Classical Composer Reacts to Black Star AND Far Beyond the Sun (Yngwie Malmsteen) | Episode 133

#YngwieMalmsteen #Yngwie #BlackStar #FarBeyondTheSun #Reaction
In this edition of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to both Black Star and Far Beyond the Sun by Yngwie Malmsteen. I was planning to just react to Black Star, but I was on a roll...and we went right into Far Beyond the Sun. These are the first two tracks off of Rising Star, Malmsteen's debut studio album, released in 1984.
Reference Video: • Video
Reference Video: • Video

[@williammartinez9906]

I worked for Malmsteen on this tour and one thing to consider about these compositions is that when he was touring for this record he was 19 yrs old which means these composition were written by a 17 to 18 yrs old kid.

[@hectorramonmirandavasquez972]

Amazing guy

[@jhonybotacio]

Mindblowing

[@uwebiernacki]

There is a video of Yngwie shredding in his rehearsal room back in sweden in 1978, when he was only 15y old, but already faster than the rest (jazz-guitarists excluded, o/c 😄).

[@drm9397]

@@uwebiernacki Jazz guitarists? Fast? No.

[@uwebiernacki]

@@drm9397 check out Allan Holdsworth, a Jazz-ROCK-guitarist and one of Malmsteen's biggest influences...

[@coffeemachtspass]

Doug: “Oh, we heard this before.” Every Malmsteen fan: “For forty years, but we still like it.”

[@MAGAMAN]

When Yngwie came out, he was amazing. He had two amazing albums, a good album and a whole hell of a lot of forgettable albums that just sounded like more of the same with nothing really new.

[@simonj.1812]

Black Star still gives me an Eargasm after all these years, just heaven

[@elbischoff]

still the best.

[@simonj.1812]

Yes, only Yngwie can play like Yngwie, I've heard a few come close, but he is the best

[@t.mccullough2573]

Oh yeah... Black Star just moves my soul!

[@Ivanslav1]

It is BADASS! Still my favorite Yngwie song

[@dongigante]

His greatest masterpiece ever.

[@lucasvonbraun]

What is sadly missing in these reaction / analysis videos is what Yngwie meant to kids ( like myself ) who were 13 or 14 years old at the time, and had grown up with some great guitar heroes, esp in the hard rock/metal scene ... By the time Far Beyond The Sun and the Rising Force album had hit the stores, Randy Rhoads was dead, EVH seemed more interested in synths and MTV pop, Al Dimeola ( Dad's favorite and one of mine now, too ) had essentially put down the Les Paul in favor of acoustics and a more new age approach , Alex Lifeson was neutered, Led Zep was done, Ritchie Blackmore had turned Rainbow into Journey - which, in retrospect, was not a bad thing, however, for a young kid who loved metal and loved the electric guitar - Yngwie came along at a time when heavy guitar was passe, a relic that was no longer cool, and Yngwie carried the torch and, from the ashes, redefined the electric guitar forever ....... No offense at all to Doug, but in watching his reaction, I cannot help but think of the musical snobs ( sorry ) that my uncles and cousins were, always mocking the music I enjoyed when I was 12, 13, 14 years old -- Eddie Van Halen, Ace Frehley, Angus Young were nothing but "I IV V noisemakers" ..... All of my relatives played the guitar, were into jazz, etc etc ... I will never forget the holiday at my house in 1985 or 86 when I announced that I had a new favorite guitarist - at first, there were chuckles, and a comment of "another clown in makeup ?" - I put Far Beyond The Sun on the big console stereo, and there was silence ... After the song ended, I got my Fender Bronco, handed it to my smug cousin and said "could you help me learn that song ?? .. The guy is younger than you, so I;m sure you can do it, right ?" ... Never heard another negative comment again from any of them ...

[@andymilic4093]

so did Stevie Ray Vaughn , i had the pleasure of seeing twice, his double live album , I think in 87 & his In Step album in 89-90 right before the crash , shame , he made playing the guitar wicked cool as well, i thought so,

[@davidransom4703]

i wanna see your uncles reaction to him what did they say after hearing Yngwie's music??

[@TheAngryMoth104]

my dude you had iron maiden, motorhead, Helloween, 3 of Metallics best albums, you had plenty to choose from

[@daviddrennon4089]

Not into Yngvie too much. Great guitarist but don't like most of the song structures I've heard from him. They sound more like instructional lessons to some degree. However I feel I love your share and your passion for what you love. YNGVIE should be smiling at this. Great share!

[@brownholecharles]

@@TheAngryMoth104 Metallica solos were pretty awful though. Maiden guitar solos stand on their own and are musically interesting. Helloween has some good playing too. Hammett's solos just seems all over the place, and not in a good way.. although he does have a few memorable ones, like "One". I think Iron Maiden's guitar work (of the 1980's) is the best in all of heavy metal. Malmsteen is in a category of his own of course :)

[@madjock-ig5bv]

"What I love about Yngwie J Malmsteen is that he puts in the J so we know him from all other Yngwie Malmsteens"😂 (courtesy of Spinal Tap)

[@TheMatSignal.]

Beat me to it!😂

[@madjock-ig5bv]

@@TheMatSignal. Someone else with the Hear N Aid video?

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Apparently where Yngwie is from , his name is very common like John Smith.

[@Siloguy]

@@TheAgentAssassin isn't his name actually Lars Lannerback? I'm not sure where the Malmsteen came from.

[@ChrisBrooksGuitar]

@@Siloguy Malmsten (note the one E) was his maternal grandmother's maiden name and it traces back to the Af-Malmstens that were made noble (Hence the Af or Auf) by the king in the 17th century (for memory, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken). I'm not sure why they changed the spelling. Some say it's so that Yngve Malmsten spelled Yngwie Malmsteen looks more like Ritchie Blackmoore but I've heard that some distant cousins of Yngwie also spell it Malmsteen.

[@saposapochile]

The duel between the keyboards of Jens Johanssen and the guitar of Ynwgie is like a string duels of Vivaldi..

[@IngeBall]

I was thinking of another duel involving banjos..

[@russellhamilton2877]

You should check out the live performance from Trial By Fire: Live in Leningrad now that you have heard the studio version 🤘🏻🇬🇧🖤

[@Pianodean]

Anders Johanssen is SUCH a beast!

[@Stefan-]

@@Pianodean Absolutely, he is not on this first album though.

[@cesarfreek]

the song enigma suite Yngwie vs Jens Johanssen it´s too amazing

[@shotgundorothy]

Yngwie mostly utilizes harmonic minor and diminished scales. He's essentially Paganini with an electric guitar.

[@elbischoff]

which is PRETTY good!

[@_BLACKSTAR_]

He is Literally playing Paganini parts in his solos, only he is playing them SLOWER than Paganini did.Not taking anything away From Old Yngwie jus sayin.

[@primeDecomposition]

Not really though when you dig below the surface; Paganini’s compositions have a much much MUCH higher degree of harmonic sophistication.

[@therightisright8276]

. ..if Paganini were a narcissistic, arrogant, pompous ass, sure.

[@ohyeah8283]

And his guitar. DAMN. SCALLOPED. GUITAR.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Yngwie was a MONSTER on guitar! Millions of collective jaws dropped across the universe when he came onto the scene!

[@PiotrFoot]

Although there is a "show-off" thing due to the virtuosity, what's really interesting about Malmsteen is his sound, the way his guitar sounds, the way he picks the string, his Phrygian and Minor harmonic stuff, and his amazing left hand vibrato, this is guitar feeling I guess Look at Malmsteen's guitar covers on KZbin, nobody can get close to the way he sounds, and that's definitely not a pace issue, just that other people don't have his unique feeling and guitar sound

[@wallywest2360]

Agreed. I actually like his slower, acoustic-ish stuff like the intro to Black Star because of his tone. One of my friends in high school loaned me this album not long after it came out. I was just blown away, never heard anything like it. Ate up everything he did for many years. I do feel that the Rising Force band was his best work though.

[@DunamisSword]

Well said!

[@guthrie1181]

Yes that’s the difference between a guitarist vs non guitarist doing the critiquing. We’re going to pick up on things a non player can not.

[@AngeloDau]

@@robertanderson1043 Yeah Cesario lives to play as similar as possibile to yngwie, but he cannot improvise like him, this is the difference between malmsteen and us, we can mimic only

[@michaeleaster1815]

One note on gear: Yngwie uses guitars with scalloped fretboards. This facilitates his vibrato technique. Standard disclaimer: no, someone else won't sound like him by playing his guitar. But it _is_ how he prefers his guitars.

[@bigpapi2658]

I started playing guitar in 7th grade. I was a freshman in high school when I heard Yngwie. The last day of school. I played varsity football (started offense, defense and special teams) basketball (started) and ran track. The night I heard Yngwie was where I began playing 6 to 8 hours a day. That fall I quit sports, freaked my school out. The guidance counselor and athletic director came to my house and asked if I was on drugs. My mom sad no, he plays his guitar from 3pm to 11pm every day and 12 hours on weekends.

[@T_Burd_75]

Sometimes you just gotta follow your passion.

[@fhpr68]

I wish I had that type of discipline to practice that much, I would probably play half way decent. Do you have any recordings that you could share with us?

[@FamilyMartialArtsHudson]

Great share.

[@julienbriere1972]

Yngwie’s touch on this album is unbelievable

[@unclemoe510]

Yngwie inspired so many 80s kids (including myself) to pick up a guitar and find our musical passion. More inspirational than he will ever be credited for IMHO.

[@CVGuitar]

I saw Yngwie live back in 1986 and literally over night I went from playing a humbucker/floyd rose guitar with a thin pick like EVH to playing a Strat with a Fender Extra Heavy pick that YJM had thrown into the crowd

[@doommarine2215]

Actually for me I gave up on guitar I hate it so much!!! It was a struggle and it became very frustrating... Yngwie did the reverse for me... He will always be the best thou!!!

[@JesseJuup]

Time to dive into the greatness of Jason Becker and his tragic yet very inspiring story!

[@mojoi_iv_v7_i975]

Becker would be a great option for this channel.

[@Josh-it6uy]

"Air" would be a great track to review!!!

[@tmacinsanity4832]

I was thinking the same just seconds ago. Jason Becker was the man behind Malmsteen shoes, too bad ALS took that place forever.

[@thomass6988]

YES! Altitudes and Air are musts.

[@Jerry-nu2rs]

yes jason and marty !!

[@dokeddysimanjuntak]

Doug really nails Yngwie's playing style by just listening to it once. This is impressive. Well trained ears.

[@InstrumentalArcanum]

Well said your exactly right. That's why he keeps saying I've never heard anything like this . That is because he is extremely precise with his scales and what he chooses to play : )

[@outdoorsanimalsandmusic3014]

Yngwie’s music is very classical in itself

[@KJRUSS0]

"His sound is very unique to my ears." Yeah, because he plays Metal with a Stratocaster.

[@nicklevi5537]

😁👍

[@ckmoore101]

Thats not unique..... at all.

[@jedinxf7]

@@ckmoore101 how many strats have scalloped frets?

[@ckmoore101]

@@jedinxf7 At least 2.

[@jedinxf7]

@@ckmoore101 if the word "unique" in the quoted sentence meant "limited to a single instance," as opposed to merely "exceptional", the use of the word "very" as an intensifier would be unintelligible. so for those of us who can't seem to process language within the same register of formality in which it is expressed, and must conform the meaning of words to some dictionary definition in our minds, please note that you have enough context to recognize that you are using the wrong dictionary definition.

[@VultureLivesAgain]

Even though Yngwie was greatly inspired by classical music, you have to realize that he's channeling it into a heavy metal context. If you don't like heavy metal, chances are that you won't like Yngwie. And as others have pointed out, he was about 20 years old when he recorded this album. That's darned impressive virtuosity for such a youngster.

[@TheJTD1982]

Very good point. People forget that was what Yngwie did - he put classical music into a rock/metal context, exactly as you say. The metal side of his playing is just as important as the classical side.

[@ebee3522]

I use comparative terms like who’s music can Yngwie play to perfection and who can play his to perfection.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have been a fan of Yngwie Malmsteen for many years. Our first dance song at our wedding was Dreaming (Tell Me) by Yngwie Malmsteen.

[@stopthehate1749]

From the Odyssey album with Joe Lynn Turner on vocals - I used to love that song!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@stopthehate1749 Yep! I think Joe Lynn Turner was my favorite of the vocalists that Yngwie worked with.

[@stopthehate1749]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I was starting to learn how to play guitar around that time. Yngwie was the first bonafide guitar hero that I saw live. That was on the Odyssey tour in 88' I believe. I was absolutely amazed that anybody could play an electric guitar like that!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@stopthehate1749 Yeah, I started learning guitar a little earlier than that. I saw him live in Seattle. I have part of a guitar that he burned and smashed on stage. I saw him again with Generation Axe.

[@stopthehate1749]

@@RJTheBikeGuy oh nice! I saw him 4 times (once with Dio headlining) total. One was on the G3 that he did with Vai and Satriani. The last time was this solo thing he did with backing tracks. (kind of like a weird cross between a guitar clinic and a concert tbh)

[@SlimJudas]

The Rising Force Album starts with the acoustic section of Black star and the last song of the album Farewell goes back to that Black star acoustic melody

[@MalteDenHalte]

Word , was gonna say the same thing and I hope he listen to it :)

[@omgtkseth]

I did not know that. Thanks

[@YuxinZhou13]

I just wanna post the same thing! Yes Doug guessed right: the acoustic part does come back!

[@michaelgarcia2050]

One thing that separates innovative guys like Malmsteen and EVH and those who copy them, is that the copyists can duplicate the technique, but they can't touch the attitude, which is where the music comes from.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Also details like the vibrato, tone and phrasing, that's really hard to copy even if you can play it note for note.

[@Yamagatabr]

Yngwie was 16 when he started puting those songs and ideas together on the late hours at his uncle's studio in sweden. And sent it as a demo tape to america, so all that "showOfiness" comes of as very spot on and ingenuous at the circumstances, he resourcefully used that true Baroque melodic context to get his music and point accross the sea, and he got it accross the century too.

[@theodosios2615]

Jesus, when Yngwie is firing on all cylinders, he's unstoppable. A more mellow, beautiful instrumental of his is Brothers.

[@smiller987123]

Was 17 years old when I heard far beyond the sun on "the Metal Shop" radio show. Changed my musical tastes forever!

[@mikelenox7999]

I remember Metal Shop. "the only show with teeth!" lol

[@Ironhandjohn]

M-M-M-M-METAL SHOP!!!

[@shannonmitchell8515]

Coincidentally, I'm actually a 17 year old now getting into Malmsteen. I love both classical music and metal, so it was amazing when I discovered artists like Malmsteen and Symphony X

[@pauldoroff6973]

Wasn't that broadcast on kqrs 92.5 back in the day ?

[@KarstenJohansson]

It's funny. I had just mastered the riff in Over The Mountain (Ozzy) and I really thought that was about as fast as one could do a scaly riff. Then this album came out, and I was like WTF and went about learning it. My mind was blown the moment I realized Yngwie's Phrygian scale contained the Randy's Mixolidian in G, which immediately made me go onto learning the whole fretboard instead of "positions."

[@dongpedroyi]

Yngwie's tone is unique - just a mild overdrive, Strat into a Marshall at forbidden level, and furious fluid picking.

[@francisdasta8646]

He was one of the first guitar players to use the neck pickup for that smoothness on fast runs

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Mild? He has about as much gain as anyone. Low output pickups, DOD250 booster into a SLP fully cranked. That gives him the glassy clean sounding tone but he has a shit ton of drive. Without noise gates it would just squeal like crazy. But it's the way to go, low output pickups into an amp that drives the power stage. I do it with PAFs. Glorious sound. You can replicate it by having master volume on full and preamp on low, drive preamp with an OD (level high, gain zero) and plenty of mids and treble, bass rolled back. If you have an actual Plexi, don't jump the channels, bright channel only, everything dimed except bass and presence maybe on 7 plus the DO but any overdrive is close enough, I use a tube screamer clone, level full, gain low, tone rolled back because tube screamer tend to be a bit bright.

[@guitarlosindy]

I can remember when this album came out in 84. I saw them on tour with the bad ass bass player, Billy Sheehan and Talas opening for Malmsteen. July 5th at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. It was such a different time back then, no moshing, just people mesmerized by the music. Yngwie had total control of the audience with just 2 gestures, one was his finger in front of his lips, to silence the crowd, the second was him placing his hand by his ear in a stance that said, get loud, i want to hear you. I remember members of Talas coming out and performing 3 songs with Malmsteen as an encore, epic night! Great memories.

[@MrTubularBalls]

Malmsteen has stated in interviews that he likes to play over slower, harmonically ambiguous (just root +fifth) chord changes. It allows him to pick and choose modalities, "it's a wide-open field". As for his sound, he uses stacked humbuckers: single-coil sound without the hum. He stated that he considers them to act like microphones, in that they pick up the natural 'acoustic" sound of the guitar. Humbuckers color the sound, they filter out certain frequencies, esp transients. Thus they also reduce dynamic range. His pickups are aslo low-output, he lets the amp do the work. His fretboards are scalloped. This gives him more tonal control then a regular fretboard, and makes large bends and that wide, "heroic" vibrato easier. He has stated that it's like playing violin, you have to work to get the intonation right (apparently he has perfect pitch). Scalloping also helps with clarity and articulation. Btw in this period he was using a lot of legato, esp pull-offs, the really fast picking licks in these tunes are mostly on one string. His picking technique got a boost when he was recovering from a car accident and practiced like crazy to get his technique back. That playing can be heard on Odyssey and later albums. Malmsteen uses a classic 2-point trem system, no double-locking trems for him. He's not fond of buzzsaw guitar tones either, he records using an overdrive pedal (Boss HM I believe) at modest settings, more like a boost, into small amps pushed to their max. They're set up in a small room with wooden floor, he claims that's where a lot of his sustain comes from.

[@martygrand3497]

Scorpions - Sails of Charon is a great song and Uli Jon Roth was one of Malmsteen's biggest inspirations. Definitely worth a listen!

[@justinnielsen9766]

If he wants melodic, fun to listen to. Then Uli Jon Roth era of the Scorpions is where he needs to go. Uli is what Doug will love.

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

There you go, thanks for pointing this out....And I have to say, over time & even if it is not going to be popular here, while the "ultra classical" or "side barocco" style arpeggiations tend to bore me a lot (OTT), too much showing off (I'm not saying he's not a good technician) I prefer less demonstrative guitarists such as yes Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Randy Rhoads (to stay in that genre), the famous guitarist pairs of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, etc...in Progressive Rock, it'll be obviously Robert Fripp, and in contemporary time, while I recon there is a also big demonstrations there, the sound innovation & sense of melody of Tosin Abisi in Animals as Leaders moves me more than Malmsteen...(I even prefer Steve Vai & Joe Satriani than him, composition wise too).

[@MrFancyFingers]

Both Uli and his now deceased brother Zeno did some amazing solo albums, worth checking out.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Uli and Ritchie Blackmore where the 1970s Malmsteens.

[@uv777gr]

His tone and vibrato are stellar. Eddie and Randy were inspiring so many guitarists in the early 80s, but when this came out, it really changed the landscape, inspired thousands of kids (me included), and the copycats ensued but never attained the authenticity and proficiency Yngwie exhibits. He's one of a kind. I discovered Vai by trying to find Yngwie music back in the day (the Alcatrazz connection). Vai is otherworldly.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Yes the tone is fantastic. I do the same but with low output humbuckers, gives me an Yngwie esque tone on the neck and a bit more bite on the bridge. I hate the distortion pedal sound. Low output pickups, overdrive, gain zero, level max, into the amp, master volume full, preamp low (if you have neighbours otherwise both on full) mids and treble high bass low, presence high. Can't go wrong. EQ in the loop to tame any unpleasantness

[@cfh4201969]

Another guitar virtuoso to check out is Tony MacAlpine. An amazing musician

[@dudejrryan]

Edge of Insanity one of my all-time faves. Hate seeing him play keyboards..even though he is great at that too. Just seems like a waste of his time to me, knowing how awesome he is on the guitar & can go toe-toe with anyone

[@kennhern]

Even to guitarists, Yngwie's tone is really unique. Even the slew of YJM copycats in the 80s and beyond, he just stood head and shoulders above the rest and you can point him out from the others

[@herculesbrofister265]

You know what's funny about that actually. A number of years ago i was at my PC doing something and i had VH1 classic on my tv in the background. A guitar solo comes on eventually and i'm thinking this guy sounds like malmsteen, who da hell is this. Turn to the tv and wait for the artist/song info at the end. Band called Alcatrazz.

[@trinidaddiezrojo9041]

@@herculesbrofister265 yes, Yngwie first start to play with Alcatraz

[@z1g]

@@trinidaddiezrojo9041 In the states I believe he was actually with Steeler befor Alcatrazz.

[@twelveeighteenofficial7487]

I wouldn't call it unique. I mean, he lifted it from Ritchie Blackmore.

[@drax13]

@@twelveeighteenofficial7487 I'd say most of his leadwork comes from Uli Roth, just faster and more repetitive.

[@sergiohughes6304]

Malmsteen was 18/19 years old when he recorded this album.

[@MG-ln1yw]

He was 20!

[@kveldalf]

@@MG-ln1yw And pre-accident hands

[@TotalSinging]

@@MG-ln1yw when he finished the album was 21

[@guilhermeschuabb4537]

He’s a prodigy

[@johnzyks4950]

Love Malmsteen. Crying and Dark ages off Trilogy were my first and favorites. I believe I was 16..... Lord I am 50 and still love it.

[@tvelasquez718]

When analyzing Yngwie’s Playing, one of the most important aspects we need to consider is his Unique Style as well as the Timeframe of his Bursting onto the scene in the early 80’s. He first played for a band called Steeler, then played for the Legendary band Alcatrazz and was fired and replaced with Steve Vai (Vai had one day to learn the Alcatrazz songs) for a short time before going solo. Guitarists Vai, Becker, Gilbert and several other future Guitarists were in awe of Yngwie just as years earlier Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix & Jeff Beck were Guitar Pioneers.

[@dantebaez3971]

The keyboardist is Jens Johansson, currently playing in Stratovarius, and in the latest Helloween album which is a f'n Great band as well, I suggest reacting to "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" is a Masterpiece.

[@podeco]

I saw him playing live 2 years ago with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, and he’s still in good musical shape. 👍🏼

[@wadson990]

In the streets on helloween there something going on :D

[@baimun]

You mention his interesting tone... I have always found his vibrato so unique compared to other technical wizard guitarists. I think one of the elements that contributes to both his tone and vibrato is the fact that his guitar necks are scalloped. Instead of a flat fingerboard, the wood between the frets are carved out... so he uses a light gauge of string and plays rather lightly. Too much pressure during chords or vibrato can make the notes pitch sharp. Without the friction of the fingerboard beneath his fingers, all bends are metal on metal and are controlled by the fingers alone, not “holding” the finger against a particular spot on the fingerboard after a bend.

[@TURBOKONGEN]

Yngwie uses 0.8 1st string tuned down to e flat . The strings are VERY loose and difficult to play with this setup . I have played guitar since the 70s and remember buying the Steeler album and everybody just went WTF is this guy doing . No one else was doing this classical/barrock stuff then in 83/84 . Richie Blackmore was a main influence for Yngwie but Yngwie is far superior technically . I have a Yngwie style Stratocaster USA with a scalloped fretboard - I have it set up with 0.9 1st string detuned . Yngwie also uses pickups that are not typically used by metal guitarists . He does have a very special and unique sound .

[@JeffreyTheTaylor]

Scalloped frets and high output single coil PUPs are the secret sauce to his tone.

[@davidfuller581]

It's a combination of scalloped frets, single coil pickups, a Marshall Super Lead screaming for mercy, and his really unique pick attack. I took lessons from a guy who basically replicated the Yngwie thing and is somehow even cleaner technically (so, Joe Stump) and the pick attack is a _lot_ of it.

[@baimun]

@Elusive Tachyon If you're playing 10's... prob not too much, but that's why some people complain with standard capos making the guitar out of tune if they have jumbo frets even without scalloping. (personally I use the G7 performance capo and never have an issue, even past the 5th fret).

[@luisvillarreal5262]

The Keyboard player, Jens Johansson, could easily keep up with Yngwie's speedy licks. There are other songs on this album that highlights Jens keyboard technique and how he and Yngwie trade solos in perfect time. This line up was Malmsteen's best, IMHO. I was fortunate to have seen them live on this tour. Marcel Jacob was an excellent bassist who took his own life, due to personal and health issues. May he rest in peace.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Much easier to play fast on piano. I play piano as a hobby and guitar full time for 20 years. I can do Yngwie speed on piano, guitar no. I could do Far Beyond the Sun at 3/4 speed but not very cleanly. No need to sync you only use one hand to play a note while guitar picking and fretting hand must be synced which is the hard part. Most can play Yngwie speeds legato but to actually pick every note is hard AF and beyond what most will accomplish. Violin it's easier too, since it's a fluid motion for each phrase, you only reverse the bow after a phrase. Off course you can go back and forth for each note but that's really hard again. Similar to picking on guitar but there's a bit more leeway. On guitar it just sounds horrible if your hands are not in perfect sync.

[@RyanEhli-MusicAndGuitar]

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN is so amazing = he's a great composer, guitarist, producer, entertainer, &... guitarist (again since he's that great) "more is more" baby! More MALMSTEEN

[@malawigw]

Maiden Mondays, Yngwie Thursdays. I can calibrate my calendar using your channel. BTW he was 20 y old on this records, sent an entire generation of electric guitar players back to their practice chambers... pure domination. Not only the sheer speed and technique (such as the sweep picked arpeggios) but also the tone, intonation and vibrato are delivered with higher precision than results in most scientific papers.

[@semotano]

Even Steve Vai multiple times admitted that Yngwie set the bar too high for everyone

[@hipnofago2102]

Like Dragon Ball? One big guy appears and the others have to improve even more... Pretty similar to me.

[@araneotattoo2693]

Hahahaha especially last sentence 😂

[@airbus135]

And Purple Tuesdays maybe

[@YuxinZhou13]

sent an entire generation of electric guitar players to throw their guitars out of the window or use as a coffee table.

[@eliashornwall8546]

I think that Trilogy Suite is his best work. It is definitely The one he should do next!

[@GlamMetalFreak9000]

Yes that song is killer Trilogy Suite Opus 5

[@TexasGuitarist]

I echo this comment. Trilogy Suite!

[@lelov1392]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@hipnofago2102]

For me is Far Beyond The Sun, but Trilogy Opus 5 and Baroque and Roll (the first song that I heard of Malmsteen) are right there, too.

[@tylercielen2216]

We need this!

[@MarcoPolo-je5ej]

I saw Yngwie's first tour in June, 1985 from about 10 feet from the stage at a small club in Portland, Oregon. What an incredible show. Yngwie was incredible, but I also vividly remember the keyboard player (can't remember his name) being equally fantastic.

[@MrFancyFingers]

Yens Johansson, his brother Anders is on drums.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

I'm surprised you still can hear. I saw him in the 2000s from about that distance. My god, cranked Plexis in todays world. The building was shaking. My brain felt every note. It was Asia so everyone was sitting down and nodding politely haha, except me and a friend stood on the chairs headbanging :) He gave us a nod and after concert signed a few posters. He seemed a bit bored but we were very enthusiastic which he seemed to like. I said his tone was particularly good that night and that made him smile (probably the highlight of my life as a guitarist and Yngwie fan). He can be a handful but he can also be really polite and friendly, that's the only way I experienced it. Great talent and a much nicer guy than he's given credit for. He didn't have to chat with a bunch of drunk 16 year olds but he did. Only other guitarists that I met, that where as friendly were Tony Iommi and Michael Schenker. Schenker was in Asia too, so same friend again both Germans, also did a signing afterwards. He was a bit surprised to be met with a Bavarian accent. Still have that poster. My mom threw out the one Yngwie signed.... lovely lady.

[@johanblume2621]

People think I’m strange for loving both classical and neo-classical metal music. I think it’s a wonderful thing! It’s great that many rock guitarists see the absolute beauty of classical composition.

[@eikdon]

"i don't know if this is a weird guitar or a keyboard" this has been the reaction of everyone that listens to Jens Johansson for the first time. I know I Thought it was a guitar the first time too

[@gerardorico3762]

Yes that was a keyboard

[@dagoelius]

'Far beyond the Sun' is the song that sent me on a life long obsession with guitar. 40+ years on and I still dig it. Your classical ear would love anything off the Fire and Ice album.

[@jacksondolly3248]

The live version on "High Impact" is absolutely insane. The timing and phrasing is much more fleshed out and just epic. Actually anything off of that album Doug would absolutely love, but especially Overature 1622 and Fugue. That's great that FBTS send you on that journey!

[@tomgnau]

As a guitarist who has wrestled with this song for years,, I'm impressed with how spot-on this non-guitarist's assessment is, especially for his first listen. Bravo.

[@2heavenAndHell]

I heard Malmsteen in a record store when I was young. Immediately fell in love with his guitar playing. Almost nobody knew him (in Germany) and it was so unsual to have a record without vocals. Today - many years have passed - I still love screaming guitars and I like that people are realizing the value of the music from these great bands.

[@kraftwerk974]

This guy is so influential to guitar players. When blackstar went out we all realised the pentatonic noodling wouldn't be enough anymore.

[@troysmithfr]

Technically, nothing will be enough. We just have yet hear to other things effectively utilized.

[@guthrie1181]

The fusion guys have taken the reigns

[@kraftwerk974]

@@troysmithfr you had JH in 1967, then EVH in 1978 and finally YJM in 1983. Since then no 🎸 revolution for players... my opinion only of course. Besides, rock guitar reached its tech climax in the 80's. Today being a 6 strings virtuoso is basically worthless.

[@troysmithfr]

@@kraftwerk974 I disagree, you can still get away with 6 strings. Some people do play extended range and just don't main them, though.

[@stopthehate1749]

@@kraftwerk974 I definitely get what you are saying. There are some amazing players like Tosin Abasi (with his 8 string), Guthrie Govan, and Yvette Young. However, none of them have really had that all out Clapton ("is god" era in the 60's)/Hendrix/Van Halen/Yngwie type of IMPACT that just changed everything - and made every other player try to emulate them. Still waiting for the next guitar hero to have that kind of impact...

[@marklund9718]

Jason Becker...”Air” (anything off Perpetual Burn is amazing) not only a truly gifted musician...he continues (with ALS) creating music. So incredible and inspiring. Doug...check out Jason Becker and you will be amazed with everything he did/does.

[@JohnWilliamsGTS]

+1 for Jason Becker - Air - awesome example of counterpoint technique

[@atlaseddie2961]

Gonna say. Jason Becker "Air" or "Altitudes" - would be a great choice for the channel, both recorded when Jason was only 18 years old.

[@thomass6988]

@@atlaseddie2961 I agree completely, both of these are musts

[@navindersingh9118]

'Air' is amazing... 'Altitudes' is fantastic too

[@octaviodobelin2922]

@@navindersingh9118 the sweep part is brilliant

[@Qdraw]

Love your channel, so glad I found this. These amazing Yngwie breakdowns are very educational, and very enjoyable!

[@armandoaraujo6128]

Malmsteen is part of one of the 3 pillars of the guitar with "Hendrix and EVH" when it comes to the innovation of the guitar language approach: He is the mother of the refined technique and the precursor of the neoclassical. Along with other guitarists, Malmsteen influenced a number of virtuosos on the guitar. The technique taken to the last consequences was a goal fed by him and by countless guitarists from the 80's. Yngwie totally changed the way of playing the instrument, after him the guitar was never the same.

[@seanbarker4610]

He has a great melodic sense! There's a lot of majestic sounds in his compositions

[@luciencitron3015]

And add the fact he composes slow melodies for singers!

[@YuxinZhou13]

Agree! Yngwie has the superior melodic and emotional lines!

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

The keyboard player on this is Jens Johansson, who has been playing keys for the Finnish band Stratovarius for the past 25+ years now.

[@BrianAuer]

Great to watch your interpretation/reaction to this. Always love hearing educated people comment on music I love. And you are 100% about those compositions. Black star is the introduction to the album and far beyond the sun is definitely written to showcase his virtuosity. But the main thing that stands out to me and you mentioned it, it’s his tone and his style. One of a kind guitarist! Even when he borrows composers pieces he still makes it his own.

[@jhonybotacio]

Malmsteen is an ICON in the metal scene since the 80s! My understanding is that his influences were from classical music. He just electrified classical music . His guitar skills are amazing but something certain techniques are somehow repetitive... he knows what he is doing and is good to see that somebody who actually knows and understand music gives him the credit he deserves

[@ericjenkins2737]

The closing of the album brings the theme of the acoustic intro to Black Star back.

[@westjt17]

It’s cool, you said you wanted to hear the acoustic part. At the end of the album, that’s actually used as an outro

[@YuxinZhou13]

I just wanna post the same thing! Yes Doug guessed right: the acoustic part does come back!

[@flyme2themoon720]

Your an amazing teacher.i love listening to you talk about the construction of these songs.this is my new favorite channel for sure!

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

Most people have no idea how young he was when he wrote this. He was a superior musician but he did know it.

[@marvelharris9540]

Far Beyond the Sun is such a great piece.... his playing was so clear and such great string to string definition.

[@TheMetalGBG]

Malmsteen vs Johansson (guitar vs Keyboard) is a recurring theme in his songs and they are great!

[@Noobshire]

There's no tricks or anything to penetrate with Yngwie's style, it's just really well played and clean as fuck. :)

[@fredreed8462]

Thanks Doug. I love your analyses. I discovered Yngwie a few years before this album was released. I also had the pleasure of interviewing him in 1984 for my college radio station. This Swedish guitar wunderkind put Rising Force, the band, (almost with same lineup that was on this first album) when he was a teenager. Then we traded cassettes of different new bands and among them Rising Force. So Black Star was written when he was about 16-17. So in 1982-83, we liked him because there was no one like him and he played FAST! And you're right, much of his influences are from baroque era: Bach, Vivaldi and Paganini whom he includes in his dedication on the album along with Jimi Hendrix and Ritchie Blackmore. In my opinion, Yngwie is best when he's supported by an equally strong singer. Rising Force was his baby so he was not constrained. When he arrived in US, the second act that he was involved in, featured former Rainbow singer, Graham Bonnett (he was recruited after Ronnie James Dio left Rainbow, and is responsible for Rainbow such as "All Night Long" and "Since You've Been Gone"). This band was Alcatrazz and this is when I got a chance to interview Yngwie. The album "No Parole For Rock and Roll" featured some Yngwie influenced but melodic hard rock tunes and also more pop oriented rock. I recommend the song "Hiroshima Mon Amour," which is more interesting and commercially accessible than some others. Yngwie lasted for one album and tour. Interestingly, his replacement was Steve Vai before he became a famous solo artist! The most commercially successful (and perhaps his best) Rising Force album is "Odyssey" that Yngwie wrote together with another Rainbow alum, Joe Lynn Turner. Turner's era with Rainbow was more pop and "hit" oriented, with radio favorites, such as: Stone Cold. The one "Odyssey" song I would recommend is a ballad, "Dreaming (Tell Me)," which mostly features an acoustic guitar, and not much shredding.

[@rossdixonellis]

Love that you appreciate Yngwie. Black Star has definitely evolved in his live sets, along with Far Beyond the Sun. It usually is a big medley of various classical pieces. For example Far Beyond the Sun live starts with Paganini's violin Concerto going into Albinoni's Adagio THEN Far Beyond the Sun, and he usually ends with the national anthem of the country he plays in.

[@saposapochile]

Indeed, at Live at Leningrad it was awesome

[@YuxinZhou13]

Yes! I'm watching a lot especially of the 80's bootlegs of his. Unbelievable.

[@igna9039]

Ok, keep in mind how young was Yngwie when he composed these pieces! I suggest check out his "Ocean Sonatta", "Seventh Sign", "Braveheart" or "Facing the animal", "Krakatau" etc

[@rednab2001]

I was 20 years old when this album released. I remember how groundbreaking it was. I had actually heard Malmsteen’s playing earlier on the “Steeler” album he played on, and later, saw him when he was playing in “Alcatraz.” After 30 plus years of guitar shredders, lots of people are much more critical of him and his playing. In 1984, there was nobody else like him. There were no rock/metal guitar players marrying classical music to electric guitar like he was, since most rock guitar is based off of blues. He was one of a kind back then.

[@robbrooks693]

Ron Keel sponsored him for his green card to get him into the US.

[@geovani60624]

I like the fade out when it ends on that beautifull part of the song that makes you feel like it goes forever

[@ANWEsuigeneris]

Emotionally speaking, there are many Malmsteen songs with emotions sts. Studioversions of ”Brothers”, ”Amberdawn (or Dawn)”, ”Crying” to nsme a few.

[@malawigw]

what is "emotions" anyway? I feel more emotional listening to Far Beyond the sun than any, I mean ANY, pink floyd song or whatever is considered "emotional".

[@tonyrobertsguitar]

Crying is the best!!

[@ANWEsuigeneris]

@@malawigw I couldn’t agree with you more. But for listeners who are new to this genre, the songs I suggested might do the trick

[@YuxinZhou13]

@@malawigw Agree! Although I like "Comfortably Numb" too.

[@kingofshredneoclassicalwiz9759]

the acoustic intro it does come back at the end of the album with the track "Farewell" , to come full circle :-) check out the whole album and remember that NO ONE in the early 80's used to play like this. He is the KING, he is GODSTEEN, the viking god of the guitar, the paganini of guitar, the bach of metal and vivaldi of compositions. TRUE LIVING LEGENDS FOREVER NUMBER 1

[@9619660818]

I've seen a lot of reaction videos. Yours is definitely the most professional. There's so much value you add to the songs. It's fantastic!!! Also, love all the songs, been listening to malmsteen for 8+ years.

[@edwardtanaka7497]

Awesome video! Thank u so much for reacting on far beyond the sun!

[@edguy24]

Yngwie was 20 years old when this came out. He could play and write at such a high level. He took the Guitar World by Storm.

[@BeamRider100]

In an interview, he said he was told to do an instrumental album which he didn't want to do, so he threw it together quickly. I suspect he was already playing Far Beyond the Sun with his band though.

[@Yamagatabr]

@@BeamRider100 You can actually see him playing 75% of all of this on the old "powerhouse" records that he did alone on his uncle studio in sweden when he was SIXTEEN!!!!

[@jimmyggs91]

Nice double react on Yngwie! He a legend and huge inspiration for neoclassical/power/symphonic metal. And once again, as I always do, "Rainbow - Stargazer" pls, a great song we'd love to hear your analysis!

[@Heseroth]

I would love to see him react to Megadeth - Holy Wars... some fun stuff going on in that one

[@kevinmaillet4712]

This album literally changed my life. It's the album which got me interested in classical music (mostly baroque). For that, I will be eternally thankful to Yngwie

[@preferablystephen480]

He plays a LONG extended nylon string acoustic intro to this song LIVE. I would suggest checking out the live version (when he is a bit older and NOT when he is young). Great stuff.

[@newgunguy4176]

"Evil Eye" and "Baroque and Roll" are my favorites.

[@GreywolfRaventhorne]

As a fan of both Malmsteen and classical music, I am loving your reviews. Thank you so much!

[@sayanmandal2246]

Black Star was the first song I had heard of Yngwie and I instantly fell in love. Thank you for doing this video today. You brightened up my whole day. 🙏🏻

[@prchise]

Remember having this on cassette back in the day. Still dig it. What do you think we stay in northern Europe? Symphonic metal meets folky elements. Wintersun, Sons of Winter and Stars. Made in Finland. You cannot go wrong, Doug.

[@TotalSinging]

He was on two studio albums before this - Steeler and Alcatrazz. This was his first solo album. He recorded pieces of it while on tour with Alcatrazz in Summer 1984.

[@edwardmolinary4890]

Doug, love your technical insight into the harmonic movement and theory behind the music on your reaction videos. So much better than the typical reaction videos on KZbin where the most insight you'll get is , " Wow, that is lit !!!" or " oh man, this is a VIBE !!!" . Cheers, and keep up the great work !!! 👍😉😎

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

There is a live version of this with Yngwie and Steve Vai performing together. 🤙🏼

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Yeah he missed the fact that Black Star is two guitars. One playing a higher octave of the same notes. He failed to notice or mention this.

[@Macloud2]

@@TheAgentAssassin he actually talked about the precision of guitarists playing harmony (mainly thirds here)

[@kh2ouija]

@@TheAgentAssassin I think it was too obvious tbh

[@algojeff]

Far Beyond the Sun was the very first time I’d heard a Jens Johansson’s keys solo, back in 84. The rest is... history! Been following him ever since. Stratovarius deserves to be on your list, Doug. Slainte!

[@u.v.s.5583]

Johansson has also played some serious music, like with Holdsworth and Lane.

[@YuxinZhou13]

I like Stratovarius too!

[@josephonguitars]

This is the third Yngwie video I am watching on this channel and thank you Doug for doing these. They are so informative unlike other reaction videos.

[@seannewbert9919]

Love this! Great analysis.

[@jute4970]

If you like Yngwie's sound you should react to what Ritchie Blackmore did in Rainbow, I'd suggest Gates of Babylon.

[@uoabigaillevey]

I second anything with Dio on vocals lol.

[@christiandietachmair334]

The best fade out is from this very album - evil eye- one of the best tracks from Malmsteen . A truly masterpiece. mostly underated IMO.

[@sumonjamal1653]

Yngwie Malmsteen was only 20 years old when he recorded the first 'Rising Force' album... which is astonishing even today🤘🤘 He had been recording demos as a teen, and when he came to America, he joined his first band Steeler as lead guitarist, before being recruited by ex-Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet for the band Alcatrazz in 1983 for the album "No Parole from rock n' roll" and the live album 'Live sentence'... guitarist Steve Vai replaced Malmsteen. Yngwie then established himself as a major solo artist, especially after the 2nd Rising Force album "Marching out" in 1985. His success set the stage for other instrumental guitarists in the 80's to flourish with solo careers ... Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, come to mind...

[@JosephDunegan]

Doug, I have to tell you that you are quickly becoming my favorite KZbin channel. I think I have already watched about 10 of your "The Daily Doug" shows.

[@revylokesh1783]

I love it when a song in harmonic minor ends with a full-blown major chord.

[@DunamisSword]

Yes!!!

[@xguitar123]

Yngwie Malmsteen plays Neo Classical guitar Metal. Black Star is classic song

[@GammaFZ]

‘back star’

[@edmonddp]

A lot of people hate this man, but he was the master of virtuous guitar in the 80s. Unique tecnic and sound. Respect

[@coolman1610]

Not to mention a true showman, him performing live is just fun to watch in its own right, like the live video of the first song in this video.

[@coopermorehead]

What is to dislike - seriously.

[@BuddyHoyt]

Yngwie is a master of the harmonic minor.

[@nicosimioni7363]

The Loner by Gary Moore, please! If you enjoy Clapton or BB King I think you'll appreciate the feeling of Gary's playing! He was, and still is, one of the biggest guitar legends.

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

Check out the original "The Loner" on the Cozy Powell album "Over the top". On which Gary Moore appears (But not that tune).

[@shotgunrebels]

Spot on analysis. I’m a guitarist from the 80’s so obviously love the excess of yngwie. Def time and place for it. He does his thing great! Influenced lots of other folks too. Fun music. Not genius compositions but great fun listens and magnificent guitar playing. Sounds great cranked really loud! And yngwie live in the 80’s was just a force to be reckoned with. Hence the name of his band. Enjoying your videos much thanks.

[@smatty1]

So good! I can dream every note of this song. It's burned into my brain from back in the day!

[@smiller987123]

I remember having to special order this album from my local record store. Guy in the store looked at me like I had 3 heads when I told him the name of the artist and album title. Cool side note there is a small sticker on the pic guard on the guitar on the cover of the album that says "play loud".

[@nicholasrollins5741]

My fav Yngwie song. Also love your channel! Its amazing!

[@reinertify5400]

You're spot on in your musical analyses regarding virtuosity versus feeling and soul and those combined

[@pjmoreau]

Excellent analysis as always. Doug is my new KZbin fave

[@Paschendale2]

Gary Moore is one of my top 3 favorite guitarists. He's a pretty good blend of this virtuosic stuff and the Clapton/King music you said you like. His most famous stuff is probably his blues ballads, but he has tons of rock stuff as well.

[@eduardokronbauer9057]

Please, it would be awesome if you would do "Blind Guardian - And Then There Was Silence (studio version)". It is a masterpiece with great symphonic arrangements!!

[@MrKittles1123]

Facts