How to Play Ambient Guitar #7 - Frippertronics Basics / Using Long Delays Tutorial

Learn how to create amazing chordal and melodic textures by using long (4 seconds plus) delays/echoes in the classic school of Frippertronics.
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Robert Fripp and Frippertronics Resources and Videos:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fripper...
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Equipment/software used:
Carvin Holdsworth Fatboy HF2 Guitar
Avid Eleven Rack amzn.to/2qlPh40
Wampler Ego Compressor amzn.to/2qhXXJP
Morley Little Alligator volume pedal amzn.to/2rBNc8T
Radial Tonebone Classic amzn.to/2qieZaz
Boss DD-500 digital delay amzn.to/2rSEhNG
Strymon Timeline digital delay
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 amzn.to/2qe95eJ
Apple Logic Pro X
chords of orion - ambient/post-rock guitar music for the mind and heart.
bill vencil - guitars, vocals, other instruments and sounds.
web: chordsoforion.com
facebook: / chordsoforion
twitter: / chordsoforion
soundcloud: / chordsoforion

[@williamolsen20]

Eno invented Frippertronics he was doing it with Roxy Music you can see him with reel to reels on a Musik Laden performance with Roxy.

[@chordsoforion]

Several folks have rightly pointed out that Eno was a pioneer of this technique and influenced Fripp's use of it. I am going to pin this comment to the top so folks can discuss the topic together. Thanks!!!

[@TheJustMartin]

Actually, strictly speaking, the tape to tape layering was pioneered earlier in teh 60s by the composer, Terry Riley - check out Rainbow in Curved Air. But, I'm not sure he was the first.

[@markswift1489]

It was done for decades before Eno, he was just adapting an already well established technique.

[@williamolsen20]

John Cage too, even Funkadelic did it, but that was around the same time as Fripp, Eno. I think Eno was the first or one of the first that would use tape loops on the fly though, and set it up in such as way that you could do it with a footswitch. I think most composers that used tape loops before that were generally prepared beforehand. I cannot remember her name, but the women that did a lot of work for the BBC was a master of tape loops, she did the Doctor Who theme song. I am speculating, but I would say that using tape loops paved the way for granular synthesis as well.

[@markswift1489]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tape_loop

[@tomgnau]

These lessons are a public service for guitarists searching for a new voice on their instrument. The only downside: Triggering a desire for gear I really can't afford right now.

[@johndornom3406]

You really want to be Robert Fripp#2?

[@Rshields388]

Yep... I’m literally in this boat right now! Haha

[@harounel-poussah6936]

there is a Frippertronic free VST plugin, and a free VST-rack allowing to stack VST-plugins and pilot 'em from a MIDI-pedal just like any multi-Fx !!!

[@mutlucansihman]

robert fripp is my idol. he is the king of guitar.

[@chordsoforion]

He's one of my idols too!

[@sillyworm]

same here...I'll have my first split cassette release of original ambient music very soon here...ACID MOON on FB...infuenced by Fripp/eno,OVAL,Mouse on Mars,SEEFEEL,Boards Of Canada,etc..olde school layering recordings..all mixed as I played...took me 63 years to finally find my 'SPACE"...I'm actually a bass player..very little bass on this release.Thanks for uploading this video..I was working on my setup today...I do not have a hold button...I'll try and swing one of these Boss DD 500 units soon...How important is the Stymon(expensive)?..I have 6 analog vintage units..and an EMPRESS Vintage SUPERDELAY....trying to use what I have...THANKS! Any tips using older gear & the EMPRESS? Anyone?

[@CletoFrost]

the crimson king of guitar**

[@BTsMusicChannel]

Kill idols. Kill rock stars.

[@javiceres]

sillyworm The Empress is a powerful tool, probably worth reading the manual (RTFM xD) The analogs/vintage, response, tricks and things vary a lot between units

[@RedWira123]

As a fan of ambient music attempting to teach himself to play guitar, this series is exactly what I have been looking for all this time. When the videos then turn out to be incredibly informative, well produced, and narrated by a talented musician - I don't even know what to say! More than I could have ever asked for. Thank you so much.

[@chordsoforion]

+Marcus Hoeg-Jensen You are very welcome, and thanks so much for the kind words! It's been a pleasure and a joy for me to share some of things I've learned over the years here on KZbin. Stay tuned - the next "How to Play Ambient Guitar" episode will post next Wed. 12/23! Also, let me know if there are any topics that you would like to see covered...

[@craigsurette3438]

As a synth player and huge Eno/Ambient music fan, I thank you ENORMOUSLY for this tutorial I have the schematic Eno drew of this technique in his album liner notes, on my wall as art, because it inspired me so much. What youre teaching here, are a lot of the little details of nuance technique i never could quite get just by listening, and they help a lot for helping me understand what is going on as a composer/player.

[@Lwize]

Now I know what was meant by "Frippertronics" in the liner notes to Genesis" Lamb album. I used to think Fripp contributed sounds in the studio.

[@chordsoforion]

Indeed!!!

[@dejan_krsic]

nope, it say enossification

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Koool Beans !!! Been a Crimson and Prog fan from almost the beginning thanks to my 6yr. older Brother Playing Bass in Garage bands , I heard it all Starting about late 1967' at about 8 or 9yrs with Floyd, then the Moody Blues, then KC in 1969' and on to Yes, Genesis, Jethro Tull, ELP, Gentle Giant , Nektar and onward ...... Great Music. : ) My first concert with my Brother was Yes- Close to the Edge tour in 1972' I was 13 yr old !! And Totally hooked : ) I was lucky enough to see just about everyone the those great Bands during the 70s, mostly in Boston to NYC, it was an Awesome fun time !! I miss it so : )

[@chordsoforion]

Excellent!!

[@DavesGuitarChannel]

Fripp is great on David Sylvian's Gone To Earth album. A great record for some ambient sounds.

[@chordsoforion]

"Gone to Earth" is definitely an amazing album!

[@DavesGuitarChannel]

Robin Guthrie's solo records after Cocteau Twins era are great too.

[@DavesGuitarChannel]

enjoy your channel. subbed

[@trzmielol]

Love it!

[@Babaziba]

I remember the first time I heard Frippertronics, it was a whole new musical world, soothing and exciting at the same time. Thanks much for this video, I look forward to Fripping out soon!

[@9uweeoncbmd890]

Really great class. Thank you for posting this.

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

Great info, thanks .. I own all of Fripp and Eno's recording's and never seem to grow tired of hearing them over and over.

[@chordsoforion]

I feel the same way!

[@LaniakeaLeathercrafts]

Very very helpful lesson. Thanks man! Really enjoying this series

[@chordsoforion]

+Noah McCoy So glad that you are getting some values from the vids. Thanks for commenting!!

[@japetussvenk6554]

Excellent stuff, beautifully presented.

[@kickbiker7920]

This IS great stuff .... Well presented. Inspiring for coming up with musical ideas .......

[@ravenshield56]

I Didn't realise there was an "Ambient guitar" style- Its always something I've leaned to in my playing, melodic and calming- but I didnt realise it was "a thing"- Im glad I found your channel, and im not the only one that plays ambiance!

[@chordsoforion]

Yes, I've been around long enough that when I got hooked on delays and reverbs there wasn't anything called "ambient guitar". But whatever we collectively call it, I love it!

[@Juanfifarek]

Fripp is God! I got to go to one og his wall of sound classes in Silver Lake LA where we sat in circles and all had different open tunings on our guitars. Taped it on cassette but its M.I.A. One the best open jams of my life.

[@chordsoforion]

Sweet!

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Now this video really helped me decode what you were doing on your earlier albums. You’ve been able to consistently use minimalist guitar in an interesting way. I knew you weren’t using samples but couldn’t quite figure it out. I had never tried super long delays before. Thanks for the tips!

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi. I just came by to tell you that I like your videos very much although I am a piano player but also a synth programmer and sound designer. I love the things Robert Fripp does and for me the circle closes here :) Thanks to this series I got much inspiration for setting up synth effects chains. I love delay and distortion in that combination. I wish you a joyful time with lots of creativity, sounds and making music. Regards.

[@bestialdevastator6474]

I love your channel. It has inspired me to think of new sounds.

[@judeworth938]

I remember meeting Robert Fripp while working at Eventide. Fripp used Eventide 's digital delay lines in the early-mid 70's. Love this channel Bill. Thank you for the education and suggestions !

[@memalley]

fantastic. i am a fripp disciple and frippertronics player as well. love your technique.

[@jonesofohio]

Beautiful! Thank you so much for the tutorials! You are a great teacher!

[@chordsoforion]

And thanks very much to you for commenting and letting me know you are liking the videos!!

[@Skiptracer1981]

Your videos are excellent! Glad I stumbled across you!

[@jos8340]

Man this video has made my guitar playing so much more fun, thanks for the awesome videos!

[@chordsoforion]

I am really glad you are liking the vids. Thanks for letting me know!

[@grantturner8173]

Love Robert Fripp. Amazing work with Bowie/Eno. Along with Adrian Belew in King Crimson has done some groundbreaking work.

[@chordsoforion]

Totally agreed!

[@taunoctua245]

@@chordsoforion Big influence on my band Sylvia Bliss. I also play a Carvin guitar.

[@andrewjaman4697]

Thanks for doing this! I really enjoy your insights.

[@chordsoforion]

You are welcome!

[@Freyathrith]

Great teaching!

[@dalmaraz61]

Wow. I just stumbled across this series, and I really enjoy the tones and shapes you're getting here. It must have taken a long time to get these concepts together, thanks for not keeping it to yourself. I've been looking for some new musical direction for years, and I'm really digging this. Please keep us in the loop. Pun intended.

[@chordsoforion]

+Daniel Almaraz Ha! Will definitely keep you "in the loop"! And thanks so much for letting me know you are enjoying the series. More to come!

[@WJL91]

Fantastic video. Huge Robert Fripp fan myself, a great watch!

[@chordsoforion]

+Will Lynch So glad you liked the video. Fripp is worthy!!!

[@teopapadopol5034]

I find your videos useful for blues and jazz and even some metal stuff, a pleasure to watch you, keep on doing all these great videaos😉

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much for letting me know you are getting value from the vids!!!

[@BMIGuitarist]

The Holdsworth Carvin is stunning. Plays like butter I imagine. Thanks for the videos.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks to you too!!!

[@guybuddy1]

what a beautiful guitar... both looks and tone.

[@chordsoforion]

I've had it for something like 13 years. Still love it!

[@bobphillips3222]

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Fripp and observing a live demonstration of Frippertronics, at the wonderfully intimate venue of the Pike Place Cinema in Seattle, WA. This was in the late 70's. He was on a rare tour supporting the album "Under Heavy Manners," which I was involved in promoting. He was very gracious in agreeing to making this one-of-a-kind appearance.

[@chordsoforion]

I am totally jealous!!

[@bobphillips3222]

@@chordsoforion : I know. I felt fortunate. He was very enthusiastic about showing us how the record head/playback head loop thing worked. Composed something right there. And was a pretty snappy dresser, as always.

[@caryheuchert]

Nice guitar tones and soothing sounds, Bill...

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Love the solo tone used around 9:30, very glass like with a hint of Scottish bagpipes thrown in for good measure. I've just run across your channel but will go back and watch from the beginning. Great sounding guitar!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much!

[@srcross]

I must confess that I have been watching your videos for a year or so and haven't commented until now, so I am long overdue in expressing my appreciation! They are really wonderful to listen to and never fail to provide valuable tips and tricks for those of us into this sort of thing! I share your love of Robert Fripp's work! I have always been a huge Eno fan and had the opportunity to attend a Frippertronics lecture/demonstration that Mr. Fripp gave at McGill University during my undergrad days in the late 80s. He had huge loops of magnetic tape whirring around at the front of the lecture hall generating the most incredibly beautiful soundscape! My interest in the aesthetic potential of delay and repetition was forever piqued! Keep up the great work!

[@chordsoforion]

Wow. I am totally jealous that you got to see Fripp give a lecture! And thanks for hanging out here. I really appreciate it!!

[@srcross]

Yeah it was very cool! Take care! Currently shopping for a TC Triple Delay thanks to your videos. :) Either that or another Eventide H9 but I like the idea of a series of synced delays in one box that the TC brings to the table.

[@RorschachsVoice]

Such an amazing video. I'm actually a bass player and watched it strictly for educational purposes and thought it was phenomenal. Keep it up!

[@chordsoforion]

+Walter Kovacs Thanks! I think that this technique could be developed for bass too. I think that the note intervals would need to be a little wider in order to avoid a muddy sound, but there are a lot of possibilities.

[@rajasarapi8082]

Brian Eno taught this "sound on sound" technique to Robert Fripp. We learned this method in college back in the early 70s. Delay times could be varied by the distance between the two tape recorders.

[@SansampTubeMan]

This is amazing. Thanks

[@charlesgrey8651]

Yep!, ... brings back memories ❤

[@Rshields388]

First lesson that I’ve watched by you; amazing skills and very informative! 🙂 Oh and I agree with the Bob Ross of Guitar comment!

[@VIRGONOMICS]

Love it. Thanks

[@groovymrnate7]

I really like this series. No Pussyfooting and Evening Star were HUGE influences in my continuous development with guitar. I would even throw Bill Frisell's in there. I started experimenting with ambient guitar stuff in the 90's, using a Digitech EchoPlus pds 8000. I don't have that pedal anymore, but the Digitech Timebender was a good replacement. I use that then put them in my loop station so things get really out of hand in the studio. Thank you for the videos.

[@harounel-poussah6936]

The ART SGE/Multiverb racks have an infinite plate verb that I never found anywhere else (or smth sounding similar), in fact, it's not infinite, more likely 30s, but it's a kinda feeling your sound never ends, and I've found nothing similar with Eventide, Lexicon, TC... The Evening Star sound is the only one I dream to copy from another guitarist, but unless you get an EMS AKS to use as a multi-FX, it's a no-go... And good luck to find how the AKS was set up too...

[@PixelDeBurner]

You are awesome, these videos are really helpful !

[@chordsoforion]

+PixelDeBurner Thanks!!!!!

[@ifoundthistoday]

coolest thing I've seen in a while

[@carlosalomar2211]

Thank you very much, very useful indeed!.....

[@88omair]

That guitar looks amazing!

[@pablotorterolo1109]

Im a drummer and I absolutely loved this. Thank you!

[@jorgehernangiraldo2732]

THANKS FOR TEACHING.

[@longships9373]

WOW! Just WOW! I hope I'm as good at ambient as this. Playing great ambient is my goal as a guitar player

[@radio-friendlyunitshifter4670]

Wish I watched these videos when they came out... had to learn all this the hard way!

[@louisgrayson9068]

Brilliant video with a great humour

[@basti_marr]

Dude you are awesome, thank you for all these tips!

[@chordsoforion]

You are very welcome!

[@robguitarwizard]

I love that Carvin Guitar!

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Ambient music/guitar isn’t a scene I’m familiar with, but this tutorial has inspired me to try some new music!

[@georgesutton3870]

I really enjoyed these, they helped a lot.

[@chordsoforion]

+George Sutton Thanks so much for letting me know. I love sharing what I've learned, and it's great to know that others are getting some value from them!

[@mattstevensguitar]

Very nice sounds, I remember how hard it was to figure this stuff out when i was first starting. Good work

[@chordsoforion]

+Matt Stevens Thanks!!

[@boosh90]

I've actually been exploring frippertronic sounds for the last few weeks. My multifx can only do 2 second delay but you can still build up some cool textures

[@georgesutton3870]

Awesome video

[@relayer705]

Man I love Frippertronics!! Well Done!!! I love side one of Evening Star.

[@chordsoforion]

Evening Star = great!!

[@mrl0p3z]

Cheers! Sounding great!

[@chordsoforion]

+marcos lopez Thanks!!!

[@Pedalnerds]

Another excellent tutorial!

[@chordsoforion]

+Nathan Shafer (EchoEchoGuy) Thanks Nathan!

[@Michael_Moon4242]

Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to watch this video :)

[@chordsoforion]

+Michael Moon Music And thanks sooo much for letting me you enjoyed it!!!

[@Cesnakov]

king crimson drummer pat mastelotto has a project with slovakian jazz guitar player David Kollar, check out their band KOMARA

[@chordsoforion]

+Cesnakov David Kollar is awesome!!

[@svenjansen2134]

Will do!

[@Cptidris]

Thank you sir . That was very helpful and i did sub. Cheers

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much!!!

[@Mr316niles]

wow! Amazing. just started getting into Robert Fripp over the past couple if years. Great video, love the guitar and tone. i see its a Carvin, any particular model...

[@chordsoforion]

Glad you liked the video! The guitar is a Carvin HF2 Allan Holdsworth signature. They still make them under the Kiesel brand.

[@KarlHainer]

A great video.

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

Nice. I used to do similar things looping guitar or synths in early 80's using two Echoplexes, Big Muff, wa, Memory Man and trip out for hours, coming up with very dense, intricate soundscapes in stereo. They would get psychedelic and psychological. Now I use newer delays and looping pedals. Always a new universe to explore😉

[@chordsoforion]

Nice! Haven't used a real Echoplex for eons, but I always loved the results.

[@bradjaggard1836]

VERY cool!

[@diazconias]

I remember, before I knew delays exist (as a pedal), I recorded the six string notes in a cassette, and then play over. Needless to say that was a pain in the brain. If only youtube had existed. But, given that you never stop learning, your channel is a fountain of resorces. Even when I know the topic, always look for better or different ways to do it. Thank you.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks for letting me know you are getting some value from my videos. I've also learned a lot from all the great folks here on KZbin!

[@skok58]

Great sound!

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@MikhailMedvedev]

Bill, that's a very good tutorial! Liked it)

[@chordsoforion]

+Mikhail Medvedev Thanks!!

[@patdurkin2095]

Your channel is so dope.

[@meesalikeu]

i always wondered what frippertronics was exactly so thx

[@sryan5645]

Incredible sound my friend, thanks for sharing. Now to save up for the toys and have my own fun haha.

[@chordsoforion]

+Ryan Smith Yep - you need to do that!!! :-)

[@padiyanki]

Great guitar, great channel

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks so much!!

[@lucapulcina]

I love that guitar

[@StackerOnTube]

great work man!

[@chordsoforion]

+Michael L Maliner Thanks!

[@dogboydar1202]

This, plus EBow .... good stuff, Maynard !

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@TimothyBussMusic]

Filling my head up with more great ideas!!!

[@svenjansen2134]

And emptying your wallet!

[@IIrandhandleII]

Always thought it was fripptronics. Thanks for the video.

[@chordsoforion]

Here's an article on the topic if you are interested: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frippertronics

[@tristanvadimterranova8053]

Man. Even noticing it, you are my Ambient Guitar Guru.

[@drummingprince3]

Awesome

[@nathanmeans1548]

Excellent series! That squeezed distortion tone on this one really reminds me of Fripp on the Red album; not quite there (perhaps because you're playing lower notes), but close. Definitely close to the tone he had on No Pussyfooting, as well.

[@chordsoforion]

+Nathan Means I am glad you are liking the series! I will have to go back and listen to No Pussyfooting for the tone. Haven't heard it in a while... Thanks for commenting!

[@thaddeusgreear6349]

So awesome Bill. My introduction to ambient music was Lift Your Skinny Fists by Godspeed You! Black Emperor

[@svenjansen2134]

Great stuff!!

[@DannePlaysBass]

Wow this is really cool stuff and I think you sir have a very good way to explain the things going on. This makes me want to pick up a guitar again. Keep it up! :)

[@chordsoforion]

Please, please pick up a guitar again!! :-) Thanks so much!!

[@DannePlaysBass]

Maybe in the future! I feel more home with bass anyways. How about making a video where you apply the same concept of ambient music on bass guitar? Would be cool and there isn´t much out there!

[@shitmandood]

I recently watched a movie called Mandy and at the start of it, they had a song from King Crimson. I think that's the first time I've heard a song from this band, and it sounds really good so I was glad they were put into the start of a cult classic movie. :-)

[@vicarius6018]

You Sir, are a Beast.

[@AlobytesOgniddove]

beautiful voice

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks!

[@coolworld316]

excellent

[@AlexandrosRaXVIII]

With these echo/delay/reverb and delightful cello and viola tones, no one needs anymore LSD and hallucinogenic substances.

[@svenjansen2134]

Lovely Sound Displays

[@pyroseed13]

This is an awesome channel.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks for letting me know you are liking it!

[@yrgriin66]

Merci beaucoup pou cette vidéo. Je ne parle pas anglais mais votre leçon est très simple à comprendre !

[@dr.weaklicksofcrashedcurse4535]

Very interesting!

[@robsgirl6465]

Yes, indeed... indeed... indeed... Very cool... cool... cool... Bill, I'm soaking all this in... in... in... Thank you... you... you...

[@svenjansen2134]

I repeat myself when under stress.

[@lordsong7]

Love that Carvin Holdsworth

[@taunoctua245]

I also play a Carvin DN612 through my Roland.

[@jackwilliams6352]

Damage by David sylvian has of my favourite Fripp sounds

[@chordsoforion]

Excellent album!

[@jackwilliams6352]

+Chords Of Orion Indeed they did some great stuff together. damage itself is one of my favourite songs of all times

[@kentallard8852]

Eno invented it while messing around in a studio with Fripp, the initial version required Eno to control the two reel to reels and adjust the distance between them and was the basis of their two Fripp & Eno recordings, by the late 1970s Fripp had refined it to a one man set up that he could tour solo with and did an album with it

[@evlttwin]

There are no mistakes. Only happy ambience.

[@svenjansen2134]

Rule no1 from the book Bob Rules.

[@OceanMoonJack]

Bill, This is a video I keep returning to again and again. Are there any other tips/techniques you would recommend to further explore the sound of Frippertronics? I know you are stacked out with requests for videos, but if you ever decide to revisit FTs, this subscriber would be very happy! Peace, Jack

[@chordsoforion]

Wow Jack! Somehow I missed this comment from a while ago. I've released some other Frippertronics videos since you posted, more performance oriented. It does strike me that there is some ground left to go in terms of discussing the topic. I've got 2 matching tape decks and have been considering setting up to do a real tape-based FT episode. But besides that are there any aspects of FT you would like to see covered?