Ray Franklin - Texas Guitar Hero

Ray Franklin is a legend among Texas backup players. Having learned at the knee of Omega Burden, Ray and his brother Royce had tremendous shoulders from which to launch their own ideas from the very beginning. Not to mention, their father, legendary Texas fiddler, Major Franklin kept them busy backing him on back porches and living rooms throughout Texas and the surrounding area. For a great sample of their guitar work, I recommend purchasing Texas Fiddle Album which features their nephew, Larry Franklin playing a selection of 10 tunes with Royce and Ray on guitar and Steve Williams on bass. What a rhythm section!

Watch this video of Ray playing backup to the popular tune, Lady Be Good. This is a simple swing tune that is popular in the area. If you are interested, I have provided a full transcription of the backup part below. But first, the video:

How about that for some rhythm! Whew! Did you see any chords you recognized? Not to worry, here is a sample of my transcription.

Purchase the whole 17 page transcription below. It is a great study on the Ray Franklin backup style.

More Texas Style Guitar Posts:

Free Chord Diagram from Omega Burden playing Billy in the Lowground

Dale Morris Jr - A Texas Fiddle Legend

Kentucky Waltz - A Beginning Guitar Lesson

Listen to Texas Fiddle Legend Dale Morris Jr.

There are several legendary Texas fiddle families, the Morris family would certainly be one of the first called when speaking of great fiddling ability. We will focus on other members of this family later on this blog, but today, watch Dale Morris, Jr. Having learned by watching his Dad and Uncle jam with other area fiddlers such as Benny Thomasson, the Solomons and the Franklins, Dale, Jr. had quite the shoulders to stand on! His musical career has taken him all over the world having performed with Marty Stuart, Ray Price and many others. Listen to Dale, Jr. play the old tune, Dusty Miller.

Download the 2006 Grand Master Fiddler Championships Album which features one of Dale, Jr.'s rounds below.

More from Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog:

Kentucky Waltz Chords Video Lesson

Earliest Texas Fiddle Recording Ever

Sally Johnson Free Chord Diagram

A Video Companion to Kentucky Waltz as presented in 10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts

Here is a basic walk through of Kentucky Waltz as presented in 10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts. If you do not have the book, it is available for download on this site. Below the video, you will find a Buy Now link where you can go ahead and order yours. In the meantime, here is a free video lesson for a popular waltz that will get your fingers warmed up and prepared for some more advanced ideas. Let's pick!

To order your download, simply click the Buy Now button below. Purchase your copy today for only $19.99 and you will receive a free Eldon Shamblin transcription of the western swing standard, "Take Me Back to Tulsa" AND a free 30 minute Skype session with me. Come on, I said it once, I'll say it again, let's pick!

More from Texas Style Guitar Blog:

Downloadable Ray Franklin Transcription with video

Listen to Texas fiddle legend, Dale Morris, Jr.

Texas Fiddle Sounds from 1922