Cracking the Code Episode 3: “A Pick and a Hard Place” - Eddie Van Halen & Yngwie Malmsteen

[@joeyphillips6597]

This is like poetry from the inside of a guitarist mind.

[@troygrady]

Thanks Joey!

[@freemusic1001]

Phenomenal and historically accurate. Every guitarist on planet earth should watch this, even if it's not his style. It outlines an important chapter in guitar history in the exact way it happened and in the right order. Superb

[@metaldudeupnorth]

It's just a shame these videos doesn't have WaY more views... They are just so Identifiable, and awsome to watch! thank you

[@troygrady]

Thanks man! Indeed, we're working on getting the word out -- but if you feel like posting/sharing, please feel free. Thanks for watching!

[@rodcosta2345]

This series needs way more exposure. This is extremely well done and produced. Thank you. I fell like I am back in the 80's when MTV actually played music videos and had music related programming. Incredible work sir.

[@troygrady]

Thanks Rod!

[@rockinjon1]

Troy, I'm sure you probably won't answer this but I'd just like to say thank you for all the work you put into these videos. I absolutely love your scientific approach on the mechanics of how the guitar "gods" exercise their technique. So many hours of frustration and bewilderment are being replaced by priceless knowledge and understanding FINALLY. Stuff the guys on my '80s shred tapes NEVER talked about. Thank you, and keep it up.

[@paulandlesson]

I am making my way through "cracking the code". I am 47, a career guitarist and professor. This information (the incredible charisma, tech and video), seems to walk me through my teens. Don't know what to say? Incredible! Can't wait to continue on.

[@troygrady]

Thanks Paul!

[@ASquared007]

This show is TRULY a masterpiece. Delivering a fantastic documentary style, while keeping the viewer engaged.

[@SupaRush]

I feel like i owe you money watching this.

[@troygrady]

Thank you! We're happy to put the episodes up here -- it's the best way to build the audience. For those who want to dig deeper on the technical side, the Season Pass option offers a whole bunch of slow motion clips, tablature, and printed lessons.

[@zezexzord]

+Troy Grady how do I get the season pass

[@IRISHguitarist777]

Troy Grady - In the classical world if one wished to consult the gods (in Rome or Greece the temple dedicated to that particular deity would be the place to go) for serious life changing questions or decisions in Greece only the Oracle could be consulted, a trip to Delphi was required perhaps at great expense and time for the questioner, for the Romans a great sacrifice was asked for questions of great gravity, perhaps a bull or even several plus the expense of hiring a haruspex (one who reads animal livers to answer said questions, Sir, you are the haruspex of guitar and I never have to kill a bull watching your videos but I feel I owe you so many at this stage, Every niggling question I ever wondered about God (Yngwie) you answer with your brilliant, incredible, beautifully produced videos, which are a work of art in themselves,you have a masters in theology when it comes to yngwic matters you should be very very proud of your selfless charitable work towards the guitar community and I will go further and all say the guitar magazines should give you some kind of award for your contribution to yngwic guitar studies, you are quite simply a high priest guarding the eternal flame in the temple of rock and we love you Troy. you are well named after that great and legendary City. Thank you from Dublin, Ireland, from a true, loyal and deeply grateful fan of your work.

[@nickcharles6530]

You guys really should try at least a month Subscription to Masters in Mechanics, it totally changed the way I pick. I love it. You get access to all the videos (except a couple of raw interviews), and there’s soooo much stuff on there; it can make your head spin picking a starting point. Thanks Troy!

[@utubehound69]

You described my journey on Guitar to a Tee. Thx Doug Marks I learned 120 chords in a hr & the next hr was hammer pulls slides tapping vol swells the Boogie Woogie riff I IV V. It's took years to hone that & this is the parts I never nailed like I wanted to You have done a Incredible Job nailing the Time of the 80's learning Guitar. Wow! You need a Guitar Award or something...

[@troygrady]

I remember that Metal Method booklet well! It's amazing how long we've all been at this.

[@jay1ner1]

Your videos changed my guitar playing instantly. Now I understand why I could not get the speed like all the guitar greats. I went from struggling doing 16th notes at 130bpm to playing them effortlessly at 150bpm the first day. Thanks a million.

[@zackcahill6720]

This is so unbelievably well made, I feel bad that I haven't paid for it.

[@Elienguitar]

Dude. I don't think I can say anything that hasn't already been said about your playing and more importantly, your teaching style and delivery. Delivering a bigger audience to you is my way of thanking you.

[@troygrady]

Thanks! Glad to hear we're connecting. And for sure, we'll take any outreach we can get.

[@paulandlesson]

Charismatic, intelligent, fantastic use of video etc...... Aside from all of that the wealth of knowledge in these videos is something that is invaluable to guitarists. The allotted number of characters are too few to express how impressive this is.

[@whoohaaXL]

Troy YOU'VE totally changed the way i play guitar. I've been watching these episodes and interviews for almost 9 years now. You've unlocked a to new shredder in me. I still have some sloppy Yngwie stuff but I'm happy playing like EVH and Dime for now. I learned a LOT of bad habits over the past 27 years. My story is just like yours, started out playing piano from 6 to 13, quit playing piano, started on guitar and that alone in itself is an amazing gift because pretty much everything transfers over. And as opposed to learning I also like to jamming along with my records and as you succinctly put it; I got pretty good quickly. Just a shame I can't play Fur Elise or Pachelbel Canon in D Major anymore. Grew up on Long Island, myself. My mother was born in Hicksville, I was born in Shirley had an aunt in Farmingdale and I grew up in Woodbury. Small world!

[@coldvoid]

Oh for fuck's sake, this series has way too little views! EPIC job, Troy! You = the man! :)

[@stefanjackson8203]

From the guitar playing/ tips, to the way the videos are put together, the structuring of the information... Everything about Cracking the code is 100% on the money. In my opinion there are no better videos for a guitarist to watch and even if there were, these would still not lose any value or substance. Thank you for sharing

[@Dungeon47]

As a writer, the moment when you mentioned your secret weapon was so good. It all came together. Every example and experience collided in perfect realization. Outstandingly well done. I've enjoyed your playing and insights since I saw you on one of those 'Guitars SUCK' videos so many years ago. On Google Video before they bought KZbin. Thanks for sharing your life's passion with us.

[@garygrinkevich6971]

These are really good, like watching a retrospective on my own technical journey. Amazing.

[@zarrir]

Same here!

[@MarcelloPato]

FANTASTIC! YOU ARE A MASTER OF THE MATTER!

[@guillerman20]

It's amazing what you have done in this videos. Thank you

[@flyjoseph6355]

These are my favorite videos on KZbin right now. So entertaining and well written. Thanks for making these

[@paulandlesson]

Troy, I just happened to be watching your videos again today. It is an incredible insight to the guitar. I became a classical guitarist because I could not see this. OUT F'ING STANDING!!

[@vicmillan522]

Why isn't your channel way more popular? so much quality, effort, entertainment and teaching. I love your videos.

[@Yamagatabr]

YOU OWNED THE INTERNET! Is probably the most true to the heart video I've seen this year! Really Well done, from ALL points of view!

[@troygrady]

Thanks Philippe! Glad to hear we're making a connection.

[@joshmuz9018]

Troy you helped me improve more in 2 week s then I had in the past 10 years. I'm finally able to play malmsteen and Vai songs I always wanted to but couldn't. You showed.me the answer. thank you!!

[@MikeMassions]

Troy! This entire series is so great! It is very insightful and fun to watch! I can relate to so much of this, from my early "pre-internet" days, coming up on the guitar. Thank you for publishing these amazing videos!

[@sullyluther5519]

Love the incredible research and graphics!

[@Godsailsthequeen]

At this point I've already watched the whole series once, and I must say it's great. thanks!

[@sunnys5150]

There gna be a whole era of badasses in about 15 yrs due to these vids. Game over!

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

Appreciate the Uli Scorpions section! If it was not for Uli, I would not have the career that I have now! The influence!

[@tkassum1]

This series is incredibly well thought out and executed. Wow.

[@wagonet]

Amazing just found this channel. Is there a part 2?

[@rudirudi1495]

absolut grossartig! vielen dank.

[@ou812bnt]

I don't understand why you only have 200,000 subscribers you should have millions with the quality of you content!

[@stephenblake2196]

Awesome ved's man!!! Example's we're showed the best way I've seen?? And informative in rock, history!!!

[@thefourthwritedjentleman3643]

It’s funny, these videos make you realise how technical guitar is when you’re first starting or endeavouring to play fast, sweep etc and pick up new techniques I think it’s easy once you have played for a long time and are fairly technically proficient to forget just how difficult it is and how many lonely hours playing to a metronome you have done I absolutely love these videos and they have helped so much

[@twofiveone68]

Great series, really well done! Pulls everything I've been telling my young students together into a very well explained package. The problem I had the hardest time with was YJ's single string ascending 3's and 4s.

[@christophercharlesjones9850]

Brother , I assume from your references to Metal Method, REH Videos an the like, that you and I are about the same age. Thanks so much. Your videos are not only educational; they are also theraputic for those of us who just assumed that we were didn't have it!

[@BornaMatosic]

Yes, truly fantastic videos!!

[@troygrady]

Thanks man!

[@douglaswhite1624]

Again, A++++++ for adding such creative graphics to an excellent narrative. This is really some of the best directed/produced stuff I've seen on any topic, and I'm a documentary junkie (as well as a guitar junkie)

[@andresludmer]

incredible animations!!!! i fucking love your show mate

[@gatomaru]

even though the topic doesn't interest me much, the explanation and editing are SUPERB. This needs way more views.

[@troygrady]

Thanks man! We think the message travels farther with better presentation.

[@crossroads900]

I love your explanation crescendoing into the complete pile up of notes. Its probably a very common problem (definitely mine) but I love the way you explained up to it. I hope your series can help me, thanks in advance ;)

[@CloudYao1]

Troy, please next time do John pertrucci !!!! plx!!

[@keithmci1]

Great job i am loving every second and will tell everyone i know about this you deserve the views.

[@johnsummers1333]

Troy, thanks bro. All these have been very helpful.

[@rustyshackleford4743]

What's that song in the very beginning? It sounds like an alternate intro to Now Your Ships Are Burned?

[@whoohaaXL]

Holy shit, Rusty....Fancy seeing you here!

[@ericvascotto1131]

This series is amazing man. Amazing job with everything you've done here.

[@Zero_thehero]

I'm hooked!

[@joeykimble62]

really does help if you're able to pick two strings with one stoke. some people say you shouldn't do it but i like to do it. it allows you to play some things you can't alternate pick

[@BIZARBIES]

Wow.. AWESOME videos! I really like the history that these go into. I'm a fan... and now a subscriber!

[@erickp3003]

Amazing!!! Keep it up, Troy!! btw, the first few scenes conjure images of Skwissgaar from Dethklok. :D

[@ortnisible]

where is episode 2?

[@LMDAVE29]

Troy, this is great work, I can wait catch up on all the episodes. Love it so far.

[@troygrady]

Awewsome, thanks!

[@JohnnyRoxxter]

This series super well produced! Hats of for the great job!

[@troygrady]

Thank you!

[@Cat-hw1vh]

Uncannily like my own experience with learning the guitar 78-90 Is Michael Schenker is this series he was a massive influence on myself. Gary Moore, Brian May and George Lynch and the guys from Judas Priest too!

[@marcelo_campitelli]

these vids are freakin' awesome! loving every second!

[@KurtRichards]

Ben Eller send me here. Amazing Videos. Thank You! This is so much better than this whole Netflix Bullshit :-)

[@ThomasOnGuitar]

This series is fantastic! Just fuckin amazing man.. Thanx to you i feel inspired like i haven`t been since i was a teenager first started playing! Greetings from Norway :-)

[@melvinlewiswellsjr.2619]

thankyou your videos are wonderful

[@thefourthwritedjentleman3643]

4:59 This is a HUGE thing Yes you must play it slow and practice it slow to get it if it’s particularly hard or a foreign sort of pattern But when playing fast you use a different technique so I try and speed burst - then slow l down again then burst - increasing the burst duration It’s crazy how when learning as you say there it doesn’t help unless you try faster

[@stopthehate1749]

These videos are AMAZING!

[@MoonlteIX]

youre such a talented person! not only your technique is good, also your music is good! greetings!

[@brianpatrick6102]

I am really enjoying these, it must have taken a looong time to produce them. Youve done a fantastic job in all aspects of production. Impressive.

[@myrenschwartz4544]

Man, have you been secretly videotaping my life since I was 16? LOL

[@BarriosGroupie]

Who's the guy that created the amazing graphics for the video?

[@troygrady]

We're a team of three, and we all share animation responsibilities. The awesome intro for this episode was done by Brendan, then the stringhopping war sequence was Adam's. I did the ending -- using elements designed by the three of us. It's a family affair!

[@Yamagatabr]

Every compliment given to this video are both very true, yet insuficient. Thank you for this masterpiece! :)

[@SteveMavronis]

Brilliant \m/

[@msk5400]

Masterpiece

[@zarrir]

Brilliant movie!!

[@benjammin9923]

thnx again troy great lessons and your presentation should get an emmy lol im an old fart and just really started so hopefully im around long enough to get where your lessons help me an old rookie

[@troygrady]

Ben Jammin It's never too late! Especially considering all the great tools / information we now have compared to back in the day.

[@basharshehab8186]

Amazing !

[@chrisb2535]

What is that violin song around 7:15? Sounds a lot like Yngwie's arpeggios at the beginning of the Liar solo (from Trilogy).

[@eitanlitner7207]

fucking genious i should pay you for this man looks like you worked real hard to create this what a creativity masterpiece!!!

[@troygrady]

Thanks Ethan! We try to keep the episodes free just because that helps get the word out. Thanks for watching!

[@SOULJAJOE010]

lol those highscore names 3:10

[@jadeowenhamblyn4405]

i'm binge watching this for like the third time lol

[@MyVintageVictory]

Threes!! 🎸

[@jimbeaux4988]

Get out of my head! Ha ha. I've never seen someone put this all into words like this. My struggle also included country shredding. I never even attempted Yngvie.

[@xmoose9]

Where is the 2nd episode? Am I missing smth here?

[@luigipati3815]

I never had a problem with sweep picking.....I thought it came quite easily, in fact I don't understand why so many people have problems with it; alternate picking proved quite a bit harder but after watching some videos I got it down in a few weeks. I still remember I felt like a samurai.....covered my guitar with a cloth and made some sort of solemn ritual, ha ha

[@dalton7145]

Hell I still can't sweep pick man...

[@gpang788]

Amazing channel! You made all these animation up yourself troy?

[@troygrady]

+epiphany We're a team of three, and we have all pitched on various projects, but Adam is in charge of the art direction and animation these days. You can find a few features on our process on the "Behind the Scenes" playlist here on the channel.

[@NestLeo86]

+Troy Grady awesome done! from all the sides!! Thanks a lot for your job!

[@cado64]

What happened to Episode 2?

[@arthurcripslock]

Always loved hardcore metal, but never really got into it... but i can't stop watching this series! Amazing stuff. How many months does it take you to make each episode ?

[@arthurcripslock]

into playing it* i mean lol.

[@troygrady]

Hi! It took a couple years to get our basic style down, and during that time we did, and redid, certain scenes many times. But now that we have established our vocabulary, so to speak, we can do an episode in approximately a month. These Season 2 episodes are all much longer so we'll have to motor!

[@alexgutierrez8305]

EDDIE & YNGWIE are out this world. I believe Yngwie also played the bass on his records.

[@tyforsberg88]

We ever getting episode 2 to view back? Thanks ☺️

[@luigipati3815]

the piano is easy to play fast, what makes it the most difficult instrument of all is the multi-tasking, a burden that is not found on electric guitar. Also, precisely because at the piano speed is easy, is all the more difficult to be accurate, it's so easy to make mistakes. On electric guitar you don't have to play several independent parts at the same time, playing scales in contrary motion, sight-reading, etc.... The electric guitar isn't easy, but the piano is harder. Took me twice the amount of work at the piano to get half the level I am on guitar, including classical guitar. And I mean serious work.

[@ultiiiwaste3943]

What is this first opening riff before now ur ships are burned? Just the first 25 secs

[@Andy000Burns]

oh god, 4f orbitals...

[@troygrady]

+SwampKing04 Thank you for catching our nerd humor!

[@jamesschmidt3437]

My same reaction, LOL

[@GuitarSlinger2112]

Who's that playing the Paganini at 7:15? Super clean on those tuplets! Nice tone too.

[@troygrady]

Jascha Heifetz -- one of the all-time greats!

[@GuitarSlinger2112]

***** Indeed. :cheers:

[@kevinmaillet4712]

I wish I had these videos back in the 80s!!!!!!!! Lol

[@danhall716]

Troy, you just gave away the fact that you're a Simpsons fan...LoL, "Poo" and "Ass", classic Lenny and Carl.

[@tonekilltech]

I know I'm late to the party here, but just watching these vids for the first. Did episode 2 get taken down?

[@secondtrash9288]

Oh, no! What happened to episode 2?

[@troygrady]

Sony Music blocked it for a few a seconds of Ozzy. We're figuring out what to do about it. You can thank them for the disruption!

[@JuaniMoyano]

12:07 hahaha Why no just a guitar teacher, men? Cool history!

[@bedroomguitarist1593]

Yngwie was Tosin Abasi of his era

[@holaianable]

HEY TROY DO YOU HAVE TABS FROM THAT LITTLE RIFF AT THE BEGGINING?

[@speedygonzales4707]

OMG the tension is almost unbearable! Will he, won't he find the answer? !

[@DreamHeroGuitar]

Episode 2 is missing!

[@AchillesWrath1]

How do you make your fretting hand faster? I'm right handed and when i compare tapping my fingers on a table my right hand is probably twice as fast

[@PeyokWarrow]

Why it is not an "Episode 2" of Cracking The Code?