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Top ten guitar players in Nashville today
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This topic was originally posted in this forum: Wanted To Buy |
| Author | Topic: Top ten guitar players in Nashville today |
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Carson Leighton Member Posts: 254 |
posted 25 March 2000 03:53 AM
Since I play guitar and steel both in our band, I'm always interested in who's playing guitar as well as steel. Who, in your opinion, do you think are the top ten guitar players in Nashville today? Most of us already know about the obvious ones whose names are on most of the hit recordings, but how about some that are excellent players and maybe just do demo work and play around Nashville. Thanks, Carson [This message was edited by Carson Leighton on 25 March 2000 at 04:22 AM.] |
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Jerry Hayes Member Posts: 3306 |
posted 25 March 2000 04:48 AM
Hey Carson, At the top of the list would have to be ol' Boomer Castleman who is also a producer. I have a cassette tape he gave me at Scotty's which is just him on guitar and nothing else! It's pretty awesome. Then there's Dan Drilling who plays for Jimmy C. Newman. I'd seen him on the Opry a few times and he flat knocked me out. I even put a post on the Forum about him to find out his name and why some major act hadn't picked him up yet. I don't know their names but I like the guys who play for Jean Shepard and Jack Green too. Most of the players who are around Nashville who I'd know would be the ones on the Opry TV portion. The slender guy with the hat that was playing with Porter Wagoner is pretty cool too! And last but not least is a girl! She's Wanda Vick who's known mostly for her fiddle playing (the nightime Nashville shows) but is one great guitar picker! I had the pleasure of seeing her live here in Virginia when she was with Wild Rose. She also played pedal steel with them! ------------------ |
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Tommy Butler Member Posts: 36 |
posted 25 March 2000 09:40 AM
here are a few of the ones I like. Gregg Galbreth [This message was edited by Tommy Butler on 25 March 2000 at 09:41 AM.] |
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Johnny Cox Member Posts: 935 |
posted 25 March 2000 02:35 PM
Well here I go again. Some of these names you youngsters will not recognize. #1 Andy Reiss (he can play anything) #2 Gregg Galbraith #3 Jimmy Capps #4 Pete Wade #5 Leon Rhodes #6 Jerry Layne Reid #7 Tommy Alsup (although he left town) #8 Grady Martin (althogh he doesn't play anymore) #9 Bryan Sutton #10 Brent Mason (cause he can play stuff other than chicken pickin) #11 Earl Erb You may have noticed the lack of Tele-whackers. All of these guys can take a guitar and amaze you without nery an effect. ------------------ [This message was edited by Johnny Cox on 26 March 2000 at 06:51 AM.] |
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David C Neal Member Posts: 101 |
posted 25 March 2000 03:45 PM
1-Brent Mason 2-Albert Lee 3-Arlen Roth 4-Ray flacke 5-Gregg Galbreth 6-Vince Gill 7-Joe Cook 8-Mike Severes 9-Kelly Back 10-Scott Sanders Just to mention a few.... [This message was edited by David C Neal on 26 March 2000 at 06:35 AM.] |
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Dyke Corson Member Posts: 572 |
posted 25 March 2000 11:58 PM
REDD VOLKAERT! |
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John Macy Member Posts: 2290 |
posted 26 March 2000 12:39 AM
Don't forget my friends Chris Leuzinger and Brent Rowan. For the blues, it's gotta be Mike Henderson. Ooops, almost forgot Kenny Greenberg. [This message was edited by John Macy on 26 March 2000 at 12:40 AM.] |
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Big Bob Martin unregistered Posts: 2290 |
posted 26 March 2000 12:41 AM
Hi all, Of course you know that there is no such thing as the best in Nashville or any where else as far as that goes. It is all relative to the person listening. I can find something I like in just about all guitar players I hear, and I am very serious about that statement. I can also find things that I don't like about most all of the guitar players I listen to. One thing I try to keep in mind when listening to these players is that none of them are trying to play bad..... They are all trying to do the best that they can. Please try to remember that. Now after that long speech here is my opinion. If I could play like any one I wanted to it would be my buddy Gregg Galbraith. He might not be the best as far as you are concerned or the worst, but he plays exactly like I would play if I had his talent!! God bless you Gregg. Big Bob ------------------ [This message was edited by Big Bob Martin on 26 March 2000 at 12:43 AM.] |
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Sleepy John unregistered Posts: 2290 |
posted 26 March 2000 06:45 AM
I haven't been in Nashville in <> years, so I'm not up on who is around these days,but there's one thing for sure, whoever is the best will passed up sooner or later. I like these players and not necessarily in any order except for the 1st one. 1. Greg Galbraith ( the most tasteful of all of them) Brent Mason Rick Money Richard Bass Vince Gill Fred Newell Pete Wade Dan Drilling Jimmy Capps Leon Rhodes Albert Lee Earl Erb Early Bird  Ray Flacke Al Bruno ( I know he's not in Nashville) Malcolm Kirby ( I know he's not in Nashville either) Gene Breeden Grady Martin Dammit, You can't do it with just 10. [This message was edited by Sleepy John on 26 March 2000 at 06:47 AM.] |
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Theresa Galbraith Member Posts: 2369 |
posted 26 March 2000 07:44 AM
Gregg Galbraith Brent Mason Dan Huff Jeff King J.T. Cornflause Biff Watson Gordon Kennedy B.James Lowery Brent Rowan Steve Gibson The list goes on! Theresa |
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Dan Tyack Member Posts: 3552 |
posted 26 March 2000 11:12 AM
It was great to see my old buds Jack Daniels and Andy Reiss get mentioned here! As Johnny says, he can play anything, and Jack is an great guy to play with.
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Earl Erb Member Posts: 886 |
posted 26 March 2000 07:55 PM
Well,here's my list for whatever its worth. Gregg Galbraith Leon Rhodes Brent Mason Bobby Whitten (played for Jack Green for years) Steve Wariner Albert Lee Vince Gill Jerry Reed Thanks Johnny and Sleepy for including me in your list even though I am not playing pro anymore.By the way,my CD is coming along.We are mixing now. |
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Richard Sinkler Member Posts: 2896 |
posted 27 March 2000 07:19 AM
Hey Earl!! I see you left that Early Bird dude off your list. Probably a good thing.I heard he plays through one of those old Radio Shack amps that has a cassette deck in the back. He recorded all of your licks and plays them back while pretending to play guitar. Could he be the Milli Vanilli of country guitar pickers? ------------------ |
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Bill Stafford Member Posts: 1347 |
posted 27 March 2000 07:34 AM
Please add Gene Breeden to that list. Thanks, Bill Stafford. |
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Richard Bass Member Posts: 579 |
posted 27 March 2000 09:11 AM
Here is my list in no particular order: Earl Erb Greg G Jimmy Capps Brent Mason Dan Drilling Grady Martin, My hero!! Rick Wayne Red Volkhart Pete Wade Billy Johnson Here's two guys who have left Nashville but are sure good players, Sid Hudson, and Bucky Meadows. And thank you Sleepy John for the mention. Richard ------------------ |
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JACK HEERN Member Posts: 431 |
posted 27 March 2000 10:16 AM
Even though the top of her list seemed a little tainted, I have to agree with Big "T" wholeheartedly. But again she probably knows about other talents of Greg that we don't know about  That could influence her list.jp |
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Tim Harr Member Posts: 1589 |
posted 27 March 2000 10:35 AM
JT Cornfloss James Pennebaker Brent Mason Steve Gibson Dann Huff Kerry Marx Brent Rowan Randy Scruggs Gregg Gailbraith Chet Atkins, CGP Harold Bradley Leon Rhodes Jimmy Capps There are so many great players there...these are my favs that come to mind. Thanks, Tim |
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Earl Erb Member Posts: 886 |
posted 27 March 2000 01:00 PM
Richard S.you are right about Early Bird.He can't pick his way out of a wet paper bag and yes he did steal all my licks and he is playing those blamed Kareoke shows and telling everyone he is me! Its plum embarrasing! There are so many great guitar players in this town you can't mention them all.I don't want to hurt anyones feelings for leaving them off my list.  Forgot all about Sid Hudson and Bucky Meadows and Richard Bass.[This message was edited by Earl Erb on 27 March 2000 at 01:02 PM.] |
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Early Bird unregistered Posts: 886 |
posted 27 March 2000 01:18 PM
HEY! I resemble that remark!So I can't pick huh? Well, here's my top 10,like it or lump it!I didn't steal Earls licks,I borrowed em. 1.Early Bird 6.Early Bird 2.Early Bird 7.Early Bird 3.Early Bird 8.Early Bird 4.Early Bird 9.Early Bird 5.Early Bird 10.And last but not least Early Bird. Early's my name and pickin's my game. [This message was edited by Early Bird on 27 March 2000 at 03:11 PM.] |
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Earl Erb Member Posts: 886 |
posted 27 March 2000 03:22 PM
Hey Early,the only lick you know is a COW LICK !  Have a nice day. |
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Joe Casey Member Posts: 3402 |
posted 27 March 2000 03:33 PM
My favorites :Brent Rowan.Brent Mason,Doc Peters,Billy Johnson,Richard Bass,Earle Erb,Vince Gill,Leon Rhodes,Brad Paisley,Albert Lee,BUDDY EMMONS,Greg Galbraith,red Volkhart,Boomer,Ray Edington,Ray Flacke,Reggie Young,Let me know when I reach ten,I have Ok and many more.Cont.next forum. ------------------ [This message was edited by Joe Casey on 28 March 2000 at 03:55 AM.] |
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Carson Leighton Member Posts: 254 |
posted 27 March 2000 05:50 PM
Well, thanks everyone for responding to my post. I read all of the replies and I didn't see Johnny Hiland's name mentioned. I guess he can,t be well known down in that area yet. He has only been living in Nashville for about 3 yrs. or so. He has been playing a lot a place called Roberts, and he is clinically blind. I think he is going with a group that will opening up for George Strait, but I,m not positive about that. Thanks again........Carson |
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TomP Member Posts: 138 |
posted 27 March 2000 06:23 PM
ON ANY GIVEN NIGHT IN N'VILLE YOU CAN GO OUT AND FIND SEVERAL PEOPLE YOU NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE THAT WOULD SCARE YOU TO DEATH. MAKE YOU WANT TO GIVE UP. MY FAVORITES THAT I KNOW OF, AND PROBABLY STILL LIVE IN N'VILLE ARE: BUCKY BARRETT REGGIE YOUNG AND PETE MITCHELL THERE ARE SURELY SOME I CAN'T REMEMBER, BUT IT'S BEEN ABOUT 5 YEARS SINCE I WAS THERE. |
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Earl Erb Member Posts: 886 |
posted 27 March 2000 07:00 PM
Carson,I know that you and I talked about Johnny Hiland over email and I am sorry to say that I have not had the opportunity to hear him play.I think the majority of guitar players mentioned on this thread have been in Nashville for more than 20 yrs.He's probably not been in town long enough to make his mark. |
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SCOTT TYLER Member Posts: 138 |
posted 27 March 2000 10:09 PM
Hey guys - I met and jammed with Johnny Hiland a few years ago, and let me tell you that he is just scary. He is originally from the state of Maine, and he is legally blind. He can rip it up with the best of them, and is one of the nicest and most humble guys that I have ever met. The story goes: Gary Chapman happened into a club in 'Nash that Johnny was playing at. Gary was so blown away by the playing that he invited Johnny to guest on the old Music City Tonight show. Johnny did "That's Allright Mama" and burned it up. I still remember the smiles on the faces of the house musicians. If you ever get a chance to hear Johnny play, by all means do so!! |
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Boomer Member Posts: 400 |
posted 27 March 2000 11:47 PM
Johnny Hiland can be heard on the "Nashville Guitars" album along with Reggie Young, Jimmy Olander, Kelly Back, Mark Casstevens, Ray Flacke, just to name a few. For information: www.the-record-store.com/nuancerecords.htm Best, Boomer |
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Ladd Smith Member Posts: 29 |
posted 30 March 2000 02:11 AM
I Grew Up In Argill's Music (A small little log cabin lookin guitar shop Hendersonville)I know alot of you guys remember me as that little blonde headed kid in there, but I've seen alot of em come and go so here is a list of just some of my favorite players (and Friends)... and many of these has helped pass down their skills and ancient knowledge to me... (in no particular order) David Johnson (catch him at Tootsies, fri's) Greg G. (my Aol Pal, and maybe my future father inlaw only his daughter don't know it yet! lol) Mark Dreyer (Owns Studio 23) Pete Wade Grady Martin Harold Bradley Butch (forgot the last name but he played quite a while with Tracy Lawrence and definitly one of the very best players I've Ever Heard...Jammed with him up at the Hall of Fame in the Quality inn uno they got the sunday night jam again!) Jerry Webb (owns The Project Room in Hendersonville and has always been a close friend of mine... Great room too!) Ray Anderson (has The Bluegrass Group Highland Trio and a major influence on me) Ricky Skaggs Brent Rowan Brent Mason Nigel Pulsford (from the rock band bush and an Argill's Music Store Patron) Mike Baker (A dear Friend and Compadre) Bill Qualls (an Excellent Rythym Guitarist and Longtime Friend) Harold Morrison (Was Like A grandpa to me when I was young(er) and was a Major influence on my humor and style, We Will Miss You) Jimmy "Duke" Dumas (I'm Sure Everyone Knows Duke, Another Good Friend) Danny Muhomad (Owns a Studio on 18th) Eugene Moles (Plays the Opry alot and works the studio he co-owns now (Fireside)_) Steve Wilkerson (he is having a ruff go at things but is still a fabulous guitar player I didn't reliaze he knew that much till we sit down in the store and picked, Great Thumb Picking Style and hotlicks too) Tony Person (A rock musician but a great one and long time friend and fellow Graphic Designer, Thats what I do by the way If anyone needs ANYTHING designed logos, cd artwork, Tshirts, Ads, 3D Web Graphics... Bob Saxton (Longtime Family friend and though he is a specialty player he is probly the Best Thumbpicker I've Ever Heard.) David Smith (A Pasture that many of you know in Goodletsville another Great Thumpicker and Traditional Jazz Player) John Richards (Phenominal Chords!) Nathan Barrett (Much like me an 18 Year old Lead Guitarist-vocalist, recently got signed to Lyric Street Records after Being Discovered at a guitar show by a Manager on 17th... a Wonderful Player and Person, and Family too! He Learned in open E upside down left handed, very fast flat pick.)
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Steve Stallings Member Posts: 2065 |
posted 30 March 2000 05:15 AM
I recently listened to Brad Paisleys new CD and was blown away by the guitar playing. It is all him. Very talented. There are lots of good pickers all over the country. I play with a fellow named John Anderson from Richmond, Texas who will blow your socks off. ------------------ |
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Marc Muller Member Posts: 109 |
posted 30 March 2000 01:10 PM
Suprised not to see Buddy Miller mentioned. He's too talented all around to be considered just a guitar player I guess. |
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John Macy Member Posts: 2290 |
posted 30 March 2000 01:20 PM
Wow, major point made, Marc. I am sorry I missed him on my list. What a talent! He is coming into my studio next month to overdub on a project--can't wait for that! |
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Joe E Member Posts: 620 |
posted 30 March 2000 01:25 PM
Grady Martin Has to be one of the most tastefull. My all time favorite for country blues or country soul. Otherwise: Brent M |
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Ladd Smith Member Posts: 29 |
posted 01 April 2000 01:16 AM
did I mention Yngvie Malmsteen or Al Demiola? ok then how bout; Tommy Hannum... one of my favorite steel/guitar players! |
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Ray Jenkins Member Posts: 1986 |
posted 01 April 2000 08:07 AM
Haven't seen Boomers name on the list,I may have missed it but add it again he is very deserving IMO.How about Don Bristoe in Las Vegas.Ray |
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