TOOL - Descending (Guitar Cover with Play Along Tabs) + A/Descending (Bonus Jam)

[@MaxNiessl]

Alright, seems like we're through the album now! Thank you for all the love and feedback, I truly appreciate it - has been a lot of fun! Hopefully those videos will serve you as a kind of tab catalogue with references and corrections in the description. Playlists have been updated for all previous videos (sorted by bands). I threw in the A/Descending preview as a kind of jam bonus, still really dig that, so _stay the grand finale_ . I got a lot of songs planned, so be ready for more future content! Synced guitar tabs (gp, gp5 and pdf) for both songs are in the description and corrections will be noted there, too! :)

[@t00lh43]

We are not worthy! Thanks so much!!

[@miniontm69]

Now do it left handed.

[@thebatman1482]

You are doing the Lord's work.

[@CarlosMiranda619]

Will we get some Karnivool in the future? \o/

[@MaxNiessl]

@@CarlosMiranda619 You can bet! \m/

[@natedawes8989]

Yes, but how do you play the full minute of ocean noises?

[@MaxNiessl]

To cover that part perfectly, place a microphone underneath your toilet and do the thing. You'll get the best results when you're slowing down the recording and add some reverb to it. Like in Mantra!

[@isaiahstorm]

@@MaxNiessl perfect answer

[@miscmeme]

@@MaxNiessl I was just going to say save up some gas money... Lol but damn.

[@keyshawnhall9896]

@@MaxNiessl I’m going to think of descending as a song about taking a really big dump

[@Godspeed961]

@@MaxNiessl This is Insane ! Good work mate !

[@johnb5713]

0:56 - Intro (B) Flanger on 1:12 Flanger off 1:39 - Intro (B) Flanger on, 1:55 Flanger off 2:00 - Pre-Chorus (C) Delay = 375ms, palm mute. 2:44 - Chorus (D) Still palm mute 3:00 - Post-Chorus (E) Delay OFF, still palm mute 3:10 - Verse (A) Palm mute off 3:30 - Pre-Chorus (C) Palm mute 4:02 - Chorus (D) Palm mute off, delay off 4:27 - Post-Chorus (F) Palm mute until last repetition 4:56 - Pre-Chorus (C) Chop that D-string and let it ring vibrantly, baby! 6:10 - Slide Solo (G) Use slider, drop slider at 6:29 7:34 - Swells (H) Alternating channels 8:30 - Bridge (I) Palm mute 9:36 - Epic Lick (K) Stop palm mute, some reverb here, some delay there 10:15 - Epic Lick (L) Special Kirk Hammet sauce here! 10:53 - Solo (N) Very much wah, total wah breakup at 11:03, play with the wah at 11:21 12:00 comment, like, subscribe, start over.

[@miker20]

Better when you try to cover his live sound (flanger on more often, chorus not used as much, and having a flanger at front and the back, etc)

[@alfredosincovich5744]

The best song of Tool. Yes. No other. This Is a fucking Masterpiece of singing, message, guitar, bass and drums... The best of the album. The best of his career

[@MaxNiessl]

I agree that it's one of the best Tool songs ever written! But after listening to older Tool opuses again, like Disposition/Reflection/Triad, Third Eye, Lateralus etc. it doesn't come close :D Amazing song nonetheless!

[@gonzaloportal1014]

Based

[@antoncabotta5364]

Eulogy is often unspoken about but I think it's also up there

[@NaVaRoNe1987]

Who else almost cried on the first listen of 6:50 on the album? Adam has never used harmonies as far as I know. So good.

[@mgonzalez8880]

Its fucking beautiful..

[@WhIte0NErd]

He hardly does it... but i think he did it in the solos for Third Eye. If I'm not mistaken.

[@samuelemilan9235]

NaVaRoNe as far as I remember, he used the harmonics on “The Patien”. But yeah, he rarely use this technique

[@dabforge5731]

ya man gives me chills everytime

[@STREY34]

Pushit Live Salival

[@SilkyMJohnson]

The new album is truly a work of art and deserves to be revered for generations.

[@bladeMatster6]

it's no secret Adam Jones is a visual artist as well, and this video is just brilliant to watch, well done! love it

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! :)

[@stevemuzak8526]

He was working in Stan Winston studio on Jurassic Park, Terminator etc.

[@rbeforme]

Some will never realize just how prolific this record is. And I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. It really is a testament to the current zeitgeist. What a masterpiece.

[@sicariusflamus3033]

i am so happy this album exists it ticks literally all the boxes for my music taste

[@sent4dc]

dude, you're fucking awesome. If I only had 10% of your skills I wouldn't leave my house.

[@MaxNiessl]

Haha thank you so much! :D

[@Leo_Tigre]

true, bro, i cry 😂😂😂

[@zZzSneak]

9:36 to 10:52 is just so damn good. so simple yet sounds so complex

[@theæthœr]

Trust me, it’s not simple

[@saintjabroni]

@@theæthœr😂

[@CameronWinters]

Pretty f’n dope sir! It’s so cool you were able to find another guy with the exact same guitar and shirt to play along with. What are the odds?!

[@MaxNiessl]

I know, right? Such a coincidence! Thanks, brotha

[@doctorhonda111]

Its the same guy. He just recorded it and edited in the parts together.

[@CameronWinters]

@@doctorhonda111 Whoosh

[@zeinmaslida]

@@CameronWinters damn bro lmao

[@t00lh43]

Right now this is my favourite track on the album. So absolutely powerful and your cover has just solidified my love of this song and your KZbin channel! Keep up the amazing work!!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! I can't agree more, Descending is my favourite. It has grown on me so much. Pneuma is right behind, though :)

[@68dsuding]

@@MaxNiessl I love the whole record, I ignore the transitions. Masterpiece! Strong work, Max. Fucker!

[@raymondsalazar5291]

After learning 7empest and Invincible on my 6 string bass. I find myself jamming out to your versions more and more. Thanks for the great cover to play along with.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! :)

[@MelanieLovesDeathMetal]

I got emotional watching this. I love this song and you nailed it!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you so much, Melanie! Glad you enjoyed :)

[@Finnegeas]

Still coming back to this performance like a train with a purpose. Thanks Max. You're some player sir!

[@MaxNiessl]

Awesome! 🤘🏼

[@cobaltfalcon9458]

I always thought Adam was a good guitar player, simply for creating interesting uses of sound over shredding solos. But on FI, he did both. Instantly became a favorite on this album.

[@RealMeatPie]

So many inaccurate tabs around but yours is spot on. Stunning work. Thank you

[@Nick-dp4wk]

This whole album rocks and you have done these songs a great justice with your covers. Thanks for another excellent play along!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! \m/

[@travisamazingable]

10:53 is absolutely nuts

[@trentkraemer7109]

Sounds perfect, I’m glad you put so much effort into making these sound super accurate.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, I'm always trying to get it as accurate as possible and not compromise on quality :)

[@MrLineman8144]

Once again Max you have proven your skill level. Unbelievable sound and I believe I'm not the only one thinking this, but its awesome that you answer everyone. That along with the time and effort you put in goes a long way with folks.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thanks! Of course and glad you dig the video :)

[@angrybird32495]

I’ve been binge watching all your new Tool covers. You’re amazing! And I love your Les Paul, it’s a beautiful instrument and it sounds so good!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you so much, James! I'll tell her you love her ;)

[@BODA-KFH]

If you found your way here then your brain is working correctly! Very well done, your performance is inspiring! I swear is it just me or does TOOL just gets better and better as time goes on. "Descending" is a MASTERPIECE of rock!

[@marcocorsini4054]

11:15 is when i always rewind the song a little bit to hear it some 3 more times before going on with the piece The guitar just sounds like a monster roaring in either pain or fury, which fits the song quite well given that the lyrics r about changing our ways so mankind doesn't destroy itself, with the roars being calls for help under the image of humanity This gives me shivers every single time

[@toddstone7781]

You've probably just inspired Adam to compose something a little more difficult...

[@MaxNiessl]

Haha it's perfect how it is, already \m/

[@frostfirex7467]

Josborn that’s what Tool is all about. No one shines above the rest. They blend everything to create music that is a perfect mix of everything.

[@68dsuding]

Choosing your favorite TOOL song is like choosing your favourite child, as their parent...

[@jacobabrownful]

Agreed 🤘🤧

[@nooneabsolutelynoone7994]

@@68dsuding I chose my favorite child last week... I killed it. that's right.. IT. That's 2020 for you, i didn't know what gender it was, it had corona virus and listened to Justin Beiver

[@DiNosaurioWTF]

I'm dying for a Rosetta Stoned cover

[@MaxNiessl]

I'd love to do that sometime :)

[@natedawes8989]

Max Niessl oh hell yeah

[@STREY34]

@@DavidOakesMusic it sound soo much more difficult... but then.you learn it and... that's pretty much it ;1

[@4amwaj]

@@MaxNiessl its so good.

[@Ran6000]

That was absolutely incredible! Unbelievably accurate cover. Thank you so much!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! You're welcome, have fun learning :)

[@Ran6000]

Max Niessl thank you 😊

[@cassiuscarter2832]

Man your playing is very high level! This song is a really fun song to play and feels so rewarding to me because it just sounds so good and uses so many techniques. Honestly anyone just starting guitar, practicing the riffs in this song would be a good warm up or something to play every day to get better at understanding the instrument

[@simonsalzeder1235]

U can't spell Max Niessl without G R E A T C O N T E N T

[@MaxNiessl]

My man! ;)

[@fredsanchis5683]

Thanks for your videos. I got back to the guitar a few weeks ago and I rediscover tool band that I LOVE. Since then, I spend all my time playing and Your videos helps me to hold on to the lockdown in france. thanks a lot.

[@MaxNiessl]

You're welcome! Have fun playing 🤘

[@Jamie_Wilson]

Damn dude did you just play this whole 12-13min long song all the way through without fault and 100% on time throughout. Wow! How good are your tabs too!

[@MaxNiessl]

Yep, you're welcome! 🤘

[@emdawg2676]

Absolutely fantastic. What a great job of reproducing this absolute masterpiece

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, Emily! :)

[@scottweiter2477]

Oh my gawd you nailed that song. I've been wanting to learn that son so bad but you have it perfect. I'll have to check out your other videos. Tool is my fav band and I always wished I could even come close to playing the songs and with your videos I think I can work really hard and get it. Thank you soooooo much. You are an amazing guitarist.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thanks Scott! Have fun ☺️🤘

[@F3Ibane]

Bravo. Just simply perfect. Thank you for this.

[@elonmustard2263]

Damn, this is flippin incredible. Next time Adam gets a cold, just stand in for him!

[@sadvvitch]

I really love the section from 9:36 it feels like having an epic dream

[@diegofiorillo6412]

You are a phenomenal player.

[@slushpuppydevil]

Adam: *Sweats profusely*

[@MaleitasFrancisco]

I have so much fun learning this album's songs through your videos, thanks alot Max

[@MaxNiessl]

That's great, thank you so much! :)

[@austinhunt4260]

uneffingreal. Stellar performance. Thank you.

[@noahhonkanen2090]

It sounds likes theres a little one time triplet run at 5:10 in the original track, at "stay the grand finale". My ears could be deceiving me though. Either way, love these videos!

[@MaxNiessl]

Yes, I heard that too. Not sure if Adam was doing that intentionally or if it was just a mistake :) And thank you! \m/

[@neilbrophy1826]

Awesome! Great work! Tab is much appreciated. Right now it's my favorite song on the album too.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! :)

[@soufianeech-charkaoui2194]

I've been waiting for this one for so long and you didn't disappoint. Man keep up the great work

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! Will do :)

[@lachlanmcrae6221]

This is the first I’ve heard of the extended version at the end.. it’s awesome

[@MaxNiessl]

It’s a preview they’ve uploaded like 2 years prior to the album where the song was still in development :)

[@ryancole4908]

Man that is amazing.

[@TheN8w]

Absolutely fantastic work.

[@krisruiz1206]

Please do more Tool covers ! I can’t imagine how good those would sound ! Btw this is really good , it’s like the studio version

[@MaxNiessl]

Haha thanks, will definitely do some from the back catalogue! :)

[@MDMusic111]

As always amazing cover! Fantastic tone! You totally rocked it!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, Maya :)

[@SeethingGreen]

This is the definitive playalong for this song. WOW.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed! \m/

[@grahamjohnson8411]

Smashed it! Way to go bud!

[@ruxp10]

Dude youre a freak. This is perfect.

[@denisblack9897]

Beautiful tabs with transparent background, wow!

[@phillagettie]

So so so amazing again man!! I can really see how much time and effort you put in to these videos. Everything is so clean and Its obvious this music runs through your blood! Should be so proud of all your work man!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you so much, bud! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@kscott8464]

Incredible. Thank you for sharing.

[@Merkaba954]

It's a tough call but I think descending is my favorite song from the album. Right now lol

[@josuehernandez7882]

Came to see that part everyone also came to see even if they say they dont. Worth every second. You're amazing.

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, I appreciate it 🤘

[@-Batou-]

Amazing job dude, you're MVP ! Very pleasant to play :)

[@546Scott]

New fan!! Extremely talented and inspiring! Great job!

[@MrRonnie268]

Your way of playing the guitar is amazing!

[@nintendoking138]

Thank you for posting this! One of my favorite songs and I really appreciate the effort you put in and it's helped me a ton. Best guitar cover play along by far. Curious if you've looked back at the song (studio album listen through) and noticed anything you would correct in the tabs on your site. In some of the passages that seem to be directly repeating, especially in the beginning, there seems to be a little more going than meets the ear that seem to be missing. I love striving for perfection as much as I can, so thought I'd give a mention for all the other OCD peeps out there. Thank you again :)

[@MaxNiessl]

Thanks, glad you like it! Regarding the tab... I'm the most perfectionistic person you will ever come across when it comes to those tabs, but I'm also a realist... especially those from Fear Inoculum are dear to my heart, because I know there are many critics. I've redone the Descending tab again (also did the live version) and have gone over it again some time ago. Invincible and Descending are the most polished tabs I've ever written. Also, I'm currently in the process of prettying up the FI tabs. There are two very minor changes in Descending (the silent palm mutes and one triplet in the pre-chorus). I'm doing my tabs note after note, taking no "obvious interval change" for granted. Every note that I'm not entirely sure about is noted in brackets. I verify every step with all the live footage I can find and some other covers. When tabbed, I go over it once again, play through it at least once to verify the timings and so on. It's a very strict process that I'm following. I can safely assure you that there is nothing more being played in the beginning. I even tab out some potential mistakes e.g. in Eulogy. I really don't mean to be rude, it's just that I've cross checked everything and I've heard my fair share of corrections already. If you have some corrections that you really think should be there, feel free to tell me, though :)

[@oliverclark8460]

@@MaxNiessl any tips for playing the part at 2:00? I am struggling so hard to make that sound even close to right, I'm not playing with delay because I dont have access to it currently but still it should sound close and it just isnt clicking with me.

[@nintendoking138]

Has the statute of limitations passed on corrections? Verse A, 3rd pass the last A and D are double picked, but not the C. Thought of you when I setup my new DAC/AMP + headphones and was testing some lossless Descending. The headphones are very analytical and it was like hearing the song for the first time. Also, I didn't think you were rude at all! You know your shit, put a lot of effort into this, and spoke directly with no frills. That's refreshing :)

[@grafnberg3749]

THAT was very well done. Had me in a trance *clap clap clap*

[@sallyharding9548]

STUNNING performance and I've rewound this several times to 6.30 just because the nonchalance with which you bin the slide makes me smile 😊Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos.

[@kevinlynch2248]

Great playing and awesome tone from your Epiphone Les Paul tribute.

[@kostasnats6945]

Man..believe it or not...the new album of Tool I like it more because of you...You are EPIC...!!!

[@Randomonium66]

You are amazing dude, if it weren't for you putting in the effort to sync the tabs so well I'd never have learned all these Tool songs so quickly, thank you.

[@PyramidSkemes]

I'm so high rite now this is amazing!

[@MaxNiessl]

Nice, enjoy it, brother! :D

[@roncrandall]

🤣😂😅

[@wildley007]

This has very quickly become my favourite Tool song, and I thought nothing could top Vicarious. I'm now buying a new guitar in the hope of one day playing like this ❤️

[@AwakeAdamantium]

Mad respect my dude, you're solid 👌

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you 🤘

[@vladavasiljev]

Adam Jones is like next generation of David Gilmour....a true artist. Such masterpiece on actually three strings sounds so emotional, strong and magnificent, better than everything I've heard from guitar 'mechanic technicians' on 7 and 8 strings. Congratulations on huge effort to cover and film such amazing song.

[@MaxNiessl]

I agree strongly with this! And thank you :)

[@MrSwedishHotdog]

Great work man, sounds amazing!

[@dack6i9]

10:06 that slide though.....

[@MaxNiessl]

So juicy \m/

[@4amwaj]

just noticed that before i seen your comment. was wondering if that was what you were referring to... juicy asf lol

[@Drummuz]

still listening your video almost every day in the last years !!!! Thanks again

[@yc.fjb.z]

I am no guitarist but I come to this video and the others on this channel to see how the music is created to complete the experience. 9:36 gives me chills every single time and you sir, you nailed it hard. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@djyouknowho]

You fuckin NAILED that ending. Killer work, bro~!

[@EVHlivesforever]

LOVE the covers man! You put so much effort in and the TABs are great!! :)

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them :)

[@th4ros96]

Für mich hast du den neuen Standard für Gitarren Cover gesetzt. Einfach spitze. Hoffe du wächst schnell!

[@MaxNiessl]

Danke! Ich probier immer Videos mit bester Qualität rauszuhauen! :)

[@ricokowalsky898]

Wow, man, you never seize to amaze me with your work. Im amazed how fast youre getting these songs on tabs and video - really good job! Thanks for this, you dont even know how fun for me it is to learn from your tabs :)

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you so much, dude! Really appreciate your continued support, have fun learning :)

[@roncrandall]

I've seen your video five times now, and I'm still amazed. Hypnotized by it. I've never heard anyone as close to Adam's sound before. That's years, and years...and years of practice and skill at work. Great job, sir!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, Ron! Great to see you enjoy my content! 🤘

[@darrenfreyauthor]

9:36 😍😍😍

[@TripasGaming]

men this is mesmerizing!

[@Randomonium66]

Playing the solo an octave below on acoustic sounds great

[@evang94]

Words cannot even begin to explain how epic this song is.

[@Jaikanatar]

Excellent job on the tone

[@noobkaka567]

Descending is just so FIRE!

[@reneeschke]

Wondering why you decided not to play the sexy hammer on/pull off variation at 5:10 - No matter how much I slow it down, I can't figure out how Adam does this and come back to your cover so often, just in hope you updated this awesome cover, including the hammer ons 😂

[@MaxNiessl]

Hey René, it's really nothing complicated. I didn't really bother tabbing it out like that at the time I made the video, because I thought it was an error in the recording. The tab is updated now since June 2020, so you might find some variations in there. But at bar 110 it's really just 0-2-0, hammer-on to pull-off. Have a good one :)

[@prasannavenkateswaran1104]

That was phenomenal

[@nunocarmona]

Great cover, dude! I would only add that Adam plays with the pick quite close to the bridge on the intro to get that specific tone. Thank you for this video!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you! Yes, he does :)

[@myctnd6226]

Omg this is freaking awesome. Good work 😭😭😭

[@moustacheanddrumsticks4381]

Stunning playing man! Beautiful!

[@DocMarbh]

Thanks for all the great videos, Max! Been watching your videos this past year, and love following along to them. I learned this (mostly, the solo is tricky) and Invincible solely from watching you! Any chance you could do more videos in future from the Lateralus album?? Particularly Reflection, my favourite Tool song by far!

[@MaxNiessl]

Thank you, glad you like my content and that it's helping! I will definitely do more from Lateralus in the future, but I want to take my time with Reflection since those three songs are my absolute favourite songs of all time. And I also want to cover other bands in that genre :)

[@DocMarbh]

@@MaxNiessl You're a legend. If you're ever in Ireland in future, hit me up for a pint! 🍻

[@chadwickcorbin466]

Thanks so much for these videos Max! If you ever get around to it, I would love a video for Jimmy. I know its not a very complicated one but I like your videos the most for reference.

[@Th3VoV]

That Kirk Hammett Sauce comment had me chuckling haha - Phenomenal cover man! Will definitely be hunched over your video for a while to learn how to Descend right \m/

[@MaxNiessl]

Hehe thanks! Have fun learning \m/

[@benhockey3288]

Thanks for this video max, I've just got to the epic riff part! Taken me a long time but it's getting there!

[@JB_kind]

Dude, thanks!!!! This was great. Thanks again!!!!

[@IIMZIIGZ]

Great tutorial 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@davidpretorius]

Superb

[@governm3nt697]

That is a gorgeous Les Paul!

[@MaxNiessl]

I'll tell her that ;)

[@isa660]

Nicely done! Very good sound quality on all of these videos. I actually play bass, but I love playing along while watching you play.

[@MaxNiessl]

Very cool, glad to hear 🤘🏼

[@jamil1219]

Fantastic work. Thank you

[@RazorbackDevil]

That post-chorus though. Straight fire 🔥