Chet Atkins

Chet Atkins on Guitar

Perhaps the most famous country guitarist of the 20th century, Chet Atkins recorded a wide range of material. He was also well known for having developed his own versatile chord melody technique. Chet was born in Tennessee on June 20, 1924 and began his muscial career on the violin and ukulele before taking up the guitar. Because of his great talent, Chet was able to turn professional by the early 1940s. Even by then, he had developed his own technique on acoustic and electric guitar, by using fingernails and a thumbpick.

One of his most identifiable sounds was the chopped, rolling bass. By 1946, he had composed "Guitar Blues" which was an instrumental. This was performed on an electric guitar, featuring sliding chords, chipped chords, and tight rhythmic bass. It was a great piece which seemed to highlight Chet's individual style.

By 1947 his career took off when he became associated with RCA in Nashville. In this environment, he was able to work with other country greats like Hank Williams and the Carter Sisters. By 1952, he had recorded "Black Mountain Rag", a solo instrumental. In 1953, "OK By Jingo", "Kentucky Derby", and "Dill Pickle Rag" came along. His instrumental, "Mr. Sandman" was recorded in 1955 and was another hit.

During the 1940s, Chet Atkins performed on the Martin C-2 guitar and also the Gibson L-10 archtop. By 1950, he had acquired a sunburst D'Angelico Excel. This latter model he later converted to an electric. In addition to his country style music, he began to record classical during the 1950s.

Gretsch made the famous Chet Atkins Hollow Body 6120 guitar in 1954. It came with Dynasonic pickups, a Bigsby vibrato unit and western styling. Chet was a guitarist, producer, arranger, and greatly influenced the smooth Nashville sound. He worked with the Everley Brothers and Elvis Presley, adding beautiful guitar parts to their various recordings. By 1959, he had moved into classical and flamenco with the instrumental "Get On With It".

By 1962, Chet had blended pop with country in his "Windy and Warm". As 1964 rolled on, he was working on jazz and blues. A few of his fine pieces from that time are "Bluesette", "I Remeber You", "A Little Bit of Blues", and "Summertime". Chet Atkins will always be remembered for his great ability, incredible talent and quiet dignity. He was influenced by other fine guitarists such as Les Paul, George Barnes, Merle Travis, and the French Gypsy, Django Reinhardt. He loved all types of music and in turn made a significant contribution to them. Even George Harrison had acquired a Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman by 1964. Django Reinhardt >>