James Root breaks down Slipknot's "Gematria" | Encore Episode

Guitar Moves/Gematria Moves:
Jim Root breaks down the first part of Slipknot’s “Gematria” for Matt Sweeney.
Jim Root of Slipknot rarely does interviews- so when I asked if he’d be a guest on Guitar Moves I was stoked when he wrote back:
“I’m happy to stick to real conversations. And even if one person gets something out of it and/or becomes obsessed with guitar or collaborations with others that play instruments then it’s good.”
Root’s sensitivity generosity and unpretentiousness were on full blast backstage at Madison Square Garden- he was patient with my clumsy attempts at learning his guitar lines and gave insightful pointers. In conversation Root’s respect for his bandmates as individuals and for Slipknot’s collaborative process is palpable and inspiring: this is what dedication to art looks sounds & feels like.
When they performed at the Garden Slipknot’s masks, uniforms, vocals, vulnerable lyrics, massive rhythms & guitar hooks all combined to hit a personal connection no other rock band offers. I felt it. Go see them. Slipknot gives a voice to the outsider, the “freak”. James Root’s guitar playing is a defining element of the band: cathartic and intense.
This fool was humbled by the realness of Jim Root and Slipknot, and I hope their fans like this episode.
-MS
A Note: Guitar Moves is a series that uses the guitar to show that everyone can play music- in their own way, on their own terms, in their own communities. Guitar shredder dudes/Expert Guitar Officers: if this vibe isn’t for you, feel free to get what you are looking for elsewhere.
Matt Sweeney , host of Guitar Moves, is a member of The Hard Quartet and a NYC based producer (Joanna Sternberg “I’ve Got Me”) and composer (Superwolves, Chavez, Red Dead Redemption 2). His guitar playing can be heard on records by Adele, Johnny Cash, Endless Boogie, Neil Diamond, Cat Stevens, The Desert Sessions, Iggy Pop, Tinariwen.
Credits:
Directed & Produced by : Jason Diamond / Josh Diamond
Edited & Colored by : Andrew Reuland
DP / Camera A : Tony Waweru
Camera B : Josh Diamond
Camera C : Jason Diamond
Sound : Zach Bishop
Filmed in NYC
Follow us:
/ guitar.moves
/ guitar.moves
/ gtrmoves
/ @guitar-moves
/ gtrmoves

[@allanbuchan6947]

Jim's guitar tone is fucking savage .

[@Docv10]

And we clearly hear the mahogany tone to it🤤

[@josuesamaniego182]

@@Docv10I can hear Jim saying Mahogany lol

[@eldiablo3794]

His trills remind me of cannibal corpse

[@klauskarlkraus]

​@@Docv10no we don't... Wood has no influence on electric guitar

[@MrShadowofthewind]

​@@klauskarlkrausNot to the extend some claim, but there is certainly some influence.

[@braindeadrichard]

Gematria needs to be the opener for the set after they finish up this 25th anniversary tour.

[@flaviotorresgtr]

Yeah!

[@deweyoogwey]

Gematria, Scream basically songs that were never get to played live or rarely played live

[@DuragJones]

*imagine how Eloy would sound playing Gematria & the blister exists, the drums would fucking explode*

[@ethanaubrey858]

Yesssss!!!!!!!

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

I vote for “Vendetta” over this one. It seems like it would be tons more intense and fun, especially for the crowd. Which is what the Knot has always been about.

[@Jasonxknot]

They recorded this 16 years ago. They have never played it live and Jim is playing it as if he recorded it yesterday. Either he plays this regularly on his own or Slipknot is dusting this one off to finally play it live.

[@seasofneptune]

He said on his insta that him and Eloy have it down and it ‘should be’ making an appearance live at some point…

[@Jasonxknot]

@@seasofneptune Is that a post or a comment?

[@seasofneptune]

@@Jasonxknot I think it’s Jim replying to someone on the post he made regarding this video

[@IdiotsGoneWild]

Jim is the man dude. You can tell he's always wanted to play this live otherwise he wouldn't have picked it when Matt said "What song would you teach someone trying to learn a Slipknot song" and then proceeds to pick one of THE hardest Slipknot songs to play. And I pretty much know how to play every Slipknot song ever (I have a cover of this song on my channel btw). Crossing my fingers that we get to hear this live one day!

[@n.j.crawler]

Thanks for making me feel old… can’t believe this song is 16! I remember when it came out…

[@haz9472]

Matt is a fucking demon for getting it down that fast after being shown briefly, what a monster. much love

[@T4JM]

And.. he also rarely uses a pick.

[@philipc4353]

Yeah even Jim seemed pretty impressed by how fast he caught on lol

[@Mythansar]

@@T4JM Wtf? Seriously?! :O

[@T4JM]

@@Mythansar Yeah in the Kurt Vile, Courtney Barnett vie (@3:39 so ya dont have to watch the whole vid.) His statement on non-pick playing was kinda transformational for my shyt guitar playing a few years back in 2017ish?

[@Jaargyle]

Seriously it’s insane

[@16BarIndonesia]

"I won't be able to pick it up that fast" What a humble legend you are Jim

[@gematria696]

I'd say this is the most technical Slipknot's song to play on guitar. All Hope Is Gone (the album) has most of them too, such a badass album

[@christianalmli9085]

I was gonna argue with you because that's just my instinct, but after some genuine brainstorming you might be right, it probably is. Explains why they won't ever play it live xD

[@syntezjaofficial4240]

yeah All Hope Is Gone has a lot of great riffs and solos. Vol. 3 too, Opium of the People is basically prog metal song

[@darklordlc]

I love this album. I truly don’t understand why this albums gets so much smoke.

[@samirgolchha]

@@darklordlc yeah, my favorite album from them

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

I understand the band hates that time period but that Album really isn't that bad. Alot of great rifts especially this song. My god.

[@fergluca]

Jim praising Albert from The Strokes, the circle is complete, two of my favourite guitar players ever

[@denniskoore]

Jim commented at this instagram post that Eloy and him already jammed this song, so it should be on a future setlist 👀👀

[@Upotrex]

😂

[@its_alex]

would be awesome to hear "This Cold Black" someday :) at least played through by Jim

[@victor.luan1909]

I dream of them playing all hope is gone live

[@its_alex]

@@victor.luan1909 they did many times. can be found easily on KZbin

[@fadingdimension]

when i first heard this riff back in the day it made me pick up my guitar and play it immediately

[@peterwalker7284]

I’ve never heard this song and the moment Jim started playing it in this video I picked up my guitar to do the same

[@pastojunio1]

ok, definitely my favorite video of Jim Root playing guitar.

[@kevinanselman]

One of their most underrated songs, such sick riffing. Wish they would play it live!

[@SH4M4N_YT]

He's such a fucking awesome teacher

[@theblockyrocker9060]

Why have I never thought to play this song? This looks like a blast to warm up with.

[@deweyoogwey]

you should try it bro. mine is all hope is gone for warm up to keep it going

[@KnightStalker46]

It's a fun song to play.

[@DanilloMagalhaes]

We've come all the way around ppl! From rewatchiong from time to time that old video of Mick recording AHIG playing gematria and vendetta, and now we get to see Jim playing it!

[@zachbur05]

hopefully this means theyre learning it again to play it live 👀👀

[@ODAALx]

my toxic trait is that i think i could just nail playing the song just off of what im being shown (great job matt, fantastic episode)

[@christianalmli9085]

it's honestly not that difficult a song. EDIT: If you've played for 5-7 years and you're obsessed.

[@BoKnowsBrains]

@@christianalmli9085 i get you. but they're talking, like year one, sight unseen.

[@jacquelinerubidoux440]

My toxic trait is looking at his ring finger 😂

[@stephanlappas4143]

I discovered Gematria back in high school and I've been obsessed with the guitar parts ever since. I always thought it was Slipknot's most underrated song. This is the recognition it deserves. This video is a dream come true for my younger self and my present one. Jim is such an inspiring artist.

[@jbq]

I learned to play this back in high school as well and it’s still one of my favourite songs when I just want to feel like I’m ripping around on the fretboard.

[@WhoKnows-q3b]

Jim seems like a genuine and cool dude, and Matt Sweeney thank you for doing the most "real" guitar interview/instructional/jam/chit chat show out there. I've been missing a show like this my entire life and both a fan and woodshed guitarist.

[@mickeygraham4509]

Jim’s guitar looks and sounds so cool here. Liking and commenting because Matt is rad and willing to help us all learn. This channel just gets better and better!

[@gravediggmn]

I just love how talented this dude is, but then doesn't know all the particulars of musical theory. Just strings and soul, it's awesome

[@626lifeaa]

Everyone says all hope is gone is not a great album…yet I listen and it’s all fucking 🔥🔥

[@JimPink-d4v]

me personally, I think they wrote it fast and didn't overthink it too much. It was more of a commercial record and that's why they don't talk about it at all or bother to play any songs from it. Its got several bangers on it, Vendetta, Snuff, Dead Memories & Child Of Burning Time is an underrated song. The combination of both riffs and melodies are very well thought out.

[@ironhelixgaming]

jim's pinch harmonics are so on point and perfect it's actually scary

[@maggotmusic757]

Gematria AND Vendetta both need to be part of their live sets like yesterday...two super perfect made for live show songs and they've never performed either song!

[@justdetro2856]

If they started the show playing .execute. Into gematria that would be so sick

[@RUNNOFT71]

Jim, I sincerely thank you for at least seeming like a really kind hearted dude. I’ve seen other video interviews and you’re always coolest and nice to people.

[@nicolasgibson2958]

Amazing to see this song broken down. Gematria has been my favourite Slipknot song for years

[@UnderAGlassMetropolis]

Jim Root is really underrated as a guitarist, he's an animal.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

So glad you’re doing this series again. It’s unlike any I’ve seen and it’s exactly what I always wanted to see. Dream interview would be Hetfield. I’d love to hear how he thinks about riffs.

[@eldiablo3794]

Jim has always been my favorite guitarist in slipknot and outside of slipknot.. such a down to earth relatable guy. Jim inspired me to play the guitar and Joey inspired me to play the drums. This song reminds me of old school early 90s death metal when he plays those sick trill riffs.

[@markorides_]

If you play drums and guitar, I'd need you

[@dilloncox1238]

What I would give to have Jim sit and give me a lesson. This is awesome. And you can tell the guy is loving it!! Great job Jim!

[@art7710]

the sound and tone of the jim is super!!!very open!

[@ondrashin]

my right hand is so happy that this riff exists

[@SawyerSmoak]

So nice to see this song finally getting some love. I’ve never seen Jim riff this one before.

[@magicmamba915]

On album intro is played by Jim

[@SawyerSmoak]

@@magicmamba915Interesting, I was always under the impression that it was largely a Mick based tune just because the only video out there of this song being played was when Mick was recording it for AHIG.

[@birdofsatan]

Jim is so absurdly humble for how gifted he is. Gematria is a masterpiece! Hearing him talking about Albert and Graham really made me happy 🖤

[@adamcogan211]

Man, Gematria is my favourite Slipknot song of all time!! It is so damn underrated!!

[@slorr55]

The video of Mick recording it in the studio fuck, he is like a machine and Jim is on par, they had to be in the same band, fate decided that

[@MrSimonwitney7]

Such a fucking good song and riff, highly underrated! As is wherelin lies continue.

[@darrenaragon4831]

This show is so rad. So many different players, so many different styles. I always leave with a new nugget of gold. Thanks Matt for sharing these videos with the world.

[@Eddy_SK]

It's impressive how James is a super charismatic guy, all the interview videos I see of him, whether showing his guitar or presenting his entire setup, are really cool, he really lives the action and has a lot of fun doing what he likes, this is sensational.

[@MiguelSilva-hq2jx]

We're waiting for the next video with James Root and his classes

[@thetacomaster28]

I love how chill he talks and then just gets after it on the guitar lol 😂

[@emersonvestal]

My favorite Slipknot song ever!!

[@dnielgln]

In early 2000's who would have thought that a badass guitarist could be this friendly and give us a guitar tutorial SLOWLY!

[@FromTheSky0]

So happy to see Gematria even acknowledged! Fucking amazing song and so heavy

[@matthewdobsson8341]

Easily my favorite channel. He still loves learning new things on guitar. It's why we all start.

[@bleepblorpp]

Jim Root wearing my favorite shirt! I love that company. Glad we have the same taste. 😎

[@660stihl]

Just awesome, could watch this all and every day! Jim is so laid back, Matt is like a kid in a candystore. Just great!

[@xbvdx]

So fun to watch! Guys you are legends. Thx for my big smile and the inspiration to play some heavy riffs!

[@marcosrenan93]

I listen to this song on a daily basis, it's already a mantra for me. Such a fantastic one and definitely top 3 Slipknot songs ever

[@bilal59446]

this song doesn't get the recogniton and praise it deserves. Mick and Root absolutely just dig in in this riff.

[@ryanjames3529]

Jim root is proof that theory isn’t everything and ‘Feeling a riff works for some of us’ well said Jimmy

[@chiropracticleipzig4328]

This has so many moving parts. Amazing. Would be so hard to write that down as sheet music.

[@Messiah_Tv]

I’ve watched the video of Mick recording gematria in the studio so many times, glad i get to see Jim breaking it down.

[@omnijem5042]

I love seeing two bros smile and have fun 😊

[@Kydabra]

One of my favorite Slipknot songs, that I hope I'll get to see live one day.

[@KeeganMakesOpinions]

Jim is one of the greatest Rhythm Guitarist Ever.

[@boshijim]

After Jim broke it down, I’m confident now

[@felipeleiteadv]

Gematria's riff is so brutal, i love it. And that tone... sheesh

[@moncreebrown948]

I want to see more of these videos with Jim, freaking love to see him play.

[@alex.weird.b.r.d]

Freaking awesome! Great spice of both, especially cheers to Matt!

[@seanwechsler6783]

Idk what’s crazier in this song. The guitar riffs or the drums. Love it all 🤘

[@patfix]

One of the best kind of hidden gems op Slipknot. Always loved this song!

[@stevencharles9273]

Wow, what a great watch. Y’all were great together. So fun to watch! ❤

[@LauSymphonicMetal]

What Jim says is true in a way and I know it because it also happens to me. Counting and constantly thinking while you play takes the fun out if it. However, knowing how to do it gives you the tools you may need once in a while to accomplish specific goals. What should happen is..."you learn the rules, then you are able to break them". But, IMO both perpectives are valid.

[@Margarinethebutterlover]

I love Guitar Moves, I have watched since it inception and on repeat. I come back to them all the time. Sir Matt Sweeney is the perfect host, he manages to interview even the most terrifying of guitar gods (Keef Richards for eg) and tune into what they love about music and guitar. My son is a massive metal fan, and wow some of the guitar things that are going on with tunings, 7 and 8 string guitars is incredible. This episode was such a great insight into the amazing skill of Jim Root. His fingers are so relaxed and fluid!

[@h3r3tic66]

Gematria is one of my favorites to play, and is easily one of the most underrated slipknot songs

[@DamonOwens-j6m]

What a tone

[@a-World-Of-Payne]

Jim is such a cool guy, and a really great musician. I'd love to hang out with him for a day and pick his brain

[@iamthereandyou]

Anyone noticed he has his genuine setup of EMG 81 and 60 back in his #1 Telecaster? This is THE sound.

[@davidsilliman1672]

Still one of my favorite riffs ever. Usually the first thing I play to warm up.

[@kevin_nagle]

fucking love the riffs in this song so happy Jim decided to spend time with it out of everything else he could have chosen 🫡🤘🏼

[@leviathan7638]

love jim's sound

[@alejandrovazquez5553]

James root is a fucking genius, i saw slipknot 3 days ago in mexico city and was the best thing in the world

[@Womb2DaTomb]

What's crazy too is I don't think Slipknot have ever played this live so Jim is just playing this from memory from years ago

[@OzzeAsjourne]

Man, is usual that you often play songs that you wrote time ago. Like, all the time

[@Womb2DaTomb]

@@OzzeAsjourne If they play them live often yeah, Its just hard to imagine Jim sitting down and playing a decade old song often that they literally never play live

[@Jasonxknot]

No one plays off memory like that with something they havent played for 16 years. Either he likes to play this one often or Slipknot is getting ready to play it live.

[@Michael15_25]

@@Jasonxknotcorrect. Jim commented on IG that him and Eloy have been working on it so maybe they will include it soon 💪🏼

[@joshweigel1131]

he suggested it, so i doubt he came in without having put this in the work shop

[@boxcpl]

This is the ultimate showcase, especially for Jim since we know micks studio parts from his footage

[@TweaksPH]

jim is a great teacher.... ❤

[@craigcrimson2237]

This song has the most insane slipknot riffs of their entire catalog. It would be amazing to hear life but it would be a mentally and physically exhausting marathon, all 6 minutes of it.

[@luketurnermusic]

Graham coxon! 😮 that would be an incredible episode!

[@monocyte2210]

That tone is savage

[@shixerz_93]

Woah didnt expect that song choice. Such an underrated banger

[@danielrevelo7556]

Increible, a pesar de que existe un video de Mick grabando Gematria esta es la primera vez que enseñan detenidamente como tocar bien unas secciones ❤🤘✊️ #4ever

[@MarcusSandoval-kx2th]

Love Jims Riffs ... EPIC 🤘😎🤘

[@Mietek412]

you're awesome Matt, thanks

[@NIJHR]

reminds me of when we found out how to play with our band when we were 13 lol, good times. the excitement of learning a new technique

[@STANGm06deGT]

I love that album !! It also represents the last OG9 album.

[@Walter_Hartwell_White_Sr]

My fav song from them, also my fav guitar riff!

[@SatanSplainer]

Such an INSANE song!

[@brianthurber1200]

This is badass. Jim is the man!!!

[@KawalNiVibora]

Jim & mick are fuckin genius 🤘🤘🤘

[@RickKosickFilms]

I love how this episode starts. It’s like what did he just play? Okay, let’s go..

[@dobrien14031975]

Jim Root trills master class!!

[@JoTaPi666]

RooT is my favorite Knot 🤘

[@dukeviking]

One of THEEE best songs on AHIG behind the title track song (which they tried for one show on the '08 Mayhem Tour). A very ingeniously well crafted riff tour de force!!

Jim is such a cool guy! This reminded me of the time a long time ago when I was first learning this song and stopped after the intro because intro itself was very fun to play and very hard to master.

[@Bdragoon96]

Did not expect him to be into and learning Strokes stuff, that's fking sick 😂🤙

[@brathahn69]

Dude thats unbelievable

[@Piyasadaki-Usta]

Bu şarkı (AHIG albümünden unutulan diğer harika şarkıları da unutmayalım) bir şaheser. Ancak bu şarkının derinlemesine incelendiği bir eğitim videosunu görmek beni oldukça mutlu etti. Jim ile daha fazla video görmek isterim çünkü o beni gitara, müziğe bağlayan biridir. Eğer o olmasaydı gitar çalmayı hiç sevmezdim. Ayrıca Jim çok temiz kalpli bir insan, onun sohbetlerini dinlemek beni mutlu ediyor. Sevgiyle kalın.

[@AHNDRX]

My favorite guitarist the best to me!!

[@Bluedymoods]

Please do a Guitar Moves with Graham Coxon from Blur! He was even mentioned in this episode. I will be forever grateful. Love this show!

[@juanmalla6473]

Dos generaciones, dos aprendizajes, dos mundos diferentes... Eso habla de lo versátil que es el mundo de la música y de la guitarra... Muy buena entrevista....

[@djabthrash]

For those who've never seen it, here's Mick tracking the guitars for that song in the studio : Mick Thomson - "Gematria (The Killing Name)" - Rivera Amplificadores : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7IgoaCqNaDmbM

[@noahhunter06]

mick is a fucking beast

[@EchoApexFirstEcho]

Such an awesome channel-I hope you can keep putting up new videos while not touring or recording. Too much Metal for One Hand🙌❤️