HUGE Guitar Lessons from Lightnin' Hopkins ★ Acoustic Tuesday 207

Lightnin' Hopkins is one of the greatest guitar players in American history - his playing has influenced generations of blues artists. If you want to learn how to play Lightnin's songs, watch this lesson where he talks about some of his riffs and philosophy.
This episode will show you some important mechanics of Lightnin' Hopkins' playing while also diving into his musical philosophy. By the end of the video, you'll gain some key insights on his playing and be able to apply some of his style and technique to your own guitar journey.
I love focusing on Lightnin' Hopkins because so much of it has to do with feeling the music in your heart. Don't get me wrong, theres plenty of technique to work on when emulating Lightnin's playing, but there's also a mindset you need to play music in his style.
Hopefully by the end of this episode, you'll have a greater appreciation for this master of blues guitarist. Be sure to let me know in the comment which one of his blues guitar lessons helped you the most!
In addition to learning Lightnin' Hopkins' style, you'll get a chance to try the TAC Tuesday Guitar Lick Challenge. You'll be focusing on pull-offs and "punching" the rhythm.
And, finally, I've got a host of artists that I want to talk about on the Acoustic Guitar News segment. I also want to address some of my concerns about ‪@gibsonguitar‬ and their new guitar line.
Featured on this episode:
-‪@AlexandrMisko‬
-‪@SdeBurca‬
-‪@ElderlyInstruments‬
-‪@gibsonguitar‬
#lightninhopkins #guitarlesson
00:00 - Intro
01:48 - Accent the Shuffle
04:20 - Milk It
05:49 - Know Your Roots
06:35 - Find a Guitar Guide
08:11 - Play From the Heart
10:46 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
16:49 - 90 Day Progress Party
18:52 - Guitarsenals
21:18 - Alexandr Mitsko
24:02 - Sean De Burca
25:12 - Gibson Generation Series

[@leftwrite]

I was fortunate to see Lightning Hopkins play in Austin back in the 70s. As a teenager seeing him as well as Freddie King changed my perception of the blues

[@Johnny1.0]

As stoked as I am for you I'm so friggin jealous! You probably got to see so many of my heros that I could not. I wish I was born 10 to 20 years earlier!! 😉

[@SdeBurca]

Thanks so much for the feature Tony! Always such an honour to be included. So pleased you like the cover, pop punk and fingerstyle just go so well together!

[@andrebradford4696]

Wholeheartedly, I agree that Tony is a gifted, music educator, as well as being a prolific guitarist /musician. Tony Rockin, the Blues and Bluegrass . Totally!

[@TheBladepolisher]

Tony, even if I didn't play guitar, I'd have to say that you are truly a gifted educator as well as an excellent guitarist. I am really impressed. The first thing I was impressed with is the connection your dedication to guitar creates for your students. The blaring reality here is just how much you want your students to succeed. Very inspiring my friend ! ! Thank you ! !

[@andrebradford4696]

Indeed, I agree while heartily, that Tony epitomizes; a gifted educator as well as a prolific, guitarist. You Rock+ Blues, and Blues grass totally .

[@canajian]

I was in Crockett Texas, and made it a MUST to venture over to camp st where lightnins memorial statue is ... I sat down and paid respects to a blues musical legend...

[@markstrain8989]

Outstanding !!!

[@mburtondavis]

I enjoy the artist profile. It’s introducing me to new music. Especially some of the blues players I’ve never heard of.

[@ElderlyInstruments]

Thanks for mentioning our 'In The Shop' series!

[@BobPerrone]

Lightning shaped my love for acoustic blues, and my love for him as a performer. An American treasure

[@MoonhareStudio]

Playing the lick in context is such a great idea. It's really making sense for me when I'm doing the lessons now and I'm really looming looking forward to Tuesdays even more now. Darren in Eastern England.

[@amritawhitman8112]

I LOVE your artist profiles and this one was really excellent! I've heard of Lightnin' Hopkins but have never listened to his music. Thanks!

[@rayrodriguez8447]

Love the lightning Hopkins lessons. I would like more of those please. Thanks. Love in the show Tony.

[@lefauxpas]

Yes! More profiles. Thanks for the show Tony.

[@alistairsmith5830]

Lightnin's album with Barbara Dane 'Sometimes I believe she loves me' is one of my all-time favourites.

[@Beachbumartist]

Greatr video and Lightning was one of the greatest there was on the blues. I hope you can keep doing more blues artist like you did with lightning. Thanks a lot.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Lightnin Hopkins IS the blues. Yes I agree! I’m really not into the blues much ACCEPT for Lightnin Hopkins. I just love his playing and singing. Most other blues players I don’t pay much attention to it. The single note thing…I love simplicity. The more simple it is the more I enjoy it’s. It’s organic and “ front porch” sounding. The fancier and more advanced the player the less interested I am in it

[@happysaddington6488]

Thanks so much for highlighting Lightin' Hopkins. A little while ago you had a series about learning blues, and I enjoyed a lot, especially the part about you playing blues with your father in law for more than two hours straight. Still, I was somewhat disappointed that you didn't mention LH. Because, for me, in standard turning acoustic guitar, he's simply the King of The Blues! Again, thank you so much!

[@nivak11]

Thank you! Lightnin' Hopkins is a big influence of mine!

[@timnewman1172]

Here's a player profile for you: Willie Nelson! His playing technique is often overshadowed by his persona, but I think he is unique as a player and his influences like Django and others are ingrained in everything he does...

[@troynov1965]

Yeah Ive always thought he is a hell of a picker. Listen to him play on Emmy Lou Harris album Roses In The Snow.....its sublime.

[@vwbeetle72jellybeen]

I do like the lesson segment, Tony. Keep it up! I love the sound of the blues but never really deep-dived into the mechanics. This was a great primer!

[@markstrain8989]

wow. your show keeps getting awesomer by the minute!!! Eespecially this one, # 207, I think. Love love love the artist segment on Lightnin' Hopkins. So very well done, Tony. Masterfully done! THANK YOU. I'm still in the first 30 day improvement part of TAC, week one still (gotta lot on my plate) and I'm grooving with the blues shuffle, slowly, cuz I'm utterly an old klutzbutt, and then you go and light a fire under my ass showing us those Lightnin' lessons, his blues shuffle and that accent trick. I'm gonna spend a good 10 minutes several times over today combining those two lessons, your TAC shuffle and Lightnin's. If I can get that, I know I will never quit again. Hot damn! Thank you, man!!! Oh, almost forgot, yeah. artist segment is really awesome part of the show. keep it up. keep it up.⚡⚡⚡⚡

[@mikem2285]

Like Rick R I also saw LG play in 1977. Two buddies and I gained entry underage to the club he was playing in Houston. Both my buddies were pretty skilled players, and one thought it would be great to jam w LH after the show; he was 16 or 17 then. He took a $5 bill, wrapped it around a joint, put it in a glass slide he brought (talk about aspirational) w a brief note and asked the waitress to get it to him at the break. Unfortunately we were outed soon after as underage and booted out. We never knew for sure if he got the "invitation" or an employee satisfied their curiosity and discovered the "bonus gift" within. For all we know the great Lighting was left waiting for the young fans to get together with him and learn from him like he did from Blind Lemon. I did see him again one I was 18 (legal age in Texas at that time) and feel privileged to have seen him!

[@johnsapper30]

.Great to see Joe Konkoly on your show! Seeing someone I knew and jammed with at Penn State back in the 70s is a real treat. I have been following his guitar building prowess on his web site and have been very impressed by his career choice. What a craftsman!

[@TonyObermeit]

I had a sound port added to my custom made guitar a few years back, a fantastic option. Should be on every acoustic guitar

[@tannerhoward9342]

Love this

[@Kitchen_Sessions]

I am sure you are aware that Wrecks Bell played bass for Hopkins. He also played for Townes Van Zandt. He also is the owner of the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston. Just a little info on some of the dots that connect here.

[@jacsvihus]

Thanks Tony!

[@channelthree9424]

You have the perfect narrator voice.

[@Johnny1.0]

Damn I haven't realized how long its been since I stopped by for one of your videos. Your hair and beard is now one singular unit! Great video brother!

[@bradybritto]

Very nice !!

[@toddjohnson9753]

I do like the artist profiles and would like to see one on Mississippi John Hurt. Looking forward to next weeks show on your five favorite Seagull guitars. Thanks for another great show.

[@andrewbeattieRAB]

A long time ago now, I went through Centerville and Buffalo Texas it must’ve been 100 times going to and from Texas A&M. I always knew the name, but I only became rather obsessed with his music about three or four years ago now. I spend about 90% of my practice on his music only.

[@holmes44k44]

Hey Tony ! Thanks so much for teachin’ this extremely cool Bluegrass lick. Amazing ! It brought back some hunger for practicing the guitar 🎸… without those typical excuses 😃. Would be cool if you could teach some more licks in that very style to help building up a little repertoire for improvising around chords. All the best & greetings from 🇩🇪

[@davidshaw5979]

Great video

[@craigwhitfield9946]

Thanks for showcasing Lightnin' Hopkins. The term great doesn't do this man justice. His music literally seaps into your soul. Try just listening to one Lightnin' tune. For me its simply impossible. Listening to Trouble in Mind live takes you to a better place. Doc Watson is another legendary picker that would make for a great showcase. Absolutely love your weekly show and love being a TAC member.

[@patrickhinds]

Great to see Sean on this one!

[@edisoncastro01]

I know I am late to the party but I am loving the artist profile. I am going to go ahead and check what else you have on this category

[@turtleie]

thanks for the lick

[@gunnar1797]

Tony I love your show and feel a total home here on your channel. 27 and loving every episode and lesson I've seen! I'm curious what that is above your nut on the dreadnought you used during the bluegrass lick demonstration? The silver piece looks like it works similar to the fretwraps but I like that one alot!

[@BobPerrone]

Yes..more please! John Hammond would be a great profile to cover!

[@DeltaBlues61]

The player profile segment was rad! Lightnin Hopkins was my gateway to the blues, I picked up the Blues in a Bottle record when I was 19 and have been hooked ever since. You’re right,Lightning’s live sessions are amazing. For Artist profiles here are a few suggestions Harry Manx, M. Ward, Gregory Alan Isakov, Justin Townes Earle, Nora Brown, Todd Albright, Jack Rose, John Fahey, Furry Lewis and of course Charlie Parr. If I can throw out a guitar challenge, Tony can you get Charlie to teach a simple open tuning lesson. Oh and you should mention the 2013 film Meeting Charlie Parr. It’s excellent. And Nora Brown has a new album out.

[@rodneyariel2357]

Always loved Lightnin'Hopkins 🎸🎸 BUKKA WHITE is another artist I dig and would like to see profiled🎶🎸

[@nancyshumway4418]

Tony I love your segments about different artist, keep it! One artist I think you should feature John Prine great lyrics Sam Stone for example once you start listening to it there’s never a dry eye.

[@marcellusrusk3160]

Love the artist profiles. Mississippi John Hurt next! Please

[@thomasmoffitt3511]

Never saw a player port on Gibson in the 60's. They were in Kalamazoo then, My 64 Gibson doesn't have one. Gibson now run by accountants. Eastman has ports also.

[@PonziZombieKiller]

❤

[@jackmorris5307]

Love these episodes! What about Chris Stapleton?

[@kevininman2013]

I would love for you to do something on Stevie Ray Vaughan!

[@DaveDiprose]

The artist profiles are great. I'd like to see a Bluegrass artist. I mean, is there a better chord the the 4 fingered bluegrass G chord. Norman Blake, Keeny Smith, Tony Rice, someone like that.

[@GvKblues83]

👍🏻

[@MashaT22]

I also was wondering about that Player Port being trademarked. I know of many other brands that have done this for years - in fact, KLOS is now doing it by request according to their website. There’s nothing new or special that I can tell about these Gibson ports, so how can Gibson trademark a hole cut into a guitar body?! I’m not seeing what’s so special about theirs that warrants a trademark. I also worry that they could potentially try to sue brands that are installing ports. I’m glad I am not the only person who raised an eyebrow at that trademark. Thanks for being the first KZbinr I’ve seen to say this aloud! My other problem with quality is twofold: the sound and material quality are greatly lacking. In the terms of the materials lacking, that’s not okay for a Gibson. I don’t expect the Players Series to be as fancy as guitars at a much higher price point, but these “affordable” guitars should still be made with high xquality wood and materials. I haven’t held one myself, but I’ve heard it said enough times now that it obviously isn’t just affecting a few rogue guitars. The sound quality is also a huge issue. People are wanting Gibson guitars not just for the headstock, but also the tone. People who have purchased or tried the Player’s Series guitars have said the guitars can only be played for others with a mic or amp setup because the sound doesn’t carry (even the large bodied models!). In the photos and specs, I noticed that the port Gibson made is cavernous! Why did they cut such a gaping hole into these guitars?! I’ve never heard about other brands ports lowering the volume considerably - ports will affect the sound and tone a little, but the other brands’ ports I’ve seen are also much smaller than Gibson’s. (Fun fact: KLOS’s website says they are working on a way to close the port off and open it as needed to help project the sound hole volume better as needed and then direct it to the player when it’s not needed.). Overall, I tend to think that The Player’s Series was a nice attempt by Gibson USA for the reasons you stated. However, people who want more bang for their buck are probably better off getting a midrange or top-tier Epiphone acoustic models, which would still be a chunk of change less than the price of the Gibson Player’s Series lineup. I love supporting American made stuff, but it’s tough to justify in this case unless Gibson can offer the same quality as their Epiphone acoustic counterparts - obviously at a slightly higher premium than the Epiphone models to account for being made in the USA. If they can go back to the drawing board and make that happen, I think SO many more people will line up to buy a guitar with a Gibson headstock.

[@isadorealire5722]

I just sort of think that after the debacle that seemed to be Gibson a few years ago... I think they've decided to get back in the game. The inspired by Gibson Epiphones and now these new models. They seem to be refocusing on the business of being competitive again.

[@danbgt]

Profile Leon Redbone.

[@jsutton1613]

Must review a g45. All reviews I've seen are obviously biased. From dealers who want to sell and, or, Gibson haters and trolls. Not one honest review anywhere. You, Toni, are our only hope.

[@igorivanov1160]

Anyone know anything about the idea behind using an unwound G on an acoustic like Lightnin did? Is it just to be able to bend notes easier, or because of the pickup? I wonder if that's part of his unique sound..

[@BobPerrone]

Regarding the Gibson player port thing, their 1964 plans have the port on the top of the lower bout so doubtful they can make a claim against where it is now

[@CornPopDubs]

Gibson, Please make a Lightnin' Hopkins signature model B25!

[@a1969rocker2]

Ton, which Martin are you playing?

[@jimross9429]

Once again another great Acoustic Tuesday show. Now on to the part that I just can't wrap my head around the Gibson "sound port". I guess I am just stuck in the past but it looks to be simpley an attempt to appear modern while not really adding any value. I would love to own one of the Generation j-45's or j-200's but not with a big old hole in the guitar. As they say if it aint broke don't fix it.

[@timnewman1172]

I totally agree!!! Dear Gibson & Martin, stop with the "gimicky" crap and build something for those of us that can't afford to break the bank for a guitar!

[@jhorsty]

I had my reservations about these new Generation models as well,but took the plunge and bought a G-45 last week. Not going to replace my 2005 D-18,but at this price point the build quality is really good and sounds great to me.The sound really does project back to you in a way that you appreciate,even after 50+ years of playing hobby guitar. A novelty,but in a good way.The new Gibson is back,and I appreciate them building a quality guitar Made In The USA at an affordable price. It is actually a smooth player,love the neck.You lose out on the bottom end of course,but the mid and treble ranges are really sweet!!!

[@nixternal]

Yeah, in regards to the Gibson "Player Port" trademark. If I was Yamaha I'd have lawyers on standby :D That is the name of Yamaha's guitar training mobile app. Gibson has spent the last year promoting their new mobile app. EDIT: LET'S GO HAWKS!

[@keestoft250]

Hi Toni, go over to a KZbin channel called Driftwood Guitars, the guy is a luthier in his own right. Basically he takes guitars from popular makers and goes to work on them, assessing tone, build quality, durability and eventually saws them in half 💥 to have a look inside, where all the nasty stuff can hide right? It's very interesting, and in reference to the new gibson line you mentioned, he has one and comes to some very revealing conclusions.

[@Jublie1]

I wouldn't worry to much about the trademark. I deal with these and patents in my job. Trademarks deal with names, logos and slogans, not physical products or inventions, which are covered by patents. Gibson trademarking only means that no one else can use the name "Gibson Player Port". Yahama can trademark theirs as the "Yahama Player Port". The actual invention of the port itself would be covered under a utility patent which is a completely different animal and is a much bigger concern than a trademark. Multiple companies can patent player ports if they differ enough in design and function. Companies like GE hire engineers to do "reverse patent" work, taking apart competitor's products to determine if they violate the company's patent.

[@toffee2125]

Great video! please profile James "Blood" Ulmer

[@1231trainfan]

Is there any way to have the next "90 Day Progress Party on an weekend? Reason being....a lot of people have jobs....

[@user-gm5im1nx9k]

#pristine

[@steventregilgas5016]

While we’re talking blues how about Mance Lipscomb

[@MrViken-pc9sb]

👍👍👍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@Big-A-Russel]

Billy Gibbons for the next artist?

[@krankiekat]

check out hounddog taylor

[@tonydovell6131]

I know this is an older vid but I just joined the TAC family 2 weeks ago and am trying to catch up. I love these artist segments. So interesting and inspiring. I also play Frailing banjo and have used Lightning Hopkins, M. J. Hurt, Elizabeth Cotton as inspiration for Frailing blues. The songs and sounds are interchangable! Not sure if u did those but they would also be good segments. Love the channel. Money well spent in my opinion! Look forward to the journey.

[@catherineabbott6249]

I wonder if Gibson is threatened by the Player Port on the Emerald Carbon Fiber guitars. Trademark wars, anyone?

[@nedludd3641]

What is punk? In England, it was an angry reaction against super-rich elite mega-stadium billion-selling album bands such Zeppelin, Floyd, The Who, The Stones etc. Working class teens learnt three-chords and then wrote songs about taking Southend Sally up the back alley for a bit of slap and tickle with some lovely cheese and pickle. Deathtrap crappy spit-and-sawdust pubs, fetid derelict squats, disused factories provided venues. It was meant to be raw, it was meant to be 'real', it was meant to be street. The Sex Pistols went onto national TV at tea time and swore 97 times, the interviewer was called "...a dirty old man", live. If you could spit and pogo you were laughing. Then posh students got involved and rich kids became chic grubby. Was Punk like that Stateside?

[@colakeith1]

Lightnin'Hopkins has been a beacon of blues for a long time with contemporaries such as Muddy Waters and such. His albums are always breaming with soul and heart. The Gibson Generations, while something they needed to do. Something is fishy with the port thing. There are SEVERAL manufctors and luthiers who have been at that for a long time. They,Gibson, again is a little late to the party and trying to steal it.

[@markstrain8989]

... and apparently that verbiage is raising some eyebrows. On the other hand, I'm far more interested in learning Lightnin's first two lessons building on what I'm learning in the first week's lesson of the 30 prep session to TAC and really gettin' to milking that shuffle. Over and over. And over. Everytime it comes it around on the guitar...

[@marcokrollmann8340]

I'd propose Tyler Childers being featured as an artist. Well, he's rather new to the circus, and young. But he tells stories as if he had lived a hundred years.

[@firecrackerheart]

perhaps you mean "ogle" or "oogle", and not "google"? ;)

[@Weareallconnected]

Boy do you remind me of many sales guys I worked with over the years. Like the sound of there own voice and never learned that art of less is more. I am been constructive here. If you really want to share your love of guitar to world cut back on screen prompt . Just play the guitar and speak less. 🤗