Looking to get inspired by bluegrass dobro players? Look no further!
In this blog post, we will list off 15 of the best bluegrass dobro players out there. Each of these artists brings their own unique style to the table and is sure to inspire you to create your own music. From pioneering innovators to modern virtuosos, these artists have left an indelible mark on the bluegrass genre, inspiring generations of musicians worldwide.
So sit back and enjoy!
List of the 15 Best Bluegrass Dobro Players
1. Jerry Douglas
Jerry Douglas is a bluegrass legend. He has been playing dobro for over 50 years and has won 14 Grammy Awards. Douglas’s mastery of the dobro has solidified his status as one of the most influential musicians in the genre. Renowned for his collaborations with iconic artists like Alison Krauss and Union Station,
Douglas’s playing transcends traditional boundaries, blending elements of bluegrass, jazz, and country. His innovative techniques, including his use of alternate tunings and string gauges, have pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument. Moreover, Douglas’s contributions to the evolution of bluegrass music extend beyond his instrumental prowess, as he continues to mentor and inspire a new generation of musicians.
2. Rob Ickes
Rob Icke is a bluegrass dobro player who has been playing the instrument for over three decades and boasts an impressive 15-time win of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Dobro Player of the Year award. From his early days with Blue Highway to his tenure with Hot Rize,
Ickes’s virtuosic talent and innovative playing style have earned him widespread acclaim. Beyond his performances on stage and in the studio, Ickes is also a dedicated educator, sharing his expertise through solo albums and instructional DVDs. His commitment to preserving and advancing the art of bluegrass dobro playing is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to his craft.
3. Mike Auldridge
Mike Auldridge’s influence on bluegrass dobro music cannot be overstated. With a career spanning several decades, Auldridge’s jazz-infused playing style and captivating stage presence have left an indelible mark on the genre. As a founding member of The Seldom Scene and a collaborator with The Great Dobro Sessions, Auldridge’s contributions to bluegrass music have earned him numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Beyond his technical prowess, Auldridge’s sense of humor and charismatic stage persona endeared him to audiences worldwide, ensuring that his legacy as a true luminary of the genre will endure for generations to come.
4. Josh Graves
Josh Graves is revered as the father of bluegrass dobro playing, with a career that spans the inception of the genre to its modern-day resurgence. From his pioneering work with The Foggy Mountain Boys to his collaborations with The Earl Scruggs Revue, Graves’s innovative playing techniques revolutionized the role of the dobro in bluegrass music.
Inducted into the bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2016, Graves’s legacy continues to shape the genre, inspiring countless musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument. Moreover, his influence extends beyond his instrumental prowess, as he remains a beloved figure in the bluegrass community, cherished for his humility, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
5. Cyril Neville
Cyril Neville’s fusion of New Orleans R&B and funk with bluegrass dobro music sets him apart as a true innovator in the genre. With over 50 years of experience and a unique “chicken picking” slide technique, Neville’s influence resonates through the bluegrass community, inspiring musicians to explore new avenues of expression on the instrument.
Beyond his technical prowess, Neville’s soulful playing style and dynamic stage presence have earned him a dedicated following worldwide. Whether performing with The Neville Brothers or pursuing solo projects, Neville continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on the dobro, ensuring that his legacy as a trailblazer in the genre will endure for years to come.
6. Béla Fleck
Béla Fleck’s unparalleled skill and versatility have solidified his status as one of the preeminent bluegrass dobro players in the world. With a career spanning several decades, Fleck’s innovative approach to the instrument has continually pushed the boundaries of bluegrass music.
However, Fleck’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the genre, thanks to his pioneering cross-genre collaborations. From jazz and classical to world music and beyond, Fleck’s willingness to explore new musical frontiers has not only expanded the reach of bluegrass music but also garnered him widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
7. Tony Rice
Tony Rice’s mastery of both guitar and dobro has left an indelible mark on the bluegrass genre. With a clear, clean tone and a mastery of bluegrass guitar licks. He has been an inspiration to generations of bluegrass and acoustic guitarists.
His unique contributions to both guitar and dobro playing have reshaped the sound of bluegrass music, inspiring countless musicians to emulate his technical proficiency and musical innovation. Whether performing solo or collaborating with other artists, Rice’s virtuosic playing style continues to captivate audiences and cement his legacy as a true icon of the genre.
8. David Lindley
David Lindley’s mastery of the dobro, among other string instruments, has earned him a reputation as a musical virtuoso. With a style that is instantly recognizable, Lindley’s eclectic musical collaborations have helped solidify his place in the pantheon of bluegrass dobro players.
From his work with Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon to his solo projects, Lindley’s diverse musical influences have enriched the bluegrass genre, pushing boundaries and inspiring new generations of musicians. By providing examples of Lindley’s collaborations and their impact on his approach to playing the dobro, readers can gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to the genre.
9. Doc Watson
Doc Watson’s legendary status as a flatpicking guitarist is matched only by his skill on the dobro. With a career spanning over 50 years and numerous Grammy Awards to his name, Watson’s influence on bluegrass music is immeasurable.
His soulful playing and innovative techniques have inspired countless musicians, shaping the sound of the genre for generations to come. By exploring Watson’s unique approach to playing the dobro and highlighting his signature style, readers can gain insight into his contributions to the genre and his enduring legacy as a true luminary.
10. Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger’s contributions to bluegrass music are deeply rooted in his folk music roots, which have influenced generations of musicians. As a member of The Weavers and collaborator with iconic artists, Seeger’s legacy as a bluegrass trailblazer continues to resonate through his timeless music.
By discussing Seeger’s role in popularizing bluegrass music and his influence on the genre’s evolution, readers can gain a greater appreciation for his contributions and the enduring impact of his musical legacy.
11. John Hartford
John Hartford’s impact on bluegrass music transcends his iconic song “Gentle on My Mind.” Renowned for his proficiency on multiple instruments including the fiddle, banjo, and guitar, Hartford’s versatility as a multi-instrumentalist earned him widespread acclaim.
His innovative approach to each instrument, coupled with his distinctive songwriting style, has left an indelible mark on the bluegrass genre. Inducted into the bluegrass music Hall of Fame, Hartford’s musical legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide. By highlighting Hartford’s diverse talents and his significant contributions to the bluegrass genre, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for his enduring impact on the music industry.
12. Merle Travis
Merle Travis’s influence as a guitarist and dobro virtuoso is unparalleled in the bluegrass world. His work with The Kentucky Colonels solidified his reputation as a legendary musician, known for his distinctive fingerpicking style and innovative approach to the dobro.
Travis’s contributions to bluegrass music continue to resonate through his timeless recordings and compositions, inspiring generations of musicians to explore new avenues of expression on the instrument. By delving into Travis’s unique fingerpicking techniques and their profound impact on his approach to playing the dobro, readers can gain insight into his unparalleled skill and enduring legacy.
13. Larry Sparks
Larry Sparks’s illustrious career spanning over six decades cements his status as one of the founding fathers of bluegrass music. With a soulful playing style characterized by heartfelt emotion and technical precision, Sparks’s contributions to the genre are unparalleled.
His influential collaborations and timeless recordings have left an indelible mark on bluegrass music, inspiring countless musicians to follow in his footsteps. By providing examples of Sparks’s soulful playing style and his profound impact on the development of bluegrass music, readers can gain a deeper understanding of his enduring legacy and lasting influence on the genre.
14. Sammy Shelor
Sammy Shelor’s over 40 years in the bluegrass industry have earned him widespread acclaim as one of the preeminent figures in the business. With numerous awards to his name and a unique playing style characterized by technical proficiency and emotional depth, Shelor’s influence on bluegrass music is undeniable.
His evolution as a musician, from his early days with iconic bands to his solo endeavors, showcases his versatility and enduring commitment to the genre. By exploring Shelor’s musical journey and his significant contributions to the bluegrass genre, readers can gain insight into his enduring legacy and lasting impact on the music industry.
15. Tut Taylor
Tut Taylor is a bluegrass dobro player who has been playing since the 1950s. He is known for his work with The Dillards and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Taylor has also released several solo albums and has been inducted into the bluegrass music Hall of Fame.
His innovative playing techniques, coupled with his unwavering commitment to musical excellence, have inspired generations of musicians to explore new horizons on the instrument. By discussing Taylor’s groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of bluegrass music and his enduring impact on the genre, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for his unparalleled skill and lasting legacy.
Conclusion: Bluegrass Dobro Players
As we conclude our exploration of these extraordinary bluegrass dobro players, we invite you to delve deeper into their music, immerse yourself in their recordings, and draw inspiration from their unparalleled talent. The legacy of these musicians lives on, enriching the world of bluegrass with each note they’ve played.
Frequently Ask Questions
What kind of Dobro does Jerry Douglas play?
Jerry Douglas plays a Gibson Mastertone Dobro.
What is bluegrass music?
Bluegrass music is a genre of American roots music influenced by the music of Appalachia, characterized by acoustic string instruments, improvisation, and close-harmony vocals.
What is the difference between a Dobro and a resonator?
A Dobro is a type of resonator guitar that has a metal body and a cone-shaped resonator. The Dobro was invented in the 1920s and has been used in a variety of genres, including bluegrass, country, and rock.
Is a Dobro tuned like a guitar?
Dobro’s are typically tuned to an open G tuning, similar to standard guitar tuning, but can also be tuned to other variations such as open D or standard E.
You can also check out Top 12 Famous Bluegrass Songs of All Time and 21 Best Banjo Players of All Time (Iconic Players).
