Stars and Their Guitar James Burton

Guitars: A History of the Electric Guitar James Burton.

[@jerrydoyle4627]

He came into a car dealership where I worked and bought a new car for his wife. Super lady ! We sat in my office and talked about Elvis, etc. The greatest privilege of my life ! In Shreveport, la.😎👍

[@J.C...]

Nother Shreveporter here! We love some James around here!

[@jenningsjennings2051]

Dang that's pretty damn cool

[@jenningsjennings2051]

What was the car?

[@healthfullivingify]

James Burton crushed it on Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" Black & White NIght with Bruce Springsteen's guitar talking back and forth and Roy in the middle. Such a spectacular performance we can enjoy over and over on KZbin on the Roy Orbison channel.

[@randyrudd5594]

Indeed!!!!!!!!🎸😊

[@donwoodswirral]

It's my privilege to have played with the man on several occasions...a delightful guy with a great sense of humour and is simply the best there is....love him

[@shizueleighhicks6174]

Have been a fan since I was a kid watching Ozzie & Harriet. Was it Ricky, Ozzie or both of them that saw to it James got the star treatment by the camera when he was playing. Even when you were just a kid watching Ricky you knew there was something special about James Burton and his playing. So happy to read your comment about James the person. You were so lucky. Thank you for sharing👍.

[@donwoodswirral]

Yes to sing Ricky Nelson hits with JB backing me was a great experience which I will never forget

[@donwoodswirral]

I have put part of one of the concerts on KZbin which you might like to see....type in "James Burton in Concert...Don Woods" and it should come up....I sing Poor Little Fool with James backing me

[@shovelheadmike100]

I have the most respect for this man and his guitar playing.

[@davidward3883]

Sir - Your solo in Hello Mary Lou is still the best ever

[@the1realanalogman]

Amen! Three of my favorite JB solos are HML, Fools Rush In and Little Miss Tease. After that, anything Sir James has ever done!

[@deboisblanc]

Susie Q

[@mosriteman1]

I remember sitting on the living floor in front of the TV watching Ozzie and Harriett, waiting for Rcky to sing and James Burton to play. The sound he had was amazing! I use to hate it when they would cut his lead in some songs.

[@Home12031962]

James Burton yaz Sir - Your solo in Hello Mary Lou is still the best ever ☺☻♥♪♫

[@melanierayworth4192]

God bless you James Burton. Was a pleasure to meet you randomly on Saturday.

[@williamjames6624]

Yes you make a good point in your comment,Hello how are you doing 👋👋👋

[@eliolopez3107]

James is one of the great unsung guitar heroes. His innovation with strings alone has done so much to modernize and revolutionize lead guitar.

[@tommypetersen2540]

Elio Lopez Well said! For me Burton, Jerry Reed And Reggie Young are the greatest session men ever.

[@eliolopez3107]

No argument from me. Reed is mind boggling at times. The story goes that when Elvis decided to cut "Guitar Man," nobody could figure out what it was that Jerry was playing try as they might. So the record company sent out for Jerry who was out fishing or something and paid to bring him in so he could show the lead player how he did the part. It's mind boggling from a guitarists perspective.

[@gregamerson9172]

@@eliolopez3107 Jerry himself played lead in the song per ELVIS

[@eliolopez3107]

@@gregamerson9172 Perhaps. I can't say for certain. What I posted was from an interview I saw long ago with one of Elvis' musicians. I think it was his drummer, but I can't be certain.

[@gregamerson9172]

@@eliolopez3107 jerry once did an interview telling bout the fishing trip n getting to the studio smelling bad, then doing the song n that's the one where he said (ELVIS was a pretty man) that particular quote is y I can remember him saying he played the session cause nobody could play it to ELVIS'S satisfaction but him

[@johnwattdotca]

James Burton! It's so nice to feel this Ernie Ball connection with you, only buying those since 1970.

[@dashinggaspar8042]

I love James Burton and he's a real inspiration to me and so many guitarist. :) My favorite solos of his are from Gypsy Woman, String Along, Travelin' Man, Mary Lou, It's Up to You, Believe What You Say, and Young World. Honestly, I could name many more.

[@skipacuff5104]

Spot on list! Nice to know someone else recognizes Burton’s clever solo in “Stringalong “😉

[@jimilee4609]

Just a wonderful man and a monster Telecaster player .....I met him at a Elvis concert one time !

[@zororosario]

This is Priceless, No one more qualified to give a proper instruction,, on how to fit in and make it work better.

[@thebigbobert59]

Mr. Burton, your infectious rythum. And especially your solo. In Ricky Nelson's cover of " Fools Rush In." Still sticks with me. After all these years. I was four at the time. But my mom loved that song. I remember her playing over and over. I still have her record. On the old, Imperial label. When I bought a 1951 Seeburg jukebox in 1983. It was the first 45 record. I put on it. It's still on there today. When I play it. It reminds of my mother. Who passed away a few years ago. God bless you. For a wonderful, memory of her.

[@kingfish1841]

I met James Burton in 1956 in Bossier City, La. Dale Hawkins, who was attending a business college with me in Shreveport, introduced him to me, and, they later started playing in the area, and topped it off when they recorded "Suzie Q."

[@RedDirtRules]

A guitar legend....James Burton

[@bjoe74fm]

An understatement, ive been a session musician for over 40 years, he as only been mentioned as a gentleman and legend, can thank him for 42 gauge sets and lighter, cheers

[@ronchrisman]

I had the honor to do James's cartage in the 70s through the 90s. Ron Tutt was our 2nd customer, James was our 3rd.

[@alvarotorres8065]

THE LEGENDARY GUITAR PLAYER MY VAVORIT GUITAR HERO FOR EVER IN THIS LIFE AND HIS NAME IS JAMES BURTON!

[@MrJbaker7]

Great hearing James play and also talk about his sound. I learned a lot by how he changed the gauges on his guitar...Jack Baker

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Thanks for sorting out those string gauges for us all, Guitar music is louder and clearer because of your hard work.

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

The legendary Mr. Burton coming up on his 80th birthday... Aug.21.🎸

[@dwightb3405]

Very underrated 1 of the best

[@klausochs7006]

My first time I Listen your Songs was in a Ford Granada ( I Like this ,,Bliesmobile,, ) and ....... Hey thank you a lot for the good vibs.... I never forget you ! Thanks Form Germany

[@daverenick5830]

As a player I admire him immensely.

[@stevemason5173]

One amazing "Music Man"... One of the best to pick up a guitar!!! James Rocks!!!

[@chuckyt9083]

Awesome interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

WOW. I had no idea that there was a time when there were no gauge options for strings, and I started playing in '65. A fascinating bit of history from one of my almost lifelong guitar heroes--I remember being blown away by him as a little girl when I saw him perform with Rick on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

[@anthonydilligaf823]

Loved him with Orbison on "black&white night."

[@lwoodt1]

Playing with Ricky and Elvis. What more can you say .

[@tonyfreeman1339]

And Jerry Lee Lewis

[@vintagebrew1057]

And Eddie Cochran...

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Play it, James!

[@unclemayhem6696]

And Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard, and Roy Orbison, and on and on and on!

[@deboisblanc]

@@unclemayhem6696 I think he went on one tour with John Denver. I remember Ronnie Tutt and another TCB guy in Denver's band when I saw a concert in Pine Bluff AR around 1978.

[@GenosGlory]

A living legend

[@britisheagle9776]

play it james you fantastic man you.. your one awesome ledgendary performer your a man and a half double fantastic god bless you and your awesome family

[@Dave-vc4mh]

My favorite Jerry Reed and James Burton!!!!

[@simontromans2748]

Where have I been all my life? Black and White night bought me here. My new guitar hero!

[@hgtrad7655]

One of the greatest guitarist, love your Telecaster!!

[@holmes1978]

Legend !!!

[@crlguitar1]

Great information about James improvising the string gauges by using banjo strings at first.

[@timburris3758]

Awesomeness James!

[@davekay960]

Yup. Genius and humble.

[@vincentferraro5134]

Wow I knew he used light strings but not THAT light. Interesting insight into how he makes those bends sound so fluid and effortless, in addition to his amazing technique.

[@JonathanAEdwardsJr]

James Burton is the best. period.

[@Jubal918]

Such a GREAT talent !!!!

[@calinrang5939]

Burton brought new colors to Elvis old numbers in Vegas gigs. Unforgettable musician.

[@aaronking7326]

The hands of the master....pure genius

[@blueatlantisguitar]

I've loved the .010-.038 which are basically what he describes. Ive used them since 1970. Fender quit making them a few yrs back and I had to switch brands but they started back making a set and named it Jimi Hendrix strings... cool,,, im happy... on my Nashville BBender I use a G [.015] on the B slot helps with breakage. PS James Burton,,,, u r awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Sarasdad91]

James Burton. Before Eric, before Jimi. This is an xlnt guitar player. Even Elvis liked him. Scotty respected him.

[@williamjames6624]

Well you make a good point in your comment, Hello how are you doing 👋👋👋👋

[@waynespeirs1024]

I remember back in 1965 I saw a group called The Fendermen (It was not the original group of guitar players it was a real complete band Bass, drums, guitar, two tenor saxes, piano and their front man Phil Humphries who owned the name.) They were the tightest group I had ever seen. The guitar player was fabulous. He played a Fender Jazmaster and he just made it scream. I managed to talk to him about his great sound, it was so big. He told me he used Gibson Hi Fi strings. These strings were chrome wound from the third string up. Gibson Hi Fi strings were designed for jazz guitar players who wanted a bigger sound. The problem was you couldn't bend the strings because they were so thick but in jazz you don't bend the strings so it didn't matter. To get around this problem the guitar player tuned his Jazmaster down a tone and just transposed all the songs he played. This made the strings a lot looser and therefore easier to bend. I was playing guitar myself at that time and I learned so much from watching him. I became much more aggressive with my guitar and it completely changed my sound.

[@TheGRUNTOSAURUS]

i had the privilige and pleasure shakin his hand.. nice guy too

[@rosiedebevc1952]

James your solo Hello Mary Lou is absolutely the best ever.

[@williamjames6624]

Hello how are you doing 👋👋👋👋

[@velmafoust8667]

James Burton is absolutely the best!! He added so much to Elvis' band and I believe Elvis thought he was the best!! Thanks James I have truly enjoyed your musical ability!! 👍👏🙏🌟

[@ferraridinoman]

9 10 12 24 32 38!! Ive been playing with James's guage for years now! only wish I could play as good as him!!!

[@martinvannostrand1]

James is definitely the master of the Telecaster. Good to see Eliott Easton in there too....

[@giannabonadeo4231]

Grande MAESTRO JAMES BURTON devi farcela. Il mondo ha ancora bisogno della tua magica musica 🎸 Forza e sempre TCB ❤️🇮🇹🙅🎸🎼✌️

[@yoebutt]

James Burton is JUST THE MAN!!!!!

[@1mespud]

Love the Ernie Ball story. Back then there was no such thing as "light gauge" guitar strings. You dealt with what was available. Mr. Burton was smart to realize this and came up with his own configuration. Hendrix later did the same. In other words you shouldn't have to fight or struggle your guitar or go through some ordeal in order to produce the music. Ease, comfort and control is everything. Everyone be careful out there..

[@garygary246]

AMEN!...

[@1bridlington]

James Burton...he`s the best..

[@johnbrown9183]

Done the ball-tying deal myself It is so good to peek into the mind of a genius like a Burton. Nashville guitarists are very innovative in many ways over-looked by pop music but I think earlier the Beatles especially George on lead copied and incorporated a lot of Scotty Moore and James Burton giving the Fab Four an identifiable sound.

[@user-do7rx7qw1l]

JB, you are brilliant !!! ❤.

[@joebryant8751]

One of the best in the world

[@jandeband]

AWESOME PICKER, , STEEL FINGER PICKS TOO

[@123Elvis1]

Nice shirt James, I want one!🎸

[@deepsix0063]

He needs to get credit big time from Ernie , Fender, Gibson, and alot more. Thnx James!

[@musket-hc1fc]

My favorite solo of James' is the one on Ricky's version of "I'm Walkin'." Not Barney Kessel's, but James'. Big difference.

[@joelteague8032]

What about Elvis's train ride

[@rexjamerson250]

Between Ernie Ball and James, they basically INVENTED THE LIGHT GAGE ELECTRIC STRINGS!!

[@888jimm]

Super Slinky's.....right?

[@emmett8768]

The stories he could tell. A front row seat every night to the greatest entertainer to ever live.

[@jimlynch7421]

I used to take a Hawaiian G at #1 and pushed the rest up one. That was back around 58 or so. Solved the really thick strings that came on my Jazzmaster.

[@ma.antonietarubinkcardemil]

Grande Burton....

[@zakoz]

I just saw you in "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" [1970] on HBO. Your artistry and musicianship is absolutely amazing. You, the originator of Chicken Pickin', stole the show; obviously the best player on the stage.

[@Home12031962]

Burton’s style of playing has always been very distinct. He uses a straight pick and a fingerpick on his middle finger. On this record, James replaced his first 4 strings with banjo strings and moved the A and D string up to D and E. This allowed him to bend the strings up a lot more. James’ legendary chickin’ pickin’ was born. He later had them gauged: .009, .010, .012, .024, .032 and .038.

[@shanecardy4075]

Yeah, he actually says everything you just said, in the video.

[@LodoGrdzak]

The James Burton Custom w/ the black and gold paisley is one of the best looking guitars I've ever seen. I don't know how it plays, but its looks are tops. Guy obviously knows his stuff--and then some!!

[@miltonbuu]

I love the guitar 🎸 Can't play it well but I admired the energy it the and hearing it wail.

[@elvis7229]

Its only sinse i started to learn the guitar that I have a true appreciation for how skillfull this is geiniors

[@d.b.4201]

Love this Man!!!!

[@ramoncranert8177]

JB apparently must be considered either the inventor or co-inventor of light gauge guitar strings.🎸🤔🧐🤯💯

[@jean-christophedibatista1893]

He is able to do intro and solo with his guitar it was not the case of elvis who was only a singer But what a singer,

[@bradhuskers]

Elvis was soul depth and diversity personified. A mere "singer" is none of that. If you had an IQ above retard levels, you'd understand that.

[@joelteague8032]

Very unique sound using a Hammond amplifier if my memory is correct and another thing if I'm correct lot of guitars all over the world want your guitar

[@Raughwe]

On of the best feels in history. Elvis had extraordinary ears...he knew the best.

[@kennethhiggs3877]

James..my inspiration

[@davidlawrence5]

James, I lent you that Fender Champ amp but I never thought you'd do a video with it! Still, you do shine son!

[@yofre9]

The Best !!

[@lypilapa]

James is THE guy (with Joe Osborn) who brought the "Rick Is 21" and most stuff of early Rick in a higher range quality.

[@bboomer1948]

James Burton is a guitar legend. Mary Lou solo the best ever !

[@billybill174]

So good

[@Jeff4090]

Did he tune according to the string placement? An A string would take some mods not to buzz at a low E frequency. Very cool...I learned a few new tricks. Thanks for such a detailed interview. Thanks Mr. Fender Guy

[@JohnAdams-xc5yk]

Never did use banjo strings on my telecaster but did use a 2 nd string on the 3, we called it a candy string

[@fredrictengstrom9522]

Howdee M friend Lennart Hägersten born 1944 just called m a nitwit musically wise cause I had never eard u Elvis? I was raised w t BEATLES now Ive eared u U r a true artisan Thank u all Ps Elvis had a fine voice methinks Sayonara Blue Hawaii 1957?

[@gregamerson9172]

Mr burton n kenny Rogers n I share the same birthday wish I could say the same for shared talent as I have none

[@randyrudd5594]

James played on Kenny Rogers’ ‘Share Your Love’ album 1981.

[@9unslin9er]

Wait a minute...you mean to tell me, this guy is the reason Ernie Ball popularized the modern string sets? I need to research more.

[@frankfranks1741]

Super dynamic .

[@gitaaa7740]

This is it. These guys don’t exist anymore!

[@slw59]

Master of the Telecaster.

[@garygary246]

I had a record out on Buena Vista records and the promoter put me on a show with Ricky Nelson's band and with Jerry Fuller (Travelin' Man). I was ectatic! I of course knew who they were and James, etc. So I begged Jerry Fuller to let me sing "Tavelin' Man" (Ricky Nelson). It sounded just like the record. I didn't get to talk too much with James, but I did appreciate him.

[@justmemtair9566]

A legend

[@ninaostrander7951]

Kool!

[@67gto56]

So james invented slinkys after putting a ball end on a banjo string. Mind blown.

[@mauriciofragapoltronieri6315]

Esse som é a cara do Elvis e daqueles anos inesquecíveis.

[@audrey9664]

this guy is good

[@leopoldomarcialochoa]

Telemaster !!!

[@FrankBottazzo]

this guy invented string gauges!!!

[@tonekilltech]

What model of toaster is he playing through?

[@HelicamInternational]

Best comment. It made me laff and laff !!

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

I think he uses a "3 slice" one these days.

[@thebrideoffrankenstein2415]

I don't get this joke 😬

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

@@thebrideoffrankenstein2415 toaster.... AMPLIFIER

[@rogeralsop3479]

How interesting.