Many know guitarist Nathaniel Murphy from online videos where he performs entire song arrangements with vocal melodies, chords, and bass lines, dazzling guitar-loving viewers around the globe. Several of his videos have charted millions of views.
Today, he works at Chicago Music Exchange, demoing guitars and – you guessed it – making extraordinary videos.
Many became aware of your playing through videos during the Covid lockdown. Did that actually help your career?
I suppose maybe it did. My clips started getting more views when we all had a lot of spare time and were glued to our phone. I had more time to practice, which was a great thing for me. I had been a full-time soccer coach before, which was obviously cancelled, so I had a lot more time to play guitar and make videos.
Unlike the vast majority of rock players, you often play full songs on your demos. Did you play songs from the beginning, versus riffs and leads?
I’m a rocker, too; that’s my main love and what got me into playing the guitar in the first place. I had no interest learning the other instrument parts. I’d just learn by ear in my bedroom, pausing the CD. In fact, I still love transcribing to this day.
How did the whole-song approach develop?
It came about from not being brave enough to sing. I’d learn full songs, trying to put in bass lines and chords, like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. But there’d be some arrangements where I had no choice but to tap the note, as I’d have a bass note with a chord around open position, and the melody would be high up the neck.
How about your two-handed technique?
For me, a rule is that my guitar playing always has to sound good. Two-handed tapping is just a tool, no different to a pull-off or hammer-on.
Who were your influences?
The main early ones were Noel Gallagher, John Squire of the Stone Roses, Eric Clapton, and so on. I then got heavily into Jimmy Page and became obsessed with the guitar.
These days, there’s so many incredible players, and it’s both intimidating and inspiring. Matteo Mancuso is incredible, as we all know. I love Rick Graham’s playing, Andy Wood, and Derek Trucks. I’ve really been into Michael Romeo and Symphony X lately – stunning guitar playing which I’m having fun trying to learn. It’s tricky, though!
Can we assume there’s a country-guitar influence with your hybrid picking?
Yes, I was raised on country music from my mum and dad – a lot of classic country with the usual suspects. But I remember hearing Brent Mason on those Alan Jackson records and being blown away! I absolutely love his playing and found it to be a wonderful way of learning hybrid picking. His Hot Wired album and tab book were a great way of learning. There’s a lot of hybrid-picking stuff I learned from Eric Johnson, and also Tim Miller, who’s a great guitarist and teacher at Berklee.
What is the origin of your unusual social-media handle, @ZeppelinBarnatra?
It’s so silly. It started when Led Zeppelin had that one-off concert in 2007 in London. I was in my early teens and the only way you could apply for tickets was through e-mail, so I thought I’d put Zeppelin in my e-mail address in case they’d see it and think, “Oh, this fella must really be a fan,” and I’d get picked for a ticket – which I didn’t. So stupid (laughs)! The Barnatra part is a small village outside Belmullet, Ireland, where my family is from. Why I put those two together, I still don’t know – but it’s too late to change (laughs).
Do you own any vintage guitars?
I recently just got one – a 1960 Esquire that was modded with a neck pickup, which I’m happy about. The neck is incredible and the pickups sound amazing. Naturally, I got it from Chicago Music Exchange. Working there, I get to play a lot of incredible vintage guitars; I’m very lucky. Some of my favorites that come through are blackguards and ’Bursts. I’d love to find an early-’60s Hummingbird with the ceramic bridge. That’s my dream acoustic.
What is your general gig at Chicago Music Exchange?
It’s mostly demoing new or vintage guitars and amps on video, which is a lot of fun. All the vids go out on Youtube and Instagram. But I’ve done in-person demos for people in the shop before – not that often, but I’m happy to if anyone asks.
How has making these videos impacted your career?
I has helped me out massively. I make zero money off Instagram vids and would hate to be thought of as an “influencer.” I can understand how someone may think I am, but I am not. I was a guitarist long before that term came about. I put vids of me playing online and would certainly encourage people to post vids of themselves playing. It’s fun and ya’ never know what might come of it. – Pete Prown
This article originally appeared in VG’s October 2025 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.