Allan Holdsworth City Nights Intro Tutorial

[@acidjazzguitarist]

GREAT lesson and explanation of techniques here!

[@nielsvejlyt]

Thanks a lot :)

[@slidingsideways3503]

Great video, man! Don't let then negativity below turn you off! Let's see their own instructional videos before they criticize!! Oh wait, they don't have any! Thanks again.

[@rockstarjazzcat]

From Guitar Player, December 1982... "TM: Do you use hammer-ons or do you try to pick every note? "Allan Holdsworth: I use a mixture with a lot of hammer-ons. I don't use conventional pull-offs, though. I never pull my finger sideways, because I find that when you pull the strings off, you get a kind of meowing sound as you deflect it sideways. And I detest that sound. In the past, I have practiced quite hard to not play like that. I don't think my fingers come off sideways at all. They just drop on and off directly over the top like I'm tapping the strings." (!!!)

[@bucketfoot5306]

Well if Holdsworth said that then he was wrong. You have to move your finger sideways to pull off a note, you cannot just lift your finger and the note behind it magically sounds. Both Holdsworth and Shawn lane use normal pulloffs just like everyone else, they both have instructional videos where they play things slow and they are clearly using pulloffs.

[@rockstarjazzcat]

You are correct that there are instructional videos illustrating what may be purely considered pulling off. That said, tapping notes "on" is extremely common these days, and those of us who do, are usually well versed in pulling off as well. It's not a mysterious impossibility as you suggest. That the OP argues with conviction that the pull-off in this circumstance is "the way," runs counter to what Holdsworth and many others have gone for. Does he *ever* pull off a note contrary to what he taught us in the interview? Of course he has and does. In the interview he stated exactly what he practiced and mastered at the time. Unlike say, Eric Johnson not being able to quite articulate what he's actually doing and leading many of us astray for decades (see Troy Grady's analysis in Cracking the Code), Holdsworth is speaking to what he was aiming for coincident with the era in which his playing evolving into the legendary (imho). Whether he would have described it the same way with this solo at the time that Secrets came out, I can't say. The issue is with someone teaching the opposite of what Holdsworth is on record teaching, with the possibility of causing others to never achieve the fluidity and articulation that's only fully realized with pure tapping technique, without acknowledgement of what the original word on the subject was! With all the mythology surrounding the man, it's hard not to chime in when somebody states misinformation with such conviction. More than one way exists. If one doesn't wish to practice the tapped technique, then don't. I just don't advise taking this video as gospel given the massive evidence of an alternative approach and first hand experience from folk that incorporate the technique in their daily practice. Peace.

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Lastly, around 12:44, Vejlyt demonstrates descending taps... The pull off he follows the drop to the A string with isn't strictly necessary. Hay chihuahua. I'll shut up now.

[@chadjohnson-authormusician8072]

I haven't watched the Shawn Lane video, so I can't comment on that, but I have watched Holdsworth's instructional video for REH, and I don't remember any example where he played a legato line slowly. I only remember him mostly playing chords (and the occasional melody) with a clean tone during the "lessons" and then the full tunes with the band. But I don't remember him ever playing a lead line (with his distorted tone) slowly as a demonstration. I'm not familiar with any other video from him. Is there another out there? If there is an example of him demonstrating his lead lines slowly, please tell me where I can see it!

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Hi Chad Johnson (hey, you play on the country guitar licks book/dvd, no? my good buddy paul silbergleit's on the jazz equivalent...). I've not seen him teach a legato line slowly per se. Our best bet is likely slowing old footage down with Final Cut Pro. Rick Beato did a tribute on his channel today. You might check out his verbal description of watching him up close. (R.I.P. Mr. Holdsworth :( )

[@BrookmanGuitar]

Very good lesson....Now I can play it thanks to you!

[@nielsvejlyt]

great to hear

[@benitocamelas8814]

22 minute long lesson for a 5 second lick?

[@maldivirdragonwitch]

Alan Holdsworth practiced that lick for 22 years to get it that well.

[@alexp5005]

@@maldivirdragonwitch nah, he did it off the top of his head

[@lex.cordis]

@@alexp5005 You both are correct, if you think about it.

[@aleks79]

thank you for the lesson Niels, really interesting sounding intro to the song. Instead of sliding from 14th to 12th fret on high E string I found it easier to sweep down on 21st fret G string and back down to D string. This way the left hand does not need to change positions. Also I think Allan does quite a bit of hybrid picking with his right hand which also makes those skips between A->B and also D->E strings a little easier. Not sure if it is correct, but it helped me get it up to speed. thanks again.

[@nielsvejlyt]

My pleasure, I always loved this intro. My approach was to just listen to the notes and connect the notes in a way that felt right to me. I think you are doing the right thing in making it fit your style and technique in order to get results faster. Have a great new year :)

[@andersonlong7709]

Great technique and wonderful explanation. Thanks!

[@nielsvejlyt]

+Anderson Long Thanks a lot Anderson :)

[@gitaaa7740]

Nobody can play like Allan Holdsworth...case closed. He was in his own world. RIP Maestro.

[@lex.cordis]

It's completely pointless to try to emulate Holdsworth. You will just hate yourself for always falling short.

[@aleistercrowley6884]

It isnt as much about the technique Alan uses as the *notes* he uses that define his style.

[@jassie138]

Also the fact his hands are massive lmao

[@masterchain3335]

lol what? No. Hard no. A lot of his licks aren't even amazingly hard, but it *is* his technique in particular that gives it the sound that it does. You could play the same exact notes and not really end up sounding like him.

[@aleistercrowley6884]

@masterchain3335 shuddup clown.

[@Returnality]

3:11 that is TERRIBLE advice! Allan Holdsworth himself hammers when he descends. So do guys like Shawn Lane (R.I.P.) and Marshall Harrison.The reason for this is consistency. What legato actually is is a set of completely linked phrases with no dynamic differences between the notes. When you pull off it changes the sound of a note, so it's impossible to play legato in the strictest sense of the word if you use pull-offs. The only way to get a perfect legato sound is by using hammer-ons only. It makes things more difficult, but I have seen Allan hit near 20 nps using all hammer ons, and I've gotten a good 13-14 nps, so it's not impossible. It just takes practice.

[@richardrdenisii]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legato You're wrong.

[@Returnality]

richardrdenisii Nothing said in the article contradicted anything I claimed. Guys like Holdsworth and Lane only used hammer ons because it was the only way to be perfectly consistent while playing fast. The article even says that.

[@richardrdenisii]

"What legato actually is is a set of completely linked phrases with no dynamic differences between the notes. When you pull off it changes the sound of a note, so it's impossible to play legato in the strictest sense of the word if you use pull-offs. The only way to get a perfect legato sound is by using hammer-ons only." That is not legato, by definition. In fact, according to your definition, if I were to pick every note with the same consistency (as a harpsichord does) that would be "legato". Using pull-offs doesn't change the sound in such a way that it removes the fluidity (legato). It is a different onset of the note than a hammer on, but it isn't a more or less fluid one. If you think otherwise, that's your opinion and you're in the minority. Side note: a legato passage can have certain parts that are louder and certain parts that are quieter (dynamics).

[@Returnality]

richardrdenisii I was speaking about playing the guitar fast. Nobody (to my knowledge at least) picks at high speeds using only down-picks or only using up-picks. My "opinion" is that a pull-off sounds different than a hammer-on. YOU are in the minority if you deny this. The point of legato is consistency and nothing you have said or shown thus far has proven otherwise.

[@richardrdenisii]

No, the "point" of legato is not consistency. It is fluidity. As long as it sounds fluid then it is, by definition, legato. I'm not going to discuss this any more.

[@CharlesEBusa]

Thanks, Niels. I always use your tips. It's been working out great for me so far. I used to suck at legato because I'm kind of a hard core alternate picker but your 8-finger tapping program as well as learning a song that has a few legato lines definitely helped. I'm gonna work on this lick too. It sounds so out there and unconventional haha Just what I like

[@nielsvejlyt]

Hey Charlie, great to hear man. Yeah legato is just a beautiful sound, and Holdsworth is my favorite player using that technique. Peace bro !

[@indigorob]

I like the way he is patient and explains it too but leaving out the theoretic content of what is actually happening musically is breeding more airheaded pattern players. Like Airborne...........

[@spookybaba]

Mellow, chilled, Tutor. :)

[@nielsvejlyt]

+spookybaba :)

[@keanbalentine3953]

How do you get that long sustain ?

[@fabiencourtoistapping]

bravo !! the regret ! allan !!

[@The6stringbassist]

With all due respect, much too much talking, and repetition. That makes the whole thing much more difficult to understand than it really is. We can see what you are doing,

[@indigorob]

you never say that it is two minor triads a whole step apart (plus an octave) 4/5 guitar players are pattern people don't ask them why it sounds right, they will answer "huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh"

[@airbloomamplifiers]

+Rob Swaynie You talk too much.

[@indigorob]

+Airbloom Amplifiers you don't listen enough Einstein

[@airbloomamplifiers]

That's how I know you talk too much, I read what you said. You offer nothing of interest so far to me. If I agreed with anything you said I would say so.

[@airbloomamplifiers]

Too late. Go have some donuts.

[@michaelcraig9449]

Can you post up the tabs for this Allan stuff? This is difficult stuff, too hard to follow.

[@nielsvejlyt]

yes the link to lesson is under the video

[@raymonddobos8896]

never thought I could double up on J McLaughlin..comfort is an issue yes

[@johnebgood108]

he has broken fingers??

[@airbloomamplifiers]

Why good guitar tone is absolutely necessary. Wish you well but sometimes the truth has a bite to it.

[@llwayneio]

Allan Holdsworth uses descending hammer ons and not pull offs :)

[@kooper3211]

On means on. Off means off. I've seen Holdsworth before, especially during the IOU days where there was a whole lotta "mewing" goin on with those so calle "reverse hammer ons."

[@toddiusmaximus3103]

what about the tone though ? Is not just the notes or licks with Holdsworth. Let us start with a decent tone first.

[@eternalrainbow-cj3iu]

I don't want to be rude, but if you teach Alan Holdsworth Licks, without the chordprogression, the musical landscape is missing so the context is onclear...I prefer that those things are with the Term "Lick" also taught, because a "Lick" means that it is supposed to be adapted in a musical progression on a certain chord or in a certain scale, youd don't have to explain the theory but when using the word Lick, please give also that missing link, otherwise it is misleading information...there are lot of teachers that only show finger movements...to know where to adapt is essential only finger movement without knowing where to applie it, is not realy a lick but a musical citate...with a strong missing link if you send me that info I will subscribe to your channel to thank you for the rest that is Great, I understand that you know what you're doing, I am a Jazz musicion and we like sheats, the rest we understand already...with Alan Holdsworth of course jazz musicions have a possibilty to go to the next level I give you that so, please reveal and I subsribe...

[@indigorob]

If you know that the two minors vi and v Am Bm they resolve to i Em. huuuuuuuuuuuuuh?

[@airbloomamplifiers]

+Rob Swaynie We notice you talk about yourself as if you are smarter than average. Would a truly smart person bother to do that? Do you really imagine we believe that you know you actually gave 95,00 lessons? I guarantee this - post a clip of your best playing - it's not very good. You talk too much.

[@indigorob]

I'm way smarter than average.

[@indigorob]

You are an average moron

[@airbloomamplifiers]

If it was me porky? I'd push myself away from the desert table sooner. Geez.

[@airbloomamplifiers]

Rob Swaynie Where's you post of above average intelligent guitar playing?

[@nikukhamo9452]

man...good advice and lessons...but..if this was a.5minutes lesson video..it will be great

[@indigorob]

I've been teaching for 47 years full time (95,000 lessons) and I think guitar players should change their names to Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. I like your level of detail but the most important part (in my opinion) is omitted, probably because you know the nit wits are gonna say ..........."huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh?" then go take lessons from a guy with a pretty hairdo. They already only listen to guys with English accents, so you have that part. "did you see that guys awesome tele?" sparkle red.

[@charliebarber7682]

Ummm... what do you mean 'the most important part is omitted?' What did he leave out? And by the way that sure ain't an English accent, it sounds more Austrian or German

[@devolve42]

I need you to understand that women also fart.

[@k.padraigokane1472]

Hand is just too small to do this :-/

[@ks-zc1jh]

I may be stating the obvious, but have you experimented with thumb placement?

[@ks-zc1jh]

+Kirk Slater just because the instructor does it one way doesn't mean it works for everyone.

[@Redpipe327]

K. Pádraig O'Kane try something with a shorter scale length.

[@rockstarjazzcat]

For folk that feel this way, if you can't make the stretches, try focusing on the note choice and phrasing, yes? The way Holdsworth laid it upon the fretboard it is fascinating, original, and important, but it's not necessarily "the thing." The melody exists independently of the guitar lick. One could play it on a synth. He wanted to play saxophone originally, right? And, ahem, again, descending tapping makes a lot possible...

[@Samsgarden]

codifying Holdsworth licks is dangerous an ultimately deleterious for art. But if you don't do it, dozens of others will.

[@nielsvejlyt]

Hey man ! Thanks a lot for sharing the video :)

[@GregF71]

+Samsgarden definitely! besides, the main thing about Allan's playing is that it's all about ears, not fingers ;)

[@nielsvejlyt]

I agree :)

[@GregF71]

+Niels Vejlyt for me, it kinda unlocked when i started to listen to and trancribe the stuff Allan's been listening to (Coltrane mostly)

[@NickKsywa]

Dentysta!!!!!!

[@indigorob]

I ask people what they want to learn and they say "have you heard an iso cabinet?"

[@byronmusic8723]

Great lesson. Maybe less talking and more showing?

[@diasspeed]

ALL notes should be hammered on, not pull off. Thats the correct way to do legato like Holdsworth

[@Claymor621]

Comments on here :-). Guitarists are such utter clowns.

[@indigorob]

If you learn a lick (slurp) known by those who know as a phrase or motiv, then you might have a chance to know where it most likely fits. (subjective) but my earlier analysis is THE most likely resolution unless you are changing tone centers (keys). huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh?

[@airbloomamplifiers]

+Rob Swaynie Any thought you have is over everyone's head huh? You talk way too much.

[@indigorob]

it's over your head giving

[@tonyred520]

Too much yakking for me..headache..

[@Brucewayne-tj7kj]

Painfull technique sorry

[@vinarino9425]

Nobel and thanks but.., NOT LEARNED :( ==> too long winded and exhausting. You get lost (along with any inspiration and motivation). 200 words per 3 notes and skipping around. Too much personal advice, too much personal opinions, personal experience etc. Too much "I want", I want". Just the beef OK? Advice: Obtain remedial training teaching sagacious children; prior to brilliant teenagers then educated professional adults.