Vince Gill - "Killer Guitar Player"

Did you know Mark Knopfler asked Vince Gill to play guitar for Dire Straits? Enjoy this segment of Vince's incredible guitar technique along with this interesting tidbit and an impressive phone call. (A&E's Live By Request, 1998)

[@suzyharthcock7913]

He makes it look so easy that nonmusicians might not realize how good he really is, and writes and sings great too.

[@Fenderman44]

phenomenal picking---not one slip up, and he was tearing it up with many different licks...wow!

[@Anne-zy3ry]

Not enough is said about what an outstanding guitar player (and singer/songwriter), Vince Gill is. Amazing! My hands are tired just watching him play this song! Love'em!

[@kennethlatham3133]

I just looked at my guitar and asked it, "Why can't YOU do that?".

[@marshaamerson5338]

Vince Gill has the purest voice of any Country Male singer ever. He is also an Awesome guitar player!!! I Love Him

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Vince Gill is an incredibly humble player. There's no greater compliment than to get a compliment from Chet.

[@rtgray7]

Hard to understand any "dislikes" here. Narrow minded and jealous I guess... Great playing!!!

[@MrMusicguyma]

He has such a relaxed, clean guitar style even at fast tempos. It looks effortless, but having played for 50 years myself, I know it is not easy, I can assure you.

[@JenGomes]

I remember being absolutely blown away when I first saw him play this guitar solo. Perfection!

[@connie1445]

O. M. G. I'm looking behind Vince Gill, and I see the greatest steel guitar players of all times, Mr. John Hugely. sure do miss him, I know know Vince loved him.

[@kenspinelli2918]

WOW!!!! The Eddie VH of country music!!! Not a country guy but know talent. hell that was fantastic!!

[@mikemccoy3430]

The well deserved respect Vince pays to Chet. How many guitar players have put down their guitar when they know there is nothing they can add. Chet just called up on the phone and Vince put his guitar down..

[@tonybarber243]

Geez I always thought that this guy was just another country singer, never knew about his guitar playing ability. Bloody amazing.

[@wolfbytes4461]

oh yeah, seriously one of the best for years and years ...

[@marezie2512]

Vince Gill is the gold standard - both as a guitar player and singer.

[@tonys2705]

That's as good as it gets... A classy, humble guy. With an amazing talent.

[@TheChainAngel666]

I never get tired of listening to his guitar. Why more people are not tuning in?

[@aaliyahchambers5558]

When guitar teachers are talking about great players and their styles, Vince Gill gets mentioned often. Now I know what they mean. He's up there with some of the greatest.

[@gregdenis5191]

I play guitar & am a classic rock guy ... Never been big on country music , but I can appreciate great talent . This man definitely has immense talent ... Good stuff.

[@ultraroadmap]

Vince is my favorite country artist by far and probably one of my favorite musicians...

[@bodeghost]

I first heard Vince Gill while shopping for records way back in the day. I was blown away with his amazing register and incredible gift of dynamics. Mr. Gill just knows how to deliver with so much conviction. All it took was when I heard "Colder Than Winter". I was literally speechless. I recall being in a total trance, if you will, and I bought every available record in the store that day. Vince Gill is a class act and being a professional country musician myself. it would make my life just to simply shake his hand and say "thank you", for it is talent and honesty in your music that provides hope and instills in me to keep moving forward and to always keep a dream in my heart and soul. For now I will have to convey it through this format, Thank you, Vince for simply being you.

[@lenniehuckins3381]

this man is absolutely awesome. period.

[@joannherrman8895]

Singer....song writer....guitar player (along with other instruments). Doesn't get much better!

[@stevegiddings2619]

I could listen to him do that all day. A true gentleman and a great musician. Kids put away your playstations and go find an instrument and follow your dream.

[@murton09]

They don't have any anymore. Kids today are too busy poking liking tagging and making duck faces.

[@stevegiddings2619]

Oh shit, you may be right.

[@velocity80]

Matthew Urton lol

[@toker53]

Him and Brad Paisley are two of the most Underrated players alive.

[@TheSkaggs54]

Bilbo Baggins I agree wholeheartedly!

[@daveblevins3322]

Thank you Vince for all the guitar magical stuff!

[@almacarthur4053]

What a tribute by one of the greatest players ever to another of the greatest players ever!

[@emiliofedele3428]

i need to pick my jaw off the floor. That was amazing. Some of the most flawless, excellent playing Ive ever heard. First time hearing Vince Gill. Wont be the last.

[@KeepinBuzzy]

Speechless ! Vince may be the coolest player ever to have walked this earth .

[@1mespud]

This is straight up country with real class! Sorry young folks, but there won't be any smoke, mirrors, glitter, badass attitudes or any open tattoos. And there won't be anything to apologize for. WARNING: Before Vince takes his solo, I advise everyone viewing to please strap yourself in. You go Vince!

[@TheMikey1960]

True story. Vince spoke of being unable to crack into any success in the mid 80's. One night in 1984, I tuned in public radio, Austin City Limits, and dropped a cassette in the recorder. After a set with Earl Thomas Conley, a 30 minute set of a new artist, Vince Gill comes on. Loved his music the first time I heard him, and have been a fan now for 30 years. I still have the cassette.

[@bluepov]

Maybe you should share it some place like Lossless Legs...

[@Stick0413]

TheMikey1960 you should find someone that can make the cassette into a digital recording. Let people enjoy it and it will ensure you to never to lose it. It is doable just need the right equipment to do so.

[@anthonyskellern5968]

Stunning playing as always from this most humble of guitar virtuosos! Vince never lets his technical mastery get in the way of his innate musicality - a rare talent...

[@TheBoondoggler]

Vince Gill shreds here on this little ditty light years better than all those 80's speed freaks combined.

[@BeardedTexan34]

Incredible! Vince is the man,not many people can touch his style and skill level.

[@mselectricalstorm1]

The incomparable Vince Gill. A true virtuoso. Love you, Vince.

[@stevefolsom8901]

Vince Gill is and will always be the greatest song writer, solo and harmony singer and the most knowledgeable string instrument player this world will ever be blessed with. Period.

[@chadhero37]

I think Paisley could take him (at guitar at least)

[@stevefolsom8901]

Paisley is good also, but all around musician and singer.....no contest.

[@rogerbeutler5671]

My first experience with Vince was when he was playing with Pure Prairie League. I got to see them once in Salt Lake City. He is truly a great guitar player and vocalist. Got to see PPL in Park City last year & even though Vince was not with them, they were great.

[@Tremonti78]

Pretty much the best soloing I've ever seen. Incredible.

[@ChuloDavidcito]

Vince is just as stunning as ever! To play that well, sing that well, it's just not fair. ;) So smooth, too, with that gorgeous clean tone and those pedal steelish-lines in there. We're not worthy!

[@kammhron]

Would love to hear Vince Gill play with Mark Knopfler on Sultans of Swing!

[@loungydoc]

Yep

[@lucmc123]

Now your talking

[@normal_media]

maybe it'll happen some day

[@scottgoodson5132]

I play guitar and bass. Not a country music fan, but I sure do respect this guy. Great guitar player and seems a genuinely nice guy. Love that telecaster "quack"

[@TheMoodyLoners]

Flawless, incredibly tasteful guitar work with perfect Telecaster tone. I could listen to his ending lead section a thousand times.

[@1tomcaat]

I realize we make a big deal over Urban and Paisley these days, and for a good reason, but ... OMG.. Vinnie, you can shine with the best of 'em! Hint as to how good Gill is.. Chet Atkins phones in a request..

[@jaybo1120]

I'm thankful for youtube so I can see stuff like this.. What a great performance.

[@Golfer964]

I was a semi-professional guitar player when I was younger and I can tell you, that is some very good guitar playing......darn good.....

[@yakadee1]

And that, folks, is how it's done.

[@CaptainCaravelle]

Vince just killing it. Dang he's amazing.

[@robinwier]

And he does it without the usual high volume, excess speed, and distracting theatrics! Just excellent listening music.

[@dawnmeyocks8873]

I am going to see this amazing man for the 3 time this Saturday! The first time was a large but casual outdoor show in Touleme River park in CA. back in 93 . next was 2009 at the Civic Center in Des. Moines Iowa and now the Hoyt Sherman theater in Des Moines Iowa. smaller more intimate venue! I can't wait! my 4 year old granddaughter is going also!!!!

[@greggabbott5668]

One of the greatest musicians ever.

[@venusglendale1710]

an excellent guitar player with a matching voice.

[@larryjung8062]

Vince Gill also has put out some fantastic Gospel songs too!. The man is super talented!.

[@SuperMissDaisey]

KILLER GUITAR SLINGER. VINCE SMOKES THAT GUITAR. HE IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE BEST. Been to many many of his concerts & he opens with this song. He is just plain Awesome. His concerts are Wonderful. Check him out.

[@danielt2151]

Will always remember seeing him play at Merlefest a few years back. Front row, center stage. My jaw was hanging open throughout. Great , great talent.

[@lingsto195]

by 7:34 he'd played every lick known to man, and started dinkin around. what a player!

[@rogerhoman8442]

that genre of guitar playing at it's finest... great sound too... great freedom on the fretboard.. super nice personality and presentation... loved it...

[@willsband]

Absolutely Top notch singer and guitarist In anyones book

[@upr1ght970]

"Nashville cats....playin' clean as country water....." Man! And who is the one bozo who voted thumbs down 48 times?!!! lol

[@arnoldwitting1089]

God, this is very good "hand made "- music , and nothing of all this electronic trash the world is full of nowadays ! Thank you , Vince.

[@rbagel55]

i Play rock, metal, and blues, mostly, but damn this guy sure makes country intresting, such a smooth player

[@gretschsounds]

flawless...every damn note has its place...amazing.

[@muzikdude1188]

Vince started off in rock music with Pure Prairie League back in the late '70s and sang lead vocals on two of their biggest hits, Let Me Love You Tonight and Still Right Here In My Heart. Great singer and musician!

[@rodrodriguez460]

Gill is a master! That's it; I'm burning all of my guitars and start selling empty beer bottles.

[@rodrodriguez460]

***** I guess I best start drinking.

[@Sickofsociety1]

That's one thing Country Artists like Vince have is a great sense of personability. They are extremely talented musicians/song writers/ singers and yet you see them and they are as nice to everyone like they are your next door neighbor. Met Billy Ray Cyrus once when he was on top of the world and he was just as down to earth and friendly as can be. Same as Brad Paisley and a few others.

[@classicalmusic7430]

At Austin City Limits in 2004 Vince talked about some advice he got from Eddie Arnold "Be gracious on the way up, Be gracious on the way down". He also sing about his father in the song called "The Key to Life" (included in the album called "The Key") advising him to stay the same. It is an excellent song and he sure followed that advice through his carer.

[@malectric]

Way to go Vince! Not a note out of place and man does that guitar sound sweet. Talk about playing to aspire to. Awesome.

[@K7CARadio]

I've seen many guitar players over the years live and would rate Vince right up there with the top players......Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Glen Campbell, and Roy Clark.....right up there with the top. Would throw Ricky Skaggs in there too with the mandolin. Amazing talent!..... 👍👍👍

[@Gerd3008]

Wooooooooooooooooow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thank`s and many greetings Gerd (Germany)

[@cersadescosmos7497]

Vince also had a stint in Pure Prairie League.

[@BBAILEY466]

Great playing by one of the best.

[@ethansxbox6000]

Sweet baby Jesus that man can play!!!

[@musicrelic8958]

If you ever get a chance, watch a show of Vince going through his guitar collection. He has some really rare pieces and clearly loves them. Guess you have to be a guitar buff to enjoy it but he will probably pull one out and play it. Lots of good stuff and good info on vintage guitars.

[@oscarpansy1001]

Wow, is that amazing. I've been bingeing on Vince Gill-Amy Grant videos all day. Theirs is the most romantic story ever. I'm in love with both of them.

[@cjbuckshot]

this is what you call setting bar very very high as far as music!

[@1mespud]

WARNING: Strap yourself in. Vince does a "hot ass" telecaster solo starting at 5:23 - 7:55 nonstop letting us off at the borderline!!

[@mpracing1999]

Vince Gill is just a great guitar player........

[@jimharris8597]

It's amazing the things you can find out on the internet. I know Vince Gill is totally amazing but, had no idea his connection with Mark Knopfler who is a great guitar player. But, I would have passed right out if I had received a phone call from the great Chet Adkins.

[@dianewag]

Wow,,,,, He Is Hard To Beat,,,,,,,,,,,, Love Vince and His Music.....

[@hermanlelieveld]

What a fantastic guitarplayer!

[@stuartfitzsimons2786]

Wow! Fine guitar work and a great song!

[@brocklanders6172]

That guitar playing. Just WOW, WOW, WOW.

[@mallorga1965]

What an amazing guitar player!...OK, amazing ARTIST.

[@all95621]

What a God given talent. No one better.

[@GuildF40]

Sounds like a lap steel at some points ! What a fantastic tone and player.

[@goodformeilovedogs860]

I could listen to Vince Gill sing ALL day long and not get tired of hearing him. he has a VERY sexy voice.

[@NeilBolandGuitaristWriter]

We got 'Chet', from Nashville, on the line...

[@MrGreglarry]

I don't know whether to be inspired to play more or to just quit playing! Wow!

[@donaldgray4682]

Saw him on the Rising Star Tour back in about 1980 something. He sat and had a beer with us ! Just a down to earth guy.

[@wayneo1269]

Vince can really play little wonder Mark Knofler wanted him to join Dire Straits.

[@mcmmetalman]

Amazing! He made it sound just like a pedal steel.

[@johnnyguitar335]

Once again one of the greatest guitar solos ever is mis-filmed by the camera with its audience and broad lens views. Vince Gill's solo should have been filmed on ZOOM! this and the solo he took on the same tune at the CrossRoads Festival in 2004 (?) are among the greatest solos ever in this idiom. More guitar playing (advanced level) camera pros is what's needed to film Chris. It'd do the world a lot of good. Like EC's solo on Crossroads (on Cream's "Wheels of Fire" album) Vince's solos worth capturing on film for posterity and inspiration of future generations of guitar players.

[@IBWIV]

More zoom would be great if it was a KZbin guitar instruction or concert video, but primetime TV shoots have to make it dynamic and interesting for a wider range of viewers. Their excellent pro camera work here offered more perspective of the band, the engaged audience, and his performance in the context of the room. Even then, as a guitar player myself, I could easily see enough of his technique to work out and practice the parts he was playing. Such criticism doesn't take into account the specific application of camera techniques and direction, and should not confine that to one's own musical perspective and purposes. Crossroads is a different and more specific venue involving more zoom while also employing wider perspective techniques. Just sayin'

[@patrioticbeats2089]

the holy spirit came down and played vince's guitar!

[@lastdaysguitar]

wow! THAT is some righteous pickin'!

[@rjmcallister1888]

Nothing like getting blessing from another master, who not only could play but produce and arrange and helped save Nashville in the late 50's, along with Don Law and Owen Bradley. First heard Vince with Pure Prairie League in 1980 and figured if he could get the right songs, he'd make it. Little did we know he'd do that part himself. Hard to think of Vince now as one of Nashville's elders, he probably doesn't, but he's always had that talent and it just took longer for it to all come together.

[@billyclub56]

Vince could've had his Money for Nothin & his Chicks for Free!

[@forgodssakehuskers6261]

Holy Lord. I loved his music 15 yrs ago, but never appreciated how talented he was. listen to " take me down". Do it now! Best single out...

[@michaelfreeze1791]

Vince is the best would love to hear him do Let Me Love You Tonight live

[@srl3489]

Not for nothing but I don't see Pure Prairie League mentioned at all in the comments go find them and you'll be able to hear VG sing and play.

[@tomhits]

Twang!!! Damn, that Telecaster barks! 👏👏👏😀

[@theresaflyinmybabaganouj9384]

In baseball parlance....that amazing guitar solo was a " grand slam ! "

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

It is amazing how real fame and fortune have alluded this extreme mega-talent.

[@carlogargano503]

Beautiful!! Martin. Incredible. Heart, Tone, the legend.