did Merle ever alternate pick with his index finger using downstrokes as well as upstrokes?I find this an effective technique for say even sixteenth chord strumming myself aside from tearing up my finger a bit. Also can anyone recommend some decent thumb picks,Ive been using National and Herco and don't care for either.
@BreshDigitalTV No only his thumb, he did the lot with just one thumb, and one FINGER!!!!! I have never seen another guitarist get all that going with just a thumb and one finger, I watch it and it never ceases to amaze me.
In the 60 years, this is my favorite version of Cannonball Rag. It was about 1957 just before my son (Merle) was born 1n 1958. I managed to get this version on an old videotape.
WOW! This is absolutly phenominal!!! I spent my whole weekend trying to pick it up on this video and what I got I made into a video and posted on my account. Take a look and check it out!
Wow - what lightning fingers here. Super pickin and a good looking guy to boot, always classy looking. I would love to hear an old song by Merle - which he may have written, not sure - called "She Keeps Me Warm in the Winter and Shady in the Summertime". This guitar piece is a classic and we almost expect it from guitar players. -Paula
This is my favorite version, and I've heard hundreds. As far as "Fat Gal" that's one of my favorites that he wrote. I know them all, started about 1946, and I still have the oldalbum "Folk Songs of the Hills" and none have been broken in 62 years. Given to me by my aunt Christmas 1947.
Actually, there is another guitar, playing the rythm all throughout. You can mostly notice it on time 01:08 and on... where Merle's guitar is playing picking licks and then sliding chords, with no bass line.
However, the core of the performance could almost be considered as a guitar solo.
did Merle ever alternate pick with his index finger using downstrokes as well as upstrokes?I find this an effective technique for say even sixteenth chord strumming myself aside from tearing up my finger a bit. Also can anyone recommend some decent thumb picks,Ive been using National and Herco and don't care for either.
bongfodder 10 months ago
My friend asked me to transcribe this for him
musictranscription 2 years ago
so this is what they mean when they say travis picking :D two thumbs up!
necklord007 2 years ago 6
Merle Travis & Mississippi John Hurt are my two favorite guitarists.
ffairlane57 2 years ago
Man thats how to use a thumbpick. Never saw anyone do boom strum before while picking
coade123 2 years ago
There's nobody alive with a thumb like that..
That's my ol' man!!
Bresh
BreshDigitalTV 3 years ago 18
what about Tommy Emmanuel??
00Beowulf00 3 years ago
Only guitarist even close is Scotty Anderson. And for your ol' man... there are no words. Legend understates it.
We love you too Thom.
NateS911 3 years ago
@BreshDigitalTV No only his thumb, he did the lot with just one thumb, and one FINGER!!!!! I have never seen another guitarist get all that going with just a thumb and one finger, I watch it and it never ceases to amaze me.
ronvonryan 11 months ago
In the 60 years, this is my favorite version of Cannonball Rag. It was about 1957 just before my son (Merle) was born 1n 1958. I managed to get this version on an old videotape.
Joetraphis 3 years ago 2
I love that, "Here's a'way she goes!"
CherokeeMusic 3 years ago
shut up punk!
AlChervic 2 years ago
"yankee's shut-up.. we know you hate everything southern!!"
hindview 3 years ago
superb william
mckennar 3 years ago
and i was just gonna brag about my guitar skills.......
aknowneemus 3 years ago
WOW! This is absolutly phenominal!!! I spent my whole weekend trying to pick it up on this video and what I got I made into a video and posted on my account. Take a look and check it out!
backstageblues 3 years ago
Wow - what lightning fingers here. Super pickin and a good looking guy to boot, always classy looking. I would love to hear an old song by Merle - which he may have written, not sure - called "She Keeps Me Warm in the Winter and Shady in the Summertime". This guitar piece is a classic and we almost expect it from guitar players. -Paula
PaulinaRena 3 years ago
This is my favorite version, and I've heard hundreds. As far as "Fat Gal" that's one of my favorites that he wrote. I know them all, started about 1946, and I still have the oldalbum "Folk Songs of the Hills" and none have been broken in 62 years. Given to me by my aunt Christmas 1947.
whitt702 3 years ago
Thank you Merle...thank you retro...great clip!
countryclassic 3 years ago
I've seen or heard him play this a bunch of times and everytime he does it differently. And, everytime it's incredible!!!! Merle was the best!
djmoore20041 3 years ago
This old dog done more with 1 finger than everybody else with a hand full of em!
Just effortless.
Maphis and Merle rule country guitar 4 evermore.
TEXASSURFDONKEY 4 years ago
les paul used overdubbing in otherwords not a purist he couldnt hold his jockstrap
vincenz55 4 years ago
If you can, listen to Cannonball Rag by "Bad Livers". Duo between bass & guitar and the guitar is good but bass is AWESOME!!
rickjolley 4 years ago
I love it.He could play it different every time.he had so many great ideas
actron 4 years ago
chet atkin's main influence
s2p3r 4 years ago
Listen to Gambler's guitar that's neat voice and guitar
gtrtech13 4 years ago
Absolutely brilliant!
45Seabee 4 years ago
10 stars for this man,superb
bluespower 4 years ago 2
JEEEEEEZUUUSSSSSS,....are you sure that was just one guitar playing there?...I wish i had just one of Merle's hands.
rockinbillyboy 4 years ago
Actually, there is another guitar, playing the rythm all throughout. You can mostly notice it on time 01:08 and on... where Merle's guitar is playing picking licks and then sliding chords, with no bass line.
However, the core of the performance could almost be considered as a guitar solo.
danielibnz 4 years ago
Reminds me of Les Paul with a country flavor.
alienhuman 5 years ago
Can't get it better than this folks.
cosmoza 5 years ago
thanx for merle :)
merletravis 5 years ago
Can't get enough of this guy! I like this version. He changed it a little through the years. Always great!
formerrocker 5 years ago
Merle nails another one!
superpicker 5 years ago