Just finished producing Taj's first single ( recorded on tape...no tricks..no fixes) What an amazing talent...wait til you hear him sing! A couple of things really stand out about him He has absolutely perfect pitch He can play equally well left or right handed!!!! He is a really grounded intelligent and hard working little human HE LIVES for music Great family and mentors ...an absolute highlight of my 55 year career in music to record and hang out with him and his family

I feel chills down my spine. This kid is an 'Old soul" he's lived before..

he can make a 40 year old man cry, he's doing something right.

He was interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres and he said sometimes when I play I cry because the music takes over me. This kid has played a 100 lifetime's. ♥️♥️

Firstly we need to thank his parents for bringing him up with decent music.

He's a prodigy. Born to be a great guitarists. Even at his young age, he's the whole package. Just watching his intensity and joy is half of his greatness.

PLAYS like a 55 year-old man who lost his family in an airplane accident and survived heroin. He's got the blues.

That boy is an incarnation of an old soul. He plays with such feeling and maturity, he feels the sound, he becomes the sound that he is transmitting to us. I love to hear him and watch him play. He is truly rare. I have 3 boy children, so I appreciate boys. lol I hope this young man will be hugely successful - he already is - but that he will keep himself safe and healthy and protected above all. He is a real blessing, a treasure. ❤❤❤

I was hoping you'd discuss Taj!!! Don't you love his expressive 9 year old musician face!! As a classroom teacher, I can tell you what is significant here: 1) He doesn't need to watch his fingers as he plays. For such a young child, this is exceptional. 2) Sustaining the energy/technique/stamina/memory for a very long piece. So unique and unusual for a 9 year old. To compare this to a reading class, this would be like a 9 year old reading The Iliad by Homer.

Omg, he's not just playing the music Fil, he is totally feeling it....he's awesome. He's got soul.

His playing actually makes me weak! . Jeeesus! This child actually FEELS notes. He hits a note and his whole body gets chills. You can see it, hear it! Taj my man, you're AMAZING!

That’s my Babyboy. He takes away all my aches and pain. I listen to him day and night. Taj is my inspiration and he definitely helps me get through each day while going through BC Treatments. He makes me smile when I don’t feel like smiling and his playing makes me forget about the pain. Love you Taj

If you listen with your eye's closed you can actually feel your soul rise up and then float back down....WOW! Not only does he make you stop and listen....he takes you on a music journey.

I am amazed at how he uses the flat pic and then he all of a sudden palms it and plays finger style and goes back.

Little kids with "Old Souls" always bring tears to my eyes. Look at the feeling in his face and the profound commitment to the notes and complete authority and lack of tentativeness in emotion. Good Job Taj! You are young enough to have the opportunity to live a complete life full of music and art..take advantage of it and show us how it can be done without the false crutches of substances and negative enablers. Go get 'em dude!

He has soul like Santana, at this age, unbelievable and it cannot be taught, but a gift from above.

This kid is mind blowing. SRV has come back in Taj's soul. Unreal feel.

He’s only going to continue to get better & better. This kid is impressive and gotta love that guitar face! 🤘🏼🥰

He's not playing music. The music is playing him. Incredible, child prodigy. Most I've seen are on piano. Love his expressions

The phrasing between notes also creates a delicious tension in his music...what is impressive is that you can tell he is feeling the music he's playing. This kid has a bright future...can't wait to see where he goes.

He is absolutely Feeling It.

First time I've heard this kid, wow fantastic.

This kid is a gift to us all. I hope he stays with it and never gets bored. Thanks Taj!

Taj, at such a young age, he's able to incorporate both lead and rhythm, by being able to switch back and forth with pick and fingers. Which he is getting extremely good at. I know players, that have been playing 40 years, and still can't play both lead and rhythm that well. To be that young and to just get it, and to understand everything that is being done. Yeah, He is Amazing !!

Oh, My...he is a natural...I can't decide whose facial expressions are more interesting, yours of Taj! :) What a pleasure, what a treasure!

You can tell this kid feels the emotion in his songs.....just look at this facial expressions!

This is unteachable.He already has the voice of a master.

His dad took him to an AC/DC concert when he was seven and he fell for Angus playing guitar and decided right then that’s what he wanted to do with his life. Such an amazing young man who will only get better with age. Much love ❤️ ☮️

After 43 years of playing, all the classical and jazz lessons, the shows... have to rethink my day job. I wasn’t this far when I was twenty.

Kid plays well super maturity. His Bends and vibrato are just on point it's tasteful. He's an old soul.

And when he stops playing he turns back into a kid. That's fun to see, too.

😢 he is one of a kind. So much feeling in his playing......amazing!!!❤.

How does a 9year old show so much emotional feeling and depth ? Reminds, of a sign I read in liverpool England once . "Four young lads who shook the world" I wonder, if this young lad will continue to travel down that street of desire. Great video thank you.

I can see Taj being deadly when he gets older . Great feel and hope he finds a voice to sing because I can only imagine what he would sound like if he did sing. 🤘

Just love this child. So proud of his parents for the great job raising these 2 children.

it annoys the crap out of me when people say "theres no talent anymore in music". its like saying humans dont create anything beautiful anymore. theres no more talented painters, sculptors, building designers or people that draw? etc. most of the music today is on the radio to make money and is hiding an "artists" shortcomings via studio trickery. there are millions of people with true artistic talent that deserve to make a living out of it, its just not mass marketed like the Justin Biebers of the world.obviously, this young man didnt man write this, but this is played about as beautifully as it can be.

I've been watching this young man for a while.. and yes he is crazy good. I'm waiting for him to develop his voice..so you know who's playing before you see him.

His pick work is outstanding. Changing between pick styles is magical. The way he makes the pick disappear is like a magician palming a coin. I had seen this before and I’m glad you concentrated on his right hand.

Great analysis Fil! Taj is a phenomenal young guitarist, and you are right about his teacher doing an excellent job of guiding him. So neat to see such an accomplished player at the age of 9!

Imagine what he'll be like when his hands are fully grown and he's built the strength up in his fingers!!! He's already a mini master and will be shredding and making that guitar beg for mercy like Stevie Ray at age 15! I'll be keeping an ear open for this kid for sure. Your insight is great as always. I'm going to quietly put my guitar back in the closet as I know it's looking at me with sad eyes after this :P

Good tone. Masterful vibrato beyond his years....and all the guitar faces

I'm only 7 minutes in and I can see that yours is a timeless analysis and advice for great musicality. I have played violin since early childhood and you are incredibly correct. Practice great technique from the beginning and speed is just a consequence. Feeling though, really needs to be developed. This kid is good now, he's headed for greatness if he continues learning well.

I just finished commenting on The Band. Maybe that is why Taj reminds me so much of Robbie Robertson’s style at first glance. I recently watched your video on your new Fender guitar. I now understand the change in the guitar’s sound when Taj turned the switch on his guitar. Thank you! I wish Taj well. I hope this kid has a wonderful future ahead of him, whether in music, or whatever. I’m in my 60’s. I no longer think in terms of “30 years from now”, but kids like this make me hope I’m still going strong and following his career when I’m in my 90’s.

Wow 😮 this is the first time I have heard of this kid. So much feel and soul. I did not expect pauses, phrasing and tonal changes in his playing to lift the music from , with respect,....... a young lad . Love the laid back feel he has mastered at such an early age..... With respect to young players , you can tell if they are just following the music parrot fashion. Just playing it through. This lad has expression and looks like he is loosing himself into the music, and wow.... I am impressed

Excellent sound from such a young one! I hope someone introduces him to The Allman Brothers! ✌🤘

One more comment, please please let this kid continue on and do his thing. Not be turned into a pop artist by managers and producers.

I’ve seen this video before and this kid plays like a master already, way beyond his years! Soulful playing. He’s going to be a great one like Stevie Ray Vaughn!

Thank You for Your accurate analyses of Taj. I´m a huge fan of his talent. You just nailed it, he already as 9 years old plays like an adult. But it is scary to be in the music-world so young. Hope he has wise parents. Your analyses are so interesting to listen.

He reminds me of a young Stevie Ray, and the emotion in his face and body language is awesome. As usual love your videos

When I saw and heard Taj play the thing that came to mind was, reincarnation, he's done this before. Thank you for this posting.

I spend more time watching his facial expressions and can know what this feels when he is playing I see Phil smile big every time Taj gets that facial expression such a delight to see

OMGosh ! This kid was born to play the blues ! I’m 75 years old , cut my teeth on the blues n rock n roll , never heard this done any better ! !

Sounds like he was raised on the blues for 50 years.

It’s always a thrill to see and hear a talented youth . Thanks for this great analysis 👍

This kid will be a legend one day with all of his passion. It truly does give me goosebumps when watching him at such a young age put so much soul into every bend. Definitely on my list of upcoming artists to keep my eye open for. Great insight to the young mans playing by Wings of Pegasus. Can not agree more.

How good, it's insane how good he is at such a young age. Looking forward to seeing what he becomes.

Spot on Fil. I'm a visual artist not a musician but have always thought music is a superior form of art in creating emotion. I'll take clean playing over speed any day.

Talented kid and talented teacher- a great combination

This just makes my heart sing with joy!!! To see a child learning, loving what they are doing.. not immersed in laptop, phone etc.. its such a beautiful thing to see. I just adore your channel!!

your smile while watching him says alot! this young man plays with such feeling it brings me to tears of joy and hope for the future

An absolutely fantastic young talent. Such feeling in his playing.

Taj is an impressive player. Little dude feels it. I look forward to seeing where he goes from here.

He wasnt taught this he was simply guided in the right direction, this is all Taj, after watching him he is better than 99 percent of guitarists! Its natural!

Certainly the most impressive thing about his playing is he's playing with a seasoned professionals feel. His patients between notes to let the music breathe and the phrasing become poignant is not something teachable. Obviously his teacher has done a great job to impress upon him that music is about feelings. His technical ability is outstanding but really it's his feel and phrasing and the Dynamics of letting notes kind of Fall Away. Also there were a few bands in there where he got the Note 2 and 3 times they were so impressive. This kid is going places

I really enjoy this channel. Nice work Fil keep it going!!!!

I’m so glad you did this reaction, Fil. Taj is 9 and has only been playing guitar since he was 7. Watch his interview on KZfaq, on the Ellen show. He’s a cool little kid.

Phil, you hit the nail on the head - control, spacing between notes and phases - that's the missing component for too many shredders! That's why shredding get so boring after a few minutes. So glad you reinforce that with your students. They will be better off for it! Well done. As to Taj, yes he will be going places for sure! Cheers from Canada!

First up I'm an aussie, so you'll have to all live with that in here... I...like many of you here...are trying to work out..how on earth can Taj at 9/10yrs can sound so seasoned and mature with his guitar playing? I for one do not believe he is some sort of musician reincarnation, or received special gifts from god or been bestowed with something extra special, that many other young Australian boys, or boys around the world, also have at their disposal too. Is he a "product" of the "KZfaq guitar lesson generation"? Is he a product of a very good guitar teacher? Is he putting in extra time on the instrument that other 9/10 year old boys could not as well? What is it? I've spent quite a bit of time, researching him. Oh I am a guitarist with experience in playing and teaching for over 30yrs. I had first hand knowledge of another previous Australian "Guitar Prodigy" Nathan Cavaleri. Who had a quite accomplished guitar playing Father who had also great musical knowledge. "Most" of the current "KZfaq" Taj Analysation videos around now, I think, have talked about why he is so much better than other boys his own age. But avoided what is to me, the Elephant in the room....Yes Taj has a great guitar teacher, yes he has used KZfaq a lot, yes he has the ability to sit down, and work it all out. But as many have noted in KZfaq, as Phil has here again. Most young players learn their first "favourite" guitar solos Note for Note, and will "force" every note over a backing track or drummer (an example of this is fellow young aussie Jayden Tatasciore), but Taj doesn't do this, why? And what he is doing that sets him apart from any other young guitar prodigy his age? The Elephant in the room, all have missed. Is just like Nathan Cavaleri, his Father, an accomplished drummer. Tag has learned from his Father, to play a song from start to finish, jamming along with his Father, who starts a tempo of a particular "rock song", and has forced Tag to start a solo at finish a solo, though not correct Note for Note, in TIME..........developing his phrasing....FAST. It is Taj's timing and phrasing (he has already honed out great rock guitar techniques with the help of his guitar teacher), but it's Taj's mature phrasing and excellent timing (for his age) that sets him apart. I have even seen many times Taj's father, when in attendance of his son playing, playing drums on his knees, while Taj is playing. Indicating to me, at least, how much hard work his father has put into his son Taj, when it comes to timing and phrasing. And the scary thing for all the rest of us "rock" guitarists....Taj is only going to get BETTER in time !!!!

Everything you say is spot on Fil, as you might know I am 60 and also have taught guitar, that discipline and restraint is so important for feel!

A real talent and the telltale face. Thanks for sharing.

this is a gifted young man and he will be as positive in his guitar playing. his face reflects the music and he shows his emotion of the song. He is great.

This kid is blessed! You can tell that the music is felt.

It is such a joy to see a young individual so in love with his music, great job and I hope he doesn't stop♡

I love watching him. So much talent. His face shows those true feelings inside. 💫❤️

I agree... what is amazing about this nine year old is his emotion he conveys in his playing.

Guitar faces are my favourite experience. My brother used to play and unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago. I miss seeing him play. I"ve totally enjoyed watching Taj play many times over, and his guitar face is amazing and now this experience has totally blown me away by seeing another beautiful soul analyzing Taj, and who clearly is passionate. Reminding me of my brother who had such passion for playing guitar too. Thank you for sharing this.

Taj is a old soul, He is truly playing with his soul straight up through his fingers . The love in him for his playing guitar Is most unbelievably Amazing.. A true believer in reincarnation , yes he has a amazing teacher no doubt about that. But when a child picks a instrument and enjoys it so much and picks up the Instrument instead of wanting to be in front of a computer or a game console these day's..., It's plain black and white It's their gods giving talent In life. And that's the case With Taj.. much thanks for sharing this with all of us.. Peace n Rock always !✌🏻😎

I'm very impressed with his vibrato and phrasing (a little behind the beat), in particular. God blessed you with a gift kid so don't throw it away when multiple distractions come your way when you get more mature.

This was so beautiful, heartfelt and honest! Made me cry.

How can you NOT like this guy.

Techniques schmechniques. A good nudge from a talented teacher is one thing, but you just can't fake natural born talent. Bravo kid!

Thanks so much Fil for checking out my request. I'm so pleased you saw and heard what I did. I think he's the real deal too. Appreciation from Down under 🙏

Your explanation is always so thorough and polite. You are so appreciated.

Phil, I relish hearing these artist/song reviews of yours! You and Rick Beato can really find the music and artistry to feature and assess on You Tube! I like what you have pointed out in that Taj has the time in his youth to focus on developing skills to play in his hands the compositions he has created in his mind. I would add that a child's soft heart is not beleaguered with hard adult doubt or fear of failure. Taj very evidently has his spirit and soul saturated in the music to skillfully deliver it. One of the greatest teaching statements I have ever heard is "You can eventually play (and sing) anything that you can hear". We can see the music, planned and delivered phrase by phrase, in Taj's face!!! Bless my soul!

Great analysis, once again. This kid is amazing. I would suggest this 9 year old kid get together with 81 year old Bob Wood and go on tour. Sign me up. Rock!

If I wasn't looking at him sitting there playing that I would have thought Chris Stapleton released this version himself. The kid really blew me away when I first saw this one. He's definitely an old soul. Thanks Fil and all you other teachers out there. Passions the word

I watch him a lot! Just love how he really has it in his soul!

THIS BOY IS GOING SOMEWHERE , UNBELIEVABLE GOD GIVEN TALENT , GLAD YOU HAD A CHANCE TO INTERVIEW TAJ , HE FEELS WHAT HE IS PLAYING ,

There's hope. And it's wonderful. Thanks.

Fantastic! When I was nine I had a hard time brushing my teeth on a regular basis let alone playing that well. Good job kid!! And cudos to his teacher.

This child has the full gift. Truly wonderful

I NEVER get tired of watching this AMAZING musician!! Awesome does NOT Express his talent enough! 💙💙

Man he’s so in the moment! Telling a musical story with his guitar and his feel! Amazing command and phrasing... but how he allows his notes to ring and breathe is just brilliant! Like you say Fil we can all learn to play a piece of music, but the emotional value comes from within! Hope he continues on his quest! Sensational analysis Fil! 😀🤘🤘🤘

I'll start by saying that I am not a musician, but I am an aficionado of music with a particular love of guitar, especially blues. This young man plays with more passion than some guys that have been in "the business" for decades. With all due respect to those that have compared Taj to Stevie, Carlos, etc., don't. He isn't trying to emulate anyone. He is at an age where he is developing his own style and the young man is severely talented. Granted, he may have been influenced by some of the greats, but keep in mind that he is Taj Farrant. Also, some have expressed interests in seeing him sing. I, for one, do not wish that. Some of the greatest musicians have never uttered a word in song. They let their playing be their voice. Right now, his "voice" is more polished than many. I wish him the best and I hope that he has a great career with endless possibilities.

Taj has an old soul. His playing touches your spirit. AMAZING🎸🎶

Taj is a child prodigy. He started when he had JUST turned 7 years old, and Bam!it was INSTANTANEOUS with him

Can you really teach that ? I wonder . You absolutely need a good teacher . Techniques and all of that , but this child is nine years old . He's like an old blues soul re born . He is a natural . 😉

For only playing 2 half years is incredible his timing is spot on his bends are in tone not to mention only being nine years old.

What absolutely pleasure to watch and hear him play he does so enjoy it also....

Thanks for your encouragement to this young man...he is already good... destined for greatness...