Analyzing A Genius Riff From Metallica's "ORION"

[@Landekar]

4:02 I honestly believe Jake that you meant the last two measures to be B minor and B major, where is notes underneath that make up the chords are really confusing

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

YEP, my bad!!!!

[@GregBennett]

I saw that too and was proud of myself for catching a slip by such a talented teacher haha

[@InhalerOfTheRifftree]

He does that to remind us he's human

[@danieldean8953]

Second video? Yes please

[@AndriyVasylenko]

I am relieved. Someone finally dared tackle Orion, and it was the most right person to do that! And this riff in particular is my favourite riff ever. Also thanks for the shout out, almost forgot I made that old vid about the intro layers ha. Cheers man and hope to see more Orion bits analyzed \m/

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Thanks Andriy! Your channel was the first I went to when deciding to analyze this part 😁

[@Vau_]

The art of guitar also made a video about Lars' drums on Orion

[@SageStevens]

@@SignalsMusicStudio oooh love the work you and @AndriyVasylenko have done!

[@eseguerito2629]

DEFINITELY make a video about that middle section!

[@Brog1976]

Yes! The middle section is pretty amazing

[@cardconnection4322]

Yes that is the best part

[@luca42087]

I would definitely like to see further analysis!!!!!

[@derived-doom]

Danke! This was really helpful. Please consider doing a second part...

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

thank you! I believe the sequel will get made shortly :)

[@djpinedas]

Probably the best instrumental metal song ever written. Thank you for this analysis!

[@eljejes9097]

Excelent video, thank you very much for the clear explanations of each part of the composition of the riffs. Please make a video about the classical interlude of Orion!!

[@MattRhodes_Music]

By far and away the most underrated KZbin channel. Your way of teaching and explaining is second to none and I seriously appreciate the breadth of content you've helped me learn! Will never pass up an opportunity to learn any composing or theory tricks from Metallica either 🤘

[@Pinnacle89]

These are the Signals videos I love and miss! 👏🏼

[@kvpc11]

Jake, we need the analysis of that second part! Love your work my friend, you have helped immensely

[@MGM261]

4:52 thats the riff that popped into my head when the video started. Funny how its the one you wanted to analyze. What a sick piece

[@MarcoAnteroMusic]

Hi Jake, Roundabout by Yes has a section with 2 bass lines playing at the same time. It happens on the bridge. If you listen closely (or maybe isolate the tracks) you can hear Chris Squire is doubling Wakeman's keyboard. It's freaking mayhem😂. Great analysis as always!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

I had no idea🤯 thanks !

[@diste93]

It happens also in the verse, there is a lick played layered on the basic bass riff

[@smarkalet9078]

I remember reading that when James and Kirk were trying to convince Cliff to join the band, he made them agree to let him play lead bass.

[@bd______og]

😂 He made them agree to move to his city, San Francisco.

[@gannonsmith5807]

Also, Kirk never convinced Cliff to join, he joined before Kirk was considered to join, they still had Dave and Cliff for a while before Dave got kicked out and replaced by Kirk.

[@88_TROUBLE_88]

@smarkalet9078 You best be trollin', goof fruit..

[@humbertovieira8717]

oh man ! great analysis and explanation! please , make the video of the classical part! I'm sure there's so much there for us to learn about cliff's virtuous composition

[@ralfeeeeeeee5046]

I never see your videos on my feed anymore. I'm glad I caught this one

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

the algorithm has betrayed me!

[@Metallica8589]

Art of Guitar has some really good videos on Lars' drumming in this and "Blackened", highlighting how Lars' choice in accents actually affects how we hear the guitar riffs.

[@rowanrobinson]

I fucking love this song. You explain it so well, and how you can talk while playing is mind blowing. More on Orion please!

[@webbc99]

Yessss that drum line is the best part of this song. I love how when the riff returns at the end of the song it’s played totally straight and it makes it feel really aggressive.

[@GillRigged]

From my understanding, the intro came about from Cliff playing around on a Hammond organ and Leslie speaker with an 808 distortion pedal. (Edit): btw, YES! please do the middle section as well... And it's time that I subscribe to your patreon. I'm a bass player heavily inspired by Cliff who has just picked up a couple of guitars to start learning music theory.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Want more info on Cliff's bass intro? Check out Andriy's video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6DUcn6YorJgps0si=GTE_l24vEBKDVnNg

[@tango1niner-766]

Jake, I've learned so much from you over the years.. whenever I have trouble comprehending topics I watched the videos till the end and moved on to other ones and eventually back to the video which then makes so much sense.. I advise everyone to not just check this channel out but to watch and rewatch until you feel your able to discuss these topics as well as Jake. Thank you, you are what is best about the internet man 🤘

[@JessesAuditorium]

Always a good time when SMS uploads.

[@SomeKindOfMetalhead]

I clicked on this so quickly when I saw it on my feed. This is one of my favorite Metallica songs and I’ve been waiting to see an analysis like this! Definitely make that follow up video please :D

[@InhalerOfTheRifftree]

Thank you for being as big a theory and Metallica nerd as I am. I could have never delivered this information in such a thoughtful, well produced, and helpful way. This is truly amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I learned a lot!

[@rome8180]

The whole middle section of Orion was a huge inspiration for me when I was learning to play bass. I still play it all the time. Would love a follow-up video about that section.

[@raugusto0]

Signals AND metallica in one video? Hell yesss

[@theBlondBrogre]

I am leaving a comment DOWN BELOW in support of another video. Excellent work as always, people should buy your book. Thanks, Jake

[@LordHondros]

Yes, please absolutely analyze the section we all want!

[@mathewweichel1050]

Thank you so much for breaking this down! Ive always wanted a deep dive on that last riff and its off kilter beat. Completely blew my mind as a teenager, and the whole song is just a masterpiece in my opinion. It still inspires my own compositional work today. Thanks for sharing!

[@SonOfSofaman]

Yes, please. We want more analyses. Especially if it involves examples of counting like you did in this video. I need all the help I can get with keeping time.

[@phillipanselmo8540]

get a metronome, it'll help ya

[@TPM4594]

Just wanted to comment to say I love your content. Whether its a broad tutorial on big topics like harmonies and intervals or a deep dive into a specific part of a single song - your videos are always super educational and fun to watch. This reads like a paid comment lmao but seriously dude, you're great.

[@eyonnealchristmas3974]

Yes, please do the next section because you truly explain music theory in an easy-to-follow, simple format. I truly enjoy watching you share your in-depth knowledge with us 🙂.

[@kickout3287]

Yes, please make a video about that middle section!

[@kommissar.murphy]

4:32 I'll only be able to call that a Trujillo from now on.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

LOL

[@chronicon5616]

Excellent breakdown. And, a big Like for coining Tresillo Supreme/Grande!

[@shch5098]

Great. This is the first YT video for me (a scale learning beginner) to understand and learn the song concept. I always have no clue on what Rick Beato saying about the chord progression and note choice .

[@mileslinus]

Yes please more analysis of this song, this was awesome

[@humphet]

bro, i've seriously grown so far by watching you. thank you

[@eljapel]

If I recall correctly, you are missing the fact that for the main riff, the bass always plays a small variation when the guitar always plays the same, something which I love

[@barrygreenwood9856]

Great video. That is my favorite part of Orion, a great piece, as well. Excellent breakdown. That passage is an excellent rhythmic and counting exercise, and your notes on the key sig, accidental tones (“pinch of Phrygian”😂), and the role of the kit in the composition were much appreciated. I remember when I learned to play it 30 years ago it was truly one of those moments when I fell in love with the guitar. To think about the amazing groove the passage creates and to be able to do that myself really helped stoke those fires.

[@SamS-ct9vh]

This video is by far the most helpful, understandable, and interesting music theory video I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@scottgray4623]

So happy to see this video, Jake! As a bass player (who was into classical and baroque music way before metal) PLEASE do a follow-up video on the 12/8 section. Also, aside from Victor Wooten putting out albums featuring multi-tracked bass lines, I believe Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" features a dual tracked bass line by Herbie Flowers, featuring one of electric bass and one of double bass. It always confused me until it was pointed out to me.

[@Nabana13]

My absolute, without-a-doubt favorite Metallica song. I've been looking for a good in-depth analysis! Thank you so much! And a big YES for a second video!

[@STERNWAERTS]

great stuff man! always wondered about the rhythm part of that song. now i know! keep 'em coming, you're a fantastic teacher and your graphics are awesome and easy to understand!

[@DustinPlatt]

I don't know a bad song on Master of Puppets. Not even a minute. That album is just perfection.

[@escueladeartesemocionales]

Maaaan, that Lars arrangement is soooooo tasteful. Thank you so much for your tutorials, it keeps me very engaged with music

[@scottjboswell]

What a freakin great composition and a freakin great breakdown! Yes! Please do the extended breakdown of this song!!!

[@marksims3904]

Second video?? Please do! I'm a newcomer to your channel and have learned so much just by watching this, so educational! Orion is a beautiful piece of music, and something the great composers of yesteryear would be proud of.

[@dezmilad]

Ooooohhhh boy, I was not expecting a new video... And I never imagined seeing my #1 riff of all time being the subject of that video. 🙏🙏Thank you sir🫡🫡

[@JohnDoe-fz7hz]

I wish someone had explained to me all that over 20 years ago. Excellent Job!!! Looking forward to see the next part

[@matcoffidis1135]

I've always been drawn to this song from the moment I heard it. It has a different tone and feel from the rest of the album. It starts off almost dream-like, yet its also somewhat unsettling. It has this (relentless?) feel, but it's also not super fast. It's almost a dichotomy in and of itself. Really clever. You make this fun and easy to understand. And yes, a second video would be great!

[@diracio]

Love this riff and so glad you made point about the drums too! Would be good to contrast it with outro when riff returns but with more normal beat I'd say...

[@shad0wrunner69]

Absolutely amazing. Please do more of such analysis. It is educative and entertaining ❤

[@azo3z0]

Would love a second video! Great analysis on this one!

[@rodbeaudry1660]

Yes please continue, I would love a dissection of the break down base parts. Great video!

[@rodrigofonseca6241]

Where have you been? I love your channel, learned a lot of music theory thanks to you. Glad to see you back.

[@jcwdog]

Loved this breakdown and video. Thank you. I would love to see break down of that beautiful, beautiful middle section.

[@chazzasimmonite]

Can’t wait for the second one. I loved this video, it’s really helped with my knowledge of music theory . Thank you so much!

[@wretchedspawn22]

please please please. this is the best youtube channel ever Thank you Jake!

[@EpochofJoe]

Of course I want that Orion pt 2 video, along with everyone else. No lie, though, I've been crossing my fingers to the breaking point hoping you'll do a Melodic Minor breakdown video. 😅 You have done so well to help me grasp Major and Harmonic Minor.

[@johnrizcallah4709]

I would LOVE to see an analysis of the other section. But then, I LOVE to watch you analyze anything.

[@howdoyousound]

"tasty, weird and absolutely lovely." Almost anything Lars Urlich wrote from 1984 to 1988. great vid man!

[@attilalevai7630]

Thank you for looking into this song. I always enjoy your teaching. I know of a song, because we published it, which features a double bass part. It isn't very popular though. "The Sea of Glass" from An Apprenticeship. It can be heard from about 3:46- for a couple of seconds. Also, at the very end of the song there are four different guitar parts played simultaneously, 2 on each side.

[@bd______og]

Another hint that the song is in E minor is the fact that it's Metallica 😂

[@nickmorgan6345]

Great video…..and your shirt looks like you worked really hard creating it! Awesome content…thank you!

[@kristianpavlic]

Great job as always Jake

[@adamgorner4944]

Yes!!! To second video. I first heard Orion when I was 12 in 1993, and the sound absolutely blew my mind. I have been playing guitar ever since, and I still love the sound of this song.

[@hawnick7234]

Would love to see more analysis on the later parts of the song. Great stuff!

[@VARVIS_]

Awesome video That opening bass wall is so cool

[@Unicornslaughter]

Thank you for this analysis! It is more proof of Cliff's musical prowess. I understand he had some classical music knowledge and music theory training but I wonder if he new of the term tresillo or had just internalized it from listening to other music? Also, count this as another vote for a second video on the middle section! That would be awesome. Your videos are fantastic BTW.

[@seanmbender]

My favorite instrumental. Thank you for the great analysis! I'd love to see more.

[@Droubai]

Great job preparing and explaining the whole riff. Good job

[@johnnygringo2239]

Love this song, it was my main focus to get good on bass this summer. Now I know the theory behind it, will try to take some for my own songwriting. Great work, thanks 👍

[@FabianVanL]

Another great video explaining a brilliant song. Thanks, Jake!

[@80sMeavyHetal]

Always loved that riff, great to play. Please make a video about the following parts of Orion!

[@felipegarcia7924]

Amazing work dude!! I'll stay in tune for my favorite interlude ever

[@SerpentStar_]

Cliff Burton was a gift from the music Gods. He wrote most of Orion including guitar solos, he also wrote that beautiful guitar intro in Fight fire with fire 🎶

[@Bacopa68]

Gift of the Barney Miller theme song. That's really what attracted him to the bass. But maybe that's how the music gods work.

[@janekalbinsky]

This is one of my most favourite songs, ever. Thank you for the analysis!

[@It_is_I_Stupid]

Dude! First time watching, subbed immediately! Bass player btw. Great stuff!

[@joseaedu]

This is a beaitiful analysis. I loved it. Thank you, please analyze the rest

[@maxvockner]

Bass player here. Love Cliffs stuff. So sad to lose him so soon. Great video as always

[@JeremyVeleber]

This was a really fun one. Keep going my dude.

[@randomlyselecteduser]

Have to make a second comment: You are the best music teacher I've ever heard. I know that 10 books read by 10 people can end up with 10 bests, but for me, you're exactly that. Thank you for your work. P.S. Maybe this is something simple, but if you could explain the 5-count at the beginning of Leper Messiah, that would be great! lol It feels exactly like a 4/4 to me. I'm a dufus though. liol

[@JohnnyReading]

So glad Signals is back!

[@J.D.0502]

Awesome analysis! I'm looking forward to your analysis of Orion's harmonic middle part! Please do this!

[@erikberg8352]

Thanks for sharing Cliff's contribution as the secret sauce that put Metallica on the top of the Big 4.

[@awes0mo8000]

Great video!! Looking forward to the second part!

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

Hell yeah, of course we want the next video on this beautiful song! The first time I heard Orion was many years ago in a Metallica documentary, in which they used the harmony solos when they talk about Cliff's death, and I was instantly blown away - wait, is this a Metallica song? Which one is it??? When I finally discovered it was Orion, I was floored with how incredible it was. To this day it's my favourite Metallica song by a long shot.

[@roelofbekelaar874]

Thanks. Really nice to look at it that way. I love metal music and especially old metallica music.

[@justiniavarone1818]

Hey Jake... YES ,ABSOLUTELY..!! That would be awesome to break down that classically inspired middle section 🤘🏼.. Cliff was an absolute genius in my humble opinion. If you watch / listen to some interviews that are done with his father , he was heavily influenced by classical music. If you notice , from " Puppets " on in their discography you will hear that influence. I apologize for a ling rant , but , that middle section with the counter point and the harmony is soooo tastefully done , is 1 reason " Orion " is my fav Metallica song. Anyways YES...!! You doing that breakdown video in the way only you do 🔥.. is highly anticipated. 🤘🏼

[@mattslater167]

That was awesome. More, please.

[@smarkalet9078]

Well this was unexpected. Said as I prepare to be amazed❤

[@ptx2fight2010]

What an awesome breakdown thanks so much!!!! Annnnnd yes please breakdown the classical influence part of the song!!!!!!

[@Trotsky1981]

Super cool to hear a detailed theoretical explanation for something I understand and play intuitively.

[@onehere9065]

content of utmost quality as always. thank you, sir.

[@molntuss7113]

VERY high quality video! Great job!

[@keith.messier]

Prepare! Consult! I’d love to see your follow-up analysis. Thanks for the lesson, as always.

[@dottormaelstrom]

I always loved playing that riff on guitar but never had the knowledge to properly understand the weirdness of the rhythm. Great job!

[@emanueleparlati867]

Simply perfect. It's since the release of the LP that I'm swearing that the breakdown riff of Orion and especially the Lars' genius choice is worth a carreer of any rock musician. Simple, yet groovy, complex, sophisticated. So, well, you're af least the second one complimenting Lars for his writing, being me probably the first (but seriously I guess lots of people have done it before). 😉