I could listen to Martin talk for days... My ears pricked up when he said he 'was teaching someone'! 😮 I discovered him by accident about 15 years ago when I saw that Danny Thompson was playing with 'a guitarist' just down the road... Well, what a gig that was!
I just heard Martin Simpson for the first time yesterday and I'm kicking myself for missing his music for all these years. The guy is an incredible player.
Martin, I will always cherish that workshop in Grasse, the Fall of 2007 overlooking Cannes in the South of France at La Rivolte. Those evenings outside at the picnic table, drinking wine, and listening to your stories of each song and how/why you play the way you do - was epic and priceless. This video brings back those memories. You are one of a kind. You taught me how to play with a thumb pick and the appreciation of open tunings, and I will forever be grateful.
I've been a fan of the amazing Martin Simpson for many years, but his wonderful insight into his musical soul and his incredible passion for the guitar has really taken me on to a new level of respect. Huge thanks to Martin and Guitarist for bringing this piece of inspiration for us all to share. Top marks all round :)
I used to watch Martin perform at Fleet Folk Club in the back room of the Fox and Hounds Pub when I was too young to be allowed in the Pub! He was always amazing and inspired me to play music!
No guitarist moves me like Martin Simpson. In seconds he can bring me close to tears with his refreshing and reflective take on celtic and Americana vibrations. Precision, simplicity, perfect pacing and emotive genius. Then palms of victory, crowns of glory, Palms of victory I shall wear.
I've been playing guitar nigh on 50 years and this totally blew me away, Martin Simpson you're the man, this has made me want to try some of the techniques shown here. Guitarist keep on bringing the virtuoso acoustic players to the fore, thanks for this great video makes the magazine come alive.
This guy is genius. Would love to sit down with him, for the next 5 yrs or so,just to here him play and explain stuff. Thanks for your time and effort .👍
It's hard to be specific about certain moments in a display of brilliance like this without raising the fur here and there. I love this guy...he's so eager to share secrets and tricks and basics. Top bloke like Tommy Emmanuel.
That was a wonderful way to spend 1/2 hour. His playing makes your heart soar. Saw him 3 weeks ago with Cutting and Kerr and not only was the playing beautiful but the stories brought each song alive. Thanks for putting that up.
Had the pleasure of taking several of his workshops when he lived in the states. I've known and admired classical and jazz players who could take me to school any day of the week but Martin is the finest player I've ever heard. His timing and phrasing is astonishing and second to none.
Really great masterclass this - only just seen it. Excellent stuff. Had the privilege of playing that PRS (he mentions that he 'gigs with most') at Costa Del Folk, Spain in 2015. He let me have a go on it for half an hour or so, bless him! It really is a fantastic instrument! Nice guy - very friendly and approachable - and one helluva player!
I keep coming back to rewatch this, his tone and musicality are amazing and the way he approaches each guitar is inspiring. Even his tuning up is musical and interesting, love it!
Saw him on the front cover of a British Guitar magazine 2015 which I purchased. Never heard of this guy but his great. Purchased on of his CD's and it's great. I have a lot to learn from him.
Brilliant musician and brilliant instruments. Stunning. What I remember about seeing him live was how well he made his technique a servant to the music. A monster, but never uses technique for its own sake. A fast flourish here and there as an accent, a flavor, impeccably executed so it flows naturally out of and into the arrangement. Respect!
There is no wasted motion in his left hand. Of course that is one of the characteristics of greatness-taking the incredibly complex and making it look effortless. WOW!
Martin, u are just the most incredible picker. I've been playing forty years, thank you for the tunings and the picking techniques. They will certainly help my playing and composing. JC
Lovely guy. I met him a few times as I am friends with Dick Gaughan`s son and so have been to a number of shows where Martin was there also. Definitely worth a listen to, some lovely guitar work in his music :)
I’ve been playing badly since 68. Amazing I keep discovering new things ❤ Like a “Pregnant “ tone. I’m off to binge on this guy now to see what I can steal.
lots of comments on this wonderful musician. All I can add is for those of you to see how mindful he is . This man found his calling at a very young age.He is at peace with himself.
Excellent video! I started to review/practice playing guitar again. I took one year of guitar classes in college over 20 years ago. The students learned to play some songs from the guitar book, learned the notes, some chords in less than four months! Practicing everyday is important! If a student also plays piano/keyboard, they will learn to play guitar or other string instrument quicker!
Wonderful. Such a different world to mine. I struggle to improve my guitar playing. He is a natural and has a wonder of incredible instruments available. I would love to just try one of those guitars. But I make do with my 50 year old Yamaha 160......
The video itself is excellent and a really useful accompaniment to the magazine lesson and interview. What would be really useful though, is some kind of chapter / track marking so that you can quickly find the beginning of each example (saving you having to wind back and forth through the video to find the examples when you're trying to learn the tunes).
Michael Kish I don't think he is trying to undermine Martin Simpsons ability. ***** is simply stating that reaching this level of ability is not impossible. It simply takes those faculties and a lot of dedication. Which I 100% agree on
Ed Koch, another in the "arguably the best living guitar player" category, will be the first to tell you there are no tricks or shortcuts. Just aptitude and hours put in. Practice something for 10,000 hours, and you will be great it it. Just remember, the time will pass whether you practice or not!
A lot of guitarist use a thumb pick. I could never get used to that. Always felt not attached and off the instrument. The pick has a brighter sound but a lot of people use their nails to match the brightness of the pick. I think Paul Simon does that too.
CGDGCD "In G tuning with a suspended 4th and 4th in the bass…" ok… 13:06 CGCFCD…ok… So wonderful that he mentions Canada twice. We have some astounding luthiers in Canada.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
I could listen to Martin talk for days...
My ears pricked up when he said he 'was teaching someone'! 😮
I discovered him by accident about 15 years ago when I saw that Danny Thompson was playing with 'a guitarist' just down the road...
Well, what a gig that was!
I just heard Martin Simpson for the first time yesterday and I'm kicking myself for missing his music for all these years. The guy is an incredible player.
Martin, I will always cherish that workshop in Grasse, the Fall of 2007 overlooking Cannes in the South of France at La Rivolte. Those evenings outside at the picnic table, drinking wine, and listening to your stories of each song and how/why you play the way you do - was epic and priceless. This video brings back those memories. You are one of a kind. You taught me how to play with a thumb pick and the appreciation of open tunings, and I will forever be grateful.
I've been a fan of the amazing Martin Simpson for many years, but his wonderful insight into his musical soul and his incredible passion for the guitar has really taken me on to a new level of respect. Huge thanks to Martin and Guitarist for bringing this piece of inspiration for us all to share. Top marks all round :)
I used to watch Martin perform at Fleet Folk Club in the back room of the Fox and Hounds Pub when I was too young to be allowed in the Pub! He was always amazing and inspired me to play music!
No guitarist moves me like Martin Simpson. In seconds he can bring me close to tears with his refreshing and reflective take on celtic and Americana vibrations. Precision, simplicity, perfect pacing and emotive genius.
Then palms of victory, crowns of glory,
Palms of victory I shall wear.
he was my teacher back with Bob Brozman in the year 2000 at guitar camp in Santa Cruz California. the best camp I've ever been to.
I've been playing guitar nigh on 50 years and this totally blew me away, Martin Simpson you're the man, this has made me want to try some of the techniques shown here. Guitarist keep on bringing the virtuoso acoustic players to the fore, thanks for this great video makes the magazine come alive.
I'm a beginner-intermediate fingerpicker and this video is FANTASTIC!
This guy is genius. Would love to sit down with him, for the next 5 yrs or so,just to here him play and explain stuff. Thanks for your time and effort .👍
It's hard to be specific about certain moments in a display of brilliance like this without raising the fur here and there. I love this guy...he's so eager to share secrets and tricks and basics. Top bloke like Tommy Emmanuel.
That was a wonderful way to spend 1/2 hour. His playing makes your heart soar. Saw him 3 weeks ago with Cutting and Kerr and not only was the playing beautiful but the stories brought each song alive. Thanks for putting that up.
Martin is really approachable and generous in his teachings. And very much his 'own' style!
I could listen to this all day. He makes those guitars sound so good and it seems quite effortlessly.
You don't often see a musician of Martin Simpson's stature willing to give his time to help out us mere mortals. Many thanks.
What a touch martin has.
One of the best you will hear.
Magic
Seeing this makes my day. Martin Simpson is amazing and I didn't expect to find a video of him teaching.
Had the pleasure of taking several of his workshops when he lived in the states. I've known and admired classical and jazz players who could take me to school any day of the week but Martin is the finest player I've ever heard. His timing and phrasing is astonishing and second to none.
Really great masterclass this - only just seen it. Excellent stuff. Had the privilege of playing that PRS (he mentions that he 'gigs with most') at Costa Del Folk, Spain in 2015. He let me have a go on it for half an hour or so, bless him! It really is a fantastic instrument! Nice guy - very friendly and approachable - and one helluva player!
Duncan McFarlane wow you're a lucky man
I keep coming back to rewatch this, his tone and musicality are amazing and the way he approaches each guitar is inspiring. Even his tuning up is musical and interesting, love it!
The name dropping in this is pretty solid.. a whole day of goggling awaits!
Saw him on the front cover of a British Guitar magazine 2015 which I purchased. Never heard of this guy but his great. Purchased on of his CD's and it's great. I have a lot to learn from him.
This is why I subscribe to guitarist. ...they focus on the tone of the guitar because it matters to them and to us. Always top-notch
Excellent video. No wasted time watching this. Thanks for posting.
Brilliant musician and brilliant instruments. Stunning.
What I remember about seeing him live was how well he made his technique a servant to the music. A monster, but never uses technique for its own sake. A fast flourish here and there as an accent, a flavor, impeccably executed so it flows naturally out of and into the arrangement. Respect!
I think this is my favourite video on TH-cam. Audio quality is incredible. Keep up the good work, Guitarist.
Incredible Martin. U are such a joy to listen to. Love the folk song.
i keep coming back, guy's a beast
There is no wasted motion in his left hand. Of course that is one of the characteristics of greatness-taking the incredibly complex and making it look effortless. WOW!
Thanks for generosity Martin!!
Martin, u are just the most incredible picker. I've been playing forty years, thank you for the tunings and the picking techniques. They will certainly help my playing and composing. JC
This is really wonderful. I'd never heard of this man before, but I will definitely check his music out. Superb stuff.
Jim Zweers He is one of the best acoustic players in the world, his tone is amazing. Rather handy banjo player too.
I got to study with Martin when he lived in Santa Cruz. Great player. Lyrical and entrenched in the British Isles.
Lovely guy. I met him a few times as I am friends with Dick Gaughan`s son and so have been to a number of shows where Martin was there also. Definitely worth a listen to, some lovely guitar work in his music :)
me too, awesome guitar player, Martin Simpson & youtube here I come!
Because of this man I bought a epiphone hummingbird pro today and I've started to learn how to play guitar. Cheers for inspiring me Martin.
How I wish I'd had TH-cam when I started playing way back when. The newer generations have no idea how good they have it!
Wonderful guitar playing indeed. Frailing banjo perks our ears up every time.
I could listen to this guy all day
I can't believe I've only now just heard of Martin Simpson. Astonishing skill and wonderful touch!
What an amazing artist Martin is! Well done on a great film.
Ridiculously excellent. A true master.
oh wow. Im in love with c suspended 2nd tuning.
That banjo is absolutely breathtaking,I've never seen one like it.
My new favorite guitar player, he is wonderful to listen to.
I’ve been playing badly since 68. Amazing I keep discovering new things ❤ Like a “Pregnant “ tone. I’m off to binge on this guy now to see what I can steal.
A great video from a marvelous guitarist and great teacher. I'm sure all will enjoy this video as much as I did. Best wishes, Martin!
Literally a tour de force! Stirs my imagination on what is possible. Thank you so much for posting.
Excellent video. I've appreciated your ability and expertise on stringed instruments for decades. Thanks for sharing.
lots of comments on this wonderful musician. All I can add is for those of you to see how mindful he is . This man found his calling at a very young age.He is at peace with himself.
What a wonderful guitar player. Must check out his work
One of the very best.
Out of this world. That intro is beyond amazing! :)
Plains of Waterloo....amazing tune by a master.
Genius
A great guitar picker seen him live in Chester it was a great night
A wonderful half hour. Thks Martin
Its an amazing and inspiring video.
Excellent video! I started to review/practice playing guitar again. I took one year of guitar classes in college over 20 years ago. The students learned to play some songs from the guitar book, learned the notes, some chords in less than four months! Practicing everyday is important! If a student also plays piano/keyboard, they will learn to play guitar or other string instrument quicker!
Martin, simply put: you're just great.
Makes you want to pick up your guitar and start learning! Amazing.
Wonderful. Such a different world to mine. I struggle to improve my guitar playing. He is a natural and has a wonder of incredible instruments available. I would love to just try one of those guitars. But I make do with my 50 year old Yamaha 160......
Great stuff. Looking forward to seeing his show next month.
I thought I had a decent right hand until I watched this! Brilliant video
What a wonderful and musical player ...
This is beautiful playing, by a master.
Martin's fingers are astonishing poetry.
one of the greatest fingerstyle guitarists ever
Those are some really amazing guitars. Each of them have their own distinct sounds that you make resonate so well. Great video!
Crazy good technique. This guy is up there in the stratosphere with acoustic ninjas like Emmanuel.
The video itself is excellent and a really useful accompaniment to the magazine lesson and interview. What would be really useful though, is some kind of chapter / track marking so that you can quickly find the beginning of each example (saving you having to wind back and forth through the video to find the examples when you're trying to learn the tunes).
An incredible talent.
You have so nice technique!! Everything looks easy and sounds great! And wise words!
this guy is a fucking monster
Yes, indeed.
+Samuel Alanson Care to provide some examples of yourself playing at that level--or do you lack one of those requirements?
Michael Kish I don't think he is trying to undermine Martin Simpsons ability. ***** is simply stating that reaching this level of ability is not impossible. It simply takes those faculties and a lot of dedication. Which I 100% agree on
Ed Koch, another in the "arguably the best living guitar player" category, will be the first to tell you there are no tricks or shortcuts. Just aptitude and hours put in. Practice something for 10,000 hours, and you will be great it it. Just remember, the time will pass whether you practice or not!
+CrazyCow500
...aaaaaaand at 23:57 I laid down my guitar forever and gave up all hope.
Dude's got serious fingerpicking skills, truly incredible...
PLEASE DO MORE LOVE THE SOUND. I DIDN'T KNOW IT COULD BE PLAID UPRIGHT LIKE THAT; I.E. THE DOBRO MARTIN
Great player. Saw him jamming at the Namm Show in Anaheim a few years back. Nice cat.
Great tone on that reso!
Great stuff Martin.I`ve still got the ABNETT Silver Jubilee.( 1977).............battered but still going - bit like the owner.
wonderful sound!
Could listen to Matin the rest of my life!
That's what a musicians room should look like. Just put a bed in the middle. I'm jealous!!!👍🏻🎸🎼🎹🎷🎺🎸🎻
Just exquisite playing.
the famous yeats poem," silver apples of the moon" etc. would fit the plains of waterloo piece like a dream
Plains of Waterloo
That is truly sublime
Met him once in a guitar store. Nice Bloke and great guitar player (and oldtime banjo player)
Wonderful guitar, would love a go on that!
I love it Martin! Nice video!
Loving your lessons Martin! :)
That PRS tone is incredible
That little tan and brown Fender amp... I have the same exact one lol! It’s really nice for home and studio.. won’t complete with a drummer though lol
Martin Simpson PRS Signature Private Stock Acoustic -- $8,899!
+RIFFHANGER Still it's probably cheaper than a 1931 Martin 000-18!
Looks worth it. God it's gorgeous. A real work of art. I wonder how many man hours it took to make.
very cool...thanks. and what a banjo!
beautiful guitars and playing ability to match...loved the Steel'n ? piece @ 15:00 or so minutes in!
I believe it's "Stealin". Great stuff!
Reminds me of nick drake with the tone he gets.
If you love this drake is essential listening..
Pink moon, bryter later etc...
+Martin Howard this shits on Nick Drake and Nick Drake is a God.
A lot of guitarist use a thumb pick. I could never get used to that. Always felt not attached and off the instrument. The pick has a brighter sound but a lot of people use their nails to match the brightness of the pick. I think Paul Simon does that too.
Magical mate !
Really enjoyed that video Martin... cheers :)
Man, this guy is talented
Love it
Amazing video
He is the king of Tone!
I watch this video once every year :-)
grabbed me from the open, what a treat
Cool & Unusual ;)
CGDGCD "In G tuning with a suspended 4th and 4th in the bass…" ok… 13:06 CGCFCD…ok…
So wonderful that he mentions Canada twice. We have some astounding luthiers in Canada.