleman of the genre. Been listening to this guy for quite some time. This is sheer magic. Many thanks for the posting.

[@theswordofkings7549]

Inadequate, that's what Doc made me feel.. and I loved it

[@pickerdad8402]

If you're still trying to figure Doc's thumb & 1-finger technique, see KZbin Jim Bruce - Deep River Blues Lesson. He shows it in slo-mo and two cameras. The trick is "Thumb Jumps", where the thumb plays some of the melody on treble strings. Still keeps the Alternating Bass going, so the thumb jump notes are off the beat, giving a kind of syncopated effect. Right at the end, Jim admits that, even though he knows how to work the thumb jumps, he uses two fingers himself. He notes "We can't all be Doc Watson.". Amen brother!

[@seththomas2194]

David Pike its easy just count 1234 like taping your foot just to e then d 1234 then add the high e and b

[@bryanrice3466]

Me my cousin took doc a jar of molasses one day even got to sit on the couch and played a couple of tunes his wife fixed sandwiches seen him in asheville again he said those malasses was good on his wifes biscuits. Truly will be missed

[@elmerparlier2786]

It's similar to rubbing your belly while patting your head while using five or six fingers independently to do so. It's hard!

[@tedpeterson1156]

Bryan Rice Always figured he'd be a character like that. Biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs

[@ratiodealer]

I do the same and add the traditional travis picking style

[@rasputinsghost]

Doc's a national treasure, no doubt of that

[@robertposusta537]

absolutely unreal experience! thank you very much sir

[@johnruskin4330]

wonderful,, Eternal Mermory Doc,,, how can anyone 'thumbs down'

[@2TheAbbeyClinic]

I learned this tune from a Doc Watson songbook. Love it. Thanks.

[@zyxmyk]

I love doc Watson. he's missed.

[@ztahs]

I met Ralph when he was with the Greenbriar Boys. wonderful guy who really cared about the music. As for Doc...is there a guitarist who hasn't been influenced by him? Talk about class acts. Took me about 20 years to get it right.

[@martineley1]

Such a cool philosophy. Whereas I and many others play a completely different style with no plectrum etc, but see how the Travis pick has driven all trad guitar playing, and keeps the rhythm going in the same way we do with our techniques.

[@torinshiels7500]

I can’t believe anyone would ever give this a thumbs down. That’s shameful man

[@banjoboy77a]

So fine........as in all his playing.....Thanks for everything Doc! And you too Mr. Gallagher!!!!!!!!

[@dustinmartin2372]

It’s sad when people talk about the greatest guitarist of all time they say either Hendrix or Stevie Ray but they never mention this man, this guy is the greatest in my eyes

[@markpower3282]

True. People barometer of talent is based around eccentricities to a large extent or their view of the 'whole package' but players like Doc are a pure talent and rate higher in a true view of what the greatest should be.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Dustin Martin: The word "genius" gets thrown around a lot in music, usually too easily, but in Doc's case, the word really applies. The classical/conservatory world and folk music almost never meet or cross paths, but Doc's virtuosity was an exception. Guys with years of formal education couldn't match Doc's extraordinary time-keeping ability or his perfect pitch and harmonic knowledge. It's no accident that he and Merle and their fellow musicians could tackle standards and jazz, because they were certainly swimming in those kinds of waters, musical-talent wise. I've heard good and great musicians for most all of my nearly sixty years on this planet, but never one like Doc Watson. Merle, too, had that touch of genius his father had. They've been favorites for years, and I'm sure they aren't going anywhere because I enjoy them just as much today as when I first discovered them.

[@howardlovecraft750]

Doc was one of the best.

[@tanner28624]

What a awesome man!!! Dont think we will see any more like him

[@gunkadink]

Doc always made it look easy! God bless him!

[@AbirTarafdar]

What an absolute bad ass.

[@MrPennystyle01]

F yea

[@Gminor7]

Funky as hell. He was one of the big bosses

[@deannahesse6353]

Teaching by a master!

[@EvaluateAssimilate]

Many guys who are somebody in the industry throw "what you should do" out of the window and say "hey! Here's my way." the fact everyone else is the same from the template we all learn from enables these greats to stand above the rest. Unorthodxy is attractive to a degree - why's is different? How'd he do that? Why he do that? Brings out the enigma in the musician.