Richard Smith plays Tiger Rag

This was Richard's opening number which took all by surprise! -that's why I didn't record his intro....

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Guitar
• Richard
• Smith
• Rag
• Pickin'
• fast
• arpeggio

[MattAlexan]

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!

[PotterNo1]

I've never seen anything like that! I'm a big fan of Richard Smith this is just something else!

[MattAlexan]

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]

Thanks Grant - Richard paying respect to Chet's arrangement !!

[intheairtonight90]

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....

[IncorruptibleTruth]

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.

[2011booger]

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.

[rcahill29]

better than Django's IMO

[martinjp1958]

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.

[Pepsthecat]

@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!

[fuel2obsessions]

for those say that richard is better than tommy renember who is the C.G.P. given by chet

[phjost]

They're both great and extremely boring at the same time in the same way.

[skaedis]

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]

You got a point there brother. These two musicians know their way. We must enjoy their playing.