How to Play The Spirit of Radio by RUSH on Guitar

[@magneto7930]

Alex has this friendly neighbor personality, smiling and willing to stop by and say hello. Such a down to earth spirit and a talented individual.

[@billyfoster3223]

Great guy! So talented!

[@BarefootBill]

Of course, He's Canadian.

[@billyfoster3223]

@@BarefootBill Yep, as a Southerner I can appreciate stuff from other countries!

[@gedhead]

I met him twice in fan-meeting situations and both times, he was like as you describe. A sincere, warm, authentic individual grateful people love his music.

[@rebellucy5610]

All the Rush members are on another level when it comes to being a rock star. Class Acts. RIP Neil Peart.

[@User_Name26]

Lots of musicians change after they become famous, but not this man. The way he speaks, and just mentions his own screw ups makes him so human and lively. Truly an amazing guitarist. RIP Neil Peart

[@gmr7494]

I have no intention of learning how to play this song. I just like watching him talk about it...very enjoyable. I know hes played this tune millions of times, but he still looks like hes enjoying it! such a great guitarist

[@ensignofindustry1033]

And patient in teaching it.

[@TBP-st3bn]

How cool is it that you can learn to play Spirit of Radio from the man himself??

[@Space_Comma_17]

So cool! It's awesome!

[@ecarpenga2824]

Very kool..thanks alex

[@jennysaranac4454]

He's doin' it wrong! LOL!!! .

[@chrisdowell4268]

@@jennysaranac4454 Do you think he's gonna tell us how he really plays it? Very naive...

[@jennysaranac4454]

@@chrisdowell4268 Why the failure? I already know, as do thousands, how to play it, correctly.

[@Dr.M.VincentCurley]

"My problem playing that is...." ... "I get dirty looks from Geddy and Neil" ... wow, just made my day

[@orange_cat]

Wow. That's when you know you've arrived as a musician, I can barely imagine it when Neil and Geddy give you dirty looks.

[@kidvishus4725]

R.u.sireyus

[@gunnersaurusrex9]

'you have to be careful aboot that'

[@NeilPeelParanormalPeepShow]

There is a direct from the desk recording out there of Alex playing Spirit, and you can clearly hear him drifting out of time.

[@Metal-Detecting-NC]

@17:36 Interview @20:32 Intro @22:30 Riff @24:07 Verse One @26:11 Chorus @28:53 Bridge (no audio) @34:20 Solo (audio returns) @37:18 Outro @37:56 Performance

[@kle1134]

wonder what's up with the audio leaving for that part?

[@telecasterblasterrr]

Where's the sound on third video??

[@kenkuchnicki9012]

taylor ape you mean it has different notes when he plays it slowly? Yes I thought so. He is missing the open e note in between phrases

[@Krullmatic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@paxmule]

*Thank You!!!!!!!!!!*

[@matthewmp111]

One of the most underrated guitarists for sure! Cheers Alex. RIP Mr. Peart

[@mysonsmom9754]

The finest rock band. Hands down. Like fine master craftsmen of music. There will never be another band like Rush.

[@hayjiggins7308]

I love how he gives so much homage to his influences. The funniest part though is that rush technically exceeded most of the bands he mentioned

[@everettmenard8250]

Hay Jiggins I love your comment dude about Alex lifeson. He's definitely a few notches Above the Rest if not for his guitar then for his humble persona. I love the dude always have

[@Dzeroed]

25:20 *Alex:* _Don't y'all just love those notes ringing out?_ *Me:* I do my man. I certainly do indeed. 🤘

[@burnindownthehouse]

Isn't this just the coolest dude ever?

[@nexusreplicant143]

I almost feel like he could come by so we have some beer and learn guitar things from him at home. Who can blame me for dreaming?

[@greenbanananas]

Probably the best walkthrough of a classic song by the original artist on youtube. And he looks like your next door neighbour.

[@deecanuck5514]

Would totally loan him my hedge clippers. And make tire tracks in his driveway if he was away at Christmastime.

[@ensignofindustry1033]

What a patient, humble, and passionate teacher. It's almost like he's pretending the camera is a long awaited friend.

[@SanDiegoNico]

Of course, The one part of the song I was really wanting to learn (the bridge before the solo) has no volume on this video. Thanks Universe.

[@brandonhopwood3532]

Wow same .

[@JeffJefferyUK]

Have you learnt it since from elsewhere?

[@LeandroFariasdaCosta]

hahahaha, the same bro hahahha

[@SanDiegoNico]

@@JeffJefferyUK very late reply here…apologies. And unfortunately, no. :(

[@someoneelse6934]

You do realize the tabs for that section are on the screen, right? 29:00

[@jetbaxter7259]

I'm a beginner guitarist, started learning from KZbin 2 years ago. Now this "Celtic" lick will be a huge challenge for me to learn. Thank you Alex for the lesson. Who'd have ever thought that at age 60 I'd be learning how to play Rush. I remember back in the early 1970's, they played my high school! I play for fun, too old to have dreams of being a rock star, maybe one in my mind...lol!

[@billythekid7090]

Man he’s so cool, humble and down to earth, I’m 61 years old and have been playing since I was 15 and am still learning stuff every day from other players

[@ultrahighgain412]

Listening to Alex tells us exactly how and why Rush worked so well and for so long. No big egos, love of playing, a willingness to share and support each other’s creative ideas. Pretty amazing as most musicians seem to be very insecure, selfish, and hostile towards any criticism. Guitar players in particular.

[@MehYam2112]

It's really cool to hear him plunking out these notes with that clean sound. Brings it down to earth.

[@tonykelly4454]

Hello Alex, I first found and bought 2112 during my first job at a local butchers shop. I am 54 now, and I will never forget the, dare I say it, rush and joy and mysticism I felt before I could finish work, go home and play it. WOW !! what a defining moment in my life and I thank you all for that memory. I remember feeling that in the 2112 story it was your feeling of just how amazing it is to pluck those first strings. Tony

[@OverlandOne]

I really can not understand the comments saying :"He is not playing that right." The man wrote this part and has played it...I don't know...maybe a million times? So we have 84 thumbs down because this is not correct? I, for one, really appreciated him taking the time to show us how he plays this song that HE wrote.

[@Pokerface-tr1ds]

Purists... they are a hard bunch to please belive me that and that's why I avoid them as good as I can....

[@fgs2732]

Some people are just wack jobs. This proves there are at least 84 of them

[@someoneelse6934]

Ummmm… maybe it was a sarcastic joke?

[@OverlandOne]

@@someoneelse6934 Ummm no, I do not think so. A joke would have been funny. This is pathetic.

[@ChippXelNaga]

Alex's way of playing is unique as hell.

[@bradmcgraw9356]

Some pretty cool guitar riffs and licks! This song has some of my favs in it and could never play them right until now lol

[@Niz249]

Great lesson by Alex! He comes off as very approachable and likeable. He is a tremendously gifted guitarist and song writer. Rush gave us so much great music in over 40 years! The one chord he says he doesn’t know the name to is just and E major chord with the 3rd G# in the root E/G#. It is also interesting that he uses a G# major in one section instead of the E/G# chord, which no tab that I have seen gets right. The intro is also tricky but he shows you how to do it well!

[@halleffect1]

Wow, what a gift seeing the master break down his work. Hearing this as a kid and being blown away by it, I'm so grateful to see Alex share with us. Such a great talent, not to mention humble and very humorous.

[@HomeCSPInc]

Got to meet Alex and the guys backstage after Hemisphere's show in Houston '79, my first concert at 16. Super nice guys. Cheers to their success. Can't believe this doesn't have a million hits.

[@cbeezey]

@25:00 that section is gold. "Don't cha just love those notes ringing out?" Why yes, yes we do.

[@EGance]

If all Canadians are like Alex, lemme say, you guys are blessed! Such a down-to-earth, cool dude!

[@JohnPW22]

A guitar lesson by the great Alex Lifeson himself! This needs more hits!

[@iVideosongs]

We could not agree more. Share with your comrades.

[@JohnPW22]

Done!

[@joebobhenrybob2000]

JohnPW22 ....and more cowbell!!!

[@glenndemkow3314]

You have to fix the fact that the audio disappears at the 29 minute mark!!!

[@phillipgoodwin5375]

@@JohnPW22 lpol plop

[@timramm1]

What a nice bloke it cost nothing to be nice and what you have to offer can make a huge difference to someone's life

[@robbiehawkins2455]

i am a huge rush fan. i play bass and geddy is my hero. alex dont get near enuf credit for his guitar playing. those chords and notes are very well thought out and planned. thank you alex. i am learning parts that i was playing wrong for 30 yrs now. i wish you would do this for as many of the rush songs as you could. and talk geddy into doing these lessons for bass!!

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Truly amazing watching him do that. What a musician.

[@trblemkr1d106]

I love a fairly wide range of music ( I've never limited myself ) . But , listening to Alex Lifeson and David Gilmore do their solos sends me reeling into another world ! Comfortably Numb and the solo on Big Money ARE ABSOLUTE GUITAR MASTERPIECES .... HANDS DOWN !

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

"This lovely chord. I don't know the name of it but it's a great chord." LOL!

[@deecanuck5514]

gold

[@jessechalif2428]

It’s E/G#

[@themysteryfarm]

@@jessechalif2428 E5/G#

[@kevinforbush4542]

Very down to earth...hard to comprehend why someone with that talent would take the time to teach to that level... He seems so kind.

[@dph42]

I love having this to help me learn their songs but anyone else notice that the TAB supplied is not what he plays? Over the years I have always purchased the "Official" TAB books so that the artist would get their part, however I have the same problem with them, many of them are not only not accurate but at times notated in an entirely different position that makes it impossible to play. Watching Alex play has enlightened me into how he gets his unique sound. Thank God for KZbin!

[@joshparks7692]

On that “note,” it looks to me like he’s playing the wrong ones on the run that goes into the reggae part. It starts with three D’s (third string 7th fret) on the studio version and tabs, and he ends it differently from the studio version too.

[@streetworkoutnation6851]

I don’t think Alex wrote the music down on tab. So it’s up to a random person to write it on the tab. So you either gotta trust Alex himself or the person who wrote it down. Same with Neil he never wrote down any drum parts so some sheet music it’s just straight up wrong

[@Pogey_Bait]

The easiest part of this song (just my opinion) is the reggae part and it also just takes it to a whole different level. I was always fascinated by this song as a kid with just how much it changes and crosses so many cultural boundaries. I was never a big Rush fan either for whatever reason, but the older I get, the more I understand how damn good they are. There are no bands like them. Rush really made their own sound and owned it.

[@anthonyglennmollicasr.425]

I wish all stars were as down to earth as Alex. Sometimes the fame and money go to their heads. Thank you for everything Alex.

[@Ebiru2387]

Alex is so genuine! I could listen to him for hours!

[@elguapo1507]

A brilliant guitarist and a thoroughly nice bloke, just like Geddy and of course how Neil was too! I still listen to Rush all the time and have done since about 1980! I'll never tire of their incredible music!

[@mjmcnult]

At 18:00 He's talking about FM radio in Canada, which, at the time, played a large variety of music in long, uninterrupted segments, without a lot of advertising.

[@greg1563]

I believe he's really referring to Toronto independent station CFNY 102.1 FM, whose slogan WAS "The Spirit of Radio"

[@splonko9788]

You know I love listening to Neil speak because of his calm low voice and I always feel I learn something new, but Alex’s voice is so soft and pleasant I could listen to him all day too

[@StarmanTrump]

Mister Lifeson sir, thank you. In my opinion, you are the greatest of all time. The consummate musician.

[@barrysmith916]

Permanent waves one of my favorite albums by Rush. High school wasn't so bad with this song and Red Barcheta in the background. They were so far ahead of everyone else. Great song Alex. The lyrics are fantastic. People will get it eventually. Begin the day with a friendly voice .

[@cprservices2484]

This is so cool. I wish I saw this 30 years ago when I was in a cover band. My job would of been so much easier instead of countless hours rewinding a cassette tape a million times. Lol

[@moshfists]

CPR Services And then that moment the tape twists and breaks! Aaaaarrggghhh! 😂

[@MrUnit731]

Hahah :) I know what you mean. I wasn't in a "cover band", but in the 80's, when we were kids, we had to learn from someone, so we started with Rush. 11 years old :D

[@gravydavy4188]

I could never ever do it, it drove me crazy. It's much easier now we have the internet. I learnt first by teaching myself how to do tabs with an eagles song book, some complicated stuff.

[@sheldonclark7168]

CPR Services yep! I bet I can still rewind and stop a cassette at the exact spot I want.

[@Scottocaster6668]

You young guys, haha. I had to use these black 12" round plastic things 😄😄

[@pamnichols7877]

What an amazing man! So humble with his extraordinary talent. He can flat rock my world! Love Rush! Rest easy Neil. You have mentored my son who is a drummer. Very sad about this news. Your legacy will be sustained through your music and Rush!

[@jeepmanxj]

You can tell he still finds joy in playing those songs.

[@philipsenger3365]

So nice to see the Master in action. A true professional and gentlemen. These guys never forgot where they came from or how they got there. Thanks for sharing!

[@jebby16]

This song is the reason why I became a RUSH fan. In 6th grade we had a "Show and tell" session in Music class. Students were to bring an album from home and show it to class. It was awesome.

[@thebestSteven]

I love how rush always talk about themselves as if no one knows who they are. I've been reading through Ghost Rider this year (R.I.P the G.O.A.T) and he always talks about them as if we just happened to stumble upon his book.

[@teecee5064]

I did not get the "Keltic" reference you made until you finger whipped the opening riff, I can't believe after all these years I never picked that up!!! I dig watching and learning from you Alex, please, continue to help the rest of us 50 somethingyearolds pretend we are 23 and on tour!!!

[@matnichol]

It comes across as banjo style without the effects.

[@someoneelse6934]

Sounds like bagpipes

[@djwgates]

Far out. September 18th is my birthday. I love this guy. So sincere. I'm dyslectic and always had problems reading notes. I took guitar lessons for 12 straight years. I go to the point he describes where you can virtually play anything without thinking about it. Then I had kids and let the hobby slip. I have always wondered what is in the composer's head. How do they come up with incredible music. This is a true rock star and an amazingly down to earth person. Thanks for the incite and the tips. I'm inspired again.

[@davepaul8640]

A lesson straight from the horses mouth! Love it! What I noticed, for the intro, there’s the e note after the d note (3rd fret B strong). What made it easy for me to hit that e note was to roll my finger that’s fretted on the B string, 3rd fret, over the open e. To me, it didn’t sound right picking that e note, well feel right. Just be sure you don’t pull off the 3rd fret B string as you may gain the B note. This technique goes for all 3rd fret B string notes. (D note) For those who are struggling on the intro.

[@mykemech]

He even skips the open E after the D notes, which confused me, but then he put them in at speed, which then vindicated me...lol Which, looking back, is what you said...

[@maryjohnson5377]

@@mykemech I noticed that too, when he left the E out in the slow version it makes it seem much easier to play fast but it doesn't flow, it kind of stutters. Then when he played at full speed he picked the E in there and it was correct. Its hard to pick that E note at full speed for me though :(

[@joetahoe777]

My God, this would be like Dennis De Young showing me how to play Come Sail Away on the piano! It makes me want to pick up the guitar again without the frustration. It will sound exactly the way it should instead of someone else’s rendition. I’ve seen Steve Howe of Yes give some lessons, but nothing as detailed as this. I hope you guitarists out there appreciate this rare gift. I wish more artists would share their secrets. This song will live forever now. Thank you!

[@SoittajaMake]

Alex! I'm just like you - from the very beginning. The strings were one inch from the fretboard, the sound came out from my mouth instead of the guitar I had bought from my late, passed away, brother when I was 11 years old. My bro couldn't keep up the rythm, so he gave up and sold his xmas present. I found some iron string at the garage, so I turned this little Russian made (Sonya) guitar into a bass. This is how we differ. The first group I was in, I played drums. After a few months the other fellows found out, that I played guitar like Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow). But unfortunately we broke apart and didn't make any records. Now I'm five years closer to hundred years, owning 7 guitars, an old synthesizer (Yamaha SY-35), Yamaha electric drums. Some sort of a digital studio..... Nowadays I've been practising playin' bass guitar. Neil: definitely the best drummer - worldwide :) Geddy: The most talented bass player on the planet :) Alex: You are - like I said - phenomenal guitar player, an idol for many artists to come, Thank You! :) :) :)

[@jeffreyolenick4132]

I think its interesting watching him have to think through it and kind of stumble as he tries to explain and play it at a slower speed. Hes so used to playing it by muscle memory having to slow down and think about it throws him off a bit. Shows hes human.

[@rocn4u]

So humble yet a musical genius!! Love Rush. Such a talented band

[@glennorange]

21:55 That Elvis-like sneer/smile! Remember seeing that so many times on stage!

[@jasonhoffman2168]

What I love most about Rush is that they do not really seem to have ego’s. They definitely set the standard for Prog Rock.

[@mytemight]

Thanks Alex! I been playing rush tunes ever since you guys went into production. Now my grandson is learning Rush also what great inspiration you've made!

[@carloseduardooliveira22]

Thanks master Lifeson

[@rorromorro3839]

Amazing artist and humble to boot! That is level one Class. In complete awe of his persona, genuine nature, and love for the craft.

[@vincemarshall8550]

not only to see the man play but to think they actually constructed this is fantastic

[@stickbender2742]

An excellent human being. Thanks Alex,. You are a great friend to the soul.

[@massapower]

The Musicianship from these amazing Canadians is incredible and the arrangements are KILLERS ! 😎🤘

[@SymonSaysTV]

I know absolutely nothing about guitar, I don’t know what a G or an E mean, I don’t know how they twist their fingers or remember where to put them, but I find it facinating to watch, especially when it comes to arguably the most recognizable riffs in music history. And what a privilege to see the master himself play his own song up close. Behind his tough face, I didn’t know he was such a nice guy. On a funny note; it’s funny to see that even the author of a tune himself gets muted by KZbin while playing his own creation. lol.

[@ryanramsey1086]

let's just call it the Alex Lifeson Chord.

[@marshallgeorge3819]

It is also in Entre Nous

[@Red_Dead_Director]

this is a downvote-proof comment

[@eliasmg9144]

Lifeson chord for short

[@eliasmg9144]

btw which chord? I think I missed it

[@ryanramsey1086]

he said" this chord,I don't really know what its called ".

[@ChadwickHubbard]

He’s a legend. Man I wish I would have seen more shows. I didn’t discover them until I was like 13 or 14. By then, it was 1997. Saw them in 2002 and again a little later on. What a group.

[@setasan]

Such a humble guy you almost can't tell he is a guitar god part of one of the best bands in music history. Alex Lifeson, thanks for all.

[@kb9vsb]

I know you made this several years ago, however Thank you ! I could listen to your lessons for hours in my home! Thank you!

[@stevencercy6665]

This riff, above all others for me at the time, was literally and figuratively electrifying. I couldn't make heads or tails of it and it was just so intoxicating to listen to, over and over again. I got close to figuring it out on my own eventually, but it simply doesn't get any better than to learn it from the mastermind himself. I am so grateful for this band and all they created.

[@Slpenda3]

Wow ! I'm so impressed !!! I watch his fingers going so fast all around, when he played. Look so tought to me. Alex is a realy great master guitare player and he's so cool !!!

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

What a complete awesome down to earth cool dude !!! First album I purchased with my own money, Moving Pictures.... Wow, brings back some really good memories! Alex is one of the most underated guitar players, but to the many RUSH fans world wide, he rules !!! Legend in my book !!!!

[@nexusreplicant143]

Well, I wouldn't say he's most underated. Of course he's not mainstream either. And he's also been a big influencer on many others like John Petrucci, for example, as John acknowledges it in another KZbin video.

[@MrUnit731]

He's not underated among musicians or other people who understand music :)

[@caseysniper308]

i too grew up with hendrix! and the rest of the bands you're listing. the hardest guitar to learn for me has been my favorite band RUSH! i can , or my my wife says i can play hendrix, skynyrd, blues but my RUSH is lacking. teach me more and thanks for sharing your expert playing

[@jamesromanski8508]

Alex, Tanks for this. Been trading "how to play" your songs on pal's couches since I was fourteen. So much fun getting it right form you this way. James

[@lavendarguitar5517]

What a class act..... true gentleman.... and legendary player

[@PBRStreetgang]

Yeah, he’s a brilliant guitarist but really I wish this guy was my neighbor lol. He’s so understated and humble, much like Geddy and Neil. Looking forward to see what Alex does next musically.

[@reessoft9416]

Just in case you don't know...he's recently been working on a project called Envy of None. He's also been working on some material with Kirk Hammett and Tom Morello.

[@roycarson5327]

My guitar teacher was a huge Rush fan, 2 months into my weekly lessons he started teaching me Laville D Strangiatro from Exit stage Left. I never mastered the fast licks at the time but it was a great learning experience

[@ryanboshell6124]

My guitar teacher was in a Rush tribute band.

[@barney42goldie48]

What an absolute gentleman is Alex.

[@EnmandsBand1]

I was 17 when this album blew me away and I'm practicing it now at 59 before my fingers get too old and slow... thank you good (and funny) guy Alex :-D

[@MrJetplanemusic]

That "Celtic" lick is so satisfying to watch him play at full speed. His fretting hand and fingers just kind of "skate" along.

[@dariomichetti2374]

I really like that as a member of one of the most influential prog bands ever he just goes like " and then you slide on this chord here, i don't don't know what it is but its lovely".

[@marvinlemartien2186]

i find it amazing to have video’s of Alex Lifeson taking time to explain everything like this ! wow !!!

[@PatrickAshe41]

"It's not really that difficult" *proceeds to play the one part of the song I have trouble playing*

[@HeribertoRangelM]

All the story and background he gives is as amazing as the song itself!

[@grassyknollblues]

Everyone in Rush are so great with their craft. Wonderful people

[@joshuaingram]

Thank you, Mr. Lifeson, for doing this video.

[@danielbenson5858]

I love that the 'Celtic' intro, when you hear it separate from the song and with him swinging along with it, it wouldn't go amiss from Spinal Tap's 'Stonehenge'. :D

[@CruceEntertainment]

My belief is play it how you want, make it your own, have fun with it, as long as it sounds good and you like how it sounds. Especially the chords. But some of the parts like the intro, it does help to see how he plays that. It definitely helped me. Thanks Alex!!

[@rickcastillo3573]

So cool. Thank you Alex!

[@jonathansheeder5153]

I like how he talks about parts of a song being "hard" for him. Very humble.

[@LoudValves]

oh the humanity.... Alex IS one of us ;) ( how could it possibly be otherwise ...??)

[@jesseserna8424]

Rush was my favorite rock band back in the 80s, I seen them in concert (center 2nd row )playing my favorite tune “Red Barchetta “ crowd went wild at 58 now I will never forget.

[@davidmarquez4342]

In his home studio... amazing. At the beginning I never identified the reggae tunes in this song, that is how great they constructed this song.

[@in2livinit]

Thank you Sir for sharing so openly and humbly. Spirit of Radio was one of the 1st difficult songs I attempted the play when I started wanting to be a rock guitarist at 15. Thanks for all the great music !!!

[@marcosberaha9014]

The best guitar riff of all the times are from alex

[@RN-wl6cs]

When he starts to move his fingers demonstrating the intro and says it is not a difficult part ... me thinking wth. Of course I am not a guitar player, but seeing his fingers move so quickly in a small space seems very difficult. And yet he makes it look so easy. At times his fingers are moving so fast that it is like watching a magician. RIP Neil Peart. I will never forget RUSH. Thank you for all the years of creating songs that resonated with me.

[@thefridayproject22]

When he plays the intro slowly you can really hear the celtic vibe he's talking about! Amazing!

[@Rob-xg9cx]

Frenetic is not a strong enough word for this opening!! 🤣 C'mon flow! I have to warm up 15-30 minutes before I practice this verse. I'm in my 50's and a lifetime Rush fan. I took up guitar in Mar of 2020 with the goal of learning something new during the pandemic. So grateful to find a master, openly sharing his experience, insight, and stories. Thank you! Were there ever live performances when you felt you were struggling with this opening?

[@LessonLearnt101]

What a Legend this guy is .

[@JEFFERY64]

WOW!!!!! Alex is phenomenal and just down to earth as a man can be

[@joesammy4343]

What a priviledge to watch. Thank you Alex