British guitarist reacts to Yngwie Malmsteen's CRAZY arpeggio's!

Tonight I'm taking a look at the legend, and potentially the fastest in the world, Yngwie Malmsteen!
Original video - • Video
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[@epic103]

Nobody was playing like Yngwie 35 years ago. His picking, tone, vibrato, and overall technique was by far the best. He influenced everyone that came after him. He's what you call a game changer, just like Hendrix and EVH before him. When Yngwie hit the scene in 1983 he took them all out, no one could touch him. His vibrato and technique was unmatched. Malmsteen influenced everyone that came after him including Jason Becker, Guthrie Govan, Paul Gilbert, Michael Romeo, Kelly Simonz, Joe Stump and just about every shredder that exist today. Here's what Slash and Steve Vai said about Yngwie. Slash: Yngwie literally blew my mind when he came on the LA music scene in the early 80's. the fastest & most articulate, fluid, melodic, classical based rock guitarist I'd ever heard. Still the best at what he does all these years later. Steve Vai: When Yngwie Malmsteen hit the scene in the early 80's it was as if a monolith appeared. He was playing electric rock guitar in a way that seemed completely unearthly and had to be seen to be believed. His tone was pristine and powerful, his vibrato, intonation and control was stunning, His harmonic and melodic sensibilities were unique, his emotional investment in his melodies was captivating, and his sheer speed and technical command of the instrument was utterly breathtaking to the point of frightening for some. He absolutely set a standard of virtuosity on the instrument that has yet to be matched. He was a breath of visceral fresh air that inspired the movement of a whole new subculture of music. He was always unequivocally and unquestionably dedicated to his passions and delivered without any excuses. And since then, the bastard has just been getting better!"

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he was one of those game changers!

[@basedsalty6970]

That was really well said... you must be a fan and a musician

[@christiansyversen3935]

epic103 Don’t disagree, just feel like Randy Rhoads should be mentioned alongside EVH, especially because of his classical background:)

[@mariorabottini5687]

I remember buying live in Japan in 1983 I think I watched that video 3 times that day!!! I just couldn't believe how good Yngwie was and still is!!!! Apart from his amazing guitar playing he had a presence all of his own!!!!!

[@CVGuitar]

Uli Jon Roth and Al DiMeola both were shredding way before Yngwie -- hell check out Django: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoLLhaOdnsiXrpY&ab_channel=EuroArtsChannel

[@t-boog2173]

I've heard so many people say that Yngwie's playing lacks emotion but IMO, it's DRIPPING with emotion. I think it's just too high information for most listeners. However, it must be said that many famous players in the 80's tried to rip off Yngwie and though many were super fast/ high info, NONE of them could touch Yngwies musicality! Not to mention, Yngwie wrote killer songs and his tone was stellar. And like EVH, Yngwie wasn't just the creator of an amazing & super original style that everyone wanted to copy, he was also the master of it and no player who came after him could do it as well. (Don't make me unleash the fury!)

[@dragongamer4753]

I know this is an old comment but i would argue that timo tolkki from stratovarius does it just as well if not better sometimes. stratosphere and speed of light are two of their best songs, also give black diamond a listen.

[@malawigw]

@@dragongamer4753 what do you think about Tolkkis vibrato? ;)

[@dragongamer4753]

@@malawigw holy shit. I just listened to stratosphere and i realized he uses almost none.

[@clFer777]

YJM has a lot of subtles that gives emotions but are too subtle for many

[@malawigw]

@@dragongamer4753 almost none? I would say no vibrato at all. But he can pull that off and is what makes Tolkki unique imo

[@t-boog2173]

There is no conparison!!! Yngwie's speed is only one snall aspect of his outstanding musicality. Just his Blues playing blows 99% of other players away. He's also a great riff writer, lyric writer, songwriter, composer, etc, etc. The list goes on & on. Angelo simply plays fast. ...There's not much more to say about him.

[@freyakenny6057]

You are so right my friend.

[@jamesprytz4971]

Jason Becker 😉

[@DrumWild]

Yngwie always has that sounds that says, “I gotta slay a dragon outside the castle.”

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@melvynobrien6193]

And I'm going to use every fucking arrow I have, even if I don't need to.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

@@melvynobrien6193 Build an arrow ladder and they will come.

[@t-boog2173]

The cover of Trilogy says it all. IMO, it's also his greatest album by far. It's all killer, no filler with solos that burst with emotion. It's Yngwie's masterpiece.

[@stephenpemberton9943]

🤣✌💛🤘

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Keep in mind, this isn't really a song, but a practice drill they he devised. His songs are more dynamic. My wife and I actually used his song Dreaming (Tell Me) for our first dance at our wedding. Beautiful song!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool! Yeah this was just requested 👍

[@deldia]

Some of his songs. A minority are stunning. Most are crap.

[@ElevatedLevetator]

His 6 first albums are full of amazing songs. People dont know! Its a shame

[@deldia]

@Patridge same for Vai. He’s done some amazing stuff. Plenty of shite.

[@flipfloplogic]

Whats amazing to me is how fast he is playing and yet the sound is still clean. The notes are very clear like he hit every one exactly how he wanted to play it. One more thing, his fingers don't seem to move as fast as I'm hearing the notes.

[@adamrasmussen9939]

Thats the beautiful part of sweep picking, you can almost just hold a chord shape, and mute the string just after you play it, (so it doesn't ring out with the other notes, creating a chord). So his left hand can basically move the minimal amount required, and his right hand just basically does a (relatively) slower sweeping motion over the strings, either top to bottom, or bottom to top. Either way, you typically are going to be reversing the motion once you reach either top or botton string limit. This is what gives the notes an almost 'rolling' sound, he only hits each string once during each sweep. Its really hard to just explain it. I 'know how' to sweep pick, but Im just so poor at pulling it off, it doesnt sound right, so I usually stick to just throwing in a quick 3-5 note one way sweep here and there sometimes when Im playing around.

[@joshuawarren3418]

I feel like the great composers would tell Yngwie he’s a prodigy of music, that he has the soul of a musical deity. Meanwhile, the KZbin comment sections identify soul with commonly placed musicians. Yngwie gave birth to the entire genre of shred, so don’t go comparing him to anyone. He’s the progenitor.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@valkirionwolfsong1600]

Every time I've watched Yngwie I always got the vibe of the classical composers that were on the cutting edge of their time. Just something about him, the way he acts, talks, plays, I don't know exactly but that's what always came to mind. Always put him in his own class because while I admit I'm not a follower of this kind of music I do listen to a little bit of everything and he always just stood out, like he was in a completely different place talent wise.

[@themotie]

Exactly. People say this or that guitar player is awesome. But how many have defined a genre? In rock/metal it's three. It's Hendrix, it's van Halen and it's Malmsteen. Everyone else is just along for the ride.

[@jerryjonesjr6668]

Thank you for displaying yngwie..and for all the breakdown and advice from your commentary..love what your doing brother!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@rjc7289]

One thing I like about Yngwie's style, aside from his insane shredding, is something few people ever talk about, and that's how he can create melodic riffs and solos from patterns that would sound only like mindless scalar runs from other players. The intro to this song is proof of that. Sure, he's blazing through those diminished and harmonic minor scales, but they sound like very memorable melodies too. It also goes to show how razor-sharp his timing and sense of rhythm is.

[@michaelmoore7975]

Guys like Ygwie, Vai, Satch, etc. are chasing their own muse; a quest for a certain satisfaction within themselves, you and I are just witnesses......But like Steve said, "It would be nice to sell some records too."

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Yngwie Malmsteen is on on a whole different level. A unique and one of a kind guitarist. So many different approaches to the guitar, but Yngwie stands out. Cheers Fil!

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

Personally I don't like him, i but yes, you are correct.

[@michaelmelick8015]

Dwayne Wladyka I've seen him live a few times and have had the pleasure of meeting him. I've heard stories of him being dick but the guy was super nice to me,even gave me his autograph on my arm,the next day I had it tattooed there permanently lol

[@markbouquet1316]

Yawn. Everything sounds the same. Even at G3 the best song was when Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai did Shy Boy. Before that, everyone was getting bored.

[@soloparaplaystation6624]

@@markbouquet1316 bored why!?

[@Frazer777]

When I heard the solo in 'I Am A Viking' life changed forever after. I love Yngwie's playing and I love his no compromise attitude to everything and anyone who gets in his way. Anyone who remembers the 1980s will remember every rock guitarist sounding like an Eddie Van Halen clone: ' Tap tap tap' everywhere you went... And then this bloke appeared and turned everything on its head. Cheers, Yngwie... So glad I was at an age where I could really appreciate what you were doing.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@ALEXISGNFR]

Sad thing is that after the car crush he never really recover. I am a viking solo is just before that accident ....

[@mariorabottini5687]

Love or hate him!!!! Yngwie is a guitar virtuoso !!! I have seen him live on 2 occasions and man unbelievable, honestly!!! And his guitar sound is awesome !!! The father of Neo classical guitar!!!! Stands true to his beliefs!!!!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@MarcoPolo-je5ej]

I saw Yngwie Malmsteen in 1985 in a small club with Talas.. featuring a young Billy Sheehan on bass and vocals. 🤘

[@artiemeloney9302]

Me too.....in Passaic NJ

[@jazzcat8786]

Marco Polo saw him in 85 too; he opened for AC/DC Boston Garden

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@luisvillarreal5262]

I remember watching Y.J.M, (Rising Force tour) @ the Ritz Theater in Corpus Christi, Texas with Talas with Marcel Jacobs in 1985. Funny thing about that night. We followed the band to their hotel where we hung out with the keyboard player, drummer and bass player. They were very hungry after the show, so they asked us where the nearest fast food restaurant was. We ended up taking them to a Whataburger. As they ate, they spoke with us at the hotel parking lot. Yngwie with girlfriend? and Jeff Scott Soto went straight on in to the hotel after shaking our hands. Very awesome guys.🎸👍

[@lanceross3633]

I saw him with Alcatraz at a club in Dallas in 1983 or 84,stunning ability at such a young age. I think he was 19 at that time. He gave me a pick during the show,still have it,it has grooves worn in it from the strings and his intense picking motion.

[@nirradyen-tolobaz3727]

The"Nicolo Paganini"of our time!Malmsteems mastery of the harmonic minor relates to the manic violinist of the post Baroque period ,women claimed they could see flames from his hands and his technique was described as diabolical 18 century classical!

[@scottricklaroque7428]

Yngwie told Steve Vai that he liked scalloped necks because it let him "grab a note by the balls". lol

[@MrClassicmetal]

Even though he plays so damn fast, every single note really pops out and rings like a bell. And that vibrato is phenomena.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@charliesworld7177]

Yngwie’s string height is 6-7mm on the low strings and 4-6 mm on the higher, he said that in his recent masterclass

[@nikospaleologos3907]

His right hand is the Guitar God hand...so relaxed, effortless, smooth

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

That man is a force of nature. A machine. A maestro..

[@K1N1-i6g]

Mike seems to play like a machine, he has the most structured and most efficient technique that allows him to play the fastest and the most accurate he can. Yngwies technique, whilst still solid, looks more effortless and laid back, whilst still being very fast and accurate. both get the job done extremely well but I have to say Yngwie looks alot cooler whilst playing in my opinion. Its like he can play that fast just because HES A GOD where i see mike as a genius who has developed scientifically the best technique to maintain his speed.

[@oddgreen]

I get why people who doesn't know more about Yngwie thinks he has no feeling.. but if you really listen through his albums he has soooo much feeling and soul.

[@alfahound664]

I never knew you did Mr.Malmsteen.. anyway, I was 14 when I first heard him, mid 80`s, he literally commanded you to be better or give up, he turned the guitar world upside down. love him or hate him, he is modern-day Beethoven.. awesome, I been a huge fan since that day

[@wolfgang4136]

You nailed it Fil. I dig your appreciation of all avenues. You are a door opener. Tastes are different from one person to the next. I have learned to respect and try to take what I can from all genres, especially as I’ve gotten older. Don’t get me wrong, I can be an opinionated Ahole at times but I try to catch myself more these days. Your insight can be applied to all aspects of life, not just guitar playing and music. Awesome 👏

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks! Yeah no discrimination here, just rock n roll!

[@seanmiller7889]

I've had just a few 'Woah who the hell is that!' Musical moments. The 1st time I heard Yngwie was 'Black Star' and it absolutely blew me away. Of course that was followed by 'Far Beyond the Sun'. Mind blown!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@wandatowellable]

Truth!

[@stevej.1428]

Mine was hearing Hot on Your Heals and the insane opening solo. Totally F'ed me up forever after that.

[@ronaldhendricks3876]

Yngwie’s fingers and hands move so efficiently. You barely see them move. Everything is short with ZERO wasted effort. Alot of players have speed. However, very few can make playing that fast look that controlled and casual. It isnt exactly my cup of tea, but Mr. Malmsteen is absolutely unreal from a technical perspective.

[@MrAxe-ij4gq]

Yngwie are a legend from Sweden ! Jag är 50 å älskar hans musik - kör på med bra musik mannen !!!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

🤘

[@stevetrivago]

One of my sons favorites... Celebrating his life today by listening to some Yngwie .. ✊🏼☮️

[@nvvam7597]

His technique, speed, clean tone, vibrato, is off the charts.. I believe he is the most technically gifted guitar player ever, or at least among well known guitarists. What he is doing is difficult but he makes it look simple just because he is so good.

[@dimitriid]

Ok now *this* is Neoclassical player I can get behind: Yngwie unleashing the fucking fury! Seriously his lines on this types of videos are still a bit on the showy side but he always made it a point to write full fledged albums and songs outside of his instructional (read: show off) videos. Also as long as we're on the neoclassical shredders subject, maybe a Jason Becker video he is out of this world as well.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah will do!

[@johnedaugherty1642]

Marching Out!!

[@Chris741113]

I've tried Yngwies signature strat several times and the action are always high, now maybe his own strat has a lower action but from the factory they are set up with a high action. The scalloped fretboard is hard to play fast on actually. Yngwie himself says he likes the scalloped board because it aids his vibrato, gives him more control of the string while bending, not because it's faster

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@poulwinther]

No, Yngwie is known for super high action.

[@Apacheviking1961]

I met Yngwie in 1983 at the holiday inn down town Chicago we became instant best Viking friends!!! I have a tape of him and played it for him. Yngwie told me it is his sister playing a Bach baroque number with him on acoustic guitar sister on flute. While partying with him all night I said Yngwie you have not wrote a song about Vikings? Yngwie said nothing looked at me like ok I will get Bach to you. The album after the first album rising force was marching out he wrote I am a Viking..Critics have said it’s his best song he ever wrote.. Fil excellent job on your analysis of my Viking friend Yngwie, he’s one heck of a funny guy a real character who can do lots of the monty python perfectly. My friend RIP Dan Wendt with my guidance took Yngwies playing style and blew it up to a point of being the greatest guitarist that ever walked the planet. earth. Dan Wendt RIP and I are from Milwaukee. Dan has you tube videos monster guitar under his bands name Cobalt Fur enjoy please!!!!.....

[@jonrocker1983]

Yngwie s right hand is all about finger picking..he doesn't use his arm and he absolutely doesn't use his wrist..BUT...but what it makes the difference between him and the others is the attitude...the way he vibrates and hi touch..that why is way beyond other "fast" players

[@rodolfopuentejrrodolfo2972]

He is a Guitar God He made Neo classical Change or better yet he Created it Uli I think was one of the first but Not Yngwie He mastered his creation A trure guitarist

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I played the YJM fender Strat custom with a scalloped board and his 8-54" custom guage string set and I can absolutely tell you it was much more difficult to play especially keeping control of the tuning. I was a bit hopeless with bending as the heavy low strings required more power in my fingers to do wide vibrato and then in a split second I'm up on the high B and E strings and over bending was a real issue for me... also. I realised it was not something I could get used to in a few days of getting familiar with the guitar like switching from an Ibanez wizard neck to a Jackson chunkier feel. The guitar felt quite alien for me and the Pups were low output but massively responsive to how hard you hit the string. Side note the high end twang on this guitar was God dam delicious to play through as I'm used to my Gibson M-III with Gibson made very high output ceramic humbuckers which are the other side of the universe comparatively. Even fretting chords down in their open positions would pull sharp for me but trying vibrato in a linear movement was wonderful rather than up/down as we all usually do was more like a violin sound but much better a result than my other guitars. The most awesome guitar I have owned and played is my Gibson M-III deluxe but I have to say the YJM strat is a gorgeous guitar even though a fair bit more difficult to wrap my head and fingers around. For Yngwie its the perfect guitar obviously but for anyone else its a strange beauty and beast. One of the things that has always stood out to me regarding Yngwie's playing is his flawless bending and intonation and after playing his creation or part of, shows me Yngwie's genius which is his total command of this guitar.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah it certainly takes time to get used to, I have played scalloped before but prefer the feel of a fretboard.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I've only tried the Yngwie signature strat once, and I thought it was one the most comfortable guitars I've ever played. I suppose I play with a light touch, because I had no problem with playing in tune, although I can see how a ham-fisted player might run into problems with it fast. Not saying you're ham-fisted, by the way...

[@siriusfun]

I have both. They're tools, and it definitely takes some getting used to going back and forth. I liken it to speaking several languages.

[@michellemondragon2400]

Yngwie's favorite musicians were Bach and Paganini and it shows!! I saw Yngwie at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco back in 1986 on his Rising Force Tour! He was amazing!

[@w13rdguy]

One thing about a scalloped fretboard; If you press beyond the fret, you are, in effect, executing a bend, and if you rapidly vary the pressure, you are adding vibrato.

[@TANTRUMGASM]

I have been scalloping fretboards professionally for 25 years, i know many , many players who play them......the pressure it takes to push a string to bend on a Scalloped fretboard is extreme, ..literally nobody does this....when people say,"Yea but if you push too hard wont it push it out of tune"?? And i say "Show me what you mean" and they cant do it...much easier to do a traditional bend/vibrato.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah I've played scalloped in the past, I think if you have a natural 'touch' and appreciation for dynamics in your general playing, you'll naturally play as hard or light as is required.

[@w13rdguy]

@@TANTRUMGASM Touche'. Thanks for an informed response! I just wouldn't put anything past Yngwe, whatever he has to do to get the sound he wants.

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

Yngwie often gets mashed up together with the "shredders". I don't believe that is exactly correct. He is much more than that. Don't forget that he has been writing songs for his band since late 70s. Check out instrumental "brothers" and the song "you don't remember, I'll never forget". You will see what melodies he wrote.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah I don't refer to him as a shredder really!

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

Nah, i didn't say you did. I was just referring to what happens in general.

[@peevee605]

Yngwwie had a car crash which messed up nerves and he could not play well with the picking hand. So he switched to 2 mm plectres and developed an even better picking technique than before,

[@stratounchain8402]

I'am agree, but I think it's Jim Dunlop 1,5mn. From France! 🎼🎸

[@danbee998]

I'll go as far as to say what MAB and Yngwie did for electric guitar, Paganini did for violin. Paganini had Marfan Syndrome, so he had a natural advantage to playing what he composed.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@1492dt]

Please examine and/or comment on Jason Becker's Paganini's 5th Caprice, fr. his private tape made before onset of ALS at around age 21-22: his speed, technical ability, initiative and where he might have gone as a guitarist if not for the onset of the disease at such a young age.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah will do, it's on my list ☺

[@mariorabottini5687]

So true!!!! Jason Beckers ability was absolutely amazing !!! To be struck with ALS at his age is truly saddening !! Unfortunately robbed of showing the world how talented he was!!! I watched him playing a solo in cacophony with a yo yo in hi right hand while his left was playing legato runs!!!! Mind blowing!!!!!!

[@vorpalblades]

@@mariorabottini5687 He still releases music. It's actually much better than the older stuff. I was never that impressed with his guitar playing.

[@finnp.7170]

Dennis Johnson I my opinion Becker was(and actually still is) far more talented than Yngwie.

[@rogerrussian9750]

Yes Fil ! My sentiments exactly, great video as usual, all the best mates cheers.

[@Skypor]

Thanks for the video, Fil. I just wanna add that there's a video out there where Yngwie praises Al Di Meola but says he can never pick like Al (without anchoring his hand on the bridge) so yeah different strokes, dude!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@beachgirl4583]

My mom and I were just listening to Al!

[@spotsthecat7913]

The funny thing is, while i love yngwie more, Al Di Meola's picking mechanics suits me better! the only difference is that i hold the pick upwards rather than downwards 😂

[@Michael-mm3fm]

Enam Khan I remember back in the 80s...or was it 90s...my guitar playing friend played me a VCR of McLaughlin, de Lucia and di Meola playing some pieces. di Meola looked like he was making an effort, de Lucia was middling in this respect and McLaughlin looked so serene you'd think he wasn't playing at all. This was pre internet; I have googled it and found it's on KZbin, I must go take a look for the first time in 25/30 years...

[@constantine7382]

Spot on, as usual. Yngwie CLEARLY belongs with the greats and you just can't say that about all shredders. Most of them just run through the chords waiting for a solo to show their speed. That's not guitar playing. I loved Malmsteen from the start ( the 80's). Absolute master and, unlike most of them, is amazing when he slows down. A lot of heart, style and emotion. A lot of pretenders_ one Malmsteen!

[@KS-oi9ym]

I don't like his music much nowadays but I love to hear him play......it's Yngwie man. My taste in music has changed but I'm glad he's still the same.

[@mojomanxero8632]

Definitely one of my main influences. Love this guy.

[@davidfreiman7418]

The importance of Yngwie's right hand cannot be overemphasized because it is the key to his playing. If you want to understand how it all works I suggest visiting Troy Grady's KZbin channel.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@Retrograde6]

Troy Grady has amazing material. He also breaks down technique that works, regardless of your physiology. Everyone had different hands, but some things won't every work, while other techniques are important because the *do* work. Players will choose & develop different tools, but underpinning their choice will be technique that is efficient & accomplishes what the player wants. People take "sides" and technique. A different way to think of it is "technique is facility of expression" - ie, fluency. I'm enjoying these vids. Just came across them, good stuff.

[@rafaelmangrone721]

And what a beautiful composition this is, classical oriented

[@thaddeusmccaustland8023]

1:26 I think Fil is high on Malmsteen's arpeggio madness. I can play about the first minute of this song and while some of you who don't know about economy picking are like WTF how? Economy picking makes all of that possible because if you were alt picking it would be much choppier because alt picking requires that you switch strings *regardless* of what direction you just picked, instead of going in the same direction which you just picked. You can tell this because he uses mainly odd totals of notes on strings (since economy picking requires an odd number of notes), and where he has an even total it's either hammer ons or pull offs. Plus economy picking let's him play this fast in the first place as he'd have to work twice as hard if he alt picked this.

[@knawl]

I don't know, he seems kind of tired tonight, Fil that is

[@thaddeusmccaustland8023]

No Name Yeah. Well hey. I feel like shit tonight too lol.

[@knawl]

Understand that I'm Not taking anything away from Yngwai, he is amazing in his way, or Fil, I'm sure he has reason to get tired.

[@thaddeusmccaustland8023]

No Name Huh nah dude you're fine. I'm just saying

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah Yngwie can seamlessly alternate pick and economy pick, and sweep, and literally everything else! I had 3 very late nights in a row, 6am, 5am and 5am again because of my computer freezing! I'm one of those people that I HAVE to finish the video no matter how long it takes! 😅

[@chrisautrey5051]

Yinwie always has a way of making his guitar cry. It's something very dramatic that few can do.

[@RacerXou1]

That´s My Fucking Guitar God ; )

[@ronstewart6362]

I remember how blown away I was when I heard him with Steeler. It was like when I heard EVH the first time!! I know guys, Totally different but both blew me away compared to Anything at that time. Then yngwie got in a bad car accident and I thought he was done. Low and behold, he survived and came back. He still is one of my top 5. Very close to #1😁👍

[@santaonthecross]

I saw Yngwie Malmsteen in early 1987 when he opened for Iron Maiden, I thought he was great but the audience as a whole did not, there were objects thrown on stage at the band members but they never stopped.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Been playing using alternate picking for about 10 years now (35 years of playing guitar, however) and many shredders comment on how fast I play... then I watch something like this and realize how slow I am, lol. I am more of the Batio school and anchor but raise or lower my hand. I was taught to go forward slightly as I am ascending and move my hand slightly toward the bridge while descending with each string change. But, like you said, this varies greatly from player-to-player -- based on their physiology. Love your videos, Fil, since they are just objective common sense and not a critique.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks John!

[@classicartfoundation639]

People really knock Yngwie but he is a rare genius in the Beethoven bracket of musical phenomena

[@classicartfoundation639]

@@sanafabich2184 I don't like him as a person though, arrogant bugger.

[@perezpepito104]

No, he is a technical master not a creative master.

[@Formitius]

It's very often that prodigy players like Yngwie have very harsh opinions of other guitarists they have a hard time seeing other people's techniques past their own. It can come off as arrogant but really it's not they're just holding those other guitarists to a higher standard.

[@jemsar2]

Formitius that’s probably a good analogy. But the average musician is probably not a technical master of the style Yngwie has either. Clearly he defines neoclassical rock. Vai is a much more modern player. The only other players that comes close to this style is Chris Impelliteri and Michael Romeo.

[@ICBUAH]

@@Formitius UHhhmmm no...I saw Malmsteen live in a venue in Fla. He spent the entire time, when he wasn't playing, talking about how great he was, he was the best....blah blah blah. He never mentioned anyone else or others playing style. So somewhere right after Blackstar we friggen left. If he keeps his mouth shut and plays GREAT Unbelievably fantastic!!! Soon as he opens his friggen mouth...fuggetaboutit.

[@grantreborn]

I think its worth mentioning that Yngwie has GIGANTIC hands and long fingers. Which I think would help his linear arpeggiated playing. I my self have normal fairly big hands but I have thick fingers so I had to develop my own techniques and im proud to say I can play Yngwie with ease. But it took 28 years of work to do it. The lesson here is there is no such thing as talent, its hard work, love of music and dedication. Finger size is NO excuse since there are 6 year olds that can shred

[@williamsmyth5047]

There's some real depth of understanding here! I agree that the right technique is what works best for your own hands. You even pronounced Malmsteen's name correctly - maybe being British helps. As for the scalloped frets, it has been said that Malmsteen does it to get a better grip on the strings for easier string bending. I do string height on the 21st. fret, with six string height gauges. The low E needs a lot more room to vibrate than high e.

[@williamsmyth5047]

@Foo Yngwie Malmsteen pronounces his name in the introduction to his most excellent 1991 guitar instruction video, which I have on DVD: "Hi, I'm Yngwie Malmsteen." He uses short A in "malm", not the short O, which is used far too often in the US when it comes to pronouncing short A in foreign words.

[@lennarthedlund9783]

William Smyth For me as a Swede it is obvious that his real name is Yngve Malmsten. Malmsten translates to Orestone.

[@Sativa989]

I appreciate shredders and find the technical side very impressive.

[@richardkeltr0n149]

ive seen yngwie live many times. the guy is a machine. the action on his strat looks high, i don’t know how he is able to shred with it like that, it could be my eyes being fooled by the scallop fret.. but ive heard him mocking low action in interviews..

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah scalloped frets make it look crazy high! 😅

[@jameshenderson9830]

There is no secrets to playing. It's endless practice and innovation.

[@kenfernsler6507]

What sets Yngwie apart from Michael Angelo is Yngwie plays with a high action, scalop frets, single coils and he dosnt really use much gain. He is doing everything harder to play fast. I think Yngwie has better feel. He has the blues influence. Yngwie dosnt think about if hes playing alternate picking or not . He dosnt think about that, he just plays. I do some part time teaching. Alot of things came natural to me. It is interesting sometimes to try and slow it up to show some one. I dont really think about it. I just do it, by useing my ears. If you listen to most Yngwie interviews, he will say just use your ears. If it sounds good its good.

[@adamrasmussen9939]

So hard to try to explain why Yngwie is more than just 'a shredder' to non players. I just realized myself, that youre spot on about his lack of gain or distortion in his tone. He might play 'neo-classical' metal, but he really minimizes the amount of 'heavyness' he needs to make it happen.

[@rockinguitarist1]

Actually, he doesn't use single coils. His Strats are loaded with DiMarzio HS-3 Stacked Humbuckers. Other than that, I agree with everything you said!

[@isMike999]

his technical abilities are unmatched.....fast as all hell and a great showman....I ALWAYS think of Yngwie as the premier shredder...happy to have seen him a few times....

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@lance2256]

Danny Gatton

[@migranjitaeducativa]

I´m also a Megafan, I have seen Him a couple of times, I have his signature Strat and He handed Me a pick personally while checking sound before a G3 show with Satriani and Vai in 2003, I really love his sound, melody sense, speed, etc... but after about 15 minutes of hearing Him shred live I´m done, amazinglly He does it all in just 15 minutes, but that´s it all I can take of His non-stop shredding. Just Amazing!!!

[@rajibborbhuyan7949]

The best guitar player with unique techniques ever in guitar world

[@nickcrawshaw9348]

One of the best in terms of technical but you can only shred so much before it gets boring. Give me Hendrix, SRV, Gilmour

[@kalvincunhaaguiar2395]

I agree to everything you said about different techniques, man. Good channel and content! Keep up with the good work.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@puffpaff7821]

epic103 nailed it his post. Is he playing to fast to be enjoyable? Well, most people would say so. That's quite subjective. Is he an asshole? Yes, to the point when it's not subjective :) Is he "just playing fast"? Noway. He does play fast, but he also have an amazing control over the speed. Show me another guitarist that can do these precise, toneful and powerful bends and vibrato in that tempo. Sure, you could find one or two, and I guess Steve Vai was one of them. And show me another metal guitarist that hade made such a good work of combining classical music with metal. When you find one, find an interview with that player and ask for influences. No matter what you think about Yngwie's music or his personality, it would just plain stupid to just dismiss both his amazing skills and his impact on the guitar scene. He can play incredibly fast with incredible tone, control, and feeling. He is also a genious when it comes to writing music.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@fredrios1402]

There are plenty of guitarists that play with ferocity and articulation of yngwie... Romeo and Angelo for example... Angelo in his prime was and is the speed precision ayer of all time

[@gordowg1wg145]

Your thoughts in the middle are spot on* - it's basically the same thing I bring up when "best" musicians, or anybody or anything else, come up for discussion - there are so many nuances and sug genres that people who excell in some may not in others, and vice versa. Then there is the time period and their contempories, whether they were amongstt hose originating a style or copying others with slight improvments, etc. That's why I won't call someone 'the' best, but 'one of', 'amongst the', etc. * I don't often watch reaction, or critique, videos and even less yours, but when I do you always give considered, informed commentary that is well, well worth while taking on board.

[@ukguitarnoodle]

proving that you don't need an Ibanez

[@michaelharris6441]

But it doesn’t hurt. Coming from a life long Ibanez guy lol

[@Nonexistanthuman]

I would have thought my squire as a teen was more badass after seeing Yngwie lol

[@ukguitarnoodle]

@@michaelharris6441 I just got an RG550 . I SUCK on both ! 🤣

[@jmac88022]

I got hooked on malmstein for a year or so in my early 20s. My mental state could relate with his playing and speed. I definitely consider him as one on of the greatest.

[@gaurav984504]

Jason Becker - Japan - YoYo and one hand legato

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@davidclark3603]

Another brilliant video again! Thanks!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@nimaside]

Best Vibrato Ever!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍🤘

[@mutt3135]

I've never been a fan of Yngwie's music (and others that play in the same genre), but I can certainly appreciate his virtuosity. Your observation on "physiology" being a defining factor in a given individual's technique and ultimately playing style is spot-on. That's something I've always thought but I never found as eloquent a way to describe it as you've done here. Thanks!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@SDesWriter]

For me it was never about his speed. Obviously that was a really cool part of his playing but what I loved the way he interpreted classical violin licks into rock music. I hear a lot of the same things from Eric Johnson that Yngwie does. Not so much the specific notes, but the way the notes have a flow to them is a little different from a shredder like Gilbert or someone like Michelangelo who's much more generic in his selections. You can hear the ideas that people have been using for hundreds of years in Yngwie's playing, they're just much faster which gives it such a great feel without any trace of the blues which I normally love in a player. It's probably because I grew up playing classical piano but Yngwie and then Vinnie Moore were always my favorite fast players because of that classical influence and the modes they would play in.

[@gavinmowat8528]

Yngwie and Eric johnson have almost the same picking techniqe! The flow of notes will give them a very similar feel, although they could be playing something quite different.

[@SDesWriter]

@@gavinmowat8528 are you a Troy Grady subscriber? That guy is a freaking genius. I've been playing 37 years and until 2 years ago I played legato on 70% or more of my runs because I just couldn't pick well enough to do more. Then I watched the Ben Eller video on Troy Grady, then went to the Troy Grady videos and now I can pick Paul Gilbert songs cleanly (although not the really hard ones 😂 )

[@gavinmowat8528]

@@SDesWriter yeah, I couldn't remember his name! Really amazing at breaking down what the pro's are doing.

[@bradhuskers]

There's something so mystical about his playing. It's otherworldly.

[@robertburke784]

What an incredible player Yngwie is! Incredible technique. I got to see Yngwie back up AC/DC in the 80's and for the first 3-4 songs he was from another planet with his speed. However it became so many notes song after song, that it became boring after a while. I know there is an audience for this type of playing, but for me it has to be in small doses. Fil, how about a segment on Vivian Campbell from Dio days? Rock!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool! Yeah these were suggested close together, just how it worked out! Glens on the list! 🤘

[@Lokisdottir1964]

I've played guitar since I was 10 (and I'm no Yngwie, please) but I feel that a lighter touch allows you to play faster. I saw Yngwie in 1985 and he was just getting known and it was incredibly amazing to me. I also agree with another poster who mentioned Black Star and that it has a lot of feeling. I prefer slower, bluesier players like you Phil, but Yngwie is no doubt a master.

[@troys9222]

I remember my friends and I pronouncing his name Ying-wee when we would read it in guitar magazines when we were kids.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@knawl]

My sister was big into Elvis growing up, I used to call him Elvis Pretzel face to bug her LOL, Kids, Huh?

[@mikeyb8040]

I play with an action of 1.5mm. But I have tiny weak baby hands. I love what you said about learning to your physiology. I developed my pinch harmonics because of it. Most use their thumb to make the harmonic ring, .. I use the 1st knuckle on my little finger. It almost requires a Marty Friedman hand position to make it work but that's what I did.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Nice!

[@jazzcat8786]

Yngwie’s playing is much more flavorful and more recognizable than Batios’. Both are very proficient and fast, but It’s about composition and song writing, not copious flurries of notes......

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@BBOZ83]

This is still copious flurries of notes copied from neo classical compositions done by an egotistical prick that won't give a single fan the time of day...

[@TANTRUMGASM]

Strange Brew, I met Yngwie several times, he was very nice to all the fans, and all the people who were there....never met a virtuoso who wasnt egotistical though., even Nice Guy Vai had a super Ego in the 80's

[@epic103]

Jazz Cat - well said. Yngwie's got tons of great compositions that have stood the test of time. Black Star, Far Beyond the Sun, Trilogy Suite, Evil Eye, Icarus Dream Suite, Crying, Marching Out, Brothers etc... just to name a few are much more flavorful and memorable than anything MAB has done. Cheers!

[@knawl]

Yeah I think stuff like this is great as an exhibition piece but a steady diet of it gets tedious.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Well I know he's got talent and I do appreciate that.👏 Great analysis Fil. Hmmm, I would not run home from work to find his music to unwind at the end of the day. To each his own. I love your original songs and your cover songs. Ok well I won't think out loud now I think I've done enough of that today.😊 Have a good evening.❤

[@sammybeck7794]

Yngwie Malmsteen doesn't play rock and roll. He plays Bach and roll

[@beenay18]

Yngwie is the greatness. He is at whole another level of perfection.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@iflyforfree]

I know she doesn’t have any original content (yet), but guitar Goddess Tina S can still hang with Yngwie any day. 🎸

[@danriley903]

yngwie's playing is SOOOO! potent that i can't take too much but hat's off to the originator and VERY BEST at this style. he makes it look so easy including the invisible pup switching etc! i'm not worthy!!!!! LOL!!!!!! :)>>>>>>

[@jamesk4460]

Yngwie is fast and clear note by note while other fast guitarist mostly rubbing the strings and produce screeching sound

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@stringdoc]

Lovex Fil's comment about playing to the most effective way for your physiology. I have been fighting my own hand because a guitar teacher said I had to conform to his style of playing. Liberated now. Thanks, Fil!

[@northoftherockies]

As much as I like his fast playing, one of his most beautiful compositions is the first three and a half minutes of Icarus Dream Suite where he slows down and gives it room to breathe and shows that he's not just some soulless shredder.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@mitchettie1581]

Agreed I've seen him play that from 5 feet away. I've played for 30 years and it's just so clean to see him go there. Wish he'd get his ego in check 🤘☮️

[@MrMvidz]

I think that Yngwies vibrato, tremolo technique and also how fast he switches between the pickups is fenomenal and sometimes overlooked.

[@univibe23]

That dude can brag and be an ego manic all he wants....he deserves it!!!! Damn!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yep!

[@iflyforfree]

Dammit Fil! I’m trying to watch my favorite TV shows and then I get a KZbin notification, and then I’m stuck watching your videos for the next two hours! 😄

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@iflyforfree]

Wings of Pegasus no, thank YOU 🎸

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I've heard him, he is fast and good, but he's not my style. Liked listening to your comments, since you mention to everyone that their tastes in music are OK, but just because you don't like someone you shouldn't rag on their abilities. He's great talent wise, I could listen to one of his songs to revel in the genius, and then I'll go on to someone else.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

What I’ve always loved about Yngwie is that he pushes and pulls against the beat...he’s got a beginning and end point in mind and goes for it! If he’s there too quickly he reigns it in, or needs to get his skates on he’ll cram in the notes It makes his solos quite difficult to read as it seems like a combination of sextuplets, septuplets & polyrhythmic lines, when in reality he’s not even thinking that way & is just playing rubato Of course, he can play incredibly precisely, but that’s more common on his rhythm guitar lines

[@stevecampbell9670]

What is your opinion of Alex Skolnick?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah that dude can play! 😅👍

[@TheLochs]

over rated

[@bigdaddynasty69]

how is he over rated ?

[@hdbanger1752]

TheLochs LOL gtfo....

[@scottp1293]

Awesome video. Great breakdown. Thanks mate.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@jimmyfavereau]

Alcatrazz!!! 1983 no more war : )

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@Firehawk-205]

Fil: Thank You. YJM is my FAV guitarist.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@mortonprack410]

yngwie is the shit!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@robertallen6710]

...He is great...even if we have to deal with your potty mouth.....

[@centaurus5676]

Please don't Americanize this channel with your out of context comments.....

[@micklevanon7580]

Comments by other guitarists about Yngvwie are common, but my favourite was by John Petrucci. He was honing his craft, climbing the ranks of guitar players, and was being driven in a car, when Blackstar came on the radio. He was feeling good about himself and then hears this 18 year old kid from Sweden and says, “you’ve gotta be fucking kidding me!” He the rethought his progress on the guitar and changed what he was doing to get to where he is today. That’s the sign of greatness. Willing to see what’s around you and change where you’re heading based on the possibilities you see elsewhere. That makes Yngwie a game changer no matter what you think of him. Me, when I first heard him with Alcatraz I was shocked. Then his first solo album came out and my jaw was on the floor. And to think, Yngwie and SRV both came to prominence at the same time. Opposite ends of the guitar spectrum. I love music.

[@markkasick]

First time I heard of Yngwie was in Guitar Player magazine spotlight. Frank Zappa was on the cover, and if I remember right Paul Gilbert was the other spotlight. He's playing great here and I have to admit the first time I heard Black Star/ Far Beyond the Sun (on vinyl-old fart) it was and still is mind blowing. But the rest of that album is hard to get thru. i saw him in '85, and I dragged a few friends, big Purple fans and by the third song they are looking at me like WTF?? He had like 20 Marshall stacks across the stage that really looked ridiculous, think spinal tap and his band had ZERO groove. I think the singer was Jeff Scott Soto, who up till the Sons of Apollo thing i thought he sucked based on that show. He was on "That Metal Show" and he was pretty good on there, he also came off well personality wise.

[@tmatheson54]

Mark Kasick I think I almost wet my pants the first time I heard him play ‘Far Beyond the Sun’. My buddy at work said “You’ve got to hear this song”. So at work we went out to the car in the parking lot at work to hear this song (on tape or whatever). Dang. Still love that song!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah he has a tendency for the dramatic!

[@cankuotaemaciyapi1]

I agree one hundred percent with what you say WoP. Finally someone that have the knowledge and wisdom to give a good explanation on guitarplaying without making a competition out of it. Thank you! :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!