Can I learn Playing God in an hour?!

Me struggling to learn the first 15 seconds of a Polyphia song. Why, Tim? Why would you do this?
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guitar!

[@BeyondTheGuitar]

It’s not fair that you’re this damn good at the guitar AND this damn entertaining

[@jonas8993]

XD

[@rainsarchive3134]

i agree

[@mmsmofo258]

As if you aren't talented in both Nathan get outta here lmao

[@SamGriffinGuitar]

Awww Nath bro I traded some guitar skill points for some goof points that’s for sure!

[@RunonMusic]

Nathan...you know who truly makes him entertaining ;-)

[@JoshGUITARofolo]

Lol “I just know if I had those tats I could hit those harmonics..” 🤣🤣🤣

[@rookiebeotch]

Ah, Tim's secret sauce recipe revealed.

[@perfect-blues.97]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kyleheaser351boombaby]

🤣

[@localmilfchaser6938]

🤣🤣

[@Residuefingas]

🤣🤣

[@jesseang9186]

The difficulty gap between people who learn this song with and without tabs is huge.

[@theresnothinghere59]

imagine writing it

[@mghell34]

@@theresnothinghere59 polyphia have videos of how some songs were made... and its actually so effin cool.

[@bqlicious]

@@theresnothinghere59 writing CAN be easier lol

[@rebelliousfineart8202]

Some people find tabs are easier but what he is doing, is my preferred way to learn songs. I could spend hours reading tabs for something I could learn in a fraction of the time this way. It's like how different people have different learning styles in school.

[@cazza710]

Less of a difficulty gap, a talent gap. Not everyone can pick this shit up by ear like he can, it’s STUPIDLY hard to learn

[@buffkirbothethird]

I love the complete change from 7:38 to 7:45 It goes from a confident “Easy money!” To a disheartened “that’s hard”

[@sonicboom20078]

Bro, you should 100% positively do more stuff like this. So good!!!!

[@mikehollinger6190]

Agreed

[@SamGriffinGuitar]

Dude i 100% will!

[@ben2808]

Jesus Christ loves you ❤️

[@ben2808]

@@mikehollinger6190 Jesus Christ loves you ❤️

[@ben2808]

@@SamGriffinGuitar Jesus Christ loves you bros

[@prauxlaps]

Will never forget there is a guitarist named Tim in Polyphia who has excellent job security.

[@apmorf]

I mean.... I'm 100% straight but would consider switching side for Tim...

[@basedphilosopher]

Sounds like you're 99%

[@BatuWienholts]

@@apmorf same

[@FenrisEx]

@@apmorf 98%

[@brians7604]

trash

[@arcticterra2926]

I would unironically watch a 2-3 hour version of you learning the whole song like this lmfao. It’s crazy to me how fast you pick up on what he’s doing. Experience is wild, homie. Very epic

[@justanotherdaddd]

same

[@cookiepirate4471]

[@tareKk21]

Hey, i wanna learn the song as well. Could u link the video? ^^

[@padtoles7537]

Seeing content like this legit makes me feel more positive about my practice time and hangups learning hard stuff. A lot more. I struggle with depression. Big thank you dude, this is awesome and super helpful.

[@mrsil5593]

:) same

[@jamesreid343]

Same. Thanks Sam:)

[@ravnak]

Depression makes you really frekkin god at playing instruments... keep at it, prove me wrong ;)

[@Weltall600]

I remember learning this, and was so happy when I could play it at 120 bpm, only to learn that it's at 138 bpm. It was a huge hurdle getting it to that speed. That boy is quick af.

[@monkee2193]

Ummmm I think it's at 134 bpm

[@Weltall600]

@@monkee2193 apparently it's 137* after looking it up.

[@monkee2193]

@@Weltall600 Ahhhh, thanks mate

[@shivamsood1456]

120?? Bruh you a god. 90bpm here😃

[@meeton2990]

1bpm here 🗿 my goals are beyond your understanding

[@babydiz970]

The "That's hard!" and 7:42 is me every time I try to learn anything new haha

[@normalwhiteguy1555]

LMAO CLASSIC

[@itachismangekyou18]

I was laughing really hard at that

[@spinky342]

@@vibe7416 I could feel my own stomach twisting a bit from second hand frustration from similar experiences

[@pedropessoa2246]

Man I lost my sh*t watching this part... this guy is funny af

[@segueoyuri]

what got me is the self-illusion "oh that's easy I got this", followed by the "that's hard!" realization a few seconds later lmao

[@TheArtOfKrieg]

“I’m like Tim. I’m like Tim!!😄 ….I’m not like Tim 😞” lol that’s my favorite part

[@JudahSullivan]

Mine too😂 you literally felt the confidence zap away 😭 honestly did very good for having no tabs that song is insane especially when Tim is hybrid picking

[@HArtDrawing]

As a guitarist who once spent a week trying to learn Goat (and used tabs as well) it’s borderline hypnotic watching how quickly you picked this up. This was so fun to watch

[@JPBrooksLive]

The similarities to Sam's reactions and mine when learning stuff is hilarious, and makes me feel better as a guitarist lol.

[@MasDouc]

You talk to an invisible camera?

[@grizzerh4786]

I do the exact same...and no, it's not to a camera, it's to the war inside my head out loud while trying to practice something difficult over and over lol.

[@MasDouc]

@@grizzerh4786 no shit it was a joke

[@GavinSummers]

When he said what the fuck is that.. I laughed pretty hard and had the same feelings.

[@peppadsniper9920]

I like when he was like "what the fuck is thaaat??!" 😂

[@MrGoyler]

Please for the love of god - do more stuff like this. Was a joy to watch.

[@potatosalad68]

Like Steve Vai's..?

[@THEDRAWINGSTUDIO1]

I see what you did there

[@MrGoyler]

@@potatosalad68 Didnt realize i made a SV reference xD

[@guilhermemedeiros3243]

@@potatosalad68 yeah now he can try to learn Vai and Polyphia at the same time

[@rachelsibbald5116]

I love the transition from 7:40 with the confident "easy money right there!!" to 7:44 a whimper of "that's hard" xD. captures my whole experience trying to learn this in 4 seconds

[@0_beenie_052]

as an intermediate guitar player i am in awe and can’t IMAGINE EVER playing or learning any of this WITH tab, let alone as well as he did in AN HOUR AND A HALF BY EYE AND EAR

[@user-gq5sx8ft8o]

you should give it a shot, i don't know where i'd put myself, ive only had my guitar for two weeks but i do have experience playing fingerstyle stuff on the ukulele so i guess im intermediate but still getting used to the instrument, learning this song has been so much fun, i believe it looks a lot harder to play than it actually is

[@thefinalblaze9200]

Now we need a full version. Amazing Job Sam and it sounds beautiful on Acoustic Nylon

[@TiltCntrlz]

Charles Berthoud did a full version, but on bass :)

[@thefinalblaze9200]

@@TiltCntrlz Charles is insane lol. Him, Davie, and Ichika are really good

[@TiltCntrlz]

@@thefinalblaze9200 Davie is a bit overrated but still, hugely talented. Check out Tiago Andrée, too!

[@v1kt0us]

@@thefinalblaze9200 and Manuel Gardner Fernandez?

[@kyleheaser351boombaby]

A full version would be insane time, effort and stress commitment from this guitarist to cover well. Any guitarist ever to cover well!! Such a complicated song!

[@Lord_Verminaard]

Never heard any Polyphia songs before, sounds quite difficult! I enjoyed seeing your method for learning a song buy sight/ear. Sorry to hear your tour got cut short, but super glad I got to meet/see you guys a couple weeks ago.

[@SJNaka101]

check out this one and GOAT

[@whtthfrik]

@@SJNaka101 Yeah GOAT is damn good.

[@v1kt0us]

@@SJNaka101 Talking about GOAT kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5jUnquprb2heZI

[@sonamtamang8317]

OD

[@scottdahneke1031]

Incredible dude! That is an absurdly difficult piece, and you got did a stellar job of putting it together. I also loved the commentary/instruction. Even if it was just you thinking aloud. More please!

[@MrShay2077]

Thank you Sam! You re-inspired me to come back to guitar after being so dejected trying to learn one of Tim Henson's songs. As an amazing guitarist whom I revere, watching you struggle and achieve about the same level of success as I had (15 seconds) gives me faith that no mere mortal can pull off a Polyphia song in its entirety. Can't wait to see your ascension when you finally master those juicy riffs. Keep up the awe inspiring work!

[@classicalguitarplaying]

You're the best man, having those sick aural skills, nice! Love to see your method on how you approach a new song, decompose the bars, comment on the techniques used, setting up the melody by singing it, it's really interesting and I learned a lot, thanks!

[@shayes.x]

Your reaction at 3:47 is my exact reaction to learning new complex pieces 😂

[@DimitriSabadie]

Polyphia is such an incredible band. Clay Aeschliman, Clay Gober, Scott LePage and Sam Griffin are really killing it!

[@mr-everything3352]

seeing you slow these riffs down make them sound so much more obtainable to learn. this video gave me the confidence to learn this song cause it didn't feel as intimidating anymore I love it thank you for this

[@ikee5687]

Have to give a huge shout out to you Sam for putting Polyphia on my radar. I dont branch out often for new music and this video got my intrested in Polyphia and now I can't get enough of them. Thank you for posting this video and hope to see more like this in the future.

[@justanotherdaddd]

Although I'm not anywhere near your level of playing I totally appreciate your struggle working out a piece of music one painful lick at a time. I love it! You are showing the actual tedious steps of learning

[@jorgeflores6306]

I love watching vidoes of people learning a song. Especially your breakdown and funny commentary. I was laughing but cheering for you the whole time.

[@Jimbarleyy]

3:49 😭 Honestly man you did great. Can’t imagine seeing the tabs for this let alone playing it by ear. Need more Polyphia covers💯🙏🏻

[@JunoSorin]

OMG the way u picked it up so quickly. your understanding and mastery is wild dude

[@EddieKingOfficial]

i like watching your process and the way your brain works out the complexities of tims playing. this is the first video of yours ive seen, great work

[@kevintruong3601]

Great content!!! Tim goes freaking ham for like 12 bars at the end of this song and it’s frickin mind blowing. Lol so good!! They just put out another song, neurotica which has been stuck in my head since it came out. There’s an unplugged version of it too!

[@TheTweakor]

I've seen you for a while now and just recently started going throwing all your vids. And it all started cause I wanted some beautiful FF covers. You have the best guitar ones by far. Your technique, style, nuances, expressions, etc are on point. You cover a lot of games I grew up on especially FF. You don't just play the song either, you add your own style that sounds so good. You honestly remind me of my buddies and how we'd spend hours playing games and jamming, like the way you talk, joke around, and the covers you decide to do. It feels like I'm watching one of my friends in your vids lol anyway, I've been in a guitar slump lately, but you're one of the very few people that motivate me to keep playing and give me new ideas. I haven't thought about doing video game arrangements on guitar, but your vids for sure make me want to. I appreciate the tabs too.

[@conk4542]

That was awesome man, I think you should continue challenging yourself with this song honestly. This was great to see you learning and progressing.

[@JoolsGuitar]

I never thought that a pro like you would search notes when playing by ear the same clumsy way as me. I feel better now. But I got to learn a couple of cues from you, like singing the parts before going to the fretboard. Awesome work, man

[@whae25_]

sorry do u mind telling me the time stamp for the part where he said he searches notes when playing by the ear?? 😭😭

[@rutabega306]

But he also plays whole chords with no searching hahahaha

[@damonconley9437]

Great stuff man. Also learned this finger picking as that’s just what I prefer. Those harmonics in the 7th and 8th around 8:15 I found were more consistent if I just barred to the 6th fret in preparation for the next line. Makes hitting the harmonics at 5 easier since they’re slight further down on the string compared to others. Hope this helps!

[@bishopchalik8561]

First time ever seeing your channel. This type of video will be your future bread and butter. I am not a guitar player but love to see breakdowns of how the music is made.

[@phil8386]

This was so awesome, I would love to watch more of these style videos.

[@brett84c]

Just saw them play this live the other night. Was absolutely incredible. Mad props for playing what you did as well as you did.

[@DahlgaardStudios]

Well done! I really enjoyed watching you decipher this. I love that people like you give classical guitar some exposure! Also, when your back hurts at the 45 minute mark... Too relatable man..

[@DacianGradaMusic]

never thought seeing others learn crazy difficult riffs would be so entertaining. Amazing!

[@podnucmo5]

Video is straight gold. Mainly because of your personality. Pleeease keep learning Tim riffs.

[@ChristopherVonnCornelio]

You sir earned my sub, i will study on how you study this song. Looking forward for the rest of it.

[@qb9097]

I just learned so much from watching you breakdown your process of learning. You’re exceptional bro 💯

[@Quietus31]

Your videos are VERY good. Please continue with heart and passion. A LOT of people want this kind of learning humorous videos. THANK YOU !

[@samprice7462]

I’m actually really impressed you were able to learn that much and play it so well in only an hour and a half!! Good job for real. Your editing added humor too, great video.

[@soyboymia136]

It’s so nice to see someone better than me still struggle and do the same things when trying to figure out something by ear

[@5hoopuf]

Absolutely dig this video format. Cool to see how you go through learning new music! Tips and tricks on figuring out music by ear or from looking at finger placements would also be nice. I struggle so hard with that and sadly give up or just find the tabs (if they exist).

[@Live2ride2live54321]

Awesome work!! Plus that was super entertaining you’re hilarious. You’re goofy outer dialogue is basically my normal inner dialogue so it’s relatable 🤣

[@k_bsh]

More of these videos of you doing this process would be gold. Love the editing.

[@JunoSorin]

Bro u gotta do a part 2. this series is awesome

[@VicJang]

I love this, Sam!!! Great video oh god! It is so interesting to watch an absolute expert like you learning something hard. So good!

[@honordevs]

Subbed! Man, there are a lot of youtubers that "fake" this type of thing; you, sir, do not seem to be one of them. I've played guitar for 20 years and ended up learning this song, along with improving the crap out of my picking hand, and it's cool to see you struggling with stuff that I did (then literally overcoming it in seconds, where it took me weeks lol).

[@EnkiSvohden]

You should try Goose by Polyphia. It's a decently chill jam. Or another good one with some blues vibe is Worst. Either way, I'd love to see you learn more Polyphia in general. They're kinda blowing up right now in popularity and I'm going to see them live in Texas next month for the first time, so I'm super stoked!

[@Arin4Life]

Great contents! Without Tim, I could not know great guitarists from other genres like you. Subbed!

[@elcoolhaag7737]

sick video been listening to a lot of polyphia later and its amazing how u got the riff so fast, yes an hour for 15 seconds is fast when we are talking about tim

[@latiremo9133]

13:55 if you play the video in 1.5x speed he’s basically playing it

[@autumnbluejay294]

it's cool to know that I'm not the only one who learns songs this way, sitting and agonizing over whether it's an open string or a double stop or a whole different goddamn instrument haha

[@vaeliux7635]

You're really funny, I've always thought your end of video talks were hilarious. You should do more of these. Kbye!

[@Iamthezackster]

This made me audibly chuckle to myself, please make more videos like this. Amazing work.

[@offsidev6059]

This was so good and absolutely hilarious. Loved the nose chord attempt. 🤣

[@reileyb]

"If only I had those tats, I know I could hit those particular harmonics" Love your style of humor throughout this video

[@l.mu.433]

Great show, man! Please continue to learn it. Maybe another 16-hour session or so )))) I am subscribing and waiting for that!

[@Aaronisinthebuilding]

This was great to watch😁 I'd love to see you give OD a shot. It's amazing to see Tim play that one.

[@crazymarva]

14:18 when the time can go back

[@Alex-rt3po]

Playing this on a classical guitar is just insane

[@JohnBiddleMusic]

What Tim Henson is playing is basically a classical guitar. They’re both nylon string guitars

[@jeromelim529]

Tim's Ibanez nylon has a cutout the one Sam is playing doesn't.

[@somsnosa_]

@@JohnBiddleMusic it isn't about being a nylon string guitar. in this case it almost only changes the tone itself. tim's guitar has a thinner neck, a narrower fretboard, a much lower action, and much better access to higher frets due to the cutout. all of this makes it much easier to play fast riffs like these, it's almost like playing an electrical guitar. the song is obviously still hard to play but it's a lot harder on a traditional classical guitar.

[@guitar_noodle]

@@somsnosa_ facts.

[@bolillo5013]

@@somsnosa_ yep I was only going to mention the cut out and width but you got it all

[@ShogunBushdio]

You’ve got yourself a sub from me dude. Great job man I’ve been struggling to learn memory by them lmao but it definitely the most doable for me because I am nowhere near the level I want to be.

[@YaBoyChe]

This was so entertaining. You’re amazing at guitar and your personality is awesome

[@drum.soldier]

the nose chord got me good, you should use this technique more often.

[@MichaelB_93]

7:42 us regular guitar plebs when we try to play some of Sams tabs

[@richarddurham7111]

You should definitely do more stuff like this. Always love your videos and feel I am getting way more than my money's worth from your Patreon.

[@oyoyoyoyop]

man.. you repeated my emotions when I'm trying to play your songs even with tabs :) what's a pleasure, thank you :)

[@lugelletuazon222]

Bros is so casual learning it, when i tried to learn this I immediately just sleep

[@richardfinch2296]

“Why?! Why would you do that Tim??” Is the most accurate thing we all say when trying to learn one of their songs😂

[@Techn0punk]

Made me laugh a couple times, entertaining. You're a genuine watch. Thanks for the content.

[@masonfagan3724]

I’ve stumbled upon your video at the right time! I’m practicing this on guitar too from a classical bass it perspective, so it’s turning out to be pretty difficult getting used to the finger picking style. I opted out of a pick just like you, so I’ll be following this.

[@chrismuratore4451]

I felt the same way trying to learn so many of Tim's riffs. Love em or hate em, Polyphia plays well. Looking forward to you doing a full cover of this Edit: I love that you did the nose and lip fretting at the end.

[@Idiomatick]

His patreon tabs show fingerings too which is generous

[@marusis4453]

You are clearly insanely good, but this song is insane for everyone. I want to learn it so much, but i know it would take it me over a year to learn it at half speed.

[@CoNfUzLeDaNdLoSt]

10/10 content my dude, so wholesome, keep these up!

[@timianlyons9688]

first video I've seen of you. Hillarious from start to finish! Stealing the nose-chord.

[@jordanparker6771]

Two of my favorite worlds colliding.

[@rivervaughanmusicstuff5771]

It's people like you and Tim that make me want to give up on guitar. It's also people like you and Tim who make me want to never give up on guitar. So... Thank you and damn it all I am more jelly than Smuckers' brand grape jelly.

[@teppizini]

I wasn't expecting this. and I really wasn't expecting you to learn it THAT fast. Youre incredible Sam.

[@FlippingT.]

First time ever watching you man, loved it will def be coming back

[@iparkedmycar]

"I just know if I had those tats I could get these particular harmonics" 🤣

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

Dude you need to do more stuff like this. It's like a reaction video but while trying to play what you are reacting to at the same time. Mind blowing

[@vorlon7442]

Insta-subscribed. This was a fun yet informative video. Excited to go through your other content!

[@grantos7868]

This was insane! Your channel is so underrated.

[@raysofrosie]

Stopping every 5 minutes just go cry a lil and go “that’s hard 😩😭” is literally me any time I try to learn ANY of the things tim does, much less polyphia as a whole 😭😭

[@KuroiYuki88]

Whenever I see him counting the frets I can't help but laugh and feel assured that even pro would count on frets to make sure they hear it right😂

[@djentlover]

Love your humor, you got a new subscriber

[@innovati]

you're amazing and watching you unpack their song and interact with it makes it all the more beautiful

[@JimNoel1]

Never clicked so fast

[@pearaye3608]

Now can we see Tim try and learn Super Mario 2 In an hour ?

[@Tokarealwayalright]

This was very nice, would love if you did more of these

[@Absentave]

Just found you through this video and you are hilarious. Can't wait to watch more

[@marth.]

such a crossover ily

[@joshuavanrhee340]

Playing God should be called God Playing

[@donutstix22]

Love finding new guitarists I love. Incredibly entertaining

[@benstanfill363]

Very quick subscribe. Would love to see more of these. And song will do. Maybe even try your at different genres. I mostly listen to metal so that would be fun.

[@benstanfill363]

Grace from lamb of God would be cool. Very pretty into and super fast main riff.

[@yaboicrimmm]

“I’m just like Tim” “I’m not like Tim” 😂 Absolutely insane how well you did man.