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

[@GREENWARRI0R]

Probably the most normal Daron interview ever.

[@GugaMalakian]

Yeah hahahaha

[@arrolate]

Same

[@MrBrainer98]

Felatio

[@saulcontreras7968]

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

[@hagopcatchatoorian1132]

Felecio

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@liamwalsh6464]

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

[@Bitch6667-q1w]

Lmao

[@abelstrd]

What was his moustache saying to you???

[@AltairCreedZ]

that moustache is really cool

[@fvnk0]

Liam Walsh same

[@pq2960]

ahahahahahahaha same here

[@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

[@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.

[@LAKE_reader]

Universe sounds better for some reason just as a guitar.

[@patrickolivier1]

Hypnotizing even

[@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

[@AnonymousNinja82]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Bleakaboo]

Sara Stotesbury yes 🥺

[@jdogseyebrows]

Oh hey I found you lol sup

[@jdogseyebrows]

@@Bleakaboo heh found ya too

[@Bleakaboo]

*•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!

[@tunneltimemusic]

Superman told him to stop

[@brettthewafflemaker7266]

But batman still said keep going Daron

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :)

[@Nathan_and_his_guitar]

Same, it's because of SOAD that I am who I am and play the way I do

[@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…

[@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

[@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.

[@styx1158]

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

[@SataniaMcDowel]

I feel it too

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ЯрославФедоров-п5я]

😮😮😮😮😮

[@mikehunt8247]

He never did meth omg

[@derwilhelmovic1617]

​@@mikehunt8247he's done coke though for sure

[@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.

[@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

[@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? 🤨

[@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

[@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.

[@alanross2482]

Same here man😀

[@Sealwithwificonnection]

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

[@Ovie_1]

What a humble genius.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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🙏🏻

[@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.

[@MrUnbekannter111]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheMusicfan189]

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

[@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

[@SystemRichie]

A true artist and the real foundation of SOAD.

[@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.

[@Karlgolden]

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

[@Down_Pat]

was one of mine as well but serj is a shithead

[@junerockstar9969]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brayaneitor5163]

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

[@e.l.i.o6846]

watching him play so relaxed and calmed feels illegal.

[@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...

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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. ♥

[@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?

[@tricasterstrat]

I certainly feel at home here, in this vid and comment section. Most of us discovered this guy in high school and got hooked, and still are. Cheers to all of ya!

[@dalekay9ine]

6th grade for me. LOOOOOVED their first album so much and still do to this day.

[@ext93]

3rd grade. My aunt got me Toxicity for my birthday 😎

[@jacksbrewbaker4300]

Discovered him 2 years ago. I’m in 8th grade. My grandma listens to all sorts of metal and shit and I caught on with the addiction with System of a Down then moved onto other bands but I still stay true to SoaD and Scars because of Daron. He’s by far my favorite musician. I wrote a whole ass song inspired by him. He’s such an awesome person I just wish he was more active.

[@7688redsox]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@SmashingEGOS]

Legend, lol!

[@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!

[@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/

[@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

[@amiramlan3119]

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

[@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'.

[@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.

[@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

[@VeronicaGorositoMusic]

So his parents were in advanced mode that day: ''We want to be able to sleep, drums are loud all the time. Dear son? you'll be a great guitarist''.

[@CNNBlackmailSupport]

I loved the drums. My parents paid me 25 dollars a week NOT to play them.

[@kaidencoleman5947]

@@CNNBlackmailSupport play them when your parents weren't home lol, but Ida took that $25 and kept my mouth shut and my drums quiet lol

[@patricio97]

E-drums: im a joke for you?

[@TheMCzorro]

Honestly, that was the reason I started playing guitar. Ironically, John Dolmayan was always my hero, I still remember practicing on pillows with mom's knitting needles as a young teenager. They've seen my passion, but we all knew that we couldn't afford neither acoustic drums because of neighbors (we live in an apartment block) nor electronic drums because they're expensive. So I got my first guitar for my birthday instead. In a sense, I became a guitarist because of John. No regrets though

[@zackybartowski]

He is the reason why i picked up a guitar and learn how to play it. Thank you mr.daron, thank you system of a down.

[@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.

[@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

[@Silverheest]

He looks so young and healthy again, compared to 10 years ago, love Daron's music!! And thank you Ernie Ball for this interview!

[@KF1184]

I remember watching this at like 17, the way he described music as being like colours on his palette was so inspiring. The way he describes music just connected with me and made sense to me. I'm not a big metal fan anymore but Daron and System will always be an influence on me

[@frankzavala8605]

Hes an incredible guitarist and one of the best backup vocalists. An icon!

[@frankzavala8605]

@jay tate k

[@dominikweber4305]

Also a great lead singer in scars on broadway and in some soad songs

[@Conundrums._]

jay tate that’s the point of the band. They aren’t meant to be amazing voices (even though Serj is an amazing operatic vocalist) it’s meant to be imperfect

[@Mrk00k00dud3]

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

[@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.

[@Wolfgang_von_Caelid]

10:45 Daron was literally the one to inspire me to pick up guitar. It was by complete chance, I was like 12 or 13 & my friend was at my place, being bored with me. We rummage through an old CD drawer and find Mezmerize among the stack. Put it in, and I was immediately sent down a rabbit hole of going through their entire catalog. Within a few months my parents got me a shitty First Act for really cheap just to see if I would stick with it; a few months later, I got a decent BC Rich for Christmas. Within a few years, the first nice guitar I got was a used Ibanez IC400. Been playing close to 10 years now all because of that one fateful bored summer-break afternoon.

[@featheryfemme]

Damn, an IC400?! You got lucky, man.

[@robberlingieri]

NewbPhil So who’s CD was it? It was at your house.

[@thevomitleague4335]

My inspiration as well to play guitar

[@whatshisname7310]

And you still suck huh?

[@thevomitleague4335]

Yeah I just started so I do suck 😂

[@Oilid]

Parenting job: DONE RIGHT!!

[@dizzod123]

✅

[@stanknugget]

What do you mean?

[@stanknugget]

Modestas Kaminskas Yes they did, you devil worshiping dickhead.

[@morganthenaarcher9082]

What a stunning human being, inside and out. ❤

[@elohims1750]

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

[@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

[@rabanomartinez7759]

He and SOAD was the reason why i pick up the guitar... Love ya daron

[@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.

[@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.

[@Scrubermensch]

I'm no one, I write songs which were never played still, just 'cause I did hear Daron playing and since then, I thought playing is not impossible. I've started just because him, I'm so glad this man exists, I would never touch a guitar, if there wasn't SoaD. Maybe he never know how deeply he's important to my life, and an everyday inspiration, for keeping trying to record my simple humble songs. And if the songs I write become something known, it still will be thanks to Daron. I deeply thank and OWE you, for being my first and bigger influence, for, indirectly teach me to just try and have fun. Greetings from your unknown apprentice, my hero.

[@jvmoony]

I wish SOAD back on 2020. I'll get hyped, I still play their musics sometimes. It's strange tunes, but also energetic, and their Middle Easternish voice from Serj and Daron. Oh this band is a masterpiece.

[@XxRiseagainstfanxX]

I'll see them this year, Rock am Ring germany

[@dominikweber4305]

@@XxRiseagainstfanxX saaaame

[@Cazador1]

@@XxRiseagainstfanxX lol no

[@RRSystem]

@@Cazador1 will see y'all next year then

[@FlyingV555]

Iceman too bad Rock Am Ring 2020 never happened

[@Gynandro_morph]

This interview is very inspirational for me as someone dipping their fingers into music writing. When he says things like "I never practice guitar" or "I'm not a very technical player," I see a lot of myself in those sentiments because I've never been terribly skilled at guitar since I started playing in high school, but music has always been at my core, even after I stopped playing for close to eight years.

[@kjknox4563]

Ive been trying to write music for so long and when he said he thinks of music like colours something clicked, hes been my fav for so long. I havent played guitar for months, I think im gonna pick it up again

[@sullyluther5519]

Go for it!

[@iAmSantiCruz]

Darons voice gives me chills. Scars and System are both amazing bands. Tell him I love him too🤘🏽

[@cantabitvidentis5569]

Someone so undeniably Rock and roll, and yet so humble and gentle; SOAD was the first band I really got into when I was probably 8 or 9, I’m 22 and they shaped the way I interact with music more than anything, especially the way I play guitar and sing, and I know that won’t ever go away. Daron didn’t just inspire my music, he molded it for as long as I can play a guitar.

[@darklilly51]

I love how he spoke from his heart and so genuine. Daron is so amazing as an artist and visionary. He is genuinely my favorite musician of all time....thanks for doing this interview Daron 💗

[@XtremeKillah101]

9:01 i've been playing the end of suite pee wrong this entire time...

[@DarkPeter]

Tazzwar Azam heyyy bro havent seen you in years

[@brycepenney517]

I think he juiced it up a bit. He was making some improv parts to his songs that aren't on the record. Beauty of live music.

[@XtremeKillah101]

@@DarkPeter hey what's up dude!

[@colewinter2041]

Me too!

[@thaedleinad]

Haha, same!

[@MetalBaller83]

It’s so interesting to hear Daron speak, because he speaks so seldom. I definitely connect more with Daron than anyone else in SOAD, who are always just POLITICS ALL THE TIME. I like Daron’s artistry, and his passion for music. He and I have similar influences.

[@THEEJONESY]

everything is political you dope

[@stanley1431]

lmao shavo never talks about politics

[@soleris4966]

Daron and Serj, John, Shavo. The whole band itself inspired me to write music, music of my own, our own, without System of a Down I would never feel uplifted or happy without them. Daron of the most also makes me happy and the other band members too, they all bring a good sprit in me, a smile :)