Alice Cooper's Greatest Guitar Riffs Pt. 1 [Guitar Lesson, Riffs, Classic Rock Songs]

[@eddiecarter9831]

YES! The original Alice Cooper band was one of the greatest rock 'n' roll bands ever! Incredible riffs full of angst and rebellion. I'm a fan of the later stuff as well, but those tones from the original band are just unmatched in my opinion. Thanks! Looking forward to part 2!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@megablasterboc7474]

Your telling me! In fact the very first concert I ever attended was Alice Cooper on the Killer tour in 1971! That show was absolutely mind blowing! The guys in that original lineup were young and hungry to make the big time and they did it in record time! By the following year they were playing all the biggest venues and selling out everywhere they went!

[@zeedawg499]

I saw Alice in 75 with Nazareth and ZZ top as the warm up acts. Killer is one of the best albums out there. Keep doing what you're doing because it is awesome!!!!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@stratman9449]

i bet that was a great concert....

[@cgab12]

Glad you did this one. Some of the greatest riffs ever. My first riff albums when I was a kid were LZ 2 and Killer.

[@owenthomas1045]

The high quality content keeps coming! Love some of Alice's riffs and his vocals were great.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@d5u2ke]

Yes, I have read that Glenn Buxton brought that intro riff into the studio and off they went creating the rest of the song. The intro and the song are a perfect match. Got to see them in concert right after Schools Out hit the radio. What a great concert! One of my all time favorites.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I have such a great appreciation for them now that I’ve learned the music!

[@thelowe6393]

Those were both pics of Michael Bruce, just fyi. Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner contributed greatly to Alice's sound and were great studio riff-meisters.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Sorry! There’s always something that slips through the cracks! Thanks for the input as well.

[@mboyer68]

Dang man, you've got some cool clothes!! Thank you for posting your guitar riff videos, great work!

[@50Something]

Carl, great job on the lighting, sound quality, editing and fantastic teaching/story telling. You're knocking it out of the park!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you you for calling out all the elements. We work so hard at each one. And a lot of the credit goes to my talented young editor and producer Billy Brock!

[@nickcosta8062]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Billy does awesome work!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

He is great!!! Billy Brock, Rocks!!!

[@tomflynn2912]

Wow Carl, great choice of musicians! Love the Alice Cooper band. Thanks for pointing out Alice Cooper was a band, not just Vincent Furnier. Cant wait for part 2!!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Part 2 is out!! Let me know what you think!

[@greenbeld]

I always thought. Is it my body. Was a great song.

[@michaelrigoli]

Absolutely killer Carl! Huge fan of Alice. Can’t wait for the next series..

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Be sure you catch part 2 of Alice episode on Sunday!

[@rorylisbon4723]

Great songs! Bob Ezrin had Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner record various parts if you look into the history. Those 2 genius guys played the awesome live dueling guitar intro to "Sweet Jane" from Lou Reed's Rock N Roll Animal album.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yes I saw that factoid in my research!! Didn’t mean to slight anybody!

[@frankfrank7921]

Nice one Carl. Nobody really talks about Alice Cooper anymore so it's good to see him get some attention.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Even if these episodes don’t do well from a viewership perspective, I’m still glad I put in the time to learn the material!! It’s so great!

[@tomflynn2912]

Them, not him, my friend. Alice Cooper was a band :)

[@frankfrank7921]

@@tomflynn2912 yes I'm fully aware of that oh wise one. Over time though he became known as Alice Cooper and he acceoted that. His credit in Wayne's World for example was "Alice Cooper", him not a band.

[@ecilassik]

He was known as Alice Cooper from the beginning. Look inside the first album.

[@MVos-md3rp]

The usual excellence! I might add that the first two LPs were the original less commercial authentic Alice. If time would allow, many fans would love your take on the early material. Also suggesting pre Aqualung Tull!!!😊

[@midnightblues717]

We played "I'm Eighteen and "Under My Wheels" in the first band that I was in back in the early '70s. Your video brought back some great memories. 🙂 Thanks for that Mr. Baldassarre! Cheers! MB

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Happy to bring the nostalgia!

[@spnsoccer]

Very fun, thanks Carl!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@odgeUK]

The photo of the two guitarists look to be the same guy? Great video, keep 'em coming Carl!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Our miss. I feel bad!

[@odgeUK]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic The content is too good to be concerned! I just love internet pedantry!

[@straycatflauter5377]

Brought back a lot of memories. Saw every tour they did back then

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Sadly, I never saw him live!

[@Mr05Chuck]

USA lowered the voting age to 18 in 1972. I was the first group of 18 year olds to vote for president in 1972. I turned 18 in October. Looking back I see that the voting age should have been raised not lowered. Science (all hail science) shows our brains are not fully formed until then. Never thought about it before but I wonder if this song helped influence the change in the Constitution. Great break down of cool riffs Carl

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@davidmacleod9313]

School’s Out’s opening riff was written by Buxton. In fact, that riff is written in musical notation on Buxton’s headstone. Cool!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Wow! That’s amazing. Thank You

[@davidmacleod9313]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic You can google a photo of it. Cool indeed! Lol

[@lindsaydouglas381]

Any awesome insight into a legendary band. This video made my day. The Alice Cooper group were one of my early favourites. Got hooked instantly on School's Out when it was released and loved them since. Glenn Buxton was a 'Killer' guitar player. Looking forward to Pt 2. Keep them coming. Perhaps you might like to look into Rory Gallagher. 🙂

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you so much! I loved learning this stuff. Buxton was the real deal. Total RESPECT from me. Rory is great. I was lucky enough to meet him way back when. Even had a drink of whisky in Edinburgh at the Bow Bar!

[@michaelmoore7975]

The best riff is from _Devils Food._ So good Gary Clark Jr. used the intro from it. Listen to Alice Cooper's intro to _Devils Food._ Then play the intro to Gary Clark Jr. _When My Train Pulls In._ Gary always fiddles a bit with the tuning at first, but you'll hear what I'm talking about. See what I mean?

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Ok!

[@HunterTiberisBojangles]

Love these RIFFS!! Glenn Buxton, baby!! Great video, thanks!

[@FrancisTheBerd]

Great picks, some of my favourites are: Killer (1971) Serious (1978) Hallowed be my name (1971) Go to hell (1976) Chop chop chop (1987) honourable mentions: Snakebite (1991) Bad place alone (1994) Roses on white lace (1987) Steal that car (2005) Brutal planet (2000)

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thanks for the list!

[@barrywarren4221]

I would like to hear some from 38 Special

[@antarcticorb9197]

Fascinating! Nicely done.

[@charlescuringa7051]

Phantom Manor outtakes👍🏼great guitar tone and lesson

[@robertlawrence7958]

I left school in 1972. Schools Out has always been an anthem for me.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

It’s one of the greatest riffs. And believe it or not, it was the hardest one for me to play. I was sweating it out. It’s just fussy. I actually watched a video of one of the “experts” demonstrating it, and he wasn’t playing it right. I was shocked! I’m definitely playing it right!

[@saber5401]

It be nice to to get a review of Allan Holdsworth... he's always overlooked.. Definitely innovator.... his work with Bill Buford is stellar...

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

You are so right!

[@CKS64]

You sir are a guitar master. Thank you for taking the time to go over this with us. The original band out of this world. Not a fan of Alice Cooper solo act. Seems like he took the name but left the original band style behind. Also have you considered Captain Beyond for further examination.

[@jeffrey322]

Rick Derringer was the session player on "Under My Wheels."

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I saw that and had it in my script but I forgot to mention it!!

[@liquidsolids9415]

Great stuff, as usual. Thanks! 🎸🤘🎵

[@FrankFurankisanBall]

Cooper? what a great surprise. one of my fav lp Billion Dollar Baibe, luv yr sense of humor with that austin power nod. Cant wait for Elected, my fav from that LP.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

My producer, editor, Rev. Billy Brock deserves all the credit! He’s the young lad who added the Oye’s during TNT riff in the 1975 episode. We have a lot of laughs together. He’s my partner in silly!!

[@ray.watts.44]

Brilliant as always Carl. Still got those early albums on vinyl bought back in the 70s. As well as solid rock riffs a very innovative band, like the dentist drill on Unfinished Sweet from Billion Dollar Babies. Favourite from these albums is probably Halo of Flies quite an elaborate song for a rock band. Thanks again, looking forward to Part 2 to see which other Cooper riffs you cover.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!!

[@peterhoglund9603]

As a drummer,billion dollar babies is one of my favorite drum intros, maybe I should do a video on that,hmm,thanks Carl ,have a great day man.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

You too!

[@stratman9449]

Alice Cooper was (or is...??!!)a class act....very american,,,,good rockn' roll, lyrics and show....plus some very good guitar riffs.....good joyce Carl....😀 but i must confess...i have never "owned" any records of Alice.....but life must go on....😅 NEXT....!!

[@Kram62]

My first rock ‘n’ roll albums were, Elton John’s greatest hits Alice Cooper’s greatest hits Grand Funk’s greatest hits Aerosmith toys in the attic and dream on in that order. Great video!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thanks for sharing brother!!! The soundtrack to our lives…Love you brother!!

[@jersonllanes818]

school out is the famous song record by alice cooper

[@RythymBeast]

Yet another beastly good video, my man!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@hhpoa]

Some of the best songs sounds of rock music are in Alice Cooper's albums (specially School's Out and even more in Billion Dollar Babies)

[@russk1971]

Seen them just before the covid shut down. Great show, Nita Strauss was the lead guitarist. He always has great musicians behind him.

[@mackinnonremodeling]

great

[@BludShotiiiiis]

nailed those riffs and great tone! that Vancouver Billion Dollar Babies show May '73 was sheer chaos. Buxton was playing a Gretsch sparkle jet. Caught in a dream is another killer riff.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

His riffs were amazing!

[@Teleman73]

He liked to sneak Gretsches in. Theres one on no more Nice guy.

[@BludShotiiiiis]

@@Teleman73 i didnt know that, thanks.Think after BDB he was losing interest and didnt play on much.

[@massimosaffioti8798]

Another thing happening when I'm Eighteen came out was the draft, which you'd be eligible for at that age... "I'm a boy..." = I can't vote "and I'm a man" = I could be sent to Viet Nam. Another cool thing about Under My Wheels is the solo from guest guitarist Rick Derringer.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Ah! I saw a note he was on the recording, but I didn’t realize it was his solo. Thank you!

[@chrisoleary9876]

Thanks Carl.

[@johnr423]

Nice job Carl !!

[@rambleon2011]

PLEASE do Generation Landslide, especially the intro. One of the best guitar/bass intros on any song ever. Guitar solo at the end after the harmonica(s) solo is great, too.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I’ll definitely give it a listen!

[@elinino5275]

Awwwwwwesome!!

[@PentagramDave]

Bravo Maestro I hope you have a lot more parts in mind for this would love to hear your analysis of many more such as Only Women Bleed, with its multiple alternate tunings, also Halo of Flies is interesting, & Go to Hell, so many great AC from the 70s

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you! I’ve got a handful of great ones coming in part 2. It’s been so much fun learning!

[@kasimirokaz3775]

Great video Carl and I really love the camera work. May I ask what Marshall amplifier are you using?

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

1982 JCM 800

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Btw…the camera and lighting glory goes to my young editor, producer…Billy Brock. A real up and coming talent! Great great person too!

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Great tone and awesome playing, brother! Thrash metal band Anthrax has a cover of eighteen! Could you do a video with King Diamond riffs, or is it not your style? Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Hello my Portuguese friend!!! I never heard of them. But I just listened and I liked it! Can you suggest 10 riffs I should feature. If I do an episode, I’ll give you a shout out!!

[@portuguesebeer5069]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Carl, its an honour! Well, its hard to me to choose 10 riffs, cause the songs are so pregressive and melodic... But the first 4 albuns are masterpieces! Fatal Portrait Abigail Them Conspiracy These albuns are but far the best of this legendary metal band. The only great guitar player (as you are) that i know that made a video with King Diamond riffs is a guy from Austrália. Ill show you the link, but id love to see a video from you. Thanks again, Im very honored! Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@portuguesebeer5069]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3SqfZ2bataLmLs

[@BeardyLonghair]

That's 2 photo's of Michael Bruce, admittedly taken a few years apart, but it's the same guy. Still enjoyed the video regardless.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

We fumbled that one!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I feel terrible. No disrespect intended!

[@glenc5185]

6:12 Oops. Both of those pics show Michael Bruce.

[@svartpoppel1870]

On this video you really have a good sound setup, not as heavy metal as many others. I would really like to know what microphones you have in the guitar? It sounds T-tops with a ebony fretboard snappiness, so delicious. I have listened to many, many hours on youtube t-top demos and I hear that the microphones you are using are the ones I am looking for. Are you using steele or aluminium stoptail and bridge? 6:17

[@joefox9765]

Really hard to choose which is my favorite, Carl 🤔🧞‍♂️

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

So many good ones. Wait until you see part 2 on Sunday. It gets harder!

[@shilesw5324]

Early Alice Cooper is great stuff (not counting their first two albums). Caught In A Dream has always been a favourite of mine. Under My Wheels I've always thought was a lost classic. Bowie's Suffragette City is a very similar song.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I meant to mention the Bowie vibe I was getting with a lot of the music! And yes, the suffragette tertian “move” is totally unmistakable! I’d have to research which song came first…

[@shilesw5324]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Under My Wheels came out in '71, Suffragette in '72. These top riffs vids of bands or years are great.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thanks for the research! I’m so glad you like my work!!! Please help me get more subscribers. For some reason the algorithm seems to suppress my content.

[@MikeMcAdam623]

Hey Carl ! Love the channel . So I spy a “Gene Simmons Vault “ in the background? Bring on the KISS riffs !!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Funny thing, that vault. It was a gift from Gene personally. I’m not worthy because I don’t know a single Kiss song. But he was kind to me and gave me some great advice! Btw…What KISS riffs should I learn?!

[@genxguitar3599]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Lucky you! I would start with the Alive! album :)

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Ok. That’s what I’ll do!

[@paulmorgan8254]

I haven't watched the video yet but there's a glaring omission - 'Only Women Bleed'

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

For sure! It would be great for a song analysis/breakdown episode, but I couldn’t make it fit with the riff review.

[@paulmorgan8254]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic OK, I learnt the beginning a while ago and it's not so easy to keep up with the picking and some of the fingering positions.

[@davearthur4683]

Both pictures are of Michael Bruce not Glen buxton he passed away in 1997

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Wow! Sorry I missed that!

[@davearthur4683]

That’s OK just to let you know in June 1971 Alice Cooper played at my school on the Love To death tour in Toronto that changed everything for me such a great band

[@timmay4134]

What type of amp and speakers are you using, incredible tone? Thx

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I’m using my 1982 JCM 800 100 watt amp. I can’t recall what I put in my 2-12 cabinet. But it’s a closed back and sounds killer with the Marshall head.

[@timmay4134]

Thx,appreciate it. Sounds awesome!!!

[@cgab12]

Cool jacket, Carl. Where did you get it?

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I believe it was Gentleman’s Emporium.

[@cgab12]

Thanks!

[@cgab12]

There are good riffs and mediocre riffs. You should do a video on what makes a good, transcendent riff. I’m mystified by riffs, and I’ve been pondering this my whole life.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Let me have a think on that one. Interesting.

[@something4everyone584]

Both photos of Mike Bruce 🙈

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Right. We blew it!

[@joeyd3324]

I thought 18 was about the Draft and Viet Nam...

[@NoNameNo.5]

I thought Alice was from Phoenix !?

[@thursoberwick1948]

Born in Detroit, moved to Phoenix as a child. Formed band there.

[@breekolean2758]

Who are these people

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I ask myself that question everyday! One of the benefits of getting old is that you’re always meeting somebody “new” ;)

[@klauskarlkraus]

First song was played wrong... Don't know about the others cause I didn't bother to watch any longer

[@darrylbutt2570]

Carl is the real deal.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@davidmacleod9313]

Wait…those photos were both of Bruce. No? Didn’t look like button at all.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I certain we goofed that one! The buck stops with me! I’ll keep trying to up my quality control!