Dierks Bentley Guitarist

## Dierks Bentley Guitarist - The Sound Behind the Star

When you think about the heart of country music, especially the kind that really makes you feel something, you often think about the voice, of course, but there's also that special sound that comes from the strings. That particular musical backbone, you know, the one that makes a song truly memorable, often comes from the hands of someone who knows just how to make a guitar sing. For fans of Dierks Bentley, that unmistakable sound, that rich, authentic country feel, is very much a part of what makes his music resonate with so many people, and it’s something that has grown and changed with him over the years, too. It’s a sound that, in some respects, feels like a warm embrace, yet can also kick up some dust when it needs to.

It's interesting, isn't it, how the right instrument, played by the right person, can just bring a whole new dimension to a piece of music? With Dierks Bentley, that connection to the guitar is pretty deep, actually. He has a real affection for certain types of instruments, and that preference helps shape the overall vibe of his tunes. So, when we talk about the sound that backs him up, we’re really talking about a careful blend of his own playing, his musical choices, and, of course, the talented folks who join him on stage and in the recording booth, giving each note its proper place, you know?

This article is going to take a closer look at the people and the instruments that help create that signature Dierks Bentley sound. We'll chat a little about Dierks himself, what kind of guitars he really loves, and then we'll get to know the lead Dierks Bentley guitarist who helps bring those songs to life, especially during live shows. We'll also touch on some of the specific gear that helps make his music so distinctive, and even talk about how you might pick up a guitar and play some of his popular songs yourself, which is kind of cool, really.

Table of Contents

Getting to Know Dierks Bentley - A Quick Look

Dierks Bentley, whose full birth name is Frederick Dierks Bentley, came into the world on November 20, 1975, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born to Leon, who worked as a stockbroker, and Cathy, a homemaker. His middle name, Dierks, is what he actually uses as his first name now, which is kind of interesting, isn't it? His mother’s maiden name was Mary Cecile Fife, and his grandfather, Leon Bentley, was a first lieutenant during World War II, so there's a little bit of history there, too.

Dierks made a big life step on December 14, 2005, when he married Cassidy Black. Beyond his family life, his professional journey as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist has really taken off. His accomplishments might seem pretty straightforward from the outside, but they come from a lot of hard work and a genuine connection to his music, you know? He’s definitely put in the time to get where he is, and that dedication really shines through in his performances.

Dierks Bentley - Personal Details
DetailInformation
Full NameFrederick Dierks Bentley
BornNovember 20, 1975
BirthplacePhoenix, Arizona
ParentsLeon Bentley (stockbroker) and Cathy Bentley (homemaker)
SpouseCassidy Black (married December 14, 2005)
OccupationSinger, Songwriter, Guitarist

What Kind of Guitars Does Dierks Bentley Like?

When you listen to Dierks Bentley's music, there's a certain feel to it, a warmth and authenticity that often comes from the instruments he chooses. He's spoken about his deep appreciation for specific kinds of guitars, particularly Martin guitars. As a matter of fact, back in 2012, right after Martin put out a signature model, he shared why he’s always had such a soft spot for them. He pretty much said, "I'm a huge fan of this certain kind of guitar, a Martin guitar," which, you know, tells you a lot about his preference. For him, it's pretty much the official bluegrass guitar, but he also pointed out that it's used for a lot of different styles of music, not just bluegrass, which is very true, actually.

This preference for Martin guitars, especially for their acoustic rhythm parts, makes a lot of sense when you consider the overall sound of his songs. They tend to have a very warm and balanced tone, which is really important for creating that rich, full sound you hear in his tracks. For example, his album "Broken Branches," which he spent nearly two years working on, is full of acoustic instruments. It features a lot of steel guitar, as well as other sounds that really give the songs a lot of life. The song "Broken Branches" itself feels and sounds like a natural hit, one that just pulls you in, and a lot of that comes from the way those acoustic elements are blended together, you know, to create a really cohesive and inviting sound.

How Does a Dierks Bentley Guitarist Shape the Sound?

The sound of Dierks Bentley's music isn't just about his own voice and guitar playing; it's also very much shaped by the talented musicians who join him, especially the lead Dierks Bentley guitarist. These players are responsible for those catchy guitar riffs and the overall feel that makes a song like "What Was I Thinkin'" so memorable. That particular tune, with its infectious chorus, tells the story of a young man who finds himself in all sorts of trouble because he falls for a girl with a dangerous edge. The guitar work in that song is a huge part of its appeal, really, giving it that energetic, slightly rebellious vibe.

The guitarists in Dierks's band are pretty versatile, too. They need to be able to handle both the twangy country riffs that give a song its grit and the smoother, more melodic parts that might be found in the middle of a tune. This flexibility is pretty important because Dierks's music covers a range of emotions and styles, from upbeat party anthems to more reflective, acoustic-driven pieces. So, the Dierks Bentley guitarist really needs to adapt their playing to fit whatever the song calls for, whether it's a clear, biting sound or something a bit more mellow, which, you know, takes a good bit of skill.

Who is the Lead Dierks Bentley Guitarist?

When we talk about the main Dierks Bentley guitarist, the name that comes up is Ben Helson. It should come as no surprise, really, that someone as gifted as Ben Helson has moved up the ranks in the entertainment world. He's a 2004 graduate of Edmonson County High School, and his musical journey has been pretty impressive. Ben is currently out on the road with platinum country artist Dierks Bentley, serving as the lead guitarist and also providing backup vocals, which is a big role, you know?

Ben Helson himself has shared a little about his background, too. He's a professional session and touring musician who calls Nashville, Tennessee, home. He’s had the opportunity to tour and record with a good number of well-known artists, including Dierks Bentley, of course, but also Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Maddie and Tae, Danielle Bradbery, Gene Watson, Bruce Hornsby, and even Dolly Parton. For the past eight years, he’s been the lead Dierks Bentley guitarist, and he was recently put forward for a CMA touring award, which is a pretty big deal, actually. His experience and talent definitely contribute a lot to the live sound of Dierks's performances.

What Gear Does a Dierks Bentley Guitarist Use?

Understanding the gear that a Dierks Bentley guitarist uses gives us a bit of a peek into how they get that particular sound. While Dierks himself has a strong preference for Martin guitars, especially the HD model, which, you know, has been a staple for his acoustic rhythm parts due to its warm and balanced tone, the lead guitarists also use a variety of instruments and equipment to achieve their sound. It’s pretty interesting to see how they put it all together, really.

For example, you can often find information about the gear musicians use by looking at their social media, watching live performance videos on YouTube, or reading interviews. This is how you find out about things like microphones, specific guitar rigs, amplifier setups, and even the effects pedalboards that contribute to the overall sound. The guitars used by Dierks's lead players need to be quite versatile. They’re often chosen for their ability to deliver both those sharp, twangy country riffs and the smoother, more mid-range sounds. This versatility means they can handle a wide range of musical demands, providing that clear bite and classic country grit when needed, which is pretty important for their performances, you know?

How Do You Learn Dierks Bentley Songs on Guitar?

If you're someone who plays guitar and loves Dierks Bentley's music, you might be wondering how you can learn to play his songs. Good news is, it's pretty accessible! There are lots of ways to pick up his tunes, and you can find resources to help you play many of his tracks with relative ease. For instance, you can learn how to play 142 songs by Dierks Bentley using things like short videos, often called "shots," or by using Guitar Pro, which is a popular software for guitarists. These tools can really help break down the songs into manageable parts, making it easier to follow along, you know?

When you're trying to learn a song, having the right kind of tab, chord, and lyric sheets can make a big difference. For a song like "What Was I Thinkin'," you can get the tab, chords, and lyrics, which really helps you get the feel for those catchy riffs. Or, consider "American Girl," a 2024 release by Dierks Bentley. This song is often played with a capo on the 4th fret, and the intro starts with chords like G, A, G, D. The verses, like the one that goes "Well, she was an American girl, raised on promises, she couldn't help thinkin' that there was a little more to life somewhere else," are built around chords like G, A, C, D. Knowing these basic structures can really help you get started, and there are many resources that provide accurate tabs from YouTube links using advanced AI technology, which is pretty neat, actually.

Are There Specific Dierks Bentley Guitar Parts That Stand Out?

Absolutely, there are definitely some guitar parts in Dierks Bentley's songs that just grab your attention and stick with you. For example, the catchy guitar riffs in "What Was I Thinkin'" are a huge part of what made that song such a hit. They give it a distinct energy and help tell the story of the young man getting into trouble. It's those kinds of memorable licks that really make a song stand out, you know, and become something people want to hear again and again.

Another example comes from his album "Broken Branches." The song "Broken Branches" itself has a lot of acoustic instruments, including steel guitar, and it feels and sounds like a natural hit. The acoustic elements in that song, the way they're woven together, really give it a sense of warmth and authenticity. Then there are songs like "My Old Beat Up Truck," which has a simple, relatable feel. The intro often uses chords like Am, F, C, and the lyrics about an "old beat up truck" that "got some jangle in my pocket" really resonate. The guitar parts here, while perhaps not flashy, are really about setting a mood and supporting the story, which is just as important, actually. And in a song like "Rhinestone Sky," you might hear chords like Bm, G, D, contributing to a feeling that even if life's a "winding road" or "gravel," it "feels like gold," which is a pretty powerful message, and the guitar helps carry that emotion.

What Makes the Dierks Bentley Guitar Sound So Unique?

The unique sound of Dierks Bentley's music, particularly the guitar aspects, comes from a few different things working together. First off, there's Dierks's own love for Martin guitars, which, as we talked about, provide a very warm and balanced acoustic foundation for his songs. This preference for acoustic instruments, along with the inclusion of steel guitar, gives his music a very traditional yet fresh country feel. It's a blend that feels both familiar and new at the same time, which is kind of cool, really.

Then, you have the skill of the musicians he plays with, especially the lead Dierks Bentley guitarist, Ben Helson. Their ability to switch between different styles, from sharp, twangy country riffs to smoother, more melodic lines, means that the guitar parts are always interesting and varied. They know how to get that clear bite and classic country grit when a song needs it, but they can also bring out a softer, more nuanced sound when the music calls for it. This adaptability, combined with the specific gear choices and the overall collaborative spirit within the band, is what truly makes the Dierks Bentley guitar sound so distinctive and beloved by his fans. It's a sound that, in some respects, just feels right for his kind of storytelling, you know?

So, we've explored a bit about Dierks Bentley's personal background, his deep affection for Martin guitars, and how those instruments contribute to his signature sound. We also spent some time getting to know Ben Helson, the incredibly talented lead Dierks Bentley guitarist, who brings so much energy and skill to the band's live performances and recordings. We touched on the types of gear these musicians use to create their distinctive tones and even looked at how aspiring guitarists can learn to play some of Dierks's most popular songs. Finally, we considered what makes the overall guitar sound in Dierks Bentley's music so special, from the choice of instruments to the versatile playing styles of his band members, all contributing to that authentic country feel that resonates with so many listeners.

Dierks Bentley | FogoLabs

Dierks Bentley | FogoLabs

Dierks Bentley - Dierks Bentley - Dierks Bentley CD - uDiscover Music

Dierks Bentley - Dierks Bentley - Dierks Bentley CD - uDiscover Music

Pictures of Dierks Bentley

Pictures of Dierks Bentley

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