"Lay It On The Line" Guitar Lesson by Triumph's Rik Emmett

www.cbcmusic.ca
Triumph's Rik Emmett shows you how to play on guitar 'Lay it on the Line' one of Triumph's greatest hits.

[@in2livinit]

Music theory Genius. Killer pipes. Excellent songwriter. and remember, Rik was all of TWENTY freakin FIVE when "Lay it on the Line" was recorded for their "Just a Game" album. CONSUMMATE Musician and Guitarist. And Rik if you're ever reading these, I want to thank you. In Easter 1979 when I was 15 & just before I became an intolerably defiant obnoxious 16yo, my parent's forced me to go to Hawaii with them, and I was MISERABLE. Then, the 1st day there I was at the pool by myself brooding & listening to my early fm radio "boombox" BLASTING "Lay It On The Line" and an Angelically BEAUTIFUL 15 year old girl named Shelley walked up and said "I love Triumph, I'm from Canada" and after I picked my chin off the pool deck, stopped drooling on myself and relearned how to talk, I said "Hey what's up. I'm from California, and I dig ROCK" ( rofl ). I got to hang out with her for a week, as CRAZY luck would have it, in both Hilo AND Kona. We kept in touch, but I joined the US Navy exactly 2 years later and ended up on the East Coast ( she was from Kelowna ) and young 1st love faded into memories. But I will never forget her. Or her annoying little brother LOL. So thanks Rik, your song brought me amazing luck, and decades of smiles & memories of an innocent young Canadian Angel. I even picked up guitar after that. But I NEVER mastered your lead, no luck with "that" haha. So Cheers Rik, stick around til you're 100 sharing your musicianship. Then "YOU" try playing that solo haha !!! Rock On, Mark

[@The1WhoKnowsTheTruth]

What kind of human scum would give THIS man teaching THIS song a thumbs down. Keeps me up nights......fucking scary world we live in.

[@cbcmusic]

lol

[@erro7653]

Those who are jealous as hell that they can’t play anything like what Rik can.

[@ArpeggioBeast]

you hit it on the head brother. Jealous

[@brianralph5036]

no ffnn doubt man rik emmet smokes

[@donrutter6765]

Democrats are known for their thumbs down. Scum.

[@johnnytruck2009]

I never get tired of Triumph. All these years later Rick rocks! I'm a fan for life.

[@acemacen4173]

Rik is such a great musician, composer, player and singer. I wish Triumph were still around . Great band!

[@The68lespaul]

100% AGREE !!

[@ChicagoCubs4Life89]

Anybody notice how he just goes into singing with no effort. Rik is amazing! Kicks infinite ass on the daily!

[@cbcmusic]

+Ryan Rodriguez lol..

[@ancientveritas481]

He is almost trying NOT to sing! It just comes so naturally to his mind.

[@taffythecat1]

I miss these kind of people and their music. Masters of a craft.

[@foorankoo9274]

You mean music made by hand? I miss it, too

[@vracan]

@@foorankoo9274 yes instead of computers

[@robd754]

here's the solo... so have fun with that one!!

[@etherlords88]

My fingers revolted XD

[@ancientveritas481]

No problem, right⁉️

[@in5d]

Thanks, Rik! What idiot could possibly give you a thumbs down ON YOUR OWN SONG???

[@sega62s]

in5d maybe some people who are trolling, why concentrate your energy toward them when thousand like it?

[@mooner2410]

Such an awesome musician,so underrated..I can still remember when they absolutely stole the show and blew everyone out of the water at the 1983 US Fest..

[@cbcmusic]

That's great - glad you got to catch them live!

[@edgarfoerster9831]

Yep! Van Halen headed that festival as well! Awesome era to be alive in it was for sure.

[@geraldhartley]

One of the greatest rock songs ever written.

[@niltomega2978]

I have always thought Rik was amazing! I like to Google live performances, like many of you do, to see who can deliver live versus who is kind of put together in the studio?? My god those pipes with those guitar skills together...just over the top.!

[@jtmichaelson]

Needless to say, that is one of the greatest guitar solos I've ever heard. And I've heard tons of people play it but they always seem to play it with some kind of aggression or hurriedness. I think what makes Rik's original solo one of the greatest is because of its light and airy feel. It doesn't need to be played, it just needs to flow. And Rik does it so well - well, of course, he composed it. But you know what I mean.

[@dannyreyna2821]

Rik Emmett!!! After all these years you still got the magic power.

[@Erated78]

He's a clever guy with a good sense of humour ...love the ending..."so have fun with that one" LOL

[@Eventual420]

These guys you're comparing to Rik, like Page and VanHalen; if we look at their catalogs of songs, Page was entirely creative, grossly creative, genius stuff as far as writing music goes. VanHalen was one hell of a showman but his actual progressions spark zero interest musically. Rik initially came from the simplistic Halen all major chords style but certainly added more as years went by. Again, looking at their catalogs VanHalen was so far left behind its not worth mentioning. Page, however, has creativity that is of now so far, unmatched. What about Morse, they played together you know. Bunches of incredible guitarist like Rik, but none of them sang. Rik sings so well you check the stage curtains for a guitarist hiding out... but its just Rik. Guy is F'n incredible. And if its of any worth, Lifeson is the one guy who I can fall into his progressions. Broons Bane, I mean come on.

[@edjiew6]

Rik and Eddie are the master players! I was at US fest and almost lost it when Triumph came on- Rik if you see this I would pay anything to hang an autographed picture of you on my wall.. Loved you for years like a brother!!!

[@lady_in_blue83]

Hi there! Rik is my favorite guitarist and the biggest guitar influence, because I learn to play my own electric guitar in his key and wrote my own poems! Please leave a comment - I'm ready to help you to get a signed picture of him!

[@1997LT1Camaro]

Haha at the end. "So have fun with that one." He is laughing on the inside.

[@43loudman]

you sir are an amazing talent, i am lost for words, you are truly the most amazing guitar player i have ever watched, i love alex lifeson and joe satraini, but you are talented in so many very unique ways, just amazing,. i have been following you guys since early eighties and i was born in 1966, thank you for the great music,..

[@silvertuna6270]

I will forever "chukka chukka" thanks to Rik in my formative years...and Pat Travers.

[@cbcmusic]

LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@ErkhartNorth]

The “chucka chucka” is the best part. I don’t know if it’s my old ears or terrible audio quality of streaming and speakers these days but I started to wonder if I made it up in my head. I found this video only today and was so freaking happy to hear it and he even gave it a name.

[@BerserkSquirrel]

Emmet, You are an inspiration to all. Van halen is a cocky prick who can tap. You are the best guitarist to walk this and there is no competition. Even in age you still have it

[@jasonfram6776]

Rik Emmett is arguably the best guitarist there is. His versatility is unmatched His tone is unique. And his creativity is unsurpassed. Thank you for writing and performing some of the best music ever

[@phambo101]

For most of us, Jimmy Page is considered one of the top rock's baddest six-stringer extraordinares. But, between Page and Rick Emmett, I truly consider Emmett WAY BETTER for many factors: Styles, instructor, technical supporter for Guitar Magazine, and more!!!

[@svenfigueroa312]

phambo101 page is a god...but IS sloppy

[@edbigtruck]

phambo101 Page Yes he’s great. But Technically and live Emmett has him beat. Page is a horrible live player.

[@toddlavigne6441]

Page is a whole generation before Emmett. Every generation improves from the last. Emmett is proof of this. A far more educated and refined player. Plus Emmet is also a great singer. Page is one of the great creators of hard rock/metal playing. Without Jimmy Page and many others, there may have been no Rick Emmett. IMO

[@eddiejr540]

It’s a tough call...we always argue about drummers...Peart or Bonham...technique over feel !!!

[@czos9239]

Won’t get into the versus part of it, but Rik is an amazing teacher. Used to have his full lesions on vhs. Same mellow attitude toward teaching. Same with Brian May, but Rik just is really great at it.

[@reddeternity]

👽TRIUMPH MAGICPOWER👽

[@nonrevnosnibormetalbeerrev6251]

pure legend, could listen this guy everyday all day

[@Dr.M.VincentCurley]

Thanks Rik, still waiting for the reunion tour!

[@vincegedeon6583]

Gil the drummer isn't interested Rik said it's too much like work Gil said he has his business Hobby's ect going now bummer but at least he's happy

[@1997LT1Camaro]

Ending solo progression and solo itself are mind boggling. I love them, and would give blood for them.

[@Craig-Rock-MacMillan]

did he just say have fun with that one, right at the end of that lick, nice!

[@iluvgayoon]

Triumph and particularly Rik are one of my favs to this day. That "chuka chuka chuka" is why i learned to play guitar waaaay back when.

[@cbcmusic]

It's interesting how music and musicians can influence us in such positive ways. Thanks for sharing your moment.

[@43loudman]

why do we have to suffer ?? missing Rick,???? i wish He would come around more often, he is by far the very best guitarist: that said period,...no comparison to anyone, no need to at all................ a Neil Peart of guitar, an excellent player and the knowledge he has of music and the guitar is professoristic+ satrianicallyistic, +all around mind blowingly amazing, i love rush,+ alex lifeson but this guy, Rick is truly in a world of his own and i am lost as to why others do not pay this human being any respect at all, really people, Rick is where it is at, and can play anything,...........been a fan since 1979 i am 55 now. Rush, layed the pavement for so many bands like Triumph: and Triumph was such a great band, music for our hearts , music that made us feel great and working + living in our wonderful world,..........

[@timcwalker]

1:34 Bup bupitah boop...spoosh - Gil Moore

[@WilliamC1966]

Legend!!!!!!

[@davidmohr1920]

Thank You for posting this it means a lot to learn songs from the person who wrote them so you know your playing them right :-)

[@cbcmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it, that makes us happy!

[@mrcrowley12002]

i still grab a beer on a friday and crank up some Triumph videos real loud.even get the wife to jam with me.

[@fabianroca1819]

NUMERO. 1!. NUMBER 1!. From MEXICO.

[@thomasd9237]

👍👍 great band .!. and Rik's attitude is Outstandingly cool 👍👍

[@Marshall_EL34]

So many amazing musicians on this planet. But ...name a singer who can play guitar as good as RiK? Or ...name a guitar player who can sing as good Rik? You can't.

[@Tony-rc2dq]

Dave meneketti from Y&T

[@vrodkris]

Just an awesome musician ,mad respect.....

[@dbwproductions]

Rik seems like a super smart, nice guy! Thanks for sharing Rik! You brought back some great memories. One of my cover band's most popular songs was "Magic Power".

[@cbcmusic]

Rik was exactly that and great to work with. Thanks for watching.

[@phambo101]

Sure hope I'll still look as young as Rik at his age when I get there, comparing to the all-stoned-out Jimmy Page!...I still luv ya, man!!!

[@tellsingandplay]

Rik, I don’t know if you’d read this 10 years after posting it but I bought the Allied Forces on vinyl around 1980-81, fell absolutely in love with this band!! I went to the US Festival in 1983 (I was 19), primarily to see Triumph and you didn’t disappoint!! I later saw you on the Never Surrender tour and that was just truly awesome! I remember working at a bank as a Teller in 1983-84 and having to relieve a guy for lunch. He worked in the basement with the Safe Deposit Boxes. I was horribly bored but there were 2 Playboy magazines from 1965-66 which I read cover to cover and after that, there was absolutely nothing to do so I called my mom at home and asked her to press play on the living room stereo cassette player. I had “Lay it on the line” cued up!! I had her rewind until I heard it 3 times over the phone. I love your other songs but this is my favorite by far. I’m guessing it’s the feelings, sensations and emotions I get at the beginning and the power chords with the exclamations to the former lover, now a friend. Anyway Rik, I love your work, you’re a Band that belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

two playboy magazines from 65-66 … and you could still open the pages? you were probably wanking to your own grandmother!!

[@waywardspirit7898]

I too was at the US Festival and I was also 19. It was a going away present from my mother. I was headed to the Army. A few days after the festival the recruiter came to pick me up and away I went. Ended up seeing Triumph 3 more times throughout the 80s. Man I loved them. My 2 favorite bands of all time are Van Halen and Triumph. Can you imagine if Rik and Eddie made an album together? Hot damn !! Good story you gave. I turn 60 in 30 days from today. (Feb 15th 2024) Crazy. "Where have all the good times gone"? Rock on bro. :)

[@donottawaguitar]

goose bumps

[@WilliamC1966]

A real guy..he shares stuff... back in the day he was awesome...and now... he's even better...love this guy.

[@stevegant7856]

Hey Rik, why don't you play that masterpiece of yours Prologue Into the Forever? That sends chills down my spine! Surveillance was one of Triumphs most underrated albums!

[@dlee6266]

Man, listening to this as an 11yr old, blew my mind!! I fell in love with that "chuck-a-chucka"! Listening to triumph always made me feel good!! Thank you Rik Gil and Mike!!

[@MrPogeybait4883]

If you're wondering why you can't get the first two chords he is showing you....it's probably because you aren't playing a 12 string. I was driving myself nuts trying to figure out how come I couldn't figure out where he was playing some of those notes when it dawned on my that he was upstroking on one of the strings which would produce the higher octave more dominantly of that same string. Ugh. Was driving me crazy.

[@PoppyPoppa]

No BS, straight to the point, this is great

[@kenw.1112]

As far as Triumph goes all three of the group were great together. The drummer was excellent at drums +taking care of the bands business like basically he was the manager. Let's face it Rick. ROCKS!!!!

[@BluesLicks101]

I had forgotten what a GREAT guitarist Rik is.

[@richardpollack1222]

Most underrated guitarist from my generation: 1)Rik Emmett 2)Prince 3)Lindsey Buckingham 4)Neil Schon 5)Leslie West

[@joerectifier]

I have to say it too….don’t kid yourselves…..this is one of the finest musicians of our time and one of the finest guitarists of our time. He has a wide spectrum of guitar styles. His performance at US Festival mesmerized me more than my first hearing of Eruption. EVH is more influential and I love him too, but RIK is, in my mind, equally as talented as a player but without the same extremely influential innovations. Rik has a more mature subdued persona but he is a hero of mine….and I love that he seems to pay homage to Lifeson in some small ways 😊😂

[@Thisoldcasita]

Thanx Rik! Love Triumph and your work!

[@cbcmusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@HalfAlienRick2006]

Rik's a badass.

[@howlingwolf125y]

I love Rik.. Great for him to show how to play this.. . but at about 1:00, he completely forgets the cool little riff leading into the first vocals of the song.. That is the main thing I wanted to learn how to play.. Totally not sure how he could not show that.. I love his guitar/vocal work.

[@APlagueOfButterflies]

More guitar players should do this...a lot of on line lessons get things wrong.

[@imannonymous7707]

This is awesome CBC !! Thank u....lotz Ever since I saw him cuttin heads with George benson my respect has grown for him ...being a Toronto kid I always loved the band tho

[@nonrevnosnibormetalbeerrev6251]

pure legend, could listen this guy everyday all day

[@brianralph5036]

thats funny

[@nonrevnosnibormetalbeerrev6251]

What is????

[@TomConrad-td5qi]

Just for laughs..He says. .Anyways Rick is a legend in my mind to. S

[@pjbakes]

This is the type of guy you would see at the grocery store have have no clue he rocks so hard! Love triumph!

[@earlhayes2969]

Definitely a Legend and will always be still has a killer Voice

[@cbcmusic]

A legend indeed! Hopefully you'll try out the lesson at home :)

[@rickricardo8731]

Sure u got kids even rock in guitars but can they sing too nope Rick did it all with style .

[@darrinros1177]

More of this all day, classic from a classic. Rik is one of the best vocalist and guitarist ever.

[@kenw.1112]

Excellent Rick! Dam. You are. Good!..... no excellent!

[@meatloafhead]

Genius I’ve ALWAYS said he was so TALENTED at a young age to play and sing THIS!!! Amazing dude

[@briansee5936]

Hell ya he is truly one of the best ever to bless a guitar I thank u triumph u guys are gods :)

[@tomjewett5839]

A free lesson On one of my favorite songs By the writer himself? Priceless. Really cool thank you

[@cbcmusic]

Awesome, did you give the lesson a try?

[@777jonah888]

I saw them twice at MLG in early 80s new years eve......great band!!

[@LarryMar]

Wow! Thanks for posting! You guys just rock! So many memories of jamming to your song blasting out of a jacked-up Chevelle with 6x9 Pioneers on the rear deck. We miss you! Music is just not made like this today. Take care.

[@joerectifier]

Oh yea baby!! A Camaro with Jensen 6x9s….little kings in the Coleman in the back seat or the trunk….and pre-concert tailgating…blossom music center or Richfield coliseum……😂🎉😂🎉😂😅

[@foorankoo9274]

Geeze, that is such a great solo. I always liked it but hearing it like that shows how really great it is

[@brianralph5036]

love this guy

[@jamescunningham4418]

far freakin' out, man!

[@-that_guy-1674]

nothing better than a lesson from the actual guy.

[@DirkDiggler87]

Here is the solo.. Damn Rick😂😂😂

[@marcLeveille6056]

En plus d'être immensément talentueux, cet homme est très attachant, agréable, chaleureux, terre à terre, généreux et très humble en plus. D'autres auraient intérêt à prendre des notes.

[@Chief2Moon]

I'll just say WOW! Still have this album& rewatch the video on Utube 40+yrs later.

[@CLRacing12]

This was awesome, great instruction, great musician and a great band with a great song, New music today is nothing like this....

[@vincegedeon6583]

Legend 🤟😍🤟

[@bendavernas485]

Music like life is evolution, one changes as time goes on so leave Rik be & enjoy his musical evolution, change is good.

[@bigdaddymojo2005]

You're an UNDER RATED BADASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@edbigtruck]

Rik You’re Awesome. I can never thank you enough for the inspiration to learn how to play.

[@jeromeleblanc88]

that tone... , what is that pedal setup he has .. in a twin ?

[@WHWYDband]

vox tonelab ex

[@2strokejunky402]

I wish he was my guitar teacher lol

[@jgolanowski9347]

Watched it once, got it!! Not! Lol, this is rhe stuff makes me wanna sell the gear and quit!! Its still a thrill to play for 12 people at the bar, although probably not this song, we're not as good!!

[@drjay73]

They don't make them like Rik anymore......the man has no weakness, amazing singer + incredible guitar player + excellent songwriter - pure greatness! Oh yeah the other 2 guys in the band were pretty damn awesome also

[@deandee8082]

you play it different live sometimes where you end up on the 21st g and b strings, like when you played that kinda keyboard version with the cute black girl singing backup, you ended way up there.. great solo

[@ohu8one2008]

Man I can't get that beginning 2 cords to save my life.

[@jamesburke868]

Thank you Rick..the double neck is a nice tool..Rich Dodson also uses his 12 a lot..thanks for sll the great tunes..triumph lives on..

[@MikeSmith-se1bh]

Absolutely in Love with the guitar work and tones. Lay it on the line was a MASSIVE influence in my guitar playing

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

What a great song.. Rik is a good guy too! This will be a fun one to play! Now that I know the chords. I was close though using my ear! God speed Rik!

[@therichbuddha3277]

Great influences apparent of While My Guitar Weeps and Rock n Roll Hoochie Coo for the chuka chukas! Rik's a master!

[@jayco800]

Please Rik - One more small tour for the Canucks some day? I remember the Ottawa Ex, and Civic Center you guys were a staple!

[@bryanmoraski7005]

You are and always have been the man. God bless. As a teenager you grabbed me. Still play and love your music. Triumph. That is all.

[@jodymills3138]

Great video thanks for sharing your awesome solo , n have fun with that we will. I legend you are but a totally cool too. Much enjoyed thanks Rik.

[@fenderbender3664]

You still got it Rick***Saw you twice at the War memorial in the 80's you rocked!! You flew across stage on a cable lol

[@Cochise_21]

I’m that guy somewhere, some place that wanted to know the progression and see the solo. Thanks Rik, what a guy ❤️

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

One of my favorite guitarist

[@DogDaze66]

Best Rock song Triumph Rules !!!!!!!!!

[@hermanmoore6539]

Wow your the man Rick wish I could play like that

[@NefastusJones]

Thank you, Sir! May I have another?

[@astroman30]

What a brilliant musician. Put these guys in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@nightrain5150]

Coolest dad ever