Trey Hensley - Bending Your Ear, volume 1

[@Bushman9]

Flat picks his way into the Heartbreaker riff, then plays Mama Tried to perfection. Such versatility.

[@richardgreer459]

You know what they say, if the key fits…otherwise play a dom7 chord

[@josephkingston9252]

They call that trigger finger when they lock up, a hand surgeon can give you a steroid shot in the hand, and your finger will work like new, i hand those shots about 2 days ago, im over 70 years old, love playing guitar, have a number of songs on youtube, just ran across you and so glad i did, i love fast blue grass, and your guitar has wonderful tone, and you have a wonderful voice to go along with it, God has blessed you with the whole package. Your voice is so full and rich. I play in the french quarter of New Orleans from time to time, i like blues, country, jazz, gypsy jazz ,jimmy Rosenberg style, cafe romantic relaxing music, but most of what i have online is blues. I love hearing you play, you are the man, so glad i came across you online, looking forward to hearing more of you.

[@mattwilliams7476]

Stoked you’re doing these kinda vids. You’re an awesome musician and we’re damn lucky! I love stealing your licks. Also, bad ass Slayer hoodie.

[@cashtache]

Love this kind of video Trey!

[@TreyAHensley]

More to come!

[@aarontorgerson2563]

Awesome video! Thanks Trey. No don’t try to make the next one shorter!

[@adamnewman8556]

Looking forward to these ! I'm a huge fan and total guitar nerd🤟

[@6412mars]

You make em as long as you want Trey..I'll watch every minute of em👍🎸🎶

[@johnmurret2290]

Awesome. THanks for sharing all of this. It's always great to hear a musician tell their story. Enjoyed the dig at banjo players. Never gets old.

[@TreyAHensley]

Haha! Hey, I always wanted to be a banjo player…still do. That doesn’t mean we can’t all make banjo jokes though… 😂

[@chrisdevine3511]

You’re giving away gold! Free lessons from Trey f###ing Hensley!!! Thanks man merry Christmas 🎄🎁 And those lessons are totally worth it too! Still working on ‘em

[@jeanettejustice7853]

Golly Trey, I've been watching and listening to you ever since I saw you on Grand Ole Opry at age 11, and I was hooked!! I love your voice and music! Im 75 and I've seen a lot of Musicians come and go, But you have something special, a GOD given talent, along with your hard work! I love a lot of music, but Bluegrass is my favorite, especially Bluegrass Gospel and Inspirational songs, can we have more please? For this 75 year old Great Grammy! thank you so much! Oh yes, my mother in law was a Hensley from Virginia that migrated to W.Va and Kentucky! Love your work young man, grammy jettie justice

[@craigwhitfield1898]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Trey! Just bought tickets to see you and Rob play Santa Barbara in May. Bringing sunscreen because I know firsthand that Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley can flat out melt faces 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@stubee56]

Trey Hensley, you are an awesome guy and appreciated much. Thank you !

[@danfaulsmusic]

Bro! I can't wait to see more of these videos. You are one of my all time favorite players and singing with you on stage is most definitely on my bucket list!

[@ermancroney3805]

I love that phrase "Bluegrass & nothing else"! That is me! I might play 2% country & blues. Thanks for sharing!!

[@rockytoprelics76]

Yes sir! Great video and never quit bending those strings. That’s what makes your playing on the otherworldly level!

[@nige2410]

Great stuff Trey … love this and looking forward to more 👍

[@smk1964]

Really interesting…. Keep the videos coming.. love hearing the stories and listening to you play… My husband is in a band and plays guitar and sings…He’s has a 196 something (reissue) Les Paul electric guitar signed by Les Paul when he met him at his house..(long story) I’m trying to learn the pedal steel which hard where we live because it’s not a poplar instrument.. but I love the sound… Anyway I really enjoy your videos…

[@adventuresofdrewnnienhoneypot]

What a great history on your musical influences! I went backwards. Classic rock, blues, then bluegrass!!!!!

[@superhepu]

Thx. Greetings from Finland.

[@nicolmicah]

Yes! Thanks for doing these

[@randytausch3519]

Trey, you are the man!! Most of us only DREAM of being able to play even close to what you do. I know I never will. But I NEVER GET TIRED of listening to YOU PLAY. I watch every video you put out and I’m never disappointed. THANK YOU!!

[@rickyanderson1399]

Thanks Trey! One thing I would like to get your take on is selecting pull-offs, hammer-ons, and using a rest stroke or resting the pick the the string below after a hammer on. Kind of your ideas on how to pick these things to improve flow, accuracy, grove, speed. Just an idea I would benefit from. Thanks again for the vid.

[@pepperoutfitters4086]

Geez dude!! Fantastic ! Come down to the Texas hill country and learn me some stuff lol

[@jimclifton2968]

Awesome information love your Martin and Dude I have that same Hoodie!!🤣❤️🎸✌🏼JC

[@etsoced]

Love this, I appreciate that it doesn’t come easy and all the hours and struggles that it takes to play like that! along with the unseen hand and finger pain and uncooperative fingers etc… You’ve definitely put and continue to put the hours of practice in that it takes. Thanks so much.

[@brianbaker2759]

Great stuff. Thanks Trey. I came from the other direction…rock n roll til age 30, then got bit by the bluegrass bug…

[@jeffreymartin1892]

Much appreciate the video. Every picker only gets so much space to pick in, and I like how you fill yours!

[@tag3434]

No need to make shorter videos! in fact bigger videos = more content and that's why we're here. Can you do a rundown on all your accoustic guitars i see back there? Especially the Harmony Sovereign, i love it's sound. That's something i wanted to ask for a lot of time, thank you. In relation to the name of this series "Bending your Ear" sounds perfect.

[@TreyAHensley]

Yeah, I probably won’t shorten videos…I can talk on and on about gear. 😂 As far as a rundown, I covered most of my guitars in a recent Premier Guitar Rig Rundown. Check out their page and you’ll see a lot of those guitars in the background pretty in-depth. Thanks for watching!

[@tag3434]

@@TreyAHensley i just saw the video, thanks for pointing that out. I guess i'm not the only one to like that *very rare* guitar😃

[@235buz]

Great news. I've bought gear from Rob, and my little brother has improved his playing with Rob's online lessons. I was born in 1954, but I can't compete with that Martin in sound or looks.👏

[@garydunlap6532]

Appreciate your time and special talent sharing with us. You cook.

[@apgwilym]

Brilliant video Trey many thanks. Maybe you could talk in the next episode about incorporating open strings in solos?

[@TreyAHensley]

Thank you! Great idea…I’ll definitely touch on that soon!

[@MrBsteve47]

Killin' it!!!

[@TinyTurboTuna]

Nice slayer hoodie! Picking is always good. Ty

[@quickdogproductions]

As one Martin player to another... thank you. Also, thanks for the Hag song. It's one of my favorites. Looking forward to more of these. Well done Trey! That finger will heal... tendons are damaged.

[@Dylan-ff4vs]

No need to make the next one shorter, I was glued to the screen for every second!

[@leonvmusic1]

Thanks Trey for the incites on strings,set up and the awesome tips on bending strategies.

[@jimwilson3878]

I love your playing, singing, songwriting and admire your talent. I am not a good guitar player by any means, but DO like my 1951D-28. It is a HOSS. I'm like a pig with a pearl necklace. When I see you and Rob in Winston - Salem I will try to remember to bring it for you to show it what a great player can do with it.

[@LessonsWithMarcel]

Hell yeah.

[@tristynhosford868]

By the looks of hank on the wall and your stunning cover of thy burdens are greater than mine it seems you have a love for his unbelievable talent like many of us, but I think I like your playing more man. The sincerity and rawness of your playing is absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!

[@N_M_46]

I’m so happy you’re doing this. I would love to learn guitar from you.

[@kebirbenkaccem726]

Trey Hensley, you are special marvel....your playing is fantastic and brilliant.....i hope you decide to make teaching videos with some blues riffs and bluegrass licks....thankyou and god bless

[@Randy-dh9zr]

can't wait

[@JimWalkerMusic]

Just finished puttin' new strings on my Herringclone. I'm here to get bent!

[@robmiller3464]

Great video Trey.

[@abates226]

No worry too much about making te videos shorter, Trey. We’re all here intentionally. Because of you. I like that you’re a humble man and don’t want to let having ‘fans’ go to your head. It’s obvious you’re that guy. Maybe if you think of us as ‘fellow followers,’ you’d feel more relaxed with the way we value you. 👍

[@tag3434]

exactly, shorter videos don't equal better videos.

[@Jay-lr3me]

Agreed

[@tbonky]

I enjoyed the whole thing. Thanks for giving us an inside look at some of the ways you approach music.

[@satishsah.official9926]

Thnak you so much sir ♥️🙏

[@donhoward1975]

Awesome video Trey very informative keep them coming.

[@paulgoodberry6248]

Awesome Trey , the rest of your fleet of guitars in the background look like they’re saying pick me please lol

[@goodyyy6171]

Such a good conversation! Thank you very much.

[@andrewthoroughgood8515]

Trey keep them coming if you can please brilliant ! From London UK 👌

[@Flatpickingjourney]

BRING IT! Really dig these videos!

[@jmelia32]

Thank you for this. I'm going to slow some of this down and try some of these. That was perfect!

[@shanhaicanger]

It's awesome, looking forward the next one+

[@ericjohansen1953]

Great video Trey. You even slid in a few answers to questions I was getting ready to ask regarding action and string choice. Keep the videos coming.

[@TreyAHensley]

Thanks, buddy! So excited for the Fish guitar!

[@andrewbowen6875]

Fantastic parents to set you up with a good Martin Dreadnought. What more can you ask for😂

[@TreyAHensley]

Yeah, they are pretty awesome. And at that point in my life I was playing gigs every weekend and working on my 2nd record and playing on other people’s records (when I wasn’t busy with middle school), so I was pretty busy too… 😂

[@ChristophHenrici]

What great insights, fascinating…thanks for sharing!

[@TreyAHensley]

Thank you very much!!

[@abates226]

Super fun and rad!

[@darrylmartin08]

This is my first comment on your videos, but i have been following you for a few months now (same with Billy Strings). I literally am speechless as to what to say about your playing. I think its because i have never really listened to Bluegrass (but you can bet i will now!) The closest thing i would listen to your style would be Vince Gill, and some blues stuff, used to be into Heavy Metal (i noticed your Slayer sweater.) Having said all that, i am going to start to listen to your influences as well because it seems you have a wide range of styles up your sleeve! Thanks for everything you do, including sharing videos like this, answering questions that many are dying to know! Keep on doing what you do man, you are amazing!

[@jimadams5574]

Great video! Love to see more of these. Hope you can do some more open string stuff for us less advanced LOL players! I love those martens. Thanks again don’t worry about the length it was great!

[@ryanbloom1738]

When I think I'm a good flatpicker then I hear Trey and realize I stink. Thanks for the video kicked in the nards.

[@charlielandis9415]

Great video Trey! I enjoy all of your content. Thanks for taking the time to post this as well as your music.

[@PRIESTWORLD]

Brother u are becoming the goat 🐐

[@DanielMcCann54]

Love hearing you talk about picking Trey!

[@mediocrematt7677]

Love this dude! Also in love with that Elvis guitar you have.

[@Jay-lr3me]

This is great man and I really don't mind if these videos are longer, as I'm sure most of us don't. Its superb hearing you talk about all this stuff. Cheers!!

[@curtdeschamp5585]

I’ve been wondering why you don’t do these sorts of videos. I’ll be following along. You’re the man.

[@andrewbowen6875]

What a fantastic video Trey. For those of us who need to be shown this was so informative. I was surprised to find out that Norman Blake played on the great Steve Earle song Tom Ames prayer? That’s definitely a song I could see you covering in your own way.

[@TreyAHensley]

Love that song!!

[@_s827]

SHOWOFF!! man your music is so inspirational

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

You are rocking those strings!🎸

[@cemcan2647]

Thank you for sharing 🙏🙏🙏

[@joereadel]

Great video, Trey! Very interesting and informative. Super cool to learn about your approach

[@Paulpoission]

Loved to hear a bit of your story Trey!!

[@JobeCourtney]

Great info! Keep making these kind of videos please.

[@Southern.child86]

Great content man! I have my dads ‘54 D18, it’s seen the war as they say. I really enjoy listening to you play and sing, I always have, since “backing to Birmingham”. You know what I mean there 😂 I have that CD somewhere in my bluegrass collection. I’ll agree with what others have said, bending them strings makes you you dude! I love it! Please keep doing these.

[@Mattdavidschro]

Happy about to series. If you were to recommend a couple beginner flat picking songs to learn, what would they be?

[@TreyAHensley]

Definitely start with “Wildwood Flower”…that song holds the key. “Carter’s Blues” is another great song to work on. “Under the Double Eagle” is a great rhythmic song to pick out. For more intermediate players, “Gold Rush” and “Whiskey Before Breakfast”.

[@key22u87]

Trey thanks. You are a jewel.

[@kebirbenkaccem726]

Hey Trey, you are brilliant guitar player and you play by ear....how is to play by ear? That is truly a gift to able to do that...how did gain your speed on the guitar? Practicing how? Can you teach of your guitar licks ,please? Thank you very much...

[@oklahomachris6298]

My pinky does the same thing I know what you mean you’ve learned around it i unfortunately say we’ll I can’t play guitar that way then and I don’t unfortunately. It’s very unsettling trying to play knowing you’ll need a pinky use in the chord. Good for you dude not letting it stop ya!

[@JDWH]

Slayer!!!!!

[@TreyAHensley]

🤘🔥🤘

[@LeviGross-Perrault]

Great work Trey! You are one fine flatpicker sir!

[@ericmeissner8413]

Good stuff, you’re really good. Thanks

[@abates226]

When that Robert Plant / Allison Krauss record came out, my wife bought me it for my b-day. Pretty cool!

[@jrwojo9195]

Thank you for the video Trey. I am a long time guitar strummer, not a good player at all lol. One thing I've always struggled with is is my timing. As a player who's never made it past the playing with a couple friends around the campfire stage, what are some tips to improve rhythm and timing. I'm a perpetual 3rd shift worker so I rarely get the opportunity to practice with others, and I have a hard time adjusting my "style" to play with others.

[@Steve-si8hx]

Great loved this 👍

[@mf2304]

Love that you're doing this! Would you ever talk about how you keep your right hand relaxed? And maybe how it changes when going to electric? Does your pick change when going to electric? In what regard? Thanks man, you're the best!

[@hipsnroses8]

East TN Martin🙌 u rock trey!

[@kutsilyo1671]

Thanks man, you're my biggest influence 👍

[@Ben-so4te]

Amazing!

[@wilhelmrogue1]

I will be learning mama tried now,, thks u…

[@lazecowboy]

Almost gave a "thumbs down" for that last comment on making next video "shorter" the only thing i love more than bluegrass, is gear! - I could listen all day!

[@garyvoigt5090]

Hey. You have grown up. Last time I saw you you were with Marty Stewart and earl scruggs singing Jimmy brown on the grand old opera. I have been playing 5 string banjo since I was 12 now 68 . I saw earl live In 1973 in mn. At brooks ballroom. The whole band signed my album I brought called the earl scruggs review... ok enough about me now it's time to kearney acoustic...

[@unsurprisingly]

Trey your videos could never be too thank you for this I've been wondering what strings you use What sounded like to hear what I picked you use Thanks for doing this You're like I said before You're a smooth criminal God bless you and your family 🙏🙏😘❤️

[@daveclevenger9210]

That guitar has got legs all day long! My goodness! If you ever decide to sell it...🤣

[@brianstanley4160]

Great video ,do more ,your friend Brian!!

[@chuckskarsaune3149]

Very cool. Don't make the videos shorter - this was a good length. Thanks for doing it!

[@user-kf3jb6rs2j]

Thanks for the videos and music. Regarding the painful pinky, maybe it's the "trigger finger", it happened to me on my ring finger. I solved it by immobilizing the finger with a slide, which took the tension off the root of the finger, and also a soft massage and warming up the hand. Good luck with that.

[@dantheman348]

Man my #1 is a ‘61 D28 and it’s crazy how much it sounds like yours. It even makes the same sounds when you’re just moving it around not even playing it and you can hear all the vibrations from your finger prints sliding on the neck and fretboard coming out the body. Lol. Mine don’t sound as good when I’m playing it tho!!

[@peterpopplewell8763]

Thank you Trey :) You the best

[@WILDBILLSOUTDOORS]

Here's an idea for another video, talk about Larry Sparks and maybe show us his "D" licks. He is so dadgum smooth and fluid some of his licks are hard for me to decipher lol! I have a ton of bluegrass heroes, Tony of course, Yourself, Josh Williams, of course Billy Strings in our present day and age of bluegrass, but I think Larry Sparks is often under rated so to speak as to how good he really was, especially in the past, anyway maybe you could break down some of his licks for us.