Norman Blake Plays and teaches Whiskey Before Breakfast

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2008
  • A sample from "Norman Blake's Guitar Techniques DVD 1 - Songs, Instrumentals and Styles" available as an instant download here: leapingbrain.com/modshop/chec...
    This DVD is a boon to all players who want to explore country flatpicking and the smooth, uncluttered Norman Blake guitar style. In his clear and concise way, Norman covers the basics of his technique so that even near-beginners will gain the important skills necessary to play in this style. You'll learn alternating strokes, rolls, crosspicking, single string/rhythm chord combinations and other aspects of his right-hand style, plus slides, pull-offs, hammer-ons, chord positions and melody notes. Nancy's back-up technique is highlighted, and Norman gives tips on use of the capo, open strings and special tunings.Songs and instrumentals include "Whiskey Before Breakfast," "Gray Coat Soldiers," "Prettiest Little Girl In The Country," "The Wreck Of The Old '97," "Ginseng Sullivan," "Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine."Review:"Even in the velvet draped background of a video recording studio, the listener feels like they've been invited to a special one-on-one lesson on Blake's own back porch. Better role models for traditional music are hard to come by, and I highly recommend this to intermediate-level players."- Sing Out! MagazineStudent Review:"I just wanted to let you know how much enjoyment and experience I have gained from both of your videos. In comparing your teaching style with what I have seen on other videos, I find yours to be among the best. I might also add that I am a faculty member (in Microbiology, believe it or not - wondering sometimes whether I missed my calling as an old-time guitar and mandolinist) here at the University of North Texas in Denton. As someone who plays (and learns) practically every day, it makes me wonder sometimes where my interests and talents will carry me." - Dan Kunz, Texas
    To get the DVD version of this title on Homespun Tapes please visit the links below:
    Norman Blake's Guitar Techniques - DVD 1
    bit.ly/za6csz
    Norman Blake's Guitar Techniques - Two-DVD Set
    bit.ly/wI8Qcc
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ความคิดเห็น • 127

  • @draconus0311
    @draconus0311 11 ปีที่แล้ว +124

    I appreciate all the positive comments, ladies and gents. My grandfather, Norman, I'm sure appreciates it as well. I doubt he'll ever see them, though, considering he despises computers. LOL

    • @alan4sure
      @alan4sure 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They are not the end-all by any means!

    • @jasonslayton2970
      @jasonslayton2970 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I’m from Fort Payne Alabama. I’m living around Nashville now, but, when I was a young man I’d see your grandparents out from time to time. My good buddy is J.B.‘s nephew. Norman and Nancy are National Treasures! Much love.

    • @davidbrogan432
      @davidbrogan432 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      🙏💖

    • @ritaspencer2144
      @ritaspencer2144 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      He's not the only one!

    • @danothemano99
      @danothemano99 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I remember telling Norman at one of his shows in the late 90's that he had an internet following and he was really taken back, like he couldn't even imagine. What an awesome and humble guy, the few times I have met him, and an inspiration to me on guitar for most of my adult life.

  • @calypsojimmy
    @calypsojimmy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    there are so many incredible flatpickers in the world today, but the ONE that tickles me to death to watch, hear, and simply enjoy for the sake of combined technical excellence and authentic soulful southern musicality at the highest spiritual level is Norman Blake.

  • @JimmyDeLocke
    @JimmyDeLocke 15 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Norman is truly one of the legends of flatpicking. Ask anyone who knows.
    Those of you who are old enough to remember Dylan's Nashville Skyline album may recall that the hot guitar break on Nashville Skyline Rag was played by Norman. That was over 40 years ago and he's still going strong. He created a style of his own when flatpicking was new, taking Carter style to the next level. He's not just "good" he's one of the greats of the genre.

  • @tunefultony
    @tunefultony 15 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I've been teaching for some years & I have never heard cross picking so simply explained & demonstrated.
    Mind you , Norman makes it look easy.

  • @beanstalked
    @beanstalked 16 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I've got all three of his homespun tapes. And they're all brilliant! Apart from his really practical teaching skills, and as silly this sounds, the fact that he seems like such a nice guy encourages you to try harder. His mandolin DVD blew me away.

    • @robertshorthill6836
      @robertshorthill6836 ปีที่แล้ว

      Where can I get this rare book with all these great tunes that are only learnable by ear and many hours or days?

  • @williambutler8624
    @williambutler8624 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I know this a older video, but Norman Blake is one of the best flatpickers around, he makes it look so easy, he is truly a gifted musician, also he a humble person, a true entertainer, I hope him and family are doing well, just bought one of his albums, I could listen to his flat picking all day.

  • @knopflerado
    @knopflerado 12 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The first time I saw Norman play live I walked to the back of the stage to see if someone else was playing too. I couldn't believe one person was getting that much sound out of a guitar. Amazing right hand!

  • @Banjo362
    @Banjo362 10 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    He has such gentle touch. I like how beautiful and melodic it sounds. Sounds like a harp. I also like how its not wild or syncopated.

  • @jackk9366
    @jackk9366 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Man his tone is sooooooooo goooooooodddddd I can only strive for such tightness balance and dynamics

  • @grorob52
    @grorob52 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    He is such a master! I love to watch him play it always looks like he is having so much fun. Hope he is well and knows what a great influence to all that love music

  • @bigmuddy1
    @bigmuddy1 13 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    @birchwand Norman is so relaxed because he confesses he has never had a real job, just playing music. If only we could all do that!

  • @billlowe6883
    @billlowe6883 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent

  • @giannirocco7492
    @giannirocco7492 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Now THAT'S a bad man!I've always had so much respect for Mr.NormanBlake it's hard for me to describe...long story short,he's truly a great player and awesome human being!

  • @joereadel
    @joereadel ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been watching this for 10 years and it never gets old. Norman's crosspicking is so clean

  • @randeezydizzle
    @randeezydizzle ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "And I'm gonna play this tune on the third fret just because that I like the sound of it there" is what I tell people every time they ask why I play a song with a capo

  • @MidwestBriar
    @MidwestBriar 15 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ive been trying to figure it out for months and I think I finaly get it thanx to this video

  • @LunaMoonJune
    @LunaMoonJune 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love this song... been singing it forever !!

  • @ryanbouchard1185
    @ryanbouchard1185 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome

  • @AlbertoDati
    @AlbertoDati 13 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yeah, his right hand is amazing!

  • @Tree_born_crooked
    @Tree_born_crooked 13 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Working on this now, I really recommend this set of dvds

  • @gombakhillbillies
    @gombakhillbillies 14 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I know NB is great in technique, but what I also love about him is the tone he gets out of his guitars. Just love it!

    • @alan4sure
      @alan4sure 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It helps to have a guitar 50 or 100 years old😅

    • @gombakhillbillies
      @gombakhillbillies 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@alan4sure haha! I'm sure.

    • @turrafirmaguitarchannel
      @turrafirmaguitarchannel 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      He famously uses the 12 fret Martin dread with the slotted headstock. They have a big sweet tone.

  • @bazthehandyman
    @bazthehandyman 13 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Lovely !!

  • @ptalbany
    @ptalbany 16 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    he makes it look so easy lol
    someday is all I say someday

  • @keisenburg9828
    @keisenburg9828 11 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I work with Norman Blakes grandson!

  • @NancyEMcGill
    @NancyEMcGill 13 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    beautiful sound.

  • @tedpeterson1156
    @tedpeterson1156 7 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    "Jess because I like the sound of it thar.." Capo anywhere you like.. LOL What a great lesson.

  • @amusicalheart7
    @amusicalheart7 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Russell, I play strictly by ear, but what comes into play is what's called muscle memory.
    Once you learn something you should play it until it gets so ingrained that you can think about something else and still play it perfectly.
    It just takes time; longer for some than for others.
    Certainly those who fully understand scales and music theory have an easier time learning but when it comes to performance of a song you need to know the piece so well that you throw all the conscious thinking about theory out the window and just play it from your heart.

    • @818deadboys
      @818deadboys 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Beautifully put.

    • @lordofthemound3890
      @lordofthemound3890 ปีที่แล้ว

      Straight up. There are songs I’ve forgotten how to play, but my fingers remember.

    • @BURGRKNG
      @BURGRKNG 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Theory won't help most situations when improvising live if you're playing at a fair clip, theory is for training your ear more than anything imo

  • @mosrite60
    @mosrite60 15 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Norman, Tony Rice , Bryan Sutton the three top flatpickers in my mind. Discounting ole Doc of course who is still above everyone when it comes to flatpickin'

    • @bchunter53
      @bchunter53 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I might add Kenny Smith and Bob Minner.

  • @johnojazz78
    @johnojazz78 10 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love the way Norman plays it swung at a slow tempo, most flatpicking on old time tunes tends to be pretty straight (nothing wrong with that either)

    • @AndreJDaniels
      @AndreJDaniels 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      no kidding. Was just listening to Monroe and boys absolutely smoke through Roanoke and then this. Lovely.

  • @DilloTank
    @DilloTank 11 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I hear you Matt, me too. It's pretty simple, but damn hard to do!!! Lordy, Lordy have mercy!!!
    There's only one Norman!!!

  • @ztahs
    @ztahs 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love the albums that he made with Tony Rice

    • @jmdbb
      @jmdbb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love those albums too. Mostly guitar and singing. Nary a mandolin or fiddle in sight to play all over the guitars. I wish there were more albums like this I could find.

  • @vintageguitarguru
    @vintageguitarguru 13 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @birdy2foot The guitar is a very rare D-18h. It was originally meant to be played in the hawaiian style, but was converted to be played in the standard spanish style.

  • @mygad
    @mygad 15 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It's a great video from a great DVD. I've got the first one and going to get the second one.

  • @aaronjones3613
    @aaronjones3613 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful

  • @rico700hd
    @rico700hd 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great tune and advice- thanks!

  • @mlwsf
    @mlwsf 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yep, ain't learning that this week at best, though I am tempted to say lifetime. Lol. Dude makes it look effortless for sure.

  • @jakesmet9426
    @jakesmet9426 ปีที่แล้ว

    For me, Tony Rice and Norman Blake. We stand on the shoulders of innovators such as Mr. Monroe, Earl, Hartford, Vassar Clements, Stringbean, Uncle Dave Macon. Jeff Austin, founding member of YMSB, comin hot off 'OH, BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?'.

  • @tacratt6091
    @tacratt6091 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would love to hear that old D18 with a good neck set, taller saddle, and bone nut. Norman makes it still sound good!

  • @YTSlide
    @YTSlide 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I loved it when Norman said "I'm gonna play this tune on the 3rd fret just because I like the sound of it there." What he's saying is, don't worry about music theory people. Play what sounds right.

  • @robertshorthill6836
    @robertshorthill6836 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wish he'd spend about 45 minutes teaching Elzic's Farewell. Man, that would be priceless.

  • @timmyles314
    @timmyles314 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice. Thanks for this lesson .

  • @Poodlepups
    @Poodlepups 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Second that comment...I'd like to hear The Old Brown Case too. Robin Bullock played it for me but said I should hear the original.

  • @philkinzer6486
    @philkinzer6486 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Man he makes this look like taking candy from a baby!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

  • @GuitarSlinger2112
    @GuitarSlinger2112 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    If your right hand tenses up, identify the farthest part up your arm that's getting tense. Let's say it's your shoulder and you find all you rmuscles are clenched up down to your fingers. Instead of trying to relax everything, just concentrate on freeing up your shoulder and don't worry about the rest of your arm just yet, once you have learned to control the muscle tension there, focus on your biceps and triceps, then your elbow, then your forearm, then your wrist and finally fingers.

  • @e1ay3dme12
    @e1ay3dme12 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Is Norman not just about the most "down home" person ever?

  • @planezane
    @planezane 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey J.D. Try going to "The Festival Tapes 7.0: Bluegrass Sampler". It's a great video of Norman, Nancy and James Bryan performing "The Old Brown Case". Good luck to you.

  • @jackpenny8572
    @jackpenny8572 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    sheeeeeeyiiit

  • @lkb3rd
    @lkb3rd 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @redflare31
    That's standard tuning capo'd at the 3rd fret, using the "c" form.

  • @jameslumley2463
    @jameslumley2463 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Norman Blake, can you show us how to play "Maple on a Hill"?

  • @JohnnyHurbonConnections
    @JohnnyHurbonConnections 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Geius in the house

  • @aliwhitwell
    @aliwhitwell 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Agree entirely. Tim O'Brien also manages to have the same relaxed right hand when playing the mando and guitar.

    • @alan4sure
      @alan4sure 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bryan Sutton too and Kenny Smith. And Molly Tuttle.....hmmmm.

  • @TruegrassBoy
    @TruegrassBoy 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @1nonconformist I agree!

  • @rickykelleher9833
    @rickykelleher9833 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:34 I'm sure that lick inspired landslide

  • @1nonconformist
    @1nonconformist 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @1deadtoe: tiger woods is also one of the greatest philanders to ever live, whether you like his golfing or not.

  • @Vanguard448
    @Vanguard448 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @1deadtoe I think it's more like saying that the Atlantic Ocean is a little bit bigger than a paddling pool.

  • @EverTommy
    @EverTommy 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @birchwand
    how does he acheve that reaxed right hand technique? The same way he got to Caernigie Hall...................practice1

  • @1deadtoe
    @1deadtoe 15 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow! Give this tread a rest. Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfer who has every lived whether you like him or not. Ditto for for Norman Blake as a flat picker. He is one of my favorite musicians. I'm a big fan of Norman and Tiger.

  • @therealrandcamp
    @therealrandcamp 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gold Rush it is! But I think it's Blake's version.

  • @I0MSammy
    @I0MSammy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thought it would be of interest to mention that the second version that Norman does is very similar to Joscho Stephan's technique of playing arpeggios which he calls a "rake".

    • @BURGRKNG
      @BURGRKNG 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Its like sweep picking but you give it more pick

  • @rerite2
    @rerite2 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hello Everyone. Question for all the musicians out there who can help this tone-deaf human figure something out: when a musician, like Norman Blake, plays a song like the one in this video, is the musician thinking, consciously, of each note to play? Such as: C..D...D...C...C...G., etc. ? Or is the song played strictly by "ear"? I assume some musicians play a song so many times they can play a song in their sleep? Do you start out slow, playing note by note, naming each note, and work your way up? Thank you!

    • @socializard1
      @socializard1 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      there is the learning of the song...then there is practicing the physicality of the song (muscle memory)...then you throw in your own runs or mix it up a little so it becomes your own. but when you've played so many fiddle tunes a lot of the runs are somewhat similar so the muscle memory for the song comes much quicker when you've got more songs under your belt.
      I don't learn every note. I just know what key he's in and have an idea of where he's going by knowing for example he's in the key of C (or Eb with the capo) playing in 1st position.
      I'm by no means a fancy player. i'm maybe a strong intermediate player (at almost 17 years! d'oh).

    • @rerite2
      @rerite2 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Very helpful. Thank you!

    • @lkb3rd
      @lkb3rd 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Instead of thinking of note names, he is probably hearing what it's going to sound like in his head as he plays it.
      As far as how to start, as socializard1 says, learn lots of tunes. A second thing you can do is to start singing your lines to get the sound of the notes in your head. Learn to sing do re mi fa so la ti do, and the "Doe, a deer" song maybe. Don't worry about sounding like Pavarotti, just focus on getting the pitches right.
      And stick with it and have faith :) It takes time and effort.

    • @rerite2
      @rerite2 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      thank you

  • @Crumpleshadow
    @Crumpleshadow 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    tune starts at 0:48

  • @ryokokato4027
    @ryokokato4027 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    0:47

  • @fjlawrence
    @fjlawrence 11 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I wonder if his fiddle and mandolin buddies feel the same about the key of Eb?

    • @benjaminking3677
      @benjaminking3677 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      They make capos for mandolins now but fiddle players beware!

  • @redflare31
    @redflare31 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wat tuning is it in? standard? drop d?

    • @alan4sure
      @alan4sure 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Standard tuning.

  • @blackdogleg
    @blackdogleg 15 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Clarence White

  • @jacobk23
    @jacobk23 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What's the song playing in the intro?

  • @EarlMalmsteen
    @EarlMalmsteen 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gold rush, probably the Tony Rice version

  • @brendanflaherty4624
    @brendanflaherty4624 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    shhhhh dude

  • @BoyajianDon
    @BoyajianDon 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I forget- what is the name of the song in the intro?

    • @mbsnyderc
      @mbsnyderc 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Donald Boyajian Whiskey before breakfast.

    • @spiercevaughn
      @spiercevaughn 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Donald Boyajian Gold Rush

    • @bloodletter3400
      @bloodletter3400 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's The Gold Rush and it sounds like the Tony Rice Version

  • @springsten
    @springsten 13 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @redflare31
    Standard

  • @wvmiller
    @wvmiller 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I believe that this Martin D-18 is one of the very early dreadnaughts, 1932-33?? In any event, the neck is very wide (1 and 7/8s at the nut) and with the slotted or open peghead, which disappeared soon afterwards. It is also a 12 fret guitar, which allows the body to be larger, producing very big tone. Norman kept and played the guitar on records for several years. To the best of my knowledge this guitar begain life as a dreadnaught, not a Hawaiian, though it could have been an H conversion.

  • @fameisfun
    @fameisfun 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gold Rush

  • @djandersen39
    @djandersen39 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The usual key for this tune is D, so I'm sure if Norman or anyone else were playing with fiddle or mandolin players, he'd just slide the capo down to the second fret. Problem solved.

  • @bluto212
    @bluto212 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Doesn't strike me as a whiskey before breakfast kind of guy though.

    • @leeblake3989
      @leeblake3989 ปีที่แล้ว

      No, but his father was at a time and his grandfather was up until whiskey and cigars killed him.....at 95.

  • @kaptenmax
    @kaptenmax 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @1deadtoe tiger woods is a good golfer

  • @GuitarSlinger2112
    @GuitarSlinger2112 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Don't be surprised if this takes a few weeks or even months to accomplish. The important thing is to do it one at a time. You're re-teaching your nervous system how to cope with playing a complicated and precise instrument. Don't move on to the next body part until you have been able to play for at least a whole day w/o tensing up the part your're currently working on.

    • @bluto212
      @bluto212 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "at least a whole day," that's nuts

  • @ElmerDurrer
    @ElmerDurrer 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ......is like saying Tiger Woods is a normal ladies man......

  • @1deadtoe
    @1deadtoe 15 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Saying Norman Blake is a good guitar player is like saying Tiger Woods is a good golfer.

  • @user-jk1pi6tu8u
    @user-jk1pi6tu8u 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    AI voice for Jim Beam... Lol

  • @johnholland723
    @johnholland723 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How many children does Norman have?

    • @leeblake3989
      @leeblake3989 ปีที่แล้ว

      2 of his own. Me and my brother and a step daughter from Nancy.

  • @charlespeterson3798
    @charlespeterson3798 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Blatantly put and abstractly.But sly. And subtle. Crafty Bendy and twisty.J'J won't never a touched no BLUE note, Lord aw god, Never. Keep them down in the holler cards and letters comin'.

  • @petermuller161
    @petermuller161 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bet he would call himself a good player.

  • @EverTommy
    @EverTommy 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @birchwand
    how does he acheve that reaxed right hand technique? The same way he got to Caernigie Hall...................practice1