Mick’s SIMPLE TRICK that changed rock guitar for me!

[@Dr.Fiendish]

I saw David Bowie in 1973 at the Brighton Dome and ended being completely blown away by Mick Robson’s playing. It was stunning!

[@davidcopson5800]

I saw this too, a bit higher up the country. Came for Bowie, and left with Bowie AND Ronson. Why can't someone invent a time machine?!

[@magnusrydman9666]

Don't forget his work with Ian Hunter. Especially his first solo album.

[@BackToTheBlues]

'Allo (to quote Ian Hunter). He plays a wonderful solo on Once Bitten, Twice Shy - starting off with just hint of feedback, then a solo at first quite angular before going into some classic rocky licks, followed by 15 seconds of gorgeous feedback behind the vocal, going in and out of the upper octave harmonic, sliding down the fingerboard at the end. My fifteen year old self, still yet to even buy a guitar, let alone to be able to play, was very taken with that, and much as I like Ian Hunter's singing 'd love to hear that bit with the vocals stripped off!

[@MirlitronOne]

What drew me to Ronson's playing was that he was resolutely anti-shred. Never used a thousand notes when one would do - even sustained over several chord changes.

[@phorobierre2884]

...his sustain and general tone was inimitable!!

[@LukeDempsey-l3j]

Randy Rhoads was at the famous Santa Monica gig in 1972. His sister said 'as soon as Randy saw Mick Ronson playing one note and walking the guitar around the stage during Moonage Daydream, that was it for him.'

[@mikebarnard2689]

Mick always played what was best for the song, my absolute first and fondest guitar Hero.

[@MarkZabel]

Totally. And by the Ziggy album, Bowie was giving him the green light to do what he (Mick) thought best. That's why you get that wild solo on Moonage Daydream and that fabulous glam-anthem guitar in Starman.

[@davidcopson5800]

Agreed.

[@lloydbraun6026]

His work with Ian Hunter was amazing as well

[@MarkZabel]

Yes!

[@JamesHunterRoss]

When I first heard Mick's solo on Moonage Daydream, something in me changed. Mick's playing changed how I heard electric guitar; powerfull commanding and controlled. (Sometimes his work reminds me of a cello sound, which kind of makes sense because he played cello before taking up guitar.)

[@MarkZabel]

I hear you. For me it was "She Shook Me Cold", but it's an oddly similar solo. Funny, "controlled" isn't a word that comes to mind for me - rather the opposite. Those solos weren't about the notes per se, but the effect and outrageous phrasing that Mick put into it. It didn't make any sense to me at the time, but I loved it. BTW, I'm not saying "controlled" is the wrong word, I'm just relating my experience. Love that we both had similar, yet different experiences with it. To me, that speaks of the depth of expression it truly was and is.

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

Ziggy was one of the first albums I bought and at different times I've found different songs from it more prominent. Especially as several of them were released on singles or covered by other people. Moonage Daydream is one that I've kind of rediscovered more recently (last 10 years). Initially I felt it was a bit of a 'filler' track, but I love it now. There's a live version with Mick playing a long solo with loads of echo that is really good.

[@davidcopson5800]

That's got to be the best guitar outro ever.

[@benjaminhorton8013]

Alain Whyte, guitarist for Morrissey during the nineties and some recently, has shared how important Mick Ronson was to him during that time, and what an amazing human being he was as well. Those songs off “Your Arsenal” are timeless, and oh so rocking! “Glamorous Glue” and “Tomorrow” are great examples. Thank you Mark, your insight and instruction is phenomenal. Love your channel!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much Benjamin. I've got to give a good listen to that album again. Haven't heard it in many years. Great sound on it as I recall, so your observations are spot on. I remember expecting a less rocking sound - pleasant surprise! I always like when I hear people say things about stars that show they kept being good human beings even after stardom. I've seen several accounts of Mick like this. Good to hear another.

[@localbod]

Aside from being an excellent guitarist, Ronson was a very proficient arranger. He was an integral part of the production of Lou Reed's 'Transformer' album.

[@MarkZabel]

@@localbod Yes, plus string arrangements on many albums. Producer too. All-around great musician.

[@VanirTraditionalist]

Alain Whyte was Morrissey’s secret weapon. Brilliant songwriter and guitarist. Johnny Marr gets the spotlight but I’d put Whyte’s compositions up against his any day.

[@barriem5318]

Mick Ronson with Bowie live playing Moonage Daydream in early 70s 😮

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, good stuff. The studio album solo is equally amazing. So few notes. Only a master can do that and produce something great. The rest of us have to fill up space with extra notes.

[@plantagenant]

My favourites....Cracked Actor and Moonage Daydream. The solo on the latter is just superlative.

[@newsfromtheweather7269]

Mick Ronson also wrote all the orchestral arrangements on The album Ziggy Stardust. He was also very accomplished piano player you can hear is playing on Lou Reed‘s perfect Day. He also was a musical Director for Bowie‘s tours when he played with him. Another fun fact he was the only guitar player at the time in England who could play all of Jeff Beck‘s truth album. just to give us some perspective Billy Gibbons has mentioned that when he toured with Jimi Hendrix Hendrix was obsessed with the album he was continuously trying to figure it out one day Billy walked into the room and Hendrix asked him do you know how to play any of the stuff and Billy said no but if you figure any of it out show me. like Jeff Beck Mick Ronson is a guitar players guitar player. Highly recommend watching the movie/documentary Beside Bowie. I also recommend looking up the newly released footage of Jeff Beck playing with Bowie and Mick Ronson on the last spiders from Mars concert footage that was cut from the movie The rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust the movie

[@shastabob56]

I agree 100%. I have always felt Mick Ronson was one of the most underrated guitar players ever. Those early Bowie albums are just awesome.

[@MarkZabel]

Oh yes. Every time I hear "The Width of a Circle" I'm in awe. First, just a great song, but Mick's play is outstanding on it. If you haven't heard the version of Elton's "Madman Across the Water" with Mick playing electric on it, you've got to give it a listen!

[@shastabob56]

@@MarkZabel I agree again! That Width of the Circle album is great, as are all the albums with Mick Ronson. So much so that from Diamond Dogs on, I mostly lost interest in Bowie, other than a few gem songs here and there. And yes, I have the Madman Across The Water song with Mick playing.

[@paddymaxwell]

He also joined the Rolling Thunder Review with Dylan

[@trevorpugh6475]

I first heard Mick on The Man Who Sold The World album in 1971. His playing and the album completely took my breath away and that magical moment has stayed with me to this day. Up until that musical epiphany I had been mainly listening to more commercial albums but Mr Ronson and the MWSTW album changed everything for me and expanded my taste in music to encompass heavy and later prog, rock…thanks Mick! 👉✌

[@davidcopson5800]

Couldn't agree more.

[@trevorpugh6475]

@@davidcopson5800 👉👍👍👍

[@markkumanninen6524]

Saviour Machine nailed it for me, when I listened to the Man album back in the day.

[@trevorpugh6475]

@@markkumanninen6524 👉👍👍👍😎

[@waynegram8907]

Make a lesson about Alterations notes, often motown chords will use their pinky to add alteration notes to modify the chord into an inversion chord or extension chord. A lot of guitarist don't know what are alteration notes or what they even are. In 70's and 80s rock music when playing either major or minor barre chords if you lift up the ring finger and pinky finger and only play the barre index chord which they call the Equator Chord, its 1-4-b7-b3-5-1 = min7add4 chord which is very unusual. You should make a lesson about this equator chord used in rock music because its often used

[@larryhernandez76]

L♥️♥️K

[@GaryBook]

Mick Ronson also played with Dylan during his Hard Rain album and tour.

[@MarkZabel]

Ah, didn't know that. Big loss when he died so young.

[@GaryBook]

@@MarkZabel If you see clips from Dylan’s outdoor concert in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 23, 1976 at Hughes Stadium he is on stage and played on Maggie’s Farm on the album. There was a documentary on the Rolling Thunder Revue where I believe you also see him.

[@GaryBook]

@@MarkZabel kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCQfKitZtSfqLMsi=yxgHxul8Owhc32lL

[@GaryBook]

@@MarkZabel kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCQfKitZtSfqLMsi=yxgHxul8Owhc32lL

[@GaryBook]

@@MarkZabel “kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCQfKitZtSfqLMsi=yxgHxul8Owhc32lL”

[@Crashed2023]

He arranged so many of the 'Bowie ideas' into fully fledged songs.

[@vimfuego8827]

The same as Martin Barre arranging Jethro Tull songs

[@stephanegenilloud1139]

I am delighted that someone refers to the absolutely unbelievable alternate version of Madman across the water. It's not only Mick Ronson that might have take that road, it's Elton John as well.

[@MarkZabel]

It's incredible. I can see why Elton used the version he did, but I adore what Mick did on it. Wish they would've collaborated more. Still, having it is wonderful!

[@dmbar1953]

Thanks so much, Mark. Once again, your insights and analyses are fantastic.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

Being 9 or 10 when my older brothers were playing Ziggy Stardust in our house from the first time, I loved Mick Ronson's playing. It all sounded so futuristic at the time. I never thought "Oh, thats so simple." It sounded like an atmosphere to me. Like being in a sci fi book.

[@cowboygypsey]

Thank God you mentioned "Tumbleweed Connection", an unappreciated great ,country album from one of the biggest names in music.

[@MarkZabel]

I wore the grooves out on my original copy. I remember one Summer where I don't think I listened to anything but "Tumbleweed" and "Madman". I still love the rawness of Tumbleweed, including the squeak of the pedal on "Talking Old Soldiers". One of the best albums.

[@markkumanninen6524]

I was a 16-17 years old when Bowie hit me. Mick's playing sounded wondrous, inexplicably fine and emotive. Only gradually it dawned on me he's the master magician. I've liked Page, Beck, Knopfler and many others (not Clapton, though) but no one's risen above Dear Late Mick Robson. Let's be glad he left us with a formidable cataloque!

[@MarkZabel]

You get it. He was unique and, like Skydog (but in a different way), made those around him better. It wasn't just his playing, and it popped up in places you don't expect - like the ending to John Cougar Mellancamp's "Jack & Diane". Apparently the arrangement of the end with the drums and chorus making the song big, was all Mick Ronson. I knew about Bowie and Lou Reed and the original version of "Madman Across the Water", but I had no idea of his influence on records from Pure Prarie League, John Mellancamp, Morrissey, and so many others. True original of a musician.

[@Dreyno]

I use a really short delay to emulate a two guitar sound. Doesn’t work for harmony stuff, obviously. But for something like this or some Brian May stuff (which I think was two mics at different distances rather than two guitars) it’s really good.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, that's good too, almost like slap-back echo. What I like about the Boston sound (or like Suffragette City) is that the guitars are clearly not exactly the same. So you don't get that "perfect synch" sound and it sounds (to my ears) more organic than with a harmonizer. Scholz said (I'm fairly sure) that he would tune the 2nd guitar slightly off pitch as well, and that contributed to the thickness of the wall of sound. Interesting. I don't have the patience for it myself, but I guess he laughed all the way to the bank!

[@Dreyno]

@@MarkZabel Tom Scholz was operating on a different level from most. I wouldn’t have the patience either 😁

[@leechilds3725]

Thanks for covering mick ronson. He became one of my favourite guitarists after buying ziggy stardust and listening to moonage daydream. The guy was so down to earth . Really miss his playing

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure!

[@BackToTheBlues]

Mick Ronson released a version of Love Me Tender shortly after his split with Bowie, which I thought absolutely lovely. It's based on the arrangement by Annette Peacock, but he took it so much further, and it's full of lovely little fills and neat guitar tricks. He turned a pretty basic little tune into a symphony, and it's well worth checking out!

[@MarkZabel]

I will check it out. Thanks.

[@BackToTheBlues]

@@MarkZabel It's been uploaded multiple times on KZbin, and although there's at least one live version (which is still worth a listen) the definitive version is the studio one - there are overdubbed fills on that he couldn't replicate live!

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Thanks!

[@MarkZabel]

You bet Kris! Thanks so much for the appreciation. Means a lot!!

[@douglasalexander4348]

I think his quote on how to get a good tone ‘ just plug it in and turn the amp up’ pretty much sums up his no nonsense humble approach.

[@MarkZabel]

The best way to do it!

[@douglasalexander4348]

@@MarkZabel There’s an interview with him at Hammersmith odeon worth watching. Poor quality film and interview but Mick gives an insight to his playing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mne0n3yLaNGeeLMsi=TRBpicMtaU5FP-P5

[@owenbruce4120]

Without doubt simplicity is the cornerstone of many great riffs...relative to the song ⚡

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt.

[@eddieholmes3236]

Take a look at Mick's solo on Moonage Daydream from the Ziggy Stardust concert live video (Hammersmith Odeon, 1973). Full rock guitar god. I heard that it was the inspiration for Nigel Tufnel, and you can definitely see it.

[@MarkZabel]

Nigel definitely went for that look too.

[@ezkempinkemp3467]

I never knew what the name of this song was and I would hear it on the radio from time to time and loved it. Now I know and you do a great job on it Mark.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@midhc5072]

Saw Mick Ronson on the Ziggy farewell tour. A very underrated guitarist, arranger, producer and musician. His solo in Moonage Daydream is still haunting despite the use of single notes.

[@MarkZabel]

I think it's especially good BECAUSE OF the use of so few notes. Saying something with fewer notes is a special skill.

[@midhc5072]

@@MarkZabel Exactly. Many of his solos were like that and catchy, Hang on to yourself, Width of a circle, Saviour Machine, etc and put shredders to shame.

[@onethumbpicker]

Just curious. Are you related to Jeff Zabel that went to Warren Woods High School in Warren? He graduated in about '71-72. He played guitar if I remember correctly.

[@MarkZabel]

He's my older brother. Really good singer and writer!

[@DavidLarew]

I saw him in 87 or 88 in Seattle Highway 99 club...great show, small club.

[@MarkZabel]

Very cool!

[@JenniferFinlayson-n1o]

Thank you for this brilliant information about Mick Ronson. I am impressed with his musical journey.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure.

[@cidlopez]

It’s really cool that so many of us can remember the song that caused the snap for us. For me it was paint it black. I was 12. The song came on the radio and I was hooked. Picked up a guitar and it all went from there. Btw with the loss of Betts, I went back to enjoy his solos. My god the guy was great. Maybe a video on his solos?

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, I hear you. Sad to hear about Dickey, but he was sick for a while, so we were all kind of expecting it. He was great. I did a few Dickey Betts videos. One just a month or so ago. I can do more.

[@markvigil8667]

very nice presentation! you Sir are one of the best guitar instructors on Y. tube🌟 Five years ago you taught me gary rosington's solo on "call me the breeze", which I had always wanted to learn to play correctly in my bar band days. Thank You 👍

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, thanks!

[@clarkridlen1966]

Mick Ralphs would be my biggest influence. The flash in the pan stuff is interesting but I could get by forever on old Bad Company classics.

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, I hear you. Funny thing is, for me, I was never into Bad Company back in the day. Something later kicked in for me and it all just seems right to my ears now!

[@stevelayton1271]

Ralphs work in Mott The Hoople is almost a blueprint for Ronno. Melodic lines with impeccable tone from his Les Paul. Never fast and flashy, just the right notes in the right places.

[@clarkridlen1966]

@@MarkZabel I started playing with some purpose in the early 80's and Rock Steady was one of the first songs I learned all the way through. There was a guy back then from California that wrote out songs in tab form and I bought several before I ever developed an ear to learn myself. I had him write out the entire ZZ Top song "I Need You Tonight" and about once a week he would send me a couple pages of that song in tab form until finally I had the whole song. Being a very green amateur it took me about three months of practice before I could perform it with the band. Those were some days.

[@jbg48]

Solo from Moonage Daydream is the greatest of all time. The genius is its simplicity and sheer power...

[@caryheuchert]

My all-time favourite Bowie album is “Man Who Sold the World”. I’m glad you mentioned “She Shook Me Cold”, an unsung heavy metal gem that rivals Black Sabbath.

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, it's so heavy.

[@monkeysbum999]

Mick played Jean Jeanie using no index finger for the E chord using fingers two ,three and four, and using the open strings for the fourth backbeat stroke ,an upstroke ,which he played using a half barre first finger for the A chord.

[@Bob.Silverstein]

The closed captions wrote it as MC Ronson, which is very amusing :)

[@MarkZabel]

LOL!

[@michaelsicowitz362]

What's that soapbar pickup on. How do you like those? Ronson went to a tele, from that paint-striped custom. That rare 200w Marshall, those were the days. Losing Ronson, what a loss.

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, he had that midrangy signature sound and those riffs were so influential. In doing a bit of research for this, I found out he worked with Morrissey (as a producer in 1992), so clearly he was still vital and relevant to the end.

[@MarkZabel]

The guitar I used there is a Larry Carlton L7. They make 2 versions, one with humbuckers and this one with soapbar P90s. I'm enjoying the P90s ... and the guitar too!

[@michaelsicowitz362]

@@MarkZabel Thanks for that, sounds great

[@GaryBook]

So much great rock came out of Detroit, MoTown, Bill Haley, Mitch Ryder, Ziggy Pop & the Stooges, MC5, Glenn Frey, Alice Cooper, Grand Funk Railroad, Bob Seger, Madonna, Eminem, White Stripes, Marshall Crenshaw and MARK ZABEL!!!

[@MarkZabel]

LOL! Thanks Gary!!

[@GaryBook]

@@MarkZabel You are right up there with the great Detroit rockers!

[@robertpoole2667]

Hi Mark. Take a look at Jean Genie at the BBC lost tapes, you will see Mic's opening chord he's playing an E shape chord at the octave i.e. 13.14 on the neck

[@MarkZabel]

Ok

[@SodomaMuikku]

At the beginning of the 2000s, I was a teenager and mostly listened to punk. Then I saw the Hammersmith gig and my life changed. I couldn't understand how beautifully someone could play a guitar and at the same time sound like the guitar and amp were abused. Mick became the most important guitarist and musician in my life, teaching me to play less and the right things. And the most important thing in music is to play even that one right note in the right place. For me, for example, it was the little guitar fill in the second verse of Moonage Daydream in Hammersmith. A perfect moment. Mick Ronson was a genius.

[@threeleggedman]

Check out his playing on the Dylan live album Hard Rain. So much great stuff- Stuck inside of mobile has a solo to remember.

[@dodgedandle8311]

Mick Ronson was one of those musical catalyst, when you listen to his playing he had that whole Rock n Roll riff thing going on that can be traced back to the Chicago Blues especially Howling Wolf, but on the other hand he had that Classical thing going on and then again he was I’d dare say a big influence on Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols, he had that Punk Attitude in his playing even before Punk .. He Really did cover so much musical ground in his time.. So cruelly taken from us, I’m sure he had so much more to give.. He will always be remembered as an ICON 🙌🎸 and an all time GREAT..God rest his soul..Gone But Never Forgotten 🙌🙏⭐️❤️🌞⭐️🎸

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, and that's just as a guitarist. He was an excellent arranger too.

[@billmasen3923]

The ending riff of Moonage Daydream is burnt into my soul. has been since 1972.

[@glennwoods2462]

Slaughter on Tenth Avenue ?

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Great lesson & tips with this lesson Mark. Love Hang On To Yourself & Ziggy Stardust. Very well played! 💯💥🎸💥👋🖤🦋🖤

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks a million!

[@johnmac8084]

Check out the guitar on Vicious on Lou Reed Transformer album, it's crazy. I don't know anyone who could play it, I'm not even sure Mick could play it the same twice! Great guitarist, arranger & producer

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, he like many of his generation understood what improvisation was meant to be, including the phrasing and effects. Definitely a talent (and not only on guitar, as you point out).

[@grimper35]

Gotta love Mick’s work. Thanks for this video. Later on, Bowie worked with another great guitarist, Earl Slick. I think some of his licks were actually some of the best guitar work in Bowie’s whole song catalog. Check out the amazing licks in “Stay” (1975 Station to Station album) for example...

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes, Earl was excellent too.

[@christophersanders5007]

There was also another Mick named Mick Mashbir that filled in for Glen Buxton during the Billion Dollar Babies and Muscle of Love days of Alice Cooper.

[@chrisjaybecker4395]

I love his main riff on Rebel Rebel.... on non-stop riff that snakes through and drives the entire song.

[@MarkZabel]

The only problem is that Rebel Rebel isn't Mick's playing. Mick doesn't play on any tracks of Diamond Dogs.

[@vitmedia]

@@MarkZabelactually, accepted wisdom is that it was almost certainly Alan Parker who played the Rebel Rebel riff. Great video, by the way. Worth also mentioning Ronno’s tone, which was typically a Tone Bender into a cocked Crybaby wah pedal (ie fixed) and into a Marshall. Phenomenal sound.

[@terrellgruber]

also great piano on lady stardust

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, he was an excellent all-around musician and arranger. And not just for Bowie. He was all over the map.

[@bobcaygeon4533]

I loved his piano playing

[@andrewtate8303]

Love seeing stuff about micks playing .

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrVulcanbomber]

Fantastic ❤ Mick Ronson my guitar hero, thankyou for this educational video 👍

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@deanwarren9712]

This is an excellent video , gives some perspectives Thank You . Too add to the list The Great Rory Gallagher

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it ... and absolutely Rory!

[@schenker59]

Went to see Ronson in leeds when he teamed up with ian hunter from mott.

[@richardmaier28]

I missed the Spiders first tour in nyc at Carnegie Hall,pissed but made damn sure I was at the Radio City Valentines Day show,waiting on line in frozen sleet coming down like the gods saying how dare you(bring a pro by then to weather I had a plastic bag of dry clothes) but Ronson absolutely floored me getting sounds I never could at that time. Then the breakup and after finding out the Diamond Dogs tour started in Montreal,we drove up only to find Earl fkn Slick from Staten Island was the guitarist. Followed Mick thru Hunter Ronson and the shows where he was near the end,such a long time ago😢.Had a few talks with him about Hull that are personal but damn I miss him

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, incredible story. Thank you.

[@DMSProduktions]

Unsung genius! \m/

[@rickdeckard4434]

If you like Mick Ronson don't forget to liste to his solo album "slaughter on 10th avenue" pure bliss! Brings back some of my fondest memories of the late 70- early 80'ties (one of them named Rita😍)

[@peterm3964]

Your tone is awesome Sensai . I am but a humble grasshopper Teach me your Rockin’ way Master , For my licks are mundane .

[@MarkZabel]

LOL! Thanks for the comment brother!

[@edwardlangdon9256]

Awesome song! Nailed it. Close your eyes, be very hard to know who is playing it.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much!

[@steveyoung9491]

Hi Mark, great video, just not long enough, Mick deserves more! But im biased, coming from Hull and not far from where mick grew up! If you're able to do a longer more indepth look at mick it would be really appreciated! 🍻

[@MarkZabel]

Fair enough! Any suggestions for what you'd like to see highlighted?

[@jcsolomon6470]

Mark,Respectfully,I Allready Sound and Can Play Like A Rock Star!I Vintage Wire Guitars like the 50s and 60s,with Vintage Tone Caps,and Modern pickups,Like Seymour Duncans,with Unique,Looks!My Guitars are Now Selling and Sold at 2 Local Music Stores in my area!So Thanks For Your Tips and Thoughts allways in Regards To Guitar Licks and So Forth!Take care,nah!U and your Family!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks brother.

[@ragingbull888]

He played with Bob Dylan on bobs rolling thunder revue

[@williamolsen20]

I found out that Randy Rhoads was influenced by Mick Ronson. For some reason I can see that.

[@newsfromtheweather7269]

By the looks of him he also liked Ronson's hair

[@davidcopson5800]

I can't afford the ticket, but I'll lean on ya man.

[@RodFleming-World]

Ronson has always been a hero. But when I began learning (I still am) nobody used scales. We just played around the chords. Yes I learned scales later but I don't think it makes much difference. People get hung up on scales but it's a jazz thing. I'm prepared to bet if you asked Clapton, Page, Iommi, Blackmore about scales back then they would have chuckled and walked away. Funnily enough Ronson knew scales inside out because of his training, like Bruce.

[@MarkZabel]

Exactly. Why people put so much emphasis on scales - or worse, scale patterns, is beyond me. It's so much more difficult and often turns into an academic exercise. I had a student say he was into the modes. I said, cool, sing the Dorian mode to me. "Huh? I can show you the pattern" he said. Yeah, okay, music is about sight, not hearing ... sure. Scales are okay. Nothing wrong with them, but it's such a tiny piece of playing. Way too many teachers put too much emphasis on them IMHO. People learning today or who have played for 40 years and are coming back are told they must learn Pentatonic Minor, Major ... diatonic scales, super-locrian mode, you-name-it, in all keys. I just think that's hogwash. Music is supposed to be fun and sound good. And yes, Ronson, unlike many of his contemporaries knew scales (beyond "the box" that we all were shown at some point in someone's garage.).

[@embreesmith7613]

Mick Zabel ?? Hmm. Doesn't have the same cachet. 🤠

[@MarkZabel]

Mack Zabel perhaps. I got a lot of that when I lived in Boston. (Maahhhck)

[@jfo3000]

Mark thanks for this, love Ronson's tone, playing, producing. I'm pretty certain those higher notes that your playing in the diads are not in the sustained "lead guitars", but are overdubs of other guitars. Rhythm or lead? IDK, but the sustaining notes on the G string were played alone, through the amp, all by themselves.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Could be overdubbed. I don't know ... but those notes are played, and it's not difficult to play them without overdubbing, which is what one would do in a live situation or in any band.

[@philipjones7372]

Nice one, Mark 👍🏼

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks 👍

[@williammouri1096]

Mick Taylor is a straight up blues bad ass!!😊😊

[@MarkZabel]

Mick Taylor's excellent for sure.

[@chrisspraggins4805]

Hi Mark, just curious as to your guitar you are using here , sounds great. Is it an Epiphone or Gibson.

[@MarkZabel]

It's an Epiphone. I did put in Tonerider Alnico II pickups though. I didn't love the original pickups.

[@chrisspraggins4805]

@@MarkZabel Hi Mark , those Tonerider pickups sound like a pretty good combination in the Epiphone. I’ll do some research . Assuming the Epiphone is a Les Paul studio according to truss Rod cover. Thanks for the info.Regards Chris.

[@MarkZabel]

@@chrisspraggins4805 Yes, it's a 2002 LP Studio.

[@onepom63]

Love Mick Ronson..

[@humanbeing5300]

Very tasteful player.

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt.

[@dooombringerrr]

Listen to his solo on I'd give anything to see you, mind blowing playing.

[@dag681]

Detroit...born. Yes, if there is a combo that worked to change an artist's (Bowie's) commercail viability it was Ronson/Bowie. IT is sad how little credit Bowei gave Ronson for his electrification of his music. This striking change in presentation happens a lot in music, in rock in particular. Especially love the acoustic intro into "Queen Bitch" that just gets smashed by Ronson's guitar.

[@MarkZabel]

Quite true. He (Bowie) was quite complimentary to Ronson in his (Bowie's) later years. At least that's something.

[@lenno9372]

very good video

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@michaelmendillo7513]

Awesome Video Mark !!!! Make more like this ! We all luv learning a bit about the greats !!! TY Bro !!! PS...Did you know Bowie played guitar on Rebel Rebel ? I think you did ! But how about the rest of the folks who follow you ? 😁👍🎸💕🎶💕🎶

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks brother Mike! Yes, a few people said they loved Ronson on "Rebel Rebel", but he didn't play on the "Diamond Dogs" album.

[@michaelmendillo7513]

@MarkZabel See,,,I learned something in return !!! I did not know that ! Your doing a fabulous job Mark,,,TY !!! 😎✌️✝️💕🎸🎶💕🎶💕

[@londreslush]

he did more than just play with Lou Reed , he practically produced the transformer album ..

[@MarkZabel]

He did more than just play with everybody. Lou Reed, Bowie, Mellencamp, you name it.

[@portland9880]

Ronno will never die

[@stuarttraill]

Check out Indian Summer by our Mick

[@alanmcclelland5245]

It seems DB somewhat abandoned Mick after the breakup of Ziggy and that he didn't receive a fair share of the earnings of that band, although drugs in Bowies life may well have played a part. Micks health deteriorated, and he wasn't exactly rollin in it at the end of his life for what I gather. Sad, but I hope not true. His sound defined a period of British rock.

[@MarkZabel]

Bowie had issues for sure. He was certainly very complimentary toward Mick later in his (Bowie's) life. Money is money, and it's a damn shame if he died penniless, but he left us a lasting treasure trove.

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

He has a long list of collaborations and production credits up to and including Morrisey's 'Your Arsenal' in 1992. I don't get the impression he was scratching around for work.

[@haydenpimm8857]

Did you forget Mick Box.

[@WhiteNacho]

I loved Micks time with Bowie his style was raw and a bit sloppy but in a good way.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, very good!

[@AlexG-xl1cc]

Do one on Tom scholz!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@encoreunefois1X]

Covered this in my first band when I could bearly play the guitar.

[@MarkZabel]

Exactly. That's how good it is. Anyone can hear and feel the notes.

[@trusarmor4957]

ok, who was the famous 'Mick' Born about 50rs earlier who their parent decided to name all these 'future' Rockstars after?

[@gernotboesser6901]

Well, as a blues lover, noone of these compares to Mick Taylor.

[@IanFay-d1v]

Who was Elton Jarn?

[@MarkZabel]

You never heard of Elton John?

[@Magnetron33]

Mick Box Uriah Heep

[@MarkZabel]

Cool! So many!

[@pascalauzias5636]

Why a question mark after 'genius' ? Ronno IS a genius, no doubt !

[@MarkZabel]

Simple answer. Because the thumbnail without the question mark had a much lower CTR.

[@Thrashsquatch]

Hell yeah, Detroit!!

[@phillippitts6294]

Mick Ronson was the best, but Mick Ralphs is pretty darn good too

[@MarkZabel]

Agreed!

[@CEOof_pipbert]

I'm a simple man really, I see mick Ronson I click

[@BedeLaplume]

All those Micks are Lespaul players.. You picked up my favorite Mick!

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, all LP players!

[@onusgumboot5565]

There are no triads. Only do-ads or don't do-ads. - Yoda Stardust

[@MarkZabel]

LOL!

[@seekandcrush]

Mick Mars

[@MarkZabel]

Yep. Another.

[@emci7459]

I thik mik could never make it in rock heaven he was lacking in the c major delorian scale with a b twist.... idk what i am talking lol love your videos mate!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Ha! Thanks!