Newport Sessions: Chris Thile & Chris Funk

Chris Funk sits down with Chris Thile backstage at the Newport Folk Festival about the teachers that inspire them, the art of the mandolin, and playing-practice techniques.
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[@brotherincognito1]

Mr. Thile is exactly right about the "dumb" finger being the ring finger. Our very anatomy makes it a very dependent digit even compared to the pinky. A perfect way to demonstrate is: make a fist. Now try to raise your ring finger on its own and move it around. Now try the same thing with your pinky. It's WAY free-er. Build strength in your pinky and use it!

[@itsgabbycameron]

It is so inspiring to hear Thile speak about his former professors with such reverence. I'm a PhD student in ethnomusicology, and I'm always negotiating with myself how to disseminate complex ideas about music to my students in a simple way. Its cool to know that even Dr. Brown and Dr. Steffa were able to crack someone like Thile. It sounds like these instructors irrevocably changed his creative output, and thus the landscape of acoustic music. 😊

[@austenrobinson2747]

The most gifted all around musician of modern time. The ability to embrace all kinds of music and without a doubt the greatest living mandolist. I’ve seen him with the punch brothers and solo. Both spectacular but as a solo artist you can’t explain what you hear. Exceptional musician.

[@Mandolin_Matt]

Fascinating conversation with one of the mandolin’s modern masters. His outlook on music, especially genres, is such an important voice to have out there today!

[@Lanearndt]

Thile rockin the David Foster Wallace reference! As if I didn't appreciate him enough already!!

[@Jack458111]

So glad I’m alive at the same time as all these great musicians 🔥

[@FreedomofGolf1stAmend]

Just finished watching Billy praise this gentleman on Theo vons show

[@pastor.adrian]

Fantastic interview

[@Lanearndt]

The ring fiber shades a tendon with the middle finger, that's why!

[@stevepughlandman]

Immediately wanted to apply the little finger concept to guitar. Then I remembered Django and thought ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@JustFiddler]

matur suksma

[@DFish111]

7:52 is like a gold Andy Richter line. 🤣

[@charliethym541]

Your friend Sierra Hull has a great pinkie finger style. More practice.