Rodrigo y Gabriela: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
April 28, 2020 | Felix Contreras -- This unprecedented period of worldwide lockdown has halted public musical performances. But it has also inspired intimate performances by musicians directly from the places where they create their music.
The Mexican duo known as Rodrigo y Gabriela travel the globe playing to crowds who are captivated by their almost telepathic acoustic guitar interplay. But they make their home in Mexico in a sunny Pacific beach town called Zihuatanejo (remember The Shawshank Redemption?). For this performance we get a peek at their home studio, where they surround themselves with guitars and dress down in sneakers and casual clothes. They run through tunes from throughout their recorded history, including a song they played at the Tiny Desk back in 2009. Rodrigo y Gabriela's picking and strumming feel more relaxed than usual but maintains their intense focus.
SET LIST
Tamacun
Diablo Rojo
Hanuman
Mettavolution

[@RodrigoyGabriela]

Gracias everyone! :)

[@saraacosta549]

Son increíbles, transmiten muchas cosas lindas a través de su música! Gracias a ustedes ❤️ :)

[@luisrosoccer]

Cracks

[@citizenbxtr883]

De nada y Slainte

[@MrSingerBrasileiro]

gracias a usteded!!

[@stargazer6675]

You guys make everyone smile :)

[@groverXIII]

My brain is incapable of comprehending what Gabriela's right hand is doing. These two shred harder on acoustic guitars than most bands do on electric.

[@HardlyCoping]

They do a lot of acoustic metal covers in case you have never seen them.

[@mshilko]

I believe she was self taught and developed her own fingering techniques.

[@PaulJeffreys1974]

There is a KZbin video out there somewhere that she shows you the technique (well the main strumming one anyway). It is a lot easier that it seems, but also requires a looooooooooot of practice to make it as easy as she makes it look/sound (and no, I most certainly haven`t practised enough lol)

[@oodlesofhoes]

She is adding a little extra fresh flavor for her neighbor... Keeping the rhythm and giving... Flipping styles and creating smiles :)

[@absoledge]

@@mshilko if I wasn't so immature I probably would've read this comment to mean fingering guitars

[@tomtomthebear]

Gabriella is a machine her rhythms are outrageous ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@javiernaranjo8087]

tomtomthebear definitely the more strenuous tactic between the two guitars. Not to say that the lead is in any way easy but that right hand has soooo many hours of practice.

[@helioszxc]

Simp

[@nathanguilford2387]

Best rhythm guitarist ever!

[@joeldcanfield_spinhead]

I hope her guitar has extra bracing. She sure pounds it. I love it.

[@IndigoVagrant]

I've practiced her playing style some. It makes my hand sore after a while. She has some serious endurance maintain flexibility as she does in spite of all the impacts in her playing style.

[@darraght6528]

Me: "Oh, an instrumental group. I'll play this in the background while I study" Me: *vigorously bobs head* Me: *does no work until entire video plays* Me: *hits replay*

[@bartjanssen690]

That just happened to me ;)

[@marjorie2521]

Exactly, and it happens so often because of Tiny Desk...

[@kendraray]

oh no you won't ever get work done listening to them. the rhythm will take you over.

[@motexan129]

I'm still getting over "Oh, an instrumental group." What rock have you been under?!! LOL. LOVE me some RyR

[@sonyaneely1734]

Facts!!! U can’t help but move. Lol I couldn’t click off.

[@Pearl127]

It’s been almost 15 years and Tamacun still slaps so hard.

[@TheBabyDumbo]

That's the thing about great music; it's timeless.

[@raysun2be]

Agreed. Still one of my favorites of theirs.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

15 years wut

[@veganevolution]

They help safely disperse the the spirit energy

[@pugs34]

Gabriela is easily one of the greatest rhythm guitarists ever. As a duo they are mind blowingly good!

[@scoobydoobie6147]

They are the best guitar duo of the current era. I just saw them live Rodrigo in one song played acoustic, electric and pedal steel in the same song. He cooks on an electric guitar.

[@mikerphone.]

Only an intimate home show by the greatest 6 string duet of all time. No biggie. Casual flex by Npr.

[@nprmusic]

Mikerphone 😊

[@mikerphone.]

@@nprmusic 💪

[@theothelion]

NPR more like NBD 👌

[@davidespinosa1910]

Name two more guitar duos, and I might give you some credit...

[@mikerphone.]

@@davidespinosa1910 Ali Farka Youre & Ry Cooder, John Williams & Julian Bream, Duo Del Mar, Dickey Betts and Duane Allman. I could go on for probably a thousand of these, seeing as how the guitar is in my mind the most popular instrument in the world. Both because of its easy playability, size, cost, lack of need for electricity and so on. Most people think the piano is the worlds most popular instrument but they're discounting the sale of guitars and guitar like instruments world wide. Theres no doubt in my mind that guitar holds the 1st place globally. I play and listen to a lot of music from all around the world, guitar is everywhere, piano is not. Pianos are big and expensive and or require being hooked up. The numbers online only count piano/keyboard sales in the US which is already fishy. So trust me, its not true. Guitar definitely holds the #1 spot of most played. Its huge in south america, africa, the middle east, there are many guitar like instruments widely played in south east asia and asia major. In short, there's no shortage of guitar duos. But when asking people who comes to their head, you get a lot of classic rock duos, and or Rodrigo y Gabriella. So they definitely hold a top spot. And they worked hard to get there. They moved to a difrent part of the world just to get traction on their style because Mexico and south America are flooded with instrumental guitarist. But they were diffrent, had a diffrent style and sound. Now look at them, they're world renowned. They're albums are scattered across the global top 100 charts and they hold a #1 spot for their debut album in Ireland which is where they had moved to get traction. So yeah im not sure how you could refute their popularity let alone talent as a guitar duet. They seem cemented in that #1 spot for now unless you can name someone else bigger, more talented and better sounding than them?

[@johnk3841]

Do you want to play a stringed or a percussion instrument? Gabriela: Yes

[@CaffeinePanda]

I mean, in a classical sense the guitar IS a percussion instrument.

[@1WEareBUFO1]

HANUMAN! 😀

[@aa025131]

Yes!

[@reggiewarrington4586]

Jjyes...

[@richardmartinez779]

Yes. Guitar IS a percussion instrument.

[@askchris36]

Gabriela just looks like she's in a trance. Just sick talented. ❤ She's like, "Here I go. Keep up...if you can."

[@nothingoverfox]

Those 50 dislikes are just people mad they cant play the guitar like Rodrigo y Gabriela!

[@katmamao9383]

I believe so !

[@motexan129]

FACT

[@BWater-yq3jx]

My guess would be disliking the ad placements...

[@thevanabond]

haha exactly

[@bhalejos]

🤣🤣🤣🤟🏼

[@ehv3876]

0:00 Tamacun 4:57 speech 6:26 Diablo Rojo 8:18 Gamma State inside Diablo Rojo 9:48 back to Diablo Rojo 12:37 speech 12:59 Hanuman 17:30 speech 18:11 Mettavolution Thank you for this beautiful concert

[@onefinetribe84]

Very technical-Their live versions sound very much all the same

[@tobyhancock5983]

Are all those extra guitars on hand in case the ones they’re playing catch fire? 🙌🏻

[@kirstenprada3763]

Indeed!!

[@RetroYoungen]

+

[@pattihawks8514]

🤗

[@doppelgangerprinting4235]

Probably differently tuned strings for different songs, so they don't have to re-tune during the set.

[@elizabethbenitez8735]

Haha!

[@williammelvin]

God I feel old, I saw these guys live in London, back when Rodrigo wasn't going grey. Awesome then, awesome now. 👏 Bravo

[@ebybeehoney]

This is almost exactly what I was thinking.

[@Carrandas]

I've seen them half a year ago, back when I could still go outside :p

[@amiracleone2803]

Hey I started going grey at 19 of course it was after some very traumatic experiences.

[@yenni7363]

15 years ago when I was 15 years old at my first Cambridge folk festival ha!

[@EdwardUbiera]

Like wine, Better with time.

[@Merble]

I'm always impressed by Gabriela but this is probably the best I've ever heard both of them play together. Rodrigo crushed this one and they were in the flow together so hard.

[@jamesmelton7637]

What strikes me most is how incredibly synchronized they are. Wonderfully creative and fantastic technique and all of it as if there’s one musician instead of two. This level of connection is unbelievably rare and beautiful.

[@mickeyraven22]

I love that they don't step on each other trying to be the one in charge, when one backs off the other moves forward enhancing each other.

[@Ni7ram]

absolutely. i just recognize this level of connection in ice skating duos

[@henrycodm896]

They are geniuses and the good kind.

[@Daddy53751]

It’s good for married couples to have something they can do together, a common hobby.😁

[@wetguavass]

Si

[@weeleelee5843]

I had Tiny Desk playing in the background while I cooked and these guys came on. Twenty-two minutes later, I haven't moved and the dinner is burned. Don't care. I'd order in Mexican food, in their honour, but ain't nobody cooking in my 'hood, these days. So, the kids can make themselves sarnies while I watch this again 🍷 Thank you, Tiny Desk and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

[@oficioscepavif9623]

[@Mistershredd]

Who needs a cajon player, when Gabriela throws the beat so hard?

[@nitajown]

they are in the ZONE! they are not with us they are in the highest dimensions of music !!

[@1WEareBUFO1]

You can really tell because Gabriela can barely focus on anything between playing.

[@babyblue1109]

The way they look at each other and get lost within the music is mesmerizing.

[@briancarlson7865]

Are you a little shy, Gabriela? When you do look at each other, you smile.

[@benjaminful1]

No waaaay!! Left a comment in the original Rodrigo and Gabriella’s tiny desk begging for them to redo it now and look at that. Thanks! ❤️

[@nprmusic]

Stark Killers You manifested this. ✨

[@dannykumite]

I remembered reading your comment!

[@johnnyc.3261]

Yeah, NPR needed you to tell them to have Rodrigo y Gabriella on the show again. Do we owe you money?

[@jbetnar]

What was wrong with the first one? I missed it.

[@desnaherbas5562]

I guess wishes do Come true.

[@iamwilliam4178]

This is absolutely ridiculous. SO SO good. How can anyone play a guitar so well

[@nikkienikkie4310]

If you haven't seen them live, make their concert one of the first you attend when we are able to go to concerts again!!

[@MrKevmomoney]

Your seeing two of the top 10 guitar players in the world here!!!

[@jimchesnutt7879]

I love how Gabriela has her feet on that little step and it's just barely keeping her on her chair.

[@chicharitobeige7517]

butterflies... las manos de Gabriela se mueven como mariposas

[@lucaslundgren5128]

Yesssss!! These guys are amazing! Respect from Dublin, I used to see them performing on the street on the way home from school. Amazing.

[@samsung3254]

That brings back memories!

[@mickeyraven22]

Lucky you

[@eccolibri60]

That is awesome! I remember reading about how they wound up there.

[@qedsteve]

We witnessed them at the Hollywood Bowl in 2018. All I can say to any of you if that if you have the chance to see them live, you MUST - whatever it takes!

[@danjohnson4385]

Love the "trust the process" sign they have up on wall.

[@veedle18]

I wonder if thats an actual reference to the 76ers

[@sinnertrain7405]

If you've never seen them live, at least recently, imagine Gabriela's rhythm playing and percussion through a large PA system. She sounds huge and her groove really gets you moving. Put Rodrigo's melodies on top, along with a light show, and it's magical and joyful. This performance here is magical too, but it's a different experience seeing them headline a live show. I definitely want to see them again!

[@paulyb-englishmaninhangzho3609]

Sinner Train I second that emotion, their live experience is like a sledgehammer in the chest!

[@jt3483]

I was lucky enough to see them last year at Hollywood Bowl. Amazing! Always loved them, but yeah... video does't do them justice even though all their videos are great!

[@ptuffgong8504]

I also saw them for the first time last year. Blown away.

[@Rhythm04]

I was thinking that same thing while looking at those amps behind them. That's got to be amazing! I have never seen them live but hopefully someday.

[@cjlewis79]

I saw them backed by the Oregon symphony! Incredible!

[@kangaroofoot]

Gabriela is the most adorable person ever

[@thefredkalis]

it is like watching gods play guitar.

[@randomgenerator-lp5yl]

as someone learning the guitar during lockdown, my mind is blown in even more ways than usual

[@Coverjobs]

what he is doing is actually easier than what she is doing...by a mile!

[@john4york]

123randomgenerator321 same here 🤨

[@albertesteva9684]

and she learned guitar when she was an adult. He had a metal band that didn't work and i believe she was a friend and not in the music scene. She learn to play then and that's why her approach is a bit different, amazing but almost innocent in a way.

[@nprmusic]

What songs are you learning to play?

[@john4york]

NPR Music radio head no surprises amongst orhers🎶🎶

[@tls234]

Her technique is epic

[@Eelz]

I love Rodrigo, but Gabriella is 1 hella Rhythm machine

[@DavidJLee-zr8ic]

she's a scene-stealer for sure!

[@JohnShepherdMusic]

ilham mohtar Better than a click track.

[@Lico5512.]

This is my favorite recording of Diablo Rojo thanks to her!

[@Eelz]

@@JohnShepherdMusic exactly

[@CornbreadShred]

And more

[@REIDOPLANETA]

The best acoustic guitar duo ever. Incredible people, incredible musicians.

[@ronkirk5099]

This pair takes 'guitar virtuoso' to a whole new level. They play so well together. I heard on 'Latino USA' (I think) today Rodrigo played Heavy Metal back in the day. Blew my mind.

[@nightnoodler812]

30,000 vs 203..thats about right..Love you guys

[@bloomindoom]

NPR is killing it with these home concerts. Like, everyone's doing it, but NPR is still doing it better

[@MrEdwar084]

Like who else is doing them?

[@greenpat2953]

KEXP out of Seattle is amazing as well. Both their regular live performances and the home versions due to the pandemic OpenAir (now Indie102.3) from Colorado Public Radio in Denver has some good stuff too.

[@maitlen4021]

Words fail me. I bow down in happy gratitude for this music.

[@leem1440]

I've listened to these guys ever since I was three, on mix CD's my dad made for going on drives in the mountains. When they finally came to my town for the first time, I was fifteen years old, and first in line for the concert (an hour early). I remember being transfixed to the stage, resting my arms on it for the length of the concert, rocking along with their guitars and their movement. No video of them can come close to the feeling that you get at their concerts, it's truly special: the music that they make and the love they put into it.

[@kangaroofoot]

Liam Queneau Wholeheartedly agree. And Gabriela that close up is a Goddess.

[@AlicePeach-p8f]

Nuclear Fusion. I saw Rodrigo y Gabriela in Phoenix on September 13, 2024. Best high energy concert--and I've seen Coldplay 3 times. My husband is a convert. I want to follow them around the world and go to every concert. Misty Moses is still my favorite, but wait for See More. Found them through Margaritaville Radio on Sirius XM.

[@ingridl3259]

I could listen to them all day. Thank you Rodrigo y Gabriela! You two are a phenomenal duo!

[@suegha]

Dancing to this on my headphones, in my kitchen, cooking, by coincidence, chicken fajitas. This is the best that I have ever heard them!

[@videosutube]

Simply amazing , heard this 3 years ago during lockdown and it still amazes me

[@javierarroyo4790]

ESTO SE LLAMA HACER EL AMOR CON LA MUSICA. WOWWWW 2023 Y DESCUBRO A ESTOS MAGNIFICOS GUITARRISTAS. CARAMBA!!! Q SUENAN RIQUISIMO!!! ESCUCHARLOS ES COMO DEGUSTAR UN PLATO EXQUISITO!

[@iSACTurner]

They're the best!! VIVA MEXICO CABRONES! 🇲🇽 Rodrigo and Gabriela always make me wanna play the guitar, dance, be awesome and breaking bad 😎

[@amiracleone2803]

O yeah they are in breaking bad aren't they

[@LazarusXero]

Love Rodrigo y Gabriela and love Zihuatanejo! Awesome job!!

[@danf1862]

Feeding Metal to the masses through a unique style fusion with Flamenco, they are artists that fully give in to their musical passion and vision. Much respect.

[@ellie7637]

Anybody else watching this for a music class? Good luck on your assignments y'all. And great performance!

[@toomuchtoo]

Diablo rojo fue la primera canción que escuché de este tremendo par. Me llena de vida escuchar y verles en el estudio donde supongo que la crearon. ¡Gracias! Muchos aplausos desde Hidalgo, Mexico.

[@CouncillorCrooke]

Love the alterations made on their older songs. Great to hear something new but also keeps them from getting bored of playing the same songs

[@MrDankstar]

I remember listening to these two back in highschool when I got really into Flamenco, they are still so amazing.

[@derberti2280]

I hope these two great artist feel how blessed they are with their fantastisch skills.

[@tim_atkinson_photos]

Pretty sure after the devil struck out in Georgia, he lost in Mexico too. Be safe and thanks for helping us be well!

[@vladbigiocalado]

Unfair. Gabriela does the whole band job. She deserves the biggest part of the $$$$ ... just kiding. She´s incrediblem the Duo is totally mindblowing.

[@db6050]

You two may be warm, but your hot playing and warm personalities are helping me keep warm in Canada! Thanks for sending sunshine through your music.

[@subnormality.]

Imagine being this good at something.

[@catplantASMR]

ahhhhh love this duo

[@jean-marietas7001]

Rodrigo y Gabriela, I have loved your music since the very first time I heard you. I am a music teacher, for middle school and high school students, and also I teach college classes at night. I always include an introduction to your music in my classes. I hope to see you live one day! Never stop playing together!

[@FullThrottleBirkin]

Absolute Masters of their craft. No doubt about it. Wonderful.

[@lberelson]

Smile on face. Joy in heart. Tear in eye

[@rasthisaraswati3968]

Who’s clapping hands everytime they finished every song? 👏

[@journeytoaphotograph]

There have been a few woohoo's too!

[@pjhelbig]

Who’s clapping hands every time they simply PLAY a song?

[@nitapeacock5256]

I just can't get used to ads interrupting the wonderful music.

[@helkeheidelbeere6922]

Wow! What a scream and party of "We are alive!" "We are living!" Thank YOU! AMAZING!

[@catalinamembrila8208]

And they’re back in tiny desk better than ever!!

[@scottwilkins]

She "gets it" Not everyone get its. She gets it. Period.

[@entropyembrace3844]

this gave me so much joy

[@ja9ni610]

I remember their last Tiny Desk concert so well. One of my absolute favorites.

[@josephwirth3892]

fine playing, out of this world , 10.

[@ArnoldOValleyWolfe]

Y después de tantos años me levanto y busco algo de ustedes para levantarme con ánimo y energía positiva. Gracias por el buen hacer.❤

[@alessandropaderi5166]

Fokin amazing!!!!

[@farflownfalcon1076]

Just cos it's from home, don't be stingy with the 'liner notes' NPR. They are always written beautifully.

[@emilyjaneheath]

I was looking for them too!

[@farflownfalcon1076]

@@mightymorphingpo I'm sorry, I'm not Taylor Swift's lover. Although I'd be happy to have a drink with her after the lockdown.

[@TannerCoIin]

@@farflownfalcon1076 Taylor swift can give me covid19. I invite it

[@errudimini]

Des années que je me delecte à les écouter ( et a acheter leurs cd et c est un plaisir )et voilà la quintessence ! Merci Muchos gracias soy un viero che toca guitar in very bad style pero espero un milagro para mi But you are this milagro Grcias

[@AUG-yd6wp]

Cada ves que veo a mi Rodrigo y Gabriela me emociono cañón! Sin duda son los mejor con la guitarra! Saludos de Morelos, México.

[@jsanljohn6707]

they are this clean Live... if you ever have a chance, dont miss out.

[@patrickmegan8224]

I can feel the energy and the passion of your playing from your music room, all the way over here in Hong Kong. I turned up the volume so that all my neighbours could hear your wonderful music. I hope you can come over here one day in the future, you have a lot of fans over here. Muchos gracious!

[@kathleenyohn6237]

NO ONE can play guitar like Gabriela! She's a phenom!! An entire rhythm and harmony section played on one guitar! Together they are INCREDIBLE!!

[@gilleslombard267]

😢

[@cocochinos]

I'm having lunch in Malaysia and I'm pretending to be having my meal which watching Rodrigo and Gabriela in a pub. Thanks NPR Music!!

[@pelarc]

Nothing but love for these two

[@onefortrees]

I've been listening to Rodrigo y Gabriela for years. As well as NPR Tiny Desk Concerts! And my god this is a true treat. Thanks!

[@AstroShamanicCreativeCoaching]

They are so good! And such a cute couple! Gracias!! P.S. Diablo Rojo makes me think of the Red Tezcalipocatl..

[@Merble]

I don't think they've been a couple for over a decade (but they are both cute)

[@ToddGrady]

As someone with no musical talent, I am truly in awe of the two of you. Bravo

[@kavalou4799]

If you're hangin around here, you certainly have musical talent, at least a really good ear 😊

[@Mekdjizle]

Man the things that woman can do with a guitar. Outrageous

[@alangarcia5880]

No hay nadie como ellos. Es increíble lo que logran hacer sentir con su música. Me encanta lo que hacen.

[@born09061957]

I'm completely worn out and all I'm doing is listening to and watching them. Wow! Fantastic!

[@Arrow32172]

I remember listening to their Tiny Desk Concert back when it first came out and having my mind blown, eyes opened and world expanded to this type of music. It's one of the major things I credit with getting me into playing classical guitar. Ever since listening to their set back in 2009 I've never set my guitar down and my love has never faltered. Gracias millones de veces Rodrigo y Gabriela, you're both phenomenal!!!!!

[@stavrosgargaretas266]

absolutely insane. cant stop shaking to their rhythms

[@fernandolehovec1321]

I was 16 when i listen their music for first time , and to be honest i didnt listen anything from their like for 2 years but rigth now i start to feel again like that little kid who heard his first song of Rodrigo and Gabriela, VIVA MEXICO

[@silverarrowslk]

Absolutely beautiful

[@RobBlanzy]

You two will always be a top favorite, living in Dublin when you were there was a gas!

[@costelo17]

ohhhhh ohhhh oh ohhhhhhh... gracias Rodrigo, gracias Gabriela. Much much love

[@joes.8500]

I had to bring my guitar into the other room, so it stopped giving me that look.

[@lisaleone2296]

I think that is the best reply ever!

[@ReneeRidgeway]

lol ! that"s so funny! thanks for that laugh!

[@FerSpada]

HAHAHHAHHAH YES IS FUNNY HAHAHAHA

[@keixsy]

Someone 7 years ago commented this on their previous video. Hm.

[@fensoror]

@@keixsy So what? Still the best reply 😀

[@omega2214]

Que c'est puissant l'amour, la musique, l'amour de la musique. Healing process GRACIAS ♥️

[@Sarklor]

This cheered me up considerably today. Thank you.

[@Daddy53751]

A couple of old metal heads!🤘🏻

[@absta100]

100%

[@mattnewhouse1781]

Ive never clicked on a youtube notification quicker....already know musical eargasm is approaching

[@joeguerrero8827]

You are by far the best duet Ever!!!!!!

[@zigoto]

Me encanta cómo entra en trance Daniela, cómo se embarga del duende y se emociona y transmite esas emociones y se vuelve una chamana. Los dos unos absolutos portentos.