Then I did a few gigs sitting in with a band in London, and my opinion changed. It was before the first gig that the guitarist was warming up in the corner on his Gibson 175. I enquired politely what it was that he was picking away at.

“Freight Train, the Chet Atkins version,” came the reply. We were just about to do what was essentially a very blues-based gig. “Go listen to him you will be impressed.” I did, and I was.Īnd I must have had a strange expression on my face because I had said nothing. There was no doubt he could play, albeit in a style I was unfamiliar with. It taught me a lesson to not discount the abilities of some musicians. Especially those that I was not familiar with, or particularly liked the genre they were placed in. He released countless albums and crossed musical boundaries. Playing country and Folk and even dabbling with a bit of Jazz and classical. He had collaborations with various people, Mark Knopfler being one. Like Mark, Chet Atkins had a rather unique fingerpicking style.

And he took inspiration from his playing from the genius that was Django Reinhardt. He worked with a stack of people too numerous to mention. Safe to say, he was a respected musician. He was labeled by many as a Country guitar player, which in some people’s eyes was a little unfair. But, he was much more than just a “Country-music guitarist.” He inspired new generations of people with his stylistic playing. He paved the way for many offering them new technical ideas.Īnd in doing so, helped a new generation of guitarists. His guitar had a huge impact on players across a range of genres. George Harrison was another influenced by his style of playing. He had a great love for the Beatles and their music and usually included at least one of their songs in his stage shows. So, let’s take a look at some of Chet Atkins’ most influential songs. Back in the makeshift dressing room of the 100 Club in Oxford Street in London. Where a young guitarist was warming up for the set playing this. Not the easiest of pieces, but as I remember, he did a decent job. Listening to Chet Atkins play it later, I realized he had done a very good job. Not what you would expect in this sweaty deep underground blues club that had been a bomb shelter in WW2. The music seemed at odds with the surroundings.

Perhaps you play the guitar yourself, and Atkins is one of your favorites. In that case, you may want to get a better guitar. Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Classical Guitars, the Best Acoustic Travel Guitars, the Best Blues Guitars, and the Best Hollow And Semi-Hollow Guitars you can buy in 2022.Īlso, take a look at our detailed reviews of the Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500, the Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300, the Best Jazz Guitars, the Best Resonator Guitar, and the Top 3 Takamine 12 String Acoustic Guitars currently on the market.Īnd don’t miss our helpful guides on 11 Amazing Acoustic Guitar Solos You Must Hear, Different Types Of Chords You Should Know, and 10 Classical Acoustic Guitar Compositions to Wow Your Friends for more useful hints and tips. Chet Atkins’ Most Memorable Songs – Final ThoughtsĬhet Atkins’s music can fit most environments if you let it.

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