Andy James guitar playing is amazing, watch What Lies Beneath on EMGtv

[@gizmodo3478]

A very dear friend shared this to me a few years ago.... He said "We should try performing this someday". Then we practiced for weeks. This afternoon, he passed away..... And it's extremely emotional for me rn

[@andresnieto37]

Jesus Christ... I'm so sorry for you brother! May your friend rest in Power listening to this GREAT song forever!

[@VicariousLord]

You have my sympathies man

[@ondinnonk]

😢 aw man, my condolences

[@joelmunoz7646]

My sympathies, man! May God give you the peace and bring you comfort.

[@ronojoy1]

You got your few days of attention....still emotional?

[@kingbloodshred]

accuracy of a sniper, control of a surgeon, emotion of a poet, colour of a painter. Skill of Andy James. Still listening in 2019 \m/

[@sierratrilogy]

Absolutely spot on, poignant description.

[@yetidepiesgrandes1754]

2022 hell yeah

[@TexasSolid]

@@yetidepiesgrandes1754 I'm a bit late to the party just found this masterpiece rn, shit is god tier though man I swear.

[@brandonmcdaniel2968]

Well said

[@bnotapplicable7000]

Still listening in 23

[@yabo2424]

Hands down one of the best shredders on the planet !!. His compositions are brilliant. Andy James showing us all he is on top of his game. What an amazing performance !!!

[@dimitarstoyanov513]

Yes, I appreciate the music. Its my type of guitar solo. Could listen all day.

[@TheBimmerfan]

I wouldn't classify Andy James as a "shredder", I really think this term doesn't make justice to such an incredible talent. IMO Andy goes far beyond what a typical shredder could be, this man definitely has much more than just big technic and killer speed - his composing abilities are superb, his musical thought is quite advanced. Wouldn't compare him with some typical Yngwie clones (with all my respect for the great Malmsteen), that would be an insult

[@yabo2424]

I agree that's a great point !!

[@yabo2424]

Lmao awesome ! Andy is da man !

[@piercethenipples7624]

Randy Chotin he's really good but hands down jason richardson id better in every way. But thie guy is outrageously good

[@Appytail]

James plays this with such a calm face. Totally entertaining.

[@SHREADMETAL]

Yeah, people were like he has no field to his music because he doesn’t move his face like Steve and some of the others you know I said, do you understand the precision that man has on that instrument you hear his feelings come out in the strings, not in his face

[@johnrickey5631]

watching andy play is like a journey he starts off with a lick takes you on a journey and always comes back home to were he started.

[@sarahhurst701]

Excellent description. Well stated.

[@crofty5645]

Amazing, Melodic, technical not just showing off how well he can play, love his stuff.

[@moosewild4239]

2024 and this is awesome. Legend

[@faelcosta8160]

I suddenly miss this song. And I remember very well that I watched this song 9 years ago. Now coming back, I can see that this work of art is simply magnificent. Congratulations Andy. Success always

[@shreddedcheese3904]

You know you're a good guitarist when people are arguing over whos the best guitarist and your name is in there.

[@LOGOTIPERO]

AGREED!

[@KimchiSpringRoll]

6 years later, do you still think Andy James is the best lol?

[@robbsenwerkmeister2102]

@@KimchiSpringRoll of course!

[@KimchiSpringRoll]

@@robbsenwerkmeister2102 Good for you lol

[@shayneoneill1506]

Though I'm inclined to agree with Frank Zappa on this topic: "Debating who is the greatest guitarist is a stupid sport". Its kind of meaningless, and completely open to interpretation. Some people think Yngwie malmsteen is. I think he's a guy whos all speed and no good taste. Others would argue that maybe Mark Knopfler , Eric Clapton or Dave Gilmore is. And others would say "But anyone can play those licks" (How to play vs What to play). Some might point to the guy from polyphia arguing that sheer innovation is the real talent. Or maybe Jimmy Hendrix for starting the whole shredder thing. Then theres the fusion jazz guys who are unbelievable musicians. Flamenco guitarists. Those brazillian guys who do stutter techniques on the samba songs. I mean. How do you compare any of this?

[@alexwalls9505]

This guy is out of this world, the way he follows the drum beat is phenomenal, turning relaxing rhythm into sheer beautiful shredding, call me impressed.

[@ziggybongwater7915]

what really inspires me about andy is his phrasing, the way he forms musical sentences so fluently

[@Guitar387]

I like that piece of music and it shows that Andy can play slow and melodic, and that he doesn't have to play fast all the time. We all know what Andy is capable of If he really wants to let rip and it's frightening. But I liked seeing the melodic side of his playing he's incredible. Nice piece of music.

[@SrPepe1977]

I couldn’t agree more. To be honest, I was actually surprised to see how melodic he can be.

[@jametalboy]

Listening to Andy since 2015 and this guy never disappoints... So much emotions and melody via guitar that really gives you goosebumps

[@scottchilds5726]

Surf that wave Andy, rock on.

[@shreeranjan6737]

This is one of the finest pieces of music I have heard ever

[@shadowake5981]

Andy James is one of my favourite guitarists. His playing and songwriting is really amazing.

[@slxmpschema]

Thank you Andy James.. For all of the ear-gasms!

[@R3AL-AIM]

I remembering hearing this for the first time when I was a sophomore in high school... I was in pure awe. This song is an absolute master piece, filled full spirit and emotion. Honestly, I love this song so much and it's stuck with me ever since. Andy James was definitely a big influence on me becoming a guitarist.

[@MrAlexMonk]

I was listen him in 2017, his music was and there is absolute masterpiece and awesome, amazing cut of excellent sound.

[@tusharjamwal]

same here, I would say number one inspiration Andy James, number two Angel Vivaldi for me. There are many others who have then pushed me along my path further. But these two guys *inspire*

[@G87EM]

My favorite Andy's song. I'm listening for it again and again...

[@reefman6496]

In my humble opinion one of the top ten players in the world.

[@9169enjoi]

He's on my top 10 list too without a doubt!

[@salimfm1]

Ok. Give your top 10 list here, please :)

[@reefman6496]

Salimzhan Kabylbayev My top 10 favourite axemen: 1. Satriani (fan for 26 years) 2.Andy James 3.Dime 4.Slash 5.Hendrix 6.Marty friedman (his megadeth days) 7.Gary Holst (SO underrated!) 8.Stevie Ray Vaughn 9.Dave Mustaine 10.Gus G

[@SadisticThrasher]

Reefman i really like dat list almost similar to mine 1. andy james (i am in love with his sound) 2. buckethead 3. Alexander Nathan Skolnick 4 dime 5 petrucci 6 michael angelo batio (speed god) 7 Paul Gilbert 8 OL drake ( he is not that famous but i like his style and playing ) 9 Ewan Dobson (very impressive finger technique) 10 Estas Tonne

[@TomHolloway123]

thank you for mentioning Skolnick, truly amazing player way too underrated

[@dannysleepwalkermorado7196]

desde el 2013 esta canción me causa un sentimiento de nostalgia incomparable, y en el 2016 aun me sigue causando el mismo efecto. amo la música! andy james gran guitarrista!!!

[@samwalker9940]

I love how it's not just endless shredding...really just enjoying the melody...and every rift and solo is unique in it's own way...definitely keeps you intrigued the whole time

[@TheAv3rageJoe]

Whenever I hear this, I can’t help but think of what I’m meant to do on this tiny planet. About life and how one minute I was 16 and blinked and now I’m 30. Just makes me reflect and think there’s gotta be something more.

[@The_Real_Daniel]

I wanna know what you were meant to do and what you're currently doing?

[@fathermarcus7808]

When you watch this in Japan, his fingers are blurred out.

[@iseeu-fp9po]

What? Why? That's a joke, right?

[@brianbrummet3877]

😂

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

His knuckles don't look THAT hairy. ;-)

[@rodrigoduartebarrientos1393]

@@iseeu-fp9po you didn't get it xd.

[@ratnadipkarjee6826]

🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂fuck man... Hilarious comment!!!!!

[@2000krisskross]

Just remember guys the guitar is 1% talent and 99% hard work!

[@2000krisskross]

*****​​​ Are you really that dumb or you're just acting?

[@2000krisskross]

***** No but this is dumb we all know from what the guitar is made.

[@Character994]

Koki Kokoian I guess returning to old threads and trying to start flame wars is your way of fighting boredom. Also this is a fail, I did that by mistake or I would've liked them all, I only noticed it now after you told me, detective. Better go practice that guitar dude.

[@solidchris906]

+Koki Kokoian It's also 1% guitar, 99% player :)

[@2000krisskross]

True

[@darrennwalters6830]

proof right here that emgs only sound sterile when a guitarist isn't good enough to bring out what they can reproduce. just goes to show too many people blame gear that is plenty good for their own short comings or just their own general dislikes and opinions. just because I dislike something doesn't make it crap..just makes it not for me. andy james keep on rocking dude. emg keep making uber quality stuff.

[@TheBimmerfan]

EMG performe well with distortion, try play them on clean guitar...No worst shit ever. P.S. I use EMGs also.

[@joshuazakk3181]

TheBimmerfan ,but I believe that emg66 is very good at clean,I've seen a lot of guys use it just for clean.

[@TheBimmerfan]

+Joshua Zakk I use 85 silver and they sound awfull on clean. By the other hand they're superb with distortion.

[@joshuazakk3181]

TheBimmerfan yeah,my 57 is also bad in clean,I think maybe most of the bridge hm pickup is not good at clean

[@guitar19971]

Yeah I mean EMGs aren't really my thing but there's no denying they can be used to great effect. This being a prime example. Andy James has simply put one of the best lead tones for the music being played I've heard in a long time. The guy's a fucking wizard.

[@impavitus]

I appreciate that fact that he just melted our faces off and doesn't even have a whammy bar

[@mikeyb8040]

dude's these days are just simply better than the gods I grew up with... Satch, Vai, Malmsteen, etc etc... fukkin kids now got that shit down. We oldies know we would be way better than we are if we simply had youtube back in the day

[@martinmcdowell4844]

dude. I love you. exactly, as much as a lot of older people don't like to admit it. guitar is just becoming more mastered through the years.

[@joel20596]

I know what u mean but this guy isn't vai level yet

[@mikeyb8040]

Joel Michael true bro... but nobody will ever be a Vai clone. And why would you wanna be when you can play fun stuff instead of pure crazy? hehe you feel me... yeah you feel me :)

[@joel20596]

Mikey B I feel you bro

[@mikeprieto5457]

Joel Michael A youtube comment thread full of brotherhood and harmony... what year is it?

[@mebdoc]

The soul and sheer beauty of this composition overshadows the technicality and that's what makes Andy such a great guitarist and musician

[@Mylosh35]

He's great! I know shit about guitar playing, but I like his style. He's extremely capable, that is for sure. But, he's playing is melodic, pleasant, meaningful and soulful. He doesn't need to show off and he knows it.

[@sayandipsarkar1806]

god bless you Andy james. What a guitarist man!!

[@TacticalShino]

Mentally been feeling like total shit today. For a few minutes, this really uplifted my spirits. TBH had visions of a late 80's style martial arts training montage with this as the soundtrack.Transported me from my current dismal reality to somewhere I'd really like to reach. Thank you Andy, you're brilliant! Will watch again.

[@chasehildebrand6945]

amazing would be an understatement for this song.

[@SuyashPandeyShubh]

I really don't know how many times I come back and replay this video over and over again....the composition has something magical...may be I could find 'What Lies Beneath'....

[@anintatej]

This guy is fantastic. I recently discovered his guitar training videos. Can't believe how easy and fun it is to learn to play watching him.

[@DONTWANZ]

He Shreds and is melodic,soulful and killer song writer

[@RequiemForYourDream940]

2025 still jamming this 🤘🌋💯

[@SHREADMETAL]

I’ll never not listen to any Andy James

[@JazzmasterFunk]

I don't understand why everyone is so butthurt by the fact that what he's playing isn't a masterpiece. He's writing music, he's playing music. This music isn't written for you in specific so what the hell gives you the right to insult what he writes and plays? If it really bothers you so much then pick up a guitar and show us how it's really supposed to be done. That would be the very definition of a "win win" because then more music would be written, plus we don't have to be burdened by your negative bitching.

[@9169enjoi]

Too true! All people have to do is hit the back button ONCE. Instead of typing a bunch of bullshit hate comments, just hit your back button assholes :)

[@otaimaksimaify]

Kyle Kenehan yeah you tell em brother

[@paullevine1813]

Perhaps i'm missing something other than some trolls that may dislike great guitar playing . So what really defines a masterpiece, well that's not an easy question as there are so many musical forms that the word masterpiece fit. This is just Andy playing what he loves & doing it in one awesome style. He can play hard, fast or melodic whatever he chooses to do. Masterpieces come in many forms & the most important is summed up in one word ,Timeless. So what if it is or isn't it matters not but what does is Andy is a masterclass player like him or not & if you don't then WTF are you here for. As for the jealousy aspect well that's awful stupid & if you wish to get to this level well practice harder & remember some have it some don't. Andy has it in spades...

[@sirsir9665]

But it is a masterpiece...

[@BeaverThe01.]

I don't see what's wrong with that he's playing. Sounds awesome to me...

[@Ganymede569]

The video production quality is amazingly good, considering how old it is.

[@DsqnSniping]

Andy, your playing style gives me shivers!

[@nathanstone1089]

The fact he’s in five finger death punch is a SIN

[@antoniobaez9937]

This deserves more views.

[@Cristian-0175]

incrível esse solo parabéns de verdade,toca na alma da gente mesmo perfeita composição.

[@BloodOathFamilyForever]

I always come back here at least twice a year. This is absolutely EPIC.

[@syi666]

I need this...I need this forever and always. I've been looking for music like this ever since St.Anger. Metal just isnt't the same these days. but this guy brings me back to days sitting in a dusty room playing with cards I'll know forever.

[@Hazardteam]

This was AMAZING! I had massive goose skin from the begin to the end. Beautiful!

[@MavXivLio]

He's my fav Guitarist, Top 1

[@antigonicfh8923]

I would like to hear from Andy 'sometimes i feel like screaming' .. it's already an amazing song, with amaaaazing guitar solo ..but you 'll make it sound waaay more AWESOME than it sounds!

[@themonotropicguitarist]

awesome to go back to 2012 and see how some of those chops were still being developed and he was ALREADY a beast. wow. much praise.

[@pasipaakkolanvaara7158]

Andy is the best, his sound and style is flawlles.

[@ADUAquascaping]

POWERFUL!

[@wickedout2010]

That was so sick and epic......And those EMG's sound like butter! Nice and smooth as butter!!!

[@sirfirdausnasrullah1126]

yup agreed!that combo of EMG 85 and 60 really cuts thru nice and smooth,just like butter!i love these actives for the abovestated reason,i use 81 and 85.long live EMG!long live Andy James!!!respect and salutes from Singapore!

[@mikeyb8040]

***** EMG 707 and 81-7 in mine. It's basically Andy's guitar with a floyd rose. www.espguitars.com/products/9664-h-1007fr-stblk?category_id=1963298-h-series

[@mikeyb8040]

***** and 7 strings of course lol

[@casxced.6459]

2024 and still here

[@smltownsk8er]

The first time I hear one of his songs it mesmerizes me into a blissful relaxed state. FUCKING LOVE IT.

[@hetokayeptho7487]

Melodious, clean, technical, slow but real quick. The way he plays look simple yet fascinating. U r truly amazing to watch n listen to. Loved it. Urs sincerely fan!

[@LaerteCavalcante]

Beautiful melodies, beautiful arrangements, beautiful tone, and why not to say beautiful guitarist (yes, i'm a straight man)? Absolute awesomeness!! I just love this channel!

[@dark9615]

His playing is just emotional.......😭😭😭ales me cry.....those who say metal is just headbanging.....pls let them see this

[@claytonheibert2953]

I am a high school football player. Solid as a rock. Benchin 300. But this made me cry. It is beautiful and has tons of feel. You don't find that much today. Amazing job Andy.

[@dallasmamat1799]

Andy James!AWESOME!please come to Singapore and teach us your awesome shred!!!Long live Andy James!!!

[@iwontsubscribe]

FINALLY!A SINGAPOREAN WHO LOVE ANDY JAMES!!HELL YEAHH....\M/

[@Innerpeace89-b9c]

Perfect guitar tone, output, mixing and above all it has been played by a guitar god. 🎸👏👏🙏👍

[@ricafooo]

Esse som ele toca com a Alma - é uma Tecnica com abertura impressionante , mesmo utilizando 3 dedos apenas e quase não utilizar o dedinho , um dos Players que mais Curto 😎

[@sarahhurst701]

Me too. I agree 👍💯

[@joshuarath8580]

Great Job! This is great! I cant wait to see you in the United States! Rock on!

[@scotchgod8478]

a genuine guitar God!

[@adamjennings4186]

Guy is absolutely amazing. Could listen all day

[@conorkeenan3357]

The most powerful song ever heard in all my years such great guitarwork it hits home

[@gloomygrim8668]

This solos are more incredible than Hulk!!!!

[@kGmusicpage]

2:30 - 2:50 is just downright fucking awesome, andy might be the best electric guitarist alive

[@killerkoala60]

then you have never heard of paul waggoner?

[@luis241661]

You've never heard of Tosin Abasi?

[@Stevefrench644]

hey look its kg. love your covers dude

[@willm7926]

tosin lmfao. trendy has been that never was imho

[@SupahflyJazzguy]

Look up "Guthrie Govan."

[@hjge1012]

Didn't know Ragnar from Vikings also played guitar.

[@ethanjohnson6845]

Really doesnt even look like Ragnar though lol maybe more like Rick from pawn stars

[@tanvirazhar]

The tone, the way he plays just perfect!! Amazing

[@bobbert152]

One of the few instrumental tracks that can make me cry

[@SwishaSilva]

Gives me kind of a Darkest Hour feel. Diggin it

[@jackregz]

Just heard someone call this guy a god today so I figured I'd check him out. He's pretty good! I hear a lot of Satriani in his playing.

[@kennyken7278]

He is a GOOD teacher, all of his instructional videos from Lick Library are so EASY to grasp (I mean his ideas and how he conceives and explains them) ...unlike Satriani who blabbers too much bullshit by talking too much musical jargon that NO beginner would absolutely understand, I wish every guitar teacher is like Andy 

[@wyattstevens6226]

Satriani is a good teacher too, but him talking about all of those musical terms is something that would be understood by more of an advanced guitar player, and not really by a beginner player like you said. Satriani teaches to more of an advanced audience that would understand what he is talking about rather than beginners. I'm not saying Andy teaches just beginners, because he has some very advanced things that he does teach, I'm just saying that Satriani is not trying to appeal to the beginner audience, but more of the advanced audience of players.

[@maxiomguitarist]

i reckon. i was watching a tutorial on getting a good metal tone and i was like "this stuff is so obvious? this guy must be a simpleton" ...then i watched war march O.O hes a damn musical genius he just knows how to talk to the beginners

[@gmangsxr750]

Andy is teaching the notes to a piece of music, Satriani is actually explaining the theory behind a piece. The difference in target audience would be the difference between someone that wants to learn "what" to play and someone who wants to understand "how" to play and compose.

[@SerjShower]

Careful, Satriani is my cousin. xD Nah man you're good, Andy James is more my taste.

[@chewher4171]

Man, that is awesome. I don't know what else to say, I'm awestruck.

[@RyanADevlin]

Mr. James, sir, your phrasing sets you above many many others in your genre.

[@sadjeebis]

Thank you my dear. You are truly a beautiful spirit. Muah luv

[@cristianofasan5003]

Much Satriani influence here. Good job, awesome player.

[@RubberStig]

It's almost like listening to Andy play Marco Sfoli - almost

[@kdwh]

I do like JS, but I sense more MAB in his music

[@zoeabbey9400]

The Best!!!

[@cakewalkgg]

This dude is amazing... I've followed shredders for a long time and Andy is definately standing out as one of the very best

[@invincible581]

Andy, has became one of my favorite player..I came to know just few months back I watched his videos and I just loved the way he played..

[@Pauly421]

Anyone else just listening to the awesome drums?

[@paul1720]

They don't even sound like drums, so, no.

[@bobbenbrown123]

+Al humphits Exactly! They sound like computerized drum kit sounds as opposed 2 live drums! I know bcuz my album has the same type of computerized drum kit sounds as opposed 2 live drums! Andy James is a freaking beast!

[@zaviannaviaz764]

Paul McDonagh no

[@jeffollerich7920]

No..they are slighty less than the amazing guitar i am hearing....

[@attilafelfoldi1057]

No, I'm a guitarist

[@JULIOHpsp]

2:37, that sounds like some part of "no boundaries" by michael angelo batio

[@lamekanvolta3197]

Abi gecenin bu saatinde açık tekel de yok efkardan nevrimi döndürdün.

[@reardeltoit4644]

yandaki ilçeye gittim o tekeli bulmak için reyis, aldım geldim koydum masaya açtım şarkıyı izliyorum şuan

[@TheWPgamerS]

@@reardeltoit4644 cok iyi ama ya. Bu adam en sevdigim gitarist

[@reardeltoit4644]

@@TheWPgamerS bana biraz fazla melodik geliyor. Bunun riffler üzerinden yürüyeni var. Keith merrow.

[@LOGOTIPERO]

Andy James, you rocks!! Amazing song!!

[@Yadandadandandaa]

The sound, the technique.. everything was perfect! Never heard about this guy before, but glad I found him!

[@frankwren8215]

Andy James is a legend. Monster player.

[@GeFlixes]

I really like James' style. It's less Heavy Metal and more Prog Metal - he has a certain way to look and sound calm while playing the most complex things while others are much more heated and emotional in their playing style, which sounds crammed and packed in my opinion.

[@johndavidson2859]

GeFlixes I think you hit the nail on the head... AJ let's stuff breathe. It's not "crammed" like so many other metal players. Don't get me wrong, he is not void of fast runs. But it flows so much better if it's not 300 mph all the time, the whole time..

[@GeFlixes]

John Davidson I guess that he's so good that he can allow to pace himself. He plays arrangements instead of improvisations. That makes the face melting moments even more awesome.

[@eklypse180]

90 bassists disliked this.

[@Boss-zo7us]

😂

[@ThomasFarrow]

every note is just so well placed...!!!

[@arthurfacteau398]

Every time I watch this guy play, makes me wish I learned how when I was young. Never in a million would I have ever been as good, but still makes me wish I would have learned, just to have learned, and maybe tried. Might have even made a little money at it if I got good enough at it, studio or something. Damn, this guy is good. Way better then the crap I grew up with...

[@一二三四五-r7o]

He is the best guitarist.

[@RathOfficial]

Andy, you really need to drop ESP and move to Jackson. A great USA model soloist would look great on you.

[@funshorestudios]

2:37 sounds like he got the keys to the Lamborghini

[@SstalkerS]

The riff that starts in 1:55 is ingenious Great work Andy, on this very melodic piece

[@travisottens]

perfect blend of soul and shred beautiful buildup too

[@Jonrocat]

textbook right-hand technique is amazing, there's so little movement and so much control...

[@sithvader2910]

exactly what i tought about this guy that hand its a fucking monster!

[@krauser_]

He is probably using economy picking. It has its difference comparing to alternate

[@shadownumber1]

I think the coolest lick he does is at 4:50!!

[@SuyashPandeyShubh]

Edwin Lobato exactly

[@shadownumber1]

Suyash Pandey im pretty sure he string skips the A string at the beginning of thay crazy riff

[@tyrivera9924]

parts of this kinda remind me of i wont see you tonight by a7x

[@waitingbar89]

the same feeling :)

[@M4GG0TK1NG]

Any parts specifically? It did have a similar vibe to some Avenged stuff but very different at the same time

[@tyrivera9924]

Rex Smith some parts of the solo and such , at least to me

[@bradleyduncan8919]

bravo bravo.......love it Andy......yet again another masterpiece

[@michael1460]

This instrumental is so perfect, just an amazing song!!!!