Pat Metheny "James" on the Boss SY-1000 guitar synthesizer

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Can't stop watching this....just masterful.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@SeanGrubb-pk5sr]

Outstanding! So many fail to play the subtle, complexities of this piece, but you have truly grasped the spirit of Metheny on this. Really well done, Alan. Thank you for sharing!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks for this very kind comment! It's such a great piece of music--one that I seem to never get tired of hearing and attempting to play!

[@sil.lum.quan.]

Wonderfully done. And I agree with the previous posts, no 'look-at-me-play-guitar' vibes here.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@johndiana5276]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Pure joy

[@jacquesmertens3369]

Best publicity for Godin and for Boss SY-1000 ever. You recognize a true musician by the calm, happy look on his/her face. No drama, just pure joy. Thank you !

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

That is very kind--thank you!

[@jacquesmertens3369]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Also, you remind me of John Etheridge and Andy Summers. I'm surprised you're not as famous as they are. Not yet.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@jacquesmertens3369 Thank you Jacques, I'm blushing to be even remotely compared to those two great guitarists!

[@jacquesmertens3369]

@@AlanThomasGuitar You are both talented and modest, and that's why you have reached the level you have reached. Please do not underestimate your skills. You have what it takes to be among the best session musicians. Just contact a few of the big music studios. Trust me, and most of all: trust yourself. I come from a family of musicians (one of which was the only European session musician to work with Louis Armstrong), and I do recognize a talent when I see one. Technically I think you're better than Andy Summers has ever been. But don't tell Andy I told you. He's a super nice guy and I don't want to insult him.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@jacquesmertens3369 😊🙏

[@patpercu]

hours and hours and hours of practice ....... Beautiful rendition.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@ballardsully3494]

Superb!! Your command of the guitar, programming of the SY-1000, and improvisation are impeccable!! Thanks for sharing this information and I look forward to more of your videos!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, that really is very kind!

[@octavioespinoza2091]

excellent performance. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@tonelocrian]

superb performance & introduction to these units. Would love to see a more in-depth review of the synth pedal & the looper. Thank you for all your diligent work & effort. 🎉

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, I have wondered about making a video going more in-depth with the programming aspect, but wasn't sure how useful it is for anyone who doesn't own the pedal.

[@haverelmink]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Amazing performance! I think it would not only be interesting, but also helpful in deciding whether or not to purchase the pedal. I'd love to see a technical breakdown of both pedals in action. I'd also love to see what Kent Nishimura could do with such a setup!

[@jabelsjabels]

I've listened to some Metheny before but I've never heard this tune. Thanks so much for introducing me to it! Excellent playing!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, glad you liked it! Metheny is so prolific, it scares me how much music he has produced in his career. "James" is from one of my favourite Metheny albums, Offramp--definitely one to check out!

[@LRCDetroit]

Fantastic playing! Love the synth programming on different strings, impressive!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@deanronson6331]

Very nice rendition. Pat is a genius melodicist. Alan is demonstrating to us how sophisticated electronic tools have become to help players with producing special effects.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! I certainly agree--the integration of melody and harmony in "James" is pretty much genius!

[@marceloloustau7142]

Awesome musical performance & guitar sound!! 🙌

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks! More videos coming soon, so please keep an eye out...

[@tony89718]

I’d like to have the sheet music you used to play James. I love this piece for classical guitar.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Hi there, I don't have anything written down for this unfortunately--I'd be happy to display it on screen if I did! There must be some versions out there, though mine is probably slightly idiosyncratic in some places due to having to keep the thumb notes on the 5th and 6th strings.

[@tony89718]

@@AlanThomasGuitaryou version has a very good dynamic range, would be great to have this written down on staff paper.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@tony89718 Thank you! I have made a lot of arrangements over the years (you can find some videos I've done on my channel of The Beatles and other things for solo guitar), and have looked into the possibility of publishing them. The problem is that no publisher I've ever contacted will let me publish my arrangements, even under their license or through their actual imprint! Sad that a lot of good arrangements by many musicians get lost to a wider audience because of that aspect of copyright...

[@TLMuse]

The brief but insightful technical intro, the great performance, and the joy you take in playing combined to make this a fantastic video. Subscribed, and looking forward to more. Bravo! -Tom

[@TLMuse]

BTW, if you have a chance to respond-what model Godin is that? It has a more acoustic tone to it than some Godins I've heard.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you Tom, I really appreciate that!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@TLMuse It's a standard ACS nylon. I'm trying really hard with my EQ/effects to get as natural a sound as possible, but it's a challenge with the piezo pickups and nylon strings, and I'm still craving more a feel of resonance and dynamic to the sound. Not sure if that is quite possible with a solid-body guitar like this, but I kind of need the solid body to not have much actual sound coming from the guitar itself. There are a lot of trade-offs, but I do love the range of possibilities that the setup enables. Hopefully more soon!

[@TLMuse]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Well, you're doing a pretty good job already with the Godin's tone. If you're not already doing so, you might try using an acoustic IR in your HX Stomp XL; they can add the kind of resonance you are speaking of. It's a bit like the effect that the Fishman Aura system adds (though I think they do it via complex filters rather than an IR), or IR-based systems like the LR Baggs Voiceprint DI. Some acoustic guitar IRs for HX are available online, though I don't recall seeing nylon-specific ones.

[@TLMuse]

Quick follow-up: Some quick digging turned up a free acoustic guitar IR pack from Worship Tutorials. It was created with three steel-string acoustic guitars, but might be worth experimenting with. And here's a YT video from someone who created a nylon-based IR+EQ patch for Helix: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKxq2ahYsyHq9k. He uses a Martin steel-string IR from 3 Sigma Audio. They now have some nylon-specific IRs available (perhaps later than his video).

[@DerSaitenspringer]

Well done Alan. Outstanding performance. I would like to see and hear more songs and some explanations of your Godin SA in combination with the Boss SY 1000!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks, yes I have been thinking I should do a more in-depth video about the tech side.

[@billvill61]

Aside from the Boss (which is great!) , this is the best cover of James I've heard anywhere. Kudos! Well done.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks so much for this very kind comment--much appreciated!

[@rr2147]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@royswan]

Bravo! Great arrangement, beautifully played.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@visog]

Joyous... great rendition of a lovely tune.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@stephanedelrieu5883]

Very good performance Alan, you nailed it. Thank you

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Much appreciated! It's been such a nice surprise to have such kind comments for this.

[@MrMjp58]

Excellent solo arrangement.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@universeconsciouscitizensc592]

Such a perfectly beautiful piece by Pat played so well. Thank you.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks!

[@granthodges3012]

Smart, beautiful, fun. Like the overshadowings from hymns and CCM choruses at a few points.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, the more I have studied "James" the more amazing it seems to me as a composition.

[@etherjazz]

Very cool! Great lesson about the gear plus tasteful playing. Thanks!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, it's really been so nice for me to see that anyone is interested! More videos out soon...

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

Wow! Great job! Congratulations!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@stevelabrecque]

Outstanding!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@billbettencourt7053]

Wow…great arrangement and use of the looper too!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@pedromartinezvecchiola7777]

Beautiful. congratulations Alan

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@TyrannyStudios]

Clever. And well played. Thank you.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@PaulBuckus]

My favorite Pat Metheny song. The looping of the lower strings is genius

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@marcofabbri4757]

Wonderful performance ❤

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@KapitanStav]

Very clear voicing and accurate intonation. Well done indeed! I didn't quite understand the tech yet, but I will.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks, yes I had wondered if I should show a bit more clearly how the programming of the signal paths works....

[@mortonwilson795]

Beautiful - bravo . . . what a lovely interlude, thanks for that 😀

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Absolutely brilliant.....Bravo Sir.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@converter42]

Lovely. Thanks for playing!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@adrian1072]

Inventive and well crafted. Kudos.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@GamblorLA]

Outstanding. Congrats on learning and executing this so well.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@martynridley3671]

Really cool idea with the looper and superbly played!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@guitfiddleblue]

This is excellent. I enjoy the SY1000. It’s so versatile.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@johnnyjay669]

Very nice! Your performance of this is so inspiring I'm aiming to learn this song. May even try doing something similar with the Roland GR-55 synth. Thanks!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks! Such a great tune, and would definitely be interesting to bring in some GR-55 sounds.

[@lukerake]

Appeared in my feed. Very glad it did. Bravo.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@JeeWeeDonkers]

Great playing and well taken advantage of the technology!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you JeeWee! By total coincidence I just yesterday watched your video about using the RC-500 as a substitute for a wood stompbox--I hope you don't mind if I steal this idea for an upcoming video (with full credit to you of course)!

[@grahamfjlaws6108]

Great performance of an excellent guitar arrangement.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@garyelliot-mu5cs]

yup. i'd buy a ticket to hear what ever you have to say or play. this opened up some doors for me thx!!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you for this very kind comment--it is sincerely much appreciated!

[@jameslawrencewirth]

Woah! Good job, and great tune selection!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@anand_pg]

Beautifully played!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@MrRioso-ry1hb]

Great playing !

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@АндрейУгорский]

Fantastic sounds in good hands. Thanks for unbelievable pieces delivered your talent. My favourite is "out of Africa" evening dance, and others. On the same music way with you.😊

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

I really appreciate your kind words--thanks for listening to my other stuff as well!

[@allanploth6031]

Great fun. Beautifully executed.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@Michforful]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this Alan, I will work it out! I’ve learned Pat’s Antonia from you, I enjoy a lot playing it!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@glennmichaell2482]

That was ridiculous! Bravo!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@sgilmore10s12]

Very Nice! ... looking forward to more.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! Please keep an eye out for more videos next week--I'm working on it.

[@anonimoanonimo6967]

Genial! you even learnt the solo. Stunning job.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@harrydehnhardt5092]

Just beautiful!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Much appreciated--thank you!

[@AndreReisREPFARMA]

Congrats from Rio.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@thpark8189]

Well played, sounds lovely

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@alefenili]

I have a Godin guitar few days ago, now I'm needing the SY-1000 so much lol! You did a great job here! Very creative and clever approach to create that loop!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you very much! I do highly recommend the SY-1000 (I wish that Boss would sponsor me to say that, but they don't!)--it offers a lot of inspiring possibilities.

[@jawharp9467]

This is my favorite guitar solo of the week.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Much appreciated, thank you! I've got a video of a Michael Hedges-inspired tune out in the next few days so please keep an eye out for it.

[@AVEEGEELIK]

👏 Well done, sterling effort! Now I want a Godin ACS Nylon _and_ a SY-1000 and stop bass playing, thanks for that 😉

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! And apologies for spreading a case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome--I definitely know what that's like!

[@granthodges3012]

Yeah, I'm tired of playing bass, too. LOL

[@MojaveMark]

Splendid!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@demej00]

Wow. Cool! Gotta start playing with my looper.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Yes, it's very liberating!

[@msawhill]

Pretty straightforward indeed.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks for listening!

[@kisooliveira]

Amazing!!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@gthatjazz]

Amazing! Musically on the guitar and also technologically with the synth and looper pedals. Found you today and just subscribed. Thanks for sharing your talent here.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, it's been so nice to have such kind comments for this--I really appreciate them.

[@titilili88]

Masterfully played! Thanks so much!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@WayneJoness]

Supremely musical!!! Love it!!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you Wayne, I really appreciate that! I'm a big fan of yours by the way--thank you for all of your great work on guitar synths!

[@WayneJoness]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Very kind of you!

[@fencore]

this was amazing, thank you!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@selfwitness]

Beautiful. Thank you!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Glad you liked it, thanks! Hopefully more videos coming soon!

[@jameslawrencewirth]

I've played professionally for 60 years, now I wanna take lessons from you!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks James, you're too kind! It's been so nice for me to connect with fellow guitarists through the videos I've been making. More soon I hope (if I can get my act together...).

[@giovanidacosta6364]

Spectacular!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@deigonz]

great video! was expecting to hear some zany synth sounds (based on the title) but not disappointed!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, yes I do think the title is misleading! I guess my interest has strangely been more in how to get the guitar synth to function like an "augmented guitar" rather than use the wacky sounds.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

By the way, here's a link another video with some (very slightly) zanier sounds! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHPOlWuil9yfb9k

[@honestmicky]

Major talent. Thanks for sharing. New sub. A+

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelreaper666]

Thanks Alan.. real good demo my friend .. :) :)

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@michaelreaper666]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Cheers my friend ..hope all is well wit you!

[@ChrisMacdonald-z8x]

Wonderful job Love my Godin ACS (and 3 other Godin/Seagulls)

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@pascalcoole2725]

Impressive Alan !

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@alanpickering4497]

sublime

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@MrStylemed]

Excellent!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@CrazyCloudZen]

Damn, man! Great feel and time!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@artiefischel2579]

Nicely done. And thank you for making a guitar synth video that isn't walking through all the presets. ;-)

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! Yes I guess in a sense I'm trying to use the SY-1000 more as a guitar than a synth, so I don't use the presets much.

[@artiefischel2579]

@@AlanThomasGuitar I have the GR-55, though I'm sure it's true of the SY-1000 as well, you look at these synths and there's just so much you can do with them that it's a little annoying to find video after video cataloging the presets, and not that many using them artfully. Looping just the lower strings is a cool idea. I wonder if that's possible with the GR-55?

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@artiefischel2579 Hi there, not sure about the GR-55, but what it would need is the capability of sending individual string outputs down two separate signal paths, as well as an effects loop that you can place on just one of the signal paths. I would definitely recommend using the Boss Tone Studio editor connected to the unit to be able to easily visualise the paths--it's kind of a nightmare trying to program patches on the units themselves!

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

Great Job Man Thankyou ❤❤❤

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@Touchguitar]

Well done!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@mikejaggs6722]

That was Excellent! Thanks!!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@GaborTheNeuron]

Wow! Excellent playing, it's very pleasant to listen to. 👌 I especially like how creatively you use the the octave effect and the looper pedal. Subscribed with pleasure.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@drdexter33]

Beautiful

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks!

[@sullenpuffin]

This is really lovely work. Perhaps there’s still some tweaks to be made so that the loop doesn’t intrude on the solo section quite as much, but it was a treat nonetheless!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Many thanks for your kind comment! And I appreciate the suggestion about the loop volume--I'm still working on how to get the looper output to predictably balance when it plays back. Or maybe I just need to have a slight volume boost patch for the solo, which for some reason never occurred to me, so thanks for the idea!

[@ddslahsddslahs6690]

wow excellente

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks!

[@vubear]

Ingenious

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@massimobruschi4374]

Great

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@MrPlushair]

Brilliant! I was pleased to hear! I have the same guitar, so let me ask which type of strings do you use?

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! I'm using D'Addario carbon strings on the guitar now--I'm still experimenting with different strings, with the goal of trying to get more sustain out of the trebles.

[@MrPlushair]

@@AlanThomasGuitar Thank You!

[@carlomartinelli6308]

wwwwooooowwwww... thank you... just brilliant!!! Maestro...

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@WPyteraf]

Elegancko proszę pana

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Dziękuję!

[@mathewreichardt3832]

Sounds great, everyone what's skips over it (including Pat) but would be great to add the intro to your version.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! You've inspired me to learn the intro now! Makes me wonder why Metheny doesn't seem to play it in any videos.

[@12nicky34]

Hi Alan. I’ve watched a few of your videos now and whilst I’m impressed with your lovely playing, I’m equally impressed with the nylon string sound you are getting. I own a Multiac-sa and I use a Roland gr55 (mainly for recording) do you recommend me changing to a different synth board to get a nicer sound? I really want as natural sound to a classical as I can get (ironically 😂) Thanks.

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Hi there, like you, I have had the seemingly paradoxical goal of getting the "guitar synth" to sound as much like a real nylon-string guitar as possible. There is an initial (and perhaps insurmountable, but I'm still experimenting) problem of getting the feeling of acoustic resonance from the solid-body Godin, and further to this I have found that a nylon-string input just seems more problematic for the Roland systems than a steel-string. My limited experience with the GR-55 was that it wasn't as good for this application as the GP-10 and SY-1000, but maybe someone on here with more experience of the GR-55 can correct me!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

For what it's worth, I have ended up using the steel-string modelled instrument block for the sound in my videos. For some reason I just can't get the nylon-string model to work convincingly. Hope that helps!

[@12nicky34]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I also struggle with my Raimundo classical too. I’ve tried using so many different pick-up/mic combinations and pedals. I’m currently using a fishman aura pro installed in it. I used a d-tar multi source that worked well too, but it’s still not right. I think I’ve got to the stage where I’m letting the fear of my sound not being just right dominate my live performances.🫣🤔

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@12nicky34 Sounds like you've really been trying everything! That last point though, if I may say so, is the key one (in a negative sense)--for what it's worth, I try to remind myself to not let all of those worries get in the way of making music, because you can just end up paralysed. “Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good” is the quote!

[@12nicky34]

You are right and I understand that too. It’s just so much nicer when your fingers hit that auto pilot moment and drift away when it all drops into place. I don’t know what I’d do without music. 👍🏻🎸

[@vg99]

sheer genius ! Sigh !Back to the drawing board with my sy 1000

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you!

[@jackthompson5863]

Great video. What model is the Godin you are playing?

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! It's the ACS slim model Godin.

[@thedrumdon2485]

Excellent and nothing quite like Metheny!! liked and sub'd

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thank you! I wholeheartedly agree--to me Metheny is one of the greatest musicians of the 20th/21st centuries!

[@thedrumdon2485]

@@AlanThomasGuitar absolutely my personal GOAT!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

@@thedrumdon2485 👍

[@xandergreene1748]

Zuvuya ep is a good recording from string cheese incident studio, travis is the drummer, on youtube

[@LeonJohnEdwards]

Sweet!

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Thanks!

[@mandolinic]

How do you get access to the signals from individual strings?

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Each string has its own individual pickup. With a guitar with steel strings these are usually magnetic, but on a nylon string they have to be piezo. I need to do a video doing a walkthrough of the whole thing!

[@ricksmithguitar]

Is there a pdf of your arrangement?

[@AlanThomasGuitar]

Unfortunately no! I have made a lot of arrangements over the years (you can find some videos I've done on my channel of The Beatles and other things for solo guitar), and have looked into the possibility of publishing them. The problem is that no publisher I've ever contacted will let me publish my arrangements, even under their license or through their actual imprint! Sad that a lot of good arrangements by many musicians get lost to a wider audience because of that aspect of copyright...