Classical GUITARIST Pro FIRST REACTION to REN - Mackay

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@RenMakesMusic

[@Spookloper]

'I'm not a piano player'.. Understands and plays (almost) exactly what Ren does after 1 listen. Love this reaction

[@K8TDidToo]

And Ren would probably say the same about himself howevermuch he loves his piano.😂

[@sciaticsfletcher]

Right? While trying to break things down as well and hear the overall feel of it. Crazy.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

I'm serious! 😂 Honestly it's the mainly power of training my ear to hear stuff and studying a lot of theory and composition!

[@CirTap]

@@RaffiDonoianMusic well done and played ! took me much longer to manage the hand-over arpeggios :-) you're the 2nd "keyboard guitarist" I saw breaking this down and being able to play along. Just proves (maybe) that it's not a technical challenge to play it as many watching it believe it is (who can't play keys). The beauty of this piece lies in the artful and moody chord progression and the melodies, even though he remains practically only on the white keys -- which frankly surprised me. And I keep getting "Downton Abby Theme" vibes mainly due to the dark "Japanese" part -- which is a bit odd 🙂 oh and I REALLY love your guitar playing !

[@banzy3]

Definitely the very best reaction video for this song. Thank you for the breakdown, and you're killing the keyboard despite your humbleness.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you!

[@sistermoon1970]

At the premiere Ren invited everyone to take a moment to think about someone they have lost. I took the time to spend with my sister and best friend that I lost in 2015. I can not express the emotions I felt, but it was like I relived our whole lifetime, from being children, to growing up, and her losing her battle to cancer. The healing this song did for me by Ren sharing it is so incredibly hard to put in to words. I am so grateful you did this. She also played piano beautifully by ear. I find your knowledge and explanations so easy to digest, thank you 🫶

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

I love that idea! And thank you! I try my best to present new information but in a way that like you said is as easy to digest as possible.

[@MissMeKate]

I love that he captured so much on something that on the surface seems simple. It feels melancholic at the start, then tumultuous, then reflective, and then becomes hopeful. It feels like the stages of grief. The something missing, that becomes a chaotic upset, that gives way to memories, and eventually find a way to live on.

[@dunny2000]

Your reaction and analysis far surpasses any other I have seen. Thank you.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you so much and you are very welcome!😊

[@guitarmuscle6968]

When you understand the story of how his friend lost his life in the Sea the Piece makes more sense, the Music goes through calm, angry, sad, then a peaceful end, overall you can feel the sadness in the Music

[@toria-j]

The piece always gets to me as I associate the more intense bits with his desperate struggle to survive, and then his body drifting away. Other people hear joy, but I've never; it's always been melancholy.

[@K8TDidToo]

There are videos from the news at the time bc of who was involved in trying to save Callum and the other person.

[@sharis9095]

I find it fascinating to listen to a breakdown of Ren's music being explained from a trained artist knowing Ren doesn't read music but taught himself. It really shows how he feels music.

[@KarenJones-ce2no]

I live on the coast and I can hear all the different moods of the sea in this, sadly appropriate as Callum drowned. Thank you Raffi.

[@K8TDidToo]

That is an excellent observation. Now that you've said that, it's all I hear. The ocean comes into play in a lot of Ren's music, in words, video or just in the creative process. He talks about working on Hi Ren while sitting for a very long time on the shore watching the waves.🌊

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you! You are very welcome!

[@JeffPiascik]

It’s incredible how quickly you can recreate these songs in the moment. Very impressive reaction.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks Jeff! It's decades of studying and analyzing music

[@KlownMusicReacts]

Incredibly beautiful arrangement, love this piece to bits

[@rhonda-qc6qy]

Me too. There's something so special in this piece for Callam. It comes from the heart. Deep sadness but loving memories too.

[@woodywoodman2319]

Love watching knowledgeable reactors share their stuff!

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

The initial somberness set a reflective tone for me; then the speedier part evoked the more playful/rowdy times of playing around with the guys. I enjoy hearing others vision for the piece. Interesting observation about the Japanese tones and then the Gregorian chant tones. I hadn't noticed them at all. If anyone hasn't joined in on one of Raffi's livestreams, check it out. It's less formal and we chat about what's up in life, and listen to Raffi play some, and sometimes do an informal listen to requests.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Holly thank you for the continued support!

[@rhonda-qc6qy]

Thank you so much for reviewing this piece. Ren spent a long time trying to find a way to remember his friend. He put his heart into this. It shows. The fact that there are no words but Ren makes the music sing for him makes it so special. I love this song.

[@Thomas.Saunders]

I've been looking forward to your reaction to this song. Thanks for helping me understand it a little better. Thanks again for supporting our guy Ren.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

You are very welcome and thank you!

[@REN4eva]

Very interesting explanation of what was going on. I know next to nothing about music. What I do know is that I love music and need it to feel alive.

[@JoseTorres_raulingeniero79]

OMG!!! "I'm not a piano player" he said. That is I always admire musicians, how they can understand music at such an elevated level. Congrats Raffi, great reaction and analysis.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

I understand the reaction lol. It's just that I've never really studied the piano. You should see me try to play scales. It's a disaster 😂

[@bosbornefischer]

This was a beautiful explanation of the mechanics of this song. Loved learning about such a beautiful track.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@tinyponies]

I really enjoyed your detailed breakdown of what was actually going on musically. Super informative & interesting reaction :) Plus your piano playing is really impressive! You should check out the band Ren was in called The Big Push, they have spectacular busking sessions with incredible guitar playing. My favorite is their Wade in the Water performance.

[@francesdoll4039]

My eyes leak and i sit silently. Sensitive reaction. ❤

[@Mama_High]

Mine too 💙

[@emilianoserranosouza1991]

Astounding reaction, the best for this amazing song, thank you so much!!

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you! 😊

[@iamsquatty]

Thanks for this! Such an awesome reaction and analysis 🥹💜💜

[@EdB-w7i]

As a non musician I'd love to see you react to some of the big push "mash ups". They seem seamless, I am guessing the musical skill to make it so seamless is a high bar. I'm sure you could explain what they do so well from a technical perspective. Big Push I Shot the Sherriff or War Pigs mash ups would be good (ren red suspender versions)

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you! 😊

[@DavidPChristian2]

A reactor who's an advanced piano and harp teacher remarked the she wished some of her students could arpeggio like Ren. She was watching the intro to Money Game 3.

[@xaxscratchxax926]

Which reactor are you referring to? I'd like to watch.

[@DavidPChristian2]

@@xaxscratchxax926 Amy. She was so impressed she did a Part Two of her analysis of Money Game 3. Why Do We Like REN’s Money Game 3. The link is to her Part One. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3jSn5StadR3hKcsi=qCEfvNGg9xuzMjlY

[@K8TDidToo]

Acceptance. The resolution of this piece ultimately reflects his acceptance all these years later. That is also one of his universal themes.

[@DukeOfTwist]

Your analysis is amazing.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks! 😊

[@majbrat]

While listening to this from the first time, I kept in mind Ren and his friends. I pictured them running around playing knock, door, run, to chilling in the pier cave he has mentioned, first kisses, first loves, playing video games, music, and sharing dreams. Made me weep for a lost life and for Ren, who felt he could not process the accidental loss of Mackay being so close to losing Joe by suicide. His inability to do so in words is transcended by this gorgeous tribute where nothing more is needed. We feel it.

[@papertrucker1]

I wish I had paid attention in music when I was at school, you make it sound more enjoyable than getting the chock thrown in my direction lol

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Don't worry, you're not the only one! It's become a mission of mine to share knowledge of music in a way that's interesting and enjoyable so I'm glad you like it

[@stanton613]

By far the best reaction I have seen to "Mackay". Thank you.

[@bhallb23]

This was a beautiful break down of one of my favorite pieces by Ren ❤️ I love how much care you take in both the context and the execution of the music in each of your reactions!

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you!

[@blortmeister]

Analysis I really appreciate--intelligent, informed, and sympathetic. The desolate beauty of the setting (I suspect it's the Alberta badlands) also supports the emotional content of the piece.

[@rockyroad64]

When my kids were very young, I'd put on classical music and have them use their imagination to create a story according to the sound and tempo of the music. They are in their 30's and 40's now and we continue to do this. Ren apparently grew up with Calum so I hear and see the story of their lives together. The ups and downs, the joy, pain, laughter, challenges and sorrow. At the end of the song, it almost sounds unfinished, just as Calum's life was cut short. 😔 Did I make sense?

[@Mezzystar1]

Complete sense. Your kids were/are lucky to have such an imaginative and creative parent. I used to be a primary school teacher and did similar activities with my classes. It’s a great way to ‘tune-in’ quite literally to the music.

[@jameslitzinger6932]

Wow--great breakdown, Raffi! Just the kind of stuff I enjoy getting from you. Much appreciated.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks James! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielmeola3651]

Great job man, here for more ren, thanks for the vídeo.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks!

[@mickmccarthy952]

Wow this was amazing thx

[@DDWJR]

thank you, great reaction

[@JulieLesterlives]

Thank you for another insightful reaction! The faster arpeggio sections remind me of another favourite- ‘The Grid’ from Koyaanisqatsi. 😊

[@digdougist]

This is for another friend who'd also passed.

[@stephenpartridge6021]

I dont know much about piano/keyboard only music but this song gets me emotional when thinking about ones we have lost , i felt loss and joy from this piece 🎉

[@sprinkle802]

9:55 that would be amazing! It would be really fun to have you and Ren talk, and all of us watch your nerding out over music :)

[@d3wop]

🔥reaction. If you watch dico doc reaction to this song you get the story on what happened. This song changed for me it is like a soundtrack.

[@beccasalt8960]

You have an incredible musical ear and most definitely are a piano player even though it's not your preferred or 'professional' level instrument 😊 really enjoyed you breaking it down

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks Becca!

[@xaxscratchxax926]

Thank you for this. Enjoyed your reaction and your talent. Subscribed.

[@ManneyM]

Loved this analysis and really lovin your Ren reactions ❤

[@Shiroar]

You talking about forward momentum and going “and it all happens to match up essentially with the feeling one could have when thinking about a friend who’s passed away” did kinda make me want to remind you that Ren didn’t compose this from a technical point of view but he played what he felt. Ren didn’t sit down going “how can I write a piece of music that expresses loss?”. He sat down at the piano and this started flowing out. It can of course be interesting to then talk about how it works from a technical standpoint, but I think the difference in song writing still matters. Well played though! Personally I’m very rarely into purely instrumental music, but this somehow felt like Ren was playing words. And this is the man who is so often praised for being a brilliant lyricist as one of his main talents. Yet he didn’t need a single word to express his emotions in this one. A stunning and perfect tribute to his friend 🖤🐰🕳️

[@sylv772]

I have been looking forward to this. As always, I very much appreciate your analysis of how the music is constructed and why it might affect as it does.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@marlonwilson647]

What a wonderful reaction to this piece. I love how you took the time to break down how the music transmits feelings ❤

[@staceysmith4868]

I cannot tell you just how much I appreciate your breakdown of Ren's song. I listen to it and feel it very deeply, but I don't know (why from a musical standpoint). I'm subscribing... no doubt about it. Thank you!

[@kathleenwincott5581]

Èxcellent explanation and break down thank you ❤

[@ChallengerDoS]

Raffi! That was great, thank you so much.

[@sammyd8860]

Shame that you missed the last second which showed a dedication to Callum. I enjoyed your reaction and was impressed how you played along. Liked and subscribed

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

You're right! I watched the video again later and only realized it then!

[@davidmurphy2132]

Loved your insights and talent. Thank you.

[@sciaticsfletcher]

Great reaction, I love how you broke this all down. Amazing.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you!

[@Cherisey1]

Loved this review❤

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks!

[@lynette.]

Been looking forward to your reaction to this . I feel it goes from reflection to frustration of knowing you can't explain someone's personality when the listener will never be able to meet Mackay. Then it goes to internal thoughts.

[@miatigerstrom7364]

Fantastic reaction!!👏🔥❤️ Thank you 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@rockyroad64]

I think the playful intensity represents their childhood together. I hear so many chapters of their lives, I wish someone else would talk about it so I don't feel cuckoo.😊

[@gable354]

Straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@daphneparkin6869]

The end felt cut short to me, as if that reflects Callum's life.

[@stillninja2741]

I love this viewpoint!

[@JulieAiken]

Thanks! I've played wind instruments and taken a tiny bit of music theory, but they didn't help me at all here. I found myself thinking "Is this really good? I think it's really good." As a huge, huge Ren fan I decided it was because he's Ren. But your analysis cemented it for me. It's really good. 🙂 Loved your analysis, as usual. And your variations on the theme at the end were wonderful!

[@patp8526]

Thank you

[@supertuscans9512]

You killed this!👏👏👏👏👏

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you!

[@siarlb8115]

Great reaction, thanks

[@szolanek]

I love this....and Dimashes "Rivers Of Love" as well. Much simpler, but I love the flow

[@Mezzystar1]

Raffi, thanks for this break-down. Very inspiring. I’d never noticed that Ren only used the white keys before. The start kinda sounds like a melody created on one of those hang-drums that are pre-tuned to a certain key, so you have a limited pallette, so to speak, to create with. There’s this feeling of expanse but within a claustrophobic confine. This song would not be out of place in a Studio Ghibli movie, imo. Evocative.

[@TrexikLP]

Naah you are crazy man. Stop being so talented!!! :DD

[@annatraustadottir4387]

You have still not experienced many sides of Ren. For his singing you would maybe be interested in these songs for different reasons. All covers. Mashup of three song parts: Back on 74, a Jungle song, then a short rap part of his own and last Message in a Bottle, The Police song. The parts bleed into each other so well, with elements of one part in the others. And in this song you can here Ren use his voice in many different ways. So great song to hear his vocals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/paK1knR6iMl9gqc A mashup of 5 EDM song parts by Fred Again but just Ren and his classical guitar. Great emotional singing and the way he plays the classical guitar is so strange to me but cool, his fingerpicking so powerful and snappy, if that makes sense. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnK2mJqkpMyUb7M Also fun song with his busking band, The Big Push. A Sting cover, An Englishman in New York. Fine harmonies, like always in that band. Ren playing the electric guitar and different influences, of course reggae/ska, but also other influences, like a bit of jazzy feel in the guitar playing by Ren, like one can often hear in his voice . Ren younger here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHqcgmVvas59opY

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks for the recommendations! I put them on my list!

[@Kenai2008]

I believe he plays on all "white keys". I think there is a name for that style of composition. Great reaction.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Yeah he does only play on the white keys. I'm not familiar with a specific name for that but you could maybe say that the use of just those notes in the way he did it meant that he played in a particular musical mode, in this case A Aeolian. Maybe that's the name you were thinking of.

[@mothra54]

Beautiful reaction. I feel I learned so much about the music and how to appreciate what he is doing and how it affects me. This is rather different from the song he did for his friend Joe who died by suicide which brings me to tears every time.

[@stillninja2741]

Everything Ren does in on purpose. Loved the reaction!

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks! And sorry I ended the stream right as you got there lol

[@kasimndfck5320]

loved it

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks Kasi! ❤

[@stevesharp6138]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tahinia888]

❤❤❤

[@welle5086]

❤

[@kjsdottor]

Enjoyed your breakdown. 🙏

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks!

[@krikat3485]

That Japanese style transition always feels a bit foreboding to me. Someone said he was playing in Lydian mode, with all white keys. REN’s friend drowned in high winds, along with a would-be rescuer. It was a sad ending to his playful friend. Thank you so much for doing this reaction. Really enjoyed it. Ren is an untrained pianist, did you know? He has been playing since he was a kid, on the school piano.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

People have mentioned that about him. It's partly why I was excited to check this one out. And the mode thing can be tricky it's way to much to explain here but if you're ever curious you should come by one of the streams and remind me and I can explain it in lots of detail!

[@Sheilla357]

He couldn't find words and this is what he was able to compose for Callum. It's quite appropriate for him. #Bardcore

[@blueskydiver76]

If you have not listened to Ren - For Joe (Live Performance Video) you should. The performance you watched today ties into the end of For Joe. I assume he did it on purpose. It has some of the same notes and patterns. I think it will give a little more perspective for you into the rest of Mackay, which i feel like you covered very well already. This was the first reaction I've seen of yours and I subscribed. The way you hear and understand music amazes me.

[@xaxscratchxax926]

Listen for it in the notes "I miss you so fucking much right now"

[@MalcolmMXTaylor]

what are you on about 'cant play piano'..... hahahaa. that was great! i dont think i seen any other reactor go through this from a piano point of view before so this was pretty unique. Have you checked 'For Joe' which is his other recent piano based track? Anyway... new sub here as i hadnt seen your channel before, and as a guitarist im sure you have checked plenty of rens other guitar based tracks or his busking videos so i will have a look

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

No no I know lol. It's just that I've never actually studied piano. Everything you see is a combination of ear training and analyzing tons of music!

[@MalcolmMXTaylor]

@@RaffiDonoianMusic well as I understand Ren is self thought on piano as well (and guitar) from slowing down KZbin videos and practicing. I don't believe he has had any actual training

[@crackednut78]

👍❤

[@Rampage-94]

For me it felt like a journey of life full of ups and downs and different emotions. Thanks for analyzing this beautiful piece, I was waiting for it. Hope you add RAYE Oscar Winning Tears live at Royal Albert Hall to your list of youtube reactions. I would be more than happy to hear your opinion on it.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thank you! And I just added that to my list 👍

[@iamnobody2]

been enjoying your renactions! apropos of nuffink, was wondering how you rate fahey and do you have any thoughts or feelings about american primative guitar. something about fahey tickles my brain in the same kinda way the blind rev gary davis do

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks! I'm not familiar so unfortunately I don't have any thoughts on it.

[@darkmatter6714]

Amazing breakdown - now go rap and sing like him (kidding!) 😂

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

I'm on it 😉

[@aditsu]

Hey man, your piano skills are really great for a guitarist 😄 Guessing you're somewhere around my level, except I'm primarily a piano guy (amateur), I'm way worse on guitar 😂

[@aditsu]

Interesting that you thought the "more energetic" parts indicate some type of anger, I rather felt joy and playfulness. But I can see how it could be interpreted that way too. Also, nice playing at the end, clear "voice" separation in your right hand.

[@aditsu]

Oh, another thing I would comment on is Ren's use of the sustain pedal, he intentionally uses it in certain parts to add intensity.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

i appreciate that!

[@rog2224]

This always sounds like a Ludovico Einaudi piece. EDIT - I also enjoyed the variation on the piece at the end.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks!

[@Hidious10]

Since you are such a talented guy that knows his music theory, I am sure you would enjoy some Nightwish. I would love to see your takes on their music.

[@rakuinn5607]

Interesting having the music broken down technically but still describing emotion within the sounds. Here is what I took from an untrained ear. Life's journey. It sounds like the ups and downs within any one life. Joy, wonder but also uncertainty and sadness but coming full circle to the end.

[@brianarsuaga5008]

I'm not musically educated at all, but I've always been curious, because his other instrumental solos have all been on a six string guitar- does this translate to a guitar? How would this sound like, on strings?

[@doccops]

Ha, you are a guitarist, like Ren lol. Well played sir.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

Thanks!

[@Stewart-m7i]

I understand that he plays only the white notes to add to the overall effect.

[@mstewart109]

I just stopped by to again LISTEN to this beautiful piece by Ren. Nope- moving on...

[@FIDIOT-cringe]

It's "acceptance".

[@crook8468]

x

[@ChrisLawton66]

Some songs are just meant to be heard all the way through the first time, I feel. Still, a fine reaction nonetheless.

[@RaffiDonoianMusic]

That's definitely the tricky part of these reactions. I wanna listen to the song but then it would just be people watching me stare at my screen 😂

[@ChrisLawton66]

@@RaffiDonoianMusic Tim Welch Vocal Studios does it regularly so it's not unheard of, but I was speaking more specifically about a tune written for a deceased friend. Sometimes the subject matter calls for it. It doesn't mean you're wrong, though. You do you.

[@seth1455]

​@@RaffiDonoianMusichave the artist as the main screen with you in the corner, then reverse it when you talk

[@AlSnoopsReid]

It ia pronounced MAK-EYE, not MAK-A.

[@addison5938]

Such a shame you took a eulogy piece and decided you needed to break it down. Great way to take people out of the mood

[@barboelter]

Too much analyzing, not enough musical passion.

[@DusCostea-kt1dg]

For whatever reason "i heard every word" 🎵🎶🤌🤯🙏💪🐝🍀🇬🇧

[@pirada74]

❤❤❤