Ask Zac Episode 6 - James Burton - Country/Rock Telecaster King

April 17, 2020

James Burton is one of the most important, and influential guitarists of all time, and in this episode of Ask Zac, I answer "why." To do this, I demonstrate some of his playing techniques, talk of his very early use of light gauge strings, and the exposure he had due to his appearing on the Ozzie and Harriet Show, Shindig, and many filmed concerts with Elvis and others.Note: I relate a story Burton told me of Forrest White visiting an Elvis show in 1969 representing Fender. Forrest left Fender in 1966. It was probably someone else high up with Fender, not Forrest. I mention Rock-n-Roll Circus, and I meant Carnival Rock as the movie that Burton appears in with Bob Luman.  Also special thanks to Steve Fishell for writing the June 1984 Guitar Player magazine feature on James Burton that made me a fan of James years ago.

My Spotify playlist of great Burton tracks

Gear used in this video:

Crook Custom T-style with Vintage Paisley finish Florance TE-60 Bridge, Adder APC Neck

Ernie Ball strings gauged 9,10,12,24,32,42

1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker

Effects used: amp reverb and Mirage compressor pedal

9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK