"Fracture is impossible to play" Failure to Fracture, Ep. 6

If you’re here to watch me play Fracture, I do it in this video: • 22 YEARS to play this ...
Welcome to the 6th episode of Failure to Fracture, a series that highlights my now-20-year struggle to play the hardest song I've ever encountered: "Fracture" by King Crimson. Robert Fripp, the composer and guitarist on the track, writes: "Fracture is impossible to play." What on earth does this mean?
Special thanks to Steve Ball and Paul Richards for their input on the script.
Full transcript available at makeweirdmusic.com/learn/fract...
See also: www.dgmlive.com/diaries/Rober...
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[@jonathanlevine8497]

Will you please add a disclaimer at the TOP of your description stating that there is no music here, just talk?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

No.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You can watch my performance here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWsn2eZftunppI

[@ramonafrombarcelona]

nowhere in the title is implied that it's a performance of the piece ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@royaljameson6506]

i realize it is kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good website to watch newly released tv shows online?

[@aldeneliseo7500]

@Royal Jameson Flixportal :P

[@MerkinMuffly]

Robert Fripp made a deal with the devil, we don't know what Fripp got, but the devil got guitar lessons.

[@user-fo3yt1jq6n]

nice name bruh

[@juankgonzalez6230]

He probably got that pet rabbit of his in exchange

[@olhosquadrados]

he got chocolate truffles

[@frankotten8994]

You are so right !

[@philtogwell]

He got Toyah

[@prodevus]

Give it up m8

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Haha thanks “Robert”. I have a book coming out about it soon.

[@ronniewall1481]

Hey there Robert love your work. Baby's on Fire. I can play some days can't others autism. But I do a lot with mechanical effects. One is I use a slide in my pick hand. I can do things like get a violin effect and use it as a tremolo stuff like that. I can even do an echoplex.

[@64t120r]

Never. Change your mindset and step slowly.

[@IV94704]

I have made peace with my limitations. I continue to push my limits and musical abilities, not by duplicating what others have done but by listening and find my own notes within those spaces opened up by others. And also, phew. Glad I am not the only one flummoxed by this ridiculously challenging and disturbingly beautiful piece.

[@debsthewebs8146]

You are the best guitarist out there EVER!

[@DrGaryGreen]

There's some Japanese 5yo out there playing it perfectly.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Hahaha I bet you're right.

[@leofender909]

Perfection is impossible, but one may choose to serve perfection

[@mateuszzz7256]

Fripp once said, that in time he had mental disorder, he had dream vision. He had seen new structures and kind of harmony and he heard "If you return, play what you saw". Fracture was realesed after he had catatonia, 1973

[@TheNateWalking]

Cool, haven’t heard that. Have read where he talked about the presence of King Crimson entering the room when they were recording Larks’, which I think is the greatest album ever created. Did Satan help write the album? Maybe. Lol

[@mateuszzz7256]

Nate Walking wow and what was written about it? im curious

[@TheNateWalking]

Mateusz Gajowniczek this is stuff I’ve read in various notes inserted into various KC releases, unfortunately I lost most of those CDs a few years ago. The idea of “King Crimson entering the music or the space” is an idea Fripp has touched on many times. It’s part of why the band has changed so many times and why there have been long gaps with no band at all. I don’t know if you ever listened to the Projekts but they were various live show recordings with combinations of different KC members. It was all improvised music but Fripp did not consider it KC. Before this newer band existed, Fripp was saying that KC was dead, that there was no band that could play KC anymore. Well he figured it out, removing Belew, bringing back Mel Collins, three drummers. Current KC is incredible genius, the only band that could play KC from the first iteration all the way to the present. You should listen to those speeches mentioned hear too, very interesting.

[@mateuszzz7256]

Nate Walking wow... what do you mean saying speeches? Robert fripp is in my opinion the most worth musician ever, though he is very underrated guitarist, he is also strict - if one of the members had played not in his tempo, he would have said „you are not good enough to represent KC” thats why he have built such an amazing band, one of the greatest in music history. Fripp and Brian Eno is staggering, this is world class music - also The Leauge Of a Gentlemen is a piece, that i will remember through all my future life. Im lucker that KC and all this stuff had been introduced to me by my teacher. Hit me up - [e-mail] so we can dialogue a little

[@TheNateWalking]

Mateusz Gajowniczek Robert Fripp gave a few speeches as a way to stretch himself personally. His sister is part of a speaking group. It was released as a CD, can’t remember the name.

[@ColpoRosso]

It's not only impossible, it's also one of the best pieces of music ever written

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I think it’s a great piece of music, but perhaps after studying it for so long, I’m not sure I know how I feel about it anymore haha

[@ColpoRosso]

I know what you mean. That's why I don't do many covers. I'm always afraid to end up hating what I'm studying!

[@Shrek_es_mi_pastor]

Written?

[@MarcoWriedt]

Yes! Also the Drums... Bill Bruford! Incredible!

[@iaincook5835]

How fortunate we were to get two musical geniuses coming together at the same time and place: Robert Fripp and Bill Bruford.

[@framebadger]

And then in 1981, Robert found a couple more.

[@charlesbduke7947]

Make that three, you forgot Tony Levine.

[@lonelyshpee7873]

don't forget about John Wetton

[@allanmarkersdagreyt9731]

Don’t forget Andrian belew

[@SAHBfan]

Fripp has worked with a lot of musical geniuses! Even in his very early days he always worked with great musicians. The Giles brothers were excellent players.

[@sheldonwheaton881]

When I sang, and the band would insist I sing a song that I couldn't sing, I would ALWAYS say" Look, I 'm not asking you guys to play King Crimson!! ".

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

That's a good line. I should use that when I play at church! hahaha

[@maxyboy9648]

Fripp is a musical genius

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yes

[@88omair]

Not even a doubt. One of the finest musicians and musical innovators of all time. Sheer genius

[@richardhawkins2647]

I'm waiting for Fripp to do the 'Princess Bride' thing, as he is actually left-handed and plays right-handed!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I've thought a lot about this, actually!

[@geofflowther2458]

So was/did John Wetton. In fact, many lefties play righty.

[@geofflowther2458]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Me too. There are so many levels of handedness, right through to the ambidextrous who often swap handedness based on the task "in hand". I also suppose that lefties given r/h guitars (often hand me downs) have just as much chance playing the instrument well as a naturally r/h beginner. How many left handed saxophones have you seen? There are precious few l/h pianos. I could go on (and frequently do).

[@geofflowther2458]

PS John also played right hand organ, bass peddles and piano. And Mr Fripp plays right hand keyboards occasionally. :-)

[@GeorgePiazza]

Amazingly, the version of Fracture on 'Starless and Bible Black' was recorded live (as were several other pieces on the album, including 'We'll Let You Know', 'Trio', the opening section of 'The Night Watch', 'The Mincer' & Starless and Bible Black'; the SABB version of Fracture was recorded in Amsterdam at the Concertgebouw; most of the other pieces were from a two day concert series in France - possibly Frejus, but don't quote me on that).

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yep. Live. Drives me crazy haha.

[@robguitarwizard]

Yep that's why its one of the best Crimson albums!

[@travkatz]

@@MakeWeirdMusic truly remarkable. "How did they do that"? How, indeed...

[@frankh9600]

The Mincer Zürich, We'll let you know Glasgow, the rest is from Amsterdam. Consequently, studio are The Great Deceiver, Lament, 2nd half of The Night Watch, and the overdubs on The Mincer and a few on Fracture

[@MMfish_]

One is to imagine Sisyphus is happy

[@greenplastic25]

Didn't expect to see Camus's quote here!

[@luizhenrrique1023]

I've found this video while searching for King Crimson videos on youtube. What a great find, I've enjoyed this video very much, thank you for making it, motivates me to keep on praticing on my acoustic guitar every day.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks for watching. Keep me updated on your progress.

[@billrootes-composersongwri5552]

King crimson is a musical martial art in its own right

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Hence the Tai Chi at the Guitar Circle camps. :)

[@bartabbacchi9793]

Thank you! This journey is so intriguing!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You’re very welcome

[@privatenumber7243]

I was a co-DJ for the audio-visual dept. programming music for 3 × 30 min. LH's. Well, you know what they say about youth and idealism...I was a huge KC fan so I decided to play " Fracture " for Senior class ( 1976 ) thinking it would broaden their musical horizons...ooops!? You know that part near the end where it gets quiet before Fripp kicks it back in with that powerful riff? I didn't account for that during the soft, pre-power riff that kicks the song back in for that final ascending progression...and when that guitar riff hit---drinks were spilled, one girl dropped her whole tray, etc...The vice-principal was inundated with complaints and I got chewed out and told, " keep the songs from the top-40 hit list." However, my co DJ and I laughed so hard we had tears in our eyes.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

😅😅

[@privatenumber7243]

@@MakeWeirdMusic after I listened to yr guide to playing Fracture, I just had to relate that story. I play drums and I used to practice to Bruford's percussion, specifically, the LP's from '72-'75. But, I love everything KC; even Earthbound w/Wallace playing drums fed through that VCS3 synth....killer.

[@racheltyrellcorp9694]

Owhhh man, you got me hooked ... Yesterday evening, I was peacefully browsing youtube to learn some new guitar stuff, but I wasn't aiming outside of my lazy skills of some easy rock and blues covers and a few drony impro. My path got me to an interesting video about the new standard tuning (interesting, I might change the tuning of my second guitar to try it out !) So I decided to look at what else did this Fripp do (funny I didn't know about him considering I love Steve Reich, Philip Glass, ...) And that's how I discovered your awesome channel, with THIS video... 10 minutes later I was craving to hear this piece to know what's really about it ! 30 minutes later I had discovered King Crimson and Fripp thanks to you ; An hour later I had skimmed your channel and website, and discovered Soundslice in passing (Thank you a lot for this too!). I finally spent the rest of the evening practicing the beginning of the "moto perpetuo" from your website music sheet. I had dreams about it in the night (!!!) and today I still want to learn more ... Your video is yet a good warning to stay away from Fracture but... you got me hooked Thank you a lot for your work that opened very large new doors on what I want to do with my guitar ... Ps : and I might be hating you for the next 20 years ... :D

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Rachel! Your comment is amazing! Happy to talk on a video call with you. Let me know.

[@racheltyrellcorp9694]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Wow, I didn't expect that ... But yes sure, I accept your invitation with pleasure ! I'll send you a message on your website email adress so we can arrange a skype call. By the way, just so you can recognize my email : Rachel TyrellCorp is just a pseudo.

[@bikershark9]

Man I love this channel. I'm gonna use this discussion of Impossible in class.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Doug you are so nice to me so much of the time. Thank you.

[@calvinhobbes7504]

Robert Fripp is just one of those geniuses who can't be easily emulated .... but the best part is that he knows how to surround himself with geniuses like himself. Speaking for myself, I truly enjoy musicians like that.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Agreed, me too.

[@jameshofbauer1089]

Finished the video. Nice. Thoughtful and engaging. Thanks for the film recommendation. I will pursue more of your videos.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you!

[@skotrock]

Well, I think you pretty much described my own journey towards "mastering" music in ways I never could have expressed, or was even aware of. That was very inspiring. I can at times feel so self-conscious and embarrassed when I play the same damn thing for hours with the metronome ticking away; besides the fact that I absolutely love doing it! I love the challenge of climbing these mountains. I have always felt that my relationship with music is more about self-discovery than any sort of entertainment or social reasons. Thank you for this very insightful post. Love the channel!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I think this is the journey for anyone who takes the piece seriously. There are a few who definitely DO NOT get it. But, I never expected 10 people to understand and there are many many more like us out there. It’s astounding. Thanks so much for the kind words. I’d love to hear you play it!

[@skotrock]

Actually, I never have heard the song, except hearing you play and talk about it. My own "Fracture" has always been Bebop heads, or back in collage, a Paganini piece. The Troy Grady channel helped me out with my picking hand issues- mostly it was my stubbornness about picking it "right" , rather than what the song calls for. I wasn't thinking outside the box and using all the tools available to me. Not to say that I have mastered any of these pieces, but it all comes down to the self-discovery I mentioned. Any challenge I overcome in music applies to my life; and, vice-versa.

[@PeterGrenader]

I enjoyed every second of this video.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks so much, Peter!

[@acousvnt]

It seems like the later "FraKctured" would be even harder because of the constant shifting between the two whole tone scales a half tone apart.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I have videos of myself playing each. The right hand on FraKctured is way easier for the first half of the moto. The second half is pure shred. The right hand on Fracture is just painful.

[@erenanidem3479]

not to mention the nst

[@gabrielsegura626]

I came here to see why fraktured is hard and ended-up with more insight to my journey in life. My man, thank you for sharing this

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you. I have a book about Fracture/FraKctured coming out later this year. It's exactly what you're talking about.

[@gabrielsegura626]

​@@MakeWeirdMusic Great stuff then, I´ll be looking foward for it.

[@BillLarkinmusic]

If you'd asked me, i would have told you that years ago... lol good clip on the "musical genius" Fripp. And your resolvement was Awesome!!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yeah, I guess I was experiencing cognitive dissonance for a couple decades lol Why didn't you warn me earlier?! haha

[@fermiLiquidDrinker]

When I was drumming a few years ago, I managed to play this all the way through _once._ The parts that really pick up are an absolute joy to play through, but the torture is in that middle section with the triangle. It just constantly nags at you while you're thinking about all the cool parts

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yeah, after the moto perpetuo ends, I get lost.

[@notsure4746]

A wife holding up a Henry Cow CD giving a disappointed thumbs down is very relatable.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Indeed 😂

[@alidadj]

thanks for the quotes and good vibes

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@attuneu]

Fabulous video, lovely insight.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you so much. Definitely through the help of friends like Steve Ball and Paul Richards.

[@christianmaltais]

Congratulations on your hard work! I have been looking for a reliable transcription of Fracture, ideally the complete sheet music of the guitar part (or at least the moto perpetuo). Do you know if one can be found? I believe one might have been published in the January 1990 issue of Guitar Techniques magazine, but all I've been able to track down is the accompanying cd.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

christian maltais here’s the one I made: www.soundslice.com/slices/tkRNc/

[@christianmaltais]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Fantastic, thank you!

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Thank you. Good stuff here. ❤️

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you

[@charlesbduke7947]

I saw the first show of the Discipline tour . They took the stage in black out, thelights came upas the band starts playing the Discipline cut, no tuning nowarm up . We were stunned. That was the first concert in a year of unbelievable concerts, all at the much mourned Painter's Mill Music Fair ,the best music venue in the Baltimore area.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Wish I could have seen that tour. Great story

[@vernonlacey4217]

A superb commentary - gift

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you!

[@kenfleischman]

Hey man, best of luck to you! I'm an extremely beginner guitarist who can barely get barre chords down, can't imagine how difficult this is.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You know what? It's better to start early on. Did you see my book on playing Fracture? failuretofracture.com

[@terrypussypower]

Most of the aphorisms make sense to me...apart from "It is not possible for the musician to play music. But, it is possible for the musician to be played by music" That one flew right over my head!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Robert views music as something that already exists. It’s up to the musician to align with it and allow it to flow through the player.

[@dinopappous6639]

Where's Andy Summers when you need him ?

[@hanskjellman6850]

One guy I met long time ago said that King Crimson was no good music because it was easy to play. He liked Deep Purple that was "harder to play". And he said it was impossible to listen to it all at once as I did, but only one instument at once, as he did. I wish I could send him this video :-)

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Hah. That’s very unusual. And misinformed. Funny story. Thanks for sharing.

[@bemersonbakebarmen]

Probably he was talking about RED, and probably he was playing It with a backing track, and probably was playing It wrong.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

He was trolling you obviously

[@ronniewall1481]

Rock songs can be hard to play; ifthe right person is playing. Simple stuff by Tommy Bollin is hard to play.

[@alexmorrison9156]

Well to say Deep Purple´s music is more difficult than Crimson´s is a feat in itself.

[@sebastiangaldames9563]

Interesting. While you may consider it an insignificant detail, I found beauty in you looking up the word "aphorism". There is nobility in your honesty. I also enjoyed your general process of thought, and even the speed at which you talked. It all seemed so genuine and honest. Thank you.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks so much! There are several other episodes to watch, too.

[@steveroberts2180]

Fraktured is one my favourite king Crimson songs,especially if you take the age of the band involved,but no-one is ever gonna ask you to play it at an open mike night!!!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Did you see my performance of it?

[@icoflib]

"Fracture" and subsequent "FraKtured," are pieces I know I will never master, but I enjoy the lesson of learning to play them

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Alex Lopez same.

[@vealcutlet]

Just came across this video today. I haven’t seen any prior episodes but am interested in seeing/hearing more about your journey. Are you attempting Fracture using the New Standard Tuning Robert was trying to re-learn, or the traditional tuning used in the original? RF has now transcribed a significant portion of his pre-1985 catalog to the NST, and is probably the only person alive to have played Fracture in both tunings. He has a unique brain and spirit that makes him who he is. I, on the other hand, recently tried to switch my typing layout from the traditional QWERTY to the allegedly more efficient Dvorak keyboard. I gave up after 2 weeks.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I’m actually releasing a book later this year that will detail everything. And plenty of us have played Fracture in both tunings :) Playing it well, on the other hand... haha

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

I have played guitar for most of my life. I am not quite as old as Robert, but close. And I was amazed as a young guitar player by Crimson. Intentionally I steered clear of trying to emulate or understand what Fripp

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You're much smarter than I was.

[@gerberspace]

Quite Interesting!

[@foppy63]

There are numerous live versions spread across the Krim 50th box-sets for Bible Black, and Red. Robert nails them all, IMHO, but one must admit they are all individualized versions, with the slight variations from cut to cut that make this beguiling sound-stratofortress a movement for the Rock of Ages. The rest of the boys make it so, too. Of course.

[@cstinedrum]

first time i experienced this piece was at the academy of music back in the 70s.. it was before or right around the time starless and bible black came out..

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Amazing opportunity.

[@MyNameIsBucket]

This is almost the same as my journey to play the Firth of Fifth intro. I first heard it about 25 years ago. I learned how to play it about 20 years ago. I learned how to play it WELL about 5 years ago.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Such a great piece to learn, though. Good work!

[@antitheist2000]

Trilogy for me 😊 but cant play it anymore due to arthritis in my fingers 😕

[@MyNameIsBucket]

@@antitheist2000 Yeah, that's my next Everest. I may have to cheat and look at the sheet music for that one...

[@dah145]

There's this Steve Morse song called Tumeni Notes, it's flat picked at a really fast tempo. Have you tried it?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I haven’t tried it but I’ve heard it!

[@TomSoulGuitar]

Hi! I really enjoyed what you shared in the video. I'd really like you to make kind of a "primer" on holding the pick (triangular, "Fripp" style pick) since I think your view on that would be of great help. Thank you!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Hi Tom, I think I've done some of that, but I could be misinterpreting your question. Did you see makeweirdmusic.com/learn/fracture/picks ? I do have a video planned specifically about the right thumb, though, so that might be just what you're looking for. I'll see if I can get that done in the next few weeks.

[@TomSoulGuitar]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Hi, thanks for the reply! I've seen the whole series, what I'm referring to is about what you just mentioned, the right thumb (pick grip, index finger working together with the thumb). Looking forward to see it. Have a nice weekend. (Writing to you from Argentina, you've reached far-off lands).

[@jameslennane1549]

A Guitar Magazine once asked Fripp for an article on guitar playing. He wrote and submitted five pages on how to hold the pick correctly! You could try and look that up 😆

[@pascalsolal]

I used to play this piece when I was young, as an exercice. Nothing's impossible, you just have to work. Motivation is the key.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I’m sure you could teach Robert all about it!

[@pascalsolal]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Robert was my master. I have the deepest respect for him. But I stand by my words.

[@mellotronage7073]

There is a juxtaposition of two images in my mind. One, is of all of the efforts by thousands of guitarists who try to play it, dissect & share about it. The other, is of the man who composed it & stode out on to stages nightly to perform it with his band in 1974. Those two images are great; the I'm going to do it nightly, and the you're going to try ever after to figure just how I did it nightly.... I wonder if Wetton, Cross & Bruford knew just what a vehicle Fripp borne for the band each night, only to be renouned/reviled by guitarists for years & decades to come. 😎

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I’m sure they knew. And yeah, Robert was a beast. Big difference to play in the comfort of my home versus on stage.

[@rodrigosanchez9882]

Great video my friend. You can tell me the name of the music Behind you in the video. Thanks

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I think it’s one of my songs called Harnch. Pretty sure it’s on all the streaming services.

[@rodrigosanchez9882]

Make Weird Music excellent!!! Thank you for your music. Is great!!! Please hear sur pacifico

[@rodrigosanchez9882]

Make Weird Music thank you for your music!! Is great!!! You can hear this band please music.apple.com/cl/album/en-el-principio/118305357 I felt a close energy with your Music. Greetings from Chile southamerica.

[@DavidLazarus]

What about the manic instrumental part of Starless (from Red)? It might sound deceptively simple, but I'll bet it's very difficult to play perfectly.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Lots of his stuff is difficult. Tackle fracture and you can tackle all of it. Haha

[@DavidLazarus]

@@MakeWeirdMusic - I was a keyboard player (not professional) in "another lifetime", but I have much respect for outstanding guitarists like Robert Fripp. I listened to Thrak a few times just last week. Great stuff! I had the luck of seeing KC on that tour.

[@douglasarthur2673]

If you remove the impossible then the remainder, however improbable, must hold true. Take comfort in the fact that if Fripp struggles with Fracture, then it’s OK for the rest of us to struggle also

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

It is always okay to struggle. It is not okay if we don’t learn from it. :)

[@antfactor]

Jiro/Sushi is a great film. Fripp's techniques/compositions are incredibly high mountains to consider, from any angle - LOL.

[@infowarriorone]

Keep practicing :-)

[@autistichead8137]

I have only been playing the guitar six months. I am 56 years old. And last month I started attempting to play fracture. This might seem ridiculous, there is something incredibly satisfying and visceral to me about playing Robert‘s music. Maybe it’s because I’m autistic or maybe it’s because I’m crazy, but I will continue...so incredible to hear there are others.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

There is some fun in it if you allow it. Very nice comment.

[@autistichead8137]

Oh I definitely smile playing Fripp music. I find it joyful.

[@howardanderson3061]

Thank You!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You're welcome!

[@kevinhay7073]

I play the main cross picking sequence every day and combine it with Sound Chaser.Great warmup.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

That's a great warmup. I used to play that Soundchaser solo as a teenager. I should make a video about it. I have a very comprehensive book coming out about playing Fracture/FraKctured. It's huge. Like, 350 full-size pages. Stay tuned!

[@fridaymiles]

This strikes me as similar to regular folks deciding they just have to climb Mount Everest as some kind of validating achievement. Actual climbers spend many years climbing the thousands of other great mountains around the world. Fripp is a exceptional musician who has dedicated his very advanced, highly disciplined skills to "impossible" levels. I guess what I'm trying to say is why in the world, if one hasn't dedicated one's life in a similar fashion, they would think they would also be able to play at this level?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

When every other mountain is not-Everest, it can be easy to be deceived by ignorance, overconfidence, or just plain foolishness. I have embodied all three, but I’ve spent enough time understanding Robert’s approach to know how I continue to fall short. For others climbing this mountain, I’m able to share my failures so they can be avoided.

[@RiffRaffish]

Interesting video.

[@onetwofish]

Are the philosophy in the guitar craft aphorisms being quoted by Me.Robert Fripp himself?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

They come from a large volume of guitar craft aphorisms, which are found on the web. There are hundreds and they’ve come from Robert and many others in the GC universe.

[@Turbulator]

Inspiring talk. Some are missing your point. It's not about an end. Going up the mountain in bite size chunks, makes other things possible along the way. Definitely not a waste of time. My mountain climber is playing a solo arrangement of Echidna's Arf by Frank Zappa on a steel string, acoustic guitar. Normally, a band plays it and the stress is spread out across many instruments. Playing all the parts without break is quite a challenge. The other things that I am now able to do that I previously couldn't are well worth the effort.

[@craigfazekas3923]

Playing Fracture sounds to be the guitar equivalent of beating Bobby Fischer at chess. Funny thing is, there was Mr. Fripp onstage, performing it nightly....😎

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

It’s more interesting to say it’s impossible. And Robert didn’t play it perfectly any night either.

[@framebadger]

Except you could always cheat Bobby with the help of SuperGM Stockfish. You're going to need literal robot fingers to play this accurately

[@ar156]

I'm sure all that practice made you an amazing player

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

After enough years and thousands of hours of practice, I’d be sad if I wasn’t getting better haha

[@timbeaton5045]

"If a problem is too hard....then no-one will take it on..." This just made me think of Andrew Wiles and his eventual proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.... there will ALWAYS be someone who will take it on, even if it looks impossible. At least in mathematics. there are some "problems' that can be shown by definition to be impossible (Gödel, for one) whereas in the world of music, i guess the only limits are actual physical constraints. Interesting video. Only just had this suggested to me by *THE ALGORITHM* ™️ Liked and subbed PS Keep on practicing; it's the quickest way to Carnegie Hall, after all! 😃

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I like the cut of your job, Tim. We should be friends. Thanks for diving into the channel!

[@timbeaton5045]

@@MakeWeirdMusic I will be back. (Thanks for nothing Arnie!) Always good to find a channel that is full of points of musical interest. And ones which are good pointers to music(ians) that I didn't know about. Just saw you have some stuff on Gentle Giant....My fave band. Well, was. Back when i had FAVE bands!

[@timbeaton5045]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Currently based in SW France, where i have retired to.

[@timbeaton5045]

PS do you do your "cartoonised" pics yourself?

[@timbeaton5045]

@@MakeWeirdMusic You can check out my ragbag of partially finished song ideas on Soundcloud. Some stuff that needs some kind go completion, some needs lyrics, something i seem to be incapable of doing, and some stuff with a band i'm playing with out here. Well when there isn't a lockdown of course. soundcloud.com/tim-beaton

[@JensAndree]

I remember playing Fracture many years ago and it's a huge task to say the least... Can't remember if I got all of it but on a standard E tuning it's one thing but with new standard tuning?!? Oh dear... To those who still aren't sure of the capabilities of Robert Fripp only need to listen to Fracture, both original and current versions, and be prepared to catch that jaw before it hit the table ;)

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

This one is in standard tuning. FraKctured is in his new tuning.

[@JensAndree]

​@@MakeWeirdMusic Sorry, I meant to say Fracture "2.0", i.e. FraKctured... Fracture on NST is pretty much impossible I think...? Anyhow, you are to my knowledge the only guitarist other than Fripp to have nailed Fracture - and can prove it, so my hat off to you for not giving up despite it taking a couple years... I've watched your video several times now and it's pretty much spot on and that needs to be recognised!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks so much for watching and offering your attention, Jens. It means a lot. I have put in many years and definitely don't feel I'm as far ahead as you might think, but I will accept the compliment! :)

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

The aphorism section (c. the 4min mark) brings to mind, appropriately or not, Eno's Oblique Strategies (which, after years of searching, I've yet to acquire). While the time slides by, I'm using the Norse runes.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yes, there's definitely inspiration. Also, Robert has a new deck of similar cards coming out soon.

[@RozarSmacco]

It might be impossible with your current strategy. Seems way easier with hybrid picking and maybe even use SWYBRYD for max efficiency. You should slow it way down (60 bpm?) and then gradually speed up in 7-10 bpm intervals but but BUT only if Perfected five times in a row at each metronome marking.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5DGmqOgm7qWfs0

[@nassreddin3064]

excellent. thank you. not even (truly) important that it concerns "Fracture": what you have to say goes far further, and is applicable FAR far wider.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you. It’s why I’ve just written a book about Fracture and all it entails. Coming out later this year

[@BrianMillerConcerts]

Wait, 5th or 6th episode?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Hahaha. I don’t know. I guessed.

[@RedVynil]

Have you tried asking him what tuning he was using when he plays it?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

This is already well-established.

[@alxrzbba9430]

I was really waiting 4 u to play it... 😬

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

There are a few performance videos in the failure to fracture playlist

[@erikkaye1114]

Fripp probably meant that he himself regards his performances as imperfect. He has an even higher standard.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Always aim higher!

[@michaelhudson2912]

Fuck yeah, Henry Cow

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Can we be friends? 😂

[@hyperboreal]

Not if you use hybrid picking or no pick at all.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yes. It’s much easier those other ways. The point is to try to do what Robert did. Hybrid or fingerstyle are different aims.

[@camiloleao3249]

In The Cult of FRIPPGOD !!!!!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

“It’s a good cult”

[@TheNateWalking]

Damn it, I’ve seen King Crimson 4 times now and they’ve never done Fracture. 😞

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thankfully, I got to see Fracture live in 2017 at the friends and family show in Seattle. Otherwise, there'd be no hope.

[@philtogwell]

They won't...it's impossible to play!

[@nicsosa369]

wonder why steve vai hasn't taken up the mantle. this song would be right up his alley. he's got the technical virtuosity to pull it off.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I’ve spoken with him about this. It’s not up his alley. He doesn’t really play like this anyway and he’s the first to admit that virtuosic picking is not his thing.

[@alyorkie6]

You could have spent more time just listening to it, it's amazing, who cares how to play it, as long as Mr Fripp retains his ability to do so. Yay, it's all those adjectives, just let it wash over you, and stop striving, it may just happen.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks for the comment. For what it's worth, I've just completed a 350-page book about my 22-year journey with the song. So, you and I clearly think about this differently. :)

[@PascalNagat]

I like what you say ! I've been a member of the Guitar Craft years ago, I Robert was kind enough to explain some of these aphorisms. I guess you know that Mr Fripp is very found of George Ivanovitch GURDJIEFF's books and philosophy. Robert has been studying these for years, and a big part of his teaching method and own discipline are inherited. The technics you can learn with Robert are Nothing without a real personal involvement, of course that is only MY opinion, but I studied, up to the point of having blood on my fingers, and I discovered a lot of things about myself, as a man, as a musician, as a guitarist, some I'm not very fierce about ! But it made me better, I found a direction, a discipline. Like Gurdjieff and George J Bennett said : 'It is impossible to achieve the aim without suffering', another aphorism ? Good evening

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I think the point is that it makes us better. Thanks for sharing!

[@travkatz]

the best at any craft make it seem possible by which they make it look, sound not only "possible", but rather "easy". The greatest sports stars come to mind. They make it look easy. Then we say "I can do it too". Then we try and we realize the amount of separation there is between "us" and "them". I am singer and a good one. I can get close to the best. But I can't quite get there. I'm somewhat relieved when I see them get nowhere near their studio performances "live". But some of them could (Jon Anderson, Geddy Lee) when they were in their prime. I just rambled a bit. :D

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yes, Travis. It came from Robert's natural technique. It was perhaps folly for me to try, but I enjoyed the process and eventually was able to pull it off.

[@dbmusic67]

This really made me laugh. So glad to know I am not the only one on this "impossible" journey.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I want to make a video of all of us playing little bits of Fracture and assembling it into a big mashup.

[@dbmusic67]

Good idea, keep us posted.

[@iaincook5835]

Watching this bowing down in awe, not being worthy.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Iain Cook too kind. Did you see the performance videos?

[@iaincook5835]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Yes I watched your version today - a mighty epic. I sent a playlist of favourite music to some friends, and I described Fracture as "like a soundtrack for a film where you’re floating in the darkness of space 10,000 light years from home, then 7.5 minutes in you’re ripped to shreds by a black hole." I note you didn't do that bit - needs a second guitar? Also note that your guitar neck width extends a long way past the strings - is this to rest you palm on to help with the complex fret movements?

[@ethanwimsett]

Henry Cow! Thumbs up!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Heck yeah. Did you watch my Henry cow videos?

[@ethanwimsett]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Ah no! will have a geez...

[@jameshofbauer1089]

Wow. I had to interupt the viewing of your video. Your wife is a body double for Brida from the Last Kingdom. For a moment, I felt I was back watching the mini-series once again. Even her facial expression is a Brida look.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Haha I will have to look that up

[@public.public]

imperfection is perfection. that should cut down on the verbage quite a bit for you.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Wow, did you make that up all by yourself? Someone get Hallmark on the phone!

[@MisterNiles]

That Western Civilization picture. Lol. Perfect.

[@DrGaryGreen]

Is this Fripp trying not to play Lamb Lies Down?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

That's a lot of work to NOT play something.

[@alejandrorejon9305]

Demasiado texto mi pana, no te voy a mentir.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

That's fine. That's just, like, your opinion, man.

[@andy148]

Try Larks Tongues in Aspic III

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I've been working on it, actually. And I'm a proofreader for Trey Gunn's upcoming transcription book for the 80s Crimson albums, so I'm definitely making sure the transcription makes sense.

[@uyauabing]

I gave up after a month, and that was 30 years ago....

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I ended up writing a book after 22 years after constantly feeling like giving up. Maybe you’ll dig the book

[@UrMom-kr5jx]

I love you

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I love you too, my mom.

[@andrewlm5677]

Fracture sounds like 2 guys playing guitar played by 1 person. Will we ever get a guitarist who can play Discipline by themselves?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Hahaha not possible, but maybe it is!

[@andrewlm5677]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Haha

[@mellotronage7073]

I shit you not; there is a video here on KZbin of a guy playing Fracture ON AN ACCORDION !!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yes! I’ve seen it! Nutso

[@michaelanzelino5068]

I went to the source and watched Adrian Belew and Robert Fripp. I listened to all eight plus minutes. I imagined it to be like being thrown into a murder hornets nest and whatever was left of my sanity after eight plus minutes, I wanted to shoot myself, so I could die as fast as I could. But my wife, God bless her, pulled me back just in time. Genius, sure, no doubt. But to me it seemed 100% pretentious. Don't get me wrong, it is totally legitimate music and just because I can't get into it, I do appreciate that I have the opportunity to see such a spectacle in action.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I never said it was enjoyable! 😂 I don’t even enjoy listening to it. FraKctured is much more fun if you ask me.

[@jamesnelson8697]

Belew and Fripp? I think Michael watched "FraKctured", not "Fracture". I don't know that King Crimson ever played "Fracture" with Belew in the band? And 8 minutes is about the the length of "FraKctured", "Fracture" is >10mins in any version I know.

[@DeafbyDesign]

Henry Cow!!!!!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Tell of the birth, tell how war appeared on earth.

[@DeafbyDesign]

@@MakeWeirdMusic Thunder and herbs Conjugated sacred verbs

[@petermaxwell2965]

A freind of mine I was in a couple of bands with could play this, as well some deranged Zappa and mahavishnu stuff ..

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Wow, tell me more.

[@petermaxwell2965]

@@MakeWeirdMusic it was a long time ago ..but we had (dance of the Maya) down , little house I used to live in (zappa,) 21st century schizoid man (King crimson) just for fun ...I'm pretty sure (he) could play fracture ...

[@rioace3953]

its a rock score built upon jazz structure, what do you expect?

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I don’t expect anything

[@russellzauner]

RF would probably just tell you if you asked. HIs butler has been posting a ton of content during the covids so I figure he's probably a pretty cool guy

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

We’ve been emailing, thanks :)

[@kvn9]

Bruford summed it up nicely. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH3To6p4nNhrmtE Say no more!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Haha yes. Too many words!