Ricky Skaggs Mandolin Lesson

[@teratism143]

Wow - Gibson F5 Mandolin #73987, Signed by Lloyd Loar July 9, 1923! That was Mr. Monroe's Hoss for 50+ years! You never get to see it up close in HD like that. So awesome - thank you.

[@tometheridge4711]

it's a replica, damage and all....the real one is in a museum, fully restored....Monroe had gouged the Gibson logo out of the headstock in the 1951 when the Gibson people foolishly refininished the mandolin (against his wishes) with thick laquer...the mandolin here is a replica of the way it looked during the 1960's until the late 80's when it was demolished (by an ex-girlfriend's daughter, with a fireplace poker) and rebuilt....crazy but true....

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@tometheridge4711 Wow. For some reason I woke up with Blue Moon in my head and have been watching stuff about the genre all morning. Partly; I new either Paul or Ringo had done a version and I started to look it up. I haven't gotten past this yet but I did find out which Beatle did the song. From a ridiculous AI version of Bill M(said John Fogerty wrote the song) to Ricky Scaggs who I have a lot of respect for (any relation to the Scruggs?). Thanks for the accurate information.

[@masterlangtau]

I've not seen/heard many interviews with Ricky Skaggs; I love how down-to-earth and honest he is here.

[@craigwilson5091]

The Big Interview, Season 6 by The Big Interview Season 6 Episode 18 is the interview with Ricky Skaggs. You can either buy the entire season, or individual episodes. Enjoy!

[@willcresson8776]

I got to meet him during Merlefest a few years back. Just happened across him watching someone else play. Absolute gentleman, took a minute to shake my hand and say hello, asked me if I was there for any particular artist and if I played myself... Most of the Americana players I've met are really just... folk. Just like us.

[@JohnGauge790]

Ricky is a national treasure.

[@mikecollins8241]

If you play guitar and want to try mandolin, remember this: think of the mando as an upside down guitar... with only 4 strings ;) Someone told me this when I started playing mandolin and it really helped me learn!

[@maker2346]

I cannot believe I did not notice that. Thank you so much! The little things...

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

I’m impressed that helped. It confuses me, but that’s just me. I just look at it as a completely different critter and try to tame it from that point.

[@willcresson8776]

Learning the mandolin made me devote a a guitar entirely to perfect-fifth tuning. It was a PITA to setup but I have zero regrets. Fantastic for... anything really - once you get over the learning curve for scales and licks (if you started as a guitar player).

[@jimmytreve]

@@maker2346 That's exactly what I thought when I read this. 😃

[@BrandenH-O051]

Huh, thanks

[@Keithdog1357]

I love Ricky skaggs with all my heart... I've been listening to him since I was a little boy... God bless you Ricky!

[@MandolinSecrets]

I love this! Ricky Skaggs teaching mandolin. :-) I started out on guitar but have now played mandolin for 19 years. If you are a guitarist thinking about trying the mandolin, just do it!

[@windelbouwman2512]

Seconded. If you are a guitar player thinking about it: do it.

[@zengunslinger]

I've played guitar for over 30 years and just bought a mandolin this week :)

[@peterlawson777]

@@zengunslinger me too!

[@lioneladams2442]

Mr Skaggs The day after my wife bought my mandolin I meet you in Covington La. through friends at church. You were kind enough to autograph my brand new mandolin. Thanks I pray you and your lovely wife are doing well. Blessing Lionel

[@rjwohlman]

Ricky came and played with our symphony. What a gentleman and someone really enjoyable to work with.

[@raysmallapplemusicstarmake5962]

I’m just learning chords , borrowed a mandolin from the public library , in Halifax NS Canada…. I ve played guitar for years, but this is very cool!😊thanks Ricky !

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Wait wait wait. What? The library has mandolins for lending like. Book?! I’m moving.

[@bradyblackburn4863]

I really enjoyed that. Sometimes it's difficult for someone who is a genius at something to slow down and explain the very basic steps to those of us who are nowhere near as gifted. But, he broke things down in ways I could follow.

[@goregore6259]

I’m 15 I’ve played bass and guitar for about 5 years or more. I went to a instrument store with my grandma and I grabbed (or picked up) the mandolin their. I enjoyed the sound and the feel about it. So I asked my grandma if I could have one for my birthday. Can’t wait to own one really

[@Mariana-st2kr]

Me too, I play bass (started with guitar first) and now I want a mandolin...it's a challenge for me, different tune and chords, etc.

[@williambutler8624]

I went to see Ricky Skaggs a few years back, a great entertainer ,so down to earth, just like he is playing on your front porch, so talented, a fine Christian.

[@tysmith_6844]

.."self professed."

[@willcresson8776]

You know he's got an understanding of his religion - he doesn't force it out to the world. He lets his music and personable character do the evangelizing for him. If you wanna talk God and Jesus, he will, but if you don't he'll just talk music with you until your ears bleed from too much knowledge. Then, when he's got you stunned, he might ask about Jesus... and if you say you're not interested, well that's okay, lets talk some more music. At least, that was him the one time I met him. Reminded me of my closest friend growing up - a devout but not litigious Mormon who asked me about my faith twice in fifteen years. If he and his kin ever did evangelize to me again it was so subtle I never noticed (and I'm too heathen to have changed anyway). They loved me all the same, and still do. Skaggs strikes me as the kinda man who'd fix the Grinch a plate at Christmas Dinner.

[@modelcitizen1977]

14 time Grammy winner. What a legend.

[@ddiehl4593]

Robert R. They’re the same person😂😂😂

[@kevincozens6837]

The three two finger chords are a good start. Once you've got those, work on the four finger G chord. Once you can do that learn the basics of the Nashville number system. Combining those two are a game changer for playing mandolin.

[@mattd23]

Ive just been given a mandolin. I'm a classically trained violinist. Never played chords. Really looking forward to trying to play this instrument

[@clawhammer704]

What he said hit it on the nailhead for me. Myself I had a deep desire to play fiddle so much that it never stayed in a closed case. I was thinking about the instrument and songs about all the time. I truly believe that if someone has a strong desire to play they will accomplish it and fast. Having someone to get you started helps so much so. I hanged out with older folks who showed me fast track tips to play right.

[@jeffwissing9113]

I've been playing drums for 43 years and I want to learn how to play Mandolin!!! Ricky Skaggs is a GREAT Man! and a GREAT Mandolin player!!!! THE BEST!!!

[@cajunpipesmoker1519]

I love the person Ricky Skaggs... humble and soft spoken. I’m a novice, but I’d love to sit at his feet and simply listen and learn... then go out to eat and talk about his experiences!

[@susanlambert2017]

Hey Ricky my father-in-law T. H. Lambert with Lambert Brothers and the Tri-County Boys played with you back in the day. Love your music.

[@patrikkis3584]

I started playing the mandolin with six years of guitar experience. Figuring out the basics was not too challenging, but very fun. I recommend it to every guitar or ukulele player.

[@CMQ01]

It’s nice they called each other beforehand so they could match. Good interview

[@ziblot1235]

Mr Scaggs, you are unbelievable. Some people spend a lifetime just learning fiddle. Modesty plus. Haha. And folks...he can harmonize beautifully. I am back to the mandolin. Played guitar since mid 60s. Saw Beatles on TV and I was off and running. I have heard that Chris Hillman was a National champion on mandolin when he was young. Great video. I’m inspired again. Thanx guys

[@Arno_vanZyl]

Mr Skaggs referring to Mr Munroe. Such respect. It's lovely. What a great dude, Mr Skaggs!

[@thegreatchain7112]

Thanks Ricky, you guys are reading my mind, I just ordered a Kentucky model Mandalin ! 41 years acoustic electric rock and roll, psychedelic rock, folksy dirges & finally the Mandalin, I hope I excell fast because I'm older at 63, but I really like blue grass and Earl Scruggs, Peter Rowan & the great Monroe

[@ziblot1235]

I’m 70 brother. I think I was on the same road. “We went to different schools together” Good luck on the mandolin.

[@garyknowles16]

One of the most interesting things I garnered from this video is that Ricky plays with the fat edge of a pick and noted he gets more tone that way. I have found that using the edge of the pick in that manner increases the likelihood that I will get more continuous trills with less sticking of the pick motion. Great video and greatly appreciated.

[@hockley91]

I’ve rotated my pick for years on guitar and applied it to mandolin as well. Works fantastic for me. I use the snarling dog guitar picks with the grip texture. When the pick is rotated the grip texture striking the string gives a very nice bright and crunchy sound.

[@bruceb1534]

I recently bought a mandolin and came across this video. I think I get to say that Ricky Skaggs gave me my first lesson in playing the mandolin. :)

[@natcoman]

Ricky sounds like a cool dude to hang out with

[@crochet937]

He is!

[@margaretwilson1539]

Ricky has made me take up playing mandolin. Such a nice melodic instrument. Great advice from Ricky. I'm getting there!! Thank you. X Love from Scotland. 💙

[@janiehall6095]

My favorite real country and bluegrass player I have met Ricky 3 times and he even signed my pick. He also has said to me he could teach me something and here he is teaching me.

[@70snuttodd95]

Awesome Ricky took the time to do this, I think Ricky is originally from Eastern Kentucky, near where I was born. Ricky, Steve Wariner and Keith Whitley came up about same time

[@eugenecrissman7743]

Thank you Ricky for the lesson, I was having trouble with my last two fingers reaching the strings on chop chords. I was placing my thumb wrong on the neck, with your lesson I now place it right on the neck and have no trouble reaching the strings. Thank you again.

[@daverosenthal3975]

A modest demeanor and fundamental approach..really great musician

[@kodiejoarnold1754]

That was awesome! I'm blind and the descriptions were great Ricky! Makes me even more motivated to practice every day.

[@JustinHollandFitness]

Kodie Jo Arnold nice bro, I’m blind too and wanna start learning mandolin.

[@TSCNMALKABEIWN]

Scaggs plays it off like he's just mediocre. Truth is, he is one of the best all-around guitar/ mandolin players out there and has been for a very long time. Living legend

[@Fiddlertom]

Ricky is The Man! So cool to see some tips from one of the best!

[@Gramps1975]

I have always loved Mr. Skaggs range of talent and was turned onto his music when I was a young kid and have just enjoyed his music ever since...I have tried to learn the instruments he plays but he has obviously been touched with the hand of God for talent...me not so much. So I'll just enjoy listening to him play and call it good!

[@Randiego1]

Ricky, the master so humble and kind. Amazing player.

[@sajidulhasan2027]

Don't think I'll get any better at mandolin (still a beginner, not getting far after trying so much) but this video was a great watch. Good to see someone else who's a guitarist trying to play mandolin saying it's not a straight crossover of wrist /finger technique

[@allenperry6205]

I noticed the "I am Second" bracelet! Awesome!

[@greatpix]

Being 70 I remember him back in the '70s playing with Emmylou Harris at a music festival at a ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. He was a shaggy haired redhead with bangs back then and he wore a light blue t-shirt and jeans.

[@stevejesus6525]

The Hot Band was absolutely off the charts

[@Tonetwisters]

Love this. Couldn't play a mandolin if the universe depended on it! But I DO play with the shoulders of a pick and have since the early '70s, when I play guitar. That tremolo pattern seems the same as the rhythm to The Beatles, "All My Loving." There is nothing like a mandolin to elicit the homey heartfires ...

[@EclecticHillbilly]

I've always held a pick that way to play guitar, too (also since the early 70s). Might not work for everybody but it just felt right to me.

[@stephenrichie4646]

That was fun. Love the sound of a mandolin. My violinist dad also played mandolin. Good times.

[@mindbodylightsound10]

Living Legend

[@Cristasphoto]

I admire Rixky Skaggs. He seems like a really cool guy.

[@troyalcorn1184]

I love this teaching moment over other teaching moments because it is versus durr.

[@bleikrsound6127]

Saw Ricky at my friend Ralph Stanley's funeral couple of years ago. A nice fellow.

[@sf7708]

Ricky is one of my favorite bluegrass musicians!

[@danielbillingsley74]

An exceptional string player! This was very cool.

[@johnfluckiger9693]

Absolutely love Ricky Skaggs...he was the first person I ever saw in concert!

[@jameschristiansson3137]

The shape of the F style mandolin is perfection.

[@frooke2]

Pretty rad. I am picking up mandolin after playing guitar for 30 years, it's fun not knowing what I am doing. The different tuning and chords shapes is the difficult part. Trying to burn those new chord shapes into my mind. Thanks for these cool interviews sweetwater. Maybe send me some samples of those fancy bluechip picks... just sayin...

[@JaydedCammie]

I'm a violinist who can play some basic gutair. Loving learning mandolin.

[@Lair69]

Shredder... with a capitol Badass!! Would have been something to see Owens and this young man rip it up together!! R.I.P. Buck Owens.

[@peacepipes304]

LEGEND. MUCH RESPECT BROTHER.

[@fingerpicker40]

Ricky never mastered tremolo? Wow. Kindred spirit!

[@USNAVDC]

Ricky Skaggs is just plain killer! :-)

[@av3510]

What a legend. Ricardo Skaggs!

[@leica_sl2]

@3.33 Every chord position has it's purpose , the same on ANY string instrument ( I also play guitar ) .

[@OnePieceatatimeranch]

I met him too. Real nice. Thanks Ricky

[@gibhopkins6919]

I love this old boy

[@setthetrackonfire8250]

It's cool to see people change with the times. Rickys rockin skinny jeans and hipster glasses.

[@clemkelly2159]

National treasure

[@stevenvicino8687]

@ 5:41 Ricky spots him bracing the neck with his thumb. I used to play the same way and now I've got some real arthritis in my left thumb. Building my seventh guitar. Got a mandolin and a banjo too. Time to fix bad habits.

[@timgray8055]

Great Video 👍🏼 Ricky is an absolute powerhouse 🤘🏼🎶

[@zulumoonshine]

I'm in the town where Sweetwater is based. Besides providing great customer service, Sweetwater is a great corporate citizen. But I really wish they would have more mandolins, fiddles, banjoes, etc, in their showroom. It pains me that GC has more of those in their showroom.

[@jaaptempelman]

Such an amazing Mando!💚

[@Lukesh30253]

Look up -mandolin orange “wildfire” The paste studio version and be blessed

[@aerovexa8794]

mandolin solo on that song is so damn good

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Awesome! Thank you, Mitch. More videos like these please.

[@jimsmirh2406]

One of these days I will learn how to play my mandolin.

[@tomkozic8505]

Thanks for the Great Lesson! Ricky is amazing

[@cliffschadt5171]

When is Ricky going to get his head stock fixed? Love Ricky!

[@mademepickaname]

The mandolin has such a nice tone. Interesting what he says about learning to play a song in every key, Pat Metheny says the same thing.

[@ajharvey]

The fact that he’s playing either a replica, or the real bill Monroe mandolin is the best part

[@jnholland006]

AJ Harvey he had his aged and made to look like bills lol I said the same first time I seen him play that model!

[@stevejohnston555]

@@jnholland006 I think Bill's mandolin was restored by the late Charles Derrington at Gibson in1986. So this would be distressed to look like Bill's mandolin prior to that.

[@Mhammer1943]

He actually usually plays a Gibson Lloyd Loar model made in the period from 1923 to 1925. Gibson has brought out a "Rickey Skaggs Model" which is a copy of His Lloyd Loar. It is only $25,000 for those of you who want one. I am not sure which he is playing here, but it sounds great with a great woody sound.

[@EarlMalmsteen]

I thought it was but apparently its a replica made by gibson called Mad Mon.

[@charlesbolton8471]

Bill Monroe’s mandolin is on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

[@PILPEZ]

Who better to give a mandolin lesson than Mr Skaggs.

[@danlosgar9194]

Mitch, that's funny...I've played guitar for a while. Wait, this from a master-class guitar player!

[@rdekemper]

Inspirational lesson! 🎸👍

[@fishyfool]

Love ya Ricky!

[@holdenmontgomery2273]

Love seeing that I Am Second bracelet:)

[@johntait491]

Does this bracelet have some religious significance..? I notice the cross attached.

[@MichaelConkin]

OMGoodness.....that's Bills mando!

[@kimstewart9152]

I do believe that's a replica of Bill's. The original may be in a museum or something like that. That's what I heard.

[@CBGypsy03]

Nashville country hall of fame... but who knows. Shouldn't be caged up like some animal... that beast should be played!

[@16Bentham]

What's the name of that tune in the intro? Love it!

[@coreehaynes7085]

Mr Scaggs...I really loved this video. I learned to hold the pick just like you said! There a few on KZbin that look like they are using the point, so I am glad you brought this up. I think your an excellent Mando picker, and I thought your tremolo sounded just fine. I wish you could hear Foghorn String band, Caleb Klauder is the Mando player and I do watch him alot. Sammy Lind is the fiddle player and I have never seen anyone like him. He has a bow arm that's out of this world. Both these musicians would be worth watching. I love your style and theirs. Would love to hear your thoughts on them. Your hair is beautiful, btw. I have been a fan of you for many years. I seen the old video of you singing Ruby, you were so cute!

[@appalachiangunman9589]

My cousin does a lot of chicken pickin on a Tele and he holds his pick the same way. I started holding mine that way and I think it has helped me speed up a little, and now I could never go back to using the small tip of the pick.

[@mjgarratt]

Does anyone know what the tune is that he's playing at the beginning of the clip? I've got the A part down, but need a reference for the B part. Thanks!

[@daveowens9490]

When Ricky was 7 he played with Flatt & Scruggs on their TV show. How cool is that?

[@JahOhKay]

I LOVED this

[@crochet937]

Ricky, man, I wish we could hang out and play! I could learn so much from you! I could show you my way of doing tremolo. I use it a lot. I wish I could play a lot faster. I remember meeting y'all years ago! Hope the game is doing well! Give me a shout out if you can!

[@imretarded2306]

Anyone else notice how much wear is on thst mando? Rickys mando. Man.

[@theroguetomato5362]

Excellent!

[@ronaldcossin4525]

that is what I do spin the pick to get a lower and higher tone, and that fiddle it taking time it's all in the wrist to keep control of the bow, The Bow with no arrows your right it's a Devil deception you know... lol

[@sonnyporemba1962]

Great!

[@flamindigo]

Yes, the trick with holding the pick differently DOES improve the tone, especially on the lower strings.

[@mikec1152]

yes, thanks very much

[@thomassparks36]

He is the master of mando...

[@gofarmandolin]

the best 😍

[@marshaflorom5036]

Marvelous Mr.. Ricky Skaggs I love my. Mandolin! Thanks for the lesson! May I have your autograph? Marsha

[@keithmadison8754]

What tune is Ricky playing at the beginning & end of the video, thanks.

[@TheUpl8te]

Hearing Ricky Skaggs say he still hasn't mastered the tremolo. Wow!

[@treesplease4053]

Is that Bill Monroe's mandolin? From what i know of Bill's instrument that one looks like it, Thanks

[@frankcoffey]

Cool, I picked up some good stuff from that one.

[@nicolaquacquarelli9618]

Does anybody know what songs are played at the start and at the end of the video?

[@mariodorrico9165]

what's the last tune name?

[@cappystrano1]

That’s how I learned, bought a harmony off a wired junkie in Germany....20 bucks and it came with a book. My life’s never been the same.

[@jamesmorrison2063]

I always thought of the mandolin as being tuned to upside down lowest 4 strings of the guitar. Opposite pitch.