Timothée Chalamet portrayed the legendary Bob Dylan in the 2024 film A Complete Unknown, which follows Dylan’s transformation from a folk musician to his iconic electric phase at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. For the role, Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor at this year’s Oscars, not only had to master Dylan’s voice and mannerisms but also his intricate guitar techniques.
In an interview with MusicRadar, guitarist Larry Saltzman, who helped teach Chalamet the ropes, shared insights into the actor’s guitar training. “It happened organically,” Saltzman explained. He studied the film’s script and listed all the songs featured, many of which he was familiar with, but not necessarily the guitar parts and capo positions.
Saltzman began by teaching Chalamet simpler songs and gradually worked up to more complex ones. “I probably started with ‘Masters of War’ because it only had two chords, E minor and D,” Saltzman recalled. Chalamet, who knew a few basic chords, learned how to play the strumming patterns and specific shapes that made Dylan’s sound distinctive.
Dylan’s unconventional and unpredictable guitar style was key to Chalamet’s training. Saltzman emphasized how important it was for Chalamet to learn Dylan’s quirks, which evolved throughout the movie. He would often guide Chalamet by revisiting patterns or techniques introduced earlier in the sessions, building upon them progressively.
One memorable part of the experience was when Chalamet bought a humble $200 Yamaha acoustic guitar. “He showed up with it, and it was very playable and sounded good,” Saltzman said. “I loved that he showed up with a $200 guitar. He didn’t show up with a $2,000 guitar, and I just thought that was a really humble choice.”
Following the release of A Complete Unknown, Chalamet showcased his new guitar skills by performing on Saturday Night Live, where he covered Dylan’s “Outlaw Blues,” “Three Angels,” and “Tomorrow Is a Long Time.”
Additionally, A Complete Unknown earned a nomination for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars, alongside Dune: Part Two, which also stars Chalamet.