British guitarist analyses Willie Nelson's guitar work live in 1976!

Tonight we're going back to 1976 to check out Willie Nelson performing 'Red Headed Stranger'!
Original video - • Willie Nelson - Red He...
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[@wadeadkins4927]

Willie Nelson on the future of the earth " I Think youngsters need to start thinking about what kind of world to leave for me and Keith Richards." An actual quote. You gotta love Willie Nelson!

[@sainte3443]

@Sergio Jakob what an odd thing to inject in the comments under this video. brock braylen is obviously your sock puppet. find a life.

[@JohnSmith-dh4gw]

This isn't a musical album, it's a story with musical background.

[@armadillotoe]

Willie has always been a very underrated guitar player. He often used more advanced chords, and when playing with other country & western musicians, they often just hold their guitars, with a deer in the headlights look.

[@williamclark6233]

He plays very Jazzy and so did Merle Haggard

[@daboiderinhoDerekDamico]

Red Headed Stranger... what an album... one of the ALL TIMERS... Total GENIUS from beginning to end... perfect songs... perfect cover choices... impeccable sparse sound.... what a legend... Shotgun Willie... so great!

[@MsTeaRex]

Oh my Lord we were so young back then... I'm lost in the nostalgia.

[@wheelmanstan]

"simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" basically what Willie Nelson is

[@denofabsurdity]

It was Waylon that convinced the record executive to go with the album “as is”. The record executive asked Waylon and Willie “what am I missing?” after having listened to the album. Waylon piped up and said “all of it, but that’s what 70,000 people came to hear at Dripping Springs” and then got up and walked out. The label, finally relented and released the album.

[@kountrystrongpitts6063]

Willie and Tigger have one of the most distinctive sounds ever. Willie guitar hero is Django Rienhardt.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Pooh.

[@cliffwheeler7357]

Willie named his guitar TRIGGER after Roy Rogers horse.

[@teresacox2511]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGesc2Oqp6-igLc

[@dmac8949]

Very often within just a couple of notes you know It's Willie. The sign of a true original sound.

[@rcsproject627]

Never seen Willy without long hair, lol. A great story teller he is. A great musician and still is. A very distinctive voice Willy Nelson has. Willy would always bring you back to the roots of music.

[@RaymondCore]

He even had a TV show before he became an "Outlaw".

[@rosachristopherson4977]

Willie has the most distinctive, cool voice. You’d know it anywhere! What a great story telling and history. I like hearing him, because he is so relaxed, and it makes me relax. Thank you, once again, Fil, for a superb analyses and educational finger picking.

[@dekelanson5280]

I love how Willie stuck to his guns against the suits at Columbia records. Producer Billy Sherrill wanted to add strings to the album, but thankfully Willie had final say, and the rest, as they say, is history.

[@FSAPOJake]

Words can't describe just how much I love Willie Nelson and his music. Especially the Red Headed Stranger album, which I firmly believe everyone should listen through at least once. Also, shoutout to his sister Bobbie on the piano. She always stayed in the background and wanted her brother to have the spotlight, but her playing is actually amazing.

[@dougpotosky4102]

Just think a perfect sunny Sunday afternoon in England! It was the Glastonbury Festival. Willie played with his full band. I think 2003. In front of the stage every age person yelling Willie holding signs. The concert was perfect! I did get to meet Willie at the backstage area. He was walking to his Tour bus. Had a great 5 minute talk with him! Wow! Yes! I have some great photos from the show. And his classic ageless guitar!

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Cool. I got to talk with him at Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas many moons ago. My buddy and I smoked a joint with him. Very nice man who was just like talking to a long lost cousin.

[@39thala]

"Red Headed Stranger" is a classic album. It was the album that made Willie a star with the song, "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" after as Fil mentioned, Nashville initially shunned the album. And it was locally recorded in a Dallas suburb of Garland, Texas in a small home studio by a local engineer named Phil York.

[@phillipholt6005]

I now know that NOW and I happen to have the album on vinyl my daughter bought me for one of my birthday gifts.

[@phillipholt6005]

I never knew the origin until now. Far Out!

[@phillipholt6005]

Is this the album that brought him back from the IRS SEIZURES?

[@hollypinkley7936]

@@phillipholt6005 no - IRS was much later - Stranger was released in '75 - His IRS issues started in 1990 - Final solution - Nelson would release a compilation album and would share the proceeds with IRS. The album, called ""The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?, was written completely by Nelson and recorded with Nelson's trusty guitar, Trigger. It was the first (and maybe only) record album ever released under a strict revenue-sharing agreement IRS. The album, which could be purchased by dialing (800) IRS-TAPE, retailed for $19.95. It didn't raise much money so Willie sued Price Waterhouse for an undisclosed amount & finally settled with the IRS!!!! YES - I bought one & I wonder how much it is worth today!!!???

[@lynndow3185]

There is so much happening in this song that I didn't even notice how minimalist it was til you pointed it out! Loved the guitar explanation part...that 'little skip' made it sound like the clip clop of horse's hooves to me. Thanks for hanging in there with the slow-as-molasses-in-winter internet!

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Is clip clop a real phrase 😎

[@JW...-oj5iw]

@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 ... Of course it is. Clip clop bang. Clip clop bang. Clip clop bang. Amish drive by.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 Yes, though there is also room for dialects, such as clippety clop clippety clop.

[@marywilson5071]

Willie has just got better and better over the years he is 87 and still singing a beautiful man xx

[@sumnerhayes3411]

90 now and still singing (his new single with Billy Strings is absolute fire) and still making people happy. Legend.

[@loudonrebel]

He's a great guitarist and some folks thinks he can't sing but I disagree I think he has a voice that fits his style very well.

[@teresa27909]

Wow I barely remember Willie when he was that young. To me, Willie is an awesome story teller and his simplistic music style coupled with that makes him great!

[@walfredswanson]

That record blew the industry away. It was the alternative "hippie" stations that played Red Headed Stranger (along with Emmylou Harris). I saw this live, and it was amazing in its simplicity and sophisticated confidence.

[@debravirden7130]

Willie is so unique . He does his style, his music and lyrics his way. No quarter.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

He may be known for his hit songs, but he's simply a damn good guitar player.

[@gregorychilcote4636]

I only wish the KZbin format allowed multiple thumbs up. This analysis includes one of the best online music lessons I’ve enjoyed. If I had a dozen thumbs I’d give you all of them up! Great analysis.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@jcstevegigs]

This was made into a movie with Willie acting the main part - it's quite good too.

[@debishaw9355]

Willy Nelson is awesome! Thank you for the analysis, Fil...

[@SchoeneTante]

I've still got that vinyl album I got back in the day. I wore that thing out. Great concept album.

[@chrisverby3047]

I was so surprised that he did not write much of the material on the album redheaded stranger.

[@jsharp3165]

I could listen to Trigger for hours. Such a rich sound.

[@susantownsend8397]

I was just entering seminary when this album came out. I was introduced to it by a professor who called it a beautiful story of grace and redemption. I’ve been a diehard fan ever since.

[@TheZzark]

Love that he looked old way back in the 70s =)

[@Sunviewer338]

I live in Texas. In 1976 we played this album until we wore out several copies.

[@lindaz1290]

I like how you break down the guitar part so when you play back the performance you notice so much more. Makes an already great song even that much better. Thanks, Fil!

[@negocios0rsk]

Growing up in northern New Jersey we knew Willie mostly from his most poplar hits. On that basis, we went to see him perform at a local venue. It wasn't far into the concert that we realized he was such a talented musical genius.... great guitarist. Reading up on him... we found his writing fingerprint on so many huge hits. We became huge fans. Over the years we caught his local concerts four times. He's one of our favorite artists... and, now, our granddaughter loves him too... starting with his acting gig on Monk!

[@Oceansideca1987]

I watch these videos and can’t help to think how time flies.

[@monkeynumbernine]

I really appreciate that you don't interrupt while he's playing.

[@KadeBerrier]

Then why watch a analysis video? Just find the video itself

[@amethystsamia]

Willie is THE master. Trigger looked so young in this video! Haha! Such a Willie fan. Thanks for the close up look at his greatness!

[@markmiwurdz202]

Willie Nelson has always been fascinating to me. His vocal phrasing is totally unique. He seems to just "get there" so the verse/words fit the music with his unique timing. His guitar playing is pretty unique as well. And he loves a bit of fun. Have a look at Willie and Merle Haggard singing "It's All Gone To Pot" and Willie singing something about "Not waking up dead again today"!!! Willie Nelson is just so enigmatic - he will never go away. Great analysis Fil. Thanks.

[@roadie3124]

I've got this CD on high rotation on the iPod in my car. Really good 😍😁 I think that the recording/performance that Fil is playing is a bit muddy. You can hear every note on the album track. His guitar, "Trigger", stands out, as does the piano. The piano is a quiet (piano 😀) tinkling in the background, but you can hear the notes, and they are in exactly the right place. Bobbie Nelson, Willie's older sister, was playing the piano. It's a brilliant album. The track before Red Headed Stranger is Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, which reveals Trigger's beautiful sound.

[@shamnet]

Willie is one of the greatest guitarists I have ever come across... a true gem in terms of his art.

[@xrysostom]

A jazz musician with a Texas twang. A country singer playing classical guitar. I caught him and the Family in concert sometime back in the mid-70s, around the time this video was filmed, and he's now the artist I've heard live more than any other. Every time I hear him he makes his old songs new. As an aside, if you enjoy the Red Headed Stranger album, give a listen to Sturgill Simpson's Ballad of Dood and Juanita. It's also a concept/story album, telling a different story of love and loss with a happier ending. On it, Willie guests on the song Juanita, and the parallels really fall into place.

[@michaelescareno7048]

I grew up in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from high school in 1977. In the fall 1976 of my senior year one of my friends was doing an internship at the ABC affiliate in San Antonio, and the reporter he was working for got passes for them to go to the Willie Nelson taping at Austin City Limits, and my friend could bring a friend with him. He invited me, so we went to the show with the reporter. Because of the media credentials we were able to get in before the general public did and went in and sat on the floor in front of the stage. This is the exact show we were at and we are sitting in that group of people in front of the stage!! It was a great show, Johnny Paycheck also performed, and we got to meet Willie afterwards.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@abbydubois3112]

Love Willie and that old country. Really nice analysis and lesson too. I actually picked up my guitar and played along - sort of, LOL! You are a great teacher!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@lauriekane4686]

Willie Nelson, another American legend. May he live, play and sing forever! Thanx for the demo and breakdown of this piece. I hope your regular followers who are thinking of picking up the guitar for the first time, watch this. Great lesson for beginners!! Thanx, Fil!!😎

[@bethy-lou3307]

I played guitar from my early teens to mid twenties. Watching this channel for 3 weeks, I picked it up, and started playing again. A bit rusty but learning, thanks to this man. I'm very grateful I found this channel. \m/

[@marcscordato4385]

He plays a rather unusual Martin classical guitar he uses a pick witch is classical guitar heresy . He beat the hell out of that guitar putting a huge whole in it . They figured out a way to preserve the guitar while keeping the whole in tack. He is an American icon

[@aprils6589]

This analysis pairs nicely with the one last that focused on his remarkable storytelling skills. Willie has such a richness to his voice.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Very true. From what I have heard record company people thought he wasn't a good enough singer to record but they did value him for his songwriting skills and guitar work. Boy, did they get proven wrong.

[@marybrowning5657]

I have been admiring outlaw country from its early beginnings to now. The simplicity of it is what gives it is sound and character. A lot of Willie's technic is simple but tricky. Willie's timing is off on a lot of his tunes but that's what gives a lot of his tunes it's own unique sound and quality. His quirky timing is part of his sound. I would have to say Willie is one of the most gifted and original musicians that ever put a guitar strap around his shoulder as well as his vocal and awesome songwritting abilities.

[@matthewtaylor2185]

This performance still gives me goosebumps! Viva Willie Nelson.

[@johndaugherty4127]

Bobby a great musician in her own right.

[@liontone]

I remember seeing him play over “All Of Me.” Being a guitarist myself, when he started soloing, I was like... “ahh... let’s see...” And, he nailed the changes. Real nice, and melodic solo... In the end, it shouldn’t have surprised me. He played exactly how he sings. He came from a more musically inclusive time, where jazz and country had a lot in common. “Crazy” makes a GREAT jazz standard.

[@clintatk]

Yes! While Fil was talking I thought about that aspect of Willie's and immediately thought about the great Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Country swing and jazz, a sound that got everybody up, dancing and feelin pretty fine in the roadhouse on a hot Texas night.

[@donfleming9886]

I really enjoyed the movie as well. One of the greats for sure.

[@dalem8332]

Willie is unique vocally. Great songwriter who knows his way around a guitar. He speaks his mind with no tolerance for any pretentious idiots. Down to earth man with real talent and no time for BS. Great guitar demo Fil. As always, a stellar analysis. Thanks. 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@kevinbrennan8794]

Thanks Fil. I always appreciate your technical breakdowns especially on a not so technical track.

[@robwarner5568]

Thank you for giving my smile of the day

[@matthewpaluch777]

WOW! Trigger looks so young! Rest easy Paul English, your definitely missed!

[@kensod6034]

Once again you pull out your pic stick ... And a fantastic lesson...right off the top of your head... Thanks professor... Rock 🎸

[@frankskyle1]

I love it when a Fil analysis turns into a lesson (for me, at least) that I can use. Thanks! As for as Willie, what a great performer! I've seen him a couple of times, but my favorite was a small music festival held in a cow pasture near Nacogdoches, Texas. Must have been around 1974. Willie was having at least as much fun as the rest of us, politely taking sips from bottles handed to him from the audience.

[@GrafStorm]

Great analysis of the music and the construct of the song. Well done Fil, thanks!

[@jacleesx2022]

Love your reactions Fil. Love me some Willie

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Oh I missed it ! He’s a very humble man. His son Lucas is great too . I can’t believe he’s in his late 80s I believe, stay safe Willy , oh man he was so young. I’ve never heard this song either lol. Thanks again Fil !❤️.

[@RoryVanucchi]

great song. Willie has that unique style of writing and storytelling. A master

[@TexasMagnolia]

Thank you so much Fil. Today, his son posted on Twitter, Willie’s in need of prayers...not doing well. Redheaded Stranger is a concept album and should be owned by all music lovers! This was also the time Willie and the other Outlaws started recording at Willie’s studio in Texas so the fat cats in Nashville could not mess with their music. This was the time Waylon pulled a pistol on a producer for messin’ with his music...he pulled his music and headed to Willie’s. We got some of the best of Waylon after that!

[@Cashcrop54]

Great video Fil! Loved the lesson a lot. Wish my hand was big enough to bring my thumb over the top like you did but I will try to find another way to do it. Thanks a lot. Much appreciated!! Never too long for me. Willie is amazing!

[@mrblue8439]

He looks so different with his face clean shaven and his hair cut. I only recognized him because of his voice.

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

Check out his suit-and-tie look from the 60’s! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4jPoJSujbypZsk

[@flee4342]

And an earring in 1976.

[@dalebaker9109]

His one guy, who looks good, with or without a beard, or with short or long hair.

[@tearosy]

His hair is in a long braid.

[@nicolerebel1839]

The good old days Love it

[@johngilbanni6385]

I got chillbumps when I heard ‘Red Headed Stranger’ was what you’d be listening to. There’s a live one that was recorded in 1978 that’s slowed down just a tad but it changes it completely. Willie and Family Live is the name of that album. It’s a must listen, all of it.

[@drewpall2598]

Can't go wrong with a Willie Nelson composition! He has a way of drawing you into his performances. With top notch demonstrations! I don't mind if your analysis are over 25 minutes. thanks Fil.

[@beatlessteve1010]

Wonderfully..simple yet elaborate..thanks Fil

[@joewilson3559]

Willie Nelson and Bod Dylan's body of work never fails to amaze me.

[@gingerduran1592]

I always learn so much from your analyses, Fil! Shared! And a HUGE congratulations on 137K subscribers!! :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@Jim-ix1xf]

Thanks Fil, I always liked Willie especially Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

[@ianshortall3356]

Not known for his guitar work, but it is so distinctive and executed perfectly... love Willie...

[@A_Gaye]

Always loved him and Merle. Nothin’ like good ole True American music! Thanks Phil.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Afternoon Fil, hope you got some rest. Great analysis👏. Watching you demonstrate with the guitar is icing on the cake.🤗 Willie is such a legend & I like his voice. Stay healthy & have a good day Fil.love ya. ❤

[@stevenking9279]

Some things for you to check out. PJ Harvey "Dress" V festival 2003 , Juliette and The Licks , "Purgatory Blues" live , The Warning "Hunter" acoustic version.

[@johndaugherty4127]

Stardust is my favorite, Redheaded Stranger my second.

[@mariorabottini5687]

Thanks so much for this brilliant analysis on the great Willie Nelson Fil! What a legend he is! So cool to sit back and just listen to Willie’s musical storytelling.....amazing! One thing I really enjoy about his playing is that less is always more! Cheers Mario! 😀👌🤘

[@negocios0rsk]

Fil, thanks again for your work! Did you ever hear Willie sing Warmth of the Sun with the Beach Boys? Worth a listen.

[@lorellstoneman74]

Love Willy...what you see is what you get...true to himself....the real deal...wrote some timeless fantastic songs...thanks again Fil. Great job.

[@ritahall6628]

Never listened to this song/story before I loved it Willie has a beautiful distinctive voice like none I’ve heard before and of course he’s a great guitarist. !!!Thanks Fil

[@rosmeeker1964]

Dig it. Thanks Fil. Glad you enjoyed it. *recommends those interested to search out the whole concert.

[@robolafler]

Dang! I live about 45 minutes from Nashville and with this coronovirus I miss Saturday's at the Grand Old Opry!

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Willie was magic in many ways. I saw him at Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas when I was in college. Caught him outside during one of the breaks (he played for HOURS) and stood with him while we smoked a joint. Seriously. My longtime buddy Ernie had some damned good stuff from California and we had a great time knocking down some killer weed. Willie was just like talking to the guy at your Mom and Pop grocery store. He is a legend by any standard. Great analysis Fil !! As usual...

[@debbeborders5762]

I am not a country music fan. I am a fan of singer songwriters great storytelling regardless of the type of music. Willie Nelson is an amazing storyteller. This is a great choice to analyze. Thanks Fil.

[@jasonjay732]

You gotta appreciate simple, real and uncontaminated music…. Really love the analysis and the lesson, so good… so good

[@TheFireMonkey]

Thank you - your breakdown was actually very helpful for me because it has let me see things in a slightly different light and that is always the starting point for improvements.

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Thank you for this review! I was a preteen living near Dallas when this performance was on TV!

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Several years ago I was playing harmonica in a church band and we played the song Just As I Am. I played my part like Mickey did in the RHS album. A woman in the audience was grinning ear to ear! At the end she gave me two thumbs up!

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Mickey Raphael should be in the Harmonica Hall of fame for sure. I am a big fan of Paul Butterfield and Toots Thielemans also. Toots' work on Midnight Cowboy is legendary.

[@mwgreen9]

Another great video yet again. Thank you once again, Mr. Pegasus !

[@lyndamcardle4123]

You'll know Fil, being a guitarist, is that it's all about the gaps / the spaces in between...and sometimes less is more !

[@keithlambert6217]

His voice is unique, and so is the tone of his accoustic guitar. His delivery is believable.

[@sumnerhayes3411]

To be fair, it was really Shotgun Willie and then Phases and Stages when Willie surprised the label with stripped-down productions; when he submitted Red Headed Stranger they were already expecting it. The "is that a demo?" story was actually about Shotgun Willie. But it's a hell of an album, and the peak of his abilities at that time in that style. Total legend.

[@pekkaastrom7346]

Hey Fil! You have a very nice guitar there. I like those medium-sized string instruments, because they let the treble out from the body, without all that bassy boom-boom going on. "Small is better"!😃

[@mr.monitor.]

Add a quick G chord and then a D with 6th string f# with your thumb at the end of the D runs will make it sound more willie. Like D D G +F# over D Chord to resolve the run.

[@The_Preacher_LLC]

This is Fing amazing. Thank you for posting. His early live stuff is just incredible

[@richox1956]

Great as always! When are we going to see “Wagon Wheels of Pegasus” . I know you and the band really want to do a country cover. Need to see Fil in a black 10 gallon hat.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@Axeman.]

It's worth noting that Willie plays a nylon-string classical guitar with a pick through a solid-state amp (a Baldwin C1). Outlaw indeed!

[@darlatidwell6255]

A good live performance from Willie and I loved the behind the scenes stories. The techniques and riffs explained shown and slowed down was pretty cool Fil.🤟

[@amer-hh6kp]

Saw him in 84 and you're right about the way he played. He can make the song as big as the audience. Nice pick!

[@kensod6034]

Willie's an American treasure

[@Caperhere]

Lol, guitar work....thought you meant Trigger. On a side note, I used to work on a car/ passenger ferry running from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. We often had “ kitchen parties” all night. Heaven. On my rest days, Willie crossed one night. He partied with the guys, and just acted like he was one of them. When I saw the pictures, I almost cried, to have missed the night of Willie.

[@MisterBaltimoron]

During live concerts in the 70’s great musicians like Willie could quieten an audience of 20k to where you could hear a pin drop. An incredible talent few possessed.

[@strooom546]

Totally agree... i mean they'll be quiet for a rehearsed effect but never in the flow of concert... always volume 10 whole concert now