Michael Schenker - 5 Killer Riffs

[@GodsTruthMinistries]

Michael Schenker is my most favorite guitarist of all time. He is so overlooked and underrated by the masses here in America. It's an absolute shame. He is truly phenomenal.

[@UnholyTruth333]

Criminally underrated!!

[@deHelli]

@@UnholyTruth333 Yes ...Criminally underrated!!

[@beornthebear.8220]

He is among my absolute favorites, and has been since I first heard him in UFO. His fills and use of melodic riffs were like no one else I had ever heard. I agree with what you say in :58 to 1:30. Another of my favorite leads is in Samurai. He blazed, but doesn't repeat riffs; every bar is different. I also like the way he uses wah as a tone control.

[@beornthebear.8220]

Michael Schenker has been one of my my favorite guitar players for decades

[@angelomaniatis9091]

Michael Schenker is and has been the most underrated lead guitarist in the last 4 decades bar none. He is a musician's musician. Nuff said. Semper Fi, Michael.

[@saynotobigotry]

To think that Schenker came up with the riffs and solos on ‘Rock Bottom’, ‘Doctor Doctor’ and the beautiful ’Lipstick Traces’ instrumental at the age of 19, all on ‘74s ‘Phenomenon’, is astonishing. ✌🏽

[@LeonTodd]

Unreal hey!

[@saynotobigotry]

Sooooo good. 🤤

[@helengren9349]

He wrote a lot of songs when 15 and made Scorpions famous... They took all credit, never mentioned him! Listen to his interview about V guitar! Didn't even get paid for live gigs!

[@hazor777]

@@helengren9349I’ve seen the interview, and I do think he’s telling the truth. Michael has led a strange life - it’s almost like Joseph in the Bible. He’s had amazing peaks , and some seriously low valleys . What’s amazing is his connection to the guitar - it’s definitely an “extension” of himself , and not just his “thing” he does. Long Live Michael Schenker!!

[@dondevore3588]

Rudolph was lucky to have such a talented “little brother”.

[@crewyou07]

Schenker and Gary Moore, my favorite players hands down.

[@AlexAlexon3897]

My faves too, with Blackmore.

[@erwinrodriguez9470]

Same Norum's words ,🤘

[@kellrok]

Moore’s lead breaks on his ‘Victims of the future’ album are off the charts! Personal favourites: ‘All I want’ and ‘Law of the jungle’.

[@AlexAlexon3897]

@@kellrok: Spot-on! Haven't heard All I Want for a while, so must dig it out. Cheers. :)

[@kellrok]

@Alex Alexon Enjoy! ( It’s the outro solo of ‘All I want’ that I was thinking of, which takes the tune into the fade out )

[@supertruckertx]

I don't know of ANY guitarist who doesn't like Michael Schenker's guitar playing. That dude is STILL a monster on the six strings!!!

[@nominatim538]

Hot n Ready, Love To Love, Too Hot To Handle, Lights Out, Let It Roll … All those riffs Michael came up during UFO years are absolute masterpieces

[@mikelair9144]

Mother Mary

[@lo3572]

I haven’t forgotten Michael Schenker - the best lead guitarist to ever walk this earth

[@deHelli]

Michael Schenker is for me the best Heavy Metal Guitarrist in the World. Tone Melodic, Vibrato! & Person.

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

top 3 guitsrists for me George Lynch, Michael Schenker, Glenn Tipton.

[@giorgosk2884]

Tony Iommi??The Godfather of MeTAL

[@deHelli]

@@giorgosk2884 Yes Rhythm Guitarrist. Great Riffs

[@marshallskull6132]

Nah I prefer Rudolf schenker

[@deHelli]

@@marshallskull6132 😂😂😂 sehr witzig. Da wirst Du nur wenige finden die deiner Meinung sind.

[@huskvarsm]

Thankyou for giving Michael the praise he so rightly deserves he is a 6 string master.

[@jasons.3921]

Michael Schenker is really an awesome person. The band I played with back in '91had the pleasure of opening for Contraband. Schenker actually came to the dressing room where us 'kids" waited, we were all 19 and 20, and introduced himself. He was genuine and polite. We were awestruck. I've never met anyone else like him in the music industry. That's had a lasting impression on me to this day. So glad I stumbled onto your channel. Cheers from Texas!

[@LeonTodd]

That's amazing!!!

[@beenderedonedat]

His solo in "All the way from Memphis" is outerwordly

[@cheezhead6007]

I think Schenker the best hard rock classic rock guitarist of the 70s of all time. Some of his stuff is nearly impossible to replicate. His speed flow and phrasing

[@tonysteen1766]

Schenker has a plethora of classic riffs under his belt, in my opinion he's the greatest rock guitarist ever

[@allandnothing5987]

Your humble opinion only fanboy

[@ilovebutterstuff]

It's a matter of opinion and preference, but I like Peterson better.

[@hansuetz8659]

Another scorpions guitarist is phenomenal as well.

[@montsarilak9891]

I'm from Thailand 🇹🇭 Michael Schenker is my idol ever and ever ! Every Schenker's solo is my life ! 🎶💕

[@guilianocipria5218]

Ive listening to him since 1980 when I was 14 from the suburbs of Chicago 🥳 partying

[@lucasvonbraun]

Michael Schenker is on a very shot list of guitar players that can shred with exceptional taste one moment, and then bring tears to the eyes the next ... He is also unique in that his lead playing just keeps getting better .. As amazing as he was on lead guitar in UFO, he;s even more tasteful and in control now .... The best ever, and thanks to Leon for this vid

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

id say uli jon roth is on that list too

[@Followerofthekingofkings1969]

Well said he is the most melodic shredder alive

[@TheLexluthier]

Schenker was on fire throughout the entire Obsession album, it ranks right up there with Strangers for me. Pack It Up (And Go), You Don't Fool Me, One More For The Rodeo have Schenker soloing like his life depended on it...

[@58MrMike]

His sense of melody is incredible!

[@sabbster1157]

Hands down the world's best guitarist

[@therisingphoenixvapery102]

Schenker is the most brilliant yet most underrated guitarist of all time. Strangers In The Night is a brilliant live LP as well.

[@mongpic]

Michael Schenker has always been my hero.

[@dawnroad7415]

Thanks for recognizing Michael Schenker. I've been a fan since the mid 70s. His playing probably goes through my head more than that of any other guitarist.

[@marlahart2060]

🎸🙋‍♀️Michael Schenker’s always been my fav guitarist. His tone, plus ability to shred & at the same time continue with incredible melodies is outstanding. He’s in a class of his own.. sweet perfection.

[@marlahart2060]

Thx Leon Todd. Truly enjoyed your Schenker video. You’re awesome!🤩

[@michaellrakes5521]

Michael Schenker is a criminally underrated guitarist even today. Those in the guitar community know and respect him but outside of that, he's glossed over. Take any riff off of Strangers in the Night or the first MSG album and you can't go wrong. All power, with no unnecessary flash

[@deHelli]

Assault Attack is for my the Greatest Album.

[@jedw9983]

His UFO riffs are, by and large, sensational

[@craigolivo927]

Best live album in my opinion..... ladies and gentlemen would please welcome from England... UFO

[@petermontgomery8707]

@@craigolivo927 you mean U....F....O....

[@sgodden1]

My favourite rock/metal guitarist of all time. Riffs, chord progressions, shreds, vibrato, legato. He's got it all, and in ways that just seem unique.

[@bobbynameirakpa5939]

To me, he's the best and creator of the beautiful and amazing guitar riffs till now.

[@FCustomMachine]

The solo Michael does on the song "High Flyer" off of the "Force it" album is probably the most perfect thing I've ever heard. Strangers in the night probably the best live album. Even with it's out of tune moments, it's real and brilliant.

[@haywoodyoudome]

MSG's influence on Maiden is undeniable. Listen to "Captain Nemo" and then "Back in the Village" which came out a year later.

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

never realized that till now.

[@michaelwaite4367]

The second solo in looking for love is out of this world. What an outcome!

[@simonfreeman148]

One of the greatest guitarists of our time.

[@RussUlmer]

Thank you for recognizing one of the most amazing guitarist ever. He has always been one of my favorite players and so underrated, one of my biggest influences as musician. I could listen to him play for hours.

[@lifeisnice23]

Michael Schenker, the fastest three fingers in rock and metal history, iconic! The epitome of guitar God 🤘🤘

[@keithraaum9559]

Michael is absolutely in my top 5 players ever! And Strangers is one of my favorite albums. While "Lights Out" I think is the better solo (both middle and outtro) "Rock Bottom" is hands down one of the greatest riffs ever written!

[@kellrok]

I like the solo in 'Time on my hands' from the Phenomenon album...so melodic, and with a glorious squeaky pick attack sound on the beginning of each note. And a tip of the hat to you also for your awesome Rock bottom soloing at the end of this video!

[@LeonTodd]

Great track! That tone was one of a kind

[@kristofschar6053]

I love this solo..maybe its my favorite one from Michael. So sweet melodies, and yes the sound of the pick is very special in this one, and how the sound changes thruout the solo

[@kerriknight]

Schenker played with his heart........Not his hands...........

[@wavetech_]

Long Live Schenker! Big influence on a huge list of guitarists! Great list

[@blackfender100]

I'm 60 yrs old I have followed him all the way through his career. I actually saw the MSG 1st album tour .It was so special for me. I have a 30mm camera shot of him jamming from the show. It has been on my wall since I was 20 lol.

[@LeonTodd]

That's amazing!!! That would have been peak leather jacket/flying V era :D

[@IamScoHo]

Why is he not more well known? LOVE it. Thank you.

[@LeonTodd]

All the more for the rest of us :D

[@rogermoore1233]

DUDE, the "Born to lose solo"...So melodic and powerful !

[@michaelschenker4412]

Hello 👋 Roger How're you doing, it's been a long journey, and I'm nothing without amazing fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness, All love to you and yours ❤️

[@warrenpeece1726]

Michael Schenker was a breath of fresh air in the 70s because his style was not blues based but, as he termed it, "technical." My favorite solo is from On With the Action.

[@petermontgomery8707]

Live b side to doctor doctor single. how the hell that didn’t make strangers I will never know

[@kevennorcross1017]

UFO- Electric faze. One of the best songs ever recorded. The solos and changing melodies. Totally mind blowing. Its 2021 and I still listen to quite often. 🤘

[@markr.devereux3385]

That's what I keep telling people. Thus guy is a savant of hard rock melodic solos.Going way back to OH My .those solo fills get me every time. UFO he played with the most color and intensity.

[@andrearodriguez9005]

He's still my favorite guitarist ever. I have seen him twice in the past 3 years with Michael Schenker Fest and he is still just as amazing at 64 years old!!

[@LeviBulger]

One of the best riff writers ever. Pretty sure if you mapped his DNA out, it would actually be a tablature for the greatest rock ballad ever conceived.

[@GearGasms]

Schenker is one of the greats and so overlooked so often! Great video.

[@MrBrowngm]

Rock Bottom, a what age did Schenker write that. 17/18yrs increditable. 1974/5 true class stands the test of time.

[@lastrolo1517]

The end of Attack of the Mad Axeman is sooo good, so metal; Schenk goes berserk and you can almost feel the adrenaline! 😊🤘

[@ivorharden]

The chords at the end sound like medieval fanfare.

[@dylanclancy5396]

Please do Gary Moore next , he has so many underrated riffs like speak for yourself and so many other songs!

[@johnlannikk2701]

Felicity, Unsung all time monster track by Skid Row in 1970, Gary does stuff in that, that guitarists just dont go there. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKipZJpuipyUjbM

[@deHelli]

Michael Schenker is the best!

[@liys540]

and tony iommi's . Also , can you do how to get the tone of tony iommi on axe fx 3

[@TheMichaelseymour]

funny enough schenker would have been great in lizzy i reckon

[@ranman5491]

Michael and Gary, the absolute Kings of guitar, legends.

[@aGabay]

Phenomenon is one of the best rock albums ever!

[@vacationpromo1669]

Lipstick Traces Queen Of The Deep.... That's How It's Done.. Mikey Is The Albert Einstein Of All Guitar !!!!

[@salsaucedo]

yes it is but his debut album MSG battles it and wins for being the ultimate

[@fredwing9703]

Lipstick Traces!

[@dawnroad7415]

Phenomenon is one of my favorites. Maybe the idea behind the title was that Michael was the Phenomenon. I think of the solo on Queen of the Deep as being of his most inspired in his UFO years. Lipstick Traces still cycles through my head.

[@GloryOnHigh]

Schenker is an absolute monster guitar player. Highly underrated IMHO.

[@caldrumr]

Thumbs up for putting Obsession in top picks. Not very much talked about, but UFO's greatest studio album by a mile. It's one of a kind.

[@user-zt7ne3bt8p]

Excellent tribute. I predicted every one of your choices, as they would have been mine, as well - though there really isn't anything in Shencker's repertoire that isn't jaw-droppingly beautiful in some way: technical brilliance, melodic genius, masterful phrasing, killer tone - he really does have all the bases covered. Not to take anything away from the other brilliant guitarists you mentioned - they have all created music that can only be described as super-human. The thing about Shencker that makes him stand out is the classical sensibility he brings to rock. Quite a lot of the other legendary rock guitarists drew primarily from the blues to create their sound, but when I hear Shencker, I hear Beethoven, Mozart, Paganini, Chopin, and more. It's fascinating how he transformed those ideas into heavy rock and metal. The solo and the bridge part in "Only You Can Rock Me" come to mind as examples. Once again, great video! Enjoyed your playing. Wish I were half that good!

[@lifeisnice23]

Agree 100%. And it's even more mesmerising considering the fact that Michael is completely self taught, he learned to play by ear listening to the radio, he never had any formal musical training like many of his contemporaries more celebrated fellow guitarists, he still can't read music today .. Such a sheer unique talent in rock history.

[@Jade_holloway]

I am glad you mention the classical influence. I hear it very strongly in Schenker's work too. The very first I ever heard of his playing was on Rock Bottom (the original UFO studio version) and the solo instantly put me more in mind of a violin than anything else, I can so easily picture the likes of Paganini playing it, on violin!

[@popeye089]

Father took me to see UFO when I was a little boy. He knew the bouncers and they let me in (it was at the Riv in Chicago above 21 only concert) Michael had my jaw on the floor the whole concert. Epic show I'll never forget

[@guitarplayerz4893]

My all time favorite guitarist. One amazing guitar riff after another. Glad to see others appreciate the Mad Axeman. too!!!

[@michaelbromley620]

NAILED IT! Those are all 5 of my favorites! Armed and Ready still gives me chills and was one of my first tunes on the guitar as well. It's great to see someone actually play Captain Nemo correctly... it gives me hope! People have no idea how quirky the picking is in that melody. Thanks Leon!

[@1970borntorun]

I still have my old Michael Schenker Songbook from Cherry Lane Music Publishing from the 80s with Tabulature for Captain Nemo, Into The Arena, and the Live version of Rock Bottom from Strangers in the Night, etc etc. I'm 50, and I have mastered about 22% of it... LOL :-)

[@carlosh2306]

If Michael Schenker were American, he would be in the top 10 of every "best rock guitarist of all time" list.

[@Petezw]

Man you don't fumble through anything. Your playing is exemplary. Love your channel. Schenker has been one of my favourite guitarists since I first listened to Strangers in the Night.

[@dinourbani4068]

you are a great player man. amazing tone.

[@LeonTodd]

Thankyou!

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Well done Brother! Great to give some love to a legend, Michael! Amazing musicians can and do pay homage to their influences and inspirations! Johan and Leon are constant examples and Share the gift and joy of music! Be Well All!!

[@JohnnyBargeldBoom]

Nice to see a big youtube recognize Schenker. To me he is the greatest rock guitar ever, because he had technique, he had feeling, melodic hook and the best phrasing in general. but I needed 30 years of guitarplaying to understand his genius.

[@LeonTodd]

Schenker had it all. One of the greats.

[@LeopardBull5trik3]

Msg second album, looking for love is a tremendous track. His lead on that is sensational. And I'd say my favourite lead is on 'ain't no baby' from the obsession record. So smooth. One more for the rodeo is another class track

[@LeonTodd]

Obsession is an absolutely epic album. Top notch songs, playing and production!

[@LeopardBull5trik3]

@@LeonTodd particularly on one for the rodeo. The use of that particular hall reverb on moggs vocals is sublime. One of my favourite albums. Got him to sign my tokai v a few years back. Was such a cool moment

[@ranman5491]

Michael rules, and I also love that solo from I Ain't No Baby, just killer!

[@yellowlightingbolt]

Man Rock Bottom solo in Strangers in the Night, my head was just blown out! Happy to hear the same from someone. That easily might be one of the greatest solos in rock history.

[@thomascrowell8817]

Love Schenker. I really like the riff on Ready to Rock, Natural Thing, and Shoot Shoot.

[@brucesoto806]

Thank you for keeping Michael schenker's music alive, that was a great time for guitars and I don't know why this time in music in not played more to the masses, thank you for the lesson. Not many better than him✌️🎸.

[@LeonTodd]

Glad you enjoyed it! Michael will always be a legend to me.

[@bkhawaii]

I have a home made MSG CD in my car right now! Has all the songs in the video. "Feels Like a Good Thing" is one of my many favorite MSG songs. He is such a melodic player.

[@leonardinez]

Check out the solo in "Born to Lose" from the 1978 UFO album "Obsessions". I think that is the best solo he ever played!

[@geordie205gti]

My fave solo, period, is the one at the end of Love to Love on Strangers. Headphones on, volume up, AMAZING!

[@LeonTodd]

What a song! Miiiiiisty greeeeeen and bluuuue!

[@Imadrummin]

One of my favorite Schenker leads has to be on "I'm A Loser" from Strangers In The Night. From 2:38 until the end of the song is a masterpiece. I really enjoyed your video.

[@johnwoods7842]

Agree 💯 %

[@798125]

Love your Schenker leather jacket! Love these killer riffs series, keepem coming Leon!

[@MrUmandMrEr]

MSG's Assault Attack is a great album. Rifftastic, loads of hooks, amazing lead and harmony guitars, and Graham Bonnet on vox.

[@LeonTodd]

GB in his prime on that album!

[@MrUmandMrEr]

@@LeonTodd Just listened to Desert Song on a Spotify playlist, and thought 'that's a great recording' - produced by Martin Birch. RIP.

[@andreasfranzelin]

Danke für die tollen Worte! Michael Schenker hat uns seit Anfang der 80er begleitet. Interessant, dass ich MSG in München am 30. November 1983 als Vorgruppe von Maiden gesehen habe. Für Tellys Musikseite in der ff im Fotograben direkt unter Michael geknipst... Zum Glück habe ich noch einiges an MSG auf Vinyl... CD sowieso...

[@straker1966]

Schenker is my favorite guitar player, I love the sense of melody, so lyrical in each guitar solo…

[@V3ntilator]

I were on Michael Schenker concert yesterday 30th, April 2022 in Norway with Robin McAuley on vocals. Robin's voice is still same as in 1980's. 2 hour concert. Schenker also played a 10 minute solo. 22 songs, and i think 7 of them were from Ufo.

[@CharlesGriffith1965]

Fantastic episode... Nothing compares to Schenker... and I love the format of your series...

[@Xeo7]

You said it best, my friend. The architect of a lead guitar player in a rock or metal band. Killer riffs and a killer job on your part!

[@rolandmengedoth2191]

Michael Schenker is an Idol of mine and he is in my age as well. One of the best players ever !! Rock Bottom is one of my all time favorites !!!!!!

[@LeonTodd]

The king!

[@showservices1]

Thanks Leon this is my new favorite video of yours. I've been a huge Schenker fan since I saw UFO on Don Kirshner's ROCK CONCERT back in 1974 on TV. I was 13 and It changed my life !

[@leftyzappa]

Thank you for giving Michael credit and attention. You do him justice. Remember - he plays both melody and harmony parts of Doctor Doctor himself using double stops that are…a pain in the ass to execute properly 🤓 Cheers!

[@LeonTodd]

Yeah the way he does that is magic!

[@leftyzappa]

@@LeonTodd the whole step double stop is really awkward when you get used to the whole/half. Anyway…I appreciate you. I just bought *another* V yesterday: I have a problem. 😂

[@MikeMiranda777]

Great Schenker riffs, and killer playing at the end of this video, dude!

[@denn9484]

How did I miss this video?! Man, you absolutely killed it! I had no idea you were such a huge fan. *high fives*.

[@MichaelCarper]

All the ones you pointed out are great classic Michael Schenker. For me, my favorite is the opening for Save Yourself.

[@TVoltG]

He is the epitome of a riff master..

[@marcaddona2771]

Michael was the Riff Master. My Favorite Guitarists. I love that he's very melodic, yet, can shread with the best.

[@lanceross3633]

Thanks for this video Leon,Michael Schenker is an absolute legend. You were in guitar ecstasy jamming Rock Bottom solo at the end of this👏👍👏👍💪.

[@jessetate9701]

Space child is such a beautiful song

[@raisinsawdust]

One of Michael’s best extended lead breaks

[@taicydkyraut]

One of my favourites

[@PhilipADolan]

finally someone who loves schenker too !!! gotta say into the arena solo is just class

[@ldmorrison]

I absolutely love you doing Schenker riffs!

[@g0meara]

Great choices to highlight Michael and mighty good playing those riffs yourself matey. I had the pleasure of doing sound for him and it was amazing. UFO and MSG Temple of Rock!

[@LeonTodd]

Thank you!

[@g0meara]

doctor doctor is my fav and you nailed the tone, took me back to the day it was released, thanks Leon

[@johndonson1603]

You played my favourite Schenker moment , “Rock Bottom “ ,not only my favourite Schenker but actually my favourite of all full stop .

[@ledrhodes5077]

Leon, You absolutely killed it on the outro of this vid!! That old Scorpions tune off of Lonesome Crow was Michael's first masterpiece in terms of lead guitar playing! Great job on that bro!!

[@LeonTodd]

Thanks mate!!

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

nailed it! Schenker was my main influence when I was a teen. Force It and Obsession had some of the greatest solo tones and melodies ever. But I love all the stuff he did.

[@AlexAlexon3897]

You played them all well, and that solo... Schenker himself would be impressed. One riff I find hard to even half-play is the main one from This Kid's - the timing and heaviness are pretty intense.

[@ThinPicks]

I love all of that song, the verses, the grinding bluesy heavy stomp in the middle and the dreamy guitar harmony melody to fade out, masterful!

[@AlexAlexon3897]

@@ThinPicks: Well-said!

[@PainterDans]

You nailed them as far as I remember, I haven’t heard some of those songs in years. You inspired me to play some schenker. He wasn’t much of a pinky triplet guy and I like that. Great video 👍👍👍

[@LeonTodd]

Yeah Mike was a great example of taking the basics and crashing your own style from them

[@adriancummings3625]

Thought this was excellent Leon you nailed the tone and thought your playing was killer thank you Sir

[@asadalmahrezi9695]

No one really gives enough attention to the acoustic Michael Schenker. He has one unplugged MSG album that is absolutely awesome. Also his acoustic album Thank You had a great impact on my life.

[@ROKZLEON]

You did a great job with those MS riffs!!! Love your outro solo man!!! 👦🏻

[@seandowning5918]

Seen him at least 10 times.. ..as great now as ever...when he's in the zone it's just straight adrenaline..unbelievable

[@danc3746]

Michael Schenker, one of the BEST ever. How about the lead in "Never Trust a Stranger"...killer!

[@pablo_costas]

Whenever someone asks me about what albums to start listening to when it comes to hard rock: 1. UFO - Strangers in the night 2. KISS - ALIVE! 3. GnR - Appetite for Destruction

[@EivindFalken]

probably the best guitarist of our time. nobody has that tone, vibrato and the ability to just rewrite a solo live, on the spot, without turning it into a wankfest and still keep the vibe of the song

[@Ripzalot]

I'm so old i bought strangers in the night on 8track. Rock bottom is the ultimate bedroom jam!

[@GearGasms]

Ripzalot we’re about the same age then! I’m one of few from our generation to try to start a YT channel. Can’t let the kids have all the fun!

[@lanceross3633]

Ripzalot same here!!

[@hondotoo]

the guitar solo is incredible...

[@donkesterson1517]

Dance Your Life Away...a must listen

[@beornthebear.8220]

Leon, you do a good job of playing his riffs. His sense of clerical type melody with the ability to shred has put him at the top of my list for many years. Many can shred but few have that sense of melody. Michael Schenker and John Sykes are probably my favorite lead players of all time. I love the tones. I play bass mostly, and I like playing "Into the Arena". Now I need to get my lead licks up to speed. I love the "Rock Bottom" riff. Michael Schenker. I was my favorite guitarist for years. He's still at the top of the list.