How Does He Play Acoustic This FAST?

[@81crowe]

Hey Rhett, love the video man! I'm the banjo player in the CMA clip. That was such a fun day and it felt like we had dropped off the back of Mars compared to the rest of the music that night. I'm really glad that clip helped you find Jakers, he's my favorite guitar player I've ever worked with. No speed is too fast and no melody is too complex... He just nails it to the wall night after night! Reach out if we're ever in your area and come out for a big dose of bluegrass! Russ Carson

[@LibbysBluegrassVideos]

I also first discovered Jake from the CMA clip in 2018. I saw it on Bluegrass Today, which stated, "watching Jake Workman with Kentucky Thunder show hundreds of thousands of guitarists around the world that they have a lot of catching up to do was quite memorable." My life changed that day! 😃 Not only is he a living legend but the most excellent and encouraging teacher in the world, with an unmatched right hand and stunningly creative note choices. There's no show on the road like Kentucky Thunder!!!! By the way @81crowe, we're well overdue for some more backstage or tour bus Jake & Russ footage!!!

[@jfloyd2919]

Russ 👍 you are in the same league of the banjo pickers. Your dynamic playing an accuracy on the 5 string is a step ahead of the rest ✊

[@cougarbeatrice6255]

beast

[@jabbawakka7286]

Dude, you are awesome.....I'm from New Zealand, and grew up in a country music region of the deep south, and regularly attended our version of the CMA, the Gold Guitar Awards, and grew up with my father's record collection that included Chet Atkins, Glenn Campbell, Django, Joe Pass, Jose Feliciano, the Eagles, Linda Rhonstadt, Dolly Parton, amongst others, and have always enjoyed them all. Again, great playing, and to stand on the Nashville stage, in THAT COMPANY....you're so obviously at the top of your game.....much respect to you, from this old 'kiwi' picker. I pray God bless you all, and protect you.🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎👈🏼👈🏼👈🏼👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏

[@mikereynolds3294]

Russ you also a monster player ❤

[@skiphuntress]

Jake was my 1st banjo teacher and convinced me to pick up the guitar back in 2014. He is not only a great guitarist but one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

[@thekipster]

Jake’s my teacher too! He’s frickin awesome!!

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

​@@thekipster He teaches me too!

[@tuckermb6288]

Really like these videos where you're putting the spotlight on players. So many good players out there, you could make a long series and never cover the same ground twice. Bluegrass and Americana is a great place to start, with players like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and so many more relatively young players.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Come check the bands in Pdx 🤘🤘 Super secret band Jay si proof Lost ox Scott pemberton Tyrone Hendrix Charlie Brown 3

[@mikemalone9404]

They told me at Carters, that they call him 'one take Jake'......no matter which guitar they hand him! Thanks for bringing light to him and Trey!

[@AllenShadd]

Jake is for real. I don't think anyone in the bluegrass flatpicking community can play faster, or cleaner, and the content that he plays. I first met and picked with him maybe 15 years ago or more when he was competing at Winfield for a few years. He sounds just as good when he plays slower too. He isn't "just" about playing fast. Good guy too, glad to see him get some attention.

[@LibbysBluegrassVideos]

This is so true!

[@chrispfeifer7628]

Back in the early 1980's while playing in a cover band, we were mostly rock and hard rock. Our singer invited me to go with him to a bluegrass festival on one of our only weekends off. I almost didn't go but he talked me into it and I'm so so glad he did. I've been a fan every since then. Some of the greatest musicians you'll ever see is in bluegrass. Not in a arena wearing leather and playing thru a marshall. Granted there are some great players but they get outclassed by old boys playing flattops

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

Yep you gotta respect the shredders in both genres.

[@TRtribal]

Just played a gig with my bluegrass band tonight - these guys are legends to us, and we're always amazed and inspired by them. Thanks for calling attention to such a great musician (and person)!

[@WhatExitSign]

Not only a monster player but a fantastic teacher. I did a few lessons with Jake over the pandemic and I've never made more progress in a shorter amount of time. Super nice guy and really knows how to break things down and communicate things. Highly recommend it if you want to get more into flat picking and bluegrass playing in general.

[@scottgalpin1883]

I’ll second that. Such a humble guy and he is a real good, patient teacher. I am fortunate to have had several lessons with Jake

[@andybinns4993]

Even if bluegrass is not your style of music, one has to appreciate that level of skill.

[@Tasmanaut]

how can you not enjoy it? Genuinely curious.

[@JustAGuitarPlayer]

I’ve been playing 47 years, most of that time professionally, I did the whole music school thing, studied guitar, taught etc but after seeing videos of Jake, I wanted hear directly from him how he developed his technique, so I took a couple lessons from Jake, one online, one in person and just like others have said, he’s an absolutely phenomenal guitar player, his technique is off the charts and he’s a super nice down to earth person. If I lived closer , I’d take more lessons. It was well worth the cost of the lesson. There also is one unknown guy named Aubrey King that stands out in this style that I suggest everyone do a KZbin search for. He’s another excellent player worth hearing.

[@willemmoller6736]

fast, clean, accurate alternate picking to me remains the ultimate challenge as a guitarist. there are some jazz guitarists who are amazing at this but this guy is simply next-level. I'm always blown away by the skill of top level bluegrass musicians

[@garbb5611]

Check out my post with other next level flatpickers

[@Bluebuthappy182]

Yea the high end Bluegrass flatpickers are on another level. You should check out Molly Tuttle or Billy Strings if you like that kind of thing

[@wyattheitkamp55]

I never thought I’d see Rhett geeking out over bluegrass but I’m all here for it. Awesome vid

[@SebastianStrevens1]

Jake Workman is the truth man. I got to take a lesson with him while I was in Nashville a few weeks ago and he is a fantastic teacher as well, which is what drew me to him.

[@RC32Smiths01]

He makes this look so effortless. His playing compliments Country music and makes it so much more interesting and lively than without. Great showcase of a musician!

[@powbobs]

This is not country music, this is Bluegrass.

[@powbobs]

The bass string followed by the chord notes thing is called Bum-ditty

[@jeppej4265]

Flatpicking like this came to my playlist when I noticed Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle. The skill us just something out of this world! Have to check more from this guy now =)

[@improvewitherror]

Billy Strings is great, I like his vocals too!

[@jasonharvey3747]

Check out Doc Watson and Tony Rice. You will not be disappointed.

[@jeppej4265]

@@jasonharvey3747 Everybodys gotta know Watson =) Gonna check the other guy, thanks!

[@Bluesky5553]

Rhett, thank you for doing this video and hilighting flatpicking and bluegrass music. Bluegrass is often overlooked and yet there are many fantastic musicians playing in bluegrass bands.

[@terryviolette7024]

Worked with Skaggs many times... monster player. And anyone in his band is the best of the best!

[@peterpicker850]

I got a few lessons with Jake in the last year, and man. He helped me break through some ruts and take my playing to the next level. Saw him at the Birchmere in VA with Kentucky thunder as well, and man, what a show.

[@stevengerig6247]

Another incredible thing to consider... everything Jake plays is improvised on the fly. We're not talking about learning some series of "licks" run together or a piece of practiced music "note-for-note". It's all him composing a solo on the spot at after-burner speeds every time.

[@darrellstyner0001]

When Ricky hit the airwaves in the 80s he was a phenom compared to just about everybody before him. If you can play guitar in Ricky's band, you've got skills.

[@coryCuc]

Ain't that the truth!

[@njgl2010]

You ain’t kidding! When he hit mainstream everyone was amazed. Dude has TALENT!

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

I believe this is one of your best and seriously informative videos, man. I grew up in East TN and Texas,. Been a singer songwriter and all that goodness, but its the way he plays with his whole being; so relaxed and steady breathing, concentration but not intensity. These are the things that are the difference between great and 'greatness'. This was awesome, Rhett. cheers.

[@devonje_anderson]

I started following Jake about a year ago. The CLEANEST player I’ve ever seen.

[@tangentz0007]

Best video you ever posted. Yeah human levels of playing is an understatement. He flatpicks like hes playing a banjo.

[@Amedee360]

Hi Rhett, Doc Watson played those square dances on his Les Paul. He had to play each fiddle tune 15 to 20 times thru for the full square dance to finish. When he brought that technique to his Martin and that first lp came out in 64 with Black Mountain Rag it blew peoples minds.

[@michaelleary8694]

Doc Watson was a MONSTER PLAYER!!!!!!!÷

[@StanHall007]

Thanks Brett for putting a spotlight on the BG flatpickers. There are many hot flat pickers today that are truly outstanding. I have been in a BG bands for almost 15 years. I enjoy your videos, along with Guthrie Trapp, Tim Pierce, Jake of course plus Zeb Snyder. We have grown to include some swing, classic country and rock with BG instrumentation. Thanks for all you do!

[@fredfrank3347]

I used to get to hang out with Jake when he lived in Utah. He is not only a great guitar player, but banjo and mandolin player. He played banjo for Ricky when Russ Carson was out of the lineup one time. Heck, he even played mandolin in the Ricky Skaggs band when Ricky had his arm in a sling. That’s how good he is.

[@homerotamez4573]

Blue Grass dudes can really, really play! Not just guitar but fiddle, mandolin, bass... Billy Strings is awesome too! Thanks for doing this! I love your stuff!

[@seancostello7608]

Thanks Rhett for putting me on to Jake! Being an Aussie, Bluegrass is not “in my blood” but I’m a convert now!

[@LNROKR55]

Ah, now you're starting to get it. Glad to see this one out there Rhett. I've been listening more and more to Blue Grass the last few years. A couple of my recent favorites have been Sierra Hull & Molly Tuttle. These 2 can shred like Randy Rhodes. Just saying, time spent in the woodshed making you're fingers bleed playing and playing your Guitar will go much farther than spending time on KZbin constantly obsessing over gear. I'm as guilty of it as anyone BTW, I am so humbled by the effort and dedication these folks show in their playing. Blood, Sweat, and tears Baby ! Thanks for pointing me to another great bluegrass guitar player !

[@tompoynton]

Molly is _phenomenal_

[@kencampbell9297]

Incredible guitar work .....right up there with Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings...

[@kds58]

I'd love to see you do a breakdown of sorts on Bill Frisell. There's such a deep wealth of knowledge to glean from him.

[@trbr1799]

Totally! Frisell would be a great video.

[@njgl2010]

I take lessons from Jake and I’ve learned more in 6 months than I have in 20+ yrs. He’s just a cool guy, and definitely a great picker!

[@Cgtr2024]

I'm starting lessons with Jake next month in February.. excited but slightly terrified 😨

[@nicolmicah]

As a bluegrass player, I really appreciate the spotlight on this music! ❤

[@andrefludd]

Not a style of music I play but talent is talent. It transcends genres and should always be recognized and appreciated. I wouldn't be able to play like this even if I wanted to haha. I've never heard picking this fast and this clean on an acoustic. The tone he's getting almost sounds fake because of how clean it is (obviously it's not fake!). Thanks for sharing this, Rhett. I hadn't heard of this amazing player until now.

[@sixstringstak]

Rhett thanks for doing this video. I discovered him with the 1st video you played where he is doing a demo on that vintage Gibson Jumbo. I share the same feeling of awe as you do. Love your work and some of the collaboration you've done with Rick Beato. Keep up the great content and bringing awareness to us amateurs.

[@JoeMama410]

I got to see Jake with Ricky Skaggs at a bluegrass festival a few years ago and was blown away. Such an amazing talent.

[@markweber4854]

Give me a minute here to pick my jaw up off of the floor! That was absolutely INSANE guitar playing! WOW! Not only was it at warp speed... it was so melodic and CLEAN! No running up and down scales... just pure technique and musical genius! Thanks for the introduction Rhett!

[@Euphonicmusicschool]

I have a story about Jake. He taught guitar just down the street from my music school here in Sandy, UT. One of his former students is now my student and when he came over to me years ago, he said he came because Jake was having to miss so many lessons due to performances, travel and then he moved to Nashville. I didn’t know of him at the time, but I looked him up, watched some videos, and he absolutely blew my mind! It’s great to see a local guy make it to the big time due to his massive amounts of talent and perseverance. I wish Jake nothing but the best and hope he continues to get the credit he deserves!

[@anthonyphillips111]

Never heard of that technique but definitely have heard it. Tommy Emanuel and Billy strings should get together with him and do an epic jam

[@stephensmusicroom]

Rhett ... thank you for spotlighting Bluegrass!!! You mentioned Doc Watson and Tony Rice ..... Awesome showing these acoustic players to those electric gun slingers that follow you and showing what the old guys have been doing for decades. Those super star bluegrass flat pickers are just as much Monsters of the Guitar as Paige and Angus. Only thing is you might have mentioned they should check out Bryan Sutton, Billy Strings, Travelin McCoury's and Molly Tuttle to see more of the new generation of Bluegrass carrying on the tradition!!!!

[@donsimpson12]

LOVE LOVE LOVE !! I've commented a few times about some of the awesome Talent of some of the country players out there on RB's videos and have even sent a couple of emails with no responses about some of the great talents. THANK YOU Rhett !!!!

[@abick8725]

Fantastic video. So glad I’ve discovered Rhett’s channel. Finding this kind of info coverage of bluegrass music is priceless!

[@MageeMC]

You are absolutely correct. Using your wrist instead of your arm is so key to fluid strumming with control. Once I figured how to do that, I realized that I didn't need to use thin or even medium picks anymore. It's my wrist that flexes when I'm strumming and not the pick. I now use 2mm picks and I can strum fast with control, and when I need to play leads or single lines the thicker pick gives me the control to do fast lines without the wobbliness that thinner picks have. It's the best of both worlds for me. YMMV.

[@micahgerdis1008]

I always love how the use of the pick hitting the guard on purpose to create a mimicked snare side stick sound. Using that to create a purcusion element is great.

[@michaela.friestbigmikesbas2508]

He's effortless and so from the Tony Rice style, who is my all time favorite bluegrass picker. Love these videos Rhett. Keep em comin.

[@bluegrassee3079]

Never heard a better flat pick guitar player than Jake Workman. His skill and technique is mind blowing!

[@texme_-2682]

👆 chat me up

[@jipes]

LOve Doc Watson and his son Merle, this music always makes me feel so happy ! Great pickers those days from Billy Strings to Chris Elridge we are really blessed

[@robst247]

Some of the melodic lines are similar to (bits of) Irish jigs and reels, which are also often played lightning fast. Is there a historical connection? Were parts of the southeastern USA where this kind of bluegrass and folk playing comes from originally settled by Irish people who brought over their traditional music?

[@Edwarbr]

Videos like this and your dobro slide videos are why I love this channel. Watching you grow as a musician and not just a guitarist, has been a joy and inspiration. Most KZbinrs stay in their pocket, but that gets less entertaining. Keep balancing your channel material out for us music lovers. The guitar greats from the 70s have very wide backgrounds of music education. Jimmy Page’s influences are not just tied to blues, but many different styles. That is how he cultivated his sound. Keep highlighting old and new musicians to help guitarists find their sound along with your own.

[@jasonharvey3747]

I have seen Rickey and his band 4 times. They will meet and greet with their audience afterwards. They are humble and great at their craft.

[@d3w4yn3]

Well... I agree with you. This guy is insanity. I truly considered whether it was speeded up video or some kind of hollywood special effects. When someone makes you wonder whether what you are seeing is reality, that's a rare gift this guy has!!! Thanks for hooking us up with him!!!

[@jabbawakka7286]

No doubt, there are bluegrass players that LEAVE metal, rock and shredders in the dust.....and all on an acoustic.....generally not what a typical aforementioned genre player WOULD EVEN CONSIDER....absolutely amazing player and technical facility...... I'm relatively new to YT and the net, and discovered you through other players comments, and have had to seriously revise my growing list of favourite guitarists.....of which he, and yourself are now included....GREAT WORK.....my subscription to you was instantaneous....😎💥💣💥😎👈🏼

[@adam411]

Rhett, I’m so glad you featured Jake and this guitar style on your channel. I like you am traditionally an electric player, but in the last few years I discovered folk and bluegrass flat-picking and have now been focused on that. You should also check out JP Cormier’s channel. I first heard about Jake from him. He’s also an incredible acoustic player and one of the best multi-instrument players that I’ve ever seen. Check out his primary colors concert! FYI, He’s also given you a shout out on his channel before.

[@ike2010]

About 20 years ago I was traveling for work. Just so happened that the hotel I was staying at was attached to the auditorium where the Blue Grass Awards were being hosted. Long story short, that night was an epic “open house” of the very best of Blue Grass players playing on every floor of that hotel with open doors and cold beers. Those musicians were unbelievable and still feel lucky to have been able to sit up close and personal while they jammed in those rooms while people just came and went throughout that hotel. It was amazing. I’m a Rock n Roll guy, but that night, and ever since, I’ve had a tremendous respect for that talent.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Great video showcasing a living legend like Jake!! He has super human talent

[@yergenflergen72]

Killer video, Rhett!!! I just got back from Nashville a few weeks ago for an amazing guitar camp / retreat with Tommy Emmanuel and friends… besides Tommy just absolutely melting everyone’s face off🔥😂, Trey Hensley and Rob Ickes (Dobro) were also there, as well as John Knowles who’s also a CGP, and one of my all-time favorites John Jorgenson. Growing up playing hard rock through the 80’s, I have always known of the incredible talent in this genre, but just been absolutely floored at the level of musicianship and virtuosity when you see it up close. These guys have blown my hair back, and I’m super stoked to continue learning about folks like Jake. Keep ‘em coming brother! 🎸🤘❤️

[@bpipermclean]

He’s a great teacher. I’ve been taking from him this year and the amount of knowledge he has and ability to convey it is amazing!

[@6stringstandard136]

My dad was a huge bluegrass fan and I heard quite a bit of that music growing up. I never liked regular country music, but I have a soft spot for bluegrass and enjoy and appreciate the skill involved.

[@johnmccaleb2122]

I got to hang offstage during Rickeys show a couple of years ago and was 10 feet from him. Blown away! Super nice guys too. Thanks Rhett.

[@joshuajamesmusic]

So glad you're spreading the word about bluegrass. A few others to name outside of Hensley, are: Josh Williams, Shaun Richardson and Seth Taylor. Shaun and Seth regularly fill in when Skaggs needs a lead flat picker.

[@richardclark.]

...and his left hand is never too busy or in a hurry. Just beautiful to watch.

[@jrwstudios]

Ricky Skaggs always hires the hottest up and coming talent. I used to be big big into bluegrass (still am, just don’t have the time to pick and travel like I used to) and I’ve gotten to pick and hang with Russ Carson (banjo in first clip) a few times. That right there is another reason Bluegrass is so cool - most everyone is accessible, friendly, and down to pick and teach. Everyone gets there the same way, tradition and then hours and hours and hours of woodshed time!

[@shanebargy1732]

Saw Trey Hensley at a festival a few years ago. My eyes couldn't compute the sound, speed and clarity of the notes he was playing. No idea how the Bluegrass players do it. Just amazing playing on acoustic instruments. Thanks Rhett for highlighting a couple of these guys as they should be included in the upper echelon of players today.

[@garbb5611]

Seen Jake numerous times w Skaggs. Ricky is the boot camp for pickers. Check out Bryan Sutton another former Kthunder player. Chris Luquette of dirty kitchen another great. Traveling Mccourys guitarist Cody Kilby another Kthunder alum is perhaps the best overall. Thanks for bringing this to light!

[@SamFugarino]

Thanks for giving Bluegrass the nod. Jake is awesome, I'll be putting him on my playlist. Tony Rice is unreal. Tim Stafford from Blue Highway is another good one. John Chapman (The Chapmans) over at The Acoustic Shoppe's KZbin channel is excellent. Love watching him and his brother Jeremy. Of course, Larry Sparks is my favorite. Not always that flashy, but solid. Love that guy.

[@Kraatzman]

Jake was my guitar teacher in Salt Lake City at a music store I would look after for a friend. He is one of the best guitarist I have ever come across. He can play ANY style of music as good as bluegrass. He is an incredible instructor as well not to mention just an all around good guy. He deserves everything he has achieved in the Music Industry.

[@texme_-2682]

👆 chat me up🎉🎉

[@wsullivan121]

I grew up playing rock in the seventies and eighties and have been struggling to play Bluegrass ever since. I still realize I’m a hack and will never be good, but it’s still fun to try. Thanks, Rhett, for introducing Jake to folks who may have never otherwise found him. Enjoy the Drive….

[@djb3545]

Again Rhett, thank you for another awesome video. I never would’ve come across Workman’s playing. Thank you! Real treat.

[@bp7152]

Took a dozen lessons w him. Yep, legend.

[@SourMashband]

Huge Ricky Skaggs fan! Never took the time to look this guy up but now I will. Thanks for sharing Rhett.

[@anguspearson1]

What a great video. Thanks for the introduction to an impressive talent. And I appreciated your analytical take on the interesting features of Jake's technique and style.

[@softailspringer9915]

Outstanding, Rhett. Great to see you paying tribute to flatpicking.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

I think I saw him a while back on a Bluegrass show on tv. I'm a Classic Rock guy primarily. It gave me a reverence for the young Bluegrass players who are pushing the envelope in this genre. And Ricky Skaggs is still amazing.

[@cooked5439]

ive never heard of this guy. So i paused the vid, and find a vid of him and tommy emanuel . holy shit watched it 3x Thank you Rhett

[@kentowens2179]

Jake's from another planet! LOL He's as good as it gets! Been my favorite for a long time. Incredible.

[@ramonzandberg7573]

Bluegrass players have always amazed me so much, their skill, speed, technique and musicality. Thanks for sharing this gem of a player Rhett!!

[@adampontious8671]

Glad to see Jake getting some recognition! Not like that new but enjoy seeing him in the well deserved spotlight. I take lessons from Jake and as good as he plays he’s equally a teacher. Great dude and talent!

[@dannymacnevin3939]

Hey, a few years back I got a gig at an out door festival because Eddie Eastman was doing a show, needed a band, and I could read Nashville numbers. Low and behold, the day of the show, after sound check, I find out Ricky Skaggs and his blue grass band were performing on the other stage. I literally ran over and caught about 80% of their show. It was amazing!

[@Cgtr2024]

hey Rhett, great video & discussion about Jake Workman ( loved your Julian Lage one too ) I take lessons from Jake , he's not just a phenomenal guitarist but he's a very gifted teacher , best ive ever had

[@alanobeirne6312]

This is such a cool video, Jake Workman is one of the best guitar players I have ever seen, These bluegrass flatpickers are outstanding musicians, I had the pleasure of seeing Trey hensley and Rob ickes live in Ireland around 6 years ago it was an incredible experience, I was absolutely blown away by these guys, It was hands down the best gig I have ever been at.

[@futureisscary246]

Thanks for taking the time to cover these amazing musicians!

[@Flatpicknation]

Im glad you talk about the best genre in the world!

[@whyyeseyec]

Glenn Campbell was also a great flat picker!!

[@richardclark.]

Glenn was a monster player in many forms. A very rare talent. I am sure you know how he cut his teeth with the absolute best of the session players.

[@whyyeseyec]

@@richardclark. Indeed!!

[@mdspman000]

His technique, speed, accuracy and tone are off the charts great. One thing that makes some of the improvisation a bit easier is that the harmony is pretty simple for these songs so no navigating challenging chord progressions probably helps to keep the focus all the other elements. Also, without fully analyzing all of the lines it sounds like super heavy use of major pentatonics with carefully chosen chromatics, which of course is perfect for this type of music. I've seen some jazz guitarists who have this level of technique or at least close to it in man ways and can navigate some pretty challenging chord changes while cranking steady streams of eighth notes.

[@MrAuell]

Jakes been my favorite bluegrass flatpicker for a while. A lot of people are much better known, but for bionic technique, he’s the man! It is incredible how fast he can take it! Liten to him going on a tear with Trey Hensley! Trey is another great player who has an old classic country vocal style.

[@MrAuell]

I didn’t watch the whole thing because of time, but if you also showed the Hensley jam with Jake my above post will sound stupid!

[@ct23therock]

I've had the pleasure of meeting both Jake & Trey. Incredibly talented players, but more importantly, better people. I'd encourage anyone to reach out to them for lessons or guitar advice!

[@chadwickfoster6451]

Rhett if you are into this kind of thing you should look into merlfest in wilkesboro NC. It’s a week long bluegrass festival that happens in my town. The venue is named after doc Watson (he and his son started the festival in 1988). All of the big guns in bluegrass have played and still do every year

[@SwedeGuy328]

Such a GREAT segment Rhett! Thank you!

[@nebroTtfeoH]

Thank you for opening a whole new world of guitar playing to me. I’m off practicing for the next few years now.

[@JensLarsen]

Great recommendation! I need to check out more from Jake. I have been listening to a lot to Molly Tuttle as well.

[@seanparker7415]

Great breakdown. I really liked the explanation of the genesis of flat-picking and it's role in the Bluegrass genre. Rhett's passion for showing great artists and why they are great is both informative and entertianing.

[@grantwatsonbuzzyfrets]

Hey Rhett, thanks for making us aware of such talented players. I have to catch up on your vids, cheers!

[@ElmanAuthement]

I recently have been listening to Billy Strings. Dude is amazing

[@stevevice9863]

Ricky always has the best pickers in his band. He finds these young kids and brings them up through KY Thunder similar to the way that Bill Monroe brought Ricky and so many others up through the ranks with the Bluegrass boys.. Don't forget about Clarence White's influence on flatpicking and hybrid picking for bluegrass lead playing. He was a huge influence on the way Tony Rice played. In fact Tony bought Clarence's Martin after Clarence was killed by a drunk driver when he was only 27. That's the one with the oversized sound hole that Tony called "The Antique" and it has become one of the most famous guitars in the world. Martin made a copy of it called the "CW" model and also Santa Cruz Guitars made the Tony Rice model initially just for Tony, that he played on tours after "The Antique" became just too valuable and fragile to tour with. Clarence played in the second version of The Byrds and was influential on the Sweetheart of the Rodeo album and the Byrd's evolution into Country Rock. You can see footage of a teenage Clarence White playing that old Martin, with his brothers on the Andy Griffith show.

[@skweetis]

There are so many mind-blowingly great musicians in bluegrass. You'll pull up to a camper at a festival and some 14 year old from Missouri will be sitting there playing stuff you didn't know was possible, and then go to the stage show to find he's actually a champion fiddle player and is still learning guitar. But it's also great because it's a close-knit community, and if you can hack it you can easily find yourself in a jam with world-class musicians.

[@ScottatHouseonaHill]

Rhett - have you heard Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings? They're the future of flat-picking. Check out Molly's take on White Freightliner Blues...unreal.

[@SidAkbar]

At 8:05 Rhett pronounced Timbre correctly and now I have double the respect and admiration for him.

[@frankhiatt4271]

We just saw Ricky Skaggs & KY Thunder in Nashville,IN. Jake Workman is an amazing flat picker. You need to also check out Billy Strings as well. Both monster flat pickers!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

Rhett, you're on fire. Thank you so much for this! You are a class act, brother.