Riff Retrospective: Extreme II: Pornograffitti

[@BenEller]

Thanks for watching my Riff Retrospective on Extreme II: Pornograffitti! Grab the tabs and exclusive tone shaping video here: www.patreon.com/posts/84101228?

[@BenEller]

And let me know what record you want to see on the next Riff Retrospective!

[@JazzIIIIB]

Would love to see more Avenged Sevenfold on your channel. The Stage has so many amazing guitar work.

[@aerosmith7175]

@@JazzIIIIBYES maybe even the new album🤘

[@diegourena4575]

Def Leppard's Hysteria

[@satchrules101]

@@BenEller Dude ur swing feel is absolutely Amazing!

[@shanepomeroy5608]

My grandma bought this album thinking all of the songs were going to sound like “More Than Words” after hearing it on the radio 😂

[@user-nu7xx7pc1d]

😂😂 that was every girl did back in the days!!

[@j_freed]

Someone's grandma was trying to buy this in the record store, and seeing if she said "no, these are nice boys!"

[@kojam1]

😂. Samething with Mr. Big and To Be With You. Local top 40 station here had a contest and gave away tickets to their concert. Some soccer mom won tickets. I remember wishing I could have been there to see the look on their faces when PG is tearing up guitar solos! 😂😂

[@Win7ermu7e]

As someone who was in university when this came out it cuts me deep that you are referrring to your "grandma" here.

[@sVieira151]

The best thing about this album as a guitarist is when you play just about any riff on this album you can't help but smile. You can see it with you as well, despite clearly trying to concentrate for the video. The riffs are absolutely infectious.

[@Samurai78420]

I can't say it enough, Ben, but again I been playing for nearly 40 years, and I seriously wish I had you as a resource when I was learning. You've become one of my favorite guitar players ever. Your delivery is just impeccable. You're inspiring a whole generation of people that are fortunate enough to discover your channel. I can play like a mfker, but when I need to break out of a rut, you're the guy I go to. You've definitely had an impact on me and my playing.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

I really dont think Nuno gets enough love. Even among guitar players, he doesnt come up often enough. Thanks uncle Ben.

[@stgibson2810]

When I was 17 years and had all the time in the world, I went in my bedroom with the Pornograffitti tab book and the cd. Practicing day in, day out, that book launched me from being a beginner to an intermediate player. I couldn’t tell you what a major pentatonic is, but damn it I could play He Man Woman Hater. I agree Ben, it’s the most influential album of my life.

[@charlesthomas9294]

I've gotten to meet Nuno twice. Once in '91 at a small clinic he put on, and again in 2016 before a Generation Axe performance with Vai, Wylde, Malmsteen and Tobasi. Both times he was an absolutely humble, generous, and kind presence. One of the greats!

[@SuperEgo19]

I bought this on day one when I was 17. Heard More Than Words what felt like months before it hit big. This album changed the way I played guitar forever.

[@Jthecake]

Best album they every had. Nuno is a riff monster , my favorite guitarist .

[@cristianlopez_8486]

Extreme and Extreme II both made me really fall in love with Nuno's guitar playing, specifically his rhythm playing. Lord almighty can that dude keep a solid groove and make every riff feel fresh. Nuno is neck and neck with EVH when it comes to rhythm imo.

[@dusty3913]

Nuno is the perfect combination of his influences; the inspiration is palpable. Not a copycat…has his own thing. He manages to combine killer, inventive playing with excellent songwriting. Hole-hearted (and ELP’s From The Beginning) made me want a 12 string.

[@RaptorV1USA]

100 %

[@jimhomon7175]

That interview with Rick Beato was jut great. I listened to the entire thing. Their conversation was such a refreshing look into the love of music for musicians. Nuno was so humble and honest. So, excited to hear the rest of Extreme's new album!

[@srubel59]

Outstanding work! I didn't realize I was waiting for YOU to make learning these riffs easy for ME. I was 30 when this album came out and I knew right away this guy was something special. At the time I was deep into my fusion period, (post head banger rocker), and Nuno smacked me right back into funk rock. A timeless classic album from a rare guitar god.

[@thebubonicj]

He’s the king of writing riffs that are as fun to play as they are to listen to. That ascending 3rd is almost like a rule with him. It’s like he said whenever I’m tearing off a lick, anytime I hit the minor third I have to roll up to the major no matter what.

[@eriktorsteinhansen]

It's been almost 30 years since I've listened to this album. Thanks for reintroducing me to this great record.

[@dwightdeon2421]

This album is what got me interested in playing guitar, back in the day. It's so f-ing good.

[@johnwortham1595]

THANK YOU for giving Pat some love for his bass work!!

[@cmikesmith664]

I’ve never played an album more than this one. This made me an Extreme fan for life.

[@underfeed]

amazing breakdown of the most underrated guitar player to walk our planet. This album, like you i had it on loop for 3 years during art school, changed my playing of guitar forever! thanks, Ben!!

[@bhouse92101]

I love how Ben starts each riff with "this is one of my favorites from the album". So true!

[@oldmanriff7633]

Nuno was absolutely the evolution of EVH (Dime was the other one). Nuno wasn't copping Ed's licks so much as his feel, y'know? That right hand swing. I would *love* too see you do a riff retro on Waiting For the Punchline; I didn't really get it when it was released (I'm old) but since then it's grown into my favorite from them. Super stripped down & raw & killer.

[@Mahina-Kekoa]

I love how just happy and bright he is in the video, really shows how much he loves this album

[@garettn8631]

The huge sound in the chorus for "Song for Love" is awesome!

[@bodine1231]

Every song on this album is amazing. I've been trying for years to nail the He Man Woman Hater riff and still can't do it, Nuno makes it look easy!

[@larrycrabs5995]

Agreed. The notes of the riff are simple, but putting it all together like Nuno is hard.

[@algor8541]

Nuno mostly plays it with hammer ons. It's all about precision and having the sweet spots of fingertips near the nails hammering the low strings

[@j_freed]

@@algor8541HAND tone is extremely underrated, EVH had extremely strong hands and his touch created the loudness of his playing more than the gain or what type of amp he was using. Eddie just sounded like Eddie. I think a few like Nuno and George Lynch really get that.

[@algor8541]

@@j_freed exactly, it's all about the touch. And EVH is the king of that. And Tim Pierce mentioned that Eddie had light pick attack. Yet he had a lightning fast springy attack, massive and thick tone ever paired with a really precision timing and even a really great swing feel. It's all about the way you pick notes and precision(not effort) of both hands. EVH inspired Nuno and all 90s rock players, but it's actually Holsworth who originally inspired Eddie with that light touch and yet great attack thing

[@nunocrames4787]

By being Portuguese as Nuno, and by having the same first name, and by having azorean roots too, I’m so happy (and proud) to see the reach of Nuno’s musicianship like no other Portuguese musician ever did!

[@x--LeethaL--x]

That first behemoth you're playing is one of the most beautiful axes I've seen!

[@hyperbolekid]

Nuno grease is critical to vibe and feel! 🔥👍🔥. Da GOAT!!

[@eigengrau1]

This is one of the Albums wich got me into playing guitar

[@Tom-gr4em]

Impossible not to grin while playing those riffs!

[@shiningwizard202]

Fun facts about the album: that’s Janet Jackson’s voice on the intro to Money and that’s Dweezil Zappa ripping that outro solo on He-Man Woman Hater. Do III sides next!

[@BenEller]

That’s Ms Jackson?!?! SAY WHAT?!

[@shiningwizard202]

@@BenEllerNuno did some guitar tracks on “Black Cat” while recording Porno. He apparently got her to hop on and do a little sample. Cool stuff!

[@javierlemusen]

Also I've noticed that at the end of Get the Funk Out, they shoutout different songs from the album. I hear: Its a monster and decadence dance. If someone can identify the 3rd, I'd appreciate it.

[@matthewberke6104]

@@javierlemusen Another one I hear is He-man Woman Hater.

[@shiningwizard202]

@@javierlemusen the 3rd and the 4th are Money and Pornograffitti, I was addicted to that lyric book lol

[@jasondorst13]

This album (and band), never got the recognition that was deserved.

[@sirtogii5216]

Right! Saw these guys live with my son a couple of months ago after seeing them at a festival like 30 years ago. Since I took up playing the guitar 1,5 years ago I had to rebuy this record just to have it in the car (an old heap with a CD player...) and experience the insane riffage that's going on. Now I see uncle Ben has devoted a whole video to it! Patreon here I come, deserved!

[@scarem84604]

Have loved Extreme and Nuno since I first heard them back in 1989 with Kid Ego. I was immediately drawn to his playing. Such a great video, Ben! I will be watching this one a few times!!

[@michaellnbnj]

Same! Heard Mutha Don't Wanna Go To School Today in 89. Instantly drawn into the guitar sound/playing. Fan ever since.

[@CyberDocUSA]

Bro, it's 2:30 am east coast, Richmond, VA, I'm drunk, stoned, and laughing my ass off while simultaneously amazed by your skills and knowledge. Your sense of humor... even my girl loves your vids (yeah, she plays also). Keep on rockin the free world, bruh.

[@andrewthornton8059]

Hi Ben - great video - you’ll be pleased to know that I saw Extreme in 1991 on the Pornograffiti Tour in Bradford, U.K. - Nuno Bettencourt was phenomenal - possibly one of the best gigs I’ve ever attended - a truly manic gig - in a small venue. Amazing guitarist and an amazing album. You’ve completely nailed it, my friend !!!!

[@ShaunFloyd-ky9nk]

I remember buying this on the day it was released. I had 'discovered' Extreme on the Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure with soundtrack and was just blown away by Nuno's playing and became an instant fan. It's been a long minute since I've heard the album and have forgotten just how impactful it was. Hearing these riffs brought me back to driving my beat up Datsun D-210 banana painted hatchback and blasting this cassette in the cheap ass Kraco stereo system in 1990. Luckily I worked at a radio station and was able to take my CD copy and play it on one of the players when I was done with my air shift so I could truly hear the quality of the album. Thanks for this video Ben. The more I watch these, the more I want to buy a guitar and see if a 52 year old can learn how to play it.

[@connormorse9191]

Nunos playing reminds me of what Cory Wong said about your picking hand being like a motor that keeps on running, emphasising everything with your fretting hand it's so cool

[@DesMoinesHomeDeals]

Thanks for doing this. Nuno is my Guitar Hero and Extreme is the most underrated rock band ever. People have no idea what they are missing.

[@maplechill75]

One of my favorite albums of all time! I remember telling people about it, trying to convince them it wasn’t full of songs like More Than Words. 😂 “no seriously dude. You’re not gonna believe how badass this record is..”

[@metalboy5150]

That's me. To this day, I mention this album, and people are like, "Yeah, More Than Words, I'm sick of that song, " and I'm over here all, "No, you don't get it, this album is f***Ing KILLER, just LISTEN TO IT!" And they're like, "Meh, I dunno...." Jesus. 🙄🙄🙄

[@LivingBlessed]

Loved this video. Among riffs on this album. Just incredible playing by Nuno.

[@napesdrk1174]

The last few weeks i have started to cover this album and using backing track's i play Nuno, so much fun, challenging and jezz rewarding too when listening back. Love you did this, and cant wait to the new album

[@radioactive6string]

One of the best videos I have come across ever! It’s got me glued to my guitar, and I can’t stop. Thank you!

[@BenEller]

Thanks so much!

[@tkd4uandme]

Killer album, killer band. Hugely influential to so many people. Love it!

[@larrycrabs5995]

An underrated gem from that album is Suzi. Awesome riffs on that one.

[@flatlander92]

absolutely my favorite, desert island album for sure. wall to wall awesomeness. loved hearing you gush love on this album and Nuno.

[@bluewater3783]

1:12+ You Offer High Praise! for Rick Beato's "Nuno Bettencourt Interview"--and well-deserved, too! Thank You for being there, Ben--Musicians like you and Rick Beato offer so much to The Public... :)

[@richbean]

Awesome stuff Ben!! Thank you for sharing all that. Same here. I am still in awe and listening to Pornograffiti over 30 yrs later. \m/

[@michaelgiordano6490]

I remember seeing extreme on the porno tour backing up ZZ Top. Barely any one was there for them but I was. I went from the 19th row to about the 5th and they played the album! Jaw dropping!!!

[@GnRmike]

Amazing job Uncle Ben! Extreme II is a masterpiece; riffs for days! Love that Suhr guitar btw as well!

[@LuisGarcia-sr8eh]

I got the Pornograffitti album cover on my wall in front on me everyday just to remember that guitar playing is the best thing that ever happened to me. God bless Nuno

[@DutchManticore]

I love this album so much I bought it on LP. I´ve never even ever owned an LP player. The outro riff of `When Im President` has been my ringtone for close to 20 years.

[@mattjns]

Geez that TONE uncle Ben!!!! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@greganders1]

Awesome vid Ben...thanks! Seeing Extreme in September when they tour Melbourne. Can't wait!

[@brunolevasseur]

Nuno is da man ! 1st known album for me "3 sides to every story" , "Pornograffitti" is a must. Good shot, ben! 🙂

[@Imnotaloser69]

I remember asking you to do this a few weeks back! Thanks Uncle Ben!!

[@poundtacos4006]

I had this on cassette before I even learned how to play! Thanks Colombia House!

[@aerosmith7175]

YES BEN. What an album every song is a banger thanks so much

[@tonycannata7241]

Thanks for bringing this album up Ben, forgot how GREAT of an album this was!!!!!

[@richieismyhero]

Thank you uncle Ben, it is an awesome album. So many great guitar parts on the album

[@flavy1000]

I've just followed that interview, hahah I was thinking about this when clicking, Ben!

[@flavy1000]

Pornographitti was one of those albums that were not easy to get in those 80´s so, as soon as I got some of the songs recorded by a friend on a cassette , and of course, that because I 've previously read the review from a local Magazine, I began to listen....and yes, this album blew my mind... Really forgot about it, except for some one or another live video that I found on YTube-- And of course, the eternal best balad with Gary Cherone..So, as soon as I new about the new record, (as I bet happened to nearly everyone ), I was "back on track " with Nuno.. He 's so a special human being , as I can see.. and a super, super musician! Glad he is back on the road! It's just now , that I can realize, how much of Van Halen's influence does he have!! Great stuff , as always, and the tabs, so necessary in this case...jaj Thanks , Ben!

[@OnlyAson]

0:32 that smile on those squeals is infectious

[@jeffpodrug8942]

I'll be honest. I didn't buy this album for over a year!! I didn't hear anything else, but More Than Words and Whole Hearted!! What an idiot I was smh.. NB is one of the most underrated guitarists in the world. Way to go, nailing this stuff, Ben!!💯🎸🤘❤️

[@christian-van-e]

And to think that Bettencourt was only 24 when this album was released, blows my mind.

[@sotirios6882]

Awesome breakdown n playing Ben 🤘. Nuno had a very percussive right hand. Props to him for giving his recognition to EVH. Along with him being one of his biggest influence n inspirations. Also his mention of Queens guitarist Brian May. His 2 biggest influences. Everyone go check out his interview with Rick Beato. For sure one of Rick's best interviews in my opinion. Like Ben said at the end of this video " Less Clickin More Pickin"

[@dustinwicksell9025]

Love this video - Nuno is criminally underrated, and always has been. So cool to see him getting recognition and great to see such a deep dive into a bucketful of amazing songs. The only song that would have made this record "more better" is "Am I ever gonna change" - but that should be a video unto itself. Awesome content as always Ben!

[@dragons_red]

No he's not, he's well know and loved by anyone who plays

[@nesaiamon8727]

Love playing along with this album! (what I can play anyway) it's just so much fun

[@JJohnson616]

Happy to hear some love for Pat too ❤

[@felipevalli]

Fantastic video, uncle Ben! The best! Keep rocking, dude!!!!!!!!

[@db9692]

Great video! SO Many riffs! That album is insane. It's also the best album to test out new speakers and set up EQ. I still have that magazine to this day!

[@Zed1984US]

I love to completely crank this album. Thanks for encouraging me to add some of these riffs to my vocab.

[@MrMetalhorse]

Dude, you blew my mind when you said that "slapping" the guitar like that was a totally foreign concept back then. I'm a young dude, so I never cared for more than words. I was always into the shredding but it doesn't even register with me that the slap thingy wasn't always thing. To me that's just how you play by yourself with no drums. That was day 1 stuff for me.

[@AlexanderScholten]

Amazing stuff - Again. Love you passion for the greats on guitar!

[@ivorlongshot]

The first 'solo' I heard from Nuno was the opening to Mutha & I was blown away with the speed of the Arpeggios, next was play with me, I had just started playing, I almost stopped there and then, ever since Nuno has created some of my favourite solos, his riffs aren't to shabby either.

[@rickfennell7849]

Damn bro. That tone is spot on. My favorite album 🤟🤟👍

[@DVincentW]

Micheal Hedges. His version of All Along the Watchtower is great. Excellent video and observations!

[@chadr2843]

Just wanted to make sure somebody acknowledged your awesome t shirt. As far as Nuno, he had and continues to have the same effect on me like he did you….

[@gcrauwels941]

Outstanding. You have inspired me to pick up my guitar today. Cool, didn't know you are from Morristown. Right up the road from here in Greeneville. Nuno and Ed's percussive sound is where it's at for me.

[@chuckn3579]

Always like your videos. I'm always impressed with the tone accuracy and the riff accuracy. I'm an 80's guitar player. Wish this video stuff was around when I was learning. So much great information for learning guitar.

[@dankas7470]

Nuno was a god to me when I was growing up and this album is an absolute killer, but for me personally "3 Sides..." is their masterpiece. I remember not rushing out and buying it when it first came out because I had read a negative review and I didn't want to be disappointed after loving Pornograffiti so much, Finally a friend took the plunge and bought it on cassette and It just blew me away, Warheads, Peacemaker Die and Cupids Dead, then rounding out the album with the Rise and Shine suite. I guess it just hit me at the right time in my life.

[@yonikup2865]

One of the album that influenced me the most, total masterpiece. So glad these days nuno is starting to get more and more attention, totally deserved, felt like for many years he somehow remained under the radar

[@tjacobs33]

Saw Extreme multiple times back in the day, one of my favorites in large part due to Nuno. One time was in an Atlanta bar called the Cotton Club, couple hundred people, sitting at a high-top table drinking long-neck Buds about 5 feet from the stage...King's X opened and next was a band I'd never heard of, touring in support their 1st album, called Alice in Chains. Suffice to say, that show was memorable.

[@PerryCodes]

Love that blue and pink Suhr!

[@chancecgbdingle5438]

Mine was 5150. I was playing guitar for 2 years before that. I thought this was impossible. Then live without a net came out on mtv around 89. I recorded it on vhs tape and that was it for me.🙏

[@MrShane5150]

Missed this when it first came out. Thank you Ben, next to Eddie, Nuno is my #2.

[@hayno7066]

Totally agree with you about this album’s importance. Been trying to nail Nuno’s playing ever since. I have that Vai cover magazine too 😊

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

I bought the tab book for this album not long after it came out. While those books are notoriously inaccurate there was enough there to get me in the right direction and I remember learning so much about rhythm playing. Up to then I had been obsessed with lead (like most new players). Nuno and Reb Beach were a godsend for rhythm playing. ... Also, that blue/pink Suhr is making me vibrate! 😉

[@dlemmenes]

Great video! I've always felt that the groove at the end of "When I'm President" was a head nod to Van Halen's "Growth " on Women and Children First.

[@CaseyFraysier-b7q]

Killer video!! Would love to see a Riff Retrospective of III Sides to Every Story

[@chrisstephenson3695]

I'm stuck on your channel brother, the guitar lessons lessons are second to none. .....you might be my favorite guitar youtouber plus Ola England very informative thank you

[@PaulLue]

Having So much fun with these riffs

[@leif.erikson9721]

You can learn so much from this album, Nuno sounds like EVH without sounding tacky like most 80s guys who copied his style

[@ibzmav]

Thank you, Uncle Ben this is one of the best videos you made \m/

[@thumbody1]

Every guitar player has their "Aha moment" albums or songs. Ones that really inspire them to take on this massive challenge of learning to play guitar. You absolutely MUST love it or you won't get very far. Thank you Ben for sharing yours. Nuno is a monster player. I have been playing guitar like a possessed madman since 1967 and have had a number of very influential songs and albums that kept me working very hard at learning to tame that monster. Love your channel. You always bring a smile to my face. You're a funny dude and are very talented.

[@wm-nu1yf]

I had been playing guitar for about 2 years when this and Passion and Warfare came out. Those two albums (plus And Justice for All) were my guitar bibles for years, and to a large extent still are. I had the tab books for all 3, and you know how accurate those were, but still managed to learn quite a bit.

[@jamesallanburruto]

Nice name drop! Andy Wood. lol You are a great player Ben and thank you for your in-depth analysis of great guitar parts.

[@BenEller]

Thanks! I play in Andy’s band and on his records. Stay tuned for a new release soon, I just finished all my bass tracks!

[@sheriewart8100]

Another great breakdown video by uncle

[@JamieSlays]

Your tone is great. This sounds amazing

[@BenEller]

Thanks buddy

[@bilbocarter7732]

Uncle Ben is KILLING IT!!!!! This and the Youthanasia rundown are just hittin' on all cylinders for me. Keep up the great work!!!!!

[@sd76-22]

Fantastic job. Nuno is unreal. That album was a game changer for me as well and still play it today. Playing those riffs just makes me want to sell my guitar hahaha he’s amazing.

[@mitchmalik8963]

Thank you for the in-depth lesson, sensei.