Long Distance Runaround Guitar Lesson by Yes | Steve Howe

Long Distance Runaround Guitar Lesson by Yes | Steve Howe
Steve Howe was one of the best - no doubt. And this is one of his most recognizable melodies. Plus, it's just super-cool and fun and challenging to play.
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"Long Distance Runaround" is a song by the progressive rock group Yes first recorded for their 1971 album, Fragile. Written by lead singer Jon Anderson, the song was released as a B-side to "Roundabout", but became a surprise hit in its own right as a staple of album-oriented rock radio. The song's 3:30 running time was uncharacteristically brief for a group known for expansive songs often longer than ten minutes, though it and "The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)", into which it segues, may be considered a single opus of 6:09.
Yes co-founder Jon Anderson wrote the lyrics to this song while allegedly remembering his encounters with religious hypocrisy and competition he experienced in attending church regularly as a youth in northern England. "Long time / waiting to feel the sound" was a sentiment toward wanting to see a real, compassionate, non-threatening example of godliness.[

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Anyone who can play Yes - I applaud you sir. I love Steve Howe = phenomenal guitar player. He is doing-it basically: "Clean" - no distortion or delay. I've seen him live 2x's, and he is Lazer Accurate - too.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! He's one of the best and one of the toughest. You can't fake Steve Howe, because the tone is fairly "naked".

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@MarkZabel All the guitar teachers ( I've known ) and even, the older Jazz players growing-up in NYC have always told me: "Steve Howe, is one-of-the greatest guitarists of all time" - very complicated and difficult to play. He combines: rock, jazz, classical, country, & funk.

[@MrCarlos1335]

GOOD JOB, WELL DONE. GREAT TEACHER, HANDS DOWN.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!!

[@tonykarasek4816]

Saluting your ability to not only play this piece but also your ability to present it in such a clear and concise manner. Musician/artists like you have made playing guitar so much more satisfying for me. Thank you ! ! !

[@MarkZabel]

+Tony Karasek Thanks brother! Appreciate the kindness!

[@okinasdigital]

Very much clearly explained!

[@MarkZabel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samcuratolo3885]

after all these years it FINALLY comes together ....not really that complicated when its broke down....good job my friend

[@MarkZabel]

sam curatolo Thanks Sam! Glad I could help.

[@samcuratolo3885]

Mark Zabel i agree with you that steve howe is one of best guitar players.....me and my friends use to have debates over who was the best guitar player (back in the early 70's) most of my non guitar playing mates would argue that clapton or paige was better....i would say technically steve is a better player not taking anything away from clapton or paige.....but its like comparing apples to oranges (blues to classical).....the first time i saw YES was in 72.....we didnt even know who they were.....we went to see a band called atomic rooster(which was the opining band for YES)...when YES took the stage we were all just blown away

[@MarkZabel]

I give all of those guys credit ... but Clapton and Page both already get a lot. Steve Howe is largely forgotten. He was (and is) unique. I attribute being able to pick decently to my falling in love with "Close the the Edge." So many guitar styles, so clean, picking all those notes instead of hammering on and pulling off ... and so musical. I envy you for seeing Yes in its prime!! I missed them by about 5 or 6 years. Definitely not for everybody, but it worked for me. One added bonus was that Yes was/were the only band that my Dad liked. I was raised listening to Beethoven/Bach/Brahms and the lot of classical music. Close to the Edge worked for him! Thanks for listening!

[@MannyQuacioua]

Yes! This video is INCREDIBLE! If anyone has a hard time keeping up turn the speed down and pay close attention.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Manny!!

[@tomg6284]

Wow, that brings back mems.. Very complex and I thank you for showing me.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheCream14]

Steve Howe is my favorite. Thanks for the great lesson!!

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and for the kind comment too!

[@richiereverb]

Thank you !

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@ST-xg3gy]

Impressive! Also love that "South Side of the Sky"!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Yes, and so many others, but I agree that "South Side of the Sky" is a great one. Love SH's sound and aggressive play on that one.

[@diegooland1261]

I need a mind blowed emoji! thanks! so simple but so amazing.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!!

[@danielsmith7902]

Great Song, Thanks for doing this.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure.

[@tvs3497]

I've play guitar for five decades. Steve Howe plays an instrument I am unfamiliar with.

[@MarkZabel]

LOL!

[@TedBoyRomarino]

One of the best lessons I`ve had =)

[@MarkZabel]

TedBoyRomarino Thanks!!

[@markhill4287]

Thanks a lot!,your lessons have really improved my playing a lot,please keep up the good work

[@MarkZabel]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching!

[@philmanson2991]

Very nice work. Gonna take me a bit of time to get fluid, but that has always been such a magnificent Steve Howe lick. Steve has been my sensei since 1974 when I first heard "YESSONGS." Of course, everyone knew "Roundabout" from all the radio play, but I had no idea of their grandeur until I heard "Siberian Khatru," "And You and I," "Close the Edge," and all the other tunage, it was OVER, I tell ya! Highly recommend "Steve Howe at the Iridium Club" where he plays with Les Paul.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Phil! Steve was/is an awesome player - often overlooked.

[@mirekgoldberg6045]

Beautifully rendered and taught! You're the man!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Mirek!

[@imannonymous7707]

Love playing this track! so thanks for yer help mark ....loved this album 2/3 of my life. I love climbing up that riff man....awesome!

[@MarkZabel]

Sure thing man. One of my faves also ... right there with Close To The Edge.

[@nanoestudio4790]

Got it! Thank you very much for the clear explanation.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@bradprather6749]

very nicely done. thank you for breaking this down.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@st72ric64]

Thank you for your great lesson and I glad to look your kindness

[@MarkZabel]

st72ric64 Thanks!!

[@mikebrown9850]

Mark gives great note by note lessons. He broke down the great Larry Carlton solos on The Royal Scam of which I can now play!!! This one is certainly a classic that will take some time!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Mike!

[@Watzline]

I tried to figure out how to play this years ago, was close but not quite right, you nailed it, Thanks!

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and for the kind comment too!

[@DanniKrash]

That was a terrific lesson very well explained please please please do more Steve howe, thank you!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Do you have any suggestions?

[@1stDyster]

Southside of the Sky

[@1Keef]

Mark you nailed that! Great technique.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@Yesshows01]

Steve Howe had an unique imagination making arrangements. Jon Anderson brought this song to the band with a pair of chords, the lyrics and the melody. The rest was done the other members, and yes, it is a great song. That bass and jazzy introduction....

[@MarkZabel]

Yep, great song!

[@budandbean1]

Huh, I didn't know "Yes" did this... Mark, you are a wealth of knowledge! ...and one hell of a good guitar player, this all sounds dead on! Thanks for the lesson.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Buddy. I appreciate that. I've been watching some posts from Tim Pierce and I always notice your comments, so I know you've seen him. Now there's one helluva player! He's got just that perfect tone! In any event, it's always good to hear from you! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@mavainfigatomareva]

Very nice lesson! Thank you a lot!

[@MarkZabel]

Davide Franchin You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Ronholtmusic]

Thanks good job

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@christopherprim1973]

X-cellent lesson. I came on looking for one last year, and there was just Steve Howe's little video playing it. Speeds, chords forms, great breakdown.

[@MarkZabel]

+Christopher Prim Thanks for the kind comment. Glad you liked it!

[@ante744]

Awesome!!

[@MarkZabel]

ante744 Thanks!

[@PaulLesFender]

Great lesson mate! I've always loved Steve Howe's playing. I'm thoroughly enjoying your lessons, great structure and information.

[@MarkZabel]

+PaulLesFender Glad you liked this and some of the other lessons! Let me know what else you'd like to see/hear. BTW, great handle for your account!!

[@ozuidema]

Great playing and well explained. I’m gonna try again; in the past I found it hard to play this fluently. Thanks, just subbed.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Give it a whirl. Steve Howe was, of course, no slouch! Also, please let me know if you have other prog-rock requests. The trouble is that many are obscure, but also very, very long. I once had someone adamantly request every guitar part and every bit ... note for note ... to "And You and I" from Close to the Edge. I offered a part or two, but politely declined the whole song. Just putting together the backing tracks would take a month! Seriously though, please let me know if you have any specific requests.

[@ozuidema]

Mark Zabel Hi Mark, that’s very kind of you. In fact, I’ve been looking for a long time for instructions or tabs on some of Steve Howe’s songs on Not Necessarily Acoustic, in particular The Valley of Rocks, Bareback, Second Initial and Whispering. Also, very welcome would be some Camel stuff, such as Selva, Chord Change or Stationary Traveller (the last one I have sort of figured out, but not quite). I’ll keep watching your channel! All the best.

[@MarkZabel]

@@ozuidema Thanks! I'll give at least one of those a shot.

[@ozuidema]

Mark Zabel That’s great Mark, looking forward to it!

[@firstnamelastname1101]

Very good lesson. Important note on the second "chunk"... On all recordings I've heard, Steve alternates the notes that are accented, resulting in a decidedly different feel/flavor for each. This is most noticable on the studio recording. Example: the second chunk consists of nine notes. In the first appearance of these nine notes, notes 3 & 6 are accented. In the second appearance of these nine notes, notes 2 & 6 are accented. It is very subtle, but if you listen closely, you will hear this difference and appreciate the piece all the more. Also, playing harmony to Steve's guitar is not another guitar, but Rick's keyboard. I hope someone finds this useful.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Very interesting!!

[@Vdubarub]

You made this so easy to learn! I'm hooked on your vids and Sub'd. You play so well, and teach like non other, a true teaches gift. Thank you kindly Mr. Blessings✋

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Andy! It's great to hear such feedback. Do you have any particular requests for me?

[@Vdubarub]

To be honest, you have lessons on so many of my favorites, I have my work cut out for me lol. That is to say you have great taste in music! I would like to learn From the Beginning from ELP.👍 I appreciate you, and hope you're having a great weekend.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much. Right back at you about the weekend!

[@scissors656]

i've always wanted to learn how to play this;but could never figure it out by ear. good tutorial video that makes it seem very possible.

[@MarkZabel]

+beatlecider Thanks. You can get this - it's doable!

[@scissors656]

i'll sure try it.

[@awittypilot8961]

Yeah...one of your best Mark.....tough lick and you nailed it right down.....like sultans of swing....or I know a little. I've always said if you can play those you're pretty much there. I'm getting there but still a way to go. I'm probably in the lower intermediate range right now....stuck.... All I can say for right now is try to play what you can as best as you can. I'm rockin but the easier stuff. I am going to work on this one though. Great exercise for sure and it's not difficult. Well it is but there's nothing really hard in any of it....just play smoothly

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes, take it slowly and get it right. Once you've got it, speed it up a bit. You'll get there sooner than you think. And it's much better, IMHO, than playing through scales and arpeggios endlessly. Good luck!

[@davegarski1548]

Thanks Mark!

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hi thanks Mark. Very Sad news Ric Ocasek of the Cars passed away this evening...

[@MarkZabel]

Hi Angel. I heard that. A real bummer.

[@deanmasonone]

Really great vid. Now let's see the first thing I'll need to play this is... your hands. When you send them to me, please include the 335.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! I'm afraid I'll have to keep ... the 335! :)

[@martinmaddock8674]

Awesome lesson thank you very much! Could you possibly do the same for South Side of the Sky?

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Great suggestion on SotS.

[@d0gm0use]

I use a guitar harmonizer since my keyboard player has a hard time with it. The counterpoint bass line is great on this piece.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, great stuff.

[@spraddr]

Great lesson! The only nit-picky correction I would offer is that I'm pretty sure Howe plays 1st, 2nd and 3rd string arpeggios throughout the very last part (what Mark calls the "next part" that starts with that type of Cmaj7 chord) So if "S" = String and "F" = Fret, then the "tab" would be: S1F7 S2F8 S3F9 - S1F8 S2F10 S3F12 - S1F10 S2F12 S3F14 - S1F11 S2F12 S314 - S1F12 S2F14 S3F15 (and then right back to the beginning). Don't get me wrong though, the notes Mark teaches are absolutely right--and the two-string sequences are actually easier to play. The only advantage of the arpeggios might be that the very last one might set you up a bit better to go back to the beginning. But again--great stuff, Mark!

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, I think you're right. You'll get a slightly different timbre playing the 1, 2, and 3 strings as opposed to the first two. Easier? Well, it was easier for me! :) But Howe was a genius at the guitar, so I do what I can to play his stuff. Thanks for the detailed and kind comment!

[@mcdarkness4779]

I agree, but you're 4th chord is wrong....maybe just a typo. :)

[@JH-fo3yf]

Awesome lesson though. I love Yes and Howe, but sometimes their riffs are hard to find. Thanks a lot man.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for listening!

[@richardmiller191]

Great playing! Always liked that guitar riff. Can you get the harmonizing effect right with a harmonizing pedal? Thanks for posting!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Richard! It has been a long while since I did this, so I don't instantly remember the harmonization. Sounds like mostly 3rds. You could probably get away with that.

[@katb945]

fusion

[@robertm4757]

I have a suggestion for the third block that might make it easier ... instead of playing the triads on the first, second,second strings you might find it easier to play on the first, second and third strings?

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[@Timpscars]

@@MarkZabelalso try the first chunk and stay rooted on the 15th fret. I don't know which way he did it but that's the way I learned it slowing the turntable down to 16 1/3 fifty years ago. i also play chunk 2 $ 3 up 5 frets, starting on the second string because it felt to me that if his hand was up there to begin with, why not keep it there. I actually learned it the way you do it and didn't feel comfortable until I moved it up. I'm going to give your way a second chance and see what happens. Great tutorial, thank you, all the best.

[@MarkZabel]

@@Timpscars Thanks!

[@chippchipp1]

You are awesome. Just subscribed.

[@MarkZabel]

+chippchipp1 Thanks, I appreciate it!!

[@kingrobert1st]

I wonder if Steve referred to the 3 parts as "chunks"? lol Great tutorial btw. None of this 1st finger 2nd fret 4th string bollocks!

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, probably didn't refer to them as "chunks" even if he saw them like that. Thanks for watching and for the kind and humorous comment!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hi mark this is a great lesson as usual your the best I have a question though can you do a lesson on a Eddie Money since he passed away recently maybe play a 2 tickets to paradise or a baby hold or take me home tonight? Thanks

[@MarkZabel]

Hi Angel. Thanks. Here you go - Eddie Money. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnzGf2uZp71_maM

[@jaym4958]

hey Mark; I was at a brief loss for what to say, !!!! that was great ! can you do roundabout ? or the intro + first verse ? if you are into " prog" meteriel that wouldbe too good to be true, that was the best music in its day even now, thats my "favorite" era & all the great players, not to get into all of them now.Jay.,.,.,/peace\

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes, I'm into prog rock, though into Yes far more than anything else (Genesis and later Rush as well though somewhat less). Steve Howe was my favorite player for a long while. I still love his playing. I would be *thrilled* to do Roundabout: Intro, verse, bridges, solo, you name it. I might break it up into a few videos. You've probably seen this already, but just in case ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppfRe5KQjMehd9k And here's a really old one of mine (need to update it) ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4uwf3WEpbOEsKc

[@LookinUp2001]

I have this in my left hand however in the second chunk the right hand I struggle with. Do you pick all? Start with an up or a down. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I play it slow.

[@MarkZabel]

Doesn't matter how I start, because the first string has a pull off. It's the 2nd string that matters, as it's all picking from there on in. I use an upstroke on that (just checked), but I can make it work with either. I would recommend trying an upstroke on the 2nd string then alternate picking after that.

[@TheBdriver]

My compliments on the video. I agree with the other posters. Is the rest of the song in another video somewhere ? :)

[@MarkZabel]

+TheBdriver Thanks! I didn't do the rest of the song on KZbin. Sorry. Maybe some day. I love Yes, but don't get too many requests for it. I'll chalk this up as one of those. Would you like any other Yes?

[@TheBdriver]

Sure!! The Clap !! lol :D just kidding thats an insane piece. No I'd just like to know the full LDR now that I'm on to it. Looks like you've covered the most challenging part :)

[@MarkZabel]

Okay, the rest of LDR is on the to-do list.

[@theheadlessaxeman]

Thank you! There are some "lessons" on YT that make one totally cringe. Yours is the opposite, well played and explained Sir!!! :) PS, There have been, it would seem, 2 idiots here! Thanks again

[@MarkZabel]

I really appreciate the kind comments. Thanks for listening and for the support!

[@GDTRFBBB]

With Steve Howe?... The Click bait title makes it seem like the lesson was going to feature Steve. I think everybody Knows Its Steve Howe on this song and The Fragile Album

[@MarkZabel]

Right ... clickbait. Dude, why would I clickbait with an obscure song? Never occurred to me anyone would think the video has Steve Howe in it. LOL!

[@JH-fo3yf]

What effects are being used? I think its wah wah pressed all the way down and a tube screamer. I just want to get the same kind of sound.

[@MarkZabel]

You know, I don't think I used anything on this - played it clean I think. Maybe there's a tiny amount of dirt. Low gain on a Tube Screamer might work. I just used the bridge pickup with the treble cranked, but pressing the wah will certainly give you that "trebly Steve Howe" sound! I'm not sure what he's got on the record. Your guess seems pretty close.

[@spraddr]

I think you may be referring to the live version of this tune that came out on Yessongs--and it sure does sounds like Howe was using a wah pedal, but only on the very last section of the main theme (those ascending, 3-note sequences which Mark teaches above). It's a little hard to tell because Wakeman was definitely using some kind of wah pedal on his keyboard on that live recording. Howe's tone on this live recording also has a somewhat over-driven sound as well (as opposed to his tone for this tune on Fragile, which is as dry as a martini), although it's hard to tell if he was using a pedal or just had his amp turned up. He definitely wasn't using a Tube Screamer though, since the recording was done in 1972 and Tube Screamers weren't introduced until the late 70s. Still, yeah, a Tube Screamer would nicely approximate the sound he had on that Yessongs version . Also, for what it's worth, Howe plays a couple of cool variations on that main theme as well on this live version.

[@theadman6402]

what is harmony part. is it in thirds or sevenths

[@MarkZabel]

The keyboard harmony line? As far as I can tell it's thirds.

[@stevehubbard3124]

What effects are you using?

[@MarkZabel]

Hi Steve. I'm fairly sure I played it clean with no effects. Maybe a touch of reverb.

[@axelclaussen5580]

I have to say it. There is no vibrato in any of Steve's ending notes in any of his lines! Please take note of it.

[@TedBoyRomarino]

He was not. He is

[@MarkZabel]

Right. My bad!