Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Christie Lenée: Acoustic Guitar Session

Taking time out from a packed touring schedule, 2017 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Christie Lenée braved Bay Area traffic, with her cherished Maton EGB808, and visited the AG offices earlier this week to perform a couple of songs for the staff.
With her Maton tuned to D, A, D, F#, A, D and run through a handful of delay, harmony, and percussion effects-and donning a foot tambourine-Lenée demonstrated her award-winning dynamic hybrid fingerstyle/slapping/overhand tapping technique on the songs “Breath of Spring” and “Song for Michael Pukac,” the latter inspired by a painting by the Los Angeles artist of the same name.
Lenée also discussed the benefits of using different rhythmic patterns and experimenting with alternate tunings when composing on the guitar, as well as other creative approaches to songwriting.
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[@obiwanudonnome814]

This woman IS absolute brilliance. I could listen to her play or speak until the earth stopped spinning.

[@adys007]

This isn't a thumbs up performance, it's a standing ovation performance. The first piece she played it's almost absurd. What a privilege to listen to this!

[@clarencegilmore8254]

This is Great you can feel it in your Soul. She's a Gift From GOD I have a guitar acoustic Electric, Spanish antique And Pink Stratocaster. She's my Teacher Now 💯💯💯💜⏳

[@bluestilling101]

I have no idea how I ended up here, but boy oh boy am I glad I did. Loved every minute of her talent.

[@omnilight_xl6324]

same here!

[@christieleneejimenez6793]

Thank you so much for watching! Come subscribe to my channel and check out a new instrumental video “Possibilities” - I appreciate your joy and positive feedback! 😎🎸🎸

[@thenextpoetician6328]

The algorithm provides beautiful distractions now and again.

[@bluestilling101]

@@christieleneejimenez6793 The first time i saw an artist making music this beautiful with finger-tapping style, was Stanley Jordan playing live at Jazz Alley in Seattle, WA. I have been in love with the style ever since.

[@klausgh]

It's great to appreciate somebody's talent, but you forgot the other 99%.

[@katlynn5791]

Opening on harmonics and tremolo…..I immediately got chills. I am so glad I stayed for this whole performance. No…actually this made my entire day. What a beautiful incredible piece, I cannot even fathom having this talent.

[@tomduckworth8335]

I can’t imagine why you would give this a thumbs down! Maybe the music isn’t your cup of tea but her playing and technique are great. Why bother to crap on a hard working artist just don’t comment if you didn’t care for the music.

[@kenturley1735]

one reason: jealousy

[@classicalguitarmusic3084]

Awesome .. I'm in Love ✝️

[@anwarulkabir2764]

Hey bro Tom! Just leave them with Their thumbs down into the hell! There's everything became monotonous without distinction. So, chill dude! 😋

[@tudormiller8898]

One she's a woman, two it's a acoustic guitar, not a electric guitar. That's the standard of guitar playing according to these teen boys these days. Like Jack White I guess.

[@andreystarikov1870]

@@kenturley1735 no, not one reason. There may be other reasons one of them being the lack of musicality to it (the first piece). I didn't downvote this, just trying to say that not everything boils down to jealousy. Back in the day even Rachmaninoff was criticised for much greater pieces, so why everyone became so vulnerable these days.

[@Jack-ur4in]

Marvellous.... the music is IN her....the guitar lets it out. That’s what I can see in this performance. Nothing but admiration! 👏👏👏

[@h1pst3r88]

What a beautiful approach to our beloved guitar. She's a wonderful artist.

[@OsitoTejano]

Now that's "playing" a guitar. Pure expression of joy and curiosity and exploration. Very inspirational!

[@MasterRandyHopkins]

As a musician myself I have to say music is an extension of our soul. You have a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing that with us. I could listen to your soul for hours. I can see in your video that you are very resolute when it concerns your music. Your body language and expressions tell it all. You are passionate. This is what music is all about. You are beautiful.

[@dejanmarkovic3040]

There have been millions of exceptional musicians who were/are pieces of shit, from mozart to malmsteen.

[@Sean3339]

I've always told you that you would be a Star! I'm really happy that everyone can now see you for the Artist that you’ve always been! Hope that life continues to bring you all the JOY that you truly deserve... 🤩

[@jimtate9613]

Wow. Your fingering style is phenomenal. But, your music is inspiring. On its own. Your vehicle is unique, but your message, the music that comes from you, is beautiful. Artistic. Emotional. Special. Those are the only words I can come up with. I've been playing guitar and singing professionally for over 40 years. You just kicked my butt. And I'm better for having experienced you. Bravo.

[@lyndabeaver5642]

Awesome she is so full of energy and she plays from her soul. Saw her tonight at The Sophia in Sacramento,CA and the entire audience gave her a standing ovation. You really must see her in person. Is a performance you won’t forget.

[@JobraKai]

Noooooo how did I miss this??

[@SuperStratification]

Having labored 10 years trying to master finger style I feel like I can appreciate the technical challenges better than most. But really, it's all about the sound and feel, and she's got that in spades. Inspiring.

[@beesteboy711]

I can't even comprehend how much practice went into being this amazing! How on earth could 1,000 people dislike this???

[@elonmust7470]

Month max.

[@lisaball6930]

Coz they don't feel music like the rest of us

[@66fitton]

Because of people like Jon Gomm and Antoine Dufour...this girl is very good, but there are people out there who quite honestly blow her away. The "fingerstyle guitar champion " title might be what some are reacting to because she wouldn't even make the top 5 if you brought the best out there to compete. Check out Jon Gomm. The song "Passionflower" ....its what got me into this amazing style of acoustic guitar!! Cheers

[@Sanchez792]

The 1000 people are the other fingerstyle guitarists who were competing against her

[@colecoca6367]

3 months max 😂

[@Kevin_n_Roo]

That's how music should be played, with sheer joy!! Thank you, Christie.

[@ronnallen6192]

This is why I love acoustic guitar. Beautiful harmony!

[@tonynormand8196]

I teared up the 1st time I watched this... thought I was going keep it together..... but I didn't hold it together 2nd time either... I have been robbed all my life, then I found this music touching my soul on all levels. I'm 41, never thought that would be possible 😁Thanks again for making my mind and heart live.... I truly appreciate your art

[@katherinebrennan5695]

Grew up on Fahey, Kottke and Hedges. Christie, you are on a fret board all your own, a cloud all your own. Glorious!

[@tjgriffin]

Hear, Hear!

[@jjkky01]

Same here! I even learned several of Kottke's pieces but.....ain't no way I could begin to play THIS! Just unbelievably beautiful and creative!

[@Snidely]

Me too! Open E and open G tunings Fingerstyle all the way. Standard tuning of course as well but I’ve never used a pick because I was born with four of them on my hand.

[@godders7594]

How nice in this world of X factor and the like, to hear someone with genuine talent and ability.

[@Boethius4748]

There's a whole lot of genuine talent and ability out there. I could type a list a mile long. You just have to look for it. I don't mean that to take away from her playing, which is obviously quite good. Reminds me of Willie Porter a little.

[@manoramapatel3454]

नमस्ते आप अद्भुत क्षमता वाली सरस्वती जैसी है

[@alistairhosie652]

I am just getting back to my guitar playing after having a stroke this young lady says it all.love Alistair

[@theracerscafe6407]

Her music is transcendental... it literally moves you. While laying in bed and listening to this I couldn't help but smile and my feet just kept moving. No wonder she won a championship with that song. AMAZING!!!! Wish I could play like that.

[@syalutsa]

Her explanation of how she develops her fingering, works with unusual rhythms and tunings is so valuable, so generously shared. Thanks for posting this.

[@garymanning8920]

She is the best musician I have ever seen.

[@SpaceCattttt]

Her fingering, huh?

[@rogerdodger8415]

Yes Uhhhh. So generous?

[@mattysee24]

Shes just ripping off Justin King. Look up Knock on Wood, Justin King, hes been around since 90s.

[@charlenewallis-leblanc2787]

@@mattysee24 we all stand on the shoulders of Giants

[@josephwright7149]

The sound of an army of angels celebrating. You've made this world beautiful again. Thank you!

[@stephenjohnston7545]

The skill is amazing, but the dynamics, voicing, movements and emotion makes this awe-inspiring music. To have such skilled technique coupled with such musicality is incredibly inspirational. Keep bearing your soul in the song!

[@beltonian]

Baring her soul, not bearing. Of course, it has no bearing on her abilities.

[@stephenjohnston7545]

@@beltonian Thank you for correcting me. Please excuse my ignorance.

[@beltonian]

@@stephenjohnston7545 You're a good sport; it's a common mistake. Ignorant? No way! Not if you're listening to this music!

[@stephenjohnston7545]

I was ignorant regarding the correct spelling of baring. I should probably read and write more and listen to music less. HAHA

[@andrewhouseman6470]

I’m so impressed. You’re a teacher, a student, an artist, a musical instrument unto yourself. Your guitar work makes me feel.

[@donald-parker]

I love the way she sometimes seems surprised and delighted at what sounds come out.

[@lxathu]

Yes, her love for music must be loved.

[@victorjbarker]

Same

[@iamjackalope]

I was getting a kick out of that my self. She was spot on the whole performance. I don't think she even missed a note.

[@neoadama9074]

Thank you Christie Lenee. It was amazing. Love and Blessings to You.

[@doubledutch3683]

I know and love the feeling of being in the zone, and seeing her a very talented woman playing in the zone makes my heart flutter. I love it so much.

[@robertaratahi5605]

i absolutely loved it even though im hearing impaired , a set of head phones helped, i cant believe 641 people had thumbs down, this is pure skill

[@02mgnm]

The entire video needs to be listened to. There is some power and range is those fingertips. Bravo!

[@BaileysDad369]

Christie you are amazing! That is so relaxing to listen to you play. Thank you!

[@KDeeA]

She looks like she is having such a great time. Love it.

[@mezzol]

That was truly amazing...I have tears of joy ...I could not take my eyes of the technique she is using ...just amazing

[@Anna_Nimmitty]

@@frankdimaria8796 Frankie, Dude.... WE GOT YA MESSAGE!!! Take a chill pill amigo, and do so in the key of G tuned to this method: G-D-I-N-A-C (That's Go Do It Now And Chill)!!!!!!

[@bryangould17]

Absolutely beautiful Christie Lenee!!! I could see, hear, and feel your soul in that music. Just great!!

[@hitchnroll3112]

You are an outstanding composer, performer and teacher; an real inspiration to us mortal guitarists😇🤗

[@nick.caffrey]

I love the soundscape she creates. I've never heard anything quite like this before... She uses all the possibilities of the guitar and adds a little of herself. Nice. That bruise on her arm is worrying though. Classic.

[@ericsanders5357]

..probably not as troubling as the bruises that used to be on mine,..the ones that could be seen from space...and I did not give af who saw or what they thought.

[@BluRivard]

Brilliant! very beautiful music and a lady's heart! Thank you for sharing Christie!

[@r.s.marcus3043]

My heart was beating out of control. Even your enthusiasm in talking about discovery and creation of music is captivating. You're just amazing. 🏹✨

[@phillully4472]

Christie, i thought i had heard some of the best finger style Guitarist of all times!! Well clearly i hadn't heard all the best your example here is mesmerizing to say the least. Thank you Christie for sharing this extraordinary talent here on KZbin to delight your fans and new listeners like myself. Thanks.

[@sirfredlock]

I love that she really enjoys every moment of her playing and smiles so much. Beautiful.

[@michaelsevens]

Beautiful!! The playing is beautiful too, love how you incorporate the harmonics. You are absolutely amazing. God bless you...

[@dannypham5204]

Thats the top guitar I've ever seen. She's living with rythm by every lyric

[@kristonterbutt7373]

This just made me smile and brightened my day. Thank you for posting.

[@dazuk1969]

This lady is a killer Geetar player....had on my playlist for ages and it just gets better every time i hear it.....Absolute respect to you and your finger pickin, tappin style....Peace.

[@texfulton]

WOW, that's all ! Christie is beyond words awesome. Thank You for playing !

[@RobJuneau]

I love that THAT is fun for you, Christie. Tickled my old broken down but still willing heart good!

[@peteayala377]

Tapdancing on the neck of the guitar. Very impressive.

[@djoplay]

Omg...I've never seen anyone play this type of finger style tapping acoustic guitar any better than Christie Lenee! She actually makes love to the guitar as she plays!! She's most certainly such an amazing talented artist! I could totally listen and watch her beautiful pieces and incredible talented techniques all day!

[@mohamedrazifbinmohdzakaria5348]

Try listening to Alip Ba Ta

[@owl0071]

My hero and great inspiration !I have tears in my eyes to..I know how much practice , talent, will etc..this takes..no words just music for you Christie!

[@worpd_gamer270]

I really enjoyed watching her explain her music. She seems very cool and amiable, like she would be fun to just hang out with. Thanks Christie!

[@MinecraftChris]

That was such a moving set of songs and an equally inspiring breakdown. Thank you so much ❤️

[@stuartstovall2849]

True artist. I love the originality and attention to detail in her songs

[@Sixpack104]

Wow , absolutely amazing and nothing else needs to be said, thank you for posting this video 😎

[@larrys009]

The 1st piece totally gave me John Butler "Ocean" vibe. Digging both. Well done !!!

[@suribanerjee4683]

I observed the same thing

[@LargestClassifieds]

Truly awesome. Her music puts me in a peaceful and inspirational trance mode

[@adrienneterzen2604]

I was blown away by Christie's talent. Stunning guitarist!Wonderful music!

[@americandeerproofing7490]

Fantastic,so much feeling coming through those hands. Thank you

[@UriahBennett]

I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years and I could only dream to play like that. This woman shreds.

[@brkele]

Practice more and correctly.🙂

[@jdiggitty]

You've never seen Andy McKee, Preston Reed or Don Ross?

[@paullanier8280]

In a venue called The Parish, in New Orleans, was an artist named Andy McKee. He could play guitar and harp guitar. I bought every CD he sold. Also when he returned, I made the trip to hear this young man. Best show in the state ! ! Also caused me to buy a nice guitar and start playing . That's music for my Soul !

[@michellelucas2026]

I have played the guitar for over 36 years and can see why they call you a Champion because you how to make your guitar sing the most beautiful music I have ever heard. 🎶🎸

[@janafarmer9882]

She is freaking awesome! I love her way of playing the guitar. It is really inspiring and a pleasure to see her when she smiles. She lives the music.

[@lucretiabanks8334]

Absolutely breath taking and to see the joy of music in her eyes speaks volumes about the love of sound and creating that level of deep emotion. Thank you for reaching for the stars 🎸

[@gudgen2004]

I'm a retired musician and you just brought tears to my eyes thank you you play beautifully

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

I hope it caused you to come out of retirement!

[@stevenseagal9911]

How inspiring. I'm headed to my guitar now. Beautiful

[@elktime]

Simply amazing. Her music speaks without words. It has something to say and I want to listen.

[@jeremywinston7199]

So amazing!! True talent!! That's something that just can't be taught!!

[@chris19511]

Christie, I really enjoy your music and special talent. A extra treat was reading the comments below. Entertaining...

[@thebeldam5823]

This is a different level of guitar.. unreal talent

[@jhn2300]

Encouraging my daughter to play, such an inspirational event for us both. Thank you !

[@albertvargas7422]

I literally just started the video and I know ! I already love it !!

[@michaelcastaneda679]

What a Joyful Noise! Thank You!

[@medicationstation5251]

You can really feel her love for her music...bravo !!!

[@haribuchari4144]

when the guitar starts playing, plucked then starting from the mind and the whole body becomes one really amazing

[@ammzey4957]

I’m so glad I came across this. Listening to the first one made me smile from ear to ear and second piece brought me to tears. Bravo

[@sonofprovence]

To play so magnificently, one must have an amazingly rich heart and soul.

[@jeffchapman1697]

Stunning innovative talent! Thanks and congratulations on you accomplishments.

[@AcesandEighths]

wow! Amazing! And she's having so much fun playing. To be able to put so much of oneself into the music and become one with the instrument, now that's truly the highest goal of any musician, and she does it so effortlessly. 50 years of playing and I've never come close to how relaxed and effortlessly she expresses herself.

[@AdeebaZamaan]

If I were just listening to this, I'd be impressed, but mostly I'd just love it & want to hear it again and again. Seeing it? Thank You,Tube!

[@victororo462]

Absolutely gorgeous! I play guitar, but can only dream to create such a nice piece. Amazing!

[@rascalholden]

Amazed, only wish I could be at one with my guitar like this. Totally in tune with your guitar and abilities. Top top top work Christy

[@fuzbcuz7613]

I love that she makes it a point to mention that making things FUN is what will help you work with something difficult.

[@kszanika7782]

Magnificent watching those hands is like magic.... wow!

[@timmyb8694]

Came home pissed off after wrk.. Should be listening to metal... Yet...here I am... Girls friggin amazing...love the harmonics...

[@longhornboi16]

Lmao I read this post and was thinking "I feel that, man. Here, have a like." And then I looked up at your name and laughed out loud. I am also Tim B. Irl.

[@drysmind]

Wow.... Great..... very

[@mrcashcrop]

@@frankdimaria8796 Hmm. Transference of feelings of personal unworthiness and self loathing, perhaps? Or, simply a jealous awareness of personal unattainable talent?

[@davidsmith4233]

Copy of John Butler ocean! Sounds like it to me.. but amazing indeed.

[@timmyb8694]

I didn't and would nvr turn my back on a genre jst bcuz I got into smthn else... Tho I'm extremely picky in my taste, I would nvr stop listening to a certain type of music that appealed to me earlier in life. It's a part of who I am. And it helps me keep an open mind...

[@briannoga2921]

Oh am I Happy I found this Gem of a guitarist !! Awesome!! Hypnotic ! In the Zone man ! Very Cool!! Love This! 🎶🎵🎵🎸😄😁

[@AgustinTini65]

The energy of another dimension slips through your hands. Precious.

[@carlsavor1782]

I love music and I really love to listen to the sound of guitar. Thank you Christie

[@luciapopescu5560]

girl, u're AMAZING, thank you for this solo!!!

[@dkpick]

Beautiful! You look like you really enjoy making it as much enjoyed listening!

[@lesworrymorefaith8134]

You always know it’s great when it makes you smile!

[@TheGreenKingdom]

Love it, she combines so many styles, all perfectly and with so much emotion!

[@babbalouie3166]

After being a professional guitar player for over 40 years and having listened to thousands of guitar players over the many years of my life I now have a new favorite guitar player. Absolutely amazing playing skill and compositions.

[@guitardzan5641]

Babba, I bought a nice guitar that I had no idea how to play......It's the artists like this guitarist that inspire and educate me.......These creative minds are so incredibly valuable to we the ordinary.........

[@aeHyde]

aexandra zerner!

[@brkele]

Have you ever heard Stepan Rak? He is not fingerstyle but he is a monster on classical guitar. I'm not kidding.

[@guitardzan5641]

@@brkele Thank you for the suggestion. Stephan Rak, in the linked performance I am including, says, "So simple." Then he shows us..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZfKZ3Stn7iIgLc

[@creepylonghair]

Very nice but imo Ewan Dobson has the edge :)

[@johnpray8434]

Your talent has transcended into a musically rhythmic expression of artistic beauty. You are inspirational.

[@haweavivian48]

Some people not only find their call in life... some recieve a God given anointing, whether they know it or not. It's a truly beautiful thing to behold.

[@sherlynn7211]

ohhh wow! AMAZING ! Now here is the perfect picture of being ONE with your insturment,, pure joy and depth of emotinal connection ,, just,,,, WOW ! OMG she is amazing !

[@petetaylor2984]

Apsolutely beautiful music thank you for sharing your talented play.

[@andrewhouseman6470]

Your music could lullaby me to sleep like the most warm, comfortable, safe and loved baby. I want this sound to part of my dreaming.

[@teresathomley3703]

Thanks for the "having fun" advice- you're bloody brilliant.

[@josephiturra2516]

Love this composition. Truly a masterpiece.

[@The-creator1M]

WOW!! She is incredible that enough my jaw just dropped 😲

[@SwamiSagar]

If there's someone actually gifted then its definitely her! Loved the way she played and every single tune she nailed it! Love from india!

[@gregglockhart9551]

Watching her tapping reminds of a harp players movements. So wonderful. Thank you very much!

[@whatnow9159]

Very interesting. I love when an artist brings their instrument to life. Nicely done. Thank you.