Adrian Belew: History & Future of Guitar Noise- Pt 2/3

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The electric guitar and its accessories have transformed an astounding amount since their initial invention and have been played by some extreme innovative and prodigious players. From Jimi Hendrix to modern effects laden guitar tracks, some may wonder where and how there is room to explore and develop original sound. Join Adrian Belew as he discusses techniques of new innovation as well his longstanding process of discovering the undiscovered. Adrian's professional career as a musician starts in the 70s and includes collaboration with the Talking Heads, King Crimson, David Bowie, Frank Zappa and Nine Inch Nails among a plethora of solo work. Here Adrian reviews and demonstrates features that make modern guitars and auxiliary equipment optimal for exploring sound.
Discussion topics include midi guitars, layering and combining effects such as echo lengths with pitch shifts, exploration of compound rhythm structures and time signatures, the cutting edge of guitar design, benefits of acoustic and electric experimentation, not to mention some fun Zappa stories.

[@kzinful]

Adrian looks like your favorite crazy uncle working on a time machine and ends up making it work. We love our uncle Adrian

[@MrRoundwound]

Adrian Belew is the happiest guy I have ever seen onstage.What a great man and guitarist.

[@klappenbergersonpaintingha2933]

Adrian is modest, honest, and very comfortable with himself. Very enjoyable and educational.

[@XellKamikaze]

"You shouldn't really be trying to sound like Jimi Hendrix by now anyway". Amen to that! Thank you for all your stunning work Adrian.

[@emilygibbs8812]

Don't tell him what he can and cannot do

[@bikeman123]

@@emilygibbs8812 You didnt even make it past 9 minutes in did you

[@johnmallory75]

Lolol no she read the comment & her inner karen popped out

[@Gregorypeckory]

​@@emilygibbs8812Even though you clearly didn't listen to Adrian, the quoted words, along with the approving response in the same comment, made the meaning perfectly obvious. But instead of seeing the obvious, you were so primed for a disagreement that you plowed ahead, springing to the defense of Adrian, against....his own opinion stated verbatim.

[@Jefmon01]

Ha

[@ThrashRebel]

“Frame by Frame” is my favorite King Crimson song, not just musically, but lyrically.

[@dd-vm1hs]

The internet needed to know that. Thank you.

[@David-Field.Stuff01]

Frame by frame is the only song by King Crimson that I know and hearing that blew me away.

[@ThrashRebel]

@@David-Field.Stuff01, it’s a great song.

[@biggusdickus1689]

@@David-Field.Stuff01 That whole album is my absolute favorite by them

[@jimmythebold589]

probably my fave too

[@accidentalfilms]

Adrian is one of the most original and incredible musicians ever. I think he doesn't get the respect he deserves because he's so down-to-earth. He doesn't put up a front or has a huge ego. He's approachable.

[@Gregorypeckory]

I think he does get the respect he deserves precisely for the reasons you say he doesn't; people respect impressive talent all the more if the person who has it, stays a regular person and doesn't let fame and accolades go to their head. Adrian has been on the cover of guitar mags, hired for his unique voice on guitar as well as vocals by many great band leaders from Frank Zappa to Bowie, to Robert Fripp. He's now got the commitment from Steve Vai to help him create a revised version of King Crimson, and remains a highly respected unique musical force, as singer songwriter, serious composer, arranger and producer of ground breaking sonic experiments, valuable sideman whose presence has elevated bands from Zappa to Talking Heads, to Bowie and Laurie Anderson. How much more respect can one guy get in this lifetime?

[@wardka]

It is so bizarre hearing what sounds like an academic discussion of Hendrix, Zappa, and King Crimson, music that was new when I was a teen. Back then all the academics sneered at the very thought of them. Belew is probably the most creative living American guitarist and he is very unassuming about it. Thanks very much for making this available.

[@TheTargetedScapegoat]

Strange how that works with art and music. The resulting contemporary music and art never seems as good as what it’s influenced by until a good 20 years goes by and enough people are exposed to what was and is considered avant-garde.

[@zaphodbeatlebrox4906]

Elephant Talk is one of my favorite songs.

[@johnbrown2273]

Casandra Davis it’s actually Chapman stick

[@douglasjackson8571]

Ever do the ABCD style of creative writing?? Where every word follows in alphabetical order. But groups of words for every letter ABCDE was great musical invention

[@DreamPurpleFloyd]

25:09 "Robert Fripp, the *other* guitarist in King Crimson" haha

[@IgNaceus]

XD

[@bipedofthecentury9956]

@Deadi11 That is maybe a diss to Fripp. I think

[@SterlingSimmons22]

Biped Of the century no. It's an inside joke

[@bipedofthecentury9956]

DrSterlingSimmons but where does it come from

[@Skiddoo42]

@@bipedofthecentury9956 It wasn't a diss in this context, he simply assumed most of the people in the audience don't know the band well enough to know the members. I've never heard of anyone who didn't think Fripp was a guitar god in his own right as well as a great musician and human being in general.

[@ArtisanSmithy61]

I first discovered Adrian Belew, when I brought the wonderful Talking Heads album 'Remain In Light' - way back in 1980 - and was gob-smacked by his playing and sounds on it....and have been a HUGE fan of his ever since. The phrase "Musical Genius" is often over-used, but NOT in his case...an incredibly inventive Guitarist and Sound-maker

[@EricLee-nr5jp]

Same here. When I first heard his solo on the first track of that album I didn't know what I was hearing. Unbelievable.

[@crysstoll1191]

For me it was “the name of this band…” I love Talking Heads but over the years i realized that Belew was what really set me off on them.

[@artemisvega8940]

I thought, "cool, I'll just watch five minutes of this and then get on with the day," and then the host is like, we're wrapping this up. An hour passed and I didn't even notice it. I know this is years old now but Adrian is just so easy to listen to, and so full of enthusiasm for his art.

[@MerkinMuffly]

Musical genius at work here.

[@Teabonesteak]

Love your channel 😄

[@yourdrummer2034]

Adrian's Parker Fly is the cutting edge of guitars, so I agree he is perfect to show what and how of guitar tech. And he is an INCREDIBLE player!

[@StratsRUs]

" You shouldn't have stopped singing, cos that's the PUREST sound of all " Amen , Adrian Belew.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

If you are watching this you are obviously someone who likes to be inspired. As a guitar player for over 30 years, listening to Adrian Belew's cassette tape back in the early 80's a was a big inspiration to my musical progress. Another big moment came last year. Long story short, about 16 yrs. ago got a Hammond organ and fell in love with it. Played a variety of styles, but got burned out after 6 yrs. thinking it was the singular 'flute' voice. Then last year heard Jesse Crawford's Hammond LP's!

[@ChicagoHumanitiesFestival]

Thanks for your question Leonkushner. The guitar he is using is a Parker Fly. You may find the footage at 53:18 during the Q&A interesting. He talks about the guitar model at that point. Thanks again!

[@ulissegarnerone]

42:38 "now you know my secret, I hope you still like me" ... yeah we will always like you Adrian you are a great man

[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

The humblest genius in American rock music.

[@bluesparklejet]

I always learn stuff when Adrian Belew speaks. I have a lecture video he made in the 80s, I wish he did more of that. He gives away loads of ideas in a very unselfish way, things he took time to work on.

[@ToneKings1]

He really is a genius....just check all the stuff he's created, and think about what you have to know, to be able to do that...

[@33333MP]

This man need to be on Rolling Stone list .

[@Guitarraeficaztutorialesytabs]

Don´t even wait for that, Rolling Stone´s lists are actually quite retarded.

[@johnbrown2273]

Facundo Cuevas Guitar very true

[@MrPnew1]

the Rolling Stone list along with the rock 'n' roll Hall of fame are both just a sham joke

[@apchsiri1156]

​@@MrPnew1Indeed. RS has no credibility. And not just music, either. It had featured articles on two gang-rape incidents of which both turned out to be fabrications.

[@EricJamesVideo]

If you're a guitar player, new or old, do yourself a big favor and find more of his music. He might not be the most technically advanced guitar player, but the sounds he was able to get out of his gear was groundbreaking back in the day and is still relevant today.

[@ChicagoHumanitiesFestival]

Watch our video "Adrian Belew performs untitled song (guitar solo) - Pt 3/3" to hear him play.

[@darrenlee1938]

Legend! What a total hero

[@whatlooksrightisright]

Somehow Steinberger guitars were forgotten. I can't believe Adrian had not tried a GL.

[@CenyddRos]

The most amazing concert I ever attended was to see Belew play the Coach House back in the '90's. Beyond music.

[@peteytwofinger]

dont miss the 2014 solo tour , its unreal ... simply amazing . he has his rig tweaked out , the new sounds he is getting are just insanely cool .

[@tycumbie788]

This was so good. Love AB and have for a long time. Every band he’s in is way better when he’s in it.

[@cliveappleby4175]

Belew is a personal friend of mine. He is a great guy.

[@lukedelalio3155]

Great player. And an AMAZING singer - beautiful, expressive voice. Just great.

[@virginiastorey]

I'm so glad he plugged the Parker Fly. It's a WONDERFUL guitar. I have one of the last ones Ken Parker made before they went factory. It's a magnificent gumby lookin' beast.

[@Skiddoo42]

They play wonderfully, it's perfect for most every style.

[@andreiradtchenco9604]

King Crimson, Franck Zappa, si altii, la fel de faimosi fac cartea de vizita a acestui exceptional muzician. Multumesc KZbin!

[@MrSteveMaestro]

This is so informative and enjoyable to watch. Thank you!

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

I remember seeing the Talking heads and figuring out the synth sounds corresponded to what the guitar player was doing. i asked 'WTF!!!!???" my friend said Adrian Belew

[@sicochoco]

This is pure gold, thank you thank you

[@Relentless_lel]

he and devin townsend are the two mad scientists of music...a little hard to get around sometime...but genius nonetheless. really inspirational!!

[@vvessel_]

Kevin Shields

[@GemExperience]

Masterclass with Belew, gold material right there...Thank you !

[@EvilEyeGypsy]

What a great player, and he seems so down to earth. A real inspiration for anyone who has ever played guitar.

[@barno01]

Excellent, a true renaissance man. Viva Adrian!

[@richardgagliano1618]

Brilliant, so insightful. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your artistic method.

[@kiltedcampers]

That's so cool. Thanks, Adrian for our talent and for explaining your musicianship

[@jiddu1970]

what a great person

[@OurpleOuppy]

24:43 for Adrian playing Frame by Frame on his own :D

[@AlexakaRosco]

The most charming chap ever been in rock!

[@robmanic44]

Fascinating stuff!

[@Craiglyhead]

True genius is usually awkwardly explained but beautiful to listen to at the same time. This is all great. Love it!!!!

[@EPurpl3]

such a brilliant guitarist and such a modest person

[@pmimagery1295]

I've been a Adrian Belew fan for ages but I was surprised how articulate he is!! Really enjoyed this!!!!

[@carloslozada2121]

Great talk very informative

[@elchafa337]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing this!

[@mahdenny]

I CAN'T STOP LOOKING AT HIS NIIPLES!!! AAARGH!!

[@Sir_Godz]

thx now I cant see anything but his nipples

[@markferguson3745]

Kind of sad, my friend.

[@phoenixjim0527]

🤔 Fair enough. I often read comments while listening. Other thought is to focus on his hands.

[@jimshaw2829]

first time hearing him and have enjoyed watching this video and learned alot

[@silviopimentel7247]

Genius!! What an influence to true diversity of guitar playing. Thank you so much for all your creative work.

[@veebaamiguel]

this clip once again reinforces my interrests and favors of how much of an artist qwality artist this man adrian is---,,,,..... . . . ..

[@sghantous]

To have his orchestral compositions performed and recorded, Frank Zappa hired the London Symphony Orchestra and then unknown conductor Kent Nagano. This was Nagano's debut conducting a major orchestra. Nagano subsequently led the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for several years, maintaining the exceptional level of performances attained during the tenure of Charles Dutoit.

[@marshallross3373]

Great interview.

[@marthaworc7873]

I saw Adrian play when he was in his 20's. He was amazing then and he has only gotten better since!

[@klinkov6393]

Did you see him with Zappa?

[@marthaworc7873]

@@klinkov6393 No, solo.

[@exavierdotnet]

Absolutely agree with Adrain, the mind of an inventor is always finding "that new innovative thing, technique, etc." that so far no one has done! Just as Hendrix did, or Jeff Beck long ago for that matter

[@pootsilu]

I just learn so much stuff!! I cant Believe it!!

[@kevfullo]

and I meant to add, fantastic! thx for the post

[@chrisclouet1]

I saw Robert Fripp give a lecture a few decades ago where he played and discussed his sound. These guys are sometimes accused of making "nerd rock" ... I say hell yeah! They are smart, fun, and they can play!!!

[@davidburne9477]

Google Adrian Belew Martha Wainwright Heroes for some delicious Belew Frippery on Aussie music quiz show Rockwiz - no no lip synching here folks, just wonderful live performance.

[@2wayplebney]

What a great educator.

[@exavierdotnet]

Adrian is a view to creativity whos work with King Crimson really make him quite a different awesome guitarist, very experienced & underrated composer!

[@marciomesquita]

Great chat! Belew rules!

[@bitofacunt195]

Wonderful stuff . . Many thanks for the upload. Best wishes from Spain . . . Chris

[@Dodoskee]

Adrian Belew is a beautiful human being and a great guitarist. He's still a trailblazer and innovator, and an awesome live musician. I've seen him for the first time play live (without knowing who he was) ages ago with the Talking Heads, a few months later I was blown away by his guitar playing while wearing out the King Crimson Discipline vinyl record a good friend of mine made me listen to. I've seen him once with the Power Trio but unfortunately never managed to see him play live with KC.

[@LoneRhino]

Adrian is the best!

[@TheTargetedScapegoat]

Have always loved everything Adrian has done, which informed my own playing (guitar and drums) and expanded my ears to other musicians and their music + being always exited by all of the audio engineering accomplishments of the contemporary world. MIDI has finally married with guitars, which as you hear is great. I really wish they would bring fLUX:Fx back to the App Store. It was the best processor ever made and had that signature Belew compression among other features.

[@AmnFry]

Man I just tried the tuning he talked about. E to D and G to E...oh wow. The creativity flows like light speed, immediately! It really gets you out of those habitual finger positions and right hand patterns.

[@fuckcensorship69]

Time stamp?

[@MUGSYBROWN]

He's a frikkin' WEALTH of talent and knowledge !!!!

[@Megamare1]

Awesome... man & technology at it’s finest

[@JeffreyMulac8]

Adrian is an underrated guitarist.

[@marthaworc7873]

Very underrated guitarist! He is on my top 5 list.

[@johnnolan4312]

Enless you are a guitar player musician

[@alexyacovelli]

One of the most interesting LIVE shows I've ever seen, Adrien Belew at CITY WINERY NYC. Really got me thinking of unconventional ways to make noise, like Tom Morello. What a historical leader, between King Crimson, Zappa, Bowie, and as a Solo Artist. Great material I need to continue to explore. -Alex Yacovelli, Rock Artist NYC

[@davidreidy5750]

Adrian is an absolute genius so glad I got to see him play w/ K.Crimson 30+ yrs ago.♥️🗽📼

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

Very cool, thanks for posting

[@markrskinner]

Brilliant.

[@adamfindlay7091]

Perfect casting, here. Adrian admits his career fit into this period of effect and guitar development of the last 50. Barrett I'd like to note developed not only loop capabilities with his echo, bow and circular exploring back in '67.

[@slydogtom]

What a natural genius this man truly is.

[@Zenony]

You are totally right, mate! I play drums and piano but I consider him part of my musical education. There is a lot of people today doing always the same thing (by the way, music nowadays, for instrumentists, is only a matter of pure technique and velocity). He's got the own signature and you distantly could identify his original sound even in a pub lost in Thailand. So the same regarding Hendrix, Fripp, Gilmour, Bruford, Copeland, Bohnam, Jojo Mayer etc. Only few musicians can really do that!

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@Mutt1961]

Amen. Belew is a master's master, is what I meant to say..

[@Mr.Altavoz]

thanks a lot for the video,, very interesting!

[@immrnoidall]

I'm 57 and listen to a lot of music throughout the year . And of coarse The Talking Heads. I'm just realizing who this guy is.

[@JimHarrisArt]

Fantastic.

[@Sliderone73NZ]

Check out his work with Frank Zappa and King Crimson.... totally outstanding

[@beppestarnazza17]

The secret of the riff in the song "Frame by Frame" at 24:44, oh yeah!

[@AlabasterSmudge]

Your're right.Those are nice!

[@21schizoidman43]

My favorite guitar

[@mmaxson61]

Awesome!

[@rrorriMkcalB]

Yes!

[@Gilyslas]

Checking out his rig I figure your looking at about $15,000. Adrian is an inspiration and creative innovator. A true genius!!

[@terrygunzales9101]

I liked it!

[@teknomanning]

Saw him in crimson in Vegas in 2003 amazing then, amazing now check out the Adrian below trio ,and the crimson projekts albums. Can,t wait to see him in nin!!!!!

[@69shovlhed89]

he has become one of my favorite guitarists. i think most of the best music king crimson did was stuff he wrote or performed.

[@66guitaROB]

Marvelous...

[@OdedFriedGaon]

what an awesome genius. very cool.

[@thehollowband]

The fretwear issue was resolved by, instead of using nickle frets like most manufacturers use, they use stainless steel frets.

[@juanlauda2300]

Parker guitars were awesome. I am SO glad I have one of the originals.

[@astronomiac]

Quelle beauté, fantastique!