Derek Trucks' Single String Slide Phrases

[PluralPunk]

The main reason why he’s really good at the one-string melodies/licks is that he was heavily influenced by and studied the techniques of Ali Akbar Khan, an Indian classical musician who plays the sarod. There’s a lot of Indian music inflection in Trucks’ playing.

[robertalford]

You can't help but make guitar faces when you listen to Derek. I'd go out on the limb, and just say he's the greatest slide player..ever. He's my favorite player PERIOD. Lots of players have great phrasing and tone, but his playing transcends all of that for me. I've been working on my slide chops lately, and this video is on time. Thanks, captain!

[JayBigDadyCy]

Derek also does this rake with his thumb between licks. I have a friend who compared this to a gospel singer taking a breath and I thought that was a perfect description.

[drasticbread]

Tedeschi Trucks Band at Red Rocks this year was one of the best shows I've ever seen, hearing Derek play live is unreal I can't wait to try this lick out thanks for the breakdown.

[TodaysRemedy]

Bro you nailed it, we should be grateful to be alive with Trucks, he is a living legend.

[karlfarren]

Thanks Ross. Derek is a beautiful musician. The level of virtuosity, but crucially, still with incredible musicality and lyrical quality in his playing, is just mind boggling. And yes, the band are fantastic too.
I loved seeing your shared enthusiasm, man. It’s great to recognize that shared love of great music. Best regards, Ross.

[customdocuments]

The fact that Derek Trucks, John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, Guthrie Govan, Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wylde, Al DiMeola (just to name a few) are always performing live in so many diff incarnations lends fuel to the thought that we are living through another golden age for guitar. Imagine this...when I was a kid in NYC, mainstream rock radio played Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Dream Theater!

[allenmitchell]

I’m happy to say I’ve met Derek and had my picture made with him. He is one of the few musicians whose playing has made me cry. There’s a gig he played pre-TTB when it was just the DTB on a show called mountain stage where Susan joined in and they were playing her song: I wanna move away from here. That’s the song and playing that brought me to tears! Derek has something special. He’s been unique almost since he picked up the guitar. I still think of him as the child prodigy with the Atlanta braves hat on. Long live Derek Trucks!

[RaunaqSahu]

Derek is a modern-day great, and I'm 100% sure that by the time he's done, his place in the pantheon of all-time greats will be assured. Great job deconstructing his style!

[johnjanoski]

I liked your analysis of Derek Trucks playing style. It's good to hear your going in depth with it. I'm sure you'll find plenty of things he does you can add to your own playing.

[NortyDorty]

I'm not a guitar player at all but I really liked hearing you breakdown Derek's guitar licks. As just a TTB fan, it was wonderful to have a technical guitar instructor show me how what it is I'm hearing (and making my own funny faces about every time I see them) is made. Even though I had the privilege of seeing SRV and Clapton and many others I'm glad to have my opinion on Derek reinforced. TTB in concert is a tour de force. Thanks for the video!

[PSYCHONAUTAustralia]

Man, top video!
I watched The TTB earlier this year in Australia and they are easily one of the greatest bands on earth. Trucks was LIGHTNING!

[patrickpalmer]

Your really clear man no rocket science calculations to impress. Your straight up I can appreciate that.

[MJR]

Saw TTB in London last night. I am gonna all playing slide now! Your comment about him being on a level with Hendrix & SRV is not hyperbole. A lot of the time I was too amazed even to applaud. Astounding.

[leejo]

I can’t play guitar (always wanted to) and I don’t understand what your talking about( way beyond my pee brain) but I totally agree with what you say about DT and the band. He is my favourite guitarist, I was lucky enough to see him before the pandemic. I do love when he and Warren Haynes play together, pure magic.
👍👏👏👏

[nelsonkerr]

Nice demonstration w the scales on one string and then on sets of strings - gotta get that intonation perfect and mute out unwanted string noise too. Good point about Derek being one of the all time greats and how fortunate we are to be able to see him live. Cheers!

[brettneuberger]

Good night!! What a solo! I didn’t realize I was pulling funny faces myself until you said something. Great lesson and review.

[genehyde]

Thanks for making the video. It is very helpful. 86 year old man in Arizona

[jtcarpenter]

That short clip of the solo gave me chills. Derek is the best, hands down

[GuitarJr]

Hey Ross - wow, I am so glad I came across your channel. I fell in love with slide guitar when a friend introduced me to Live @ The Fillmore East. Duane was already gone and I never got to see him. I'd heard rumors about Derek and got to see him in a small venue open for somebody else!! Since then, have ad the chance to hear him 5-7 times? He's getting more expensive! Anyway, I really appreciate your lesson here with a very logical and understandable format. Heading off to practice right now!