Chordplay - The Chords Of UFO

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with The Chords Of UFO. I fell into a "UFO hole" the other day on Facebook and judging by the response from a number of friends/viewers, the feeling was mutual, so I figured it was time to finally take a look at some of the legendary and highly-influential chord-moves coming from these pioneering British hard-rockers.
This lesson focuses on UFO's early material when they literally paved the way for countless guitarists/bands that followed in their footsteps during the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond. While the ideas we're hitting in this lesson include several ideas coming from the mighty Michael Schenker along with early-80s material from Paul Chapman, there really wasn't a way to capture all of their eras, players, and sounds, as they've released 22 albums over their long and impressive career.
The ideas shared in this lesson include UFO classics such as 'Too Hot To Handle' and 'Natural Thing' along with lesser-known fan favorites such as 'Gone In The Night' and 'Queen Of The Deep.' So needless to say, there are plenty of interesting chord-based ideas and moves hiding in this lesson.
There's something to say about going back and finding riffs and ideas like these in classic rock guitar music, as many of these songs and the albums this music came from inspired an entire generation of guitarists, musicians, and bands - so dive in, give these ideas a go, have some fun, and see what creeps into your playing.
Give this episode a view, leave some comments and feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!

[@ppguitars]

"Strangers in the Night" is one of the greatest Rock Live Albums!

[@lanceross3633]

You're exactly right, great songs throughout that album. UFO was on fire on that album.

[@Busyfingers24]

I'd argue not one of, but rather "THE" best live rock album. I have to say, I've not heard a better "recorded" live album from that era...although Frank Marino live is pretty killer too.

[@agr7879]

Sorry, it’s THE greatest live album of all time. It’s obscene how good that album is. And it’s just been remastered and released as a box set!

[@leddygee1896]

No... "IT IS" the greatest live album ever made!!😎

[@leddygee1896]

@@agr7879 I have a gold label promo of "Strangers"... I didn't know there was a new box set. Thanks for the info!! Is it a vinyl box set?

[@julianschulz1620]

YES!!!!! UFO is one of the most underrated of the classic Hard Rock bands. Love both the Schenker & "Tonka" eras.

[@m2svirtual384]

UFO guitarists can be a subject of arguments that never end - but what is inarguable is who wrote a vast majority of the lyrics, melodies and arrangements, and that is one Phil Mogg. The man is just a song writing machine, and that is why UFO survived so many guitarist/personnel changes yet still always sounded like UFO. The man is so sweet and humble (I have been lucky enough to hang with UFO probably 5 or 6 times in my life) that he just lets the obvious stage prowler guitarists have all the spotlight. But he is UFO. Second would be Paul Raymond (RIP) who greatly contributed to arrangements on most of their most memorable ballads. The last time I saw Moggy, I told him how lucky I felt to have been alive on this planet for every UFO release and to have been able to hang with the band as they came through So Cal. He brandished that little kid grin back at me and said, "It's a two-way mate. The fans have always been why there's a next album and tour. We were the ones lucky enough to live during a time when our passion could be shared..." and he glanced down at my 8 year old, "yeah, so I saw this lad on your shoulders all night. Again, now you guys bring your kids out to the shows. It's a miracle and blessing to us that we can do this across generations." RIP Paul and Pete. Dammit... who started cutting onions.... =` ) thanks for the post Dave

[@Slowwavesix]

I met Phil at the Las Vegas show during the last orders tour. Yes, it is truly amazing how low-key and unassuming he is. He's got quite the sense of humor too. I'm a UFO guy, not a schenker guy. I told him that my favorite album really is high stakes and dangerous men and he said "you know, I'm personally quite fond of that album, it was different". And he talked about how he got Stevie Lange to come in and do backing vocals. He mentioned one thing that I won't forget. He says that he likes the fact that many of his songs are open for interpretation. He said something about how different people can apply a personal meaning to each song that way. That's the sign of genius songwriting

[@peteclarke9928]

As a lyricist, Mogg should be held in the same regard as Springsteen and Dylan.

[@bluerfoot]

one of the most soulful voices in rock history too.

[@leslawrenson]

Schenker was the reason I wanted to play lead guitar.

[@wulfiejack8695]

Me too MSG fab

[@glaucosouza1971]

Me too 😎🤘

[@adamwarlock5286]

Yes . Few others too but Schenker Had the magic touch.

[@leslawrenson]

@@adamwarlock5286 It was the beautiful blending of modes and harmonic minor with aggressive pentatonic riffing that did it for me. Schenker was a blend of Angus Young and Ritchie Blackmore, all rolled into one energetic bundle of cool.

[@wtffrankreich6873]

Always my black and white flying V

[@rolandmarckwort]

Awesome - loved UFO since I was a kid, Schenker is the king - killer tone, chops and feeling.

[@rogerweafer2179]

"On With The Action" and "Only You Can Rock Me" and the Entire OBSESSION album convinced me that I had to be a guitarist.When you consider that Schenker wrote these riffs and played these fantastic guitar solos while he was 16 Years Old is astonishing. The vocalist (very underated) mentions this in a song"he wants it all before he's SEVENTEEN" and sleeping on his couch,I can't imagine having that much ability so very young. There are old guys like me that'll NEVER be able to do what HE DID as a pimply faced shy teenager...damn. (it has been confirmed by Schenker and his bandmates that they had to sneak him into clubs because he was underaged!) I was thrilled when he came out with MSG in the 80's and produced that awesome album. "Armed And Ready" is a ROCKER and there's not a weak song on the record to be found!

[@NJAY104]

UFO Strangers in the Night - Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous - AC DC If You Want Blood You’ve Got It.... What a period for Rock Music.... 🤘😎

[@billc1029]

3 of my top 4 live albums! I can’t even guess how many hours I spent back in the 70’s and early 80’s trying to play along with those records. Sadly, I’m still trying!

[@NJAY104]

@@billc1029 hello Bill me too, my guitar skills are not up to Schenker! What’s your No. 4? From that period people also like Cheap Trick Live At Budokan. It has its moments! I have been enjoying Humble Pie Rockin’ the Fillmore from 1971 recently, what a sound they made!

[@billc1029]

@@NJAY104 My #4 is The Allman Brothers Filmore East. Maybe round that up to 5 from that era with Rush All The Worlds A Stage.

[@NJAY104]

@@billc1029 Hiya Bill, good choices I love the Allman Bros one but I need to get the Rush one. Mr. Brewster has sung its praises on his channel before. The live album I listen to the most often is actually a DVD. Eric Johnson Austin City Limits 1988, amazing performance 🎸😎👍

[@michaelmerrullo2043]

I saw Chapman too right after on the No Place To Run tour (good album!). I love that fast picked intro to Mystery Train. You looked like we’re having fun

[@sabbster1157]

UFO, being my favorite band of all time was always stumped when people didn't really get them. I never understood that. Especially on how influencial they were to so many bands and guitarists. Walk on Water album is seriously underrated, and ranks up there as one of their best.

[@scottwb4213]

Searching tonight for stuff on Schenker’s sound chain, pedals, etc. And google sends me here, to a great Brewster video, only eight hours old. Magic!

[@blacksabbath1022]

You have the absolute best approach to teaching. A real pro. Such a laid back atmosphere like going to an old friends house and jamming out. I even prefer the sound of the small amp. Something very organic about it all. No crazy editing with useless bells and whistles. Just straight to the point. This approach separates you from the rest and I hope it never changes. Thanks for the lesson 🤘

[@zippy61]

Natural Thing kicking it off!! Yes sir !!!!

[@LJA46]

So I saw UFO in '78 and then in '80 with Judas Priest and then at the Gaumont in Ipswich, UK('82) and each lineup was insanely great. Money, Money was spawned from Cherry in my estimation. And yes, Strangers in the Night is a top 5 live album and a must!

[@joemarcinov6449]

before Van Halen it was UFO for me ,i like the Queen of the deep chord part , Strangers in the night and Thin Lizzy live and dangerous our the greatest live albums of all time..

[@sotirios6882]

I agree UFO definitely paved the way for many bands that's a fact. To me Michael Schenker was the man back in those days for sure. Great straight up chord progressions n riffs. Dave since you're on a late 60's early 70's kick how about a LNL on Pat Travers, another underrated guitarist who also contributed to the music scene. Great blues riffs n jams. Anyway on that note kool demonstration n lesson. ROCK ON! 👊 👍 🎸 😎

[@PainterDans]

“Go for what you know” was another great live album, good suggestion

[@thommyers3080]

I totally agree .I luckily saw Pat Travers open up for Rush I 78 and he kicked ass.it was pretty much the Live Go for what you Know album

[@bjornekblom5354]

One of my all time favourite bands, been a fan since the early 70s

[@jonbigg7385]

Great lesson David! I love UFO. Strangers in the Night is a killer live album.

[@michaelmerrullo2043]

The Natural Thing! I love UFO. I saw them around 75 with Schenker. Great pick again! You pick all my favorites. Your like on a streak with me. Thanks

[@Blue_3rd]

I liked this video before it started 😃 UFO was the first hard rock band I fell in love with, in school back in ‘79. I’ve played a few of their songs in bands over the years, they always go down well even today. My all time favourite solo is the live (Strangers in the Night) version of Love To Love. As I’m a Londoner I may be biased, but they were a great melodic hard rock band. Thanks for looking at them - I’m looking forward to episode 2!

[@thommyers3080]

I'm a Portlander and I wholeheartedly agree!!! Live Strangers is one of the very best live albums ever

[@Busyfingers24]

Thank you Dave, you have redeemed me. All my buds were playing Natural Thing with open chords and said I was playing it wrong. I of course said there ain't enough balls behind your open chords...I win 'cause Brewster said/played it so🤘

[@jpmcmullan8666]

I have been spreading the great name of UFO around college all semester!!!

[@donaldmccoy49]

OMG!!!! HELL YEAH BUD!!! YOU'RE ON POINT WITH THIS LESSON BROTHER!!! WOOOOO!!! LOVE SOME UFO!!

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Perhaps my favorite band ever! Thanks for another awesome lesson!

[@azbababooey]

Lights out in London, awesome song. Glad you’re finally doing a video on UFO

[@bertgetner9397]

Thank you for posting this and making a bad day Excellent. Shenker UFO is unrivaled. My favorite top 5 bands. And for icing on the cake , his stop off with the Scorps on Lovedrive for a couple songs. Incredible!

[@dwightburns6699]

He's my favorites three-finger player

[@harindernannar6417]

i love the fact that you are also giving ample time to the Paul Chapman era. Easy to be over shadowed by the immenseness of Schenker but Paul was a great guitarist and songwriter. thanks

[@agr7879]

Shame this video wasn’t longer and more in depth!! LOVE UFO, the finest rock band of all time. We need more UFO! Keep them coming... please!

[@tomdutra977]

Happy Thanks iving Dave . Natural thing .... I spent many hours with Michael ... There was lead guitar before Michael and then there was lead after. Once again saw them at winterland...

[@danielsultimaterockmetal9363]

Would love to see you go through Schenkers work on the songs ‘Let it roll’ and ‘Rock you to the ground’

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

Schenker and an entire day of eating and drinking? Dave has officially saved 2020! ;-)

[@tomcox875]

Lights Out was the first "album" I bought when I had some disposable income, on 8 track. lol. I have owned every format of that album. Schenker was my hero. Paul Raymond was just incredible on keys. Listen to him playing along with the guitar during the solo for Rock Bottom on Strangers in the Night! There are a lot of real gems in their albums. I'm about to jump head first into that UFO hole - so many good songs. Thanks!

[@kjmg65]

Anytime - MSG was one of my favorites

[@timhanson8556]

Thank you for showing Everyone what I’ve been Screaming about since ‘75

[@bustercrack788]

Wow ! What a great shout . One of the most underrated bands of the period . Saw them on their farewell tour and Mogg can still belt out the hits 🇬🇧👍

[@patriotpizzaman]

UFO is the greatest underrated band in rock history! The Schenker era is phenomenal and should be required listening for any guitarist.

[@fuelflownormal]

Thanks for giving Paul Chapman the credit he deserves. Story of my high school years.

[@ngdguitar5081]

Natural Thing!!

[@marktaylor3657]

Great to see this. A contemporary guitar teacher paying homage to the greatest hard rock group of their time. Been listening to SITN for 40+ years. I’ll never tire of it.

[@wooliegeek]

Kind of crazy how much this stuff influenced me. I’ve never really thought how much this is part of me. Thanks!

[@michaelannely1031]

I too love Michael Schenker. He never stops smiling when he's playing. You could do a hundred lessons on UFO, there's so much to choose from. Great choices btw. RIP the amazing Pete Way, who passed away recently :-(

[@easter_sunday]

“Pack it up and go” just killed me. I love those chords. Thanks for showing them!

[@easter_sunday]

The Chapman riffs are killer!

[@hawkwind8468]

Thanks Dave!! Always great material!

[@dumptodreamhome2630]

Tonka was my guitar teacher for the last 3 months before his passing. Such a nice guy, some much talent.

[@tommartling2473]

Request: licks from Rock Bottom ( Strangers in the Night) solo. There's so much there to choose from.

[@masonmarshall8470]

when i fumbled along with Lights Out album as a kid,my friends thought i was a guitar hero

[@wtffrankreich6873]

Chapmann had a really good style but Shenker had something more i think. Covenant was the last album i love, and the end of the golden years for Michael. He was more creative than now, but he enjoys being on stage niw. A pleasure to see him playing the oldies

[@markbois1713]

Awesome brother UFO has been a big influence in my guitar playing journey. Saw them many times since the 70s never with Schenker but I have seen him solo saw them with Paul Chapman many times and Atomic Tommy also Vinnie Moore. First and foremost it's Schenker but Vinnie Moore really tore it up the times I saw him with UFO. Thank you sir how about one on Uli Roth his work with the Scorpions is just incredible so many melodies in his playing.

[@centaurus5676]

Schenker said he only has his volume on 2-3 on stage and only uses 50 watt heads. He has stayed loyal to Marshall for years and me to him. Great lesson.

[@brandonlinhart6925]

XYZ would be cool, the tone on “hungry” just fires me up! Lol

[@silverbullet82]

That tone still gets me fired up ,when i put on «when the night comes down», & I got that record i 91/92..

[@kcrossen7376]

Love the Videos! I don’t recall seeing much on the channel about Marc Diglio from XYZ. Would be cool to see something regarding him especially since he is MIA. His tone and chops on the album Hungry was awesome. Killer album to explore if your not familiar with it or just to revisit it!

[@glennhutson2015]

Heck Yea !!! Thank you

[@malcolmwinfield3506]

Glad your keeping this fire ALIVE. Love UFO, Humble Pie, etc. etc. You're doing great lessons on all of them. Thank you.

[@billymoretti8437]

Love your framed Force It album I plan on doing this as well because in 1975 I was 16 and a drummer I went to a friends house ...he put Force it on his turntable and I picked up the album cover..turned it around and saw Michael Schenker with his blond hair covering his face (like mine) and that flying V and between the songs I was hearing and that picture decided right there and then to switch to guitar...I never looked back ! Life long Schenker/UFO fan and guitarist :-)

[@AngusNB]

Thanks for the lesson. Just found your channel. I have been a UFO fan since the late 70's. The first time I heard their music was a cover band at a high school dance doing Lights Out around 1978. I asked someone n the band whos song it was and started buying UFO albums, starting with Obsession. 😆 40+ years later, UFO, Scorpions, AC/DC, Great White and The Angels are still some of my favourite bands.

[@kjmg65]

Happy Thanksgiving !

[@stevemora7845]

Lights Out!

[@LevonsWound]

UFO and especially Michael Schenker were and still are my favorite band evah. I bought the Strangers in the Night CD a year or two before i actually bought a CD player ... i'm such a geek. Great vid thanks!

[@markvollmer6380]

Thank you. Still one of my favorite bands. Will always love UFO.

[@mkilner]

Enjoying this so much!...so how about a Paul Chapman lesson, he added his own spin on this Brilliant band that i was so lucky to see, thanks for All you lessons! 👏🏻🌟🎸🇬🇧

[@greg77hot]

Dave ..did you ever check out Moog /Way with Richard Kollman on guitar ...ps R.I.P Pete Way

[@pickboy7]

Yes!! Awesome Dave!!!! Thank you!

[@35rocker]

Great lesson David, love classic UFO!

[@johnhoward2687]

Thanks for another great lesson. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@adamwarlock5286]

Pack it up and go was swipe at Zep. Who UFO were better than . Got to admire the balls on them .

[@thommyers3080]

Once more Mr. Brewster you have such an ear for one of my all time favorite bands UFO and guitarists Herr Schenker. I love the other guitarists too it's just something magical about Michaels playing. I fist heard Rock Bottom on an AM radio station while riding in a car, definitely not a very good stere,yet his playing came through so clearly to me that I was Hooked. I,at first thought it was a new Black Sabbath song.Thanks for highlighting the songs you picked for this lesson and especially Queen of the Deep. I've listened to one other KZbinr and even though it kinda sounds close I could tell it wasn't quite right. thanks for setting the "record" straight.

[@adamthirdbourne324]

You are right, Bro! Major.

[@EarthAltar]

No real UFO fan would display that version of the Force It cover. Lol. Just kidding. Great lesson, Dave. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@rubicon-oh9km]

It’s gotta be the banned cover or no cover

[@EarthAltar]

@@rubicon-oh9km The real fans know what's up.

[@waynegram8907]

Bernie Marsden solo albums have good chord changes, try a lesson video on Bernie marsden

[@Apeironus55]

The solo in queen of the deep is one of the best and most soulful ever improvised. That entire song is one of the greatest ever in my opinion. Totally an overlooked gem.

[@jamesfurr3346]

You’re reading my mail DB. Keep it up!

[@artheriford]

Thank you for doing this. Michael is one of my top 5 guitarist.....Natural Thing is so bad ass.

[@RH-vl2wy]

Hey thanks for this great lesson!!! And happy thanksgiving

[@b500l]

i saw UFO in London, Shepherds Bush Empire a few years ago, the most packed i've seen it, great gig. Love your channel, lots of tips and wide range of influences and def makes me pick up a guitar during and after to keep playing and practicing on the good ol' Nuno N4 :D

[@stingray4780]

Thanks for this UFO VIDEO! THE BEST! By far one of the best bands !

[@user-bv2js7th1q]

8:05 CST. First time viewer and now subscriber. Well done!

[@michaelmerrullo2043]

New CD! Cool! I‘ll have to get it. Hey if you ever do a Montrose someday, I’ll fall out of my chair. I’m talking Warner Bros Presents and Jump On It, not just the debut stuff everybody thinks of. Check out Dancing Feet, One and a Half,What Are You Waiting For, Tufts Sedge...so many

[@markroylance1584]

Another cracking lesson David! I was looking at all your VH /EVH stuff into the wee small hours last night.... Inspiring playing as ever by you AND Sir Edward!! I got into UFO at Uni in about 1979 with their live version of 'Doctor Doctor'.... Reminded me of Thin Lizzy.... Great guitar interplay and memorable tunes. Happy Christmas MR B 8) P. S. How about Lizzy part 2 and some Wishbone Ash??!!!

[@kaneschirmer2782]

In 1977 I was UFO play -front row- my friend and I had UFO painted on our faces. After the show we walked around the concert hall and found the bus and were allowed to get on and get autographs from the band! In the early 90's I was touring Europe and woke in my bunk in the middle of the night from my head sliding up against the wall. I ran down to find the bus driver backing up on the autobahn! (He'd missed the exit!) So I decided to sit with him and keep him from doing anything else crazy. While we talked I heard this music playing and said, "That sounds like UFO" He replied, it is, I was their tour bus driver for a tour and the sound guy ran a copy off the board. We shared UFO stories throughout the night, and when we arrived at the ferry port in France, I got off the bus with him saying, "I wish I could see them again," and looked at the bus behind us that said UFO on the front. The driver said, "Come on, I'll introduce you!" I ended up sitting on the ferry talking with Phil Mogg and Pete Way the whole time - they not only remembered me as a kid with UFO on my face, they remembered the opening band from that show - SAXON!" Great guys, amazing band. "Tell me why..."

[@zeus-bx9xw]

Thank you

[@andrewbanks9212]

Space Child just shows the variations they had and the list is long.. awesome band. lucky to see them on the schenker reunion tour in the late 90's. Not forgetting everything on strangers in the night.

[@sierraridgereaper]

Have always loved UFO. there is one tune called "couldnt get it right" that I cant seem to get right, the riff chords are killin me...

[@GMAtheory]

Anybody remember the UFO tour with RUSH opening? Saw them once with Legs Diamond too. Hey David there's a deep cut...Legs🤘. Keep rocking good sir!

[@hawkwind8468]

Btw I dont know how you picked out the harmonic notes on Cars Let the good times roll!! Always baffled me!

[@timhanson8556]

Tonka finally getting the recognition he deserved! 😎

[@hadeseye2297]

Great lesson. Thanks!

[@image30p]

Really good. This is what I think of when someone says "rock guitar."

[@frankiedonofrio5438]

Really dug this lesson!!

[@nick326697]

Thanks for this. I love your enthusiasm and your deep knowledge of music. Some deep cuts here which will prompt me to go back and have another listen to UFO. How about doing a chordplay on another band with a three letter name: X.T.C.?

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

Like I always say, Michael Schenker is your favorite guitar players, favorite guitar player.

[@fabghassem]

Great stuff…📍⚡️🔝

[@sonicmojo]

Man I love your lessons. I've learned more from your lessons that any other teacher on KZbin! You bring me back to my early 80s when I was in Junior High and high school. Very nostalgic. Sitting in a boring social studies class and drawing Van Halen and Pink Floyd logos on my pee chee folder. Lol. Here's an odd one, how about the chords of Pat Benatar? Happy dead bird day bro. 🤘😆😝

[@ericvincent5187]

Very cool band! In my opinion there are none better!

[@dominicsofield393]

Killer chord play as usual. Have you ever done a Judas Priest LNL or CP on Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing? I would like to see that

[@TheK20sedan]

Happy Thanksgiving Brewster!

[@paulwhickerthetallvicar]

Great band. First band I saw live when they were touring TWTWATI which has stuck with me since as a great album that I often go back to and listen to. Some great tracks on that one.

[@davedecker1725]

I caught that tour Saxon opened!🤩🤩

[@seymourtitt1735]

Very cool.....I love UFO !

[@michaelm298]

I went back and checked my own transcriptions of Queen of the Deep, I had It in standard tuning. The versions on iTunes are sped up a bit, but I think the original LP may have had the song in standard. The original version on the Deluxe Phenomenon reissue is in standard tuning as well. That makes the 3rd chord in the progression Gm/A#(I think) the same fingering as the 2nd chord just 3 frets up. For the G note in the bass, the open G string works. Likewise for the Esus2 chord, the open D string can be used for a bass note. This is much simpler to play and the big riff that comes in later would be in E. Here's the original version for reference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmmQgGlqrNFlZq8 Thanks for diving into the early UFO material, hope there's more in the future!

[@greg77hot]

Dave ... Have you read "fast ride out of here" ? by Pete Way, Great auto bi from ROCKS MOST DANGEROUS MAN

[@Bequeefed]

Would love to see you go over uriah heep or budgie in the not too distant future, love the content as always Dave