For people who don't know him as a musician - Jeff Daniels is a legit singer-songwriter. He has a great catalog of originals - many that incorporate wonderful humor, all played finger-style, and an amazing lyricist to boot. Do yourself a favor a google his music.
I'm a few years behind you, but not many. Seriously playing for about 50 years. (holy crap! that long?) My ax carried me through twenty years of misery during a 35 year marriage and a tragic divorce (for me). Wasn't allowed to play without getting harassed so I hid away in the basement and just immersed myself into nearly silent finger picking. It was way more than therapeutic and got me thru a lot.. Keep jammin!
I'm 74, and I've only been playing for three years. Starting that late means there'll always be some limits to what the fingers can do, so I'm still pretty much a beginner and may well stay that way. But what Jeff D and Tony both say about it rings incredibly true for me. Yeah, I want to improve, but I realized that it's in the nature of the instrument that once you get past that "absolute" beginner stage, you can make noises that sound nice, and even if I'm the only one who hears them, in my room, it's cool. (But in my secret heart, of course, I'd still like to be able to play like Jeff Daniels .... Oh, well. 😊 )
@@ianboyle1026I'm 70 and been playing for 58 years and been teaching for 22 years. Find some songs you like, turn up the stereo and your guitar and play along with them. I have 2 hours of songs on watch later that I play along with for 2 hours 3 times a week. From Boston to Bluegrass. I close the doors and windows and crank it up, that's how I have fun.
@@flynnstone3580 Funny you should say that (and thanks for the encouragement). I've just recently found that I've developed just enough of an ear to sometimes be able to hear what key some songs are in, and can sort of play along, if they don't chug along too fast. I got singing lessons too, and it turns out that I'm a way better singer than guitarist, so if I just keep at it, and the finger skills catch up gradually, I might just do it in front of a small number of people one day. In the meantime, I like your suggestion very much. Cheers!
I watched this several months ago. I’ve known for years that Jeff played guitar but this was the first time I’d heard him perform an original song. Very talented man. The guitar message from Jeff is well put. He plays for personal enjoyment and so do I. Thanks Tony for sharing this video. It needs to be seen and heard. 🎶
Well said. I’m the same, known about Jeff touring a music act for years but haven’t experienced that until now. I’m also glad Tony gave this some attention and added his reactions and thoughts.
He is likely playing his signature Martin guitar model....that's right, Martin made a Signature guitar just for him. Jeff is legit a fantastic guitarist. So good he has said if acting roles ever stopped coming his way he was fully planning on taking gigs and being a professional musician as a pivot. He has videos on the net going back over a decade and is wonderful to listen to. Lots of fun this video, I have watched this too many times. Tyler from music is win channel also did a breakdown and showed him struggling to learn how to play what Jeff is playing here. Of course he succeeded, it is awesome to see. Also yes this song is absolutely amazing. Every guitarist can relate to this.
The most freeing realization i had in my journey through guitar playing was that i will always suck compared to someone. Might be some 6 year old kid i see on youtube. And i may also be the guy someone else looks up to. We all have our voice. Find yours, embrace it, smile, and play.
Jeff Daniels is a gifted multi-talented artist. Watch him perform in the HBO series, “The Newsroom” and you will be blown away by his dramatic acting skills. He is also an accomplshed guitarist, singer and songwriter and he appears to be revealing that side of himself more often these days.
I was an extra in the movie Gods and Generals and met Jeff, who of course played Gen. Chamberlain. We talked guitars for a couple minutes and he was wonderful with all the reenactors. Great actor AND guitar player.
Isn't it interesting that guitarists who tell us 'you don't really need to be good' are excellent players themselves. 😉 I really enjoyed Jeff's performance. 👏👏 That song is the type of music I like and play, not nearly as well as he does however. 😊
He’s been playing for decades….since his late teens or very early twenties. Like all of us, he didn’t start out with guitar as a good player. Maybe that’s his point.
I think what he’s trying to say is if you remove the pressure from yourself to be as good as(insert the person you instantly think of) And you just have fun while doing it and try to pick up stuff along the way… You will get monumentally better than you ever thought plausible. After like I would say 13 years of not learning anything new just playing the same old licks and Blue standards that I’ve been playing since I was 21 years old I started to have fun again and reopened myself to learning experiences and lowering my ego… I’ve actually gotten a lot better
Because there is always someone out there, (or many people) who can do something with the guitar that you can’t and we are all in admiration of those people and then we say to ourselves “I suck”. Lol. He knows he can do what he can do but also knows what he can’t do.
That was great. For some of us, a guitar becomes our shelter in the storm or the conduit to communication to our God. For me, personally, I started playing at 17. I was in a new school where I knew noone. Being somewhat socially awkward, it was not easy for me to make friends. The guitar became my only friend and counselor. I am now almost 60. My guitars have taken me from that lonely teen to the big stage behind a couple country stars, like Dottie West and Charlie Walker. It was there when I got married, the 1st time and helped me find my life again after the divorce. It was there when I met my 2nd wife, who is still with me after 22 years. It has helped me calm my children and some of our pets. And it helped me process the death of 2 of my siblings. To say that guitar is part of my life is an understatement. The only audience that hears me these days is the same audience that I started with...my guitar.
Same here, started when I was 17. It's that 1 thing I always have when I have nothing else. Being lost in the guitar for hours when you're lost in life......
I just want to say it's great to see you putting out this great content lately. You've been missed! Also love what Jeff says here, and his songwriting.
So glade you showed this. Absolutely right about ya don't have to be good to have fun. At 74 and picking since 14, I have been too concerned about not being good enough for all the time spent on it. I must remember again why I started in the first place, for love of it's voice!
I found this video of him a little while ago and was really caught off guard. I didn’t realize he made music but seems like he’s been doing this forever which is so cool. Been trying to figure it out ever since then and I think you cracked the code for me a little bit, thank you!
Glad to see you post, Tony! Thanks for deconstructing this! I’ve been trying to figure out what he’s doing, but it’s been tough to keep up. When you did it slower, it actually seems doable. I’m not much of a finger picker, but the pattern isn’t horrible - and it’s mostly a few easy open chords. The lyrics are so beautiful for us guitar geeks (and I agree that the best line in the song is the one you picked out). I’ve known Jeff Daniel’s could play but never really heard him before that I recall. For the Dumb and Dumber comedian, he’s far from either IRL - he’s quite talented. I’d love to know if he has any other original music out there. Gonna have to explore! Don’t be a stranger, Tony! We miss ya and appreciate your occasional posts.
There's no end to this mans talent. He almost single handedly revitalized his small Michigan home town by building a theater downtown. He writes plays for them, too. And he tours with his sons band. One of the coolest guys on the planet. We're lucky to have him
Hey Tony, man, thanks for this video. It was exactly what I needed to see at this particular time. I loved Jeff’s opening comment! It’s so easy to forget that it’s all about fun. I love playing so much but at times when you are struggling to learn something it’s easy to forget. Tony you have no idea what your lessons have meant to me. Jeff, thank you so much for that wonderful song!
Thanks for this video. The experience of seeing Daniels play, the positive perspective of his advice, and for your sentiment and appreciation for what we all just got to watch with you. It started my day off right.
Thank you for displaying such class. Yes. Play an instrument. Sing. Dance. It’s the universal language. For all of time. That was an inspiring tribute to Jeff. And to everyone. Thank you
Fantastic! Always enjoyed Jeff Daniels’ acting, but had no idea he is such a marvelous musician and singer/songwriter! Really enjoyed your commentary and analysis also. Thanks.
Is it the “Travis Picking” technique? That’s my go-to finger style. It’s a beautiful little song that sits right in the middle of country Americana…a style that the south championed and sadly lost. It’s front porch sweet tea sipping music that is very nostalgic for my metalhead’s simple roots. And just the idea of writing a love letter song to your guitar is beautiful in a way that isn’t saccharine or overly precious or quaint in any way. I love this song, and I see Jeff in a whole new way because of it. And most importantly, it speaks to me. There’s a lot of reasons why some people name their guitars, but it all boils down to our love for them…not for guitars as a whole, but for our guitar. It’s beautiful.
It's great to see someone who has already had great success in the acting world be able to play so well and I absolutely agree that guitar is about having fun and getting a break from your everyday life.
Jeff Daniels plays a very special custom guitar; it is based upon an old 1934 Martin C-2 archtop guitar, which Jeff found with a broken top. He had famous luthier Joe Konkoly replace the top, essentially converting the C-2 to an orchestral model
Mahalo for the kine acoustic joy! I remember when I was beginning a sport as a child. It was exciting. I eventually became proficient (intermediate). Some years after that I was reflective and had to acknowledge that one of the funnest times was the learning curve. The thinking about it constantly off the field. The all encompassing pursuit era. I also started playing my 30$ Crown acoustic guitar in 7th grade (1968). Instead of playing recess (usually basketball on the asphalt) my friend John (with a 1952 00-18!) and I would learn songs with Black Diamond $2 sets of strings. WE played our acoustics on the bench while our classmates were a few feet away in their sphere of learning. I hope the ubiquitous acoustic guitar is even more popular in the future. It's so rewarding. And shows like this help a lot. Im 69 now and still play an hour a day. Goodalls and Gibson slopes mostly.
I saw him in Concert in our small area of Marquette MI. in a beautiful small Auditorium around 20 years ago. My son and I were pleasantly surprised at how good he was.
You can fight to be a session musician or star - or have another career and have the skills playing guitar (and playing) to impress people off of the charts and separate or distinguish yourself from the rest. Plus, when you find someone you love, playing and singing to him/her can be amazingly special and seal the deal. The skills becoming good enough to play in a bar band and performing in bars are the most important skills I use as a trial lawyer.
Good to see you Tony. I stumbled on the Kelly Clarkson video a couple of days ago and really liked Jeff’s advice…and the song! I read somewhere about Jeff’s musicianship, but this is the first time I’ve heard him play/sing. Need to get him to the Fretboard Summit-he would love it! Looking forward to my third Summit in Chicago in a couple of weeks. All the best!
Good.. I feel validated now because I suck.. I've been wanting to be like Yngwie circa 1983 but I don't have it.. So, I just ply and enjoy the few chords I can make on my guitars. But fair to add, nerve damage on my fretting hand has kinda hampered what I can do, but has helped me to focus more so than before and in some ways, has made me better. I like what the gentleman had to say about guitar playing. Just enjoy it.
What a great message Tony and video of you reacting to the two of them. Needed this reminder this morning after a frustrating night of playing. Thanks!
I have seen videos of Jeff playing before and it was always a Martin guitar. You can see Jeff with Norman playing at Norms rare guitars , on a guitar of the day video.🎉
It takes a little dedication, concentration, and practice to play the guitar, but if someone doesn’t put in the time it will keep you from growing. One doesn’t have to be the best around, but should strive to get it right ,because it is about loving music, expressing yourself, telling a story through a song, sharing part of your life with others. But the most important thing to me is that the guitar allows me to share my faith, write songs, and chill out with my two Martins, just strumming or picking chords and looking for a chord sequence to use for a song I have in my mind. I picked up the guitar late in life, in my sixties, and am self taught. The toughest part is to get past imitating others and work out your own style, and find your own voice, and that takes time. In a few more months I will be 80. I wish I picked up the guitar earlier in life, but I was too busy working and supporting my family. I have more free time now, and the internet, UA-cam, has allowed me to find a place to post songs, and whether they are good or not, others will judge. I just enjoy it, it is a passion with me. I wish you all the best on your music journey. Take it seriously, put in the time and practice, and express yourself in your songs. God bless.
He has got monstrous performing balls to do this in the setting he is doing it. The skills are one thing but taking over a room of that size is the real story.
I've looked at a few Jeff Daniels' videos over the years and he is a fantastic musician - much underrated. Somewhere on the web is a video of him at the Martin factory and if this is the same guitar it is actually an mid-30s (I think) archtop which has had the front off and a flat soundboard put on (believe it or not).
I have to admit, the most discouraging thing i ever did when i was young was jam with a guy that was a phenomenal guitar player. He just completely biew me away in talent, and i lost alot of drive. Now that im old i realize you just gotta enjoy yourself and not try to be as good as someone. Lifes too short
A great song shares a story. The guitar that he is playing is an older Martin OM 35. That's why we cannot read the headstock. The signature model has the Martin Logo vertically between the tuners.
Great song, great performance. But what really blows me away is how guitar players like you can listen to a song a few times and pick up the cords and the picking in no time at all. Impressive on both counts. 💯
They made a short run of that guitar at Martin for him. I'd love to get hold of one, but t hey're selling used (if you can find them) for around 4-5grand. He's got hundreds of songs many of which are recorded. He also plays around with his son. My first exposure to his playing was on that TV show with Sam Walerson playing Tom T. Hall's "thats how I got to Memphis." It's on youtube and you should check it out, not just for his playing, but his persona. Very lovable back home kind of guy. I've seen his thumb pick. It has a small center "pin" that catches the string. Can't say I know who makes them, but they are around. Lots of him on UA-cam.
He’s a joy to listen to and watch. I have a t shirt depicting a stick figure playing guitar and says “the song’s not in the guitar”, reminds me of what he said.
Us Michiganders have been aware of his guitar prowess for a long time (and love of the Tigers), but what caught my ear was a reference you made to Elderly Instruments. I can only guess you are referring to the Elderly Instruments in Lansing? Been there many times, as have a lot of famous guitar players (I'm not one, lol).
I saw him many years ago at Old Town School of Folk Music. He was an excellent singer/songwriter/guitarist then and a great story teller. It was a fun show. BTW, I have never seen Dumb and Dumber.
For people who don't know him as a musician - Jeff Daniels is a legit singer-songwriter. He has a great catalog of originals - many that incorporate wonderful humor, all played finger-style, and an amazing lyricist to boot. Do yourself a favor a google his music.
on it!
I'm nearing 77. Been playing 62+ years. At this point, it's therapy. Actually has been all my life, keeping me sane and my head attached ...
Me, too.
I'm a few years behind you, but not many. Seriously playing for about 50 years. (holy crap! that long?) My ax carried me through twenty years of misery during a 35 year marriage and a tragic divorce (for me). Wasn't allowed to play without getting harassed so I hid away in the basement and just immersed myself into nearly silent finger picking. It was way more than therapeutic and got me thru a lot.. Keep jammin!
I'm 74, and I've only been playing for three years. Starting that late means there'll always be some limits to what the fingers can do, so I'm still pretty much a beginner and may well stay that way. But what Jeff D and Tony both say about it rings incredibly true for me. Yeah, I want to improve, but I realized that it's in the nature of the instrument that once you get past that "absolute" beginner stage, you can make noises that sound nice, and even if I'm the only one who hears them, in my room, it's cool.
(But in my secret heart, of course, I'd still like to be able to play like Jeff Daniels .... Oh, well. 😊 )
@@ianboyle1026I'm 70 and been playing for 58 years and been teaching for 22 years. Find some songs you like, turn up the stereo and your guitar and play along with them. I have 2 hours of songs on watch later that I play along with for 2 hours 3 times a week. From Boston to Bluegrass. I close the doors and windows and crank it up, that's how I have fun.
@@flynnstone3580 Funny you should say that (and thanks for the encouragement). I've just recently found that I've developed just enough of an ear to sometimes be able to hear what key some songs are in, and can sort of play along, if they don't chug along too fast.
I got singing lessons too, and it turns out that I'm a way better singer than guitarist, so if I just keep at it, and the finger skills catch up gradually, I might just do it in front of a small number of people one day. In the meantime, I like your suggestion very much. Cheers!
The song is literally a love song to his guitar!
I watched this several months ago. I’ve known for years that Jeff played guitar but this was the first time I’d heard him perform an original song. Very talented man. The guitar message from Jeff is well put. He plays for personal enjoyment and so do I. Thanks Tony for sharing this video. It needs to be seen and heard. 🎶
Well said. I’m the same, known about Jeff touring a music act for years but haven’t experienced that until now. I’m also glad Tony gave this some attention and added his reactions and thoughts.
He is likely playing his signature Martin guitar model....that's right, Martin made a Signature guitar just for him. Jeff is legit a fantastic guitarist. So good he has said if acting roles ever stopped coming his way he was fully planning on taking gigs and being a professional musician as a pivot. He has videos on the net going back over a decade and is wonderful to listen to. Lots of fun this video, I have watched this too many times. Tyler from music is win channel also did a breakdown and showed him struggling to learn how to play what Jeff is playing here. Of course he succeeded, it is awesome to see.
Also yes this song is absolutely amazing. Every guitarist can relate to this.
The most freeing realization i had in my journey through guitar playing was that i will always suck compared to someone. Might be some 6 year old kid i see on youtube. And i may also be the guy someone else looks up to. We all have our voice. Find yours, embrace it, smile, and play.
Wise words.
That is a sound outlook on life, one could change guitar playing to a lot of things! !!
Every time I hear this song it is fresh, makes me cry.
Hey Tony, Jeff is actually a Martin guitar ambassador.
He really is a great performer.
Loved the story and Jeff Daniels song as well.
Jeff Daniels is a gifted multi-talented artist. Watch him perform in the HBO series, “The Newsroom” and you will be blown away by his dramatic acting skills. He is also an accomplshed guitarist, singer and songwriter and he appears to be revealing that side of himself more often these days.
At one time almost all actors were what they called a triple threat. They sang danced and acted. But not anymore.
Been playing guitar for about a month and a half now. Digging it every day.
Keep going. Enjoy the journey.
I was an extra in the movie Gods and Generals and met Jeff, who of course played Gen. Chamberlain. We talked guitars for a couple minutes and he was wonderful with all the reenactors. Great actor AND guitar player.
I ain't holding you my friend, it's you who's holding me! Wow right in the heart
Isn't it interesting that guitarists who tell us 'you don't really need to be good' are excellent players themselves. 😉 I really enjoyed Jeff's performance. 👏👏 That song is the type of music I like and play, not nearly as well as he does however. 😊
He’s been playing for decades….since his late teens or very early twenties. Like all of us, he didn’t start out with guitar as a good player. Maybe that’s his point.
I think what he’s trying to say is if you remove the pressure from yourself to be as good as(insert the person you instantly think of) And you just have fun while doing it and try to pick up stuff along the way… You will get monumentally better than you ever thought plausible. After like I would say 13 years of not learning anything new just playing the same old licks and Blue standards that I’ve been playing since I was 21 years old I started to have fun again and reopened myself to learning experiences and lowering my ego… I’ve actually gotten a lot better
Because there is always someone out there, (or many people) who can do something with the guitar that you can’t and we are all in admiration of those people and then we say to ourselves “I suck”. Lol. He knows he can do what he can do but also knows what he can’t do.
@@kpag3030 -- Agreed. I also know what I can't do. That's my problem. 😂
That was great.
For some of us, a guitar becomes our shelter in the storm or the conduit to communication to our God.
For me, personally, I started playing at 17. I was in a new school where I knew noone. Being somewhat socially awkward, it was not easy for me to make friends. The guitar became my only friend and counselor.
I am now almost 60. My guitars have taken me from that lonely teen to the big stage behind a couple country stars, like Dottie West and Charlie Walker. It was there when I got married, the 1st time and helped me find my life again after the divorce. It was there when I met my 2nd wife, who is still with me after 22 years. It has helped me calm my children and some of our pets. And it helped me process the death of 2 of my siblings.
To say that guitar is part of my life is an understatement.
The only audience that hears me these days is the same audience that I started with...my guitar.
Same here, started when I was 17. It's that 1 thing I always have when I have nothing else. Being lost in the guitar for hours when you're lost in life......
I just want to say it's great to see you putting out this great content lately. You've been missed! Also love what Jeff says here, and his songwriting.
Thanks Tony. Enjoy your commentary and playing. Cheers from sunny Sydney Australia 🇦🇺👋
For those who have lost a spouse this hits every heart string their is not just the guitar.
So glade you showed this. Absolutely right about ya don't have to be good to have fun. At 74 and picking since 14, I have been too concerned about not being good enough for all the time spent on it. I must remember again why I started in the first place, for love of it's voice!
I found this video of him a little while ago and was really caught off guard. I didn’t realize he made music but seems like he’s been doing this forever which is so cool. Been trying to figure it out ever since then and I think you cracked the code for me a little bit, thank you!
That song is so amazing. And so is the message.
Glad to see you post, Tony! Thanks for deconstructing this! I’ve been trying to figure out what he’s doing, but it’s been tough to keep up. When you did it slower, it actually seems doable. I’m not much of a finger picker, but the pattern isn’t horrible - and it’s mostly a few easy open chords. The lyrics are so beautiful for us guitar geeks (and I agree that the best line in the song is the one you picked out). I’ve known Jeff Daniel’s could play but never really heard him before that I recall. For the Dumb and Dumber comedian, he’s far from either IRL - he’s quite talented. I’d love to know if he has any other original music out there. Gonna have to explore!
Don’t be a stranger, Tony! We miss ya and appreciate your occasional posts.
There's no end to this mans talent. He almost single handedly revitalized his small Michigan home town by building a theater downtown. He writes plays for them, too. And he tours with his sons band. One of the coolest guys on the planet. We're lucky to have him
Thanks for re-enforcing the idea of having fun with the instrument. I’m struggling a bit with that at the moment, putting too much pressure on myself.
Hey Tony, man, thanks for this video. It was exactly what I needed to see at this particular time. I loved Jeff’s opening comment! It’s so easy to forget that it’s all about fun. I love playing so much but at times when you are struggling to learn something it’s easy to forget. Tony you have no idea what your lessons have meant to me. Jeff, thank you so much for that wonderful song!
He’s just such a cool guy. Every time you see him just being himself he’s so normal. Never puts on the celebrity show, just a regular dude
Thanks for this video. The experience of seeing Daniels play, the positive perspective of his advice, and for your sentiment and appreciation for what we all just got to watch with you. It started my day off right.
Thank you for displaying such class. Yes. Play an instrument. Sing. Dance. It’s the universal language. For all of time. That was an inspiring tribute to Jeff. And to everyone. Thank you
Fantastic! Always enjoyed Jeff Daniels’ acting, but had no idea he is such a marvelous musician and singer/songwriter! Really enjoyed your commentary and analysis also. Thanks.
Thanks for posting that, Tony, it was amazing!
Awesome, Tony. What an incredible song! Thanks for sharing this. I need to add this to my songs to learn.
it’s astonishing to see you break this down so easily. kudos man.
Thanks for posting this, Tony. I saw it a couple of months ago. He is as good a guitar player as he is an actor. (I think he's a great actor)
Is it the “Travis Picking” technique? That’s my go-to finger style. It’s a beautiful little song that sits right in the middle of country Americana…a style that the south championed and sadly lost. It’s front porch sweet tea sipping music that is very nostalgic for my metalhead’s simple roots.
And just the idea of writing a love letter song to your guitar is beautiful in a way that isn’t saccharine or overly precious or quaint in any way. I love this song, and I see Jeff in a whole new way because of it. And most importantly, it speaks to me. There’s a lot of reasons why some people name their guitars, but it all boils down to our love for them…not for guitars as a whole, but for our guitar. It’s beautiful.
That Martin is a Jeff Daniels artist model…one of a handful they made. # I should watch all the way before commenting 😂
I actually have this song on a playlist, and your right it is a great song.
What a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you Tony, and thank you Jeff. Sunday chores can wait a few minutes--time to pick a little...
It's great to see someone who has already had great success in the acting world be able to play so well and I absolutely agree that guitar is about having fun and getting a break from your everyday life.
Jeff Daniels is a phenomenom - Afine blend of wisdom and talent
I agree, It's all about enjoying yourself. I enjoy learning something new all the time. It doesn't matter what it is.
Thanks Tony. Made me smile
wow- so good...had no idea he was this talented in the area of playing, songwriting, and singing...
Jeff Daniels is a special human.
Over the years I've seen Jeff sing and play a hand full of times on some TV show. The guy really good.
I saw this a couple of months ago and started geeking out on Jeff Danials.
Jeff Daniels plays a very special custom guitar; it is based upon an old 1934 Martin C-2 archtop guitar, which Jeff found with a broken top. He had famous luthier Joe Konkoly replace the top, essentially converting the C-2 to an orchestral model
Mahalo for the kine acoustic joy! I remember when I was beginning a sport as a child. It was exciting. I eventually became proficient (intermediate). Some years after that I was reflective and had to acknowledge that one of the funnest times was the learning curve. The thinking about it constantly off the field. The all encompassing pursuit era. I also started playing my 30$ Crown acoustic guitar in 7th grade (1968). Instead of playing recess (usually basketball on the asphalt) my friend John (with a 1952 00-18!) and I would learn songs with Black Diamond $2 sets of strings. WE played our acoustics on the bench while our classmates were a few feet away in their sphere of learning. I hope the ubiquitous acoustic guitar is even more popular in the future. It's so rewarding. And shows like this help a lot. Im 69 now and still play an hour a day. Goodalls and Gibson slopes mostly.
I saw him in Concert in our small area of Marquette MI. in a beautiful small Auditorium around 20 years ago. My son and I were pleasantly surprised at how good he was.
Man i love the simple stuff like this
Love your attitude Tony. Thankyou for giving me a great start to my day.
It's like I always say, "If you really want to be good at something, learn to love being bad at it."
You can fight to be a session musician or star - or have another career and have the skills playing guitar (and playing) to impress people off of the charts and separate or distinguish yourself from the rest. Plus, when you find someone you love, playing and singing to him/her can be amazingly special and seal the deal. The skills becoming good enough to play in a bar band and performing in bars are the most important skills I use as a trial lawyer.
Good to see you Tony. I stumbled on the Kelly Clarkson video a couple of days ago and really liked Jeff’s advice…and the song! I read somewhere about Jeff’s musicianship, but this is the first time I’ve heard him play/sing. Need to get him to the Fretboard Summit-he would love it! Looking forward to my third Summit in Chicago in a couple of weeks. All the best!
Good..
I feel validated now because I suck..
I've been wanting to be like Yngwie circa 1983 but I don't have it..
So, I just ply and enjoy the few chords I can make on my guitars.
But fair to add, nerve damage on my fretting hand has kinda hampered what I can do, but has helped me to focus more so than before and in some ways, has made me better.
I like what the gentleman had to say about guitar playing. Just enjoy it.
Hey Tony, cool, you're back! Best wishes from Berlin
Great vid!
What a great message Tony and video of you reacting to the two of them. Needed this reminder this morning after a frustrating night of playing. Thanks!
Brilliant performance and message. Good for him.
I have seen videos of Jeff playing before and it was always a Martin guitar. You can see Jeff with Norman playing at Norms rare guitars , on a guitar of the day video.🎉
Jeff Daniels performance was all around really good.
Great video, Tony .! Thank you for this .😁👍🏽
I LOVE Jeff Daniels. I LOVED Him in the HBO Series called The Newsroom. It’s an AWESOME show. Only lasted 3 Seasons.
I know Jeff Daniels as actor top-notch. Did not know he is also this good as musician.
Listen to him and it’s all I need
Great song and video. Love this!
I struggled on and off, with playing guitar for 20 years before i discovered finger picking. Now its like guitar has totally changed for me.
His interview on Guitar Magic a couple of weeks ago is a great watch with some very interesting insights, especially right at the end.👍
Great post, thanks Tony!
It takes a little dedication, concentration, and practice to play the guitar, but if someone doesn’t put in the time it will keep you from growing. One doesn’t have to be the best around, but should strive to get it right ,because it is about loving music, expressing yourself, telling a story through a song, sharing part of your life with others. But the most important thing to me is that the guitar allows me to share my faith, write songs, and chill out with my two Martins, just strumming or picking chords and looking for a chord sequence to use for a song I have in my mind. I picked up the guitar late in life, in my sixties, and am self taught. The toughest part is to get past imitating others and work out your own style, and find your own voice, and that takes time. In a few more months I will be 80. I wish I picked up the guitar earlier in life, but I was too busy working and supporting my family. I have more free time now, and the internet, UA-cam, has allowed me to find a place to post songs, and whether they are good or not, others will judge. I just enjoy it, it is a passion with me. I wish you all the best on your music journey. Take it seriously, put in the time and practice, and express yourself in your songs. God bless.
He has got monstrous performing balls to do this in the setting he is doing it. The skills are one thing but taking over a room of that size is the real story.
Just what I needed to her before a 30min open mic set, I'm not much of a guitar player, but I can write songs.
I knew Jeff could guitar. ❤
That's a really good song. I didn't realize what a great picker he is.
He is playing a Martin. They even had a limited run signature model. His main guitar was a 1934 C2 Archtop that has a flat top conversion.
Just besutiful.... the power of folk music
Love it - you nailed it bro !!
Jeff is the real deal. Check out : “Mile 416”, “Across The Way”, “Cathy”, and the classic “If William Shatner Can, I Can Too.”
He can play!!! And Sing!!! Real Talent
Recently watched the same video sounds awesome 👍
For his movie accomplishments, he’s played serious roles, too. His role as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in Gettysburg was one of my favorites.
I've looked at a few Jeff Daniels' videos over the years and he is a fantastic musician - much underrated. Somewhere on the web is a video of him at the Martin factory and if this is the same guitar it is actually an mid-30s (I think) archtop which has had the front off and a flat soundboard put on (believe it or not).
I have to admit, the most discouraging thing i ever did when i was young was jam with a guy that was a phenomenal guitar player.
He just completely biew me away in talent, and i lost alot of drive.
Now that im old i realize you just gotta enjoy yourself and not try to be as good as someone.
Lifes too short
A long time ago I bought from Elderly instruments in Michigan and I remember they said on their website that he goes there.
A great song shares a story.
The guitar that he is playing is an older Martin OM 35. That's why we cannot read the headstock.
The signature model has the Martin Logo vertically between the tuners.
Great song, great performance. But what really blows me away is how guitar players like you can listen to a song a few times and pick up the cords and the picking in no time at all. Impressive on both counts. 💯
Thanks for the video.
They made a short run of that guitar at Martin for him. I'd love to get hold of one, but t hey're selling used (if you can find them) for around 4-5grand. He's got hundreds of songs many of which are recorded. He also plays around with his son. My first exposure to his playing was on that TV show with Sam Walerson playing Tom T. Hall's "thats how I got to Memphis." It's on youtube and you should check it out, not just for his playing, but his persona. Very lovable back home kind of guy. I've seen his thumb pick. It has a small center "pin" that catches the string. Can't say I know who makes them, but they are around. Lots of him on UA-cam.
great, I knew Jeff Daniels plays guitar, didn't realize his voice so good. thanks for posting. didn't Martin produce a Jeff Daniels model?
He’s a joy to listen to and watch. I have a t shirt depicting a stick figure playing guitar and says “the song’s not in the guitar”, reminds me of what he said.
Truly insperational! Tha so much. Would have made a great Acoustic Tuesday episode.
That was cool....thanks for sharing
Martin did a Jeff Daniels signature guitar back in the day.
Besides being a great singer-songwriter, he is maybe the most underrated actor of our generation.
ithink its a C2 martin that he infamously changed the top on. Martin did a run of a model for him. He got the first one.
Jeff Daniels is just an overall awesome dude. Lucero has a great love song to a guitar too, a bit simpler to play "My Best Girl"
Us Michiganders have been aware of his guitar prowess for a long time (and love of the Tigers), but what caught my ear was a reference you made to Elderly Instruments. I can only guess you are referring to the Elderly Instruments in Lansing? Been there many times, as have a lot of famous guitar players (I'm not one, lol).
“You don’t have to be any good”
Then proceeds to be fuckin amazing 😂
I saw him many years ago at Old Town School of Folk Music. He was an excellent singer/songwriter/guitarist then and a great story teller. It was a fun show. BTW, I have never seen Dumb and Dumber.
Was kind of a Life Lesson!