You are probably right- and it does make me think that there is no current player who can match Chet's musicality playing guitar 'ballads' -Not even the legendary Tommy Emmanuel who does come a close second when harmonics are a dominant feature in a particular piece. Sorry to perpetuate the 'who's-better-than-who issue which I dislike. Please -all, just enjoy the music!
Good thing you can't get a speeding ticket for playing too fast! Seriously, Richard is a very fine player-the first guy I ever saw who could go from Chet's fingerstyle to Django's djazz without even bothering to switch to a flatpick. This particular tune however is played much too fast. I don't believe Chet ever played a tune faster than it needed to be to sound good. Slow it down....make it funky...it will sound better imhlo. Many young players tend to try to impress with sheer speed.
Superlative skills and a great interpreter. I saw him a few years ago with TE. Both were on top form. Completely impressive and entertaining, tho' these types of players rarely seem to play anything with much 'depth'. I suppose that goes with the territory, and good luck to anyone who can play guitar for a living, but it leaves a slightly empty feeling for me.
@fuel2obsessions Chet began to refer to Richard Smith as his “Hero”. Tommy even said, and I quote, “If you like my playing, you should hear Richard Smith.” So why fight? They are both great, really great!
you idiots that keep arguing over who is better... i just saw richard AND tommy emmanuel on stage in Nashville (7-10 at the Belcourt Theatre) and Tommy introduced Richard as "the GREAT Richard Smith". So... they have a mutual respect, QUIT FIGHTING AND ENJOY THE GOLDARN MUSIC! :-)
i know the guy that builds guitars for him and built for chet atkins. he's got great guitars, his action sounds too low and the effects are what make the guitar sound bad. beleive me it is a very fine guitar.
there is such a thing as better until you get to the point where guys like richard and tommy are. at the very top, the difference is only a matter of opinion and taste. that being said, i personally like tommy's style better. but richard is awesome as well, and in the end, it does come down only to the music.
Couple things for you to think about. 1) Tommy admires this gentleman's picking and has played many duets with him. 2) Scotty Anderson is better than both of them combined if you really want to speak facts but most likely you haven't even heard of Scotty because he chooses not to be famous. You'll find video's here on youtube of him though and they'll make you piss your pants.
For me Tommy Emmanuel comes first because he helped me discover fingerstyle. I still don't like this discussion of who is best and who is better. Tommy and Richard seem to make a great team onstage and are not worried about who is better. Late Chet Atkins always said many guitarists are better than he himself. We must learn to enjoy music like these great performers do and not spoil our fun with stupid arguments of who is better. Just cut the crap pleae.
You are probably right- and it does make me think that there is no current player who can match Chet's musicality playing guitar 'ballads' -Not even the legendary Tommy Emmanuel who does come a close second when harmonics are a dominant feature in a particular piece. Sorry to perpetuate the 'who's-better-than-who issue which I dislike. Please -all, just enjoy the music!
MattAlexan 8 months ago
Good thing you can't get a speeding ticket for playing too fast! Seriously, Richard is a very fine player-the first guy I ever saw who could go from Chet's fingerstyle to Django's djazz without even bothering to switch to a flatpick. This particular tune however is played much too fast. I don't believe Chet ever played a tune faster than it needed to be to sound good. Slow it down....make it funky...it will sound better imhlo. Many young players tend to try to impress with sheer speed.
2011booger 8 months ago
better than Django's IMO
rcahill29 9 months ago
Superlative skills and a great interpreter. I saw him a few years ago with TE. Both were on top form. Completely impressive and entertaining, tho' these types of players rarely seem to play anything with much 'depth'. I suppose that goes with the territory, and good luck to anyone who can play guitar for a living, but it leaves a slightly empty feeling for me.
martinjp1958 1 year ago
for those say that richard is better than tommy renember who is the C.G.P. given by chet
fuel2obsessions 1 year ago
@fuel2obsessions Chet began to refer to Richard Smith as his “Hero”. Tommy even said, and I quote, “If you like my playing, you should hear Richard Smith.” So why fight? They are both great, really great!
Pepsthecat 1 year ago
First time I ever heard Richard and I'm very impressed. Who really cares if he or Tommy is better, they're both just awesome....
intheairtonight90 3 years ago 6
They're both great and extremely boring at the same time in the same way.
phjost 2 years ago
theres no such thing as better every one has there own style
marsh2100 4 years ago 3
I have to say It does not matter if tommy or richard is better people would like to see tommy play above richard because tommy's is more a showman.
acoustic2rock 4 years ago
this guy is sloppy ,, he needs to practice on his chops,,,, just kidding,,,
WOW
jackblu01 4 years ago
Never heard of this guy before today.. outstanding.. M:)
ichingiching 4 years ago
you idiots that keep arguing over who is better... i just saw richard AND tommy emmanuel on stage in Nashville (7-10 at the Belcourt Theatre) and Tommy introduced Richard as "the GREAT Richard Smith". So... they have a mutual respect, QUIT FIGHTING AND ENJOY THE GOLDARN MUSIC! :-)
bigdood 4 years ago 3
You got a point there brother. These two musicians know their way. We must enjoy their playing.
skaedis 3 years ago 4
i know the guy that builds guitars for him and built for chet atkins. he's got great guitars, his action sounds too low and the effects are what make the guitar sound bad. beleive me it is a very fine guitar.
kasey89 4 years ago
Kirk Sand builds a fine guitar.
thomashoffman 4 years ago
he must buy a better guitar the sound is not great of his guitar. great play btw. but tommy emmanuel and doyle dykes are better
acoustic2rock 4 years ago
he must buy a better guitar the sound is not so great from his guitar. great playing btw. I think tommy emmanuel and doyle dykes are better
acoustic2rock 4 years ago
Amazing! Difficult piece. Love the Chet Atkins norwegian tv recording
fridrikur 5 years ago
Tommy is beter
acoustic2rock 5 years ago
You know not whereof you speak! LOL This guy was better
as a teenager than Tommy. Tommy IS good. I think we're
both prejudiced, don't you? HB1964
HB1964 5 years ago
there is no such thing as better everyone has there own style
marsh2100 4 years ago 5
there is such a thing as better until you get to the point where guys like richard and tommy are. at the very top, the difference is only a matter of opinion and taste. that being said, i personally like tommy's style better. but richard is awesome as well, and in the end, it does come down only to the music.
Benwade90 4 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
tommy is much better... if your opinion is different... then you are wrong!
haha
AcousticBruce 4 years ago
Couple things for you to think about. 1) Tommy admires this gentleman's picking and has played many duets with him. 2) Scotty Anderson is better than both of them combined if you really want to speak facts but most likely you haven't even heard of Scotty because he chooses not to be famous. You'll find video's here on youtube of him though and they'll make you piss your pants.
IncorruptibleTruth 3 years ago 5
For me Tommy Emmanuel comes first because he helped me discover fingerstyle. I still don't like this discussion of who is best and who is better. Tommy and Richard seem to make a great team onstage and are not worried about who is better. Late Chet Atkins always said many guitarists are better than he himself. We must learn to enjoy music like these great performers do and not spoil our fun with stupid arguments of who is better. Just cut the crap pleae.
skaedis 2 years ago
I've never seen anything like that! I'm a big fan of Richard Smith this is just something else!
PotterNo1 5 years ago
Check out his other Youtube clips with the Trio he once played with eg. 'Alabama Jubilee' and 'I'll See You in My Dreams'
MattAlexan 5 years ago
Thanks Grant - Richard paying respect to Chet's arrangement !!
MattAlexan 5 years ago
Fenderite
Top class playing with great taste!
grantcurror 5 years ago
He was amazing!
guitarjjte 5 years ago