Breaking Down The "Minute By Minute" Piano Intro | Doobie Brothers Lesson

[@youngjr142]

Something fun to think about: The intro is 10 chords repeated 3 times. The left hand is playing those octaves in eighth notes under those chords, so that means 20 left hand notes for each 10 chord sequence, thus 60 notes total in the bass groove for the intro. Why would MM do that over a 6/8 groove? Well, the song IS called "Minute By Minute." He set us up musically for the song's title....60 seconds in a minute. And great lesson BTW!

[@louiegutierrez7929]

❤

[@goofe.washington953]

This is one of the best tutorials I’ve ever seen on KZbin - and I’ve been watching them for a very long time. Outstanding video.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@karenrt8076]

I totally agree. Outstanding. Subscribing.

[@gavinmacaulay5742]

Michael McDonald has always had an interesting personal idiosyncratic approach to his playing and harmonies. Add his simultaneous singing, especially during the verse, and u can see why its 'difficult' to parse this out. But thats exactly what makes it swing. And thats his unique gift and style. U always know MM when u hear him regardless of what context.

[@michaelgottlieb9083]

And Michael McDonald to my knowledge is self-taught and doesn't read music which gives hope to us all musicians who for whatever reason are also self-taught. You can still make magic happen while we're learning or not.

[@davidcortez3531]

Michael McDonald awesome piano player,, he's very own style,, that's what stands out.. one of the best

[@lionfeather]

I have to say you have to most clear teaching style! I'm just a lowly guitar player and I feel truly enlightened.

[@Bobstern]

Hey. Even MM has been playing a little guitar lately. He shouldn’t quit the day job. Lol 😆

[@bryandickerson5365]

I NEVER complained about hearing Mr McDonald! And after hearing this song a billion times and playing it (on sax) only a million times it’s cool to get schooled on the keyboard workings - thanks!

[@therealremo]

From the last 20 some years: THANK YOU!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@libertynow]

I’ll see you and raise you about 24 years. I tried learning this on my first Rhodes 3 years after the album came out. But I gave up. THANK YOU!

[@palmsofdestin1]

Try 40

[@marlonschmelling1052]

What an OUTSTANDING tutorial!!! This cannot be explained any better than what you did here. Thanks!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@onenightband3108]

a man who keeps his word after the rhodes video! Just keep leaning on that beautiful epiano and get funky for us!!!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Always!!

[@davegarski1548]

"Minute by minute" is one of my all time favorite albums. Such fantastic music. Excellent lesson.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@DrLumpyDMus]

Thanks for doing all the transcribing and analyzing. Then thanks all over again for putting it into such a comfortable learning format. Bravo sir!

[@thekeysman1]

Excellent playing, love this as well. It Keeps You Runnin,

[@jonnuanez7183]

This is probably the best lesson I've seen on this. Thanks!!!

[@danielstosur5961]

Between your channel and the guys over on Open Studio, I am spoiled for choice with quality instruction! Awesome stuff.

[@richardbergermusic]

this is super helpful - -amazing thank you

[@GovernorSilver]

Great breakdown! Looking forward to the followup Minute By Minute lesson, especially the quick and tricky passing chord sequence during the "I'll be holding on" part of the chorus

[@marksoutherland7225]

Absolutely outstanding….!

[@keinname629]

Excellent explanation - even for non-pianists. Big thanx!

[@TheSaundra1965]

When will the other tutorial come

[@davidcortez3531]

Back in the days I had an electric Fender Rhodes and I love it,, but Michael McDonald an extraordinary piano player the best

[@cjbankston]

Wonderful tutorial for this song. I've been struggling with this song for some time now in fact minute by minute but have learn a lot by watching your video. I plan to keep watching and now with more confidence. Thanks a million Pierre.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

So glad it's helpful!

[@acimbobby]

Great Pierre, MM is always brilliant, your breakdown is very clear and spot on, and the sound of the Rode's electric piano is always one of the best.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Many thanks!

[@MJ1]

I’m old enough to remember when Congress mandated Michael McDonald get played at least every 22 minutes on every radio format. Then came Duran Duran and we all wondered why we complained.

[@DrLumpyDMus]

The "Hall and Oats" amendment cleared up all of that.

[@goofe.washington953]

@@DrLumpyDMus You guys are hilarious. Excellent.

[@goofe.washington953]

Funny, funny comment.

[@Cyberbronco]

One of those songs that’s easier to pick up on by ear than it is to read, if you have that gift.😁

[@percywalker3960]

Facts

[@DrLumpyDMus]

Students in music colleges have been learning to listen to and transcribe recorded music for at least half a century. That is exactly what our video host has done so well. Essentially the entire basis for advanced music education is to learn to "Hear it - Play it". Reading only serves to enhance that. Reading does not ritard or interfere with that.

[@fastlane1409]

@@DrLumpyDMusand in another video where he said musicians could have several different ways of income. If you can read music and have good sight reading skills, you could accompany graded instrumentalists for their exams, accompany ballet exams, accompany choirs, do musical theatre where great volumes of music is required in a short time. If you play an orchestral instrument, you could play in sessions which do film music. Above examples, besides teaching, are great ways for a steady income. Then if you have your evenings open, do fun gigs.

[@DreamsongsProductions]

I'm a guitars player but have to play keyboards on all my productions so this was a great lesson. You're a great player but mostly a great teacher with an easy to understand teaching style. Great work! Subbed...

[@johnventura1637]

this was an awesome lesson

[@alexhudson97]

Thank you so much for another brilliant video. This was one of those songs that, despite good intentions, I never got around to learning. Retired muso now, but will definitely be using your video to remedy the situation. You’re a great teacher 😊

[@aimeebozarth2987]

Thanks for this demystifying tutorial! Happy I stumbled upon your channel, Pierre-I’ll be coming back for more!

[@monkyman404]

When you play it isolated it sounds like a lost Steely Dan/Donald Fagan classic.

[@jillpaige4205]

Very useful explanation and instruction.

[@GerardGarcia-v6c]

Great job and explanation Pierre! Can you do a tutorial on I can let go now from Michael McDonald that’s a great piece of music

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I'd love to!

[@ntsikelelomichaelmarwanqa761]

Pierre this is very good please finish this song

[@unc1589]

It’s still so frikin weird. I spent years never finding the “one”. The right hand sucks you into 4/4 time but you never land in the right spot. Thanks man

[@hansmeisterschulz5941]

Really a great teaching experience! Thank you so very much! Blessings to you and your music ministry

[@davidcortez3531]

The honest god-given truth I have learned a lot of Michael McDonald thank you brother

[@bigronmas3113]

Simply amazing 👏

[@markdavenport2613]

I was just thinking about this a few days ago and wanted to learn how to finally play this. Thank you!

[@crabbinmoose8583]

For the drum intro, I never understood (until now) that resting for a full 6 measures in for the timing resolution to be set with McDonald's rhodes piano introduction, is critical to the song's beat and how the 2 bass eighth notes and quarter note chords both successfully complement each other in their carousel effect which gets us to the 6:8 timing throughout the remainder of the song How cool is that little piece of musical-mathematics? That timing trickery here is smooth. pure genius! 😊

[@tehedx]

Great video and of course, great intro! Thanks!!

[@winip9261]

To have both the gift of playing music and teaching to the level that you have is truly amazing. Thank you for this and the many other videos of yours that I've had the chance to learn from.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Very kind, thanks for watching!!

[@MrAlans123]

Just an outstanding tutorial. Well-paced, totally clear. Way better than other tutorials on this intro found on the internet.

[@skipskiperton4992]

fantastic... I would love it if you did the same with the Doobie brothers/Michael McDonald tune "Here to love you" it's got a great piano intro

[@robinswenson2958]

EXCELLENT tutorial vid! Well played and clearly presented...

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thanks! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@barryklaus]

“What A Fool Believes” next, please!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

It'll happen! :)

[@TheDive25]

@@pierrejpiscitelli yes please.. I'm a guitar player who bought a piano just to learn What a Fool Believes.. and the title says it all. Brutal piano piece.. I've always dreamed of Beato breaking it down but they didn't even touch it in the interview. My favorite pop song ever.. Thank you in advance and I'm loving this video.. McD is my all time favorite.

[@FrankCoppolaADHD]

Thank you Pierre. That was an amazing instruction of a song I long to learn. Can't wait for the next lession. I'll be watching. Thnak you again

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@EricJames4816]

Thank you Pierre. I’ve been trying to learn this for a while now and I have seen many videos but yours is the best for me. It’s seems to work with the way I learn.

[@JPLodine]

Fantastic breakdown of this awesome and heretofore mystifying intro! Just discovered your channel & subscribed immediately!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@_LifeIsGood]

I'm a subscriber. May you please make a full tutorial of the entire song? Thank you from an American living in Portugal.

[@oldmannewman]

Wonderfully explained! Thank you!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🙏🏻

[@prestonlloyd8687]

well explained Pierre how you demonstrated and even better explain the nuances and embellishments that defines this classic michael mcdonald piano parts to this classic doobie brothers tune.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thanks!

[@layagroove]

Fantastic!

[@davidguthrie3739]

Great lesson!

[@cali3168]

Fantastic lesson. Subbed.

[@dougtravins9624]

Lifetime bass/guitar player...lovin your videos. Keep it up!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@vincentguarino4262]

Thanks for the refresher course, I learned this way back when it was a hit, and I haven't played it since then! Lol, when I first learned it back then, it seemed a bit overwhelming. Now, after years of playing and your awesome lesson, it's easier than I first thought. Thanks again! 🤛🏽🎹☮️

[@magustin]

Great tutorial. I've been wanting to learn this. Many thanks for your hard work.

[@larrysanchez1635]

Thank you! I wish this video was around 6 years ago when I was hashing out this song it was very challenging I don’t read music so I learned it by ear I played it one time live and never did it again because I screwed it up mainly no confidence, but I’ve tried to keep up with playing the intro when I get a chance , long story short I was in a very bad car accident, now trying to get back at it, there’s a few other videos on this tune everyone has a little different approach for me you’ve made it the easiest to understand straight end out a few chords I’m ready to get back at it thank you appreciate teachers like you, even though I’ve been at it a long time always great to have some help

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

So glad it was helpful!

[@larrysanchez1635]

@@pierrejpiscitellidid you ever make a part 2 w the rest of the song ?

[@davidbaise5137]

Thanks for this! Great piano sound, BTW.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thanks! "The Famous E Electric Piano" is the plugin :)

[@pinnaclepropertiesinc5622]

Awesome, Pierre! You amaze me Keep it up!

[@robertcameronjones]

I have never seen a better lesson in my life for any instrument. I'm going to throw a request out there which is way off the wall for your consideration. Do the solo Bill Murray plays in Groundhog Day. It's complex enough to be interesting.

[@criticaltinkering]

Brilliant!

[@TheGigmiester101]

Superb lesson…I will never have that much coordination in my life 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

It takes years-- keep going!

[@Wayne_Robinson]

Thanks, this prompted me to pull out my (virtual) Rhodes and learn it.

[@tam_ryan1036]

What an eye opener. As a drummer I knew it was six eight but the way he plays the intro, particularly that Doobies open air Santa Monica concert, is just SO two four with the changes it immediately throws me off. Even with a click it’s hard to stay rooted. Gonna give your idea of grouping the intro vamp into threes and see if my brain grasps it. Thank you! 🙏 Liked and subbed. 😎

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Exactly right! Glad it was helpful, and thanks!

[@dougwintersbks]

Excellent lesson. There was something crazy familiar about you I couldn’t put my finger on until I caught your name. I used to work with your parents for years. I actually remember when you were born. Yeah, I’m old. Give your folks my best, Doug Winters

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Wow, Doug! I remember you very well. I was at your son's bar mitzvah (I think?) and made many trips to your office as a kid. I will say hello. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@kimhebert9905]

You do a wonderful job on Your Videos 👍🎶

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thank you very much!

[@h3studio]

Amazing instruction on one of my all time favorite grooves , by my hero . Thank you from bottom of my heart - will be practicing this for next month !

[@markmallinder7618]

Thanks. That was awesome!

[@mynameisnicke]

Fantastic, Pierre! Thanks for the great lesson. When can we expect the follow up? :)

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I never thought to do one, but you're not the first to ask so maybe I should!!

[@mynameisnicke]

@@pierrejpiscitelliConsidering what you said 16:17 i had my hopes up! Take your time, enjoying the rest of your content meanwhile ✌️

[@STUDIORPM]

Thank you for this… would love to see the intro to ‘Here to love you’ from the same album.

[@paulsecomb7605]

Awesome, thank you Pierre. Excellent lesson, well done!😎

[@stefanwirz821]

Whooow!!! These first 5 Minutes finally cleared my view on one of my favorite songs ever....!!! [heading back to my keyboard again!!] *gg* Merci beaucoup & Thank you, Pierre!!!!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Glad it helped!!

[@BailenTheBand]

How many times did we play this in a row? I'm your biggest fan!!!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Maybe 7,000 times? ❤️

[@steveng1427]

A lesson on King of Pain by The Police. It's probably easy, but really cool.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Excellent breakdown!

[@peterjamero8799]

Awesome Pierre, i just discovered your channel. I've always loved this into. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly. I can't wait to attempt to tackle this!

[@TPBass1224]

This is fantastic. Thanks so much.

[@dallasfan]

Well done!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MackAxyzz]

very cool stuff; thanks brother...'what a fool believes' might be another good one?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Totally!

[@MackAxyzz]

@@pierrejpiscitelli your choice/taste in material and ability to explain are indeed awesome...maybe someday we can share notes regarding burt bacharach or stevie wonder songs/chord structrues also ha...blessings to you always amigo ✌😎

[@castle1925]

The intro chord sequence does not line up in 6/8. Instead, it hits beat 3 on the first repeat and beat 6 on the second repeat. But, it's also strange in a quarter note interpretation, requiring a 10/4 time signature. You can hear this by counting three bars of 10/4 before the song modulates to 12/8. Stravinsky would be proud.

[@dominy7305]

It's a pure 6/8, Bro. It seems like confusion, but it's a pure 6/8. Just that the end of chords cycle are not matching with the first beat aid the measure.😇

[@castle1925]

@@dominy7305 Your theory doesn't fit the facts or the feel. You obviously didn't try counting it out in 10/4, which both fits the feel and phrase ends. Try it.

[@byron92870]

Thank you!

[@jwilder2251]

Great stuff! Would love to see a breakdown of the organ intro on Led Zep “Your Time Is Gonna Come”, seems like you can figure out anything!

[@batolurio4047]

Jackson Brown solo acoustic "sombody's baby" please

[@batolurio4047]

Jackson Brown solo acoustic Vol 2 "somebody's baby" that is, thanks

[@Eiliyah107]

You did that! 👏🏼

[@waynemiller6070]

The hard part about getting the groove is that the song fades in, and it's hard to hear when it starts, so it's hard to get it in sync unless you turn your volume up (to eleven) :) to catch the beginning of the intro.

[@grantwatson8059]

The hemiola - a feeling of "two" within a piece in "three". Brahms used it a lot.

[@joejohnson4423]

I'm not great at counting but I tried to figure that out a few years ago while I was driving in 4/4 time or 4/8 time and there was always some left over like half measure or some short. I was like what is that partial measure it does LOL

[@michaeldavedizon]

So next tut will be "What a Fool Believes"? Pleeeease and thank ya! ;)

[@curiouscurious6558]

really well explained, also the chord pattern I think may be 10 long ( not 9 which would make it feel more natural) and accenting bass notes 1 the 7, then 13, then there are 7 more bass notes in the pattern before it repeats. ( i think gulp). or right hand, 123 123 1234 123 123 1234 123 123 1234 Dm lol great post we appreciate you!

[@dennyps1]

I was looking to get this awesome tune down by Michael Mc Donald and stumbled upon your channel, and by far, your tutorial is the best on this classic. Thank you for this it really helped! You've gained a new sub. Have you, by chance, broken down "Taking it to the streets" by Michael Mc Donald? That's another awesome tune by him. Either way, thanks again.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I haven't but I LOVE that song. Thanks for subscribing, and welcome!

[@joesamm1190]

Have you done What a Fool Believes?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Not yet. Should I?

[@joesamm1190]

@@pierrejpiscitelli Yes, why not

[@CM_STILL_PLAYING]

Love it❤

[@JimmyFields-rm2zo]

GThanks for this!

[@Asalgod]

Great man. Aloha from Maui

[@Bobstern]

Thank you! Phew.

[@RandyPiscione]

Very cool, thanks! I lifted this one, "What a Fool Believes" and a few others when this album first came out, and I was much younger and had much better ears. Recently, I did some drums for it just for fun, using an Alesis SR-16. Ended up doing it as a shuffle in 4/4, it was just easier, but the end result is the same. I was wondering what you are using for a phase shifter, it sounds great! I always assumed Michael used a Mu-Tron BiPhase originally.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Absolutely, 12/8 or triplets in 4/4 are fine! I used 6/8 since I’ve heard Michael McDonald say that a few times, and wanted to be respectful towards him. I would bet he used a Phase 90, Mutron, or small stone. I used a Phase 90 here! Thanks again for watching.

[@RandyPiscione]

@@pierrejpiscitelli Thanks for the quick reply. I only did the 4/4 thing to make it easy on the drum machine but agree with it being 6/8. Michael has been one of my keyboard heroes (along with Rick Wakeman) for a very long time.

[@larrymcniff1232]

Great tutorial and easy to follow! One quick question if you don’t mind. What Rhodes emulation or Rhodes model are you using for that sound? I’ve tried several, but can’t seem to find a similar sound? Thanks

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thanks! I'm using "The Famous E Electric Piano." It's by far my favorite!

[@tedl7538]

More accurately the song is in 12/8. Listen to the melodic phrasing once the drums begin. Even more logically, the song is in 4/4, with an emphasis on eighth note triplets. The intro is quarter note triplets (which land on every other eighth note triplet). With that mindset, the transition from keyboard intro to groove with drums sounds completely natural. Now what did the Doobies do to mess with the minds of listeners? They faded in the start to create ambiguity, so you're likely unmoored when the drums kick in.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

You know, I prefer 12/8 or 4/4 as well. Just respecting Mike McDonald and the Doobies who repeatedly claim that their thinking and intent are 6/8. I agree with you though.

[@tedl7538]

@@pierrejpiscitelli Cool Pierre, thanks for the response. Our musical minds think alike. Also, I just amended my post to correctly mention eighth and quarter note triplets. Love your channel ♥

[@aimeebozarth2987]

@tedl7538 thank you for mentioning the quarter note triplet feel of the intro-really helped my classical brain to hear what’s happening.

[@petenas4404]

hard enuff playing ,Michael is @##& singing!

[@thomasgore2687]

Can you say how your Rhodes is set up for that sound?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I'm using a plugin here called "The Famous E Electric Piano." But normally my Rhodes just goes in directly into an SSL interface with a bit of reverb. That's it!

[@thomasgore2687]

@@pierrejpiscitelli thank you Sounds great