3 John Sykes Licks From 1989

[@jeffersononetwo]

Man, John Sykes was an insane player - underrated! Blue Murder IS a killer album!

[@ignacioinder]

Jeff Leak blue murder is pure gold...riffin, solos , technical drumming and vocals

[@deadjesters8619]

Can’t agree with you enough, wish blue murder got the recognition they deserved such an underground Gem of an album. As controversial as this might be I think I actually prefer Sykes’s vocals to Coverdale

[@lenjennings3096]

Owned 3X on cassette, 2X on CD and 1X as a digital download. It is the only album I have ever bought that many times! It is THAT good!

[@Glissmann]

Jeff Leak yes very much true - huge band

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I wish they had done a second album with Carmine and Tony.

[@swordmonkey6635]

"Blue Murder" was a great middle finger to Coverdale because Blue Murder sounded more like Whitesnake than Whitesnake... and better.

[@jmouse68]

So true

[@texasflood69]

I discovered Blue Murder last summer on a drive back home. Suggested by what I was listening to on Spotify. I was totally blown away. I remember thinking how the guitarist sounded like the guy from Whitesnake. LOL... Thank you Spotify!

[@jspartacus]

Vai tanked Whitesnake. His style of playing lacked the strong masculinity of Sykes' approach. It came out sounding limp wristed and overthought. Where Sykes was a biker bandanna, Vai was a silk hanky with frilly lace.

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

@@jspartacus Ive never hear it put better.

[@craziesthorse]

John Sykes put Coverdale on the map.

[@Spacelord1978]

Sykes is a F#%KING MONSTER player!! He is really the quintessential rock guitar player. He can play with restraint and then just BOOM rips your head off!! He's got the chops of a metal guitar player but manages to keep it in a heavy rock/blues style. Really, for me, one of those guys where when I listen I'm thinking "That's exactly how I want to play!". Still can't but haha

[@MrIgorek13]

In this League also Jake E Lee❤his 2 solos album is also killer❤❤

[@dustindewitt6354]

Huge bends, wide vibrato, endless sustain, super fast runs. Sykes was phenomenal.

[@tat2dlukydevl]

Finally a suggestion from KZbin worth watching!! Sykes has always been a favorite of mine.. Thanks for sharing..peAce

[@kr7436]

You did such a good service with the John Sykes history, he’s so underrated and way. wayyyy better than most. His voice and how he can sing and do everything on guitar is so unmatched it’s insane! And his solo career has so many amazing hidden gems! Highly Recommend!

[@angryheb1]

Now I know where I got example 3 from for 20 years!! Sykes!! He's incredible!!!

[@dgs931]

YYESSSSS!!!!!!!!! Gonna love this!! I met Sykes in 84...got his autograph - was so excited to meet him....Monster guitarist AND killer vocalist! Blue Murder 1 was going to be the next Whitesnake album after 1987...imagine that....THANK YOU !!

[@ignacioinder]

Sykes was probably the one that really got me in the shred riffin thing. NO one Has that tone.

[@michaelcard9382]

Man I loved Blue Murder.. Kudos to you for picking John Sykes licks for us to chew on..Great job! Blue Murder had Still of the night-white snakish rythems n lyrically .A 3 man band where the Lead Singer is also the Lead guitarist n rythem guitarist.Man, Sykes is a very well rounded musician! Thanks man for covering this unsung 80s hero....valley of the kings? Pssssshhhhh guy was awsome at every position he's played.Deserves more credit but we got u John!

[@redwind3475]

This is one of the best videos on Sykes’ playing I’ve ever found! I would love to see more of these, as John’s the reason I picked up the guitar, but I’ve always had trouble analyzing his playing.

[@distantstorm3808]

Sykes is one of the most underrated of the 80s. He was such a huge part of Whitesnake's 1987 mainstream breakthrough with the self-titled album, and casual fans had no idea because he was gone by the time the videos were made. Coverdale was a fool for getting rid of him.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

yes indeed slip-of-the-tongue could have been a killer album.. David made a big mistake when it came to blows with Sykes and they parted ways..

[@jimaubrey498]

To this day Sykes is bitter. Cloverdale sucks

[@4572dk]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist I'm happy Vai played on that album, but yeah Sykes should definitely have done a live album and toured with them.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@4572dk 😎🤘✌️yep

[@lenjennings3096]

Coverdale is one charming guy. But he really screwed John and others over. That whole band was killer! Serves DC right that the follow-up wasn't nearly as good nor were the songs of the same caliber...yet John Sykes did Blue Murder. 'Nuf said!!!

[@Snostrebla1]

Sykes is a bad ass guitar player and a bad ass singer. A true dual threat🤘

[@totigerus]

I can't think of any musician on the planet that is that much of a double threat like Sykes. MAYBEEEE.....glen hughs but not really

[@SphennyMusic]

Totigerus Richie Sambora comes to mind

[@totigerus]

@@SphennyMusic meh he's cool but he didnt really sing that much LEAD vocals amirite?

[@drill2.087]

Devin Townsend is pretty killer on both but Sykes is my favorite

[@totigerus]

@@drill2.087 that's true also yes devon is probably the second best singer that also shreds on guitar. It seems to me like this would be a much more common occurrence, but I'm just a singing drummer. What do I know? EDIT: also I really like Devon, but let's get real for a second. He's not good looking like John. John Sykes was completely gypped by the record industry. He should be up there with Plant, Freddy, Lou Graham, and Steve Perry as "the greatest rock singers of all time" but we all know the world isn't fair.

[@davidbaron8330]

I asked, and you delivered! Thanks, Dave. Glad to see you're a big Sykes fan as well. He's a monster.

[@a_ks6533]

Love this guy the way he gives out a short history of an artist whose licks he is going to play. Very precise, no gibberish, just licks, riffs and amazing sounds. Great videos! Thank you.

[@charlesday5970]

John Syke's Blue Murder! Phenominal! Saw live on tour Baltimore, MD. One of best rock albums ever. Awesome guitar work. Nothin But Trouble great also. Whitesnake who? 😎😎

[@brycemelton1]

When Coverdale fired Sykes, he had to hire two guitarists to equal one John Sykes. The self titled Whitesnake album is a guitar monster.

[@jmouse68]

Totally true!

[@jonnyroxx7172]

Wow. You’re covering all the guitarists I grew up with. The ones that everyone else has forgotten. Thank you!

[@irecki1]

And I am gonna watch this video 20 more times to learn these Sykes guitar licks

[@rictube11]

Love John Sykes .... Awesome guitar slinger! Appreciate your well crafted lesson

[@kevinsmith7-7-7]

Blue Murder CLASSIC Album!

[@kevinleonard2368]

I stood 5th row in front of John Sykes on the "Slide It In" tour when they supported Quiet Riot in Jan '85. Whitesnake came out with barely a stage show, jeans and T-Shirts and KILLED it! Quiet Riot had spandex, lasers, the whole 9 yards. They got smoked by the Brit boys.

[@themadmattster9647]

funny a few years later it was Whitesnake with the spandex. Oh what might have been if even the 1987 lineup lasted and they toured

[@TreatzTMA]

Damn you’re killing it!!! Great lesson. Super examples of melodic arpeggios. Got to see him in 89 at Rock n Roll Heaven just after moving from small town Ottawa to big city Toronto. Even caught a Carmine Appice drumstick lol!!

[@jaminguy6293]

So refreshing to have a non-click bait channel that's not trying to be a KZbin superstar. So sick of the current over-sensationalized channels that occupy most of the guitar community in KZbin. Thanks heaps for sharing your knowledge and your time.

[@AndreaMaccianti]

Cool video! John is one of my favorites ever! We have the same guitar! 😊

[@Thomeeque]

When I hear name John Sykes, Thin Lizzy's Bad Reputation immediately pops in my head. Got me since the first time hearing it, masterpiece hard rock song.

[@markthomas5030]

Yes john sykes so underated ,amazing riffs you picked out hope you do another john sykes video so glad i dicovered your channel yesterday im loving all the content

[@elguapo9628]

Dude, you've GOT to do another lesson on Sykes! I don't think enough of these younger folks really appreciate, or even know that much ABOUT him and how badass he is. As always, LOVE LOVE LOVE your lessons on here, man! Keep up the great work! \m/>

[@alabaster907]

I'm a Sykes addict! Incredible, soulful player. Great work on this video. You really do a fantastic job capturing the tone and technical aspects of these players! Thanks much!

[@RingOfRae]

Nice to find a tribute guitar lesson on Sykes. Blue Murder was one of our favorite records back on the day we where doing the garage band trip. Some of us became professional musicians, and we still trip to that record, something we share! That was an amazing power trio, Carmine Apice, and that barefoot amazing bass player, and Sykes, such a gifted rock guitarist! nice video, congratulations on your channel, you rock on guitar!

[@jlahaus]

You were absolutely right about that Blue Murder album, it’s awesome! I can’t believe I never heard it until you mentioned it in your video. In 1989 music was changing so fast so I guess I just missed it. Love your videos, looking forward to your next one.

[@DevinRyanVitek]

Yeaaaa!! I love John Sykes. Really cool note choices and scales. Sometimes I don’t know how he gets those sounds. Big inspiration for me, as I’ve only been playing about two years now.

[@ernstbindewald639]

Hi David, Gary Moore and John Sykes are my favorite players, he has such a great sounding Vibrato and feel,...great tutorial..:-)

[@lenjennings3096]

Gary Moore had awesome tone, a melodic style as well. His singing wasn't bad either. I used to cover "Still Got The Blues" in an old band back in the day. Very soulful singer. Imagine if the two of them had ever joined forces! Woah!!! :D

[@powercourageandwisdom]

Cool man. I've always loved John Sykes tone and I think his vibrato is the most beautiful vibrato on the planet. His licks speak for theirselves. It's nice to see a fan pay homage and do it justice as well. You played it well.

[@gooberthoreau]

This has quickly become one of my favorite channels. Been binge watching for days.

[@Corey_G]

Hi David, We must be about the same age (49 here) because all your music tastes are identically similar 😊👍👍👍

[@seanmiller7889]

50 here and ditto.

[@duncanh6045]

45 here

[@donsuhr2313]

51. Me too

[@rolfeinarhallingstad477]

49 🤟🎸😃

[@StevenMikel1]

LOL Me too,I'm 51

[@stanky9875]

I'm a child of the 80's and I'm regretting overlooking John and his talent. Great lesson, great player.🤘🏼

[@totigerus]

The debut albums by Blue Murder and Bandlands are the greatest "hidden gems" of the 80's.

[@thedanksavatron7782]

So true! I'd have to add Tora Tora

[@glenncoleman6253]

Damn the 2 of you have absolutely nailed it.

[@davedecker1725]

First Mr Big record???

[@curtpozzi5527]

You can add Tangier's two albums with Tora Tora, the Electric Boys, Damn Yankees, Lynch Mob, The Scream just to name a few rare guitar shredding gems to the list.

[@themadmattster9647]

funny as a kid I asked to see Great White and Tesla live on a tour because Badlands was supposed to open, but sadly they didn't show, but Tesla ripped the asses out of Great White live

[@JohnRobbfl]

Never heard of Blue Murder before... great recommendation!! I’ve been listening all week and that was a great band!

[@stephenchow5161]

loved this one

[@msmodena]

Hi Dave, John Sykes is really a bad ass guitarist. I was in Rio in 1985 and still today I can’t forget that night. Thank you for another great video.

[@stevejackson7365]

Two things I've not needed since I cracked this cassette open in the px parking lot in 89: Doctors OR Priests. Thanks for the live clip. Blew my earballs.

[@richb6291]

Thank you so much for this outstanding lesson David,you really did justice to Johns playing,such lyrical phrasing and tone ,the bonus lick is stunning. BTW the BlueMurder album has been re issued and is worth getting . I always thought it sounds like the natural successor to 1987 .

[@themadmattster9647]

I bought the Rock Candy reissue. I say to anyone reading this, please support that company. They continue to get the rights of some really great classic stuff!

[@venomagent76]

Out of Love.... Amazing Song!

[@benyork9382]

I love Sykes' playing on the Blue Murder album and his work with Whitesnake!!! He always has the best tone! He could probably make a rubber band sound incredible! His solo on Valley of the Kings was super tasty. Crazy good phrasing! Thanks for the vid!

[@rishz7857]

You really need to listen to thin lizzys later stuff in 81 & 83 (Renegade & Thunder n Lightning)

[@Juaniguitarra86]

Awesome stuff dude, more Sykes licks please!

[@craziesthorse]

My favorite guitarists of all time. He's got it all. He plays with fire and passion. Thunder and lightning has to be one of my favorite albums

[@MrIgorek13]

Agreed also his solo albums is Amazing❤❤

[@MrIgorek13]

Check his insane album release in Japan Nuclear Cowboy❤🎉❤

[@shovington67]

I'd like to thank you for including this very important player in your teaching repertoire. The majority of people dont know and understand the obvious importance John Sykes (July 29, 1959) born in Reading, England, a musician/singer/songwriter brought to the table. John was one of the guitarists who tried out for Ozzy Osbournes band after the death of Randy Rhodes, as well as a auditioning for Dio's solo project. John played with Tigers of Pan Tang when he was 21, for 2 albums, as well as a influential spell with Thin Lizzy, becoming close with Phil Lynott and cowriting "Cold Sweat" for the Thunder and Lightning album. John then was asked to join Whitesnake, although he refused several times he made a counter offer that he thought wouldn't be met, but it was. Thin Lizzy was on hiatus when then deal with Whitesnake occured, and John approached Phil Lynott with the news of the incredible deal. Phil gave it his blessing, and John although torn joined Whitesnake. After touring for a short time, John and Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale began writing White snakes most successful album, recorded by Bob Rock in which Sykes writes 9 of the songs. Unfortunately, David Coverdale, removed all traces of the band that recorded the album, which was a money and creative control tactic. Sykes learned a hard and bitter lesson that changed him probably for life in regards to his contractual and musical associations. John's next project was Blue Murder, in which he was encouraged to take over singing duties as well, and this is where some evidence of why David Coverdale may have felt insecure about Sykes continued involvement in Whitesnake. Sykes is a very competent singer, with very good range. Although Blue Murder didnt become a huge success, it did offer Sykes plenty of notoriety, and coupled with his writing credits and obvious guitar prowess, it set him up as an industry standard go to guitarist. He's had a Gibson signature guitar duplicate of his 1979 Les Paul, as well as a Japanese Greco Les Paul signature, and many gear endorsements over the years. During his career he used José Arredondo modified Marshall JCM 800s and Mesa Boogie Mark 2C+ amplifiers.

[@jmouse68]

Hi, great lesson,thx! I'm a huge Sykes fan,love the Blue Murder, the 1st cd is just ridiculous and the 2nd is pretty damn good too.Not only is the guitar playing out of this world, he's a killer singer as well. Way better than Coverdale. He really doesn't get nearly enough credit. Tons of soul , crazy chops and just a killer instinct on those climactic bends. More please.

[@freakshowmann]

I say it again, I love your videos, I have so much more to learn, even after playing for over 30 years. Thank you! Also, I love how you give history and backstories on the artists.

[@joefrederick5494]

Awesome lesson. Sykes is my all time favorite rock guitarist.

[@zachsaligoe1618]

Please breakdown more Sykes! He is my favorite!

[@crimfan]

Sykes is a great player, writer, and he's a really solid singer too.

[@orlandoaugustostock839]

John Sykes legend

[@echocharlie6707]

I enjoyed the discussion about Sykes at the beginning more than the actual lesson/licks. I didn’t know all that info. So interesting. Would like to hear more from you, and your knowledge of other guitarists. (Just downloaded the Blue Murder album-thanks!) 👍

[@ShredTraining]

I just came here from your other John Sykes lesson. What a great player he is! Thanks for giving me loads of 80's licks to work on!

[@Hydrophish]

One of my favorite guitarists of all time. Great lesson as always!

[@fabadder1]

Just want to say that I absolutely love listening and watching your vids! John Sykes is definitely one of the most unknown musical monsters out there. Such a master talent in songwriting, playing and singing.

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

Great lesson and a great player not many people talk about. Thanks for all you do. Cant wait for the next lesson.

[@GMHG777]

That debut Blue Murder album is a spectacular album and all the performances by Sykes, Martin (can't believe I wrote this, meant Tony Franklin obviously!!!) and Appice are just killer on this album.

[@genofick5760]

Anything with John Sykes in it is rockin'. He is a phenomenal player. Whitesnake 87 is a masterpiece thanks to John.

[@Kobayashhi]

Excellent singer too ! Man what a tasty player he was.

[@stevesorrell9835]

Great job man! Tragic, how many people missed that album. I've had it for 30 years and it still gives me chills.

[@strivingx67]

Such a great album man! I have been in love with it since it's release. And that little lick you did from "All out of love" Just so damn good. Sykes can really play with emotion. He comes up with some of the best stuff, whether a ballad or pumpin' stuff. If you haven't heard it, I would recommend checking out his work on the 2nd BM album and the solo to "Save My Love" That sustain goes on for days ;-) So good!

[@meldlol]

I love John Sykes...great but underrated Guitarplayer songwriter and Singer.....but you are also very talented!! Thank you for your lessions.I m a pianist and organist but I love learning new stuff🥰🥰🥰

[@derekm.8392]

Another great lesson! Love Sykes style. Definitely a monster player.

[@josearalat]

Bro, I watch your videos just for the pure enjoyment they bring me. You play so effortless and your knowledge of music is impressive. I wish you all the best. Saludos from PR.

[@dangardace9]

Dude your playing and tutorials are spot on! Great work on theses 80’s guitar icons. So cool! Thank you! Cheers Chris

[@mkilner]

Finally a great channel that appreciates and can demonstrate the best guitarists of the 80's!....thanks so much for this, your technical ability and musical knowledge is just the perfect mix, please do a masterclass of Sykes and Moore! cheers! 😎👏🏻🎼🎸

[@nahnotsomuch2292]

The 2nd Blue Murder disc (released in 1994) is also a phenomenal album.

[@maxblazek]

Hell yes. I listened to Jelly Roll on repeat when I would grind strikes in Destiny. John Sykes is a legend.

[@mrnomad55]

There is so much into Johns playing and you always seem to pull the best licks and trick from all the great players. By the way... you never stop amazing me with your knowledge and playing abilities. Your a great player. Awesome as always. Thanks for another great lesson.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great lesson man. He's just killer. One of my favs. Especially with Thin Lizzy and Blue Murder too as you mentioned.

[@annetteryan5110]

5 Stars for this video..dude, great job w/Syke's licks!!

[@muythaimutha]

Awesome Sykes is my favorite player of all time Blue Murder was absolutely phenomenal tygers of pan tang and his work in Lizzy was incredible love these videos and love that you used the Sykes style les Paul here 🤘 Great work bro!

[@raultavarez007]

Awesome guitarist,first discovered him on the Tygers of Pan Tangs Spellbound album,knew he was bound for success!

[@francho123]

You have a great thing going on with your channel! Thank you for all the time that you put into making these videos.

[@thedanksavatron7782]

One of my top ten albums of all time is Blue Murder's debut! So melodic & rocking!

[@mdm73100]

Mr .Brewster you are also a legend Thanks

[@addicted2tone349]

Sykes and Jake E Lee both got shafted bad in the 80s.. Those Sykes Whitesnake riffs I heard when I was a teenager are one of the reasons I play guitar.

[@johnclark1925]

That video had audio from the desk, but images from an audience member.... it’s a band absolutely on top form and it’s a crying shame there was never any pro shot imaging to go with the audio. It would have been a great dvd..

[@thomaspierce7843]

David - Thank you SO much for this "Late Night Lessons" edition covering John Sykes. Totally agree that he is an extremely underrated guitarist, however, to your point, he has that unmistakable vibrato that, when you hear it, you know exactly who it is! While it seems as though new material from him is nothing but wishful thinking, your episode has definitely inspired me to go back, listen, learn and practice. Thank you again for not only this episode, but all episodes of "Late Night Lessons" that you have done. Best!

[@richb6291]

Keep coming back to this lesson - just superb David- a genius job on this lesson you've done great with the lick selection too , love Johns vibrato too . Blue Murder has been played constantly since this lesson - interesting if Ray Gillen had sang on the album( always ray had a killer vocal delivery, ( as he was also lined up for the Lynch Mob -Wicked Sensation album) .

[@wj74]

Crying in the Rain is my fav John Sykes solo. My hand gets tired jus playing air guitar to it. Keep up the good work bro!

[@williamgainford9332]

Exlnt lesson as always david - i was lucky enough to see lizzy on their final shows in dublin in 83 - watching sykes and gorham wailing thru still in love with you, was almost a religious experience lol - we were at the foot of the stage.mamas boys opened that night , seen my first flying v in the flesh - pat mc manus playing it - pats worthy of alook too - hes still plays and releases solo albums , well worth a listen

[@shawnbayless777]

Love these videos, especially when they focus on Sykes, Bratta, Jake E Lee, Lynch…the guys that made me want to pick up a guitar to begin with.

[@joerobinson2538]

Great video David !-as usual! I love the (often forgot about} follow up Blue Murder album-Nothing But Trouble-different backing band but JS’s playing is in full force!

[@NVC1019]

great lesson dave i think john is very underrated from the 80's guitarists the blue murder album one of my all time faves!!! thanks again love the les paul!! ... \m/ \m/

[@DougCanney1]

Definitely Sykes was pretty much overlooked by mainstream audiences. Great player and rightly so bitter about being fired. His guitar playing and style defined that entire album. I heard he got paid though. That’s a good thing.

[@davidballe5040]

I remember the band Blue Murder, but they were never on the radio up here in Canada, just listened to the solos now and Sykes is one of those really good players from that time for sure. Some great playing for sure. I remember him mostly from Whitesnake , which I got into when Vai joined. You could do a video on Vai on that album alone. Amazing playing on that one. Good choice David.

[@6stringhellion]

Took me a cup of coffee and an hour but I got the gist of all the licks, I've been waiting ages for someone to do some John Sykes lessons, thanks a bunch dude love your stuff, especially the Chords of Dokken, my favorite band and guitar player

[@The_Macaroon]

Soooooo good! Would love you to do more on Sykes.

[@emerging_macro]

What a great video, Dude! Thanks for disentangling all that extremely fast -- and not obvious -- licks.

[@irecki1]

Love it! This guy knows a lot and he play wow...

[@SrdjanPavlovic11080]

Please, but please, more John Sykes. Chords of Blue Murder would be awesome!!!

[@mill89027]

Hey Dave thanks for listening and posting John S

[@DC7ify]

Best J.S. lick details are all from your channel man! I'm trying to learn as much from John and so far your my number one teacher. Man i would do anything to become your guitar apprentice! You would answer all my questions lol

[@BobbyLaneProductions]

good to see you here Dave.. it's been years since I last saw you at GC AVL.. the good ol' bad ol' days.. LOL!

[@mikeg3660]

You are an amazing teacher and just an easy to listen to person. I found your channel at 2:45 am so it seems appropriately titled. Subscribed...rock on.

[@ic_clearly]

that phrase in Out of love always gives me tingles... what a monster player!