Master the Fingerpicking Style of Chet Atkins with Tommy Emmanuel
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Advice on Focus and Distractions
- Teaching Songs from "It's Never Too Late"
- Song Selection: "El Vaquero"
- The Rhythm Part of "El Vaquero"
- Thumb and Finger Technique
- Playing the First Verse
- Anticipated Melody and Downbeat
- Playing the Last Run
- Practicing and Turning Skills Into Music
Introduction
Hey there, fellow guitar enthusiasts! I'm Tommy Emmanuel, and I'm thrilled to be here, thanks to my friends at Guitar World. Before we embark on this musical journey together, let me just share a funny little incident that happened this morning. I accidentally cut myself while shaving because my mind was preoccupied with thoughts about guitars and music. It goes to show how important it is to focus on one thing at a time – whether it's playing the guitar or shaving.
In this series, I will be teaching you some songs from my album, "It's Never Too Late." Today, we'll start with a song called "El Vaquero," originally written by Chet Atkins and Wayne Moss. The term may sound different depending on how it's pronounced – "el ver-kwero" for a white man or "el bak-raoui" for a Spaniard using a B. Interestingly, when I played this song for the legendary Paco de Lucia, he pronounced it as "elbow, elbow, queer." Clearly, he was a proud Spaniard.
Advice on Focus and Distractions
Let's dive into the song, shall we? "El Vaquero" is in the key of A minor. The original version I heard was from Chet's album "Hometown Guitar," where Wayne played the rhythm part that went like a jet plane. However, I wanted to make some changes to showcase the melody, so I modified a few notes while keeping the rhythmic essence intact.
Before we jump into the details, let me guide you with some important advice for playing this song or any other on the guitar. In this style of playing, often associated with Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, the bass part is played solely with the thumb, while the fingers handle the additional rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. Remember, when playing the melody lines, don't mute the bass. Let it ring out, and then mute it again when the melody comes in.
Teaching Songs from "It's Never Too Late"
Teaching songs from my album "It's Never Too Late" is an exciting opportunity for me to connect with fellow guitar enthusiasts like you. These songs hold a special place in my heart, and I believe they have unique elements to offer. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the captivating world of music as we explore "El Vaquero" together.
Song Selection: "El Vaquero"
"El Vaquero" is a standout track from my album "It's Never Too Late." Although I didn't write this song, it resonated deeply with me for its beautiful melody and captivating rhythm. The song's origins trace back to the collaboration between Chet Atkins and Wayne Moss. I first heard it on Chet's album "Hometown Guitar," where Wayne took charge of the rhythm part. The driving force behind my interest in this tune was the desire to play it as a solid piece, incorporating my unique style.
The Rhythm Part of "El Vaquero"
One of the vital components of playing "El Vaquero" is understanding the rhythm part. The thumb plays a crucial role in this style of playing. The basic thumb pattern goes like this...
