Tony Rice, bluegrass flatpicking master, dies aged 69: guitarists pay tribute

David Grisman (L) and Tony Rice perform at the Pacific Cultural Center on May 28, 1994 in Carmel California.
(Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Tony Rice, bluegrass flatpicking hero, has died aged 69.

Rice died on Christmas morning at his home in Reidsville, North Carolina. News of his death was shared via the International Bluegrass Music Association on social media.

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Michael Astley-Brown
Editor-in-Chief, GuitarWorld.com

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.