Ted Greene - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

[@Daantjer]

If the person didn't film this and put it up on youtube I would've never heard one of the most beautiful playing I've ever heard. Makes me think about how much good stuff that's once been played I'll never hear.

[@wearashirt]

This is still the best guitar arrangement of any song I've eve heard...

[@peterinawat9137]

10 years later and it still is

[@joelanttila7927]

yup

[@jamesmackay4529]

😂 strongly agree!

[@TomoFromEarth]

And the best part is, you could say this for pretty much any arrangement he has ever done haha. Dude was and still is an absolute legend.

[@daveallen9921]

@@peterinawat9137 15 years later I watched this and it still is the best arrangement of any song ever. A little cry now on Christmas eve.

[@NepJon]

This is way more than a chord melody. It is a master piece. I can hear harmony between notes, walking bass, chord tone, and melody all perfectly aligned, arranged, and played at the same time with 1000% control. Ted was a true genius.

[@patrickreider9552]

Well put. He had a very rare talent

[@jmbelkadi]

He is improvising over the changes .with the counter point with 3 and 4 voices at the same time..He is doing that over the changes..He is changing key in the middle of the performance . He is never repeating himself and he is doing that on any song. Jazz. Pop. R&B. Classical music,TV show music or Movie music..in any key..GENIUS..

[@JohnZornAscended]

Baroque.

[@mattlandonmusic]

I've watched this like 400 times every December for 7 years. It never gets old. Ted is one of the few guitarists who I feel truly earned the title of "master."

[@miltongore8463]

+Matt Landon I agree.

[@bsill1477]

very well said Matt, it so sad ted left so soon. his legacy will always be cherished.

[@vayabro1]

The same thing happens to me! His understanding of the guitar was amazing. I hope people upload many videos of him playing!

[@elcentinela1000]

Couldn’t agree more with your statement sir .

[@andyjay4695]

The Yoda of guitar. So sad he wasn't better documented, and forever thankful for the pieces we have to enjoy and learn from

[@yauhenikunichkin3487]

Ted Greed is just unbelievable! What a humble human being and a class musician

[@ppetal1]

Wow. I'd only read Ted Greene's work. I realised what a prolific musicologist he was, but pleased to hear this wonderful playing.

[@arnsillote]

Ted, why do you have to leave so soon. We missed a lot my guitar hero. RIP and thank you

[@Musikologist]

Ted Greene,Lenny Breau,Johnny Smith,George VanEps and Alan DeMause are some of the greatest guitarists that have contributed much to the guitar world.Thank you for sharing your videos with the rest of us. Peace!!!

[@sclogse1]

The reach he has. Fingers splayed where no man has gone before. Christmas tunes in a Hawaiian shirt.

[@Neelo5000]

His tone was godly. It sounded like a harp or a piano in parts.

[@GbOverAb]

A true musician playing for the right reasons.

[@Faz99Master]

Dear Ted wherever you are, You are so special. This performance is so special. In a setting that can cut inspiration short your generosity, soul and emotion comes across like a very pleasant sunny morning breeze. I also watch this every year...multiple times and get my fill of goosebumps and love that transpires from your music. Be well....

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

Here on December 23, 2024, Faz, I'll second that.

[@JasonBeckerOfficial]

Absolutely beautiful! Man, I need some lessons!

[@alandoyle8307]

Chord Solos....Jim Hall style of Jazz playing. www.berklee.edu

[@Guitar387]

Very clever, articulate and played beautiful.

[@Jordylee007]

Jason, you are a guitar legend.

[@andthentherewasham]

.... ' .l

[@andthentherewasham]

+Burton

[@czeckeredcat]

I’ve been watching this video every Christmas since 2006, which was my first year in high school jazz band. It’s hard to describe the feelings I get from Ted Greene’s performance...it’s like a full band with melody and accompaniment, a blend of jazz chords with harp-like serenity...the lyrics are not there, but he speaks them through the intricate sound he creates...and then there’s this realization that he is no longer with us...it all just brings tears to my eyes. It really captures the feeling of Christmas, at least for me: the feeling of cheer and festivity in the air, and yet a longing for those who are no longer with us. Thank you for this precious recording, I sincerely appreciate it. Merry Christmas!

[@BlueSkies32]

I’m right there, front & center, and knew then this was one of those special experiences in life I would always remember. Thank you 🙏🏼 for posting.

[@jazzed2b]

Unbelievable! Yeah I love to watch shredders, but even after about an hour I get tired of that no matter how good. This however is stuff I could listen to anytime all the time. Truly a blessing to watch and listen

[@TaipeiDawg]

That's enough to bring a tear to your eye........

[@philsarkol6443]

wow....wow..genius...so straight from the heart..lushfull chordchanges..bass..subtle melody notes...everything ..GENIUS!!!

[@stickman55100]

Amazing to watch a pure genius creating a wonderful chord melody. He was definitely the master of the chord universe.

[@genilcastro]

The question here is not to be impressed but be TOUCHED , this guy was a GENIUS and a great human being as well, and this is clear in his music, but it is crucial to be vibrating in the same realm he is vibrating.Listening without any expectations might help...

[@TimMeyerMusic]

it is astounding harmony.....the key changes are mystifying......a joy to hear

[@KABRIS1]

Anyone that would dislike this is not capable of appreciating harmony and true artistry.

[@BernieHolland-w4l]

And they should be taken out on the street, and tarred and feathered for their shortcomings (The Great Book of Jabber - Chapter 7, verse 3)

[@bobdimarzio3972]

it might not be the best quality sound recording but thank God somebody had the presence of mind to get it down in history for the quality of musicianship ! this is EPIC ! COLOSSAL ! MONUMENTAL ! and pretty good too thanx MrJazzGuitar01

[@UncleCrazyErnie]

This brought tears to my eyes !! What an amazing guitar player and teacher. His music will live forever in our hearts.

[@WillyCTheBoss]

one could only hope to one day know the fretboard as well as this man

[@HalfGreyhound]

Ted was [and is] a guitar god. I take lessons from a good friend of Ted's, and every time Ted's name comes up, I get misty thinking about him. Ted's genius is that powerful.

[@joerusso8292]

The king of guitar teaching. Rest in peace Ted!

[@eltigre8978]

Ted was a master of chord melody! Wow, this is just beautiful. I wish I could have met Ted. So much emotion in his playing.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

That's so beautiful! Ted was amazing.

[@imnothandsome4205]

He touch my soul

[@RonZabrocki]

Always beautiful, sensitive and complex.

[@cugir321]

The harmonies for Hark the Herald angels were perfect.

[@RonaldCid]

Ted was my guitar hero...Thanks you Barbara for releasing these videos, and I hope every guitar player gets to see theis tender and beautiful rendition of two Christmas classics....simply beatiful player from The Master...long live Mr. Ted Greene

[@brandonpaulofficial]

Go to his website dude. You'll be amazed with all the tunes and pieces you can learn for free! All PDF's. God Bless Ted Greene!

[@polkzoo]

Just beautiful and was lucky to get a few live lessons with him and we tripped each other out. Really a beautiful guy and a very mature musical awareness and one the best guitarist to ever be on the planet.He was real artist who took his playing as far as possible.

[@stevelam4191]

is a privilege to enjoy this

[@KABRIS1]

What a beautiful spirit this man had!Thank you Ted,for your playing, for all your books,and all your guidance,and for sharing all of your special gifts with all of us.

[@mjmero]

What a sweet sound he Had!! Amazing. I really love what he played.

[@fjord2141]

wow, amazing. this guy is fascinating to me and I'm usually into shred stuff

[@EliBleu]

His notes go together like the colors in a beautiful painting.

[@kevinrochelle6353]

just incredible...Ted had the harmonic depth of someone like Bill Evans or Chick Corea...just unreal how he overcame the limitations of the instrument so regularly (every bar, pretty much)

[@smuffjules]

Kevin Rochelle Ted proved that limitations are only in the mind. He knew what notes and voices he wanted and he found them. They are all there. However, Ted is one of a handful who really knew where they all were, and the only guy who studied their possibilities to the depth that he did. This song is a study unto itself in harmony and voice leading. I break it out every year. Just stunning. I am moved every time I hear it.

[@gogorobo]

He manages to make some pretty difficult voicings so so natural and flowing without calling attention the guitar itself and its idiosyncrasies. It's so good to hear pure harmony and melody together played with such ability.

[@guitarmaniax]

The man applauding that somebody thought was Joe Pass is photographer Bob Barry. The man next to him who helps Ted with his guitar case in the beginning, is guitarist John Pisano, who hosts the seminars at California Vintage Guitar where this was taped. John played with Joe Pass for many years. Ted was basically very shy so there may be a touch of nervousness but the shaking of his hands was deliberate- it was how he acheived his legendary vibrato. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@mikewilliams53]

That is so beautiful. I've seen it so many times but it's still so moving.

[@gianlucarizzo1535]

lovely❤

[@keithlabonte2547]

Amazing

[@wildonekj]

such mellow classical music ever played his playing puts you in your sweet place

[@lcvd1]

What harmonies and that ending was the topping on the cake!

[@WhispersOfRuins]

Wow , no words to describe his mastery over the instrument, simply beautiful!

[@Musikologist]

Ted,You were one of my teacher Alan DeMause's favorites and you are dearly missed.Thanks for everything. Musikologist

[@molloymontgomery1069]

This man was a treasure

[@leofromthe9159]

I’ve heard this song a million times before but hearing him play it made me feel like I was hearing it again for the first time

[@gfunkmusic6836]

Absolutely sublime playing

[@shredgehog]

I can't comprehend people who would dislike any videos of Ted. What an incredible musician who was so generous with his incredible knowledge.

[@BernieHolland-w4l]

I can, but it is an issue that bears no significance in light of "The Blessings of Ted" which are bestowed upon those of us who do like his videos, which includes me !

[@TimMeyerMusic]

just astounding beauty of the instrument

[@cheapsuitblues]

Tone is a matter of taste. Some prefer the bite of a tele as played by a Gatlin or Collins (in another posted video in Mr. Greenes hands the tele spoke a lot gentler). I like the "jazz" tone for ballads like this (muted, highs rolled off). Thank you poster for this cool bit of history.

[@bokehintheussr5033]

I understand why Ted was such a great teacher. He could take high musical concepts and teach them to his students in the manner of a mother singing to a baby. The guy was a master of the musical form of the lullaby.

[@JulioHerrlein]

It's so beautiful ! Poetic and melancholic ! Very nice !

[@iamrobbierrr]

I have just discovered Ted. Unfortunately there is no superlative for genius!!!!!! The beautiful "off the cuff" phrase from 1:53 to 1:57 shows his class. He is the best guitarist I have ever heard. He created masterpieces from what I thought were mudane "songs", like this one. The number of "views" is a sad reflection on what the "masses", in their ignorance, appreciate. I have just ordered Chord Chemistry, which I suspect, will be my Bible.

[@markus180963]

That is SO SO SO Beautiful!

[@thensaidJacob]

Smoothest key change ever

[@viniguitarjazz]

Thrill me EVERY TIME YOU SEE THIS VIDEO! ((TED WAS AND IS FANTASTIC)

[@rabsteen]

what a gift this man is.

[@beyondthis7]

This legend had his act together and cataloged several books and tutored several students before his death at 58 years old.... I'm now 59... I need much more practice.. much more.

[@steeltunes]

I don't know who is arguing about this. It's nice to listen to and nice for this time of year. Ted was great.

[@Fuckation]

This is beautiful.

[@alanoffer]

I like hearing ted on a semi hollow , I know he’s mostly known for the tele , but as I heard him say , this guitar is home for me

[@simonguitarman]

This is the best version I have ever heard of this song. He's plays chords I could never think of playing. What a unknown genius!

[@RM-gm7lu]

That was GREAT! Thanks for sharing.

[@stevelam4191]

I am going to start go through this marvelous tutorial performance this December, hopefully for the next few more December's to come ❤

[@ChristopherSong777]

This makes me cry...

[@crunchoverdryv9358]

Thank you Mr. Ted Green. You inspired to come up with my own arrangement of this song. May you rest in peace.

[@jsm355]

Gifted . Thank you .

[@CharlesK441]

FANTASTIC!

[@dwebster50]

@KABRIS1 Ted amazes me... You are so so right about appreciation and Listening ...the ability to listen is a ever evolving learning trait... Ted keeps getting better & better the older we get ... Cheers ...you have been listening very well ...Cool and bravo Dave Alberta

[@tycoljr]

Masterful. So inspiring to see this, thanks for posting.

[@tonyjasilbrazz362]

Eargasm at its best! Oh how I wish I was one of those incredibly lucky fellas present there that day...

[@josephandrews6241]

Green was a master of the guitar and chord voicings! I miss him a lot!

[@jaymoy]

one word, amazing!!!

[@thepieromancers7090]

1:40 Yeah this is home for me, this guitar beautiful

[@renixe]

beautiful.

[@cheapsuitblues]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some people just can't see very well. This was filmed in a guitar store and was probably a clinic. This wasn't in a supper club for people who are clueless to the sublteties of Mr. Greenes chordal palate.

[@pjkpopogo]

beautiful song..

[@AndreaMercurioMusic]

so much beauty

[@Gilyslas]

Ted Greene, what can you say. A beautiful spirit, a beautiful man who left us to soon. His contribution to the guitar world was great, even though very few people knew who he was. Check out his tribute page. It will give you a good idea of how cool he was. His book "Chord Chemistry" still stands as one of the best chord books ever written for the guitar. Thanks for posting this cool clip.

[@richardlandis2690]

Just plain phenomenal!!!!

[@DansDiverseDomain]

sometimes you see rare people that really didnt have enough time to reach out an touch the hearts of enough people. his rendition of hark the herald brings nothing less then musical beauty mixed with his flawless ability to create a musical wonder that, if used, would have achieved more world piece then we could cope with. instead we fight violence with violence in our ignorance of such musical wonder.

[@7775Kevin]

Ted is one of my heroes. Such a great player. Thanks for posting this.

[@simonguitarman]

It's that good it brings tears to your eyes

[@nitefly100]

Pretty sure he talks constantly in order to distract the audience from the sheer beauty of his playing. That amount of emotion is not normally shared in public.

[@Drewster58]

Nice simple (for Ted Greene) take on a Christmas classic. 'Miss ya, Ted.

[@miltongore8463]

Bravo, Mr. Greene. R.I.P.

[@1610austin]

amazing ted.

[@ChrisBuonoGuitar]

Geez... SO GOOD.

[@jasman699]

I'm dreaming, Bach has come back as guitar player. He just loves where Western Harmony has evolved to since he's been gone. He takes it all in, and begins to trail-blaze through these new sonorties with his own unique paths. That is how I feel about Ted Greene

[@stevysound]

A supreme treasure- if anyone has some audio restoration tools it would be a great service to see if the audio can be enhanced

[@aaronoregano5927]

Rest In Peace. A true inspiration

[@bachoff]

Celestial. R.I.P. Mr Greene.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤ if you didn’t know how talented this guy was, you’d almost think that guild has a musical life of its own all its own