I went to see Béla Fleck and the Flecktones this Sunday at the Wiltern in L.A. Only one word: brain-melting. (is that two words?)

There’s no corollary for the combination of skill, soul, and artistic humility that is the Flecktone group. The speed and precision of their play is exceptional. The compositions are moving. And the players themselves are a lot of fun. For example, one of the highlights of the night was Victor Wooten’s solo turning into a combination guitar acrobatic show and dance number.  (just google it).

So, with my obvious Fleck-worship in full effect, my brain immediately turned to: How much of this could I play on guitar?

For those unfamiliar with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, there’s no guitar player in the group. The group has changed composition a bit over the years, but essentially it’s:

• Béla Fleck: 5-string banjo
• Victor Wooten: Bass
• Roy Wooten (AKA "Future-man): Drumitar (an instrument of his own making that only he plays…that I know of.)
• Thomas Lee: Piano and Harmonica

With this question in mind, I turned to YouTube. As one does. And was surprised.  There really isn't much there.  Where are the covers of Fleck tunes?  Sure, his stuff is hard, but that doesn't stop intrepid guitarists from tackling Tommy Emmanuel or Andy McKee.

If you know of some other Fleck songs covered on acoustic guitar, please add them in the comments!

In the meantime, here are a few gems of guitarists playing fingerstyle covers of Béla Fleck tunes.

Big Country - Béla Fleck - Guitar Cover by Jim Deeming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zPNoTFGHhc

Lover´s Leap (Bela Fleck) Dúo Suarez/Marquez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k61U8QhGu18

The Overgrown Walz Fingerstyle Bela Fleck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORINjnFeQhM

Further Inspiration:

7 Billy Joel Songs Made For Acoustic Guitar