Stretching the Limits of the Acoustic Guitar | Trace Bundy | TEDxBoulder

The fan-dubbed “Acoustic Ninja” must be seen to be believed, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live experience. Listening to his intricate arrangements is one thing, but seeing him play live confounds even the most accomplished music lovers as to how one person can do all that with just two hands and ten fingers. Internationally-acclaimed guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy shares his musical artistry with us this year. Fan-dubbed “The Acoustic Ninja,” his music must be seen to be believed, using harmonics, looping, and multiple capos to confound even the most accomplished music lovers as to how one person can do all that with just two hands and ten fingers. Trace’s witty banter and stage presence delivers an unforgettable live concert experience.
Trace is based in Boulder, but his unique career has brought him across the world, with concerts in 28 countries and counting -- from high-tech performance halls in South Korea and Italy, to remote villages in Zimbabwe and Guatemala. His video clips have circulated virally, with over 43 million KZbin views to date. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@douglassmith9445]

It drives me nuts when over a million people can watch a video and no one chooses to give it a like. I am sure more than 16k people were inspired by his playing. Give back people.

[@cnred7987]

dude who cares, they mean nothing, its a youtube video

[@blucat4]

Yeah because he's full of himself but not really any good, any decent guitarist can do this or better, and he's ripping off U2 as well, dude you've been sucked in, this is not worth my time. Listen to Marcin if you want some real talent, skill, and good music. Or Tommy Emmanuel, have you heard of him? 🙄

[@loganmowry2687]

He played at my high school years and years ago. I still remember getting full body chills when he played Where the Streets Have No Name

[@davidwong1288]

I love how he just CANNOT stay still! The music is flowing through him. He is music.

[@TherealDsizzle]

I think that’s the ADHD 😂

[@jcp1984again]

@@TherealDsizzle , so all musicians who like to dance while playing have ADHD. What are you, a f***ing genius?

[@blucat4]

I hate it, guy is in la la land.

[@ricknelson7824]

After seeing Trace twice in live concert, in a very small theatre; I am still in awe at his talent and abilities. Simply mesmerizing.

[@patmccrotch5373]

A very similar artist to Trace (this is my first time discovering Trace by the way, and wow, what an amazing, creative talent!) I've discovered is a guy named Mike Dawes.. check him out if you like Trace, hopefully I hit the nail on the head and pointed you to someone you haven't come across yet just like I did with Trace. Cheers!

[@billyyee1618]

This is really great. He really made the guitar sing with sweet melodies and harmonies. I can hear him play all days... bless

[@reynolddisto5200]

*Michael Hedges-Aerial Boundaries* (1984) was the groundbreaking album that shook the Acoustic Guitar World. RIP Michael Hedges (1953-1997).

[@fdownes1]

My wife and I love watching Trace and have seen him perform live many times. He is a great entertainer, always bringing the audience right into the music with him. To top it off he is just a super person in real life. Come back to Texas Trace. Soon.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Some people have just a ridiculous amount of talent. He is one of them.

[@mathiasklement3924]

ja, tatsächlich!

[@mathiasklement3924]

whats behind?

[@blucat4]

No, not really. Edge from U2 is better. Or the kid down the street.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

​@@blucat4Edge? 😂 Good one!

[@greymatters14]

He’s defiantly put in his 10k hours. Fantastic musician.

[@GotWarren]

Stretching the limits of how many capos you can own

[@imjustaguy4340]

😆i have one

[@munky1806]

Most underated comment ever i would give this 20k likes if I could🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂

[@subratakumarboro1238]

Lmao

[@bob7429]

Dude you win the internet lol

[@cactustree505]

Those are antenna to the mother ship not capos

[@markrogers6833]

Human Voice.... Still the greatest instrument of all time... when attached to the human heart.

[@noodledude2171]

what? this is a guitar video

[@TheMcquabbie]

A true artist that appreciates music theory, can paint a picture in your mind without lyrics. True art, 👍

[@adamkumpmusic]

true but there is always a title to the song isn't there, and some backstory.

[@markbernhardt6281]

There doesn't have to be

[@thejoebeaz]

Incredible performance, skill, talent, ability, etc. Simply amazing.

[@AagyaPradhanang]

Thanks to KZbin I get to listen to these brilliant musicians.

[@LargestClassifieds]

I see high level of artistry with magic touches

[@rinmorie7185]

I love how he explains the story behind the music,I do get that wild adrenaline rush flowing vibe when you get get a tone trying to evolve around your head ready to be sorted out and you suddenly get restless ready to play

[@noodlemans]

I saw this guy play with multiple capos back in 2004, back in the MySpace days. Blew my mind. Good to see he’s still out there!

[@hectoraguilar770]

Wow! I'm surprised how many great persons play so greatest the guitar. God gave us this talent...I'm glad to listen these people!

[@peliusrex2730]

Talent comes from practice and perhaps genetics. I fail to see how it could come from anywhere else.

[@macheavage1058]

@@peliusrex2730 where do these genetics come from, or the motivation to become so practiced? From the Christian perspective these are answered with God

[@peliusrex2730]

@@macheavage1058 Genes come from a combination of the parents genes and random mutation.

[@jerryarcher6916]

Amazing what these guys can do with a acoustic guitar and amplifier setup...Bravo.

[@scottfarley2946]

We were so lucky when we lived in Colorado to see Trace live on multiple occasions. This video reminds me how great and gifted guitarist he truly is.

[@augmentedkeys5971]

Thank you, Michael Hedges.

[@merrittsteinbach435]

I think he would dig it

[@njdsoxrule45]

Trace is a good friend of my Cousin, Met him at his wedding. Great guy and amazing musician

[@aidenlin9878]

thats so cool!

[@dorothysparkman8310]

You are blessed,thank you for sharing your talent with us!❤️🇺🇸🙏

[@ARCHDEACONMUSIC]

I do live looping and have been playing the guitar for 30 years and that was VERY impressive! AWESOME!!! :)

[@baselbob8012]

Any idea why he has 4 capos on that guitar?

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

This brings me back to the days when I would replay "duelling ninjas" on the DVD in slow mo trying to learn it. So much talent before Andy Mckee and Candyrat became big.

[@harry_burnsworth]

Man, agreed. Mckee and the folks on the Candyrat label almost made me stop playing guitar, knocking me down a few pegs because for a while there, I thought I was actually good.

[@nsaik]

That album was seminal in my guitar education. Actually, a couple buddies and I worked it out so that Trace came up to Canada and played a show we could attend. It was amazing. Back in the green-pedal DL-4 days.

[@TOCS94]

Everything is build on the shoulders of what came before. Recording acoustic guitar solos wasn't really a thing until Fahey got in the game and started Takoma Records. Hedges came later with an entirely different approach through Windham Hill. It's not that different from how people carry e.g. the blues or jazz tradition in different directions today.

[@hentyhandoko3113]

Alip bata the master guitar acoustic and the king harmonic from Indonesia.. monster & alien from 🇲🇨 with 5,99 million subscribers from 2018 - July 2024 The next level ❤ on guitar acoustic... Jazz, bluess, reggae, pop, rnb, kroncong, Flamenco and much more... ❤ Mind blowing 🎉

[@RCSxMaverick]

So this is what August Rush is up to these days!!

[@adamdukes5900]

Awesome reference. Great movie too

[@dreamscolourhouse3252]

precious gifts for the world.🎶🎵🎸👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dgalansilk]

Who dislikes a video like this? What's not to like. The guy is incredibly talented and engaging. Rhythm and bass lines are really cool, given he is a one-man show. Well done!

[@PaddyOBrien1971]

8:50 Will be forever my absolute favourite rendition of this track!!! Just incredible!!! 💚💚💚

[@ughlygirl64]

which track is it please??

[@Bluntbono42]

Yes please share, it sounds like some other famous songs but with some alterations.

[@parthamp4751]

Awesome, if i was listening only, i wouldnt have believed this was one musician and one instrument.

[@merrittsteinbach435]

Awesome. Makes me really miss Michael Hedges R.I.P.

[@paulandlesson]

Just like the progression of life, these outstanding guitarists are bringing new tech and ideas to amaze us! However, young guitarists do not be dismayed play the best you can with what you have. Some of the finest classical players I know can blow an audience away playing a Bach Suite on a $300.00 Yamaha. I say this taking nothing away from this fabulous player! PEACE

[@randy4ii411]

It is so good to see people play well and really use the tools around that instrument well.

[@majortom2540]

This is just the most amazing thing on an acoustic guitar. Trace Bundy is a master.

[@princeb.thoppil3620]

Amazing... do check his last play... wow.. I didn’t want him to stop.. love from India

[@carlomezzacapo638]

Dude! Thank you! Where the streets have no name made me shiver... love it!

[@donald1841]

That was beautiful. Brought a tear to my eyes. God is so good that man could do the seemingly impossible. Such awesome talent. Well done sir.

[@joeneal1667]

Don’t discredit his hard work and dedication by blaming it on “god”

[@donald1841]

@@joeneal1667 if it wasn't God's will, he couldn't work at all. Much less dedicated anything

[@stroller8676]

At 11:24, it's felt like people starts singing along but it was just eco,, hats off 🙌

[@johnnyc799]

Entertaining, the audience appreciated his talent and even tho they may not be aware of the electronics, he has put in the work that goes into syncing delays, loops, etc. good job.

[@johnallison9514]

Thank you Michael Hedges.

[@Master_Mayhem_Official]

Wow. Absolutely amazing. I have no words beyond that.

[@timshooter8033]

I think WOW says it all !!!

[@liseprahm]

Absolutely stunning performance,I can’t wait to hear the next , concert, 💫😌💫

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Beautiful amazing soul . Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@miltonbarrosdecarvalho3017]

Redefinindo tudo! A história da música, pode descrita antes e depois desse cara! Show demais!

[@AUNitsua]

An artist that is as beautiful to watch play as it is to listen

[@harendersingh3992]

Cant have words to describe the feelings.

[@catedoge3206]

ineffable

[@SKOVDEPETE]

What A Musician, What A Personality, What A Presentation. Thank You for sharing and God Bless 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️😊😊😊

[@anncherielicausi8108]

I had to keep replaying this because I love how you create on your guitar just as it it were a canvas. I like it when I do my Art, it's a very individual style and I love it!

[@knoxy_de]

it*s not only amazing!... it*s fantastic, gorgeous,,, there*s no superlative to describe it... thank you!...

[@CinJyxxe]

What I think is absolutely wild is his complete comfort and consistency. He must have practiced these things thousands upon thousands of times, trying out all sorts of different techniques and figuring out a way to not only integrate them into a song, but do it so seamlessly that his playing looks natural. In his last song, I was watching his strumming hand during the "singing" parts, and his hand movements were so perfectly consistent that I couldn't even tell when he was switching to different strings for the melody OR baseline. He was using what looked like all five fingers on different strings to strum in two different rhythms, and the pattern was so clean that it was hard to tell which finger was actually hitting a string at any time. He's so good. That is simply incredible.

[@Markgeoghegan100]

U2 would be proud...👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 brilliant... Irish viewer 🇮🇪

[@anoopsayaani2123]

7:57🔥🔥gem of a riff.

[@matthewstrycharz9068]

Best I have ever herd of your Solo U2 Song Ever!!!!!!! God bless and great job

[@Gooseblitz]

very enjoyable.....and then he finished with my favorite band....loved it

[@rcandrews4334]

Say what you will and apparently many have, but to deny this guy's ability to understand the soundscape and his ability to own his instrument is disingenuous.

[@giveawhey8899]

great... reminded me of the great Michael Hedges!!

[@binaykumar139]

He was dancing with the guitar. Beautiful

[@Manu49pere]

Love your music , you´re a master guitarrist and totally inspired by the Divine power !

[@kevinsrocks71]

I didn’t know Ted Bundy could play the guitar too! Wow that guy was a man of so many talents

[@peterrowntree8]

WOW....Amazing talent. I love the use of technology and raw talent. Brilliant

[@jeffinsheff]

Never heard of the bloke but he is absolutely brilliant (Y)

[@WayneMoney]

Thanks you brought me great joy. You have the best stage presence I’ve ever seen. Happy in your own skin. Inspired me thanks

[@bobbylloyd9208]

The earthquaker devices plus pedal is amazing. It can get you those sounds in the first part of the first song. I loved mine. Just ran out of places that I could use it in my songs. Glad to see someone use it in such an effective way.

[@4EntertainmentOnly]

wow two hand guitar fret playing is awesome...Thanks for teaching me

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Such a great Ted talk! There is so much you can do with an insturment than it's primary use. Great job!

[@davekyle433]

First time watching this.. im awestruck. Fantastic performance

[@Stealthfox109]

Where the streets have no name, that was amazing traveling will open new doors

[@LOVE2Flute]

I’m a seasoned beginner looking forward to creating such intensity. 😊. You are dynamic!

[@AmitSimant]

I wish I could have played guitar like this in my college days 😉

[@coreinstincts2659]

If this guy keeps this up he’s going to go places, and most definitely going to follow him

[@Lintball36]

He already has. His music became available in 2008 on Pandora and he's been traveling the world for a number of years. He obtained his nickname Acoustic Ninja while playing on tour in China and Japan. He also played the ESPN tune live on their station. You can look it all up on here. Pretty unique guitarist.

[@grewalaman]

brought tears to my eyes....amazing talent....amazing interpretation of U2

[@morning5tarr]

I don't know what an acoustic guitar is , Still enjoyed watching this.

[@GoodMedicine]

🤣😂🤣

[@freespirit060481]

Wowww! That was an impressive performance. 👍👏

[@mobea2]

This touches parts of my soul I didn't knew I got 🙌

[@wclawyer1]

Amazing skill and creativity, a gift for sure.. but the passion behind it! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@SerkanErturk]

Delayed sound becomes the background melody for the tune, genius!

[@belatedkarma6767]

Why 4.5K views on a channel with 20+ million subs? Trace is always amazing and that performance of Bristlecone was everything.

[@Belz393]

Press Start To Play would there be Justin bieber or miley cirus. This video would turn out to be 20+ million overnight.

[@Jacob-64]

Probably because there are better and more involving players out there .Just my opinion

[@BijahD]

@@Jacob-64 correct.....the simplest explanation is usually right...

[@christiantobar4125]

No big deal just 20k of acoustics on stage… Beautiful guitars 🥺❤️

[@blucat4]

Yeah he's not very talented, just thinks he is.

[@HeyImTyyy]

So. Much. Embellishing. This stuff is attractive to people that don't know anything about music or guitar lol guitarists are face palming watching this.

[@ohallright2021]

What matters is what performance makes us feel or want to do.

[@tomburton1037]

Tommy Emmanuel "limits! On a guitar?! Hold my beer."

[@parkinsontatak]

Ok now I will search for this Tommy guy...

[@parkinsontatak]

Holy....... he is great!!! and doesn't even own a single CAPO!!!

[@hectorvillela5445]

If u like him check out ichika nito, tim Henson and manuel gardner fernandez, these guys are great guitarists too

[@ThatKa5p3r]

Eddie Van Halen: "You're already holding my beer, I did all this back in the 70's. Without loop pedals."

[@lanceking4863]

Damn, I got the chills listening to his last song...what an artist. God Bless for creating so many smiles.

[@ianb9508]

Yep, you can do wonders with opening chord tuning's.

[@lyndapierson6338]

pretty much along with maxed out capos

[@alexandervue9464]

I've been playing in open D tuning the past couple of months for the first time after playing in standard tuning only for 8 years, and I dont wanna go back to standard. Open tuning is so fun and beautiful. I specifically love to play Alejandro Aranda/Scarypoolparty's music

[@LPJMagicmusic]

@@alexandervue9464 if you haven't yet check out "Ocean" by john butler. I've been playing for a little over a decade and he was a big inspiration in different tuning. It's in open C.

[@alexandervue9464]

@@LPJMagicmusic yessir I've played that song as well. Open c is super beautiful, same tuning that skinny love is in as well. Kudos to you sir.

[@LPJMagicmusic]

@@alexandervue9464 ahhh skinny love. I was introduced to that song as a younger kid from Birdy's version and it made me fall in love with her 😂

[@brownbonesape9904]

I went from sleepy eyes shutting to as soon he starts playing I became the sun ☀

[@flyingfire476]

You know you're passionate about guitar when you can't sit still while playing it

[@deekshas7533]

Exactly 😁

[@tabathastaples7884]

Shepherd's Chapel Network !!!!!!! Pastor Murray is an Anointed Servant of GOD who teaches the Word of GOD with Authority!!!!!!!

[@Fant01]

He’s got worms 🤣🤣

[@kyleop1]

Called being a musician and keeping time lmao

[@briancharles1141]

Brill love it

[@christiansperisen]

Incroyable!!! Jamais entendu des sons pareils sortir d'une guitare. À New King of the strings!!! Good luck Boy.... Don't stop till the End !!!!! Bye bye Man. Chris. France

[@andybaldman]

As a guitarist, there's nothing he's doing here that's really that impressive. Many others have done all of this stuff before him, and none of it is really that hard.

[@josephbreza-grappling9459]

andybaldman, agreed. This is by no means “stretching the limits of the acoustic guitar.” No way he doesn’t know who Hedges, Dufour, Graham, Ross, etc are. Bold title for someone who wouldn’t be 100th string (pun intended) to open up for any of those men

[@Young.Supernovas]

It's fairly advanced technique. Takes years to learn. But you're right. Nothing truely unique here. He's talented but "pushing the limits of acoustic guitar" is kinda overselling it

[@toshadavinci5379]

Other world finger dexterity and great melodic compositions

[@TheLighthouse121]

"stretching the limits of acoustic guitar" Marcin Patrazalek : Hold my capo.

[@julianholland6030]

Breaks a nail

[@gittarpikk]

you wouldn't believe how cool that last "stereo delay' sounds in well-adjusted stereo headphones...cool!

[@joshcaldon9321]

Me: Watches this video Also me: picks up my guitar and Strums the G chord and puts it down So, i see you clicked read more. Now that i have your attention, Jesus loves you. Much love 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@pawankhanal8007]

A creative way to say f*** you

[@Armor_Clad]

I bet that G sounded great though!

[@2001eloc]

What's a G chord?

[@jlcox9126]

😆

[@hunterkennedy4909]

This one hit a lil close to home

[@TheManDownstairs13]

I've never seen someone with so little talent, get that much applause.

[@blucat4]

Thank you!! I agree.

[@uum6]

The return of Ted - Bundy!

[@catedoge3206]

lol

[@patmccrotch5373]

That driving eighth note rhythm at the tempo he plays it at with that shorter delay is so much fun to mess around with.. I could jam on that for hours and it just pulls fun uptempo creativity out of me everytime I use it.

[@kentyahfraser]

This dude needs to thank Michael Hedges every time he plays. So many have borrowed Hedges quirkiness, style, banter and approach with no credit to the original fountainhead. Real talk

[@BijahD]

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT - most of these guys would have never even picked up a guitar if it were not for the galactic genius and inspiration of Michael.... this guy is a musical simpleton in comparison frankly

[@npfairman]

Amen. 3 seconds of this brings Michael Hedges to mind.

[@kentyahfraser]

@@kayakcaster1073 Hedges was a genius. My brother was his tour manager and shortly before he died Michael was in discussion with phish about going out on tour as an opening act for them. It is unquestionable that Hedges had allot more he could have shared with the world!

[@sharoondaud9604]

there are no limits to acoustic guitar.. it’s an orchestra itself

[@TheCharlotteka]

Great performance! I loved it !

[@ronaldjacobs8169]

So many dislikes, so les likes? I don't understand. Because this man is amazing !!!

[@edwardskinner651]

Some people have never heard of Michael Hedges. He was playing like this, and better, 25 years ago, without the effects, and with maybe one capo.

[@johntatman9168]

Michael did it with sheer mastery of the guitar not all the tech gimmickry. If you take the tech away I wonder how many of these players could really play and how well.

[@aseriesoftriangleswecalltr6065]

He was waaaay better. This guy is a poser, a mediocre guitarist

[@rickygraven6622]

simply mind blowing 🤯 wow love it so much brings back the days of been in Spain sitting in shade 😎 love