The Steel Guitar Forum

Noel Boggs' arrangement of Tenderly is one of the most beautiful versions of this tune I've ever heard. The arrangement is sparse, with lovely ad lib piano and a light rhythm section, and Noel really takes his time and plays behind the beat. His chord work is dazzling. Everything about Noel's performance a thing of beauty. He definitely belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of non-pedal players.

Here's Noel's version of Tenderly:


It took me ages to figure it out, but I have done a complete transcription with tab and notation. It may be possible that Noel played it on 2 necks, but I've transcribed it for a single B11 neck. It can be played on 6 string lap steel, too. This is another one of those tunings you can get from retuning a C6 with an E 1st string--you only have to retune 4 strings 1/2 step each.

I recorded this on my Clinesmith about a year ago. I've refined it since and playing on a shorter scale instrument makes it a little easier for me:

My version of Tenderly

If you're interested in learning this one, I have a video package available at http://www.steelinfromthemasters.com

This is a great example of Noels pop style of playing. He is switching necks as needed as the song progresses.
He is going from his A6th neck to his E13th neck. I watched Noel play many times. When he was inspired nobody could touch him. My adult daughter was listening when I played this clip and said "who is that ?,it is beautiful" !

Billy, I agree, this is Noel at his best. This one has haunted me since I first heard it. Almost the way Django haunted me.

I will disagree with you on the tunings, though. I also play A6 and E13 and you cannot play those chords in that tuning, I explored every option and concluded that it is B11. He may another neck, but after doing a thorough transcription, I see no reason why he would unless he had it tuned for those 7b5 chords.

Great stuff.

Mike, I preferr your arrangement, "Sorry Noel". but your arrangement is less sophisticated, Smooth, has meaning and just the rithem guitar as background. I just enjoyed ti more. of course I can't even play it so my openion is limited.

Wayne
usnyn2nd@frontier.com

Mike I throughly enjoyed both your version and Noels. It is nice to hear two talented guys playing a beautiful piece of music.

Mike:

Sometimes Noel would adjust his tuning depending on what chord fit the Song. The main point I was making was that Noel played parts of the Song on different necks.

I appreciate your insight, Billy. When you're playing a multi-neck steel it's so much fun to do that. I can't keep still on one neck. But it is a different kind of challenge to do it all on one neck. That's why I love C6 with an E 1st string, because it can be easily retuned to so many other tunings. I'll do that between tunes a lot. Gotta be quick, too.

That's great music by Noel Boggs. Where and when is it from? Thanks for posting it...Jerry

... really decent, Mike.

thats great - i'll have to get your lesson on this one
thanks for all the hard work mike.

I enjoyed both versions very much. Very relaxing.

sorry, but the best thing on the boggs recording is the piano player. boggs could have at least taken a solo... just my impression.

Bill, I respect your opinion, but Noel's sparse playing invites the piano player to play the way he did. I think his understatement is great on this one. I don't usually feel that way about understated performances, but this one has always moved me. I love his touch.

I like Boggs version... but Curley Chalker's version is the one that really gives me chills!

Doug Beaumier wrote:I like Boggs version... but Curley Chalker's version is the one that really gives me chills!

Doug, I like Curley's 1st chorus on that tune a lot, for sure, but I don't care for the overdubbed solo that much. But Curley was a remarkable player.