Doc Watson - "Deep River Blues" (Doc's Guitar: Fingerpicking & Flatpicking DVD)

Рет қаралды 2,369,845

14 жыл бұрын

Watch Doc Watson teach and play "Deep River Blues." This video is from the instructional DVD "Doc's Guitar: Fingerpicking & Flatpicking" produced by Smithsonian Folkways and Homespun Video.
Learn more: folkways.si.edu/doc-watson/do...
Doc Watson has been astonishing and delighting audiences for more than forty years, playing his flat top guitar with technical virtuosity and impeccable tone and timing. This DVD captures Doc in a special guitar workshop, teaching the most requested fingerpicking and flatpicking songs and instrumentals in his vast repertoire. Accompanied by some legendary musical friends, Doc provides an intimate look at the guitar technique, musical philosophy and fine musicianship for which he is known and loved throughout the world.
Learning guitarists will see and hear Doc's guitar playing slowed-down in close-up detail, with split-screen images to help you easily watch both his hands. With his characteristic good humor, his clear explanations and dazzling demonstrations, he'll soon have you playing his definitive arrangements of "Deep River Blues", "Bluebell", "Southbound", "Black Mountain Rag", "Georgie", "Way Downtown", "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down", "Blue Railroad Train", "Windy and Warm", "Beaumont Rag", "East Tennessee Rag", and "The Cuckoo."
Smithsonian Folkways: folkways.si.edu
Facebook: / smithsonianfolkwaysrec...
Twitter: / folkways
Instagram: / smithsonianfolkways
The content and comments posted here are subject to the Smithsonian Institution copyright and privacy policy (www.si.edu/copyright). Smithsonian reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove any content at any time.

Пікірлер: 640

@dornkile5616 3 жыл бұрын

Funniest thing I ever saw happen at a concert - Doc and Merle were playing in the old Alumni gym on the Hill at University of Tennessee - back in the '70's. Everybody was enjoying the picking and singing, when during a brief lull, some joker in the balcony yells out: 'play such and such Doc' (don't remember the song). Undeterred from what he and Merle had planned, Doc 'looked' up in the vicinity of the voice and calmly declares: 'ah yeah, I remember my first beer too'. Audience loved it - and Doc kept right on playing.

@joepalooka2145 4 жыл бұрын

Those of us who were lucky enough to sit close to Doc Watson in a live performance, gained a life-long love and appreciation for him. Not just for his wonderful musical talents, but for his great warmth as a human being and his sense of humour. He was totally genuine and honest. He was a great man.

@davidmuir7711 Жыл бұрын

The man is a metronome. So clean and steady.

@michaelcolloton6971 8 жыл бұрын

Doc lived about 40 miles down the mountain from where I went to college at Appalachian State. I saw him play 4 times. He was always a gentleman who seemed truly surprised and grateful that people, especially poor college students, would lay down their money to listen to him play. He remains a national treasure long after he's gone.

@evelynovercash1147 8 жыл бұрын

Me, too, Michael. I had the same experience. We didn't realize it was a big deal. We just wanted to hear him play.

@DooDooBatterInPant 8 жыл бұрын

My uncle used to play with him so I was lucky enough to meet him he was an awesome guy

@kevinbaker7803 7 жыл бұрын

Michael Colloton re

@jimmyoleary8667 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent! The One and only Doc!

@QuantumMechanic_88 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this Michael . This means a lot & Be Blessed . Lefty

@richierich8678 4 жыл бұрын

thats the real deal right there. no music compares to a tune like that

@FlatlandMando 5 жыл бұрын

What a natural performer, all the way around, no stress, no strain, just music.

@fiftypeehead 8 жыл бұрын

Funny how all the most talented guitarists are so modest and humble

@ronj9448 8 жыл бұрын

+Q Tips Wallet Nothing to prove! Their talents speak louder than they themselves would.

@nathanbecker3605 7 жыл бұрын

Very well said my friend

@GentlemenRockU 6 жыл бұрын

Correct: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

@rbrockman6635 6 жыл бұрын

Not funny at all, but it's the way it is and more importantly the way it should be. Doc and people of his talent are always humble down to the ground honest standards that most people will never ,as hard as they try , will never understand. And that to is the way it is but shouldn't be.

@randypenn8763 6 жыл бұрын

When personal pride is absent honest artistry flourishes! Doc's music is proof!

@theonetruemorty4078 4 жыл бұрын

Been coming back here for 10 years now and it's still magic.

@ssmith954 4 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic piece of history! Thanks to Smithsonian Folkways for this 6 minutes of joy!

@Modernbluesharmonica 7 жыл бұрын

For some reason, the fact that 67 people give this video a thumbs-down cheers me immensely. Here's one of the great masters of American music, a real gentleman, and blind to boot, sharing his trade secrets. How dare he! "He sucks!" Etc. If Doc teaching "Deep River Blues" irritates you, I know a cat in a paper bag who's lonely for a partner.

@adamartley6451 6 жыл бұрын

He’s missed for sure. I bet that cat misses him too.

@sheridanbernasconi9261 6 жыл бұрын

how can anyone disaprove? even if it's not your cup of tea, to openly express "thumbs down" scares the bejeezus outta me!

@trebortrahrebe2575 6 жыл бұрын

Tell me you didn't put a cat in a paper bag.

@chrisschuele4743 6 жыл бұрын

Not enough to flashing lights and shiny things for the millennials

@mitchrobertson5601 6 жыл бұрын

Regardless what any generation might think, Music is eternal always has been, otherwise we would not have modes, and if you ever have the chance or fate to travel to his part of the country, up in them mountains and glens of North Carolina, and the electricity goes out, your gonna get a big dose of his style of playing when they break out the acoustic instruments start up the Parlor playing.

@gybx4094 6 жыл бұрын

He said he was thankful he went blind as a young child, because that's what got him into playing guitar which allowed him to make a living doing something relatively "easy". Yeah, to him it's easy. A great man of Faith and character.

@gtnsteve1 5 жыл бұрын

Don't kid yourself. The legend is that Doc was a practicing electrician, including wiring his own house. Just imagine!

@SlickD217 4 жыл бұрын

Gy Bx they definitely don’t make men like Doc anymore...

@tedpeterson1156 3 жыл бұрын

gtnsteve1 Radio repair was one vocation that the blind were steered towards. Also he did auto repair. Supposedly Doc did indeed wire at least part of his home. And it passed code inspection. Rosalie apparently drew the line at roof repair.

@nelsonmcdonough9418 3 жыл бұрын

It just doesn’t get any better than listening to Doc Watson!!! What an amazing talent!

@bobtronic73 4 жыл бұрын

that rhythm and voice

@curtisshaw8046 4 жыл бұрын

Please show your respect, and homage to this man!

@sheckyfeinstein 4 жыл бұрын

I love humble guys with talent.

@wjb5805 Жыл бұрын

I actually got to shake his hand during the David Holt days. They were playing in Los Gatos so i said hello there and then the next year I got to see them in Redwood city too.

@SGTJDerek 4 жыл бұрын

Grew up around pickers. Loved to just sit and listen. Now, oh so many years later, after watching Fil from Wings of Pegasus do his break down videos, I have fallen in love with just sitting and listening to good players all over again. Thanks Fil for the gift of being able to really appreciate Doc on a whole new level.

@diment0857 8 ай бұрын

Now this is an artist with a capital A. Doc Watson is a treasure, always will be.

@paulwillard5991 7 жыл бұрын

One of the all time best guitar pickers!! There will NEVER be another like Doc!!!

@cjwaywell 4 жыл бұрын

I'm from the UK and I always admired Docs playing and singing - what a guy we owe him so much

@wattsun7946 11 жыл бұрын

Doc makes it look effortless and Docs picking is so clean and crisp its truly was a gift .What a beautiful legacy he left.

@horseman528 4 жыл бұрын

If I lived a thousand years, I would never be able to play that good. What a pleasure to listen to Coc play.

@markpower3282 3 жыл бұрын

I thought the same but I had a savage music teacher who went through it piece by piece until it was passable. After that it was just play it over and over and listen to the little extras. Would not take as long as you think.

@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776 4 жыл бұрын

Classic and timeless

@smoovegittar 7 жыл бұрын

I was fortunate to catch Doc with his son a few times. Warm feelings - thanks for posting.

@fuzzboxworld 8 жыл бұрын

Love Doc Watson. Fingerboard closeups are like watching someone cheating at cards!

@FlatlandMando 5 жыл бұрын

That is funny, dry dry humour I can appreciate.

@billygarrison6530 4 жыл бұрын

no one is cheating here

@sirolivermally 4 жыл бұрын

fuzzboxworld great sense of humor! obviously not everyone gets it ;-)

@danlevay5657 3 жыл бұрын

I tried but can’t see him playing those high notes. It does sound and look like there is another guitar. Doc is amazing!

@davidbirks7166 6 жыл бұрын

Almost 40 years ago, my best friend (to this day) made a cassette tape for me. One side was all Mississippi John Hurt; the other side was all Doc and Merle Watson. For me, listening and learning the songs I heard was truly a life changing experience for me. A lot of people say that but, for me, it was.

@goodun2974 4 жыл бұрын

You might have to explain cassette tapes, and the concept of making mix tapes for your friends, to the millennial generation, sigh...

@SaposJoint 6 жыл бұрын

I listen to Doc with my eyes closed. God, I miss him.

@Dambuskers 4 жыл бұрын

Been locked down for 10 weeks , And i have endeavoured to learn this song . ..Just had another listen to Doc .. And i need to go back and put in another few hundred hours ..He was the master

@markpower3282 3 жыл бұрын

Always the same isnt it. You practice like hell at it then one day you think, 'hey, that's not half bad', then you listen to Doc again and consider chopping your own hands off!!!

@vallanddess 6 жыл бұрын

glad I had the privilege to see Doc and Merle many years ago, probably early eighties. Genuinely nice people.

@wmialil 3 жыл бұрын

Doc and the Delmore Brothers. True inspiration.

@2322Hoover 12 жыл бұрын

When a master plays, the most ordinary things sound different, and very special. Thankyou, Doc.

@harrylampton 11 жыл бұрын

We are so fortunate to have this record! Thank You SmithsonianFolkways .

@josemolina959 4 жыл бұрын

Sweet and beautiful! Beautiful voice!

@franklyons5433 6 жыл бұрын

Got to travel with Doc Watson and Merle Watson for a while I was blessed

@Hklbrries Жыл бұрын

Deets?

@97teledlx 11 жыл бұрын

Doc is so smooth. Who would have thought you could play the bass line and chord melody at the same time as a solo act. Doc and Merle are pure genius and masters of their respective trade. I cannot thank you enough for sharing. Now to practice, practice, practice.

@davidbirks7166 5 жыл бұрын

This makes me happy everytime I watch it. All day long and twice on sunday. Doc Watson!

@snuffyballparks6501 4 жыл бұрын

Doc and his son Merle were a wonder. So much talent.

@stevesheldon8616 6 жыл бұрын

I tried to copy Doc's Deep River Blues...for about ten years. I got so I could play most of the notes but I could never make it swing like he could. He is so smooth and clean that it makes you think it's easy. It ain't.

@FistPie 5 жыл бұрын

Steve Sheldon I’ve been practicing thumbs picking for a few months now. Still hasn’t clicked haha. I’ve been playing guitar for 15 years. Not easy is an understatement.

@kellyrojo78 5 жыл бұрын

Yes there is a swing to it..... Most people wouldn't hear that I reckon

@tedpeterson1156 5 жыл бұрын

kellyrojo78 He'd been playing it maybe 50 years when this was recorded? Long time anyway. A lot of people can play fast, but there's more to it than that, to keep the tone at tempo is tough. Those clicks and squeals on the B and E strings are like ear candy, meanwhile, the thumb never quits with the alternating bass.

@alexmcinnes5259 4 жыл бұрын

Even Tommy Emmanuels versions sound too 'Tick Tock'.

@jordanchiaruttiniREALTOR 4 жыл бұрын

Christ this feels like cheating

@gregmccarter5386 5 жыл бұрын

He could see better than any man who ever lived..his eyes were his heart..everything you hear comes from his heart.

@adamedmour9704 11 ай бұрын

No joke, getting the thumb totally independent from the fingers takes forever

@davenc8527 4 жыл бұрын

My favorite song ever. Thank you, Doc.

@crazycoyote1738 4 жыл бұрын

Calm and Beautiful!!

@fridgemagnett 4 жыл бұрын

Some of what is truly great about America.

@ritaggn 10 жыл бұрын

Miss you Doc Watson.

@ironheadgrunt 9 жыл бұрын

I never saw Doc in an organized concert, but one night about 20 years ago at the open jam at Herd Reid's store in Shingletown (Laurel Bloomery), TN, in walks Doc with his guitar to jam with all the local musicians. It was awesome. The only bad part was that it was obvious that there were some there that were jealous of Doc and the attention he commanded.

@mijlaid 8 жыл бұрын

How sad that some would think that way. I would have taken it as bragging rights that I've played with Doc Watson!

@noisepuppet 8 жыл бұрын

I'd have fainted

@rattleshakti 10 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful man was Doc Watson

@painlessremovals4447 5 жыл бұрын

Hard to figure what over 200 people were thinking when they gave this a thumbs down. Doc is such a humble master of finger picking guitar & an absolute joy to watch & listen to. Pearls before swine comes to mind. But I reckon these are the same morons who give a negative response no matter how good the music & musicians - just to be controversial or simply because they lack the capacity to appreciate real talent & beauty. One wonders what they are doing checking this out in the first place. Shouldn't they be subscribing to something less demanding for their limited hearts & brains... ?

@gernotboesser6901 24 күн бұрын

👏♥️🙏👌

@Joe_J-MT_Boy 4 жыл бұрын

I love how he sneaks those little string-bends into the middle of a picking run. They make the song quite a bit more interesting from a listener's perspective.

@tedpeterson1156 4 жыл бұрын

There are actually a few different picking styles in this short lesson, it isn't as easy as it might seem.

@MrPennystyle01 4 жыл бұрын

@@tedpeterson1156 No one said it was easy dickhole

@matthewrotherham1 Жыл бұрын

Okay, here is exactly how you do it. Magic, got it.

@Gpacharlie 4 ай бұрын

Yep! Magic.

@stephenbrennan4178 5 жыл бұрын

Seeing this reminds me to dig out this DVD again, it's been too long since I watched it and there so much in it

@andrewfyakim525 5 жыл бұрын

I love you and miss you Doc! You are the best in so many ways...

@Gminor7 6 жыл бұрын

Funky as hell. He was one of the big bosses

@SiggyMe 12 жыл бұрын

Great Guy, humble and a real talent, RIP. Thanks for your music!

@Skwerrlly 10 жыл бұрын

Doc Watson,what a treasure

@talister106 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you Doc, your music will last forever.

@austenrobinson2747 Ай бұрын

1/4 of my Mt Rushmore of flatpickers. Tony, Clarence and Norman complete it. Every flatpicker to ever learn these types of tune owe a deep gratitude to these four for showing us how it’s done. RIP one and all except Norman for showing us how it’s done.

@leonarddomenico9711 5 жыл бұрын

I was lucky enough to meet Doc Watson in Asheville NC

@Anonymoose 11 жыл бұрын

Doc is a National Treasure. I met him in the early 60s, I've tried to emulate him for all the years since, and this is one of the first of his tunes I tried to master. I can play it. I can even play it fairly well. Can I play it like Doc? No. Nobody can. When we lost him, we lost an era...

@scottrunde8129 6 жыл бұрын

I saw Doc 3 or 4 times live in concert, one time about 3 feet in front of me with his son Merle. He was unassuming and humble while displaying a unique style and being one of the all time best flat pickers I have ever seen or heard. Wish I could play 20% as good as this blind master and American Treasure. If someone doesn't like Doc and his music it's because they don't understand it and probably never will. You have to live the blues to know what he's playing, because his guitar speaks louder than he ever did!

@bobnobody3191 5 жыл бұрын

Amen brother!

@zyxmyk 8 жыл бұрын

I love doc Watson. he's missed.

@2TheAbbeyClinic 6 жыл бұрын

I learned this tune from a Doc Watson songbook. Love it. Thanks.

@AbirTarafdar 9 жыл бұрын

What an absolute bad ass.

@MrPennystyle01 3 жыл бұрын

F yea

@rynemurray1091 7 жыл бұрын

The rhythm with the right hand is incredible! So skilled

@mr.wizard2974 6 жыл бұрын

Doc you brought a lot of enjoyment to all of us with your expertise! Thank you!

@annanutherthing4373 4 жыл бұрын

Gotta love this series x

@theswordofkings7549 4 жыл бұрын

Inadequate, that's what Doc made me feel.. and I loved it

@pickerdad8402 8 жыл бұрын

If you're still trying to figure Doc's thumb & 1-finger technique, see KZfaq Jim Bruce - Deep River Blues Lesson. He shows it in slo-mo and two cameras. The trick is "Thumb Jumps", where the thumb plays some of the melody on treble strings. Still keeps the Alternating Bass going, so the thumb jump notes are off the beat, giving a kind of syncopated effect. Right at the end, Jim admits that, even though he knows how to work the thumb jumps, he uses two fingers himself. He notes "We can't all be Doc Watson.". Amen brother!

@seththomas2194 7 жыл бұрын

David Pike its easy just count 1234 like taping your foot just to e then d 1234 then add the high e and b

@bryanrice3466 6 жыл бұрын

Me my cousin took doc a jar of molasses one day even got to sit on the couch and played a couple of tunes his wife fixed sandwiches seen him in asheville again he said those malasses was good on his wifes biscuits. Truly will be missed

@elmerparlier2786 6 жыл бұрын

It's similar to rubbing your belly while patting your head while using five or six fingers independently to do so. It's hard!

@tedpeterson1156 6 жыл бұрын

Bryan Rice Always figured he'd be a character like that. Biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs

@ratiodealer 6 жыл бұрын

I do the same and add the traditional travis picking style

@taylorrosado9151 8 жыл бұрын

I was very lucky to meet Doc and Merle at show in Carolina Merle was the most Friendly person ever he didn't know me from Adam but our Love for bluegrass made us brothers God Bless

@robertposusta537 5 жыл бұрын

absolutely unreal experience! thank you very much sir

@coachchris548 5 жыл бұрын

First time listening to the Doc, love it

@MH-rt9ts 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing stuff.

@organjoe 6 жыл бұрын

Just a thumb and an index finger - Wow, he was so darn Awesome!

@woodstoney 4 жыл бұрын

Doc had it going on! The man is a legend.

@organjoe 7 жыл бұрын

one the coolest musicians ever - wish I had seen him live.

@gunkadink 6 жыл бұрын

Doc always made it look easy! God bless him!

@ztahs 10 жыл бұрын

I met Ralph when he was with the Greenbriar Boys. wonderful guy who really cared about the music. As for Doc...is there a guitarist who hasn't been influenced by him? Talk about class acts. Took me about 20 years to get it right.

@Zaba_the_Dogling 7 жыл бұрын

thank you so much. bless you for this extraordinary resource.

@oicsaywhat 5 жыл бұрын

Icon!! I miss Doc, he is a national treasure as musician and human being

@DannyDishon 12 жыл бұрын

This was one of my first finger picking songs. Thank you, Doc.

@bluetoad2001 3 жыл бұрын

wow. this is worth the admission and then some. thanks for posting

@JessanDunnOtis 12 жыл бұрын

Thank heaven for Doc Watson - more music there; and, thanks for your music here. RIP

@brotherWes 12 жыл бұрын

Just plain sweet. Thanks Doc for clarity.

@toneman335 5 жыл бұрын

Saw Doc Watson perform several years ago in New York City. He was great!

@bustaboy60 6 жыл бұрын

Saw him and his son circa '68-'69 at UCLA...one of the best concerts ever...

@kielerjim 7 жыл бұрын

Love it!!!

@bradypeake4447 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. Playin along with em

@AtwoodKnives 5 жыл бұрын

Ralph Rinsler is a fascinating man himself and was instrumental in promoting the craft pottery traditions of the Carolinas. He was a great musician as well and discovered Doc Watson. We should all be grateful for historians of his caliber.

@spunnek75 4 жыл бұрын

Such a wonderful artist and person, this Doc Watson.. Everything he said makes soo much sense in this turorial. Just like his wonderful lyrics. For me he is the soul of bluegrass.

@howardlovecraft750 4 жыл бұрын

Doc was one of the best.

@tanner28624 12 жыл бұрын

What a awesome man!!! Dont think we will see any more like him

@yuckydude 6 жыл бұрын

Doc was one of the first bluegrass albums I had, back when I was in high school in the 90s. We saw him several times in WV, VA, and NC. I met him once when he played at Mountain Stage in Charleston, WV. He was a true Appalachian mountain man, with the artistry and humility that I always loved in traditional Appalachian culture.

@gtnsteve1 5 жыл бұрын

It is great to have the Doc artistry on the 'net for all time.

@lv6750 4 жыл бұрын

Phenomenal! I love his voice

@Bluesman76 6 жыл бұрын

fantastic pickin and amazing singing

@Zuhlsmann1 11 жыл бұрын

Unbelievable how smooth he does this! It seriously looks effortless.

@WesleyHix Жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday Doc!

@DrStich 9 жыл бұрын

Never saw him perform live, one of my biggest regrets. My favorite Doc song ever.

@hangdogit 9 жыл бұрын

I saw him twice live. He was the amazing combination of musical virtuoso and personal modesty that I'd heard described by others. I still remember the first time I saw him -- on the old Flatt & Scruggs half-hour black & white TV music shown on a West Palm Beach FL station about 1965. Flatt raved about this special guest, Doc Watson, and how honored they were to have him (I'd never heard of Doc and hadn't been playing the guitar many years). I wondered what the praise was all about...until he began to play. The crown went wild and literally would not let Doc off the stage -- and Flatt/Scruggs back on as was their usual routine after guests did a song or two. I'd never heard anyone play the guitar like Doc could -- before or after that. I couldn't believe the sound that he could get out of a guitar: full-fledged fiddle tunes on a guitar -- something more common now (after Doc showed that it was possible), but unheard of back then. Doc pioneered that -- and solo country guitar generally, as a lead instrument on a par with fiddle and banjo. Before that, country guitar was mostly just backup chords for fiddle and banjo (I've played that role myself in old-time bands) To the extent that I know flatpicking (still not expert level), it is from Doc Watson records. So seeing him live was the completion of a musical journey.

@pablpfanque 11 жыл бұрын

Doc LIVES!

@songsfromspringcreekave821 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!!!

@dustinmartin2372 4 жыл бұрын

It’s sad when people talk about the greatest guitarist of all time they say either Hendrix or Stevie Ray but they never mention this man, this guy is the greatest in my eyes

@markpower3282 3 жыл бұрын

True. People barometer of talent is based around eccentricities to a large extent or their view of the 'whole package' but players like Doc are a pure talent and rate higher in a true view of what the greatest should be.

@GeorgiaBoy1961 3 жыл бұрын

@ Dustin Martin: The word "genius" gets thrown around a lot in music, usually too easily, but in Doc's case, the word really applies. The classical/conservatory world and folk music almost never meet or cross paths, but Doc's virtuosity was an exception. Guys with years of formal education couldn't match Doc's extraordinary time-keeping ability or his perfect pitch and harmonic knowledge. It's no accident that he and Merle and their fellow musicians could tackle standards and jazz, because they were certainly swimming in those kinds of waters, musical-talent wise. I've heard good and great musicians for most all of my nearly sixty years on this planet, but never one like Doc Watson. Merle, too, had that touch of genius his father had. They've been favorites for years, and I'm sure they aren't going anywhere because I enjoy them just as much today as when I first discovered them.