Most Beautiful Guitar Playing EVER - Ted Greene 4 Song Medley

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Ted was a most amazing man, musical thinker, guitar player and teacher. This is most beautiful. There are many who can play more notes, faster licks, Yada Yada Yada but I have searched high and low and have never heard anyone who has a better command of harmony melody and the special realm of sheer beauty

[@stemajor7]

Couldn't agree more, Tim, he raised the bar so high with regards to knowledge of the instrument. A rare gem of a human being, and we are so lucky to have footage of him.

[@chrisdick2305]

Mr. Lerch. Enjoy your very Ted influenced stuff on KZbin. The only player who could match and maybe even surpass Ted's command of harmony was Lenny Breau (when he wasn't high). Another astonishing musical genius unknown outside the jazz community. Who the hell else could play Bills Evans style piano harmonies on one guitar and sound like three.

[@timhitt5934]

check out Tommy Crook on KZbin...

[@christopherhanna5754]

you are master player teacher and have inspired a multitude of players as well sir.. nonetheless ted is always oceans deeper than mere mortals..

[@christopherhanna5754]

you are master player teacher and have inspired a multitude of players as well sir.. nonetheless ted is always oceans deeper than mere mortals..

[@guitarflight]

Ted was a musical monk. Dedicated to his style and rarely made public performances. When word got out that he was going to play all the guitar players would show up and marvel at pure art. I had the good fortune to study with him for a while in the 70's

[@david_lynch]

You're a really lucky man...

[@dominikmarkov7052]

What did you learn?

[@Steve-cs8nd]

Well said.

[@neonblack211]

@@dominikmarkov7052 probably to play close attention :P

[@vivito-]

He uses flatwounds ?

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

What Ted Talks should be

[@boidinktwistie4389]

this comment would have been better suited on one of the seminar videos!

[@fryingwiththeantidote2486]

Boidink Twistie i believe ones already there. Might be mine, its a good joke

[@Daantjer]

@@boidinktwistie4389 He's speaking with his guitar

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

@@boidinktwistie4389 maybe I’ll get aroynd to it

[@blmrgtr]

Oh Gosh!!!! You’re SO right! Those fucks are so tiring usually.

[@doughboy777]

If this was my wedding, I'd have spent all my time staring at Ted play all night & ignored everyone else.

[@timhitt5934]

Including your bride? lol

[@forgotten-1]

definitely

[@doughboy777]

Bride, Schmide!!!! She can't play amazing chord inversions like Ted, so she can mingle while I stare at Ted. ;0)

[@twangbarfly]

Hahaha - TOP comment!

[@russjalichandra5491]

Yeb, if this was wedding, my bride would file for divorce the next day because I wouldn’t be able to stop staring at Ted.

[@markwellman4530]

Everytime I listen to this recording I get both exalted and saddened. No guitarist ever had this mastery of harmony and yet we have so little of his music to enjoy. Sometimes I feel God briefly loaned Ted to us from his band.

[@jahthunder01]

Buy the books! Chord Chemistry, Modern Chord Progessions and the Single Note Soloing series are full of good stuff. Use it in your own playing and Ted's legacy lives on!

[@markwellman4530]

I have his books and he has influenced my progress as a guitarist.

[@fiboleomat]

Yes! I'm on Section 7 Essential Chords.

[@001sequoia]

I was lucky enough to take lessons from Ted for a couple of years in 96-98. He was a one of a kind human being and a true genius. I still have all kinds of shreds of paper full of his scribbles. I consider them all treasure...

[@fiboleomat]

share your knowledge please!

[@hardRIKY]

share it man!! :D

[@daddiojones238]

Andrew Harling yes, give it up!!

[@soulvaccination8679]

Andrew Harling Share it.Post a video..Let us see it.Play some guitar as we watch the scribblings..That would be awesome..

[@DG-vr4nv]

can you share it?

[@chegadesuade]

Ted is the most respected guitarist of the most respected guitarists.

[@andym28]

Allan Holdsworth

[@czgibson3086]

Only guitar players seem to know who Ted Greene is.

[@swagmoneyboi69]

@@andym28 Shawn Lane…

[@andrewkeen3129]

@@swagmoneyboi69 Shawn Lane is the God of all Gods but Ted Greene is kind of like another equal level of God in a very different domain.

[@eon5417]

@@andrewkeen3129 Very well said... where Shawn's technical abilities were a once in a lifetime talent, as was Ted's understanding of harmony... and both were some of the best improvisers in recent memory. Two brilliant, incomparable geniuses one two ends of the musical spectrum.

[@ELENTE_]

Still cant understand how people can talk with such amazing playing in front of them. Shame on them..

[@MAXILOGUITARRO]

UNCONSCIOUS people is the Only Explanation!

[@mqosu]

I mean… it was a wedding 😂 gfto

[@Lincoln12933]

You can still talk and appreciate something at the same time

[@jeremyfisher8782]

It was a wedding ...people were there for the people ... not the music. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Most people there probably didn't have a clue they were hearing a very respected musician. Not everyone is a guitar nerd.

[@joepuerta4443]

I purchased two of Ted's guitars from him way back in 1981. A 1951 No-Caster and a 1952 Esquire. He was selling off some of his instruments at a time when he wanted money to buy baseball cards. I never really heard him play live. His sister, Linda, gave me a tape of some of his work and it is some of the most beautiful playing you will ever hear. He was a unique individual and it is sad that we lost him at such an early age, he was a great teacher and inspiration to so many guitarists.

[@twgoldwood]

Joe, that is the most incredible story. can you give a few more details. Selling guitars to buy baseball cards? Hard to comprehend.

[@MrLinzyt]

Hey Joe

[@jamesha175]

original no-caster AND an esquire? score!

[@austinafrench]

Care to share those tapes?

[@mikea6710]

Probably a ken griffin jr rookie card, 10 of them!

[@AlexG-ok1zc]

I'm not normally one for superlatives. But in many ways, Ted Greene is the best guitar player I've ever heard. His legacy lives on.

[@greggzachwieja7347]

The one and only Ted Greene. The Chord Chemist himself. Amazing playing. What a talent. Thank you.

[@MomentofSilenceBand]

Never have we witnessed anyone with more intuitive understanding of harmonic ideas and the true voice of the electric guitar.

[@hairnsap]

Ted had such a giving heart ! He was doing his best trying to make this world a better place with his music 🙏

[@samanthafera4755]

AMUUUUUN!!!

[@victoriasage8613]

I knew Ted at the end of his life and, yes, he was the best guitar player ever and such a sweet man. Miss our phone conversations, Ted. 💜

[@smittsteve04]

i've heard this a dozen times now and it truly is the most beautiful tone i've ever heard.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

smittsteve04 Is I gotta agree man! ..and I am a Gibson Carved Top Kid till’ death! ..man! What a sound Ted gets..Ed ,Bickert..Tim Lerch..maybe I should get a Tele! LOL

[@JeezVince]

@@Guitfiddlejase Teles are unmatchable, the tone, the feel... and so comfortable. Incredible they had it so right on the first try.

[@jaehankim9788]

That's why I bought a tele 5 years ago, but I forgot to buy new fingers...

[@jxnasp3920]

The sky seems brighter blue every time a note sings through the guitar in teds hands, a step closer to heaven for a moment

[@ThreeBeeKing]

I'm not sure I've ever heard a jazz musician who could so thoroughly rely on the melody alone (enhanced by exquisite voice-leading, supportive counter melodies, and subtle reharmonizations) and still attain the deeply personal interpretive signatures that jazz musicians seek when they depart from the melody to improvise their own derivations and re-conceptualizations of it. But, Ted did it. This is profound to me. And I have only my silent reverence to offer in my heartfelt gratitude to him.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Realizing pianistic ideas on guitar is very very difficult, but Ted Greene made it sound easy....

[@JohnZornAscended]

Play it like a piano…cause it is.

[@mattkwest468]

Astonishingly beautiful! Ted makes it sound & look easy - no one comes near him. I had the privilege of lessons with Ted in the 80s and again in 2000 - I travelled from Australia after hearing his LP. It changed my life.

[@jazzed2b]

Any recommendations on materials to study this sort of stuff? I have a pretty good grasp of theory and jazz improvisation melodic and harmonic minor, which is a good background but improving chord melody concepts is like a whole new level. Where should I start to grasp approaches or concepts?

[@MFDOOOOM]

@@jazzed2b Get Ted Greene's books !

[@ap210482]

Chord modal scale in my opinion is his secret

[@gregmcloughlin3213]

Guitarists everywhere, learn from Ted's arrangements!! So lucky this was caught on tape for us

[@robbourassaguitarist]

I watch this often. It is one of my favorite vids on KZbin.

[@solomonzking]

what a blessing to have spent even a little while listening and learning from this man. Ted, where ever you are Thank you

[@the.penthouse---barre6792]

It’s the constant alterations of volume within each chord, the subtle vibrato and of course, Ted’s mastery of voice leading that always get me. Ted was a sublime genius, I know of no equal ❤️

[@7775Kevin]

I’m 63 years old and still studying his books to try and get somewhere near his command of chords and lines. One of my all-time heroes. Tim Lerch is a current day master that I also admire. Very much in the Ted Greene school of tasteful and remarkable playing.

[@samfriedman2007]

Brings tears to my eyes. So beautiful

[@taxisteve929]

Imagine having Ted Green play your wedding party!! Left us far too early, the master of chord chemistry!! Nobody better!!

[@drgeorgejohnson]

Oh my...thank heavens that Ted Greene was immortalized in some form or fashion...I wish he were still around today...

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Thank you Ted for showing us what a guitar can truly do. Amazing and flat out beautiful. 😊🎸❤️

[@jsampson8088]

I've never heard anything like it. A truly revolutionary sound to my ears and the way I'm going to approach guitar from now on. I've ordered all his books and been reading his notes obsessively. Thank you Ted.

[@carltosten7875]

Absolutely beautiful, what a humble man he was. His music was divine!

[@michaelwayne7887]

Just... unreal. So glad someone saved this and shared it with the world.

[@Belhade]

Wow. He makes that Tele chime like a harp. Amazing.

[@pierpaolozanelli6928]

I can't find the words to describe the greatness of this man and musician!!!

[@tomhazelton3070]

I grew up as a young guitar player seeing his book "Chord Chemistry" all over the place. Years later, I bought it, and it went way over my head. Not until I saw him play on KZbin decades later did I understand how this guy got down with chords. He's literally changing chords on every beat. It's insane, and he's arpeggiating those chords beautifully. Now I understand how this this guy is the ultimate chord guru.

[@bloomworks]

Just beautiful playing. His knowledge of passing chordal harmony and his ability to switch keys at any time is out of this world!

[@petermazzajazzguitar]

I'm truly touched, not only by Ted's, harmonic invention, and total mastery, his touch and sound...but also by the depth and beauty of his spirit that comes through in his music and his presence, so profoundly. A unique and unsung hero of guitar AND the American Songbook...

[@SharkMinnow]

This is the first time for me to listen to him .... so effortless and mellifluous and flawless

[@Mrius86]

Voiceleading on guitar is incredibly complex. Lots of frets that sound the same, lots of possibilities. Ted Greene's playing is great.

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

The voice leading helps you to stay found.

[@MusicNebulous]

What an astonishing sound he creates, so formed and whole.

[@kaihansen11]

Wow. Fantastisch. Zum auf die Knie gehen. Wunderschön. Völlig versunkenes Spiel. Der Mann ist Eins mit dem, was er macht. Große Kunst! Danke.

[@samfriedman2007]

I was fortunate enough to be able to sing with Ted a few times... Some of the best moments of my life...

[@rockhard2654]

wow, that is unbelievably great playing

[@jonathonaltmann4493]

RIP Ted, the guitarist who inspired me to study Bach. Thank you for your musical contribution.

[@Tandle779]

Truly a musician who makes me think I can do what he can but it could never be farther from it. When I try to even slightly take a jab at what he does I realize I have barely chipped away a spec of the mountain of passion that existed in his touch. Yet I remain inspired and ambitious. What a brilliant talkative spirit we had with us at one time.

[@luckylicks3497]

Such are the apostles of music: They'll never do it for the money or the show. And as true leaders should, they bring the kind of inspiration that we actually need to grow. Ted, the Grand Apotheosis of Guitar.

[@guysmalley]

LuckyLicks I don't buy the I need to suffer for my art , line, most artist are lousy business people, is the issue, while the level of each artist monetarily is different the effort to play a wedding or a club, large stage is the same, so why not maximise your income? Then play the weddings of dear friends as a gift

[@oliverbrochu1466]

jesus generalizing christ open your head a little

[@OnDaBeatBoy]

Oliver Brochu chill out man

[@sunkintree]

@@guysmalley He didn't say anything about suffering, he said they don't do it for the money. You saying artists are lousy business people isn't disagreeing with him, it's agreeing with him. As for "why not maximise your income"...I don't know. Ask an artist. The answer will probably be some form of "I don't care much for that". Something something opportunity cost something something if you feel so passionately about what an artist should be doing, sounds like you should be an artist.

[@campfireguitarist]

Great Post! My Uncle George P. was one of Ted's students and inspired me to play. When I was 10, I saw Ted's Chord Chemistry and almost wanted to give up! So glad I didn't or else I'd probably be rich or something.

[@neilrichardkelly]

so beautiful! I love that he gets out "what's that on the bottom of my shoe?" without missing a beat!

[@TimLerchGuitar]

So Beautiful, thank you for posting this. Nothing like a deep tuned telecaster in the hands of the master.

[@rhmayer1]

Non-stop, unerring beauty. Soulful, creative, heart-wrenching in spots. Over 10 minutes, about a million notes, not one wrong note.

[@dandrury]

Absolutely stunning! That was amazing! 👍🏻🤘✌️

[@jburde]

I've come back to this video probably over 100 times since discovering Ted a few months ago... Absolutely inspiring and beautiful.

[@sacitmanav]

He is like high level jazz pianist on that guitar.

[@dannyroberts8259]

Higher, he’s on his own level.

[@spb7883]

It’s as if he’s improvising orchestrations.

[@portratratra]

@@spb7883 That is literally how the great Andrés Segovia described writing for guitar

[@spb7883]

portratratra George Van Eps thought likewise.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

He reminds me of Lenny Breau, another genius at realizing chordal concepts on the guitar....

[@phydauex]

Ted makes tuning up a thing of beauty. Touched everytime I come across a clip of him playing, sheer beauty and grace. Thank you Ted!

[@dinkogrgat5188]

Guitar racers can eat their hearts out in mightiness toward the Greene's mastery of chords.

[@pleximars]

i have one of his chord books...mind boggling......when i listen to masters like this, makes me wonder why i even continue playing.....awesome. Chet Atkins and Jerry Reid are a couple of others, and, yes there are many more. quite a treat, thanks for posting

[@danielramazzotte1311]

Beautiful harmony, incredible guitarist and perfect theory knowledge

[@shayeasy]

no one else could make a guitar plugged straight into an amp sound as otherworldly as this.

[@flo6309]

This is PURE BEAUTY! This is incredible.what a guitar touch.The most beautiful sound ever❤️. This genius deserves million views. ❤️❤️

[@ivanrgodoi]

Wonderful, marvelhous, unforgetable Ted. Plays in such way that touches our hearts.

[@edthewave]

The voice-leading here is incredible! A masterful musician.

[@hotrodius]

How can a guy like that NOT get famous? It's a crime.

[@Graiskye]

Thanks for sharing these gems. As for people not liking Ted, who cares, its their loss, and a large loss at that. Had I heard Ted when I was an 18 yr old thrash rat I can honestly say I probably would have not liked it. Sometimes, hell..often it takes time for a mind to develop to the point where you hear Ted Greene and realize how gifted a player of his caliber is ? Advanced chordal harmony, even as accessible as Ted is, playing a medley of standards, its not for everyone. That takes nothing from it, it makes it no less stellar, just the way it is I guess. Thanks again TGA's.

[@StopMoColorado]

Another player who had a different style, but who based most of his playing on chordal voicings, is Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Ted was recommended to me by Kenny Withrow (a great, under-sung guitarist in his own right) of the New Bohemians. It's because these guys are so musical that they are so easily overlooked, they're all about the song, they disappear behind the amazing music they create. It takes serious confidence (and, dare I say, personal maturity, a certain practical spirituality that isn't hung up on showing off but who truly seeks to inject more beauty in the world) to let the music take precedence over ego. Love this video, come back to it frequently, his phrasing and voicing come together with great tone to create a preview of Heaven.

[@biggestr0n]

It's all about music and SOUND! This is a precious gem of an experience.

[@stringbender57]

Absolutely beautiful guitar playing! Gorgeous tone coming from that Tele. Yes, Ted truly was a master of harmony as heard in this priceless clip. His arrangement of "Til' There Was You" just melts me. Thank you SO much for sharing.

[@GiovanniPiacentiniMusic]

Some of the most wonderful playing I’ve ever witnessed. What a delightfully tasteful and masterful performance! Thanks for posting!

[@johnreed4029]

The tone he has is unlike any other jazz guitar I've personally ever heard.

[@allanrussack4143]

Sounds like compression. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy the fruits of labour from all the great artists! Bless them all.

[@sitarnut]

@@allanrussack4143 and don't forget it's a Tele...

[@pumazpawz]

Jim Griffin Actually, it’s an esquire

[@sunkintree]

Yeah he's got a good tone whereas I find other jazz guitarists fall a little short tone wise. Fenders are bright guitars and jazz players tend to go for something a lot warmer. The reverb isn't hurting him either

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@allanrussack4143 - It takes some work, but as Ted and other players, like Ed Bickert, show - you can have a very pleasing jazz guitar tone on a Telecaster. The sustain and lack of feedback is nice, too.

[@RonZabrocki]

Another treasure from one of the finest. Very elegant, understated, yet advanced reading of these standards. Yet the voicings and harmonics are impeccable. Thank you for sharing.

[@desmo999]

Ted Greene, Tim Lerch, Charlie Hunter.... Guitar Gods, so wonderfull!!

[@cheang8870]

Just perfect, beautifully, perfect. wordless beauty , thank you so much Ted , the genius of music, in guitar and so forth.

[@tonycalabro5125]

Ted Green was a LEGEND !! LOVE his contribution to music and guitar !!!

[@sbingham1979]

His notes are beautiful: tone, timing, resolution of chords in unexpected and wonderful ways.I don't know much about him, but thanks to this, I will go searching...thanks.

[@melindamanthey2757]

"Uniquely Ted Greene", is the arrangement and the artistry. One in a million.

[@scrumpymanjack]

Melinda Manthey “one in a million”...so there are 1.000 people exactly the same as him in China alone?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Pure Magic ! Thanks for posting.

[@rifosi]

Having listened and played with a myriad of extraordinary musicians, I can tell that this is a different gem. Just amazing, I’m so glad this was recorded for posterity. Thank you!

[@evenodder1]

Breathtaking. I wish I had the good sense to appreciate his genius when I was learning to play guitar, rather than years down the road. On the other hand, it makes me happy to appreciate it now, and sad for those who will never appreciate it.

[@EquinoxParadox91]

This isn't the most beautiful guitar playing. It's the most beautiful music!

[@hamelyngdoh8154]

Such a great soul. So humble and his music is sooooo soothing. If I had a time machine I'd love to spend a weekend with him if I had the chance to.

[@simonross6201]

sublime, seems like a genuine and beautiful guy from his playing.

[@teetosh]

Lovely and colorful finger painting by the low strung, unsung maestro of the solo guitar. Miss you old friend.

[@DrewCreal]

Absolutely beautiful and touching. Wow.

[@11hoosier11]

That top bass string sound is gorgeous.

[@biggestr0n]

I thought I played this instrument; I was wrong. How gorgeous!

[@stevewilson7915]

His music must surely play in heaven. So beautiful.

[@trandrews7494]

this is much harder than he makes it look!

[@sarms58]

As the saying goes, rock guitarists make easy music look difficult and jazz guitarists make difficult music look easy...

[@7775Kevin]

It certainly is

[@newislandguitar]

One of the greatest musicians ever.

[@ProlificDecibel]

what an inspiration!! thank you Ted..!

[@57tele]

2 dislikes? Really? You'll never see another master like this in your lifetime.

[@brianmullany9549]

The two dislikes, would be from people who could never dream of playing like this.

[@MikeDeNoi]

I don't think anyone on earth knew more about guitar theory and who could play it and explain it. He loved the guitar so much. Ted was a treasure.

[@richardroskell3452]

Chord alchemy. Masterful. Thank you Ted.

[@sandys4613]

One of the blessings of my life was to find out when I moved to LA in the mid 80's that Ted lived and taught there. I expected him to charge a small fortune for lessons though he was worth a king's ransom but because he cared -maybe too much- about his students, he underpriced himself by a ridiculous amount. I have nothing to add to the comments below about his all encompassing musical and guitar knowledge and his ability to create stunning beauty with 6 strings. Eventually I would come to a lesson just to listen to him play. Front row seat to some of the best concerts I've ever been to.

[@jasonmudgarde286]

Ted Greene and Lenny Breau, the 2 most underrated guitarists ever. I bought Ted's Chord Chemistry book in 76, to this day still finding amazing new chords. And harmonics? Just wow!

[@sandys4613]

@@jasonmudgarde286 Underrated and virtually unknown. Ted loved Lenny Breau, talked about him a lot. I had never heard of him before that. Chord Chemistry and Modern Chord Progressions, both fantastic books. Oh and also George Van Eps who has 3 amazing books, Harmonic Mechanisms vol 1-3 which mortals need a few lifetimes to master. I never had much time to spend with them.

[@smoovegittar]

I keep coming back to this. Thank you.

[@ricktemmen6272]

Ted was one of the great ones. A real Gem. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@Skipperj]

When I studied with the late great Howard Morgen,the first thing he told me was go out and buy Ted Greene's "Modern Chord Progressions"and study it.I proceeded as if it were a religious experience,and after 7 yrs got pretty comfortable with just about any fingerstyle progression.In between it all I built a repertoire so I could start going out and playing.It's been fun.That started back in1978! Check out Howard he's on KZbin and thanks for this wonderful upload TedGreeneArchives!

[@craiglong6641]

This video is a real treasure, and we're lucky to have it available to us.

[@sbitavcomplexitysimplified5744]

supreme chordal mastery - playing at a wedding...mad

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

Damn that was ....amazing! Haven't been this memorized since watching Jason Becker .

[@StephenWhite55]

There's something truly warped about these people wandering around, while one of the greatest guitarists of all time is playing his heart out, in their presence. It's completely surreal...

[@deangianotti906]

i imagine when you play that good of melodic music you just blend in with the general ambiance that you create around yourself.

[@arnieg65]

I remember when I was starting back in 1978, going to the music store to get a chord book, and there it was, Ted's "Chord Chemistry". My first guitar book.. Rest in peace.

[@lizbock9329]

I think he came to the valley from Chicago, and he would play with the Nomads then, around 1965, and he'd just take off on a blues thing and none of us watching had ever heard anything like it. He taught at Dale's Ernie Ball Guitars on Topanga, in Canoga Park, and did things with a guitar...harmonics, bends, chops, chords...that seemed to come out of a deep understanding of things to come.

[@samanthafera4755]

Thaaaanks!!!

[@emmettchapman6560]

A chord collector and with those leading contrapuntal lines. The complete conception of the song, in league with Van Eps and Breaux. We'd jam at my old Yucca Trail home in the late '70s and we'd collect chords together, my favorite musical passtime.

[@seanwoodburn2616]

Damn Emmett...I would have given a pinky toe to see that. Was it before the Stick?

[@mauronegretto5293]

Fantastic!!! Thanks for posting this viedo: great, great music!