On the Record: Brent Mason Interview

Hello! This is part of an ongoing interview series I am doing called "On the Record," where I discuss the business side of being a musician. This episode is, of course, an interview with arguably the most prolific session guitarist in the history of recorded music -- Brent Mason. I hope you enjoy!
If you liked this episode, be sure to visit my KZbin page for more interviews of this kind. Also, a "like" and a "subscribe" is always welcome!
Please also visit Brent's website to check out his upcoming events; you can even schedule an online guitar lesson as well! www.brentmason.com/
Bonus video for a bit more picking with Brent: • On the Record: Brent M...

[@fiddlefolk]

This man defined and refined what country guitar is......to be on 6-8 of the songs in the top 10 charts for 25 years straight is huge. He's like the Eddie Van Halen of country.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I think it’s fair to say that Brent is the reason country guitar is played the way it is today. He changed the way we chicken pick, and the way we think about solo structures in this genre. That’s not to say he’s the only, but he’s certainly the most prolific.

[@fiddlefolk]

There are tons of great players but to define a style is another. When I was coming up playing in the bars of Dallas/Ft. Worth starting in the early 90's, Brent was on almost every song our band played...if it wasn't him, it was Reggie Young, Brent Rowan, or Dann Huff. Unless you are old to have played during that time, then you can't possibly truly understand the magnitude of what he was doing. There was no KZbin to show you anything. You had to figure his solos out on your own with your ear. The taste he had was impeccable.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

Hear, hear! Well said!

[@boblstclair4023]

Brent is not only a great player but also a gentleman. I loved this interview, really good questions.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much, and yes! Brent is absolutely a fantastic guy!

[@GTRalso]

100% agree.

[@BluesDeville]

I applaude guys like Brent for having the wherewithal to make a lot of blah artists into hitmakers. Even if I had the chops for it, I don't think I could be a session player. Something about turning guitar playing into a 9-5 job would suck the joy out of it for me. I'm much more comfortable playing with a few friends in a bar in front of 30 people...for barely any money and free drinks. That way, I can continue hating my actual day job and continue enjoying playing guitar.

[@markennis7177]

Just watching this from Ireland. Brilliant interview and excellent questions. Making another lockdown here a bit more pleasurable 👍👍

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Ah man, thank you so much! I hope you are managing through the lockdown. I wish we could get some more interviews done, but we are taking the safe route for now and waiting for things to improve over here.

[@McHale72]

This was a great interview. GREAT questions and honest and sincere answers from Brent.

[@jackryansullivan6038]

Great interview with one of the nicest guys in Nashville, Cody. Brent is a sweetheart.

[@kmsmith49]

Cody, this is a great interview. You ask a lot of good questions that really lay out what Brent does. Very interesting and informative interview.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much for saying that! I was so fortunate to get to do this with Brent, and I was blown away with just how candid he was. He is incredibly gracious with his time when it comes to teaching and helping out the next generation of players. Just an all around good guy.

[@stringbender57]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview! It's always great to watch interviews with Brent, but seldom is the subject about the music business or behind the scenes stories. As a guitar player myself of over 40 years, 35+ as a full timer, I am fascinated with the session players stories and advice. Thanks!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much for this comment! Yeah, the business side of what some of our favorite musicians do is truly fascinating; especially someone as prolific as Brent. He has so many great stories, but he is also full of so much wonderful advice on the business of music as well. I am so appreciative of the fact that he was so willing to discuss that side of things in this interview! I’m hoping to have a lot more interviews done soon! Thank you so much again.

[@hearpalhere]

Greetings from Hungary! I'm new to your channel but just wanted to say thank you for this wonderful interview! I really enjoyed your questions and Brent's answers.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much!! I really should try to get Brent back for a Part 2 interview. If we wind up doing something like that, is there anything you’d like me to cover next time?

[@jeremydean6320]

I love how normal and down to earth Brent is..just an insane talent but no ego, just a humble, everyman that loves playing music and is stellar at his craft.

[@Bbendfender]

"We don't know the songs". Wow, and he still makes every song sound great. What a great player.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

It’s pretty wild how creative those sessions get in such a short amount of time. Brent’s the best in the business!

[@gitarmats]

So cool! Thanks for putting this together!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!! I owe a lot of my life in music to Brent and a handful of other folks in Nashville. He is such a fantastic person!

[@timalexwar]

Cody, i really enjoyed this interview. I eat this stuff up! Keep 'em coming man.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks Tim! I’ll do my best.

[@davidbakerscuba]

Great job on the interview and gear insight. Brent Mason is a legend.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!!

[@louisthomass]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you for listening!

[@SaintrioMike]

Excellent interview. Great questions and follow up. Very well done!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks Michael! And thank you for watching!

[@patrickkellyguitar8300]

Great interview, Cody. I always loved this musical Segways between scenes in Friends. I never knew it was Brent!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Yeah! It's absolutely crazy how much Brent has played on throughout his career.

[@tedinks]

Always have been a big fan of Brent Mason, what a great interview! Hotwired was cool! I would love to hear more playing!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks! If you head over to my channel, there’s another short clip of Brent and I picking together here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppDCZWWIqLBpmsU . Once it’s safe to do more in-person interviews, I have a long list of pickers. Thank you again for watching!

[@tomarmbruster1031]

Brent and his brother Randy are great people. Very talented family. Great interview.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Brent is fantastic! I haven’t had the opportunity to meet his brother, but I’m sure that if he’s anything like Brent, you’re not wrong. Thank you for watching!

[@mikebottiaux5850]

This is a great video! So much info I’ve been curious about.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!! I learn so much every time I talk to Brent, and I was so happy with the fact that he was so candid in this video! Not everyone at his level is so willing to discuss their business models, but Brent really is an open book and interested in helping the next generation!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks for this! Really enjoy hearing the stories and insights. Cheers

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks for watching! There are more coming soon!

[@Muzikman127]

Great interview, not personally my style of music but I still watched the whole thing, really interesting! And obviously a very talented and accomplished musician

[@Adipsia1]

Fabulous interview Cody, love your balanced interview technique. Just subscribed.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!! That’s fantastic! I try to mostly get out of the interviewee’s way and let them talk - because what they have to say is infinitely more important and interesting than whatever I have to contribute, haha.

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

I enjoyed this! Gracious interviewee as always.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Brent’s the man!

[@gabelouis6862]

That was great ! I learned a lot from this interview !

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I'm really glad! The goal is to cover some different/new ground with these interviews. I had a lot of fun sitting down with Brent. He's a fantastic person!

[@brentheflinmchenry3457]

Seemless interview... brilliant job, Cody!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@richardgagliano1618]

What an interesting interview.Brent Mason, so informative and insightful. And Cody, really nice job, really interesting questions. I hope you post more of these. Thank you.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much! Yes, there will definitely be more. We had to stop almost as soon as we got started because of the world’s events, but more interviews are on the horizon!

[@richardgagliano1618]

Absolutely! This is gold standard interview. some gifted players out there, it would be great to see Rod Riley if it’s possible, I’ll subscribe and see you down the road.🤙

[@billylongley9580]

My hero “ what a legend and soul of the earth! Tells you like it is

[@CodyJungGuitar]

He’s a good hero if you had to pick one!

[@christopherhanna5754]

He seems laid back, but he has had a long long long career, no doubt he has a serious work ethic and deeply disciplined love of music and guitar.. great interview..

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Brent’s definitely in his element when he has a guitar in his hands! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davelandry8157]

What a great and honest interview. Amazing.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks so much, Dave!

[@petermarkovic8837]

A great insight for what it is to be session guitarist, enjoyed this a lot :)

[@CodyJungGuitar]

For sure! I really appreciated just how honest and open Brent was about the business side of what he does!

[@gregriddle3042]

Btw outstanding interview, very informative and great questions! You got excellent answers !

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much!

[@bandbaaja]

A great interview is always defined by the great questions asked that can dig out the best answers from the artist. This is just that! Totally loved it! And i really want to meet that one person who for some strange reason has disliked this video... maybe clicked by mistake. 🤔

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! That’s an awesome compliment. Brent is such an easy guy to talk to, and that makes the whole process more comfortable and more interesting.

[@davidratliff807]

Great interview, my favorite player in the world, such a professional and humble guy. Truly gifted and so well practiced.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Very true. He’s one of the most down to earth guys in the business; just easy to talk to and more than generous with his time. Not to mention that he’s one of the best pickers ever. Thanks for watching!

[@davidmuir7711]

And look around the room at the awards and records in his home!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

It’s really tough to not have your jaw hit the floor when you walk into that particular room in his house.

[@joedunn7224]

Excellent!! I have soooo many recordings with his guitar playing....amazing picker!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

One of the best!

[@Troy1g]

Joe can you give a list of some of his records he is on, I am a guitar player but I have not kept up with Brent what an amazing guy, I need to catch up.

[@guitarz99]

great interview, such a humble guy for being one of the best in history

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I’m really glad that comes across in the interviews Brent has done, because in-person he truly is a down to earth guy. He and his wife are two of the nicest people you could hope to meet.

[@ralex3697]

Probably one of the best ever Great player and humble

[@edgilligan5078]

This is an outstanding interview, very informative and well done. Loved the guitar playing !!!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! You should come down to Nashville at some point for some of these.

[@TheThinker39]

Great interview with a fantastic musician!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you, and yes! Brent is fantastic. He’s one of the best on the planet! Thanks for watching!

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

I really dig you asking the practical questions to Brent! There’s some great interviews out there asking him his history of guitar and stories of his favorite records he’s played on, and those are amazing to listen to. But it’s also really valuable to hear stuff about pay rates, about how these guys are micing amps in Nashville right now, all those types of things, because there’s a massive barrier to entry to understanding a lot about the logistics of making a record. Can’t exactly get a crash course on these types of things from Wikipedia, so thanks for asking Brent about all that.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks for that! Yeah, my goal with these interviews is to discuss the business and professional side of all of this - what things actually look like as a pro guitarist. Brent was particularly forthcoming with this kind of info, which was awesome. I liked what you said about not being able to wiki this stuff, and that’s so true. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jeffyoung6701]

@@CodyJungGuitar Yeah I agree too. This is one of the most informative interviews I have heard in a long time. Keep up the good work. Thanks!!!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much for saying that! There are definitely a lot more to come. Hopefully we won’t have to wait much longer to gather again so we can get some done.

[@shawngaspar9811]

I love how he said he cares about the artist, true class

[@tapilaha]

i've never seen your channel, just subbed, very good interview!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Well then I'm glad you found the channel! Thanks for watching. I should have some new interviews up soon (hopefully!).

[@wrightonrice]

All the instruments guitarists have to bring reminds me of a Carol Kaye video on the benefits of bass player only bringing a couple instruments. Glad I'm a bass player! Great interview!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Too true, haha!

[@jamesmcfarland2648]

Very cool. Thanks.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@Troy1g]

Glad to see players like him, Most of my country lead inspiration is Pete Anderson, these guys really play!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Along with Brent, Pete Anderson is one of my all-time favorites. I sincerely hope to be able to get him on this channel for an interview at some point. Thanks for watching!

[@ottovonfledermaus4594]

Very nice interview and great tones !

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Brent was playing his '65 Deluxe Reverb, and I was borrowing one of his Vintage Sound amps (I want to say it was a Vintage 20?).

[@dodah6490]

Great questions this guy did he’s research 🤝

[@VLove-CFII]

He’s a great guitar player and seems like a really nice guy! ⭐️

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Most definitely!

[@donharrold1375]

That was a brilliant interview. Really enjoyed that.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! It was so much fun getting to do this shoot. Looking forward to doing more soon.

[@donharrold1375]

Cody Jung Only really started to get into the Nashville thing in the last few years after decades of Rock and Fusion playing. The musicianship is really high and guys like Brent are off the scale; just a monster guitar player in every respect. Learning the vocabulary (steel guitar licks and hybrid picking particularly) has been like going back to the start of guitar playing for me, but it’s coming together now. Even got myself a little hot-rodded Tele which is becoming my favourite! All the best from the UK.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Don Harrold Nice! Yeah, I always compare learning a new style to learning a new language. I’m not sure that’s the best analogy, but that’s how it can feel. The nice thing about coming from fusion is that country playing (specifically chicken picking) is very rhythmically oriented as well. Welcome to the club!

[@donharrold1375]

Cody Jung The biggest challenge for me has been getting the right hand to work properly. I’ve spent decades using only a flat pick so using a thumb pick and fingers feels a little alien to me. The first few months were frustrating, but I’m starting to make decent progress now. It’s a wonderful guitar style that every decent player should know.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

It definitely makes you rethink the way you pick, but I really feel like I have more control over the strings when I have a thumbpick as opposed to a flatpick.

[@MrMd5555]

This interview makes me like & respect Brent even more. Seems like such a down to earth normal guy, he actually reminds me so much of a good friend of mine! Great job with the interview & thank you for posting it for our enjoyment

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much! And yes, Brent is absolutely a down to earth guy - the first time I met him, I think I was expecting to meet this “guitar god” (which he is), but I quickly realized he was just a normal dude. I think we talked about swimming pool maintenance for most of our first meeting, haha. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m sitting with greatness only because he puts you so at ease when you’re in the room with him.

[@benadoeffects]

Great interview Cody, keep doing them.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Wow, what an honor. I've been a big fan of your gear ever since I saw Brent playing one of your units.

[@benadoeffects]

@@CodyJungGuitar sorry just saw this today. Thank you very much my friend. Stay in touch and let's talk.

[@OurBackwoodsHomestead]

Brent did a session with us in April 2021 @ Hilltop Studios in Nashville. I produced a guy named Matt Maverick his record comes out Jan 7th 2021. Check it out Brent played on the title American Dream cut and 4 other songs. He played the guitar he's holding in this video always awesome total pro and great to work with. Great interview! Oh a note we knew Brent liked Bagels and we had them!

[@ClassicCityLimits]

The Tennessee Titan! Great Interview Cody!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Ha! Thanks so much. Brent is THE man!

[@jitsroller]

Really good interview man. Great questions. Subscribed.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you so much! We are getting ready for a whole lot of new interviews -- is there anyone you would suggest who you'd love to see interviewed?

[@jitsroller]

@@CodyJungGuitar Andy Wood, Tom Bukovac, Andy Timmons, Robbie Calvo and so many more. Did Brent see all your good reviews? He really was a great guest. So open.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Those are some great suggestions, and several of them are on my list already! Fantastic!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Also, I’m not sure if Brent has seen the comments himself (he’s not on social media too much), but he and I have definitely discussed how much everyone has enjoyed his interview!

[@nylonsteel]

Great interview

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you!!

[@TheDobroslide]

Happy new year Cody

[@KendrickCreates]

I just turned on to this cat, and damn he's younger than I thought. Like by a lot. I hope I can nail him down for a lesson or 10 when I move to Nashville next month!

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Damn good interview, seems like such a genuine down to earth gent. Plus seeing he offers online Skype lessons, I'd drop the fee in a heartbeat and I'm not even much of a country picker myself.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Yes, Brent is super down to earth. Not only is he generous with his time, but he’s also a genuinely nice dude. You should get a lesson! Brent plays a lot more than just country.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

@@CodyJungGuitar Oh absolutely, I'm deployed right now so it would be a trip to get an hour lesson while here in Afghanistan haha Then again I'm just working with a beat up old acoustic here so might be a bit wasted vs waiting until I'm back with my electrics.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Oh wow! Well, I’m sure Brent would get a kick out of doing something like that, but you’re probably right about waiting until you are in a position to fully benefit from the lesson. Is there any guitar player who you would like to see interviewed for this channel in the future? Stay safe over there and don’t be a stranger!

[@Terribleguitarist89]

@@CodyJungGuitar Ironically, I'm watching the Johnny Hiland video right now haha Off the top of my head, Brad Paisley would be an awesome one to see.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Johnny is a great dude and a fantastic player! Yeah, I’d love to sit down with Brad Paisley one day! I’m not sure if this style interview is something he’d be interested in, but that’d be awesome!

[@trevormason3825]

Literally the 🐐 imo

[@CodyJungGuitar]

It’s tough to argue with that. He forever changed the way we think about country guitar, and professional guitar playing in general.

[@AP-ui7oi]

Brent is one of my heros

[@CodyJungGuitar]

For good reason!

[@SMPMS8389]

Brent is amazing

[@CodyJungGuitar]

He really is!

[@gregriddle3042]

I very much dislike not having an amp buzzing my jeans! I have to be able to feel the sound, hearing it and feeling it are two different things.

[@neastguy]

I need to get a black t shirt. Great interview

[@CodyJungGuitar]

You can’t be in the club until you have one. Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@waynechurchill7212]

Great interview brant my guitar herio

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! He’s one of my heroes as well.

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

Really liked his playing on Alan Jackson's recordings.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Brent’s one of the best to ever do it for sure!

[@braderrick]

Great stuff, Brent has been my hero for a long time. I think he is the greatest of all time honestly. Some can play his stuff and emulate his solos but he’s always been one that can come up with new interesting stuff that catches your attention like no other player can. Like he said about Jerry Reed, more of a guitar thinker than just player. Anyway, thanks for sharing and can you tell us more about the blackguard you play here? Is it yours or was it Brent’s? Vintage or newer relic? Thanks 👍

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks for listening and commenting! I agree with you - Brent is an original in his playing and guitar ideas for sure (not to mention a really great guy). The tele I’m playing is mine. It’s a custom shop that Fender built for Vince Gill in the 90’s. I got it from Vince back in 2016, and it’s one of my favorite guitars of all time. Thanks again for listening!

[@richardv.582]

Very informative! Thanx for posting.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. There will be more to come soon.

[@robbyblack2699]

Brent is so good….. Just GOOD!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

One of the best ever!

[@AceAskin]

Great interview!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Thanks!! You should check out Brent’s new Fender signature model that just got announced. Can’t wait to check it out myself!

[@AceAskin]

@@CodyJungGuitar I did! That is what led me here. I've been a huge fan of his for many years. I tried to learn all his licks back in the 90's. Even got my son's name (Mason) from him. :)

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Hank Askin Very cool about your son’s name! True fan for sure!

[@danieloday9279]

Is that a ruby top velvet hammer?

[@keokih]

Who takes care of all this equipment that gets “delivered” to the studio? String changes, etc, etc.

[@WeeDavie56]

I thought i had the perfect career as a tattooist/shop owner but brent lives the dream better than me 😍 the reason i play country is brent 😍 greatest ever

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Haha, gotta agree with you. Brent's career seems like a dream for a guitar player! Thanks so much for watching!

[@JJohnston4Life]

I didn't know Brent did the guitar work for Friends! O.o

[@theoloutlaw]

I love how Brent is a straight shooter, no bull crap! I could listen to him talk all day.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

That’s a very good way to describe Brent. He’ll tell you exactly how it is!

[@taokichavez9319]

Hmmm the interview it's a little weird but the topic is really interesting, thanks for sharing

[@tonymarinelli7304]

He’s using a guitar strap that says wrecking crew on it friggin awesome

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I love that little detail.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

@@CodyJungGuitar Absolutely

[@vintagelife6879]

loved the interview that zac childs did..

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Zac Childs is awesome!

[@vintagelife6879]

@@CodyJungGuitar you did a great job man! loved it... would be cool a Kenny Vaughn Interview!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Don’t know how I missed this comment earlier, sorry! I would love to sit down with Kenny Vaughn. I‘ve seen him here in Atlanta several times with Marty Stuart; one time it was a totally acoustic show at a small club - one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Giant fan of his.

[@vintagelife6879]

Cody Jung did you see the IG Interview that his drummer did with him?

[@CodyJungGuitar]

No, I haven’t! I’ll have to find that.

[@keithmitchellguitarlessons585]

How much do you reckon guys like Brent get paid for a session?

[@Bloodhound_Dogg]

I like locking myself in studio and not come out for days

[@RockyH.]

Look ma twins!!!! Only I like that guy on the lefts guitar.

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Haha, yeah - jeans and a black t-shirt seem to be the uniform of musicians all over the world! I do like Brent’s Guitar more too, haha.

[@sichuancowboy]

20:54 got me dying. who hurt this man and took away his bagels

[@CodyJungGuitar]

You’ve gotta have craft services on point! Haha.

[@ohallright2021]

Check his pro nails on m & a

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Yep! Brent keeps nails on those fingers most of the time. Good eye!

[@7550375503]

The dude's wife say they about to foreclose on they stuff,

[@user-uo9cy2ep2h]

I eat Lunch at 10

[@MrJackal43]

Did you guys match your wardrobe on purpose? Come on!

[@CodyJungGuitar]

Haha, a black t-shirt and bluejeans definitely seem to be the uniform of musicians everywhere, right?

[@7550375503]

One must admit teaching gigs have all but dried up.

[@bigpapi2658]

Me watching: 5 minutes in….. for the love of God play the F#€king guitar!!!

[@dennisschell5543]

Brent was very patient with you...