I was lucky enough to see him twice - at the Berkley Performance Center in Boston, and at the University of Maine. He is very missed, but alive in our hearts.
I first saw Michael Hedges back in the 80's, on the St. Paul campus of the U of Minnesota. He played at the student center...he was a relative unknown then(tickets were just 6 bucks!). I had a date that night.....told her we were going to see a solo guitarist. I think she expected something more "upscale"...Michael came onstage with waistlength hair, bouncing on a 3-foot inflatable ball, wailing on his guitar! An amazing concert!, although it was NOT what my date expected! :)
So far, there appear to be 12 people with no sense of music what-so-ever. I had the privilege of seeing Michael live, and as a guitarist myself, I can say he had a matchless talent. Without Michael, I wonder if we'd even have a Don Ross or a Andy McKee?
I was in the audience for this astounding performance. He opened for CSN. David Crosby truly loved Michael mainly because they both were very advanced in alternate tunings of the acoustic guitar. On the CSN&Y CD Looking Forward there is a dedication to MH it simply says "Bye!" So sad to have lost such an incredible talent as this so early. As for the time period mid-90s. I left DC in 97 but attended a lot of shows in the early to mid-90s. Love it!
This reminds me again, if I ever need reminding, what an astounding and unique talent Michael Hedges was. Gosh what a terrible loss for him to leave us so prematurely.
Ranking is useless.. Just sit back and enjoy greatness when and where you find it. The great ones don't sit around arguing who is better....they spend their time soaking it all up like a sponge...and then put their own interpretation on it. Michael Hedges just radiates inspiration.
@WayOutWesley I agree, I mean people always gotta compare musicians, I say any musician is good in their own right. I mean If you wanna see a acoustic god watch some Michael Hedges, If you like hard rock AC/DC, Led Zeppelin Etc.
@dhextail1 yeh yeh yeh emotion my ass he is a drug addict he is stoned !!\ There is a difference between stoned and emotion !!!! i do play with emotion dude have for 20 years !! no drugs required !!!!
@danogroat Everything you've written in these Hedges videos is repulsive and ignorant.
Michael's arrangement of this song is simple - however, any idiot should be able to realize just how much control and technique this man plays with. Every single sound has meaning.
You can play with "emotions" all you want, but with your understanding of music as intricate as Hedges you might as well be hitting your face against a wall and calling it music.
My dad played this song for me in the car today. First time I've ever heard Michael Hedges, or any version of this song besides Hendrix's. When I heard it today, though, I thought: this is one of the greatest things I've ever listened to. I'm so glad I know who this guy is now. :)
I've truly discovered this style of guitar only in the past year or so. I found Andy McKee's Drifting and started digging deeper and looking further back. I feel ashamed for not finding Hedges sooner. His style is very personal. Love it. RIP
This is definitely my favorite- because it combines the energy of the Hendrix version and the simplicity of Dylan's original. Just discovered Hedges a few days ago and my mind is blown. RIP Michael Hedges!
@metalliczombie Not to be a wiseass and maybe I'm taking you out of context but, Hendrix's version is a cover too. Bob Dylan wrote it and originally recorded it. There have been a a lot of covers. Dylan supposedly said when heard Hendrix version he cried but nobody is really sure what he meant.
@metalliczombie I agree as far as the Dylan original vs. the Hendrix cover. The Hendrix version is the most well known and you hear the most. As a song writer Dylan is great, but as a singer I'm not a huge fan. I like Hedges version because its different like he was.
@metalliczombie I always liked the Hendrix version too. I writer Dylan is great but never liked him as a performer. I like the Hedges version because its different like he was. I'm kinda prejudice toward his version because this video is from an episode of PBS on On Stage at Wolftrap. Hedges had a short set between Wil Ackerman and Shadowfax on the show. I was watching because of Shadowfax and had never heard of him but was completely blown away by the way he played and used the guitar.
@metalliczombie Well the fact that it's a cover doesn't apply to hendrix lol because it's bob dylan's song. Anyway the music that he wrote himself ( mainly the instrumental stuff ) is incredible.
saw him at the ark in ann arbor 25 or 26 years ago. been playing guitar all my life. felt like a little kid that night watching a true artist. amazing talent. never post but felt compelled tonight. thanks.
no matter what way you look at it hendrix wouldnt have done his version without dylan writing it. plain and simple. if you argue with that you are just a dumbass.
This is hands down my favorite version of "all along the watchtower". That said I'm comparing Michael Hedges to Bob, Jimi, and Dave. (Dylan, Hendrix, and Matthews{check out the Live at Chicago) version if you are a fan})
Bob Dylan wrote the lyrics, but hendrix made the song as great as it is. To say that Bob Dylan wrote the song is just ridiculous. I think I even remember reading that Bob Dylan "gave" him the song after he listened to his recording of it. You couldn't even call hendrix's version a cover at that point.
ya rite,why even put down the singing,the dude is genius,its a simple song,even the hendrix version,the solo in this would be just as difficult id say,as the hendrix one,um hendrix did that in the studio with like 5 differnt takes and gtrs,he sucked too playing it live,Fact!
I've been playing this song, while looping percussive slaps on my guitar utilizing a mic with the pickup l installed in my guitar. Thanks for the idea, Michael...
Excellent guitar, his singing isn't anything like hendrix's though. And I'm not saying that because it's different. It really doesn't do the song justice at all. I know many Hedges fans will hate me after having read that, but like I said, he is an excellent guitarist. It also takes balls to cover a masterpiece like this, and for that I applaud him. Great cover nonetheless.
Hedges' arrangement and performance of this tune is indeed brilliant. Whether or not it is "better" than the other brilliant performances of this simple tune is useless banter. Like trying to argue whether green or blue is the better colour, its simply a matter of taste. If one thing might be agreed upon, it is to once again acknowledge the genius of Bob Dylan as a songwriter. His work is embraced by other fine artists who take it and make it their own.
@iused2BAfireman well said my friend,many great and underappreciated artists out there , heres one ,check out john butler trio ,songs called zebra, from the WAVE AID concert in aussieland, enjoy
@stick935 -- Good stuff, but for recommending JBT to people I'd personally go with the version of "Ocean" from Federation Square. (They also did a great version of "Better Man" at the Wave Aid show.) Just my two cents....
Just to clear things up, DAEEAA, its very loose on bottom string so if your guitar is catching put everything up half a step and jam. For main progression its just bar chord . 4-4-4- - - 2-2-2 - - 0 - 0 -2 -2. also hitting the open strings here and there what ever FEELS right. harmonics on the 7th and 12th respectivly. and just be playful. i never heard Mr Hedges play this the same way twice. theres lots of different feels u can get out of it. hope i helped.
I was lucky enough to see Michael a long time ago when he supported Suzanne Vega in one of her first gigs in Belfast. I feel that I am privileged to have seen such a talented musician and a great performer. He rocked the house. He is missed.
Hi guys, firstly i would love to fantastic performer, and that we as a acoustic duo are soo inspired by him we are just starting out , wouldnt mind it, if any of you guys wanted to check out our channel ^.^ Thanks guys, R.I.P micheal hedges xx
wow this is why youtube rules, this is the first time i have heard of michael hedges and im sorry for that, i'm a huge fan of john martyn and throught my search for this unusuall works ive stumbled across this, thankyou so much for posting this, im now gonna spend the day being re-educated by michael hedges
Michael was friend and a classmate of mine at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Yes, he was a conservatory trained musician!! I worked with him briefly on developing his voice. Michael was unique. He brought great guitar playing (very inventive, I might add) and a passion that I haven't witnessed often in other performers. Please don't compare him to anyone. He was his "own" person in every way.
@mysideofthecouch I agree completely. This guy comes off like a burnt-out street husquer. Jimi's version is the definitive. Without the fantastic percussion and the screaming guitar providing the environment for the lyrics, this shit falls flat. Flat as the front of yer fridge.
@tacoland2000 I'm going to respectfully disagree. While you are entitled to not like it, this version does not "fall flat" at all. Jimi's version is fucking brilliant, don't get me wrong. But I personally feel this version has more emotional involvement then Jimi's, which is more "rock out" focused, that is just my opinion though. So don't take this as me belittling your opinion, just stating my own. Peace.
Better than the versions by , Mason, Matthews, Brewer & Shipley, Pearl Jam, Neil Young and even Hendrix & Savage Grace comes in a close second to this remarkable Dylan song. Dylan even saw Hedges perform it and said that this is how it should be played. This song was meant for only a few people to really play. You had to see Hedges play it live to really feel it.
@metalupyourass20 I really hope your being sarcastic about Jimi Hendrix beacause he was a VERY revolutionary guitar player and was alot more then "just ok".
@Ironclad35 I agree..and the voice is appropriate..I also love dave matthews' and paul weller's versions..check'em out..the are really good..let me know.. :-)
trying to think of some 6 letter words to describe this guy.....he's _ _ _ _ _ _ _ amazing... and in a class of musicians/singers all by himself. I was fortunate to have seen him 6 times. Total Zen with the guitar. thanks Michael
I saw Michael Hedges live in a cabaret concert. If you think a performer should stand there like a tree and only play, well, I feel sorry for you. He treated all of us as if we were his guests, he was funny, witty and gracious. He did a duet with his college instructor who is a master class classical guitarist, and it was very clear that he held Michael in the utmost esteem. .
You could be forgiven for thinking that, but it's actually a Bob Dylan original, although Hedges played the Hendrix version.
Musically, unlike most other covers I've ever heard, the various versions of Watchtower almost all surpass the original. Does anyone know of any other better-than-the-original covers?
P.S. Who else wants to kill the All Saints for what they did to Under The Bridge?
Dave matthews.. watch some videos he does with just his acoustic guitar for it and then watch some with the band.. he is AMAZING and has the BEST version out to date.. HANDS DOWN. no lie haha. hope you get to see it!!
In my opinion no one, not even Hendrix, did a better job with this song. Nice to read about other people who were lucky enough to see him live twice. Never before, and never again, would I see someone who was just so full of joy when performing. You just could not be in a bad mood during or after a Hedges show. The last time I saw him was in Seattle 1997. I am not sure if he actually did any shows after that one before the tragic accident.
i was lucky enough to get a chance to see him live. My dad is a huge fan of hedges and decided to bring me to the concert he was playing at a local event. i think i was 7 but i remember it like it was yesterday. R.I.P.
How can you watch this performance and say that? Jealous much? I saw him many times live and he was a joy to watch, a genius and innovator who was taken away too soon.
Romansdad... I saw Michael in Toronto and Montreal... the Montreal performance was in a small setting and he was amazing. Everyone could feel his energy, passion, and genius - he was a truly gifted performer. Who knows what he would have done with the guitar with the advances in technology...
Maybe he comes off better live. I'm not jealous. That's a dumb statement, for that would imply that I'm jealous of all performers that are good. Not true. Stevie Ray Vaughn? Jealous? No. MJ? Jealous? No. etc.
aczwie: You said: "he sucked as a performer" after watching a great performance on youtube. What motivates such a statement? I guessed jealousy, and you say that is dumb. Fine. Then why would you say something so stupid about his performance when proof to the contrary is right here in this video? Makes no sense to me and I called you on it. Simple as that. I just think you are alone in your assessment of his live performance.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I said nothing stupid. I said that his performance sucked. Which is my opinion. And so what if I am alone in my assessment? That proves nothing. There is no proof that his performance is excellent. I'll say it again: he has good to excellent technical ability, but his performance sucked.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
you mean 'STFU!!! hedges owned the stage'.
Sorry, but the guy has zilch in entertainment value. I've said it before that he is technically very good, but I don't care for his show. And why would you get so upset with someone's opinion? That's very juvenile of you.
I was lucky enough to see him twice - at the Berkley Performance Center in Boston, and at the University of Maine. He is very missed, but alive in our hearts.
jimamsden 1 day ago
R.I.P Tim Robbins with dreads
leroycops 6 days ago
Sublime.
lubilubarable 1 month ago
Amazing. This isn't in standard tuning is it?
KAZkraze 1 month ago 3
@KAZkraze Tuning- DAEEAA
mussefele 2 weeks ago
I first saw Michael Hedges back in the 80's, on the St. Paul campus of the U of Minnesota. He played at the student center...he was a relative unknown then(tickets were just 6 bucks!). I had a date that night.....told her we were going to see a solo guitarist. I think she expected something more "upscale"...Michael came onstage with waistlength hair, bouncing on a 3-foot inflatable ball, wailing on his guitar! An amazing concert!, although it was NOT what my date expected! :)
ppierquet1 1 month ago
anyone know what year this was?
dontfunkaround 1 month ago
So far, there appear to be 12 people with no sense of music what-so-ever. I had the privilege of seeing Michael live, and as a guitarist myself, I can say he had a matchless talent. Without Michael, I wonder if we'd even have a Don Ross or a Andy McKee?
theflash1952shodan 2 months ago 2
Well said:)
Marilynastro1 2 months ago
i wonder what year this was
killxthexsmile 2 months ago
Seen him in Ann Arbor so many years ago. He came out and said he played "violent accoustic guitar"
7santarick 2 months ago
So much fucking heart.
TyGuySurprise 3 months ago
best guitar version when it comes to all along the watchtower.
hendrix is just cool for the badass solo : D
IdRatherbeDeaddd 3 months ago 2
I was in the audience for this astounding performance. He opened for CSN. David Crosby truly loved Michael mainly because they both were very advanced in alternate tunings of the acoustic guitar. On the CSN&Y CD Looking Forward there is a dedication to MH it simply says "Bye!" So sad to have lost such an incredible talent as this so early. As for the time period mid-90s. I left DC in 97 but attended a lot of shows in the early to mid-90s. Love it!
DANO9302 3 months ago
I wish I had been able to see him perform live, his music totally changed my life
jbswcacmbc 3 months ago
Does anyone know what year this Wolftrap Farmpark recording was done? Thanks
dantesnewmoon 3 months ago
Fucking amazing !
Too the dude thats trying to shame " getting high "
I feel sorry for you ..
AllBassedOut2010 3 months ago
saw him in Baltimore - his last song was 'Holiday' , saw him at Lisner the following year - 1983 -4 ish?
Gosh - he had his own sound...
maddierosemusic 3 months ago
there will never be another......
danmang92 4 months ago
I saw him perform in cincinnati--electrifying..a very special talent..
barnesmusic 4 months ago
beutiful
Hiroyanagayoshi 4 months ago
Man, what a loss. ! He could make an old song sound like the first time you've ever heard it
werty498 4 months ago
@werty498
well said...a massive loss indeed
ZOMBIELANDakaUSA 3 months ago
This reminds me again, if I ever need reminding, what an astounding and unique talent Michael Hedges was. Gosh what a terrible loss for him to leave us so prematurely.
JimInNashville 5 months ago
I was fortunate enough to witness his magic in San Diego in 85
jfrockon 5 months ago
Ranking is useless.. Just sit back and enjoy greatness when and where you find it. The great ones don't sit around arguing who is better....they spend their time soaking it all up like a sponge...and then put their own interpretation on it. Michael Hedges just radiates inspiration.
WayOutWesley 5 months ago 16
@WayOutWesley I agree, I mean people always gotta compare musicians, I say any musician is good in their own right. I mean If you wanna see a acoustic god watch some Michael Hedges, If you like hard rock AC/DC, Led Zeppelin Etc.
OldMusicftw 2 months ago
Tim Robbins?!
Cerpth 5 months ago
An astoundingly beautiful and gifted musician. A treasure lost to the world.
gainiac 5 months ago
@dhextail relax dude stop sooking
danogroat 5 months ago
This guy is good...never heard of him until someone sent me a email....peace and blue skies....
superwhuffo1 6 months ago
@dhextail wow! if you are that good i cant wait to hear you when you are on drugs!
KLRCory 6 months ago
@dhextail1 yeh yeh yeh emotion my ass he is a drug addict he is stoned !!\ There is a difference between stoned and emotion !!!! i do play with emotion dude have for 20 years !! no drugs required !!!!
danogroat 6 months ago
@danogroat Everything you've written in these Hedges videos is repulsive and ignorant.
Michael's arrangement of this song is simple - however, any idiot should be able to realize just how much control and technique this man plays with. Every single sound has meaning.
You can play with "emotions" all you want, but with your understanding of music as intricate as Hedges you might as well be hitting your face against a wall and calling it music.
JustTVinc 5 months ago
I busk and I do a cover of the Hendrix version. But after watching this I am going to learn this and play it!
sglp9000 6 months ago
So glad i discovered hedges...
dhextall1 7 months ago
IT JUST OK LETS NOT GET TO EXITED NOT GROUND BREAKING PRETTY SIMPLE STUFF !!!
danogroat 7 months ago
@danogroat is it meant to groundbreaking?...its hardly a stadium rock...i'd like to see you put as much emotion into music...
dhextall1 6 months ago
@danogroat Musically, you are blind.
stuntcrazy8 5 months ago
Shreds. Blisters. Thank you.
ErichRemarque 7 months ago
My dad played this song for me in the car today. First time I've ever heard Michael Hedges, or any version of this song besides Hendrix's. When I heard it today, though, I thought: this is one of the greatest things I've ever listened to. I'm so glad I know who this guy is now. :)
deathsmilesatus 7 months ago
@purpleheart699 no reason to get excited...
DistortedV12 7 months ago
Such a soulful human being with indescribable talent. I will never forget this man and how he changed my ears.
7omm3h 7 months ago 2
Bob Dylan said that Hedges version was the way his song was meant to be played.
danmang92 7 months ago 2
Yeah... THAT'S the way you do it! By far my favorite version of that song. Thank you Michael.....
Poolcat57 7 months ago
Whoever actually felt the need to dislike this has neither ears nor a soul. Taste is one thing, inability to see talent like this... purely another.
StrangebirdE 7 months ago 2
I've truly discovered this style of guitar only in the past year or so. I found Andy McKee's Drifting and started digging deeper and looking further back. I feel ashamed for not finding Hedges sooner. His style is very personal. Love it. RIP
treybob333 7 months ago
He looks like Tim Robbins
Cerpth 8 months ago
@Cerpth or Michael J. Pollard in "Bonnie & Clyde"
fenderstratguy 7 months ago
This is an amazing cover!!!
RedHouseStrat 8 months ago
This is definitely my favorite- because it combines the energy of the Hendrix version and the simplicity of Dylan's original. Just discovered Hedges a few days ago and my mind is blown. RIP Michael Hedges!
EpiphoneSG95 8 months ago
Hedges is obviously very talented I'm just not digging this cover. It lacks Hendrix's intensity and raw edge.
metalliczombie 9 months ago
@metalliczombie Not to be a wiseass and maybe I'm taking you out of context but, Hendrix's version is a cover too. Bob Dylan wrote it and originally recorded it. There have been a a lot of covers. Dylan supposedly said when heard Hendrix version he cried but nobody is really sure what he meant.
gmarx173 9 months ago
@gmarx173 I know it was cover. It just completely out shined the original in every way.
metalliczombie 9 months ago
@metalliczombie I agree as far as the Dylan original vs. the Hendrix cover. The Hendrix version is the most well known and you hear the most. As a song writer Dylan is great, but as a singer I'm not a huge fan. I like Hedges version because its different like he was.
gmarx173 9 months ago
@metalliczombie I always liked the Hendrix version too. I writer Dylan is great but never liked him as a performer. I like the Hedges version because its different like he was. I'm kinda prejudice toward his version because this video is from an episode of PBS on On Stage at Wolftrap. Hedges had a short set between Wil Ackerman and Shadowfax on the show. I was watching because of Shadowfax and had never heard of him but was completely blown away by the way he played and used the guitar.
gmarx173 9 months ago
@metalliczombie Well the fact that it's a cover doesn't apply to hendrix lol because it's bob dylan's song. Anyway the music that he wrote himself ( mainly the instrumental stuff ) is incredible.
andrewkeen24 3 months ago
Tim robbins with dreadlocks
RandyH524 9 months ago 12
@RandyH524 Yeah who could play the hell outa that number.
wong2b 4 weeks ago
saw him at the ark in ann arbor 25 or 26 years ago. been playing guitar all my life. felt like a little kid that night watching a true artist. amazing talent. never post but felt compelled tonight. thanks.
beaupolk 9 months ago
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i can't think of any other artists who can transform a song like hedges
JR1840 9 months ago
Freakin' AWSEOME!!!
breachborn 9 months ago
Guitar KING !!!
segitary 10 months ago
Hey Taylor Swift take your sparkly guitar and try that
MyRoxNameIsBOB 10 months ago
Rest in Peace good sir
MyRoxNameIsBOB 10 months ago
Umm HELL YEEAAHH!!!
nprbiz 10 months ago
yeah...!
Pretty nice...
wolfXtra00 10 months ago
no matter what way you look at it hendrix wouldnt have done his version without dylan writing it. plain and simple. if you argue with that you are just a dumbass.
ScabzNScarz 11 months ago
@ScabzNScarz I am a dumbass.
MrFaulconbridge 10 months ago
This is hands down my favorite version of "all along the watchtower". That said I'm comparing Michael Hedges to Bob, Jimi, and Dave. (Dylan, Hendrix, and Matthews{check out the Live at Chicago) version if you are a fan})
nrc141 11 months ago
Bob Dylan wrote the lyrics, but hendrix made the song as great as it is. To say that Bob Dylan wrote the song is just ridiculous. I think I even remember reading that Bob Dylan "gave" him the song after he listened to his recording of it. You couldn't even call hendrix's version a cover at that point.
oumo 11 months ago
Indeed this guy is now jammin' with Jimi, and so will we be when the time is right.
ZundGoesLoose 11 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
he looks gay!
propjam2 11 months ago
@propjam2 So do your fathers.
kermsroomy 1 month ago
Just amazing! I feel like his guitar is breathing.
giventofly1972 1 year ago
6 people have trouble with greatness
easyamp123 1 year ago 2
does anyone know how to get a copy of wolftrap'? used to have it on vhs w/ ackerman and shadowfax.
ttocsify 1 year ago
bob Dylan was the one that came up with this song get it right
babigirl36 1 year ago
R.I.P dude,your now with Jimi.
rushowen 1 year ago
ya rite,why even put down the singing,the dude is genius,its a simple song,even the hendrix version,the solo in this would be just as difficult id say,as the hendrix one,um hendrix did that in the studio with like 5 differnt takes and gtrs,he sucked too playing it live,Fact!
evelskunny 1 year ago
I've been playing this song, while looping percussive slaps on my guitar utilizing a mic with the pickup l installed in my guitar. Thanks for the idea, Michael...
davidbrucemusicvideo 1 year ago
Excellent guitar, his singing isn't anything like hendrix's though. And I'm not saying that because it's different. It really doesn't do the song justice at all. I know many Hedges fans will hate me after having read that, but like I said, he is an excellent guitarist. It also takes balls to cover a masterpiece like this, and for that I applaud him. Great cover nonetheless.
oceanwaves83 1 year ago
@oceanwaves83 Are you aware that this song was actually written by Bob Dylan?
chronicmango 1 year ago
@chronicmango Are you aware that I was comparing this version of this song to THE BEST version?
oceanwaves83 1 year ago
Six people gave this video thumbs down? There's six people who don't know a damn thing about music...
HPLoveshaft 1 year ago
Hedges' arrangement and performance of this tune is indeed brilliant. Whether or not it is "better" than the other brilliant performances of this simple tune is useless banter. Like trying to argue whether green or blue is the better colour, its simply a matter of taste. If one thing might be agreed upon, it is to once again acknowledge the genius of Bob Dylan as a songwriter. His work is embraced by other fine artists who take it and make it their own.
iused2BAfireman 1 year ago 18
@iused2BAfireman well said my friend,many great and underappreciated artists out there , heres one ,check out john butler trio ,songs called zebra, from the WAVE AID concert in aussieland, enjoy
stick935 6 months ago
@stick935 -- Good stuff, but for recommending JBT to people I'd personally go with the version of "Ocean" from Federation Square. (They also did a great version of "Better Man" at the Wave Aid show.) Just my two cents....
iamthebyron 5 months ago
@stick935 nice!
mjedgerley 5 months ago
@iused2BAfireman Dont you mean 'Jimi Hemdrix as a songwriter?' not Bob Dylan, he didnt write this song, Hendrix did
trentdarko 5 months ago
@trentdarko Google isn't that hard to use. Dylan wrote it.
ovrays 5 months ago
@ovrays You don't need to use Google... just some common fucking sense (which trentdarko apparently lacks) This is "Classic Rock: 101"
Rossco343 3 months ago
@trentdarko seriously???? hendrix was a huge dylan fan and he covered bob's watchtower.
fentonjames 4 months ago
Just to clear things up, DAEEAA, its very loose on bottom string so if your guitar is catching put everything up half a step and jam. For main progression its just bar chord . 4-4-4- - - 2-2-2 - - 0 - 0 -2 -2. also hitting the open strings here and there what ever FEELS right. harmonics on the 7th and 12th respectivly. and just be playful. i never heard Mr Hedges play this the same way twice. theres lots of different feels u can get out of it. hope i helped.
RickyRaff 1 year ago
I was lucky enough to see Michael a long time ago when he supported Suzanne Vega in one of her first gigs in Belfast. I feel that I am privileged to have seen such a talented musician and a great performer. He rocked the house. He is missed.
telboy1966manu 1 year ago 2
best version ever
bgreen280 1 year ago
Hi guys, firstly i would love to fantastic performer, and that we as a acoustic duo are soo inspired by him we are just starting out , wouldnt mind it, if any of you guys wanted to check out our channel ^.^ Thanks guys, R.I.P micheal hedges xx
JokerAndThiefMusic 1 year ago
Hedges is absolutely phenomenal.
lonetazdevil20 1 year ago
Evidence the Heavens seed our planet with amazing talent!
electrikmoon 1 year ago 3
It's amazing how simple he makes it look....he's just flowing so naturally....this is really how you interpret a song.
lonelydwightfrye 1 year ago
wow this is why youtube rules, this is the first time i have heard of michael hedges and im sorry for that, i'm a huge fan of john martyn and throught my search for this unusuall works ive stumbled across this, thankyou so much for posting this, im now gonna spend the day being re-educated by michael hedges
carsickclive 1 year ago 4
Sheer genius.
fairman1952 1 year ago
What is up with these musicians all passing away at such a young age..
CaptainP00face 1 year ago
Michael was friend and a classmate of mine at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Yes, he was a conservatory trained musician!! I worked with him briefly on developing his voice. Michael was unique. He brought great guitar playing (very inventive, I might add) and a passion that I haven't witnessed often in other performers. Please don't compare him to anyone. He was his "own" person in every way.
TheLadyprofessor 1 year ago 25
@TheLadyprofessor haha no way thats cool, thanks for sharing your story
omgstoptakingnames 1 year ago
@TheLadyprofessor You did a wonderful job. I love his voice, not only is it pure, but it drips with passion.
dorian411 5 months ago
Does anybody know what tuning he is using please???
yatsa 1 year ago
@yatsa Dadgad
toddajunior 1 year ago
@yatsa i stand corrected. its actually. Daeeaa and the tuning is awesome
toddajunior 1 year ago
@toddajunior ..many thanks for taking the time to reply
yatsa 1 year ago
@yatsa Hedgey tuning. If you've got to ask...
jjleonard1 1 year ago
@yatsa DAEEAA look it up on ultimate guitar if you want to learn it :)
beyourself266 1 year ago
Comment removed
Manofdarkdesires 1 year ago
the voice, THE VOICE!!!! words fail me
Manofdarkdesires 1 year ago
finde ich einfach nur gut ....
fishman161 1 year ago
definitely the best version of the song
MrCherrycheeks 1 year ago
This is my favorite version as well, such an amazing player!
yogalyla 1 year ago
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this blokes a complete prick, hope he gets gangreen inhis fingers
thehomefront 1 year ago
Comment removed
engineer0815 1 year ago
I think Bob and Jimi would aprove.
fukinsid 1 year ago
Im not a fan of the acoustic. it really kills it without jimmys guiutar making your ears bleed in the background.
mysideofthecouch 1 year ago
@mysideofthecouch I agree completely. This guy comes off like a burnt-out street husquer. Jimi's version is the definitive. Without the fantastic percussion and the screaming guitar providing the environment for the lyrics, this shit falls flat. Flat as the front of yer fridge.
tacoland2000 1 year ago
@tacoland2000 seriously? I associate this version with "All Along the Watchtower" a lot more than I do with Hendrix's, no offense to him.
ledzep6995 1 year ago
@tacoland2000 I'm going to respectfully disagree. While you are entitled to not like it, this version does not "fall flat" at all. Jimi's version is fucking brilliant, don't get me wrong. But I personally feel this version has more emotional involvement then Jimi's, which is more "rock out" focused, that is just my opinion though. So don't take this as me belittling your opinion, just stating my own. Peace.
stasgard 1 year ago
Hedges is a great player but for me Jimi Hendrix owns this song vocally and instrumentally.
ironpirites 1 year ago
the ending gives out such amazing energy, i would have loved to of been in his shoes when they started applauding
MrJackWaters 1 year ago
Silence! God is playing.....
jesuswithatwist 1 year ago
best version of this song i have ever heard
carpdemon99 1 year ago
rip man
MetalOmgz 1 year ago
Better than the versions by , Mason, Matthews, Brewer & Shipley, Pearl Jam, Neil Young and even Hendrix & Savage Grace comes in a close second to this remarkable Dylan song. Dylan even saw Hedges perform it and said that this is how it should be played. This song was meant for only a few people to really play. You had to see Hedges play it live to really feel it.
rastaxman 1 year ago 2
A very dynamic performance. Brilliant.
Stratboy999 2 years ago 39
RIP guitar man!
Lehmann108 2 years ago 3
Hedges version of All Along the Watchtower is my all time favorite.
Ironclad35 2 years ago 61
yes i agree! Not even the original song could be compared to this master piece.
Rip Hedges.
Rip Roche.
xpLoOs 2 years ago 4
To me it would be arguable between this one and richie kotzens...
Timmonsec 2 years ago
@Ironclad35 Same here man. Love all of Hedges' stuff. Influenced me loads.
FlipstaGIB 1 year ago
@Ironclad35 maybe u should listen to this guy named jimi hendrix, he was a pretty good guitar player... just ok, not revolutionary or anything
metalupyourass20 1 year ago
@metalupyourass20 I really hope your being sarcastic about Jimi Hendrix beacause he was a VERY revolutionary guitar player and was alot more then "just ok".
guitarplayer354 1 year ago 2
@Ironclad35 i wish Robert Dylan would cover this
rosskstar 11 months ago
@rosskstar
Lolwut~
moonstonesandhoney 11 months ago
@Ironclad35
True that. That man was super-talented, and a righteous soul. I get teary-eyed thinking about how he checked out way too early. Love him.
madtiger111 7 months ago
@Ironclad35 I agree..and the voice is appropriate..I also love dave matthews' and paul weller's versions..check'em out..the are really good..let me know.. :-)
jonesthecat00 7 months ago
trying to think of some 6 letter words to describe this guy.....he's _ _ _ _ _ _ _ amazing... and in a class of musicians/singers all by himself. I was fortunate to have seen him 6 times. Total Zen with the guitar. thanks Michael
rastaxman 2 years ago 2
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Thank you, Michael.
uggligr 2 years ago 3
amazing talent''right there''
evelskunny 2 years ago 4
I saw Michael Hedges live in a cabaret concert. If you think a performer should stand there like a tree and only play, well, I feel sorry for you. He treated all of us as if we were his guests, he was funny, witty and gracious. He did a duet with his college instructor who is a master class classical guitarist, and it was very clear that he held Michael in the utmost esteem. .
victoriavictrix 2 years ago 6
My absolute favorite cover of this tune.
beautifulmusical 2 years ago 13
@beautifulmusical
You like it more than Hendrix's?
beatdeat 1 year ago
Masterpiece
amegatron07 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The My Chemical Romance version is the best, easily.
NarutBandit 2 years ago
extra ordinary ohhhhhhhhhhh i never heard such a good music
gogokhan95 2 years ago
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Look....a monkey xD
Nice song tho.
thomasioth2 2 years ago
Great version, but to say that this one owns Hendrix version is just stupid.
thepoisonwhisky 2 years ago
BEST version of dylans song, genious.
illspirit1965 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
that was Jimi Hendrix's song
SiCkGuiTaR93 2 years ago
You could be forgiven for thinking that, but it's actually a Bob Dylan original, although Hedges played the Hendrix version.
Musically, unlike most other covers I've ever heard, the various versions of Watchtower almost all surpass the original. Does anyone know of any other better-than-the-original covers?
P.S. Who else wants to kill the All Saints for what they did to Under The Bridge?
Dean82517 2 years ago
Dave matthews.. watch some videos he does with just his acoustic guitar for it and then watch some with the band.. he is AMAZING and has the BEST version out to date.. HANDS DOWN. no lie haha. hope you get to see it!!
iamthemusicman13 2 years ago
Amazing! Better than the studio version. I absolutely agree with what AmbassadorButa stated. Michael Hedges was highly original.
EstebanChurches 2 years ago
In my opinion no one, not even Hendrix, did a better job with this song. Nice to read about other people who were lucky enough to see him live twice. Never before, and never again, would I see someone who was just so full of joy when performing. You just could not be in a bad mood during or after a Hedges show. The last time I saw him was in Seattle 1997. I am not sure if he actually did any shows after that one before the tragic accident.
AmbassadorButa 2 years ago 6
i was lucky enough to get a chance to see him live. My dad is a huge fan of hedges and decided to bring me to the concert he was playing at a local event. i think i was 7 but i remember it like it was yesterday. R.I.P.
EtRCamel 2 years ago
There are a number of great, young guitarists coming onto the scene that owe Hedges a great deal...Andy McKee is just one of them.
ScooterNerd 2 years ago
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He has technical ability. He sucked as a performer.
aczwie 2 years ago
How can you watch this performance and say that? Jealous much? I saw him many times live and he was a joy to watch, a genius and innovator who was taken away too soon.
romansdad9 2 years ago
Romansdad... I saw Michael in Toronto and Montreal... the Montreal performance was in a small setting and he was amazing. Everyone could feel his energy, passion, and genius - he was a truly gifted performer. Who knows what he would have done with the guitar with the advances in technology...
nishnabi 2 years ago
Maybe he comes off better live. I'm not jealous. That's a dumb statement, for that would imply that I'm jealous of all performers that are good. Not true. Stevie Ray Vaughn? Jealous? No. MJ? Jealous? No. etc.
aczwie 2 years ago
aczwie: You said: "he sucked as a performer" after watching a great performance on youtube. What motivates such a statement? I guessed jealousy, and you say that is dumb. Fine. Then why would you say something so stupid about his performance when proof to the contrary is right here in this video? Makes no sense to me and I called you on it. Simple as that. I just think you are alone in your assessment of his live performance.
romansdad9 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I said nothing stupid. I said that his performance sucked. Which is my opinion. And so what if I am alone in my assessment? That proves nothing. There is no proof that his performance is excellent. I'll say it again: he has good to excellent technical ability, but his performance sucked.
aczwie 2 years ago
aczwie, if it's entertainment you like then go listen to britney spears. For us music buffs, we'll stick with michael. That is my opinion.
benstewarthelm 2 years ago 2
@aczwie You're probably alone in more than just your assessment.
kermsroomy 1 month ago
aczwie your jealous troll.
05rsx 2 years ago
aczwie is just trying to get attention. ignore him.
mcj3691 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
As far as getting someone's attention, I seem to have yours.
Sorry, but Michael Hedges is a poor performer.
aczwie 2 years ago
What? How is he a bad performer? He had plenty of stage presence and even told funny jokes in between songs. What about that is bad?
ShatOnATurtle10 2 years ago 3
aczwie
You don't understand anything about this
videomakkers 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What do you mean by this statement? I don't understand music? I don't like good performers?
aczwie 2 years ago
aczwie, normally i stay calm but... STFU!!! hedges owns the stage
Baracoeda00 2 years ago 5
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you mean 'STFU!!! hedges owned the stage'.
Sorry, but the guy has zilch in entertainment value. I've said it before that he is technically very good, but I don't care for his show. And why would you get so upset with someone's opinion? That's very juvenile of you.
aczwie 2 years ago
It's a damn shame that a legend such as Micheal Hedges went without the respect he deserves. Everyone should know the name.
Epiphonemusic86 2 years ago