Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring​ Daron Malakian from System Of A Down

"I don’t think I picked music, music picked me… I don’t know where I’d be without it, it’s always been apart of my identity." In this episode, guitarist Daron Malakian of System of A Down and Scars on Broadway discusses his beginnings with music and guitar, his love of playing, and his relationship with Ernie Ball.
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
Daron Malakian plays Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom strings: www.ernieball.com/slinky

[@TypeRwagon]

His writing helped me as a kid living in a house with no light no water 9 years old with parents as drug addicts feeling alone I just had my little CD player and head phones and my friend had burned the system of the down album for me and I would listen to it every night saved my life in a way

[@tylerdurden8849]

wow. that is a really hard life. hope comes in all shape and sizes. My parents mostly ignored me but they were no drug addicts. tip of the hat to you for pulling through

[@tylerdurden8849]

@j pubble things are great now. I see the light every morning and I've been clean for 7 years

[@tylerdurden8849]

@j pubble with the current pandemic, there are days where I would just start to do that shit all over again. Anything to get my brain elsewhere. It's hard not to. If I really wanted to get some more of those hell pills, I know exactly where to go. That's the scary part...

[@kyrarodamer6952]

Me too. I lost my dad when I was 13 and SOAD helped me through alot of rough years. Had SOAD on my CD player and MP3 all the time. Headphones always blaring

[@carlos66965]

@@tylerdurden8849 Hope you're still doing well.

[@GREENWARRI0R]

Probably the most normal Daron interview ever.

[@GugaMalakian]

Yeah hahahaha

[@arrolate]

Same

[@66234224]

Felatio

[@saulcontreras7968]

GREENWARRI0R i was expecting for him to say at least one felatio

[@hagopcatchatoorian1132]

Felecio

[@marioguti9887]

I like that Daron never tried to be a shredder, he's an inspiration for us non shredder metal guitarists

[@Djent_Djenerator]

He he never tries to shred, but when he does, gah dahym he SHREDS

[@mozdaboz]

SOAD music, just like Gojira, doesn't need solos to be badass

[@ext93]

Daron, Adam Jones, Tom Morello give me hope. Not shredders but know how to make the guitar do crazy stuff

[@slipknotmfkr3]

Guys like Daron, Stephen Carpenter, and Tom Morello give guitarists who don’t shred like me hope for my music lol

[@jeremyalcoser5742]

Guys like Brian Welch and Daron give me hope

[@BlooPaint]

ah yes, the transformation from High On Meth Young Man Daron Malakian to Strange And Stoic Wise Old Man Daron Malakian is nearly complete

[@terraversalvoid5391]

I'd kick it with this dude

[@onerandombruh]

He went full Ron Jeremy... But without the porn.

[@user-gb1wr8vc7c]

😮😮😮😮😮

[@liamwalsh6464]

I’m not actually watching daron, I’m watching his moustache

[@user-mz8iu7qx4n]

Lmao

[@abelstrd]

What was his moustache saying to you???

[@AltairCreedZ]

that moustache is really cool

[@fvnk0]

Liam Walsh same

[@pq2960]

ahahahahahahaha same here

[@jesselucero4581]

Daron looking like a metal Salvador Dali

[@MS-fw1vh]

Indeed!😂

[@digg71]

Or Ron Jeremy...haha

[@kumskudy]

He is

[@guardianobserver6593]

You mean John Galliano Salvador Dali had a different tip of moustache.

[@zsaz4453]

Exact what i thought too D

[@iiGODLYWARRIOR]

We shall riot if SOAD isn't inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame their first year of eligibility.

[@sagesarabia5053]

They’re in 100%

[@matthewhernandez6309]

Who cares the Rock n Roll hall of fame is a complete joke

[@umano957]

Thought they were there already

[@umano957]

They’re in my hall of fame

[@tonym3308]

I think you’re missing the point of system…

[@Cursemorc]

Because of his voice he constantly sounds like he's about to cry or he's really emotional. Also his eyes are the most beautiful thing

[@idioteque5515]

Sara Stotesbury yes 🥺

[@jdogseyebrows]

Oh hey I found you lol sup

[@jdogseyebrows]

@@idioteque5515 heh found ya too

[@idioteque5515]

*•SlipKnoT Of A Down•* yep Lol

[@Guenter34]

I always hear that when I listen to "Lonely Day".

[@kyoshinronin]

It's strange to see Daron not saying Fellatio every time during this interview

[@Dhvcfdssvvkbvf]

True

[@Louis_Bieringer]

Prostitution dont forget that

[@paeden5431]

It's amazing what happens when a interviewer does a great job. This being that case!

[@LGNmus1c]

Superman told him to stop

[@brettthewafflemaker7266]

But batman still said keep going Daron

[@ParanormalGuitarChannel]

This is the best interview with Daron Malakian I've ever seen on KZbin. My hero. Such an amazing songwriter.

[@michaelpatrick6840]

I agree, awesome interview! Thanks Daron and Ernie Ball.

[@jeremiebeaulieu8501]

@@seo-yeonahn That's true hahaha

[@Jagr-eg5nw]

@Jack Bicheno superman told me...

[@MarkTheTruckinBarber]

I agree 100%

[@kaz0271]

So damn good! Always admired him as a songwriter/player

[@CortexZero]

This guy is proof that melody is so important. You don't have to shred to be considered a good guitar player. It's fun to go balls to the wall, but the most important thing to put behind your playing is your spirit, it's your emotion, your soul, that drives the sound into the minds of others.

[@TheRealAbraxas]

Like he said at the beginning of the video, he plays guitar ONLY with the entire composition in mind. And it really shows, in the best way possible. He plays with so much purpose and personality.

[@alexhicks6207]

I love that 4 guys have basically created their own sub-genre of Metal and even after taking different routes have only expanded it

[@alexhicks6207]

@A P I mean they're not nu, really, but it is, they're more alt cos of the folk influences imo opposed to modern influences

[@alexhicks6207]

@A P iron maiden released albums in the thrash era doesn't mean they're thrash, and since when did growling become the definition of nu metal

[@Jane_Doe...3]

@@alexhicks6207 maximum the hormone is influenced by them

[@DrthmN]

Wasn't they called Progressive Metal? Cmiiw

[@stevebanning902]

lol.. and what would that sub-genre be?

[@Anon_Fox]

Daron might not be the most technical player in existence but he is literally the reason I started playing guitar with the catchy melodic system riffs he created.

[@jacksbrewbaker4300]

I created a riff myself that my friend thought I stole from Daron. Still working on that song tho. I don’t have many songs written, but I have material for some

[@firdauszainudin7118]

I don't realize it exists till now. 🤣🤣🤣

[@bobbob-cd9yl]

who cares about technicalities, his play has been more engrained in my memory and loved than many others. Dude dictates the sound of system of a down

[@ThomasHldv]

Same here, I started to play guitar because of soad riffs :)

[@Mrrogerz5150]

Who else wants Ibanez to make a Daron Makalian signature Ibanez Iceman

[@nalinshukla5413]

meogersacdd 4 you mean the dmm1?

[@harinarin887]

+1

[@mitchell2143]

Finn Erickson that was an- nvm

[@jaydanbowland9617]

I have a DMM1

[@eric_torres_music4436]

They did, but its discontinued.

[@orandachildren1051]

String Theory featuring​ Daron Malakian from System Of A Down : "It's the orange pack."

[@majidamiri8495]

its ironic cuz its not even orange, its red lol. orange is hybrid 9-46s i think

[@elviskeiskiwannstrom8995]

@@majidamiri8495 no its orange i use the same strings

[@jacksbrewbaker4300]

@@elviskeiskiwannstrom8995 it’s a reddish orange and the hybrids are more of a mix between orange and skin tone.

[@elvaqeuro2137]

​@@jacksbrewbaker4300 what kind of skin tone? 🤨

[@elvaqeuro2137]

​@@jacksbrewbaker4300 what kind of skin tone? 🤨

[@styx1158]

“I never practiced, I played” I feel that on so many levels

[@Left.Lane.Loiterer]

Lost in Hollywood is such an amazing song.

[@andymackoy]

Yes it is! You go like in different world when listening it, so relaxing and sounds awesome.

[@Nick-pw5mi]

i love it

[@ayalacarlos18]

Dude hell yeah man 👊

[@kevinnn1498]

Its one of those songs the you dont listen to it. You feel/experience it.

[@Flip-a-dip-dip]

One of their best songs forsure

[@jacobreed8593]

*sees daron malakian in title* *no ads anywhere* Yep... makes sense

[@darrenwhite1939]

this entire video is an advertisement

[@juliodiaz7778]

Didn't need an ad, been buying because i read in wikipedia that daron uses ernie ball (lol) back when I was 16, been using since.

[@justinkillough5000]

I think everyone missed the joke here but I KNOW what you did there, I need therapy as well.

[@bg-rh8et]

I don't get it plz explain

[@SDBergermeister]

Need therapy therapy advertising causes

[@coryphillips3195]

Just listening to Daron play the guitar without any other instruments is just amazing, his tone, just everything about the way he plays is just mesmerizing

[@mfwbluehair159]

Mezmerizing*

[@stevebanning902]

lmao tell me you don't play guitar without telling me you don't play guitar

[@antares4975]

@@stevebanning902 i know what you mean, but from a guitar player standpoint and not SOAD fan in first place, you must say he has a really great tone and finger style and it fits perfectly his creative riffing. And you also have to admit, that it's not always the tech stuff that makes a good player.

[@LakeReeder]

Universe sounds better for some reason just as a guitar.

[@patrickolivier1]

Hypnotizing even

[@jdwhodey]

It's not very often someone is both massively respected and underrated at the same time, but Daron is, for sure. This dude is such a brilliant musician.

[@joseldlcm4182]

When i see daron malakian i clicked

[@philisaacs224]

José LDLCM so did I

[@Bouncedtuna]

Amen

[@poveda01]

Me to

[@billk9799]

+1 over here!

[@jessh7376]

José LDLCM yep that’s sounds about right

[@Bagpipery]

Daron is one of the most underrated songwriters in history. His passion is incredible and you can feel it through his music.

[@jeremiebeaulieu8501]

Agree 1000%

[@Calilou52]

Not underrated at all, they have plenty of recognition for his level of skill. Their compositions are nothing special, SOAD songs are probably the easiest songs you can learn on guitar. I learned their whole first album within my first 3 months of playing guitar. Simple can be genius, dont get me wrong. But Daron has a very simple and predictable style that is VERY limited

[@Alex-dn5hi]

How is he underrated?

[@kalaman12]

@@Calilou52 you learned the entire first album in 3 months? 🤔 sure we believe you 😁😁

[@Calilou52]

@@kalaman12 dude try it, its really easy repetitive stuff

[@xttocx]

Daron's contribution to the scene over the last 25 years is beyond recognition.

[@cherrygripe4961]

I got into S.O.A.D. when I found I had Armenian roots and I researched the country, found the sad history and wanted to support Armenian art, I googled "Armenian heavy metal' and found System. This was last year. I wish I'd found you guys a LOT earlier. Loving the music.

[@ext93]

Never too late. Every one of their albums are excellent. If I had to suggest I'd say start with Mezmerize/Hypnotize, then Toxicity, then Steal This Album, and finally their debut self-titled. So basically working backwards. They have some weird songs and crazy ideas, but it just fits them so perfectly. I'm lucky to own all of their albums on CD

[@Mattwest1985]

I always come back to system. I’ve waited on every album since toxicity.

[@rogerb6950]

"I didn't pick music, music picked me." Deep bro, I feel you.

[@Murderachi]

Its Me Butters same with when he said “ I never practice I just play”

[@shredbacca]

Landan Rideout that kinda how i learned the guitar i just played

[@evanho4538]

Shaun Kellison you’re opinion is very closed minded.

[@evanho4538]

Shaun Kellison my guy, virtuosity and a less is more mentality are two sides of the same coin.

[@beatboxonmyfartbox]

@Shaun Kellison I bet you hate modern art as well

[@tormenramann1352]

His eyes are so kind I just want to hug the guy

[@nico.ch029]

Lmao when he performed back in 1996-2010 his eyes were damn scary

[@flowerfloc]

@@nico.ch029 because he was high af

[@Ericdawg420]

Your a weirdo.

[@dunkelheit8594]

Felatio

[@davemenard5089]

Yoda like

[@ryhaang]

Fuck he is a genius. His riffs are so unpretentious and it seems like a true reflection of a deep part of who he is. I love this man.

[@Ovie_1]

What a humble genius.

[@ObeyYourSysteM]

Legend...

[@BobbyButterfield]

ObeyYourSysteM damn skippy!!!!

[@hagrazz]

like your channel :)

[@CamRebires]

Thanks for your service!

[@justincredible8835]

pretty great songwriter. greetings from small town Texas

[@rexarrival09]

X2

[@imraanakollo-arenz1449]

"My parents got me a guitar because they can't turn off the drums" That's both better and worse than "it's very expensive"

[@ippotsk]

What does that mean though? You also can't turn off the guitar, you'd have to take it away from him instead.

[@vinnregi4882]

@@ippotsk thats what they meant pretty much. how are you gonna take away the drums? it would be less of a chore to take away the kid and lock it away xD Also drums are really loud. You can plug headphones on the amp. To which you'll say "then get electronic/plastic drums", to which i'll say "fuck fake drums. these things got no soul".

[@diatonicjon]

It's just because drums are loud. That's all that means. He can "turn off" his amp and play his guitar unplugged. Which is not loud.

[@nesstealer17]

@@diatonicjon stupid people lmao. Probably havent even touched and instrument lol. I bought my guitar and started learning so i always played unplugged and my parents would be like "play louder, use your amp" lmao. But drums are loud everytime, there is no playing soft or "turned off"

[@Balend]

@@nesstealer17 jazz.

[@micahsean8664]

He plays what moves him, what he feels. I have so much more respect for that than "look how fast I can play."

[@sadsys]

Daron is a very intelligent artist, we don't get the chance to hear from him but when we do we get to know more about art and identity, Daron is the mastermind behind Soad, Serj, John, and Shavo have really contributed in the making of Soad sound and without them, Soad would never achieve such success and claim such originality, but thanks to the sincerity of Daron and the amount of dedication and perspective he put into these songs, we got such a band. I have always valued the presence of Daron and his touch and talents, his voice is really warm and flexible, his riffs are well educated and rich, his open-mindedness and diversity made Soad more fun to listen, Scars of broadway are another example that demonstrates the close relationship between Daron and the sense of melody. As an artist I have learned from both guys Serj and Daron, I gained my musical personality thanks to their direct inspiration I was able to cover their complex songs because I was inspired by their comic and harmonious performance to the point of sharing the same existential mood that shapes their songs. The world is very meaningful with such characters. Keep being yourselves.

[@KFGatica]

Underrated comment

[@atiao1]

System of a Down is a rite of passage. Any metalhead would have listened to them at some point and would still probably enjoy them today!

[@Ject-pm8wh]

Indeed

[@mic3l]

just like me, I started with them and still listem to them from time to time

[@abookwas9170]

I used to be metalhead but now I only hear system and corn and sometimes metallica

[@deansley174]

Nope.

[@ZhanLess]

Idk why but their songs or the only that I've been listening for 2 years now and still not used to it

[@nathan688]

The god of drop c

[@lyndonbauer1703]

scars on broadway stuff is in drop c# I believe

[@Liefvikerson]

I always thought he played dropped D... Guess I'm wrong

[@lyndonbauer1703]

@@Liefvikerson all soad songs are in drop C if it helps

[@Liefvikerson]

@@lyndonbauer1703 what's wrong with drop D?

[@lyndonbauer1703]

@@Liefvikerson nothing, but Daron uses Drop C for System, and Drop C# for Scars. Drop D isn't relevant.

[@hoyavp2236]

One positive thing about my depression and loneliness is that I’ve gotten better on guitar. I’ve met Daron when I lived in Ventura. He knows how I feel. Great video. Thanks, D

[@jacksbrewbaker4300]

You’ve met Daron? On my bucket list is to meet him. He’s the reason I play guitar. I have a riff written that an acquaintance thought I stole from him, but that riff really is just inspired by him. But yeah the depression and loneliness part is fucking relatable. I’m still in school but I’m the focal point of the joke with the “popular” kids when I just think it’s a low life bitch brigade.

[@Wurstwassergurgler]

@@jacksbrewbaker4300 and u are probably right about that. Keep going bro :)

[@nicholaschavira9779]

I live in ventura! I love soad and music like it. I’d be down to jam sometime

[@hoyavp2236]

@@nicholaschavira9779 I moved back to to Texas. Come down

[@mk11fan87]

@@jacksbrewbaker4300 they hang around LA my cousin met Serj and Dave Grohl in the guitar center in Hollywood

[@rezarishehri2135]

He is not just a musician, his spirit is the spirit of complete artist. This was a very good interview that you can learn from it

[@alpur214]

I don't look at this as an interview. More of a documentary/reflection on his career and life.

[@cesarbeltran6583]

Songs Played By Daron Malakian 0:00 Aerials 3:01 Toxicity 4:07 Lost In Hollywood 6:47 Suite-Pee 9:28 Guns Are Loaded 11:42 Universe 13:36 Chop Suey 17:16 Angry Guru

[@klink4313]

You forgot Angry Guru at the end

[@DarkPeter]

I hear some Angry Guru bro

[@iordanec]

17:16 - Angry Guru

[@raulrivera2586]

*Aerials

[@marcoslemes5643]

Came to the comment session just looking for this. Thanks.

[@gigatar]

I started playing guitar because of Daron Malakian.

[@Savageshiba]

Giga Tatarashvili hey me too

[@rupe82]

There's got to be a lot of people who started playing guitar cus of Daron.

[@cheyenegarwood9875]

SAME

[@markshalhoub1387]

Same

[@DarthEkko]

Me too

[@TheProgGuy]

it's funny he really mentions where he comes from, because years ago, I notcied how SOAD doesn't sound anything like "mainstream" late 90's early 2000's rock/metal music, so i had to look up their "country of origin" and that's when everything clicked for me, it all made sense and it's why I've grown to love their music so much more than anything of the time. **I come from a classical background in music training, hearing the sounds of middle eastern music was so very distinct and stood out in a very certain way, that's why their music "clicked" for me.

[@RaginFlanker]

His shit definitely changed my life, that’s for sure.

[@rowanjeffree1094]

Those distortion tones are sick

[@alanross2482]

I think he used SH-6 Seymour Duncan pick up in the bridge

[@janbelcher1896]

@@alanross2482 Yeah that's correct! Coupled with a Marshall Amp if I remember correctly, with some seriously scooped mids

[@alanross2482]

@@janbelcher1896 such an amazing tone man!

[@soloh_ugo]

Well he may sometimes seem crazy or really high on stage, but he sounds like a very down to earth guy, amazing interview, one of my biggest influences to pick up a guitar

[@Gatchi]

On stage, sometimes you have to be a different person, or just embody and find a whole different side of yourself because it's about making the show entertaining. So many musicians are fantastic players and play their songs flawlessly live, but are too boring to watch and have no energy or passion for entertaining a crowd visually. Would rather just stay home and listen to the album for the same experience in the case of those people. Daron and all of System does this very well and really puts on a show. I want to see them so bad.

[@7688redsox]

I would pay a lot of money to just talk about music with Daron.

[@octoberfire13]

I will forever be grateful to Vahe Kallibjian for being in the AOL chatroom for the Deftones in 1997 and telling me about this band SYSTEM OF A DOWN and sending me a mix tape of theirs ... Suite Pea was the first song I ever heard and from the moment I heard it, i fell in love with the band. Then got to meet them in person when they opened for Slayer and Clutch. and well, meeting Daron and the other guys opened up my entire world. I was lost. And then I felt like I was seen for the first time in my life. Daron is such a brilliant artist and musician and his music over the years has been the most profound music I have ever heard.

[@FernandoHatsumura]

He made the soundtrack for the world post-9/11.

[@undergroundnation6423]

Exactly

[@darkySp]

You're saying this like 9/11 changed the whole world

[@briang8579]

@@darkySp yeah kinda, pretty much everyone is every major country has heard of 911, was such a shock for such a "pristine" country to get hit with the brutality that is a usual for some countries.

[@SkaMasta097]

@@darkySp it pretty much did. Did you never read or hear "in a post-911 world" on mainstream media, even years and over a decade later? The world has never been the same since.

[@SkaMasta097]

Toxicity was released on 9/04/2001, exactly one week before 9/11, so it makes sense.

[@TheHiller94]

This man is the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place. Fantastic interview. Thanks Ernie Ball!

[@arukendo7573]

same here

[@phdindeceit9450]

Got into metal b/c of system and got into the guitar b/c of Daron

[@jessh7376]

Benny Hill same I got into music in general from him

[@MyDemon32]

If it wasn't for him i wouldn't have liked metal music in general

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Not for me, but he IS the reason I got me an Iceman or two. XD

[@TheMusicfan189]

He's written some insanely catchy riffs in his time, will always love SOAD.

[@NilsonSeiza]

Uncredited Songs: 6:47 Suite Pee by System Of A Down 8:50 Suite Pee by System Of A Down 9:29 Guns are Loaded by Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway 11:42 Universe by Scars On Broadway 16:14 Angry Guru by Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway

[@Yourname942]

hopefully one day Serj and Daron will make music together again

[@DDevil13]

Yourname942 i think you forgot about someone.

[@jakekingsbury6961]

Legendary combo

[@Infernoblade1010]

We can only hope

[@breakingbetween8963]

And Shavo. And John. Without them, there would be no System of a Down, remember that.

[@crimsonpunx]

SOAD is touring right now. Not sure if they're writing new stuff though

[@F3PIZZA]

When my best friend took his life, listening Aerials was the first time I cried. I have a beautiful memory of waking up to him playing that song on my LTD M-300. He was the drummer in our band. I still miss him. Almost 20 years ago.

[@jmgmusic1979]

Best 19 minutes of my life spent. Lol. I've always wanted to have a glimpse into Daron's universe. This was awesome!

[@ichbinmirella]

Same here. Cant believe we had to wait to 2020!

[@MrUnbekannter111]

Imagine you are the cameraman,staying in front of Daron while he is playing only for you in this room.....

[@Driskon]

"I like to inspire." You do a damn good job. Daron's the reason I started playing guitar, it's because of Daron I found that music was in my blood. There is no feeling like the feeling that I get when I play guitar or sing. Thanks Daron.

[@TETCOM.]

amen...i LOVE to sing....and play

[@alanross2482]

Same here man😀

[@KingBowserVlog]

Same. I never looked at the guitar the same after I listened to Sugar and Chop Suey!

[@goticarka]

he's encouraged me to continue playing guitar and to sing, even when i seriously wanted to quit

[@jdogseyebrows]

He inspired me too

[@genericnamethingy]

Daron is such a sweet and honest dude. It's heartwarming watching this interview. He has an amazing ability to compose thinking of a band and not overdoing it. His riffs are simple but when you add the whole thing it's really well-crafted and intricate. I didn't see that when I was younger, I loved them, but I didn't see how complex it is sometimes. Loved the interview.

[@e.l.i.o6846]

watching him play so relaxed and calmed feels illegal.

[@Sphereal]

Daron's riff guitar tone in "Steal this album!" is so perfect.

[@lifedecoded9842]

The god damn intro riff tone on IEAIAIO is insane.

[@Danjoker.]

Thetawaves

[@omnacky]

The background vocals/the bridge of Pictures is so good

[@nachoyahnsen417]

La distocion que uso en "Toxicity" y "Steal This Álbum, es la misma, cual sera su configuración?

[@Sphereal]

@@nachoyahnsen417 Es casi la misma. Es muy similar, pero yo prefiero el sonido de la guitarra en Steal this album, ya que es aun mas pesada, pero tambien mas definida. Estoy casi seguro de que es un Marshall mode four o un Mesa Boogie dual rectifier.

[@Oilid]

Parenting job: DONE RIGHT!!

[@dizzod123]

✅

[@stanknugget]

What do you mean?

[@stanknugget]

Modestas Kaminskas Yes they did, you devil worshiping dickhead.

[@coltist9060]

One of the real legends of music imo. Daron is able to act through his craft, he can also play like a demon! He is an inspiration, and I love it, and I am so thankful for what he has done over the years man.

[@Skillanfg]

They never made him change anything because he’s a mastermind. All of them are completely genius.

[@rikhaven]

My idol, my main influence! That Iceman is f***'in sick!

[@ramirezrulon]

rikhaven same here Broski always idolized this fella his riffs his approach to the guitar just an all around good dude

[@DragonWarrior7771]

Yeah I got an ICT700 because of him. Sugar was like the first song I learned.

[@beredetump1635]

I believe Paul Gilbert uses the same guitar. If so, he puts it to better use.

[@rikhaven]

@@beredetump1635 yes, he does, but mainly with single coils in it. Putting into a better use just depends on the purpose of each guitar player. I think they are not comparable. Daron is a remarkable composer that came up with a difference style and puts his identity into each riff he creates. Paul is a virtuoso, a guitar god.

[@MrShoryuken1]

@@beredetump1635 His is flipped upside down, hence it's called a 'fireman' rather than an 'iceman'.

[@jrpg0630]

Now we finally know how ATWA is pronounced.

[@AxanLderE]

I know! We're finally free from the mystery

[@adamtravers856]

Where? I missed it :'(

[@amandiogalego8866]

@@adamtravers856 at 8:14

[@Systemofadownfan805]

He's said it times before during shows lol

[@MsToshi1990]

Is that really such a big surprise? Nothing hard about it to pronounce really.

[@beepst]

All of my favorite guitar players are not shredders, but they always compose to contribute to the song. I love that you can listen to those isolated guitar parts and still understand the context of the song. He composed them with the song in his mind, and not to show off a technique or something.

[@majikman1239]

Its crazy how mature and powerful his playing and tone have become but you can still hear his much younger crazy self in his sound

[@danucod8427]

Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Adam Jones. Bring it!!

[@Monkeguitar]

Danu cod dude. yes!

[@kadenzook3826]

Agreed! We’ve got Justin Chancellor, now we need Jones too!

[@MK-oz2lf]

Jones doesn't seem to comes off as really an advertising guy. Don't hold your breath for it to happen.

[@ccat765]

"I gotta love it -- and I gotta really love it -- to convince you to love it." That really stuck with me as a musician. Very admirable!

[@jazzywazzy2200]

This is the most normal I have seen Daron, I honestly think this is so cool. I love his calm side AS WELL as his crazy chaotic personality.

[@spoonermanhd2607]

Darons voice always makes me so sad i love him to death and i hate that soad had to part ways but i can speak for us all in saying that his music made most of us the way we are. Unfiltered, honest, understanding, maniacs.

[@TalodzBandigas]

My highschool was not as memorable as it was if there's no SOAD songs hitting on my ears.

[@gil9905]

Fuck yea ! Same here

[@so1vae]

as a highschooler it sucks that i cant share my love for metal without people thinking im a freak, wish people would appreciate it more \m/

[@Karlgolden]

SOAD one of my favourite bands! 🤘😍🎸🔥 Great video

[@Down_Pat]

was one of mine as well but serj is a shithead

[@junerockstar9969]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Swashbuckler9x]

Love him and love SOAD. Can't help but feel he was on the verge of tears during this interview, very very intimate. Man what I'd do to have a 9 hour jam session with him, Josh Homme and Chino Moreno in one room.

[@elohims1750]

Daron Malakian, as a songwriter and musician, is an innovator and ahead of his time. His work with Scars On Broadway is timeless.

[@Dodgerbluuee310]

Daron is the reason why I picked up a guitar at 12 years old. Growing up my older brothers blasted System and I naturally grew to love their music. Without playing music I wouldn’t be the person I am today. So thanks for being an inspiration to me and everyone who loves your music🙏🏻

[@alfalfabojengels5646]

Never thought this guy could actually sound like a normal musician for a change. Glad he matured better than I expected. Either way, I appreciated more the genuine honesty and spur of the moment silliness. True to form, as they say. Love this guy’s riff. Talented as hell. Listened to many hard rock and heavy metal music out there for years. This guy brought the baddest and catchiest riffs which to this day is addictive. Glad he’s still out there keeping it real and making music. Don’t ever stop dude. You’re a true original of your era. Simply. Awesome.

[@amiramlan3119]

From this interview, I can see Daron is a very deep & big hearted person. Such an amazing musician

[@tristank261]

He's one of the people who literally made me want to even pick up a guitar, Daron is a beautiful human being and words can't describe how thankful I am of him. ♥

[@androjbewieleplow9118]

I love how real and honest he is, no ego, just a guy who writes music and plays guitar. He’s the GOAT imo, a true guitar God

[@rotkvica45]

There are thousands of people learning to shred and trying to be tehnical, while Daron uses his creativity and approaches guitar totally different.

[@rickfeith6372]

The word Shred is so overused. Shredding to me is a 7 year player playing fast, but mindless. Terrible. Playing fast is pointless if there is no melody or groove.

[@VN-hg5yy]

@@rickfeith6372 megadeth

[@TylerDelaneyReed]

Magnar S I had the same thought. He is a little sloppy at times and his tone can be kinda weird, but he is totally expressive and unique. You can tell that he never cared to learn cover songs, he just did his own thing. Nobody plays like that anymore.

[@cyberwarfare9118]

You can definitely do both imo, being creative and being a technical player aren't mutually exclusive.

[@electricmeatpuppet]

As an extreme creative type, after playing for about 10+ years (I didn't get into playing until around my early/mid twenties, i'm 36) i'm at a point where i'm discovering more and more my creative ability far exceeds my technical ability/knowledge, and thus it suffers in some cases. You begin to appreciate it a little more. It's important to be a well rounded and balanced player so that you can express yourself accurately. On the other hand, what I really can't stand is full on shredding, to me if often just sounds un-emotive and not very musical (big key there, you know when you're listening to music that's highly emotive, it's unmistakable like goosebumps!), and that kind of 'technical or shred mentality' so to speak, when playing guitar becomes more like a sport than art if you get my meaning - "look at me! look at me!", but it's not all bad, and there are always exceptions, it's just the other side of that coin or balance, but it does make you wonder why those sorts of people get into guitar in the first place if they're not really a creative type...

[@v0ski]

“i don’t pull from anything” except for the tapeworm out if your ass

[@lukecollins7929]

Gotcha!👍

[@thevomitleague4335]

That’s a good system joke needles is a great song

[@szakalasbalazs6885]

What a splendid string Ernie Ernie string Every minute, every second Buy buy buy buy buy

[@metallicamaniac318]

Saw this man live in San Diego about a week and a half ago. His stage demeanor is one that demands and kicks the crowds ass, yet he is such a polite and thoughtful dude. Respect.

[@cmangel755]

Victor Alvarado I was there!

[@narwhaljenkem347]

I WAS FUCKING THERE I CAME MY PANTS

[@Dre777]

Lucky.

[@someguyontheinternet2714]

When your stars are baked, and your rivers fly, do you ever believe you were stuck in the sky?

[@MR_MIRTH]

"When your castle breaks, And your feet are dry Do you ever believe you were stuck out in the sky!"

[@antoniomiasnikov4494]

(c) Omar Hayam 😂😂

[@aidanrgcool]

The sky

[@G-Hobbs]

Love that tune

[@garettlucius9810]

Doooo you believe?

[@scottjm0682]

Who thinks this guy is an international treasure, apart from me? He is so inspirational. :D

[@alpur214]

"I don't think I picked music, music picked me. I don't know where I'd be without it, it's always been a part of my identity" I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

[@joblins3753]

Daron has always looked like he’s either 15 or 50

[@featheryfemme]

Goofs n' Goblins it was kinda always 15 up until he grew his hair out longer, then there was no in between.

[@zsaz4453]

Hes looked old imo. But nothing wrong with that

[@drunkenmasterchickenman2783]

Fifty-teen

[@Mrk00k00dud3]

"I never felt like I was practicing, I was just playing". That's how I always feel with my guitar!

[@sitindogmas]

started listening in 01, the music always seemed so sincere and melodic with these heavy break neck LSD change ups. fn amazing! it's 2023 . I have 3 adult kids that love this music as well , the reason being two 15 in. MTX speaker cabinets blaring when they we're babies. I'd turn on SOAD and we'd tear up our little house lol then fix it listening to some Bob Marly and such.

[@adrianfytr35]

I really wish my wife and I had that discussion before we bought my sons drum set😐.

[@TheAverlorn]

Don't worry, high end drummers are well sought after

[@marioguti9887]

I bought my 11 year old son a drum set and my 7 year a guitar...there are pads you can put on drums to lessen the sound too.

[@slipknotmfkr3]

This comment may be 1 year old but, like Mario said, The brand Sound Percussion makes pads you can put over all the batter heads that dampen the sound!

[@adrianfytr35]

@@slipknotmfkr3 Thanks👍He got some awhile back, wow what a difference haha.

[@shipahi3456]

Oh damn, this guy is like the best thing that ever happened to the world. I love him.

[@so1vae]

Tony Barber you lowlife middle aged dickhead

[@SystemRichie]

A true artist and the real foundation of SOAD.

[@allahgator1479]

At 3:45 if you turn subtitles on, it says "("B.Y.O.B" by System of a Down)" when it is clearly toxicity.

[@kobaba...12]

8:54 it says I-E-A-I-A-I-O

[@andrewpappas9311]

And later when he’s playing Suite-Pee it said he’s playing I-E-A-I-A-I-O

[@abeliuscaesar7895]

In soad video comments, everyone talking about how good Serj is, nobody is talking about extremely talented Daron and his super song writing ability.

[@opposition13]

One of the most honest interviews I've seen. Very pure and true. I became a fan of his style when toxicity came out.... You just can't deny the force and power his music translates....The melodies he generates are catchy and full of emotion.... An art....... Big fan of his style...

[@squidward9747]

I feel like he roasted Serj when he said that guitar is better than a keyboard😂

[@thewisebread3653]

Serj plays guitar too though.

[@squidward9747]

The Wise Bread I know but soad wise it’s only on Aerials and Mr.Jack . If we are just talking about soad, if he plays an instrument it’s the keyboard

[@squidward9747]

The Wise Bread or the maracas on “X” 😂

[@thewisebread3653]

THEGAMINGDORITO 58 ya I was talking not just about System of a Down but his solo stuff also.

[@squidward9747]

The Wise Bread oh my bad I thought you were just talking about soad. Plus on my reply I was specifically talking about soad

[@amberwashere8690]

honestly,, this guy never fails to make me smile, i don't know what it is but every time i watch an interview with him in it, it makes me smile i'm thinking about learning how to play the guitar now

[@zinjian157]

Thank you so much Ernie Ball for doing this interview. It means so much to me as a new songwriter because Daron is my biggest idol and i love everything about this man and his playing so i decided to pick up the same Ernie Ball strings he has which are the Skinny top heavy bottom which are awesome strings in any tuning and i love them. This guy has changed my life and is the reason i picked up a guitar and to see him in his raw form like this and see my biggest inspiration tell us more about himself makes me so happy. Thank you so much Ernie ball.

[@Gabagool93]

“I always wanted to play the drums” *drums pop up outta nowhere in the background*

[@user-fi6rj6sv2k]

Timestamp?

[@mitchell2143]

guittar99 1:58

[@brayaneitor5163]

That intro with the aerials song playing was the best intro i have ever heard in my life

[@joeschroder2876]

I f#%king love you malakian

[@AlanFerreiraVlog]

in 11:01 i felt like he was talking directly to me. man... was fantastic. this guy is my inspiration on music, my hero. like he said about his inspirations.

[@CodyAlushin]

He looks different without his eyes bugging out of his head

[@drunkenviking]

He quit meth?

[@uuniin3622]

No eyeliner