Learn to play "From the Beginning" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Angela Petrilli breaks down the Emerson, Lake & Palmer song "From the Beginning" for players of all levels!
To check out all the cool stuff Fishman is up to, and see the gear I use for these lessons, click the link here: tinyurl.com/46...
You may have seen Angela as part of Jennifer Batten's Guitar Symposiums or caught one of her videos at Norman's Rare Guitars. On this takeover, she'll run through some of her favorite riffs!
Website: www.angelapetrillimusic.com
Instagram @angelapetrillimusic
Facebook @angelapetrillimusic
Twitter @angelaplaysgtr

[@blackcreekmusic783]

Thankyou for doing this one!!! I've learned it in parts but I never played the verses properly. I'm saving this video so I can go back and reference it. Keep on rocking it Angela!!!

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thanks Brian! Keep on playing!!!!

[@MULTIMOONSHOTS]

This is by far one of my most fav tutorials you have shared Angela!I luv playing it ,very calming and somewhat mysterious… Also,I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a Martin Black Smoke acoustic. I was wondering,when you got yours ,how was the action/set up from the factory?Such a cool rig… Thanks for all that you do to inspire ….. ~Jimmy~

[@williamj768]

i am 62 and a beginner. If I can learn this anyone can. Just keep at it and go slow. Now I can play this beautiful song when i want to transport myself back in time to where i heard it live at a late 70's ELP concert in Detroit. i am lucky to have lived through some of the most terrific music ever conceived. and I have a new appreciation for the complexity and richness of these songs by learning them note-for-note.

[@markstrain8989]

wow! You give me hope William! Thank you. I'm 66 and a beginner.

[@kurtdavidson9808]

You know I am right around the same age. Just learning. (Beginner) this song takes me back. I am thinking about trying to learn this. I heard Glen Campbell say one time it took him months to learn a particular riff. I know that you know Glen Was probably one of the greatest guitar players of our Time. Angela is a great instructor. I saw your post and thought ok I will try. It’s probably going to take me months. Thanks

[@williamj768]

@@kurtdavidson9808 I play this several times a week. After buying my first guitar in 2017 I am still a beginner but so what. I practice my chords, progressions and strumming almost every day. I find joy in just practicing. Now i am onto Santana's Europa, If the tempo is slow I don't feel too intimidated. My main problem is the F barre chord. Can't seem to get it but i will not give up. You can do this. Good luck to you.

[@andyhawaii2819]

Good or you! I’m all 62, love this song

[@thaddsoto3303]

Great message!!!!!

[@kirktwiner7255]

Amazing lesson I'm 68 and a beginner and was on the point of giving up. I love this song and I'm determined to learn it (played at a slow pace) 😄. Angela is so patient and detailed. - Thank you

[@paulcote9988]

When I was a Freshman In College in 1975, a few doors down the hall in the dormitory was a guitar player playing this tune, he played it everyday by request at every party, great memories thank you Angela for teaching me how to play this tune, as an intermediate player -it brings back great memories and love you for it !

[@mattyman5dodge101]

This is no joke - My. All. Time. Favorite. Song. Period. I've always wanted to learn how to play it and I have zero experience on a guitar. I have the guitar, but now I feel like I can give it a shot - because of you.

[@markstrain8989]

So amazing. Thank you for this awesome lesson of this incredible song. I'll be watching over and over, going slow, enjoying the journey and looking forward to learning this. Thank you. Rest in peace, Greg Lake.

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thank you for the kind words, Mark. Much success to you in learning this stunning composition by Greg Lake.

[@fredfloyd34]

Comming from a Hendrix background ...at 15 yrs old loved this one and wore it out...Intro sounds like YES....

[@rh45sth62]

What a fantastic, patient & methodical teacher Angela is ! ⭐🎸 Loving her tutorials and her enthusiasm 💓🍻

[@Spahr62]

Just won't let me keep hitting the like button!! Kept playing my sister's ELP record (song) over and over and over.. when i was a kid (13-14?). This song made me feel things that I couldn't name or comprehend at that time. Still does!! Now I am 60 and learning to play guitar and especially this song! Thank you, Angela! You truly have a gift for teaching! Not only in explaining the where what when notes... Also, in showing the emotion of how to listen and play the song! And how to practice it! I've seen and tried to follow other YTers trying to show the finger placement of songs, but i cannot follow them with any results. That must be my fault! Like another commenter here... I have favorited this video! have watched it at least 5 x's (at this sitting), while attempting to play along... pause it until i get a section down as much as i can at that sitting.. come back and practice it again with you... and am moving through and learning to play the song! As the down under folks might say... "Good on ya, mate!" And good on Fishman Takeover for such a find in sponsering you to do this! Makes me wanna buy their stuff if they associate their company with such quality teaching... they must also provide quality in their stuff! Here's the thing... I am so looking forward to learning this song complete so i can play it over and over and over... and get what the song is really about!... I, unfortunately, don't have the album and record player anymore... Cheers! And thank you, again, Angela!

[@patgaff2536]

You are right on!

[@roykingcaid3184]

3 :34 Hey Girl.....Onalaska, Texas

[@akent6393]

Thank you so much! It’s so nice to see a female teacher and one doing ELP! I thought I was the only female in the world that liked ELP! You’re the best guitar teacher on YT! ❤

[@frankperry1111]

I first heard of Greg Lake the year I graduated high school in 1969. He sang and played bass on King Crimson's debut masterpiece In The Court Of The Crimson King. He had/has one of the greatest singing voices and I figured hey and he's a bass player. I was pleasantly surprised to find out he was/is a guitar virtuoso. As a young guy enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school, I met many other guys in the barracks learning guitar. We were into Emerson Lake and Palmer. I have always been amazed at Greg's awesome guitar and voice. While Lucky Man is easier to learn, for me, it's a challenge to learn this song. Great lesson. At 72 I sing and play for fun at open mics. Mostly covers of many great artists. I do covers as tributes to my favorite artists, and I always tell the audience who wrote the song. Good luck with your youtube channel.

[@devingreco4166]

I love how you just get off on the vibrations. I'm not a very good guitar player, but it brings me such joy to play that I keep going back for more. Something it seems, only guitarists and other musicians can appreciate. Sustaining Harmonics. To that end, this is a song I've always wanted to learn but had fear of tackling with my limited skill set. You've done a great job at breaking this down into digestible parts and explaining the details. Thank you.

[@stuarthightower418]

Tuning in from Missouri. Favorite acoustic intro “Little Martha”. The Allman Brothers.

[@geraldwest3428]

Perfect, this would be great!

[@douggauzy6258]

The first concert I ever saw ! I was 14. Now I’m 60 . Gregg lake in 1977 when I seen ELP. had a magnificent voice . So many great songs . Take a pebble “ Lucky Man ,C’est La Vie. . and of course From the beginning . ❤️

[@paulbaluch439]

Cleveland Ohio, the song that you are playing .I have been listening to that song since 1972 it is a classic .I still do Play the song in my set list. PS you are a great guitar player keep up all that hard work you've been doing😎✌🇺🇸🎼🎸👍👍👍

[@ARichardP]

I don’t think there is a prettier intro. One of my all-time Top 5 favorites songs going back to when it came out in 1972. Really loved this lesson. Thought it might be too long for me but it shows everything you need, including the intricacies of that great riff, and at a pace that stays with you as you make the inevitable and necessary mistakes to get up to speed and with accuracy and feel. Can tell you love what you do. Bravo!

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thanks for the kind words! I am so happy this lesson helped you!

[@maxgladwin269]

Gold Coast Australia , been playing for close to 40 yrs cancer has stolen much of my ability away But I Love your enthusiasm in teaching Would love to hear you play nothing but something from your heart sometime

[@stevogman3054]

Greg Lake had the sauce. I’ve been playing this song for decades and never knew the intro. You’ve refreshed my interest in playing this song again.

[@markobrien3278]

Loved ELP back in the day, but despite the massive talent of all three musicians, Greg Lake's acoustic numbers (and his voice) were always my favorites and are the ones that still hold up for me. I learned From the Beginning in college* (mid-70s) and still play it today, though slightly differently than Angela**. I'll definitely add that final walkup on the lower strings to my version! *Don't remember how I learned it in those pre-KZbin days 😕🤔 **I thought he played a 4th riff where he hammered on A to B to A on the A string followed by G, A. The ABA hammer-on is the same timing as the F#/G bend, D, F#/G, A first riff.

[@stevogman3054]

@@markobrien3278 I agree about Lakes acoustic version of this timeless piece. I learned this tune back in the 80s in a local park from fellow guitarist and I’m sure there was mary Jane involved but I didn’t inhale.. yes she butchered the song a little. It’s all good though.

[@GenXtra65]

I watched several of these tutorials for this song. Your lesson actually taught me how. Thanks for being a good teacher and helping me learn how to play a song I’ve loved since it was released.

[@gregc3255]

Best teacher I've found on KZbin and I've watched a bunch! Thanks for the knowledge share and encouragement.

[@martinmcgimpsey2633]

Angela, I wanted to thank you, I’ve learned “Melissa, From the Beginning, Your Time is Going To Come” and intend on “Fell On Black Days” all songs I’ve wanted to play. Your an awesome guitarist and person! Again Thank You!

[@tedduggan4887]

Angela - thx for another GREAT lesson of another GREAT song…you’re one of the few teachers who continually calls out the notes - which is really helpful for us newbies. Cheers!

[@robertogomez646]

This is one of the first songs I learned when I started playing and left it for many years today I'm back and thanks to you I can play again.... your teachings are excellent

[@TheMadpoll]

I’m 70 old rocker from the 60’s and early 70’s back to playing my guitar after 44 years always. I’m surprised it’s like riding a bike. This is one of my favorites. You Rock and a clam instructor.

[@tcmusic_thomas_upton]

Ms. Petrilli puts out the best of the best when it comes to tutorials. Whenever I see another one from her, I study it over and over again. Angela is top shelf.

[@araxsea3]

I have watched many video's of guitar tutorials but you are by far the best I have seen. The way you break down a song like this is remarkable. I thank you so much for the way that you teach. I'm going to put my electric guitars away and dust off my acoustic and delve into this one. Rock on Angela!

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@injeralover]

Cheers from midcoast Maine and love Jethro Tull’s Thick as a Brick.

[@jacksmail7725]

Am 73 and with a bit of arthritis in both hands esp the unfortunate index fingers ..Just found your music lessons yesterday.. Love your enthusiasm!....Your lessons are awesome! Been retired for a while and fingers are soooo soft....working on it.

[@marcosbecerracarratala]

❤️ from Barcelona, i'm 64 years old so this song is inside my life, congratulations !!

[@bluehawk7322]

Since it was released, this has been one of my all time favorite acoustic guitar songs. One of the few that I used to play and sing. Then came renal failure, hemodialysis and a kidney transplant. I haven't played guitar in nearly ten years. I recently picked up the guitar again and realized that I had forgotten most of what I knew. Thank you so very much for doing this video of such a wonderful song. I love your teaching style and your patience. I'm having fun again with this wonderful song thanks to you!

[@blackhillstoolmanufacturin3561]

I've learned more about learning a song from you than anyone ever. Thanx

[@mmreuter]

This is my newest project from my instructor. I never tire of listening to EL&P play it. One day I will make beautiful music as well! Thank you for this lesson!

[@JonNewquist]

Checking in from Petaluma. The intro to Roundabout was always my favorite, but the open sus chords in From the Beginning are what inspired me the most when I was first tesching myself to play, and landed me in alternate tuning land.

[@user-bh1fo2wg1g]

Such a beautiful song 🎶

[@kennethb.drinkard2010]

Love the way she takes her time.Angelas Awesome.

[@bobloblaw8099]

I love Angela's teaching style.... This is how you teach guitar.....

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thank you!

[@stevehayward6136]

You are a good teacher you explain things well great song by a great musician GregLake

[@jaktheknife]

Well one of my all time favorite intros related to something like this and which I’m presently playing because its absolutely fantastic played acoustically is the intro to Todd Rundgren’s “Love Is The Answer” A beautiful and classic song. A superb example of this would be Dan Seal’s version. Cheers. Keep up the good work Angela.

[@jackyfrench7575]

im 58 and just started, its so nice to be able to make a decent sound! thank you! from paris, texas

[@SteelePictures]

You’re such a fantastic teacher, as well as an amazing musician. Thanks for sharing your 😎 ways

[@davidtolliver2048]

Tuning in from Cocoa, Florida. Gotta say all time fav acoustic intro is Over the Hills and Far Away which I learned from you over the past couple weeks. Thanks for putting in the work and TLC to help us be better pickers. I'm 67yo, picked up a guitar for the 1st time at 13 (54 yrs). Never looked back and never had anyone of your caliber putting in the work to help as you do. Just followed the best pickers around learning what I could. This one is definitely on my list of "gotta learn"

[@dowaliby1]

This is definitely one of my all-time fave acoustic intros. Others include the intro to James Taylor's Fire & Rain and You've Got a Friend (James Taylor version), and, of course, Angie.

[@soppoikku1697]

this is from indonesia. love it when you finally tutorize 'from the beginning' - one of my favs. looking forward to other classics such as 'still got the blues' [gary moore], etc. 🙂

[@paulcuthbert1669]

Please keep posting you are helping so many of us beginners who are plateaued not knowing where to go next. You do a great job teaching. Thanks from Canada

[@johnhunsinger2625]

Oregon. Love this song. One of many great songs by ELP. Thanks for doing this one!! Love your videos.

[@jacksmail7725]

Enjoying very much. Still practicing..getting better. . Thanks again for your videos! smilinjack, in Florida.

[@wbishop1330]

Big Thank U 4 breaking it down 2 learn. My daughter heard this song on "Escape at Dannemora" TV show, nd she liked it. I'm gonna play it for her when I get it all down. 👍🌹✌️❤️

[@jsd4646]

I went back and re-watched your lesson again. So wonderful and so well taught thank you so much

[@upanchor]

I guess it's water under the bridge at this point but I would love to hear Angela play From the Beginning, front to back, at the end of this video ! Singing it too !!

[@paulgeorgia8013]

I love playing this on my J200. Greg had quite a collection of them, and he loved them so

[@elaaypele]

On of the best lessons I've ever seen in KZbin! Thank you so much!

[@eightyduece9670]

You're so genuine and really seem to enjoy yourself so much. I follow you for the show but need to dust off my old guitar and try to play along. Keep up the great work.

[@MAGICJACKATX]

Just tripped over this somehow 2 years later LOL. This song is on my set list but I learned a few details watching your video. Also I think you are one of the best instructors for this medium! Austin Texas OCT 2023

[@VelvetSoulMusic]

Thanks for not forgetting where you started as a child. Your patience shows via the quality of your lessons.

[@raymundogallegosgarces8925]

Wowwwww, looks so easy, l’m 68 begginer, now you hace a new fan, my goal will be to learn to play tris beautiful song. Saludos desde Atizapán, Mexico

[@mikeconners1648]

Nice, I'm not learning to play. I really enjoyed watching you, I 'm from the early 70 's one of my favorite songs, keep up the good work.

[@frankbowman3236]

Canandaigua NY. Love! Your lessons. Favorite acoustic intro for me is Hearts "Crazy on You "

[@ChrisChurton]

OMG You keep doing all my favorite songs I've been wanting to play since I was a teenager... I've only just reached the stage/ ability to be able to - 30 years later...

[@johnblackwood1337]

Tuning in from North Carolina my favorite acoustic guitar intro is Crazy On You. It rocks!

[@walther9161]

Your enthusiasm is infectious! Awesome lesson and thank you for posting. I’ll tune-in to your live stream for sure!

[@cbailey089]

Favorite acoustic intro is Ventura Highway. So melodic and easy to listen to. I still remember the first time i heard it.

[@jamesboyce6589]

I'm I'm ozan Arkansas. 64 years young and learning some new old songs. Thanks

[@johnmiuccio9238]

Watching and listening to you renewed my interest in guitar. thank you!

[@oscardavis3906]

Born in 1956 DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - so this song is on the top of my list to learn.

[@williamj768]

i have been trying to play this for over 1 year but it never sounded right. at first i thought it was because i was using elec guitar. but now i see it's because of the various lessons on yt that are inaccurate. this is the best lesson yet. thank you Angela

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thanks for the kind words, William!

[@gfrey6595]

Thank you for doing such a terrific job in this lesson, I always enjoy watching your lessons and have increased my playing 10-fold since discovering your channel

[@stephencostello1296]

Thanks for your tuition Angela especially with Harvest Moon. Rock the foundations Girl and keep playing,, we LOVE IT !!!!🎶🎵🎶🎵👍👍

[@radman1136]

Portland, "Fire and Rain" by J.T. greatest acoustic intro of all time, and everybody, period, recognizes it instantly, no introduction necessary (pun intended). Great feel and touch with this song today, might add it, never covered it before. Gorgeous song and a great choice for a lesson, thx.

[@paulbaluch439]

Outstanding lesson this is also one of my favorite songs I really enjoy how you teach keep up the great work you do thank you

[@azariahboling321]

Raytown MO, love this one and RoundAbout intro. Thank you for these they are very good.

[@davidtaylor4124]

Your a very good guitar trainer. Your patience and dedication in helping others is commendable.

[@sludgegulper]

Thank you so much. This is by far the best example/lesson on KZbin, of how to play the best ELP song. Had the pleasure of seeing them live on two occasions, great band. Again, thanks Angela. Subscribed to your channel too.

[@TheMadpoll]

my 1st electric 1963 Epiphone Sheraton. Still is my baby and got it when I was 10 years old.

[@AxeMurderer2222]

During that hybrid picking section in the intro section, I think it's easier to use fingers 1 & 2 for the first chord (DF#AE) and fingers 2 & 3 for the second (DFA#E). This eliminates the need to swap your fingers around since your middle finger only needs to slide down a fret on the G string. It permits you let the G string ring for a tiny bit more between the chord changes. I think it sounds smoother and it's easier for me to play it with more control if I don't have to swap around my fingers. Thanks for teaching me this one it is a beautiful tune.

[@michaelpasmore116]

Tuning in from Phoenix, AZ. My favorite acoustic intro is From the Beginning! Roundabout is a close second and both are very similar. I actually can play both very well!

[@fret14u]

One of my favorites by ELP...thank you Angela...love your lessons!!!

[@terryevans1976]

Incredible lesson and great teaching style. Even I (and that's saying a lot) can follow along.

[@jeffreyhall76]

Jeff from MI here. Your amazing thank you for this lesson! This is one of my favorites. “Beautiful” from Gordon Lightfoot is a great intro. “Operator” from Jim Croce.

[@donnolan7377]

Thank you Angela , what a brilliant lesson. I suppose this is one of my favourite into. I do like Mark Knoffler guitar playing , and our own Arty McGlinn rip.

[@josephgraham1075]

I don't have my guitar with me. I really wanna learn how to play this some, so if you could please just put a thank you for watching. I'll be able to find it again. Thanks again Angela. I send my blessings,❤ to you from Maui, Hawaii.

[@josedejesusperez6169]

Thank you 🙏 for teaching this beautiful song

[@ronmounts8075]

Your an Absolutely Amazing Teacher and Highly Soft and Beautiful to the Eyes!!!!! Loooove learning to play one of my favorite Songs!!!!!!

[@thomasmorris2245]

From The Beginning - My Favorite Intro - Greg Lake - ELP - So Iconic

[@paulmcdonough4260]

Best intro: roundabout, yes. I’m here in sunny Las Vegas NV, trying to improve my guitar skills. Great, great job!

[@spike2499]

Great job teaching Angela! From beginner to intermediate anyone can pick this up!

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Glad it was helpful! Rock on!

[@thomasmorris2245]

Thank You From Sanibel Island Fl - You helped me fill in some blanks on this one! Love This Song - Great Job Teaching - WOW !

[@ronmounts8075]

I love your Enthusiasm and Forethought of your teaching!!!!!

[@johnmaurer5635]

My favorite acoustic intro (that I’ve been playing for years) is ‘The Story In Your Eyes’ by Justin Hayward (Moody Blues). It’s like a mini complete song in itself before the vocals begin in Verse 1.

[@johnmichaelginty3210]

Great job Angela! Love your energy & enthusiasm. Been playing this chestnut for years and love it. Was thrilled to learn it 20 yrs ago from a teacher in West Chester. Always a crowd pleaser. Thanks for clarifying a couple points. And... great bass trill!

[@tomflynn2912]

Angela, you have the best song selections!!!

[@AngelaPetrilliMusic]

Thanks Tom!

[@cygnus_zealandia]

Like Brian before me, I started playing this song a long time ago, but never completely mastered it. In my case we are talking 1972 or 73 for openers. I still prefer fingernails only and do some things slightly differently from you , which suits non-plectrum use. Nevertheless I think your video will help me complete and perform it after half a century of periodic lapses and major lapses ( major "life happenings" - c'est la vie ) in playing guitar. Many thanks for that. Your passion for musical excellence is obvious and appreciated. You are such an excellent "in the moment" teacher; just so aware of the nuanced beauty of the melody. My other favourites from ELP from that time includes "The Sage", "Oh Luck Man" and "C'est la Vie" Keep up your awesome teaching with such talent for inspiring musicians everywhere. Kind regards from the Land of the long white cloud (Aotearoa).

[@jazzhawkus]

Ok… 2020, I learned this song in about a month! Just the intro and a few verses, but I did it my way and never learned it quite right. I’m not even past the first part and this Video has taught me 3 or 4 fine points I’m getting it wrong. This Lesson is Awesime. Almost as awesome as Greg Lake too. Thanks!

[@tjdowling4th]

excellent instructor, she teaches exactly to how I learn

[@barrybjerke9353]

...thank you Angela...this IS my favorite acoustic guitar intro.

[@jordipreckler8313]

Estic molt engrescat practicant aquest tema, i ara veig coses que no feia bé abans. M'encanta fer-ho poc a poc i amb la teva manera d'explicar-ho, és genial (tot i que el meu anglès no és gaire fluid....). Ha estat una joia haver-te trobat. Moltes gràcies des de Catalunya. I'm really excited about practicing this subject, and now I see things that I didn't do well before. I love to do it little by little and with the way you explain it, it's great (although my English is not very fluent....). It was a joy to have found you. Many thanks from Catalonia.

[@markstrain8989]

"You can't play fast anything you can't play so." There it is. Thank you.🔥

[@bikermark58]

What a great ELP song! Angela, you're a wonderful instructor with much patience and doing it all in "real time" takes. I minor point, though -- the very first note should NOT be a harmonic. If you listen to it, Greg plays the natural low E, not the harmonic, then the rest are harmonics. Keep up the awesome work -- I learn a lot from your amazing videos! Cheers from Minneapolis, MN!!

[@mode1charlie170]

Love the idea of bringing back the instrumental. Great idea Angela

[@jimmer1047]

You are playing my favorite acoustic intro. Loved ELP back then.

[@philippefertray747]

Hi there. I just discover your tutorial. great! Y'oure a perfect teacher. Creers. Phil (France)