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#1
10-23-2020, 10:47 AM
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And the most accomplished flatpicker today is?
In my mind it's a tie between Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings.
And they're both super good people to boot! Adding: This is strictly an opinion poll. One of the goals is to unearth people out there who may be overlooked by some. Like I've learned about at least one person I'd never heard of that I will look into. Don't overthink this folks.
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Yamaha FG365s (1978) Martin 000-28 Taylor 814ce Taylor 458e Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Washburn Timeless Series Celtic Mandolin  Boss DR-01S Rhythm Partner Boss RC-30 Loop Station Fishman Loudbox Mini Shubb capos Bunch of boutique picks (cheap GAS cure) Last edited by Social Exodus; 10-23-2020 at 12:35 PM. 
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#3
10-23-2020, 10:56 AM
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Brian Sutton is very good. Honestly, there are so many great pickers out there. I hate to say one is "better" than the others since I really don't see it as a competition.
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#4
10-23-2020, 11:22 AM
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It depends on how tight or loose one is with the intended meaning of the terms accomplished, flatpicker, and today.
I would guess Bryan Sutton has won more awards and played on more records than Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings combined. If thatÂ’s the measure of the term accomplished, then Sutton tops the list for actively working musicians in bluegrass. And does it have to be a bluegrass flatpicker? Tommy Emmanuel is more accomplished as well. Does the player have to be actively touring or promoting current projects? If not then Tony Rice is on the Mount Rushmore of flatpickers for me and heÂ’s still alive today. My Mount Rushmore of flatpickers, btw, would be Doc Watson, Clarence White, Tony Rice, and probably Bill Monroe for creating and popularizing the genre of bluegrass and flatpicking fiddle tunes, even though he did it on the mandolin.
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#5
10-23-2020, 11:28 AM
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Quote:
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#6
10-23-2020, 11:40 AM
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There are a bunch of worthy pickers named in this thread. I’m not big on saying XYZ person is the “best” at something like these... there is a contest that purports to name the National Flatpicking Champion every year, among prizes for other instruments.
Here’s a list of winners: https://www.wvfest.com/wp-content/up...compressed.pdf
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#7
10-23-2020, 11:47 AM
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I am a flat-picker. I'm old and after many years, fairly competent as a rhythm and or self accompanist.
How do you "measure" accomplished? People marvel at speed, but is that music, or just showboating? What about melody, and bringing the best out of a piece? You can't decide that stuff with a tape measure.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom!
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#8
10-23-2020, 11:53 AM
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A thought
Beppe Gambetta belongs in the room of highly skilled flatpickers, too. As for the 'best'? What's the best spaghetti sauce? Impossible to tell. It's not as if they're all performing the same composition in front of an impartial ranking process.
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#9
10-23-2020, 12:03 PM
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There are a number of great flatpickers.
One thing that sets Billy Strings apart is he is also an excellent vocalist and songwriter. I'm not sure the same could be said about the more established flatpickers mentioned in this thread.
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#11
10-23-2020, 12:10 PM
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Quote:
When I listen to someone play guitar, the “best” player is the one who is able to reach me in assorted ways. I’m a melody kind of guy so for me, creativity in that area will always take precedence. If that so happens to include speed as part of the formula, great. It’s not necessary though and I can certainly appreciate it for what it is.
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#12
10-23-2020, 12:11 PM
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Jake Workman!! I'll let this video speak for itself!!
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Education is important! Guitar is importanter!! 2019 Bourgeois “Banjo Killer” Aged Tone Vintage Deluxe D 2018 Martin D41 Ambertone (2018 Reimagined) 2016 Taylor GS Mini Koa ES2
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#13
10-23-2020, 12:26 PM
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Quote:
Don't overthink this folks.
__________________
Yamaha FG365s (1978) Martin 000-28 Taylor 814ce Taylor 458e Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Washburn Timeless Series Celtic Mandolin Boss DR-01S Rhythm Partner Boss RC-30 Loop Station Fishman Loudbox Mini Shubb capos Bunch of boutique picks (cheap GAS cure)
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#14
10-23-2020, 12:28 PM
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I like to OP’s choices. I’d add David Grier, Kenny Smith, Carl Miner, Tim Stanford, and Clay Hess to the list, if we’re mentioning only pickers who remain pretty active today.
If we’re talking all time, well that’s a different kettle of fish.
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#15
10-23-2020, 12:35 PM
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Billy and Molly were the first 2 names that popped into my head too. I will say that I find Molly's guitar work and her ability to use a variety of styles and skills to be the more compelling of the two. Her Clawhammer style on guitar is insane. I also find her more musical than Billy.
& yeah, Bryan Sutton is a beast too.
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