What is "Chet Licks"?
Chet Licks is a DVD video program, about 2 hours long, that was created by John McClellan to teach people much more about how Chet Atkins played the guitar and performed music. One of the most important aspects of this program is John's passion to help people see and understand that Chet Atkins was first, and foremost, a great Artist. John is a virtuoso guitarist, noted author and Professor of Classical Guitar at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri USA.
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How did this project get started?
As you may have already seen, John McClellan is the author of 2 books on Chet Atkins. This DVD, "Chet Licks" is a natural 3rd element of the work that John began with the books. Actually, the credit for making this DVD goes to Merle Atkins Russell...Chet's daughter. Merle encouraged John to move forward to make this DVD and continue the fantastic work that he started with the books.
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Why is the Chet Licks DVD split into 2 parts?
2 parts for 2 reasons...first, there is a lot of detail and information in the "Chet Licks" program and we really felt that it would be better for the viewer if we presented in 2 parts instead of one longer program...and, second, we wanted great audio so we kept the audio resolution high, which makes the audio files big...and it worked better to put the files on 2 DVD's. Back to top
Where did all the great "Chet" photos in the DVD come from?
There are a lot of very special photos of Chet included in this DVD program. The photos were made available to us by the Atkins Family...many of them came straight from Family albums. We're very grateful to be able to use these photos.
What is that fantastic classical guitar that John plays on "Just As I Am"?
Sounds beautiful, doesn't it? The classical (nylon string) guitar John plays through most of Part 2, and specifically on the performance of "Just As I Am", "Lagrima" and "Streets of Laredo" is a spruce and rosewood concert guitar built by Luthier Keith Adams. Keith builds incredible guitars right here in our heartland...in Bonnie, Illinois, USA. Keith's reputation is travelling fast and you can visit his website at: www.keithadamsguitars.com Back to top
Where can I buy the Chet Licks DVD?
Chet Licks is distributed by Mel Bay Music and should be available at your favorite local music dealer, at various music dealers on-line...or you can contact Mel Bay directly at www.melbay.com or by phone at 1-800-8-MEL BAY (800-863-5229) or international (Access code)+1+636-257-3970 and ask for Customer Service. Hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time Monday-Friday. Please have a credit card ready when you call. Mel Bay accepst Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Diner's Club cards.
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Did John really know Chet?
Yep. John and Chet first met when John was a young boy. They remained in contact with each other and visited many times over many years. Back to top
I play at a beginning level...is this DVD for me?
Absolutely! It's good for every level of player! The Chet Licks program is a graded progression that starts with beginner level concepts of alternating bass to establish a foundation...then it moves all the way to advance study of cross string scales and harmonics. So, it's a piece of work that can be useful and very meaningful to every level of player. And, the program includes just fantastic general information on excellent guitar playing technique! Back to top
