My beloved brother, Steve, loved Chet Atkins, me not so much and whilst I appreciated the technique it left me somewhat cold as I was looking for expressionism and feeling, Chet seemed too absorbed in technique but master of his craft none the less
Chet Atkins advice on how to play:#1 It is in the hands, the individual touch, and in the expression of emotion that touches the inner soul, not the equipment.#2 Play a style that you want to play, not one that you think others want you to play.#3 When learning a song, the first thing is to figure out the chords, find the substitution, and the inversions that will enhance the tune.#4 Do not memorize the song, but only “kind of know it.” That way it is an expression of emotion at that moment.#5 When you play, don’t play mechanically, play like you are singing the notes.#6 Don’t learn from tab.#7 Play like yourself…be recognized by your style.#8 Don’t copy. It’s okay to borrow, but never copy.#9 Most importantly, don’t over-play. (Chet said, “ A good musician should be like a good poet, he should use as few notes (or words) as possible to convey the thought and feeling.” Les Paul said essentially the same thing. He felt that overplaying is a sure sign of a poor musician, and that while you may appear to be a flashy at first, it will tire the listener eventually, and you lose the respect of others. Chet felt that when playing with others, a good musician should not showboat, but instead hang back and help others sound their best.# 10 Don't over-stay your welcome. Chet said, "There's a difference between being an artist and being an entertainer. An entertainer knows when to leave the stage."#11 Slow down so the listener can savor your music. Fast and flashy is unnecessary and usually undesirable.# 12 Stay close to the melody. Don’t just play notes to fill up space.#13 Musical rests are just as important as the notes.#14 Help others be successful.Source: TDPRI Forum.Photo: Wolf Hoffmann
Chet Atkins - Yakety Axe Live 1991
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