Chordplay - The Chords of Triumph

[@robd754]

Rik is truly the most under rated of all guitar players, just never got the respect he deserved..

[@robd754]

@@FURDOG1961 no doubt everyone has an unsung hero out there, but when you consider the commercial success of Triumph and the body of music which is still played on the air waves, its hard to understand why he is never listed the all time greats.. Frank kills , doubt

[@Yonder88]

I fell in love with "Allied Forces" which came out when I was 14 or so. Then I worked my way back through their catalogue. Rik was not only a great guitarist, but also a wonderful singer. I love Triumph!

[@TGormania]

I was the same age. I still have the vinyl.

[@muythaimutha]

Awesome choice Rik Emmitt was highly underrated

[@nonrevnosnibormetalbeerrev6251]

One of the best bands ever

[@Busyfingers24]

I saw Triumph back in '78 or '79...they opened for Rainbow. Although I was into them from Rock N Roll Machine and new Rik was great, seeing him live was a game changer for me. I remember it like yesterday, his crystal clear playing blew me away and when he came out with the doubleneck I swear you could hear a pin drop. Back then we actually listened and enjoyed live shows👍 Thanks Dave, you're channel kicks ass🤘

[@TreatzTMA]

Busyfingers 24 great story!! What a great double bill!!

[@wulfenii64]

The Just a Game album is a true gem.

[@uncleremus5046]

Underrated player for sure. Would love to see a BOC chord play another underrated player in Donald Roeser.

[@stringbender11672]

I agree. Good call on BÖC👍

[@TheCjbowman]

"Lay It On The Line", baby!

[@curtwehrmeyer124]

Rick Emmet is great. I believe after just hearing about Dave a month ago and watching 30 of his videos he is a master. Dave works on licks and chords outside the norm. His views are really expanding my playing. Thanks Dave.

[@jasonkeith9317]

Great lesson!!! Rik is a monster for sure not to mention a terrific vocalist to boot!

[@markrobinson8410]

Yes riks singing is underrated

[@Axe_Slinger]

@Jason Keith you don't happen to be from Detroit are you?

[@jasonkeith9317]

@@Axe_Slinger no sorry.

[@Axe_Slinger]

@@jasonkeith9317I appreciate you replying to such an old post! I Figured probably not but I went to school with a Jason Keith who was the guitarist in a band called Entice, he was replaced by Steve Stine (he wrote lessons for Guitar World for a few years and is pretty big on KZbin). The Jason Keith I knew was formerly in a band called Damage Inc (a Metallica cover band) whose drummer, Tommy Stewart, went on to play with Halloween (from Detroit), Lillian Axe and was Godsmack's drummer on the first two albums! Figured I'd take a chance and ask! For the record Rik Emmett is my all time favorite guitarist! He could play any style. Banger Films is putting out a Triumph Documentary called Lay It On The Line. They just recently did a ZZ TOP documentary.

[@jasonkeith9317]

@@Axe_Slinger wow that is super cool!

[@thrakd]

One of the greats ! Also the lead singer. Ultra talented. Always had the best tone. Saw them on the Sport of Kings tour with Malmsteen as the opening act. Killer!

[@stringbender11672]

Yesssss!!!! Rik Emmett is badass!!!!! Good one, bro!!! 🤟😎👍🖤🎸🎧

[@Olwehn]

Magic Power from Allied Forces, remember the first time I heard it, that was magic! one of their greatest songs, love it! I grew up with all that stuff, and most of the other players in your other videos, so many memories!! lol, Bratta, Tekro, Kotzen, Lynch, Jake E Lee, Marcello, and the list goes on and on! Keep up the good work man, you are the best!

[@bradhilton9113]

Triumph was one of my favorite bands in high school! Rik Emmett is an amazing guitarist!

[@michaelblack5030]

Follow your heart such a overlooked killer song

[@turkeeg7644]

Rik Emmett blew me away when I was a wee dreamer. Played acoustic, jazz, epic rock..... unbelievable player...and singer. The US festival preformance is just amazing.

[@billwilliams6338]

LATE NIGHT LESSONS, thanks for the Rik Emmett lesson I wish it was an 1 hour long because there is so many chords Rik Emmett uses he is an advance player using chords plus his 12string chords are creative. I haven't seen his stars lesson video but keep taking lessons from it and the guitar magazines lessons to show up more Rik Emmett in the future.

[@han36solo]

I saw them a couple times in the early mid '80's. Incredible live, Rik is an amazing performer, powerful voice. Singing and playing some great guitar simultain! Thanks David!

[@caryhud1]

I was one of the few that got to see Triumph play few weeks ago at the making of their documentary at MetalWorks studio. First time in 30 years just the three of them played.

[@gregc7227]

Great opening riff!

[@damonj69]

Rik was a major influence on my playing! Randy Rhoads got me started but I stumbled onto Rik and damn what a player.

[@TreatzTMA]

Damon Chaplin Two of my faves as well. My first Guitar For The Practicing Musician magazine had transcriptions of Fight the Good Fight and Flying High Again. First 2 solos I ever learned.

[@renecents]

Thank you.

[@waynebush7953]

Love Triumph! Rik Emmett is woefully underrated! So glad that I know better! Great video! Thanks!

[@leafamania1]

He was also a great singer

[@TreatzTMA]

leafamania1 like REALLY great singer lol. Sick talent.

[@TreatzTMA]

Dude just stop. You’re killing me with all this great stuff. I can’t tell you how much Rik influenced me. I took the Humber College Jazz program because of Rik I got to meet him and was so wowed I literally dropped my guitar lol. He was just crazy nice. Him and Steve Morse have been pals for a long time. There’s a great CBC doc from the 80s about Toronto guitar festival and Rik and Steve are there. I’ve always thought “Fight the Good Fight” and “Ordinary Man” back to back off of Allied Forces was just a monster tour de force of singing/songwriting/playing. They are, of course, Rik songs. Rik always elevated the band’s songwriting but he could put his rawk hat on for the Gil songs like “I Live For The Weekend” or “Tear The Roof Off”. Monster rock songs. I still love to sit down and pick up Rik’s licks. And love that Never Surrender part. I’ll stop. Thanks man😀🎸👍

[@marcv9467]

Love your Lessons and I've loved Rik Emmett's playing forever!!! Thank you.

[@johnbostrom9165]

I still remember hearing Triumph for the first time back in the early 80s. Always thought they were underrated because of comparisons to Rush. Next lesson recommendation: Y&T!!

[@Yonder88]

I second that!

[@eddiejr540]

"...Andy Warhols modern man builds a castle in the air...the deck is stacked but his house of cards goes as high as the market will bear"...Rik Emmett is a beast...i learned so much trying to play triumph songs....im sure i butchered the hell outta them tho...oh well, it was a heck of a lotta fun...great lesson DB...rock on my brother!!!!

[@dennydabbs9272]

Another Awesome lesson. The "Never Surrender" portion blew me away. Thanks Again..

[@TreatzTMA]

DENNY DABBS Agreed!! Love Triumph but was never too thrilled with Never Surrender. Maybe the production was a little lacking so I kind of overlooked it. Great riff though in hindsight

[@Bad_Phil]

Sweet! I cut my teeth playing "Rock n Roll Machine" in the late 70's \m/ … Still play his version of "Rocky Mountain Way"

[@Busyfingers24]

Great album! Wore the grooves off it when I was a sophomore in HS trying to learn his licks. Us old timers grew up with the best rock music👍

[@lanceross3633]

Same here Furious Phil

[@sbrave]

His playing and voice are still in excellent shape. Definitely not one of those 70/80's party burnout guys.

[@jusevibes3969]

Love Rik⚡️🇨🇦

[@StealthParrot]

What a great memory you have meeting Rik. I love how Rik put a classical piece on all the Triumph albums. I still have the Rik Emmett Star Licks video on VHS tape, LOL.Thanks for another awesome video David.

[@davidcoward7462]

Loved the "Glad Hands" tune and the cool stuff on "Never Surrender". Thanks for including these!!

[@crompton5751]

Killer lesson

[@GnL2004]

Yet another fantastic chord lesson, your break down was inspiring and informative. I can't help but be in awe of how fluid and effortless your playing looks. Thanks again for the lesson!

[@michaels656]

Finally. Thank you sir.

[@Jimbo1268]

There's a reason you don't see more Triumph cover songs in your local bars - not many people can play or figure out the guitar parts. Excellent lesson. Loved Triumph since 1984.

[@johnnypatterson77]

Mid Summer Day Dream is one of my all time favorites.

[@seanmiller7889]

Oh boy this is a good one!

[@markdakel9253]

Excellent job. Loved it. Thanks for covering Rik”

[@kevmet84]

Nice.😎 Seems like I recall Rik playing the 'Glad Hands' between songs back in the late 70s or early 80s during a show that aired on radio. And I don't think it was the King Biscuit Flower Hour or if it was, the bit was not included on the album that was released once King Biscuit started doing the albums of their shows for which I have several from shows I had caught originally via radio.

[@fbettr2627]

Rik EMMETT is an amazing musician, singer, songwriter and graphic artist (e.g., his Rocktoons in Hit Parader Magazine). Mr. EMMETT belongs in a special class of eclectic rock guitarists, like Steve HOWE, Neal SCHON, Tevor RABIN, Steve LUKATHER, Steve MORSE and Chris DeGARMO, i.e., more than a one-trick pony. TRIUMPH is one my favourite hard rock groups. Many observed that TRIUMPH and SCORPIONS were the highlights of Heavy Metal Sunday at the US Festival '83. Love your channel. Please keep up your excellent work!

[@gaesardone7954]

And what about the art cover , Never Surrender , Thunder Seven .. These vinyls are still hangin on my bedroom Walls

[@TreatzTMA]

Gae Sardone So overlooked these days!! All great but for me Allied Forces was it! Simple, clean and sharp.

[@kimchi2780]

YES!!! "Lay It On The Line" is one of my favorite songs.

[@lesvanbellon]

Rik so cool I was lucky to an invite to the Triumph fan fest a couple weeks back it's going to be part of the documentary there doing for Triumph..out next year in the fall sometime Lay it on the line👍🎸

[@mlasch1478]

David, the first song I learned end to end was the lead guitar part to Epilogue. WOW at you meeting Rik and his nice greeting to you. Double WOW at Steve Morse story. Once before a RUSH concert in Syracuse. while they were doing soundcheck, My buddies and I were skateboarding outside of the Carrier Dome and a Black fella joined us to skate on our boards. It was Jon Butcher from JB Axis, who was the opening act, we found out.

[@voronOsphere]

Excellent, I was one of several requesters for Rik Emmett just a few days ago! Thanks, David!

[@wakinginfinity]

Perfect pick! Love Rik’s playing and songwriting

[@mlasch1478]

David, you hit on all of my favorite Rik licks too. especially the Never Surrender chords.

[@ShanDobby]

So glad I discovered this channel. I've been a lifelong bass player and I'm just now starting out on electric guitar. Your teaching style is so relaxed and relatable. I especially enjoy your anecdotes on why you like these songs, and your experiences about how you first heard them and what not. Keep up the great work!

[@GMHG777]

Man that was quick, fantastic as usual Dave !!

[@lanceross3633]

I have the old Star Licks cassette from the 80s, Rik Emmett licks....I'm really old and love your lessons David. Cool that you opened for,and met him. Keep it up \m/. You are much needed David Brewster,thank you for all you do. I have a video of the U.S. Festival of Rik playing Lay it on the Line where he adds the "C" note you talked about.

[@darkmatter2632]

Holy Moly my friend. I absolutely love Rik Emmett. Thank you so much for this lesson! Haven’t heard his music in way, way too long. I look forward to part two. How do you feel about Vinnie Moore? ‘ Follow Your Heart ‘

[@jonbigg7385]

Thanks so much for this lesson David. Rik is one of my favorite players. He became my primary influence when I had just started playing after I first read about him in a 1981 GP article

[@bmoraski]

Love Triumph. Man this brings me back.

[@unfcknblvbl]

The massive tour that should have been - Triumph and Rush. Massive bands and sounds.

[@cduronm]

Found this a bit late….thanks for this, Rik Emmett is a great talent that is often overlooked…

[@timpryde1]

Glad to see Rik highlighted! First time I heard Triumph was the "Stages" live album...the guitar work, on top of his amazing vocals, had me hooked. The solo on "Rock N Roll Machine" is so melodic and soulful.

[@jerryc3240]

I'd watch an hour of you playing Rik's stuff

[@lxathu]

Your analogies and associations, like mentioning Accept here at 6:38, always hit the bullseye. You really know what you are speaking about, not only when it's music from the inside, but outside as well.

[@1086Guitarwanker]

Yes I totally wanted to request this one thank you

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

A friend bought the first Triumph album,and we loved it,saw them at a concert in the [very] early 80s ,spoilt by the sound system going wrong.

[@Dberesford10]

Love your channel. Your insights are always interesting and you cover a lot of the players I respect and the bands I grew up with (I’m 57.) Plus you have a good “teaching” voice. Really enjoy your stories as well. I’ve been a sub for about 8 months. Can’t believe you don’t have more subs. Should be over 100k. Thanks.

[@Scottocaster6668]

Sensei Dave: pulls "Glad Hands" out of his archive, breezes flawlessly thru it... LNL Minions: "Oh man, what's that??" 😝 Mentioned Accept, now please do Wolf Hoffman!! Great lesson as always 👍👍

[@fredrios1402]

Great demonstration bro...I think in a real way, as you are teaching us , you yourself are being taught yourself and rehoning your chops digging into all your techniques and favorite guitarists...along with the inspiration of teaching others...I have learned so much from you treatment of VH, Boston and Ritchie Blackmore...thanks brother in strings!!!..as you know we always like more of the 'man' the 'king'...you know who that is🙋

[@rjw7032]

Growing up in Scarborough (Toronto) Rick was a huge inspiration. Coping Rick and Kim Mitchell licks surely kept me learning challenging passages and phrasing as I hacked away at guitar. Please cover Kim Mitchell and Max Webster. Kim’s another killer player. Go Fer Soda and In the World of Giants are my favs to play.

[@toneconsultant]

Thank you. Rik was a beast, back in the day

[@christianneumann9027]

You are a great teacher. It makes me always big fun to listen to you.

[@JuddOakes]

This stuff is great love the song writing stuff he did wasn't just a shredder

[@Hulkcozzo]

You are reading my mind!!!

[@TreatzTMA]

Hulkcozzo dude my thoughts exactly. Dave is on 🔥 🔥

[@jameswilson3554]

Great channel..wow you just opened up a new door. Thank you for posting. Rik is top shelf all the way. Peace....

[@caryhud1]

This may be my favorite video of the year. Not just your channel. ANY CHANNEL

[@kurtisr2339]

Your videos are always top shelf, David. This one in particular is a DeLorean for me. I've always been a huge Rik Emmett/Triumph fan. I bought Guitar Player for his articles, had the Star Licks on VHS. Also: props for the BBA poster! I've long felt their DNA was mingled with Stevie Wonder's in SRV's "Superstition".

[@davidbaron8330]

Rik's D arpeggio thing probably comes from Jimmy Page (who was a huge influence) or even Townshend.

[@ericriggs501]

Emmet is a SOLID player and one of my favorite players. Suit Case Blues is by far my #1 from his playlist. Good Job David! Now do Randy Jackson of Zebra!

[@HEADBANGRR]

Cool lesson. Thank you

[@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737]

Check out Rik's Star Licks video from 1985 for (lol,just mentioned it as I watch) everything from beginner to advanced players. Rik's Jazz and Classical chops are superb.

[@jmata4237]

Thank you again!👍🏼

[@SeriousPoo]

Another great video, thank you so much! Huge huge huge Rik Emmett fan, this made my week.

[@mikestoner1]

It's all-request December! (so far)

[@benhard8832]

I love Rik Emmett! Definitely it's a Monster musician, awesome guitar player and Also wonderful singer! Triumph it's one of greatest Bands Ever! As Well.

[@joerobinson2538]

I knew it was coming! Thanks David!🎸🎸🎸

[@STAMPER-DESIGN]

Thank you. Forgot about Triumph completely.

[@costin9991]

do the same with brian may and queen!

[@jimwinters3986]

Rik Emmett was always a favorite. He's a legit well-rounded player. Hits aside, I admit to not really hearing much after Allied Forces. I think my listening habits were searching other things by that time. I managed to see Triumph on the Progressions of Power tour. A band called Fly by Night opened. Can't imagine it was any relation to Rush.

[@monsterkxf]

Great band, classic tunes. Thanks!! 🤘🤘

[@mikesparks3398]

one of my top 10 bands!

[@irwinm2001]

Thanks for another great Chordplay, Rik is one of my favorite players to this day. I did the same as you back in the day Dave, went right to Rik's lesson when I got my GP every month! That part on Never Surrender is pretty sick, especially when you think about the fact that we was singing while he was playing that complicated part. I saw Triumph live in '87 (I think?) and was lucky enough to be right at the stage and remembered watching him play that tune. Dude is just such a great player and singer.

[@jhalagan]

My usual: Montrose, Derringer, Be Bop Deluxe (Bill Nelson) request. These vids are excellent, thanks!

[@mcmac1272]

Awesome!!!

[@christineblack4654]

The blinding light show is one of the best song in the world! :)

[@evanspotvin5519]

Thanks for that and your playing is amazing!

[@guitarmemoir]

All Canadian guitarists are great guys. ;-)

[@rudiger1337]

My favorite utube channel. Glad I found it. GJ

[@vincentgarzoli3197]

Lol! Great lesson. And YES Rik is a true MONSTER MUSICIAN, not just as a singer-songwriter-guitarist, but he has moved to the other side of the glass and now produces younger bands. As long as you are taking suggestions from the glory days of AOR....How about Aldo NOVA? Not only did he have that killer debut, but he also had a number of his songs and instrumentals used as the intro for several radio shows--VERY recognizable themes, but probably few listeners realize who the artist is.

[@TGormania]

I will always remember an interview with Rik where he stated that he was left handed and that it did not make sense to play guitar left handed since his dominate hand wouldn't be on the fretboard. I am sure that it was a lot harder to find the lefty back in the day also. When I would do an 'instructional' video I would alter the video so that it looked like I was playing as a lefty. I remember Rik stating in either that same interview or another one that it made sense that if you played right handed and the instructor was playing left handed that it was like a mirror and easier to follow the lesson. Saw Triumph in 85 with Helix (I think). Glad you are showing some love to some great Canadian players lately. Next thing you know you will be doing one of these about Kim Mitchell or Jeff Martin or Brian MacLeod or Randy Bachman or Jeff Healey or Piggy or...

[@normanwhaley1384]

As a Canadian we wake up to "Lay it on the lIne" :-)

[@drg659]

Great job !!

[@tcrane8630]

Gil Moore is one of the greatest drummer / singers ever. Incredible range