3 Allan Holdsworth Licks From 1974

[@Joshualbm]

Allan was so humble about what he was doing, even to the point of having a lot of self-doubt. Because what he was doing was so revolutionary that he was out there on a limb almost all the time. And he wondered if people would like it or think he was nuts. Apparently he got quite nervous before gigs because of this doubt. Astonishing.

[@dontillman9824]

The nervousness is pretty justified. He was doing serious daredevil guitar playing, sometimes at a frenetic pace. It's a tightrope walk during a hurricane. ;) Props to his band to keep the groove going and reading Allan so well. :)

[@Joshualbm]

@@dontillman9824 absolutely, and inventing radical leaps off the intervallic edge. He introduced new musical ideas that people are still trying to unravel.

[@nogbadthebad2609]

Great lesson. What many people forget (and you highlight really well in this lesson) is the touch and feel Allan had. His phrasing, sense of melody and time were impeccable. He was in another league.

[@insurrectusresistus]

Fell in love with Allan Holdsworth on his "Metal Fatigue" album (1985). Just a brilliant player, completely unique, another inspiration that is missed by so many.

[@voronOsphere]

The Guitar Player soundpage (floppy little record and corresponding transcription built into the magazine) for "Devil Take the Hindmost" (from Metal Fatigue) is what got me!!!!

[@maxdevlin4349]

Yeah same here. It just melted my mind. I didn't have to warm up to it, raised the hair on the back of my neck first time I heard it.

[@steernkieker]

So did I .... It floored me.

[@richardjewett7702]

@Cire Rednulk I've heard people say the same thing about Robert Fripp.....

[@connorlee8983]

More youtubers should be like you. You don't show off, and you talk in a natural way. It's hard to explain. Great video

[@schreds]

grew up in the same town as Allen ,, first time i met him he was working in a local music store then a few yrs later we lived in the same apartment complex ,, always very humble and very kind to everyone ,, at one point we all actually rehearsed at the same studio in orange county ,, he'd go on these amazing tours with who ever and then you'd see him in the grocery store buying eggs like everyone else the amazing part is he'd always be the first guy to come over and say hello and shake your hand ,, legend beyond words

[@claymor8241]

He grew up in Bradford, west Yorkshire.

[@schreds]

@@claymor8241 Allen moved to Tustin in orange county California 1980 was my neighbor for about 6 yrs lovely man

[@digineet8421]

@@schreds From these youtube comments it seems like Im the only person that never met allan lol

[@strat0871]

Allan re-invented guitar playing, really one of a kind, I still listen to almost all his records.

[@anthonyantanaitis1720]

I love his guitar work on Jean Lu Ponty’s Enigmatic Ocean. Way ahead of his time

[@combatOracle1]

Great lesson about one of guitar's greatest players.

[@jamesalllan7806]

Thank you, great lesson. I'm a 63 year old LOOONG time A.H. listener and fan. Those early days when he was blistering the frets with Gong, Soft Machine, Tony Williams, was when I first discovered him. It changed my life literally. You do a great job of breaking down these riffs and licks thank you very much, keep them coming!!

[@SeeMick1]

What truly blows my mind about Allan's playing in that Montreaux video is that he's doing doing it with next to no distortion, and it's clear and clean as a bell. You listen to his playing, and it's just as technical, and full of notes, but very pentatonic. You see the progression from that to the total outer space harmony that he'd become known for later. I wish there was more early footage of him playing. No one was playing like that back then.

[@building436]

noble act to bring us closer to Allen Holdsworth! Thank you!

[@circycle]

You picked the right live video. I’ve watched that Soft Machine concert so many times. Absolutely intimidating.

[@agus6115]

Cool lesson. Holdsworth was light years ahead of everyone. Aside from his single note runs, his harmony was amazing and beautiful.

[@Fontsman]

He was one of a kind. Never satisfied and always searching. He formed his approach as a way to get out the music within his mind. With Allan, technique was always subservient to the musical concepts. That's why he was so great. It's not just mind boggling technique. Its mind boggling music!

[@joerobinson2538]

That last lick is a face melter! Allan was shredding about 10 yrs before shredding hit the radar! Wow!

[@FuckTheNewAliasSystem]

listen to the full guitar solo of hazard profile which starts at around 3 minutes. Some parts of it feel like shred guitar.

[@allthingsclassicrock]

You’re right man, I always thought shredding started in the ‘80s. But after getting into fusion guys like Holdsworth and DiMeola they were absolute shred monsters. It just took a while for mainstream rock to catch up to them!

[@davystrangename]

@@allthingsclassicrock Don't forget this guy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXSpoN9fLF8bLM

[@ricomajestic]

Lots of guys were shredding way way before Allan even on popular records!

[@buddywilliams5650]

Allan hated shredders. He loved sax 🎷 players.

[@millerjeff]

Thank you Dave. You are an awesome teacher.

[@OutlawFiddleJam]

Yeah. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I got to hang a bit with the Master in the late 80's. It was an honor.

[@chrismonteleone9953]

Thanks for the lesson on Alan H. He's work with Jean-Luc Ponty is awesome. Trading licks with Daryl Struemer on Enigmatic Ocean is wonderful.

[@kippicalequations9242]

Oh my god yes it is, love that era along with his playing on brufords records

[@stephanobastiani4734]

Yes Holdsworrh’s best work is with Ponty, Bruford and UK. I saw him live with those bands back in the days and he was amazing. He was definitely the most creative guitarist on the planet and in heaven now. RIP Sir Allan ! You were the GOAT!

[@bobmaulucciproject]

The Soft Machine "Bundles" album is such a great Holdsworth performance. The Steven Wilson remix is great, too.

[@9194rage]

Amazing player! Love what he did on the Bruford album "One of a Kind"

[@PedroSilvaMusic]

I love your lessons, and have watched most of them. Your playing on this lesson is incredible. thank you for doing these.

[@lorenzo6mm]

In the 1970's Allan Holdsworth was every bodies guitar hero. He is and was utterly unique. Wide interval notes, Sus 4 and minor 11 and an indescribable tone. Essentially cranking your bass EQ and going from there. THat Soft MAchine stuff is fantastic.

[@BrettEPierce]

I love Allan's 70's Fusion/Prog career, please do more of these.

[@johnnygault365]

Great lesson dave Allan was a beautiful monster on the instrument

[@jimfuderer6384]

DAVID !! Thank you !! You nailed Holdsworth on this. Truly ... he was the best. I grew up in Cleveland Ohio and had the opportunity to meet him and Chad Wackerman after a show one night promoting the album Sand. The nicest dudes . My heart was sad when I heard about his passing. Hey .. The Red Album .. I.O.U. was my favorite . Keep up the great work brother .

[@rockstarjazzcat]

I was five in 1974. First heard the man, winter term, January 1987... Been obsessed ever since. Very refreshing breakdown, style and playing... Many thanks. Subscribed. Kindly, Daniel

[@ericwalter4771]

Awesome, now can we hope to see a video on Ollie Halsall?!

[@JasonSmith-pv1ff]

Agree with your closing comments, well stated. Thank You for the great content.

[@obiem9319]

I totally loved the lesson. Thanks for sharing.

[@timpitts9256]

Thanks! More Holdsworth please, especially licks that work in basic rock context.

[@sakuraorigami]

This really made my day - Allan Holdsworth is my favorite musician! His earlier material is much more accessible, and I bet some of his earlier chord work would be illuminating. I have one of his prototype guitars (he gave it up as it was too heavy for his taste), so I can try these licks on it!

[@BeTheGuitar]

Got turned on to Holdsworth by Alain Johannes, who I went to high school with. I picked up the album UK and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. From there it was on to Soft Machine, Tony Williams Lifetime, Bill Bruford, IOU and on. To me he was one of the most expressive and lyrical “outside” guitar players. His solos still completely enthrall me to this day whenever I listen to them. Thanks for this video!

[@freewaybullit]

Credit to you for this great lesson I keep comming back to get inspiration👍

[@MaXaNoMaLoUs]

All time favorite guitar player. Having already been a huge fan and player of guitar myself, by the time I found Holdsworth, I thought I had heard it all, Satriani, vai, Becker, Gilbert, buckethead, thordendal, Shawn Lane, and when I finally found Holdsworth it was such a moving, life changing experience. I was immediately obssessed and in love with his Tone! The fact that he has this unmistakable tone along with the craziest lines and sense of harmony you ever heard, it’s just an amazing treat. I feel lucky and blessed to care about his music, I feel bad for those who have never heard of him. RIP the master

[@Acousticeg]

Thanks for sharing...

[@talonted9885]

Nicely explained: searching for sounds after you’ve become accustomed to a “new” lick.

[@andyracksthecams]

Amazing Lesson. Thank you. He lived not too far from where I am based. Hugely inspiring player who I miss dearly. 👍

[@artistlegends1728]

Dude you are fabulous. Such an Allan fan. It’s beautiful to watch someone break it down so respectfully and skillfully. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@joebagadonuts-j4y]

thanks Dave! that was great!

[@LawrieFamily]

Dude that was amazing! 30 years a Holdsworth fan! Hazard Profile a huge favorite..... so happy to see Alan’s genius explained.... just awesome Bro!

[@johnnorris9066]

Great lesson Dave 👍

[@voronOsphere]

I've seen videos of Soft Machine LIVE with Allan playing a Gibson SG. Oh, there it is!!!!!

[@pobinr]

Glad i saw him six times. 1st time 1979 with nucleus. Mind blown.

[@user-uo8yh9tb8g]

beautiful job, Dave

[@Hiwatt100W1]

Thanks for a great analysis of these phrases; nice tone on your rig too!

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Your best lesson yet. Thank you.

[@Holdsworthy]

Beautiful music and very out there at times. Sand album... phew!

[@jboughtin7522]

I like, very cool, thx. Dave.

[@paulmolnar8729]

Loved this. Thank you. All very well explained.

[@nicolasespinasse]

Thank you, this concert is just amazing. One song disapeared 2 years ago for copyright issues, but I downloaded it before thanks Mr God. Best live performance from this particular year without a doubt. Spaceshifting guitar playing on an SG… Just incredible. Thank you for reviving this unique music moment.

[@overlook77]

Awesome! Love that performance and never thought I’d run across a lesson for it.

[@multo74]

1974! The year I was born and I'm 45. What a forerunner and ahead of his time was Allan, Indeed!

[@wooliegeek]

I was a teen when I first heard him. It was the Road Games album (shortly followed by IOU & Metal Fatigue). I was hooked for life. All my friends and family thought I was nuts, but to me it was special.

[@killerhit00]

Great lesson sir.

[@derekcummins9088]

Great lesson

[@brucejohnson5786]

Thanks for the lesson lizard hand

[@freebiemx1094]

Awesome video sir, thanks

[@davidmiller4078]

Really enjoying your enthusiam mate cheers

[@nickjitsu]

Great lesson mate. I agree that his early playing was like 'Holdsworth junior'. However it was still light years ahead of it's time.

[@RedCloudServices]

Thanks. Now, looking forward to the daily Holdsworth breakdown 😉

[@voronOsphere]

Wheeeeeeeeewwwwwww!!!!! Thank you, David!!!!!

[@uncleremus5046]

You’ve outdone yourself 🍺’ski. I love his playing with Soft Machine! Brilliant lesson. On an aside note a very humble man. I seen him @ the Tralfamadore Cafe in Buffalo. After his performance I met him @ the bar & offered to buy him a beer. He apologized for his performance & bought me a pint because he said he indulged too much the night before in Cleveland. I literally spit my beer out & said you’ve got to be kidding me. It was an incredible performance but I guess not up to his standards. Great nice man & idk if they’ll ever be another quite like him. RIP Allan

[@richwest6282]

Great job Dave, as always. Holdsworth was an absolute monster, no doubt about it. If I'm not mistaken, that cool SG Custom that he played during his stint with Soft Machine was originally owned by another sadly forgotten English rock/fusion pioneer by the name of Ollie Halsall, and it's very interesting to see him play something other than the Strats and Carvin/Kiesels. Maybe some other viewers might be able to add more info on the SG.

[@dontillman9824]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJSmoIOji7GqoKc

[@weneedcriticalthinking]

What's your opinion? Allan did not do licks per se, maybe more apt word word be riff?

[@milowagon]

Ollie Halsall ! Great on the Patto album but rarely gets a mention.

[@Happy-Me.]

The first Album I ever heard with Holdsworth was "Bundles" by Soft Machine I was a Hendrix kid and couldn't cope and gave it back to my friend. A year later and after listening to a lot of Bill Connors and Al Di meola it was time! I met him on 4 occasions too.

[@SeeMick1]

The Montreux 74 video isn't on YT anymore, but I found it today on Facebook on a public page.

[@paulbottabing]

Another great lesson. Thanks, Dave.

[@cs780]

Really great licks loved the last one particularly 👍

[@WayneFrost-m1r]

BRO you rock, way to go I got turned on to allen by a sax player back in the 70's . Also got turned on to Joe Burger who had board tapes of soft machine. My name is Wayne Frost I played bass with seacloud, & mighty sphincter. Nice to meet you love the tone your getting on your strat.

[@richarddeady6342]

Wow . Sick lesson

[@pawnshopninjas]

Thank you for the insight. One of the most attainable Holdsworth lessons I've seen. I was one of the what the hell is this guys... Now I can't go back ! You play beautifully also.

[@underworldent4817]

saw alan playing at three pu white sg in Manchester playing with p. meorlin's gong. had a chat with hm that night. brilliant gig.

[@zippydoodah1547]

Ah my early teens soft machine and his playing on bruford, golden era Keep well from England

[@splendourize]

Great stuff Dave.

[@triplecold]

Thank you!

[@jonp3890]

Loved it. Subscribed. Will definitely be back for more, Teach.

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Great choice. Love me some Holdsworth. My personal faves are his work on Bruford’s ‘Feels good to me’ and on his own ‘Road Games’. As you intimated, his later stuff was less accessible. I certainly found it so.

[@voronOsphere]

"Beelzebub" and "Back to the Beginning" (with female vocals) are among the many masterpieces on "Feels Good to Me."

[@randybooth3020]

His work with Tony Williams Lifetime and UK from same mid-late 70s era is also essential listening.

[@JoeCiliberto]

Walked from the 30th Street Station to my fiends house off Lombard while on a 15 day leave in 1977. A long walk. Smoking an Old Gold I stopped in a new and used record store. Siting there was a used copy of the first Tempest album. Bought it for 2 bucks. Great album, great guitar (and violin) work from Allan.

[@darrendanger6853]

You are a very good guitar teacher. Inspired.

[@stephenhensley5631]

Great playing my friend ! Great representation of a great player !

[@dennydabbs9272]

Great Lesson. Allan Holdsworth. Thanks for expanding my guitar player influence. My previous knowledge of guitarist seems minuscule every time you feature someone I should have known but don't. Thanks Dave!

[@boboala1]

Enjoyable guitar & history lesson about a musician/guitarist I've heard of for decades but haven't focused on listening to his performances. This video has changed that for me and I'm hoping you'll have other esoteric tidbits of licks and riffs from players back in the day.

[@gregcastdrywall1645]

Nice job!

[@manmewxlsgb]

Subscribed! Fantastic channel and a joy to see this wonderful homage to Allan.

[@guitphil]

thank you for this. love that you bring these incredible "nuggets" of creativity and analysis to us. also, the history component brings a whole different dimension to the lessons. as a long time student of music and guitar, it's always been my desire to understand the inspiration behind an artists, music, style, "identity". I can tell that is something that motivates you as well. Bravo!

[@st9919]

very cool lesson

[@davidforan9372]

Love your lessons, very unique and insightful

[@FabinhoLyma]

Great licks dude! Thanks a lot 🤘🏼

[@BrianClem]

I really dig 70s music instrumentation. The world before midi was real. Great spotlight on the licks. I am going to attempt the last one for sure.

[@bjornekblom5354]

Allan was one of the best ever! I saw him with Tempest here in Sweden 1973 or 74!

[@bonefaithsenseless]

Great lesson, thoroughly enjoyed it! good progression of difficulty right up to that monster of a final lick.

[@KeithFine10]

Great lesson !

[@gilocho]

Great video! Great teacher!

[@Muddytrickle]

My brother gave me the Bundles album on my 14th birthday in 1974. It took me a while to totally appreciate it but in a few months I would lie on my back, headphones on and spin that LP. We would listen to the Tony Williams albums and Gong. He was our guitar god, even more so than FZ or Steve Howe. He had a great tone and in the early days it was not as cram packed with notes. I was fortunate enough to see him many times, including a Rising Star concert in Seattle as the guitarist for UK - i sat in the front row and drooled.

[@Eflatmajor7sharp11]

Love your teaching! I’ve listened to Allan since my dad took me to see UK in 78 I think. I would contend that he opened the door for no one, but existed in another universe technically, harmonically, creatively. As an example, in studying his lines I was struck that some sound “wrong” or nonsensical at slow tempo but sound otherworldly played at his tempo. As if it’s not the notes but the sound that is being formed 😊

[@samuelabbott931]

Awesome video!

[@sheercerebralpower]

Niiiice Dude.....if I had only had this in the 80s when I was living next to my record player and copping his stuff. Secrets,Metal Fatigue and IOU were the records I transcribed...took me a good half year of intense woodshedding along with the inevitable „don‘t you know any nice music“-lines from my parents who were sometimes incensed about the strange noises coming out of my kiddie bedroom....

[@michaelmattson3515]

That’s you? In the rag? Cool. Crazy riffs & phrases.

[@jamesmichaelfrank]

Great video .. your an interesting guy to listen to as a Holdsworth fan. Subscribed !

[@Draxtor]

AWESOME!!!

[@ocassionaljunkieforyou]

Dude, thank you so much for your videos, I just discovered the band UK and gotten into Allan's playing style, it really inspired me to learn something in that style, super cool!!

[@brucekevin8472]

Very cool material and back story Dave. Thanks for the lesson and keeping the great Allan Holdsworth in the know. I like that your lessons come in small bite size nuggets that are managable and not overwhelming with theory talk or 1st finger 3rd fret 5th string yadda yadda. We hear it, we see it, we got it. Thank you!

[@blablablabla1111111]

The licks are roughly at: 2:24 3:39 6:10 8:30

[@sifo4639]

Thank you!!!