Derek Trucks talks guitar and plays incredible slide

The modern day blues star talks and plays for Guitarist magazine from July 2006. Check out his beautiful slide tone and a discussion of Eastern and blues influences. Visit www.musicradar.com for more.

[@ericpetres5056]

I love what he said about not wanting to see what a guitarist can do but how they can make him feel. If there is anything that describes Truck's playing, it is his ability to invoke an emotional response. He makes me feel like I am listening to a smooth gospel singer with beautiful inflection. Not many guitarists can invoke those feelings.

[@Kinger1625]

Eric Petres well said. I remember when he came around and was a Washburn endorser at like 12? His voice has gotten so large, and you’re absolutely right...he evokes feelings that remind you of singers.......and you’re left almost crying at times.....and smiling and stomping your foot the next...or perhaps a meditation session. He just makes ya feel with his touch and tonal mastery!

[@LedZep1989]

Check out my cover of Derek Trucks' solo from "All That I Need" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2npod_d9B5atE Thanks for watching! CHECK OUT MY OTHER ORIGINAL STUFF TOO IF YOU HAVE TIME

[@pterafirma]

He's like the anti-Bonamassa.

[@anthonycrook1987]

and not many people can allow the invocation,

[@Superogobongo]

Oh my god.. The way he emulates a gospel singer's voice at 8:33. What a unique guitar player.

[@dinkumdaddy]

Best blues guitarist of this generation yet humble, down to earth and insightful; open & interested in different styles, exploring and incorporating elements of the Indian raga, establishing conceptual links to gospel music! This is as good as it gets.

[@nyclear]

dinkumdaddy Thank you for saying that. Maybe he's like that in part because he's an introvert to a degree...a very extraverted introvert.

[@sucramnormark]

Nyclear, why do you have to label him as one or the other? Humans tend to be a bit of both.

[@inUR2teeth]

best "white" blues guitarist of this generation indeed... that we know of. ;)

[@jonathon1334]

inUR2teeth do the world a favor and get over yourself and your ideology. Why does it matter what color he is? Pointing out someone's race in a pointless scenario just makes you look pathetic. Remarks like yours keep racism alive and well. It's a shame. Think about it the next time you choose your words so poorly.

[@meanmistermustard1041]

SHow me a blues guitarist of any color or generation that's better than Derek. I'd really like to hear that

[@lookingforfitra]

For me, when he says, "its devotional" that's when you know why he sounds so good...you start to realize what he is reaching for, listening for in others. That's why it moves your heart or brings tears to your eyes.

[@Ken77114]

What sweet memories! At age 75, and having listened to and seen many of the best of the greats in my life, I so appreciate you Derek and the joy you bring to my soul!

[@mcnallyma1]

Ken Skeen I'm 71 and I agree totally. Can't get enough of him. And his new Teduski Trucks band with his wife !

[@LedZep1989]

Check out my cover of Derek Trucks' solo from "All That I Need" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2npod_d9B5atE Thanks for watching!

[@davvarino]

BB King's comment regarding a live solo "that's about as good as I've ever hear it" brought me here.

[@earthrider2417]

While Mayer sits there in shame

[@jimbradley727]

It's funny you should say that I get Derek Trucks notifications because I've been a fan but Google him as well and saw that comment was like yeah okay Pretty much can quit now and you've already been knighted it's not like BB King would go around throwing that stuff out there

[@VyasAnand]

Earth Rider they respect each other - Mayer has said “slide is not his wheelhouse” and they are both great.

[@nducati]

@@earthrider2417 not shame. awe and gratitude.

[@texaslulu]

Earth Rider really? Projecting much? Weird that such a “humble” musician’s fans always need to put down JM to feel validated. That really says sth.

[@nperaino]

Derek is a real musician. Not a self indulgent show-off. It's great to hear him express the understanding of MOVING people vs making them say "wow he's good."

[@DanielFlores-tv3zp]

This guy has a great attitude and philosophy about how he approaches his music, One of the most thoughtful and intelligent interviews I have heard from any musician.

[@TheAshleywiggins]

When I was younger,had my long hair..I was in Atlanta at a show I got stopped by some guys that were following me around all day at a festival...after several hours of these guys following me around,i went to them.They just stared then said,"your show was great last night"...confused I told them I didn't know who they were talking about...They said,"Derek Trucks". Thus how I was introduced to Derek Trucks:) Of course,all us southerners look the same:)

[@blahdeblah1975]

some of us remember seeing Derek when he wasn't as tall as his SG...rock on Derek!

[@pterafirma]

Street parties in Macon GA during the early 1990's. 🤘🏼

[@markhuggins5922]

He was 11 when I first saw him in a So Florida bar playing slide and setting the place ablaze. Prob 25 years ago or so. I asked the led guitarist, “who is that kid? He’s amazing” to which he replied, “awe he knows a couple tricks that’s all”. Damn, tricks pay off don’t they...

[@guyfawkes1268]

Derek is such a great guy and obviously an incredible musician- I never tire of hearing Derek Trucks!

[@MrTommySullivan]

Much respect. Derek is really original. Great musician. He understands that emotion is more important than technique.

[@seanromano1493]

Never would have thought a 10 second riff would make me think someone's the best guitarist thats ever lived.

[@blastblast8301]

Question is which 10 second riff, there's lots of great ones.

[@alframseysporndungeon8]

That's ridiculous. There are thousands of great guitarists in the world.

[@scrumpymanjack]

@@alframseysporndungeon8 He said the best guitarist that HE's ever heard. He's being subjective, which is his right.

[@Knight14649]

Listening to him explain his East Indian influences, allowed me to make more sense of his solos. Very interesting....

[@royhorologic1732]

Indeed. He's from a background where the adultmusicians around were interested in Eastern music and philosophy. How many of today's players would even know what Quawwali refers to...

[@juanignaciosalerno6722]

this guy can make a fucking guitar sound as a voice

[@NilsamNY]

..."whatever moves you, that's the way to go." We are so blessed to have this superb musician who's playing is informed by history, humility, curiosity, openness, and an unbelievable ear. And did I mention he can play?

[@ediklos1]

Been playing a long time. I had a Mark Knopfler weekend online recently and felt inferior. Then I had some Eric Johnson time, and I despaired of ever being able to play anywhere near as well as HIM. Then I played my own stuff sitting on the floor and was suddenly content again, because -- thank God -- there's someone I CAN play like, and he ain't bad.

[@bluesriot2]

the dude moves people when he plays - he often moves me to tears !

[@lauraz2896]

It definitely happens to me when I see him play

[@alexroast]

Random storytime. Last summer I got stuck in a severe blizzard in the High Sierra during a hiking/mountaineering trip at over 12,000'. It became a legit survival situation, and once it finally cleared I hiked out over feet of fresh snow. It was hard, but one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The riff Derek was playing around 6:00 is from like a 10-minute song of his that I was listening to pretty much on repeat through this experience. Just hearing that riff now gave me goosebumps, it brought me back so quickly. Trucks really has a way of making his music tap into your mind and emotions.

[@Franklinfishingflies]

I have played guitar for 38 years and still cannot really say that one guitarist is my favorite. Derek is one of the great ones. Open minded and genuine is what I enjoyed as much as the playing.

[@flangerkit4528]

He seems like such a nice, cool guy, next to the fact that he's one of the greatest musicians I know.

[@pudermcgavin4462]

I've seen him solo with his band and first time at the MN State Fair with Allman this kid is a prodigy and so humble and the fact he got to get a start with Allman and also Warren Haynes is freaking awesome I watched those to play off each other live and it's was epic

[@Xrawkr]

Everything he said was spot on. I just wish I had the feel and natural talent that he has...

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

I must be the newest Derek Trucks fan on this Earth. What a slick feeling. Thank you Derek 🎸🔥

[@VonBluesman]

He is such a humble person with amazing talent. If ever he and Susan decided to quit touring, they could open up their own Music University School and probably be more successful than anyone in the business. God Bless and thanks for all the good you do.

[@danieleidet7131]

I can see him producing more, kinda like Warren Haynes. I would listen to anything he produced! Once in a lifetime talent for sure!

[@mattwallermusic]

It's a special thing to know that possibly the greatest living guitarist is only in his 30's and constantly evolving.

[@michellewhite4755]

I remember attending a Derek Trucks performance in Raleigh, NC when he was 13 yrs. old..awesome! and then again in Ellicottville, NY when he was 16....another band opened for him & the guy could NOT accept that Derek was better....wouldn't leave the stage, challenged Derek...And Derek very politely, calmly accepted the "challenge" and kicked the guys butt!!! LOVED IT!

[@joshuadowling8778]

That is absolutely the best description of going to see any live performance. He certainly gets his audience.

[@airforcejim]

Absolutely brilliant. His level of skill would make him a virtuoso, in my opinion, but he's set apart from even that category. He just knows how to make amazing music, plain and simple.

[@BenNCM]

His laugh is so adorable! You can tell he enjoys laughing.

[@tumbi97]

Ben NCM What kind of a comment is this man? Really ? Loool

[@paulandamyw]

Beauty- pure and simple. His respect and passion is palpable. Thank you, Derek :)

[@davislottmusic]

what a superb player and example of humility and modesty. i love the way he credits his influences and recognizes his human limits, which btw....are FAR above the heights of which most of us will ever reach. just an all around good musician. the best ones are always humble.

[@joannpettit5996]

love you Derek. Thank you for your great talent. always makes me happy

[@BaileysMariner]

Likeable dude and extraordinary player.

[@billaustin6340]

I forget who he was opening for in Atlanta back in the 90s, but the Derek Trucks Band Blew me away! See him ever since, every chance I get! I've seen Hendrix, Zeppelin twice, Jeff Beck 3 times(Opening for Stevie Ray once. Stevie's encore was "Going Down", joined by Jeff!), etc, etc, etc, Derek is the BEST!

[@thornil2231]

He is so down to earth, I really like him.

[@TRKTKO]

I come back to the lessons Derek has on KZbin all the time. He inspires me the same way Hendrix does which is really saying something! No one can match his style, he probably has 40,000 hours in by now if not more lol. Hell at 13 he could blow most men off the stage! Listen to him play "Layla" and "Sleep Walk" for a trip!

[@JIMJAMSC]

The humble,unassuming type of guy. You know the kind that after you have wowed the crowd with your wizardry, you hand the guitar to and say , go ahead give it a try. He takes the guitar and, well you know the rest.....

[@rubberband9570]

JIMJAMSC I have no idea what you’re talking about

[@charaara]

I just go where the guitar takes me! He is one of the best blues players of our time! His emotional playing is an inspiration to me!

[@sureshkv8135]

'Somethings gotta happen' - as he puts it. Amazing musician who makes something happen every single time!

[@MrBac755]

I'm both a Steve Vai & a Derek Trucks fan. You like different artists & different guitarists for different reasons. You own multiple guitars for different sounds. You can like them both without comparing them. They are both incredible players, just in different ways. Personally "For The Love of God" moves me just as much as "Midnight in Harlem" does. Just in a different way, js.

[@erintaylor5856]

That's so refreshing. There are tons of virtuosos that after a song or two, get boring. It's more than technical skills. Music is communication!. What you don't play is as important as what you play. I get slammed for saying this about Malmsteen. But while he is a virtuoso, it's an endless stream of arpeggios where one songs is almost exactly the same as the other. Derek is a master player, but he's really textured, and leaves space for the others in the band. It always elevates my mood. :) Seems like a really nice human too.

[@clevertrevor7360]

I'm glad you said what you don't play is just as important as what you do play because I don't play anything.

[@erintaylor5856]

@@clevertrevor7360 Really gifted :)

[@VictoireBuffet]

Love the way he puts his many influences into his playing & the way he gives his heart in every note he plays. By far my favorite guitarist.

[@GuitarTablatureSkill]

His slide is voicing of human sing, crying, shouting, and exploring desperate moment through his guitar sound. Never ever I hear great guitarist like Derek.

[@MyCheriAnolani]

Saw him at a Blues Fest in So Cal playing with Edgar Winter. As the sky turned dusk, he walked Edgar onto the stage so reverently that you knew this kid was someone very special. They all took him under their wings, nobody could ever harm him❣️

[@BandOfLlamas_LippiMusic]

Well said my friend - "it's devotional music... one of them is in the desert and the other one is in the delta"

[@MrTelecaster420]

I saw him and his band in a small theater in Connecticut....They came out dressed in jeans and tee shirts and played their ass off.... He never said a word untill the end.. I think he smiled a couple times... He is truly a gentle and humble soul... One of the best shows I have ever seen...

[@StephenDoty84]

I like the way his solo's build and the feel of him running the fret board with his hand to set up the next set of notes. A few of the great did that too.

[@larry1754]

The very first time I ever even heard of Derek was when I was watching one of those Chicago Blues festivals Eric Clapton hosts ( "Crossroads"?), watching it here on YT. Derek was playing with Susan Tedeschi there, and he just blew me away! I loved the sound they created, but even more than that I was really impressed with him that he seemed so down-to-earth, not trying to be some big star, but was just playing from the heart for the sake of the music only! Being an amateur slide player myself, I could really appreciate what he was doing, keep up the good work Derek!!!

[@samiamy2k]

His intonation is just incredible. For me, though, it's about how he approaches a note. Most slide guitarists slide up to the note, and are often a bit flat. Derek is always right ON the note. It's almost like he's holding himself in check- if he didn't restrain himself he's just start flying off in 1/64 notes. The man is just brilliant!

[@wladekwloszcz3803]

he (Derek, that is) is a treasure to us all, i love his personality andhis musis sooooo much. thank you Mr. Trucks.

[@hpresses]

I just love this dude. Everything about him is just on a Guru level. Being Indian myself and growing up very familiar with Nusrat, Ragas,gazals and Kawalis etc... it's just so awesome and fascinating that his mind and being was that vast and receptive especially at such a young age when he was in his early teens. Growing up as a guitarist in NJ myself, primarily playing blues and rock while subsequently being exposed to all of the Indian music in my house and at relatives houses, family functions weddings etc. I never was able to even see the connection or envision incorporating my blues guitar playing with the music from my Indian heritage. But Derek is such a savant genius and true music god that he immediately recognized it as a kid and then incorporated it into his playing. It's just extraordinary and remarkable. It makes me want to go back in time to when I was 14 and re think my whole outlook on Indian music and my guitar playing lol. Thank you god for giving us Derek Trucks

[@cavscout62]

THE Best guitarist alive today.

[@georgeflutey5925]

Great interview. Interesting, informative and awesome!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci for posting this. I saw a concert clip when he was 13, and blown away. Rarely see interviews with him but he is a student of the world and it's music, and the world is a better place for it.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

I first saw Derek Trucks when he was just a kid. I didn't want to like him, just because I knew he was the drummer's son & given special treatment. But, man... the more I watched & listened to him play... you just can't fake that kind of talent. This kid was born with a guitar in his hands & surrounded by some of the greatest musicians ever. Lucky, some of you might say? No way. This guy worked his A Z Z off to become the musician he is now. He payed attention. He learned. Most of all, he Practiced & Played Constantly. In some ways, he IS like the second coming of Duane, but he worked harder than anybody & took nothing for granted to become so. Peace. JR

[@awheck52]

+Jonny Roxx Say J.R. Derek Is Not Butch Trucks' son, That is his nephew. I watched him at the House of Blues in New Orleans when he was 12, playing with Gregg Allman and Friends. He had every ABB song down pat and blew the roof of the place, but was to shy to come stand out front though Gregg was arguing on.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

+Michael Bondio, thank you for the correction! What an incredible talent. Peace. JR

[@kirklorange]

So good ...

[@bayougtr]

F’ing great interview, and playing.

[@Hexitrex]

oh boy does that blues put a smile on my face

[@Jfladager]

DerekTrucks Band opened for my band back in 2002 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, MN. He then came out and sat in on one of our tunes. Totally class and a master player.

[@SandyHookFalseFlagOP]

I love how he first starts off with the credit of his influences are, I respect that

[@nas555]

That double cut standard gold top on the wall tho......

[@Fugue602]

+nas555 Thought I was the only one!

[@markhuggins5922]

But he continually comes back to the SG

[@NonLocalYokel]

why didn't i listen to this guy 15 years ago. Amazing

[@mathiaschance7732]

There is something so haunting and nostalgic when I hear someone play Slide. I know I've never heard anyone play before in my life besides on a few videos, but I swear I've heard it before

[@ianlambert8034]

Fascinating! He's discovering what attracted George Harrison to the Indian influence more than 40 years ago. I don't recignise the name of the musician he's bee studying, but I have always thought there was a Ravi Shankar influence in his playing.

[@adityanemlekar]

Great ear! The musician he referred to is Ali Akbar Khan, who's teacher (and father) was also Ravi Shankar's teacher. I imagine the late Ravi Shankar and the late Ali Akbar Khan shared a large common/shared repetoire

[@sidgtagamer]

And nusrat fateh ali khan..talented "kawali" vocalist

[@Marshall333]

9:58 SMH wow!!! Incredible tone and feel.

[@nicholasdedless4881]

Thanks for posting that. Very interesting. I hadn't realized he was influenced by eastern music but now that I think about some of their songs I definitely can hear it. What an amazing guy Derek is, so much talent and seems so decent and down to earth.

[@ROCKSTARCRANE]

Thank God for players like this who understand the true meaning........

[@jdorieldemps2467]

This dude's playing is so amazing. Good grief.

[@lednerg]

7:44 - RIP U. Srinivas

[@robertv9448]

I still recall walking into the Iowa City Jazz Festival in 2007 and hearing the opening tambourine and flute of "Volunteered Slavery" as I got closer to the stage. I knew I was gong to hear something great!

[@hungerstriker27]

dereck is one of the few musicians that really moves a vibe in ur heart every single time he plays.... it doesnt matter if it is blues playing with the fingers, slide, or eastern stuff... he is amazing... and he is one of a kind. Really, there is any other player that does what he do

[@nevillepark8847]

Composition continues long after the song is written!

[@ratliff79409]

Best comment; "pacing is really important if you really air it out on a song, you know, to kinda have some space". Selling the steak and not the sizzle, dig it!

[@donottawaguitar]

so humble and amazing

[@w00p678]

I can't stop staring at that beautiful goldtop Les Paul DC.

[@bstimy]

love that he and Jeff Buckley share the Eastern influences,

[@joeserin9593]

I saw this young man play when he was 16 when I was full on in the music business. We hung out in the parking lot and my only advice to him was about the local police. He brought the Stanhope House down! A real good kid!

[@markyncole]

I saw him when he was 11 playing outside of a music store on a flatbed with Elliot Easton of The Cars,Will Lee & Anton Fig from David Letterman's band and I thought "What the hell can this little kid do?" and my jaw dropped as soon as he started playing.He played le he belonged with these guys who had yrs over him musically.It was mind blowing to see what I was seeing coming from a little kid in a baseball cap.The other guys had smiles on their faces watching this little kid play flawlessly.

[@ChrisDutch]

The guy is awesome. I've seen him several times with the Allman Brothers and he practically channels Duane. His solos are etched into my head forever. I'd like to see him with his wife and their band.

[@clapdrix72]

9:19-9:30... goddamn

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

goddamn, man

[@sheff89]

what song is that?

[@pretty9reenpark4]

Greg Murray I've got a video of this I tabbed it out on my Instagram. It's a mahalia Jackson vocal line.

[@pretty9reenpark4]

sheff89 mahalia Jackson vocal lines.

[@RobertFairweatherLuvMachine]

Exactly.. Mahalia vocal line...wowzers..

[@scottallen9556]

I'm a Queens of the Stone Age nut. However, there could not be a more inspirational and sage full representative for the world of guitar playing or music.

[@mikeatl4953]

"Go with the feeling" - What makes TTB one of the top bands out there today.

[@bikramflute]

What a great and humble musician? .just saw one of his videos ,touching and very meditative .want to hear more .

[@barristanselmy2758]

Look up Derek Trucks plays Layla, Jesus that boy can play.

[@barristanselmy2758]

***** he loves the SG.

[@magical7703]

***** Hitch!

[@jakes2503]

+Christopher Hitchens RIP my hero

[@barristanselmy2758]

Ayyy lmao He's pretty good isn't he.

[@AceBaseKingOfSpace]

it's weird but if you close your eyes and listen to him talk he sounds like Jimi Hendrix.

[@AceBaseKingOfSpace]

I'm talking about his speaking voice...not his guitar playing.

[@AtomicChristmas]

+Bryan McCarthy Agreed, he pronounces his "th" more like a "d" and his "is" is kind of like "ee-iz" so he has a hint of slang in his speech.

[@stephenfiore9960]

+Bryan McCarthy ........true that.....just talks faster (see the Hendrix movie "Rainbow Bridge" to see Jimi talk at length.)

[@Le_Mer]

Holy shit he actually does

[@dellpayton8102]

Bryan McCarthy yes he does sound like Hendricks is Hendricks in there

[@BradleyTn20]

I saw Derek play "Statesboro Blues" with The Allman Brothers back around 1996-1997. As a 15 year old guitar player myself I was absolutely blown away by his slide playing. His SG seemed as big as him.

[@hanswagner4009]

thats first time ive heard him talk about Indian influence! but all the while,ive always heard that Sitar style in his scales!

[@AppleFaction]

figure 1: 05:44 figure 2: 06:25 figure 3: 07:49 figure 4: 08:34 figure 5: 09:21

[@Awanzy24]

He talking about Qwalie music and master of Qwalie Nusrat fateh ali khan...

[@MeisterSounds]

His phrasing is OUT OF THIS WORLD.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Just discovered this guy. Bloody Hell!

[@ARom16]

8:35 is one of the sexiest things I've ever heard

[@darkshdw.1719]

5:30

[@chrisbaron785]

I saw The Derek Trucks Band play on a tiny little stage in the middle of the Pouder Canyon in Colorado, not 10 feet away from the river. One of the best shows I have ever been to; he really does live up to those things he was saying about playing live and generating a feeling.

[@timtipton5071256]

How refreshing to hear a real artist just reflect on his talent and where he wants to be and hear.....he is so good by the way...

[@mikeyfern2237]

Why do people give thumbs down on yOutube.

[@soysauce9296]

Why do people give thumbs up?

[@GrahamBarth]

Soy Sauce ...because it adds it to your likes folder, so you can easily find the video again

[@dennisortega3040]

Graham Barth lol

[@ergbudster3333]

Soy Sauce Because we like it?

[@ergbudster3333]

Because we don't like it?

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

I've never been a fan of blues music unless it's someone like this guy incorporating different styles and influences into it. I find most blues a bit too samey. Even guys like SRV, as technically good as he was, was it anything people hadn't really heard before? not really. but Trucks is more than just blues anyway, he is his own thing.

[@greyarea1004]

I agree with u except, I didn't think srv was technical at all

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

Liam Arnold Well yeah, i just meant that he obviously wasn't a bad player at all, but nothing creative about anything he did.

[@hbloops]

I used to feel the same way, but then i heard Gary Clark

[@Hi-kj3hl]

SRV was an insanely good player, just listen to some of his more bluesy/jazzy stuff like riviera paradise. Its just unbelievably good and creatice, you wont find many who can mix these two genres this well

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

Hi He was a hack.

[@chazhogue2945]

Saw a show a few years back with Derek and his band. Great show but even better when we approached him afterwards and talked with him. A great down to earth kinda guy that had all the time in the world to spend with us. Still appreciate that to this day.

[@Kennymurraycampbell]

I heard him live in Toronto when he was 21. He was a monster guitar player even then.