How to make Maphis magic?

[MWaldorf]

So, let's say I wanted to sound like Joe Maphis. Assuming I could muster the raw talent, what else do I need? There's the gear for sure, but anyone with thoughts on the keys to his playing style? Did he use a flat pick or a thumb pick? Anyone with links to some good "how to" lessons, or any youtube videos with a good view of what the heck he's playing?

[TerryTNM]

Brian Lonbeck, possibly the foremost Joe Maphis picker today has played with Joe many times and says that Joe was always very stingy about showing his "licks". This trend continues with Brian himself. He is also reluctant to show his stuff. Several people have encouraged him to produce a Joe Maphis tutorial DVD including myself. Thom Bresh is among the fans that would help him do it. Maybe someday... There is a Tab out there for Flying Fingers

An amazing young player from Australia, Bryan Browne set his sights on this style and has nailed the speed and precision of several of the most famous Maphis anthems including Fire on the Strings and Flying fingers. Performing for the Maphis family a year ago in Nashville they presented Bryan with Joe's actual guitar strap that he used on his last doublneck. Bryan is a prodigy that has little trouble with any style but he does use The Amazing Slow Downer. He just turned 16 in July. He's 14 in these videos.

[Sarah93003]

Man oh man! That kid is amazing!

[Veenture]

Bryan Browne, incredible...what am I still doing with a guitar?!...

[Strat-o-rama]

Hey Mel,
I've kinda looked at this style closely, and it really is, for the most part, I-IV-V progressions and major pentatonics. That's where I'd start. I also hear bluegrass, so I would look there too. The real trick is accuracy and speed, and from what I've been able to see, the fast licks are played with a plectrum, using good, clean jazz guitar technique. The chordal parts look like "claw" picking--that is plectrum, middle finger-ring finger-pinky picking the chords.
Unfortunately, I simply could never play that fast, no matter how much I practiced. I don't think my nervous system is wired to do that.

[TerryTNM]

Hey Strat,
Good observation. Joe was also one helluva fiddle player and transposed many of those hot fiddle tunes to guitar. ala "Fire on the Strings" from the old fiddle tune "Fire on the Mountain" Other than Brian Lonbeck and Bryan Browne I've never heard any one else attempt any of Joe's tunes with any success. - Terry

[MWaldorf]

Well this all explains why I haven't found much online info about his playing. This is the second time "The Amazing Slow Downer" has been mentioned; I think I may have to invest in it!

As for current musicians, I definitely hear threads of Joe's style in Deke Dickerson's playing. So, Deke, when will YOU write / record some music lessons for us all?

[jtr654]

Also the picking is done with the wrist frozen in one position and the movment comes from the elbow that helps the speed and accuracy.

[Dnepr]

Also the picking is done with the wrist frozen in one position and the movment comes from the elbow that helps the speed and accuracy.

If you watch Joe's playing closely, he alternates between "frozen" and "flowing" wrist movements. Each has its own distinct tonal quality. To get the more distinct attack that we associate with Joe's tone, I would recommend using a sharp, light pick. It takes a while to get used to playing fast with one, but it can be done. Make sure that you play with the pick parallel to the strings at all times!
Where you pick on the strings plays a huge part too. Watch his right hand and you'll notice that he would usually rest it between the pickups, but closer to the neck pickup for speedy runs, and get closer to the neck for the "Travis" pickin' stuff.
Lastly, Joe knew his scales, big time! The amazing up and down runs would mix several modes together, back and forth etc... And he could use all of his fingers on his left hand equally, not as easy to do as it may seem. Next time you take a solo, try using just your ring finger and pinky...

[thefourthhorseman]

Does anyone have a copy of the flying fingers tab???