He is one of the most imitated guitarists in history. His band the Allman Brothers rewrote the book on Southern blues and rock. His songs still rock the airwaves even after 30 years of being written. Anyone seeking to learn blues guitar BETTER listen to Dickey Betts.
Simply put, Dickey Betts is a living legend. Even after all this, Dickey got kicked out of his band the, Allman Brothers for reasons not totally known to the general public.
It seems that Dickey and Greg Allman had their differences about many things. Both have struggled with dependency issues their entire life. It is no secret that the Allman Brothers were involved in many things psychedelic during their career. Just check out the mushroom that the original members got tattooed on them in the beginning of the band’s incarnation.
Although most of the members have now cleaned up, (the ones that are still alive) when everyone is not on the same page, then it is hard to function as a unit. The current Allman Brothers lineup is smoking for sure, and there is not doubt that that band has chemistry. I saw them in concert a few years ago, and let me tell you they were amazing! I also saw the Brothers about 16 years ago with Warren and Dickey, and it was just as rocking.
I don’t really know what to think about the whole situation, and I kinda feel bad for Dickey because he is one of my favorite guitarists ever, alongside Warren, Duane, and Derek. I can remember sitting in my bedroom as a kid with the Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore East and Decade of Hits, just trying to learn Dickey’s classic licks. Let’s face it, Jessica, Elizabeth Reed, Blue Sky, Rambling Man, and countless others and just awesome songs. You can’t say Allman Brothers without thinking about Dickey.
Even though it probably won’t happen, I’d love to say Dickey jam with the Brothers again. I wish they would put it all behind them and just move on, but I know it can’t be easy. To see all 3 of my favorite guitarists jam at once would be a sight to behold! You can always dream it will happen. Until then we’re still left with the great music Dickey gave us with the Allman Bros and what he is doing now with Great Southern.
I recently put up a video about how to learn blues guitar in the style of Dickey Betts. Check it out.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Dickey Betts guitar style check out some more of my guitar lesson downloads.
Please visit Learning Guitar Now for more information on slide guitar and blues guitar.
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Mr. Tuggle,
When will the Dicky Betts lessons be available on DVD to purchase? Will it be part of a bundle?
Unfortunately those 2 lessons were never formatted for DVD, so those 2 won’t ever be on a DVD. I may put out something about Dickey on DVD in the Future though.
Went to see Dickey a few weeks ago @ bergen pac in NJ and it was a great show . Dickey first vocal was a little off but his playing was on . He has a good tight band and the show was amazing At the close of the show I said to my wife that I would love to get a pick, instantly I was hit in the head with something that hit the floor .I bent down and there was a pick. We left the theater and walked down the street. Out of the dark shadowed night appeared Dickey. I shook his hand and told him he was the greatest. What a way to finish the night. Dickey still receives his share of money from the ABB. and thats what bothers Butch & Gregg
Love the articles on Duane and Dickey. I have been an ABB fan since I first heard Live at Fillmore East – as a matter of fact, that album is responsible for me getting an electric guitar and switching from the acoustic I had been playing. A few years ago I had a client who knew Greg from way back and managed to secure back stage passes for me to attend one of the Beacon shows. This was post Dickey. Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks performed guitar duties for the ABB, and they were absolutely smokin’ that night! Everyone I met backstage – including the band members themselves – could not have been more friendly and gracious. I even sat for a bit during the intermission talking guitars and music with Warren and Derek. I had been informed before hand that the entire band and crew were totally straight at the time, and not to expect to be doing any “partying” with the band. I can confess that I saw no alcohol or other “mind expanding” substances of any kind back stage. As an added surprise, after the show, my “connection” took me to Greg’s dressing room to meet Greg himself. I actually got to chat with Greg for about 15 – 20 minutes. During that chat I mentioned that the with the current line-up I hardly missed Dickey at all. Greg got a bit pensive for a moment, and, in his southern drawl, said, “Yes, it is unfortunate, but we have come to a parting of the ways with Mr. Betts.” That was all he said on the subject. A true Southern gentleman all the way.
About a year or so ago I saw Dickey Betts with his band playing at a venue in NYC. At the time Andy Aledort and Dickey’s son Duane were playing in the band. Dickey was absolutely amazing! It was one of the best shows I saw that year. Even my wife, who is not a big fan of loud, long, lead guitar driven concerts agreed that it was one of the best shows she’d seen and that Dickey was brilliant on guitar that night.
Will Dickey ever play with the ABB again, I don’t know, but if it happens, I’d love to be there to see it!