Guitar Virtuosos: Rick Graham & Andy James Uncensored (their style and techniques)

This episode is a discussion about how Rick Graham and Andy James get there unique sounds. Their playing, technique and style secrets are all broken down.
THE BEATO CLUB → flatfiv.co/pag...
THE BEATO EAR TRAINING PROGRAM: beatoeartraini...
BUY THE BEATO BOOK HERE → bit.ly/2uTQFlo
KEMPER PROFILES → flatfiv.co/col...
Follow my Instagram - / rickbeato1
*Advanced Harmonic Concepts for Composition and Improvisation Video Course* → www.flatfiv.co
SUBSCRIBE HERE → bit.ly/2eEs9gX
BEATO MUSIC FORUM → forum.rickbeato.com
--------------------------------------
My Links to Follow:
KZbin - / rickbeato
Personal Facebook - / rick.beato.1
Follow On Twitter - @rickbeato
------------------------------
Special Thanks to My Supporters:
Bill Miller
Gabriel Karaffa
Joel Martino
Brett Bottomley
Matthew Porter
Frederick Humphrey
Frederick Humphrey
Paul Noonan
Mansel Ismay
Greg Spielman
Ray Rossetti
Evgeny Teilor
Joe Ansaldi
David Fugit
ROBERT JOHNSON
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Kevin Hansen
Steve Thordarson
Harry Brocious
Jeff McClelland
Pzz
Marc Alan
Rob Kline
Tim Wilson
Calvin Wells
David Trapani
Abel James
Eric Faro
Will Elrics
Hector Medina
Doug Olander
Scott Schumann
Joe Elrod
Chris Defendorf
Debbie Valle
Dan Sullivan
Ghostly Beard
Rip Winkler
Dennis Tomlinson
maydad meiri
JP Rosato
Scott Rance
Dave Hawkey
Roger Frankham
Chris Mitchell
Zack Kirkorian
Orion Letizi
Mike Voloshen
Ashley Thompson
Matt Pauley
Peter Pillitteri
Jeremy Hickerson
Travis Ahrenholtz--

[@oisinmcphillips2090]

Rick's economy of motion is frightening. His left hand barely lifts off the fretboard and his right hand seems to just twitch ovet the strings. He's a god. Andy's a guitar hero of mine, but Rick scares me in the best possible way.

[@jamesanthony7994]

Interesting that Rick does not possess large hands which many guitar greats seem to. Just underscores the fact that it is more about practice and technique development than physical characteristics.

[@hollywoodactress]

Plus his (Ricks) guitars are setup with medium to high action!!!!!

[@bensavage4575]

I thought you were talking about Rick Biato's economy of motion in the interview hehe

[@evalex71]

Agree 1,000%.

[@RayzaEFC]

The closest I come to Rick Graham's playing is the fact I'm from the same town as him lol

[@LosTroopos]

5:15 "wouldn't say mastered" and Andy James starts rolling his eyes.

[@devilsslave1970]

Lol this is essentially the guy version of girls complimenting each other's looks

[@davidvashum3572]

Lol

[@MorgothBagluir]

hahaha good catch

[@Runsomwhere]

Legendary moment

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Wow thank you so much for this video!!!

[@artojhannula]

Ay dude, you rock.

[@nigelrobinson57]

I can't help but think that Rick missed your comment.

[@martynspooner5822]

Only guitar nerds would enjoy this video. I absolutely loved this video.

[@DragonTamerCos]

Synth nerd here. I can completely find joy in people describing something I know nothing about.

[@Ears14U]

We all have our vices don't we? HA!

[@ronfrey5327]

@@Ears14U far worse then any class A narcotic...

[@Redwan_Shishko]

Man, I’ve been waiting for this since forever! I even made some popcorn and I’m watching as I’m eating and typing my comment here 😂 Cheers 🍻

[@numanuma20]

Lemu Huan Quick. Favorite synth. Mine is the Moog One.

[@TrippyTheShroom]

There's this thing that happens when watching someone like Rick Graham where as you're watching him you think, wow that can't be that hard, so you decide to go pick up your guitar and literally the second you turn the amp on you realize just how astounding his playing is. He makes it look so easy that it seems like anyone can do it which is unbelievable given the complexity of his playing. It reminds me alot of Eric Johnson or Malmsteen mostly due to their economy of motion. It also reminds me of Guthrie Govan due to how inspiring it is to watch. Unbelievable guitarists man, they're what make my world go round in alot of ways.

[@hyde4004]

Guthrie and Rick are surely some of the greatest players this planet holds. They are technical virtuosos, have massive theoretical knowledge, and most important of all are supremely musical. They are the two guitarists I look up to the most.

[@thomaszonkowski2115]

I love Rick Grahm's playing. For me, his phrasing and overall musicality is stunning.

[@EarlSergejTheRakish]

Rick has letting himself go it seems. Genuinely hope he's well. Great talk. I really enjoy this format. These gentlemen are legends.

[@motothumper5598]

Haha loved andy's eye roll when Rick said he hadn't mastered sweeps at 5:20

[@BoardgameBaker]

It's kind of cute to see two of the greatest guitar players in the known universe enter full fanboy mode when talking about Nuno Bettencourt

[@Sooby007]

"My playing is basically just a series of workarounds." - I think I should tattoo this disclaimer on my forehead. My favorite qualities in an artist are real enthusiasm for their craft, the self discipline and tenacity to bring their vision to fruition, and a good strong dose of (often self-deprecating) humor. These guys aren't so good on accident. Fun interview!

[@briancarroll1412]

Andy James flow picks are literally built for shredders. Got a pack last week and haven't even gone back to my usual picks. They glide across the strings like cutting smooth butter!

[@thoughtsbeforesleep]

Wow I didn't know these picks existed. I currently use Dunlop 2mm picks so these look right up my alley. Definitely going to try them out!

[@briancarroll1412]

@@thoughtsbeforesleep definitely give them a try. I've been playing tortex 1.14 standards for a while, but after awhile I had to look for other picks because when I play more shreddy stuff I get kind of stuck on strings. Also the way I angle the pick when I speed pick, they weren't cutting it. I went to jazz 3 XL and they helped out with my problem, but I was still looking for that pick that I considered "man size", but still has that rounded-sharp feel. Andy James Flow picks are great, even if you're not a shredder. 🤘

[@DesignCourse]

I found them too big. JP has a pic that's identical except a bit smaller that I find perfect.

[@ohmvelena4791]

A game changer

[@jayroxx2580]

I agree! I started using them about 2 years ago, and only use different ones when I’m playing acoustic or strum-heavy songs..

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

Andy -"my playing is basically just a series of workarounds" mine too, except mine don't seem to work so well.

[@thesaj1110]

Derpimus Maximus 😜😜😜

[@capitancoolo1]

This is the story of my playing. I've been trying to learn cowboys from hell and I've had to come up with a ton of workarounds just to get to half speed.

[@profiskipinternational4402]

Lately, lately I fell over Rick Graham today on Spotify. Man, what marvelous technic, sound, flow .... tks for the interview. I will dig into Andy James music too. Gosh. This bity sound cuts like a Chainsaw through the soul. Holy moly ... I appreciate the honesty of both musicians. Looking be hind the curtain about their struggles, worries ... and still keep moving on to master the guitar to an extraordinary level.

[@SendilSelvan]

By Jupiter! Both Rick & Andy are so unfiltered and candid. Come to think of it these two are amongst the best guitarists on the planet. Thank you so much dear Rick for such a engaging conversation. Everything Guitar 🤟🏽☺️🙏🏽

[@clydekaila123]

I can’t believe I’m just finding this now - was a huge fan of both men ages ago - never knew you guys had a sit down..

[@douglasnisbet1189]

I've honestly never heard a player even close to Rick Graham. He's just incredible.

[@SnowWalker1]

I mean, Eddie Van Halen, no?

[@droidfan]

@@SnowWalker1 not even close

[@kriyaban100]

Maybe check out Anton Oparin?

[@douglasnisbet1189]

@@kriyaban100 yep, Anton is amazing. I find Rick more musical though and more inventive with his patterns. For strict alternate picking then Anton is unrivaled.

[@droidfan]

@@douglasnisbet1189 check Antons video on Rick. He is Antons idol. Anton is a beast, but Rick is in another level. Specially when it comes to versatility. That's where no one comes close. Classical nylon string, flamenco, percussive, jazz, fusion, etc. To me that is insane.

[@DavidDiMuzio]

So many excellent thoughts from both these guys. Two masters. Rick Graham really is on another level though. If computers ever figure out the algorithm for perfect guitar playing I imagine it will sound like him.

[@larydixon4824]

Brother Rick, this is one of the best videos of all time - Rick and Andy really come across as genuine human beings, rather than "Guitar Gods". They are both very humble and realistic gents, eager to share their thoughts on the intricacies of the fine art of guitar mastery.. They are both such genuine, and passionate players! So refreshing! Thank you All for the best interview that I have seen in years! You guys are the Best! Lary

[@jasonbone5121]

Thanks Rick!! Great way to start off a Sunday! Imagine the skill/knowledge sitting in that room right now between those three!! So glad to hear I am not the only one that can only sweep in one direction (same direction as Andy).

[@epicsongs3498]

Part of what makes these types of videos so enjoyable is the skill you (Rick) bring by asking great questions. They're not run-of-the-mill, flat, thoughtless inquires that anyone could ask. The favorite fret question was hilarious. Mine is fret 37, which is the saddest of all frets. Playing a note on it with the amp turned to 11 just makes it sustain for days.

[@RickBeato]

The favorite fret question came to me right then. I loved the way they just answered it right away lol.

[@jans1982]

It's amazing how different their playing look. You can feel everything Andy does, while RIck is just effortless. Both great!

[@peterbrynildsen1485]

This is such a great, funny and informative interview. One of those you watch to the end without fast forwarding. It’s on my top 5 amongst: -The Captain and Guthrie... -Pete Thorn, Tim Pierce and Scott Henderson... -Ola Englund and Mattias Eklundh...

[@pipipermusic]

This is such a great video, so good that I think all aspiring musicians especially guitarist should watch. It's so awesome to see great players admit that they are mortal and talk about their musical journey. Also great to hear Nuno get some props.

[@HueyMaxSucks]

Such an honest, down-to-earth interview. I'm big fans of both of these monster players.

[@joelcprice]

Both of these dudes are absolute MONSTERS on the guitar. Love/hate watching both of them play. So inspiring.

[@adriandonal]

31:35 - I think one of the best guitar solos is Floods solo by Dimebag Darrell from Pantera, so much emotions, just love it

[@Crispeacock]

That's random

[@LowdenFTW]

S. Hill how is that random

[@adriandonal]

@@Crispeacock what is random ? I do not understand :d notes in that solo are definitely not random, they are directly from the soul of Dime ❤️

Amazing, I could watch hours and hours of this.

[@jaytarantino]

Had the chance to tour with Andy in 2017. Funny guy and consistently on point with his playing every night \m/

[@CoolStuffDad]

And an awesome show it was- Andy’s super funny, laid back, and top notch playing- yours & Angel’s too!

[@mpamps]

One of the most honest interviews (chats) I 've ever seen!

[@ranajoyshil]

That's two of my favourite guitarists, next Jason Richardson and Tosin Abasi please back in US.

[@t3hgir]

would love a reunion of this chat, Rick and Andy are awesome. You're okay too Rick :D

[@DunlopTortex05mm]

Such wise words and introspections from Rick and Andy ! Thank you

[@SyrianAtheist]

Rick, that was amazing. The public WANTS the uncut version!

[@trollstjerne]

This is great! Fantastic conversation. Thanks Rick, Rick & Andy 😊

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

Rick, your channel is so good that it’s ridiculous. Hands down my favorite channel on YT. Everything you do is pure gold. Another fantastic interview.

[@alexbooyse9053]

How did I miss this interview with Andy James?! And introduction to Rick! Much appreciated

[@TropicalReflections]

What an absolutely wonderful interview! One-liners abounded & those cats were funny!! Hats off to Beato for being such a great interviewer as well. I feel a bit like I was given an opportunity to peek behind the curtain at the wizards; and, instead of being disappointed, I discovered I was even more impressed with their abilities/compositions (and their humanity) after learning of some of the challenges they wrestle with in their own playing. Gentlemen, thank you very much for such an insightful, entertaining, & inspiring interview. I cannot wait for the time when the three of you sit down with guitars in hand!!

[@geovra1976]

What an amazing "interview" ...ty Mr Beato for this...really made my day :)

[@ultimateclassic4092]

Awesome, Rick. That video of Rick Graham in the beginning used to be one of my favorite guitar playing videos. I would definitely love to see more of these videos, those two are hilarious together.

[@SixString_J5]

I love that they have a perfect mix of knowing they are good and yet they are still humble and find all kinds of fault in their playing.

[@deangoritz9625]

My perfect guitar solo Gilmour on Time from Floyd, simple, emotional, playin the changes

[@jneveils]

The three of you inspire me to be the best player, musician, composer I can be. Thank you for your love and devotion to your craft and sharing your gift.

[@jirdesteva]

I loved this video. Thanks again Rick. @ 4:56 the perfect statement "My playing is basically is just a series of workarounds"

[@seanmacmusic1]

Thx for this Rick ~ Awesome interview with two fantastic players. 🤘🤘🤘🎸😎

[@alexandercheskis]

This was a fantastic watch. Thank you to Rick Graham and Andy James for mentioning Nuno as much as you did.

[@patdufresne6209]

Thank you so much for having these 2 beast sharing information about their playing. Your video not only shows how advanced they are with their playing but also show are cool they are. Laid back with a drink in their hand! Great stuff. As a Canadian fan who does not get to see guys of that caliber, I really appreciated it.

[@dukefl]

This video wil be seen many times by me!!! Thank you Rick and guests!!!

[@vladimirivan3963]

All 3 guys are so inspiring! Fantastic interview and you need to do more of these guys. And by the way, Cry for you by Andy Timmons, wow, what a song! I'm gonna listen to it now, it's been a while. Keep up the great work guys and thanks Rick Beato for putting this up!

[@alancosens]

Rick gives hope to those of us with short, stubby fingers. lol As someone who plays with 0.008s' on the top few strings (Due to nerve damage) I can say that bending to pitch with very light strings requires quite a bit of work and a new level of listening. Something about having almost no resistance makes the muscle memory relative to pitch change nearly disappear.

[@DizzyKrissi]

I love hearing competent guys talking about guitar-playing. Rick, please make more of these conversations.

[@LeonTodd]

We're going to have to have Andy Timmons on here next :D

[@Liveleadplayer70]

loved both these guys for many years..bought copious amounts of there material w tabs..immersed myself for years & months on end learning their stuff

[@irlyheartA7X]

these 3 legends sitting there together is nothingless than an historic moment in the guitar history, thank you. back to practice now!

[@AnAmericanGuitarist]

I once walked into a local guitar shop and got into a conversation about local music and guitar playing with the owner. I remember the guy telling me that when he puts on a CD and he hears tapping he throws it out. He said "That's not guitar playing.". I remember thinking that was the equivalent of saying that " playing a drum roll during a song isn't playing the drums"! It's a technique and a musical tool. We are creating music. Right? Some guys tap. Some don't. If it adds to the song and to what you want to say, use it. As far as perfect solos go, I always first think of the classic stuff and then others. Listen to the Album version of the Beatles song Let It Be. George Harrison played a great solo, different from what is on the single. Listen to the solo from Stairway to Heaven. Perfect. Listen to the solo from Hotel California. Listen to Reelin' in the Years from Steely Dan. Listen to Adrian Vandenberg's Here I Go Again from Whitesnake. . These are perfect solos. Why? Because they are musical, because the phrasing is perfectly laid out, because of the performance, because they make the song BETTER. The solos that I listed are not extremely difficult or fast, but they take you to a great place. They take you on a journey. They are performed and written with talent an a musical understanding. Even the fastest shred solo needs to have have all of that at its core. It's like building a house. You need that foundation first. From there, you can get as elaborate as you want. That's where Nuno lives. He was discussed in this video. Even his wildest solos have that foundation. I have a of solos that inspired me. Some I already listed. Others include Jimmy Page's solo on Led Zeppelin's Since I've Been Loving You and Michael Schenker's solos on Lights Out and Rock Bottom from the UFO CD Strangers in the night. Satriani, Andy Timmons, Nuno, Yngwie, Vai, John Sykes, Gary Moore ... they all understand that speed alone is useless if there is no musical road or destination.

[@cooliodrummer]

So inspiring to hear these great players discuss their challenges. Thanks.

[@nahnotsomuch2292]

These two have quickly become some of my fav guitarists. Love the fact they brought up Doug Aldrich. One of my top 5 fav guitarists of all time. The absolute command Doug Aldrich has of a guitar is stunning.

[@chrisbarclay]

So much awesomeness in one room🔥The other thing is they have also worked out a technique which suits their individual mechanics of body movement in the best way as possible. Loved this 👌

[@just.some.dud3]

So awesome!I love both of these guys playing so much! Thanks so much for doing this, Rick!

[@leltraco1983]

Rick's youtube channel is PURE GOLD!

[@mertozgurkahraman6695]

Best video about guitar on the whole internet so far.

[@scottseitz1107]

Rick thank you-this video was too awesome for words and shows that individuality on the guitar can both provide virtuosity as well as development. I cannot play like either of these guys but the way they speak about learning is a testament to what we are all capable of and what excellent teachers you all are.

[@JbfMusicGuitar]

Clicked on this as soon as I saw it. Was very bit as awesome as I hoped; thanks for this man, really appreciate it Rick!

[@markmshockey1769]

Thanks for posting this Rick. I have been a fan of Andy James and was going to suggest that you check him out then this video came up on recommended youtube so I am glad that you are aware of an amazing talent. We saw him in the states a couple of years ago with angel vivaldi and had a great time listening to great music. Thanks for posting the interview. I am from Rochester too!

[@limpindug]

Thanks guys great chat, top insight into your thought process.

[@warrborn_official]

Awesome, i was hoping there was a Beato and Andy James video. Bonus, Rick Graham! very cool!

[@Kasper911band]

Love this! I’m a Strat guy too! Rick is the man! Love Andy as well! 👍🏽

[@guitardudeguy3139]

Rick Graham is the greatest I've ever seen. Effortless playing, so melodic and beautiful.

[@coolumar335]

Love both these dudes - such great, humble musicians. Thank you, Rick!

[@DiegoPujolT]

I love Andy James’ playing, his phrasing and scales are so good. Rick’s technique is spectacular. I loved the praise on Nuno!!!

[@savm8164]

What a fantastic interview, very modest guys with the incredible amount of skill they have

[@romandevengenzo4267]

This was sooo good Rick! I’m a proud supporter of the Beato club 🤘🏻

[@chris00412]

Probably the best, and if not, one of the best videos on KZbin.

[@IamtheActionman]

I feel so good to hear some of the best talking about what I feel. Thanks so much you guys.

[@druwk]

Always inspiring. I have been trying to get a right hand technique that feels “right”. Watching these guys talk about guitar techniques gave a moment of permission and inspiration. Been struggling with finger style picking vs hybrid picking. I have a double jointed thumb...FLASH! Tried holding the pick between the thumb joint and the pointer finger instead of tips of the thumb and pointer. Can get the thumb or pick involved instantly. It allows me to use my “awkwardness” in a way that feels right to me. Great conversation. Thanks Rick B.

[@seanmccall7277]

Rick is a guitar...machine. I've learned so much from him.. thank you Rick Graham! 🙏😎

[@ivonsmith3095]

Superb interview with two of the great powers of the British modern scene. Rick is a phenomenal player in fusion and good teacher and Andy is such an appealing guy and his technique is phenomenal. The realism you’ve helped bring out of these two English guys is great Rick!!! 👍🏻

[@Yusufmasron]

Love these two guitarists. So expressive and melodic.

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

What super-cool guys and an excellent discussion...thanks, Rick!!! 💗💗💗

[@gddfhjiufcv]

these two are monster players and absolutely hilarious to boot! Their tuition material is really good too, loads of stuff featuring these guys on lick library

[@eddiejr540]

RB...great vid...thanks for sitting back and letting the guys talk....you are awesome!!!!....rock on my brother!!!!

[@karlaranjo744]

thanks you all so much, RICK has helped rediscover my love of the guitar and music...both ricks

[@jakelee8789]

Love these guys. Andy James and Rick Graham has influenced me so so much. I'm not a great musician or none of that but they make me want to try to become one. Love both styles and listen to them play daily. Thanks for making this happen Beato! Awesome sauce!

[@headstockharem4]

What a fun and informative interview Rick! Could listen to guitar talk like that for hours!

[@zaz4667]

Sweet! Hanging out having a brew! Cheers! Love listening to Andy! I just starting listening to Rick Graham music.

[@Riffs4U]

Rick G, Andy J, and Rick B. My favorite 3 people on the internet.

[@ajpeagle]

Great interview . I was reminded of a joke about if Jimi Hendrix was around to play to guitarists now; The guitar players tried hard to enjoy the gig in spite of fact that his pedals were not true bypass. Keep up the great work Rick.

[@RickBeato]

Haha!!!

[@andreashofmeyr9583]

Thanks - you introduced me to Rick Graham! And now Andy James! Amen!

[@unfetteredaxes1032]

Greatly INSPIRED by the 3of you ... I listen to each individually..but hearing this has driven the motivation beyond explanation..thank you

[@derrylgabel]

Great interview guys. Thanks for sharing!

[@availablelight999]

Amazing interview with 2 great players. Rick Graham is just to awsome for words.

[@TommoGuitar]

This interview was fantastic!!! Thanks to everyone involved

[@mindstorms44]

I'm thankful and impressed that you came to the U.K. to meet these guys Rick. A great video,great "salt of the earth" people. I'm sure you had lots of fun.

[@matthewws5694]

Rick, thanks for making this happen. We appreciate it

[@bedroomrockstudios408]

You guys are so inspiring to musicians especially guitarists, we all learn and play differently and yes make mistakes!

[@lukasgraesslin]

Awesome! Thanks for the video, Rick!

[@ChrisVye]

Brilliant... one of the most interesting guitarist interviews I have seen.... great to see guys who have such monster ability struggling like we all do to even imagine mastering this instrument.... some days I feel like I can hardly play at all and nice to know we all have our struggles... but we all have something to give.... great interview more please!

[@BenMcrea61]

Two of my favourite guitarists so this is a real treat!

[@autobotsNdecepticons]

Nice to hear Rick's comments on letting your imperfections show.

[@petromusic23]

Thank you for posting. This was awesome. Big fan of these two great guitarists!!! 👍👍👍

[@johnvoorbrood]

Andy’s is such a humble guy. He says he struggles with some techniques but in my eyes he’s an absolute monster!