Guitar Lesson by Opeth - The Drapery Falls (PART 1)

[@MrNeskio]

-"what chord was that?" -"i dont know what chord was that, i use all the time" gotta love mikael

[@NoDiamondRanch]

He called is the "dis-chord" :D

[@sillymonkey829]

Mikael Åkerfeldt is a musical genius. He not only has a beautiful singing voice as well as a brutal death growl, he can also write the most beautiful chord progressions and the most driving metal riffs.

[@TheSadistNat1on]

aaand 13 years later comment, lyrics.. damn u wrote this like at heritage. u alive still?

[@herumusicman8200]

The most beautiful thing i've heard ever, comes from a metal band named opeth??Never thought metal would be this beautiful

[@xyhmo]

Pretty great song, no doubt.

[@vapordruid]

They have many beautiful songs.

[@LaryAndTheLobsters]

Very best song of Opeth. Its atmospheric, disturbing, psychedelic, complex, melancolic and hard at the same time. The song is usually over 11 minutes. And if you listen to this song when you go to school or work or while waiting for the bus you fell in a deep, strange and disturbing trance and the song is just haunting and absorbin your mind during the whole song. Its fuckin amazing !!! Greets from Austria, Europe

[@mohamedalbanna2637]

IMMENS GULPE couldn’t have described it in a better way. Bahrain

[@zakariaalbalushi6733]

Mohamed Albanna Oman brother, Salam

[@faaip0de0oaid]

"We are Opeth" -Opeth Everyone liked that*

[@thiagobelline]

"I'm Mikael" -Mikael Åkerfeldt

[@tomazrutar3516]

144p in it's most epic form!

[@raz0rcarich99]

The way Opeth uses octave chords almost sounds like the string section of a symphony orchestra. Everytime I listen to especially Blackwater Park I imagine a orchestra playing the octave parts. EPIC :)

[@benbishop7775]

+Carl-Richard Løberg Yeah the tone they have here is beautiful when they do the octaves. It sounds like bells to me.

[@danielepitzoi6097]

The song at the beginning of the "lesson" (LOL) is Credence, from "My Arms, Your Hearse"... I fuckin' love that song...

[@thewildhealer541]

That song is too underrated..

[@Immortal4261]

playing a guitar is the only thing that is never a waste of time.

[@Soilwar]

2:40 I came here just to hear that chord !

[@Uzurr69]

That chord is an absolute bitch to finger correctly if you have small hands.

[@adamtune]

The chord that he mentions that he's not sure of is an A diminished chord. He's got the A string open, plus the octave of A found on the 7th fret of the D string, and the minor third above that on the G string's 5th fret, which is a C. Then he puts his middle finger on the 6th fret of the A string - any string's 6th fret is a tritone from the root, hence, in this case, a diminished 5th (not an augmented fourth, strictly speaking). Making that an A diminished in 2nd inversion, which is peculiar, but cool! (Unless the bassist is playing something other than what he's playing) And then the progression following is: Cm add9 (the "sadness" is caused by the fact that the m3 and the add9 are a half step apart and are sounding together) Bbm add9 B6 sharp 11 (the sharp 11 is the F natural aka E sharp found on fret 10 of the G string) Bb5 (which then goes over an F# and then F) - Cm A very interesting progression!

[@UberKvlt]

You must be a riot in the bedroom

[@skoqqa]

thanks for the breakdown. I came to this video specifically to learn about the chords and your comment was very helpful

[@Prince_Sharming]

@@UberKvlt Shut the fuck up. Let the king speak.

[@Cheximus]

Similar chord can be found in Metallica's Call Of Ctulu.

[@mrcleglaw256]

whoa.. nostalgia strong on this one (': i remember when i was a teenager watching this waaay way back.

[@MAFiA303]

one of the first songs i learned when i started my guitar... this video was on a CD back then.. oh memories..

[@TheRageAcademy]

They're all such humble guys. Truly awesome people.

[@FlawedbyDesign777]

7:37 hence the definition of prog

[@kevinyouyube]

Hahah. By the way, do you know if the guy with the white guitar is the Opeth's current guitarrist?

[@FlawedbyDesign777]

No, I believe it's Peter Lindgren in this. He's been replaced by Fredrik Akesson from 2007 forth. Rip in shreds...

[@stanmartin8938]

To clarify some confusion, this video was shot during their 2001 US tour hence they are dissecting the songs from BP album. It was posted on guitar.com site, along with an interview. I found the original article, (the video is no longer there), it explains how this "lesson" came together, and there's also an interview with Peter at a later date. Enjoy! www.guitar.com/articles/interview-peter-lindgren-opeth

[@philallsopp1402]

T

[@cvekler]

Even without that crappy theory basics, Mikael impresses me with his complex and unique songwriting, he knows music better than most of my teachers at university. It's because he has a soul and he's open-minded. He's simply great.

[@abhinavguitar]

I often come back to this one for the Intro where they play the motif of their song 'Credence'... Love that riff

[@KarmicHoudini]

I watched this like...a good...uh, 20 years ago actually. i distinctly remember the "russian riff" part and i still remember this song on guitar to this day because of this video

[@Trotsky1981]

Oh man, I remember downloading this lesson way back in 2001. Pretty sure it's still on a CD somewhere at my parent's place. Tl; dr version: Old.

[@lordgraga]

Any chance that you could dig up the CD and re-upload the video in a better quality?

[@counterweight320]

lol same. I have it on my pc

[@Anders87398]

Michael Herman - I'd love to see this in its original quality

[@The_Karst]

@@lordgraga Still looking for this in good quality?

[@lordgraga]

@@The_Karst Yeah man! Got a source?

[@lollygaggle]

Good to see 'Squier' on a headstock being used by such high profile 'musicians'.

[@hankhill4353]

Legends at work. Thanks for the upload.

[@tribeboom207]

So much talent... "I like chords you wouldn't expect, because it's what we hate", real musician!!

[@dorsiareservation900]

Thank these Gods of metal for making this video. Such a complex song, I never would have figured any of it out without this video.

[@JordanDeMeyer]

I don't know whether to be more surprised at Mikael for not using a PRS or at Martín for not using a Fender Jazz.

[@01theyounggun]

I know I’m two years late but I think this due to it being an early tour in the USA and they couldn’t bring their own instruments

[@ericplaisance9346]

This was still relatively early in their career. If I’m not mistaken I don’t think they started officially playing PRS until the Deliverance/Damnation era although some PRS might have been used on BWP. That strat if I’m correct is a 72 reissue strat and was actually used for clean guitars on My Arms Your Hearse. Likewise, the white RR1 that Peter is playing was used on the early records as well; Mikael had a black RR1 in the early days of Opeth, the white one is Peter’s. As for the Squier bass that Martin is playing, well once again this was shortly after Martin had just joined Opeth. So it was likely all he had at the moment. Needless to say he’s changed it up since then.

[@parisvioletha]

Theyre lovely

[@dbrubeck]

Awesome video.

[@deathbizcuit]

i love this song so much opeth

[@onur3427]

credence is the one in the beginning

[@railpressureflip]

I really like how he's honest that he doesn't know what the chord is, and still can produce such amazing music!

[@Purkinje90]

Thanks for that info! I haven't heard that album yet. I'll have to check it out!

[@HalloikbenJim]

1:58 that would be Am9, going to D#/Am9. D#/Am9 is an interesting chord for having the tritone of Am in the bass, causing a lot of tension because of that.

[@Drewb18c1]

That's incredible they're able to write music as complex as they do without a background in theory. I guess their chord structures just come from hours and hours of experimenting with the "sounds" rather than the theory behind it. More power to them, right? The thing about music theory is, it can't ever HURT your songwriting. I'd be interested to hear what they'd come up with if they learned it.

[@TheRooick]

Caconymic.. the feedback pedal he talks about is an option in the Boss GT-3 FX board. I use it.. it's indeed some sort of replacement for the Ebow. But if you can use an Ebow live, just do it!

[@KarmicHoudini]

5:31 beautiful framing through the doorway

[@GoatBorn]

"I don't know what the chord is." That man is awesome.

[@fattboy123456]

Awesome

[@pmlag]

@SickDrummer2438 yes! this is a great piece, but they have so many good songs I still can't decide what's the greatest! I like the "kind of" medieval part of the song, in the 5:52 in this video

[@SickDrummer2438]

Personally, this is my favorite piece that has been constructed by Opeth, regardless of the fact that I haven't seen anyone else feel that way.

[@kharnvelzyghur]

@cortx2lh an inversion of the diminished 7th chord. 1, b3, b5, bb7 (root, flat 3rd, flat 5, double flat 7).

[@horatiohuffnagel7978]

Its strange to see him holding a Strat.

[@GaryCancer]

That strat is my dream configuration, with the yellowey ash and the maple neck, large headstock...

[@Thothings]

Is there a full video of the footage from the beginning? The "we're Opeth" part. That is the first time Opeth played in the US at the Miluakee Metalfest just before recording Blackwater Park, and this video is the only footage outside of a front row one that I've seen from that show. Mikael himself said it was an extremely important gig for the band, and basically gave him motivation to continue with the band. Would love to see the whole show from the angle in this video.

[@bubbathepurple]

good sound on the strat

[@GroovyGuitar02]

totally ! writing such music by ear ... f*** talented ...

[@ni654]

You can , they're great !

[@PinkFloydrulez]

that strat sounds amazing even with this shitass old audio quality

[@ThePuertoricanBeastJonathan]

PinkFloydrulez bright yet dark sounding strat

[@TomSwervo1]

I love how they played that clip from Credence in this vid. ;)

[@claudioparfumfacts]

Nice to meet you Martin Bass

[@kubicek0009]

thats another reason why i love opeth, they play the songs exactly like on the album even with the same sound in different songs

[@corbob10]

"We all hate music that you know whats going to come" thats awesome. Great video.

[@ArmageddonDreamWalk]

The best band ever!!!!!

[@AnkitK-1]

7:38 'We all hate music that you know is gonna come'.......that, is precisely the reason why i love opeth

[@killDdeceiver]

This Bands Is Awesomes!!!!

[@07parachute]

Wow. Thank you!

[@milan9191]

Guys, opeth are famous for making their excellent music, without advanced musical theory. obviously after being a guitarist for so many years he knows the basic stuff. but he writes all of the music by ear. which in my opinion, is quite a feat to be able to write such excellent quality music by ear.

[@repelevil]

Mendez usually uses a 5k euros hand-crafted M.Miller J.Bass, i think the squier has some sentimental value to him, i thought i saw it on porcelain heart video, check it out.

[@Outcast257]

Its a minor third interval played on the 9th fret of the d string and 7th of the g played with open string to make a E7sus4 with notes E B A D and then 6th fret of A string is added which is a F note making it a D minor 6/9 In other words simple but theorically confusing.

[@dwightgordon5346]

Anyone have the full version of this lesson/interview they would be willing to upload?

[@dfagredam]

I dont care what guitars are playing or about the name of the chords, but that song is frickin amazing. He is master on that guitar, basically, he makes them cry.

[@doobiouscannibis]

beautiful, brutal song. love to play it on bass with the album and live versions. the first bass riff is so fuckin fun and pretty.

[@diezel013]

Hahaha, I think the intro they play is a drastic reharmonization of the ending in Dirge for November. The part he plays at 0:44 is what kind of gives it away to me. I might be wrong but it's also in A and it follows the same rhythm. Mikael is a very funny guy!

[@sfgnrtg]

mikael is a genius.lindgren is one of my favourite rythm guitarists , he loved playing chords...always with a smile on his face...such a pitty he left...opeth 4 life.

[@5amuu]

simply put, he's a genius.

[@Meemorp_]

Tool, Dredg, and Opeth are my 3 favorite bands.

[@kleimkum9122]

Opeth shows that to play guitar you have to play with your soul not your shred

[@jpmisterioman]

You can play with shred and soul. Shred is just a guitar technic.

[@kleimkum9122]

+HideCircuit I agree, but some musicians only care with the shredding

[@chris_htepo]

Kleim Kum I've seen too many shredders to the point where it's nothing special anymore. now someone who can play with emotion and feeling... oh man

[@DaveTheTrain]

I think its pretty cool they're honest about that. I know theory but some of the most aweosme stuff i've come up with has been from messing around and i've not had a clue what chord it is.. unless I sat and worked it out..

[@krollaostmedburger]

amazing. They could be playing clean all the time and still sound amazing

[@JokerHimself]

I have all their albums. Progressive metal at its best

[@dreamcanal]

@RoundWounds I was think the same thing .. those were back in the days when they probably could not afford PRS's and such , well maybe one for the home but on the road your shit is alway subject to getting stolen.

[@dreamcanal]

@LordInnocent Exactly. Think of theory like drawing the patterns between the stars and calling them "constellations." Helps you navigate, organize things, to teach and to sort of orient yourself. Meanwhile the songwriter just stares at the stars and dreams.

[@eddiepacer]

that chord is played in ending credits rhythm as well and it's A

[@spiral2012]

@consciousnessjam Makes me wonder how much of their writing is from theory or just playing around with shapes and sounds. I like the idea of the latter.

[@eviltube1111]

I'd say Porcupine tree is half of Opeth. Mikael is heavily influenced by the psychedelic prog rock band Porcupine Tree. They sound like Porcupine Tree at times. The last riff before the Piano solo in The Leper Affinity sounds just like a riff from Porcupine Tree's instrumental "Wedding Nails". That's the only band I can say is closest to Opeth. The obvious difference is Opeth has elements of death metal. It's awesome how Opeth has taken "Psychedelic" and made a death version out of it. \m/

[@Raidokaiser]

The Electronic Bow or E-Bow. Look it up on wikipedia, it's a lovely device.

[@gemarrs]

As good as he is and as experienced, I was shocked how much he mirrors myself in "lack of musical math knowledge". For most of my 20 years of playing I wasn't able to tell you most chords I use but get complimented a lot on my ability to use them. lol

[@michaelcandido2824]

G.E. Marrs , I'm the same way with my playing. I taught myself to play.

[@babasbmx]

first song they play is Credence, it's beautiful

[@reisselpud]

Cool !

[@jakedunc]

The genius of todays music... Anyway, just found the song if anyone else wants to know - Credence from My Arms Your Hearse!

[@TheSlApIn]

@itsavera That's because he lives the bass!

[@Jagstaldincola]

If you saw the clip he says that he doesen't use the fender live. So, do you understand? :) He uses a feedback in a pedal.

[@helhaimm]

I absolutely agree with You. I also think that music theory isn't necessary to create great music. I play the guitar too and I don't careif I don't know chord or something:)

[@T3ke0ut]

I love Opeth. 5.44 - 6.00 is beautiful.

[@JoshOfDarkness]

Talent comes with practice and time.

[@luckylanno]

I think one big advantage to music theory is the ability to communicate with other musicians--it creates a common language of words--whereas Mike invented his own by calling one of the chords the "drama." But, definately the most important language of music is the sounds of the notes themselves, not what they're called in words. Knowing why the structure of music is as it is does open some doors though.

[@bakkersyx]

what accord is that?? i dont know !!! awesome 5 stARS

[@Restayvien]

@SickDrummer2438 It is one of my favorites, but I wouldn't necessarily say it was their best. ^^

[@Dathnight]

@JimMorrisonAbrams im astonished that they can write good music without any theory i guess opeth created their own opeth scala

[@KarmicHoudini]

How cool is it that all of them are there instead of just one guy like it is nowadays

[@railpressureflip]

God the whole Opeth Band is so fucking Talented its hard to describe in words. Opeth ♥

[@7153eric]

@reapAX the song is Creedence

[@ProfessorLonghair90]

yep, im the same way. i was playing with this guy last week who had taken lessons for more than a year, read music and all that shit. he kept asking me questions like "what key is that in?" i dont know! "what chord is that?" i dont know! "what scale are you using on that solo?" i dont know! he then just looked amazed and started to ask me how i learned and got so "good" with no direction. pff, just play til it sounds good!

[@LaryAndTheLobsters]

@washbender95 Yeah the dudes are right. The most of Opeth is standard tuning not DADFAD. Some songs but just a few.

[@biorythmicshifter]

I didn’t realize Steven wrote the intro melody…very cool indeed.

[@richklmn]

Slash´s Snakepit, Csuka máj Olaj and Opeth are mine (plus Bloodbath)

[@Gynnemo]

I know for a fact that both Mendez and Per atleast are well versed in music theory, Michael however as I've heard spent his learning years without much theory. I agree with you, I believe there are actually a few benefits with not learning that much theory in your musical adolescence, you remember Braveheart right? First you fight with your heart and then your head... or is it the other way around? Oh it's way too individual anyway, but it has obviously worked for Michael!

[@kharnvelzyghur]

@therexTENEBRARUM Track - Credence from one of their earlier albums i can't for the life of me remember.

[@KVLTdotcom]

personally i dont think u can get much better than The Drapery Falls. Akerfeldt is a fuckin beast!

[@countgrishnakkh]

-"...and what chord is that?" -"I don't know..." hahahaha, damn Mikael the shit!

[@Purkinje90]

I don't recognize that song as an Opeth song.... I'd be really interested to know what song that is.