Pat Metheny: How to Build a Solo on James

In this clip from my conversation with Pat Metheny we talk about the how to solo over the bridge to Pat's tune "James".
Pat picks up his guitar and discusses HOW he encourages people to build a solo so that it makes sense of the chord changes. These concepts could apply to any set of changes as the basis for building an excellent solo.
Hope you enjoy it.
Rick

[@QUANTUMMUSIC101]

I met Pat in person in New York in March 1991 - he was window shopping at Sam Ash store on Manhattan. In disbelief I asked him - are you Pat Matheny? He smiled, like he always does, and replied - yes, thats me. I shook his hand and said in my broken English - thank you so much for your beautiful Music! He smiled and politely continued his window shopping. That was literally Magical moment of a lifetime for me - this was my first week in US after escaping from Communist USSR. Now, more then 30 ears later, I am watching this video in my comfortable home studio in Los Angeles, CA. I am grateful to America, the people of America, who let me in and helping me to realize my lifetime dream to become a composer, producer, performer, inventor. Thank you AMERICA for your beautiful music and people!!! Music is a POWER OF PEACE on this planet. LET THE MUSIC AND PEACE PREVAIL!

[@DanielBarberMusic]

Music - The power of peace! Yes. So great that you met Pat in that way as you made the transition to your new life in the U.S. Here’s to peace for all of us going forward. 🙏🎶👍

[@user-uv4xd7yp4t]

Great story!!

[@jonathanrusso6355]

Cannot express enough gratitude for getting pat to speak about his process like this. Thank you!

[@Doremifaso12345]

I so agree!

[@CorbCorbin]

How many older men want to know how his hair is still so thick, and full of life? 😆

[@yakabayngu1126]

100%. I learned this tune very early on, 1985 or 86? It's in my musical DNA and this just feels like stumbling on a letter written from a close friend, 30 years after the fact.

[@bryandickerson5365]

@@yakabayngu1126 Like a ‘Letter From Home’, right? ;^) (One of my favorite Lyle Mays tunes)

[@jeffscholes4680]

to agree . . So agree!!

[@jupiter7x7]

Honestly, I don’t really understand anything they’re talking about, any music theory, but I love this video, love hearing musicians talk about creating/playing music. Thanks for this!

[@Nicksonian]

I don’t understand most of it either. I wish I did. But I listen for any little snippet that might sink in. And well, it’s Pat Metheny…and I’ve been a fan for over 40 years.

[@schlomopork5323]

@@Nicksonian just start learning music theory my guy. With the advent of the internet you can learn a lot

[@johannesschmitz6370]

@@Nicksonian music theory can help you but it is only really helpful for explaining what occures already naturally and not vice versa. Jazz Chords, inversions etc. existed before music theory, they just got named. What will truly help you is listening to a lot of music and first and foremost just sitting down in front of your instrument and exploring the scapes of music. He says himself the keyword is "understanding". You will understand if you sit down and consciously explore stuff on your instrument.

[@drewblake6304]

Spot on mate

[@gabymiguez619]

😂 ,deja que la música y el arte te emocionen, ese canal es más intenso ​@@terrat3048

[@wonder6789]

Pat's hair keeps getting more and more amazing - more seriously, he looks fantastic for his age.

[@widehotep9257]

Yes, he has aged very well! Part of it is his naturally happy expression.

[@123jkjk123]

Clearly genius at work.

[@timwarneka5681]

Today's Mozart.

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

For me PM it's one of the living ' Mozarts' of our times that we have the pleasure and honor to listen, watch and and grow side by side. Thank you Pat to be with me during my life journey .

[@JSees]

I feel the same way, so many memories of places I shared with Pat Metheny providing the soundtrack to my life. When I am on a western road trip I start the journey with Facing West.

[@davidhall562]

Got to see him live back in the day. Incredible, of course, and such a gracious person too!

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

@David Hall I've had this privilege since the 90s up to this day.

[@TorToroPorco]

Rick’s video with Pat is one of the best interviews with a musician on KZbin period. Such a joy to watch.

[@musgrove95037]

Amen

[@maspesasmasperras5554]

You're welcome

[@etm567]

It must be fantastic for musicians, but I certainly do not understand most of it. Music theory is a difficult subject!

[@erikgustafson3246]

Totally agree.

[@jeniferfreebairn]

I ain’t no Pat Metheny(!) but I always relate so directly to the way he talks about music. Total genius, and relatable. 😮😊

[@billvill61]

Instant respect for Rick by Pat when he mentions the difficulty in playing the bridge on James (0:23). Pat can smell an imposter or a poser a mile away, so when he reacts as he did, it was instant affirmation of Rick's Jazz knowledge.

[@alexeonbel4304]

Honestly, this is just basic fundamentals. And it’s crazy how much you can do when you have a solid understanding and how much you can evolve those fundamentals. And hearing Pat and Lyle Mays speak on this sort of stuff when it comes with harmonizing and improvising was super important to me in the past couple years and my improvement.

[@JohnPrepuce]

This video is one of the clearest explanations of this concept I have seen on KZbin. You are correct in saying that this is basic fundamentals. Forget fancy stuff (at least at first). Play the chords, know what the chords are, all the notes of the chords and their inversions/voicings. Play through the chords using chord tones (root, 3rds, 5ths, 7ths) and maybe extensions. After you are proficient in these first steps, play around with the rhythmic approach while still playing the chord tones. Once you can create something melodic using these steps, you can begin to incorporate approach tones and other non-chord tones, and chromaticism. Finally, you create musical ideas using all of the above. Metheny is a master of this, of course. He has chops to play quickly but his strength is in creating horizontal lines which are interesting melodies and have interesting rhythms.

[@gtrmain]

Pat’s touch, his laid back feel and his thematic sensibilities make the mundane sound beautiful. He’s a national treasure. Priceless soloing information, thank you Rick.

[@jonasaras]

The basic things executed well is what music-making is all about!

[@BigEdWo]

yes yes

[@abuyco]

"Look how cool it is when this note changes to that note...", couldn't have said it better. That's part of what makes improvisation fun! Nice to hear one of the greats, Pat Metheny, expressing this sentiment.

[@jankokasszian3890]

I just could cry about being able to watch this … I remember being a young stud struggling with all those things .. and the only thing to listen to were the original recordings… this explanations could have saved me months of running against the wall … it’s really amazing to be a player today and it’s such a great gift that people like Rick exist to bring that on … I am so so full of thank you man 🙏🏻

[@BauerHouse]

not just a lesson for James, but a lesson for soloing over all songs. Love the concept of vertical vs linear pathing, and highlighting notes that move the chord progressions forward.

[@ruelsmith]

Saw Pat in concert. It was worth every penny!

[@JP-zq8yv]

When you put Pet Metheny on your second channel you know you got somewhere!

[@pallhe]

Pat echoes what probably his most important mentor, Gary Burton, said about soloing as illuminating the song. Gary likens it to showing somebody around your house, drawing attention to the cool walk-in closet, the open-air Jacuzzi, the Art Deco fireplace, the four-post canopy bed... must be a lushly arranged John Barry piece.

[@Acujeremy]

True, but I wonder if this mainly just applies to jazz based music. I imagine some rock songs wouldn't be complete or have the true rock feel if this is what you mainly did.

[@RollieFingers59]

Pat is such an incredible artist and seems like such a good dude. His enthusiasm is so refreshing !!

[@jimlanpheer5281]

I wish Rick could talk to Pat for like a THOUSAND hours! Just beautiful....

[@georgespencer3973]

I know Pat is just a person like the rest of us but with one glaring talent. That doesn’t keep me from feeling that it would be one of my ideas of a heaven sitting in that room having Pat show me how James is put together.

[@srdjanjapanmusic5817]

Tremendous Pat Metheny ! ! Unique Artist ! ..!! Thanx Rick, Keep On Rockin` ! ))

[@DhafinFausta]

My favorite piece

[@StratsRUs]

Grabbing my guitar ! Thanks, Rick !

[@robjuryu]

I can’t express how much I appreciate your long form interviews with giants like Pat, Ron, Frank, Larry… Just fantastic stuff, Rick!

[@loontil]

(first name terms..)

[@avocadostreetstudios2771]

Was just listening to James 30 seconds ago as I woke making coffee in LA!

[@avocadostreetstudios2771]

Is this you, Rick?

[@bach2future]

In the presence of the master. Never knew this was named for sweet Baby James! Engaging and informative interview. Thank you Rick. Thank you, Pat.

[@edwardramos8748]

I’ve seen a lot of his shows and met and talked to him at club Met. What a nice person. The most awesome vibe he has🎉🎉🎉

[@danielhopkins9906]

OMG!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!! THANK YOU SIR!!!!!🤘🤘🤘👍👍👍💪🙏👏👏👏

[@mattorlando415]

This is one of the most unique and rare ocassions on KZbin. This is a gem that every musician should dl onto their phone. (IMO) Thank you, Rick, for having the class and wisdom to get, Metheny, to do this!

[@fsgfhsfhs]

What a masterful micro-class on improvisation. Thank you for being so generous, Rick Beato

[@rifosi]

Very good insights here. Thanks!

[@MG-jw6uy]

Was a pleasure to hear Pat play at Paolo Soleri in the 80's was always a full night of i call it exotic music.

[@ronhutcherson9845]

Thank you! I’m just beginning to understand how to build chord progressions and I really needed this lesson. It will be a while before my hands can do those things but it gives me direction.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Agreed! A masterclass in melodic development.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Dr. Methany is amazing

[@msPaulaA1]

So much in those ten minutes. Now if I can get it to stick.

[@r0bophonic]

Wonderful. Fun to see Pat demonstrate the same improvisational concepts (spread triads, etc) you’ve been sharing in your quick lessons. Thank you both!

[@michaelfitzurka5659]

Forgot how much I enjoyed that interview. Thank you RB.

[@rodweeks9607]

What a treat hearing Pat Metheny discuss one of his greatest compositions. Hard to believe it was released over 40 years ago.

[@macraemorse]

Just saw Pat this week in Valencia. Legend. Thanks for the interview Rick.

[@WillyPDX94]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for talking with Pat Metheny and getting him to explain his approach ... even though I can't follow everything you guys are referencing, I catch enough that it helps me understand what Pat is trying to do ... I've loved Pat's music for a long time and it's great to have a peek at what's going on in the artists mind ... I've watched the full interview as well and loved it all

[@shandor2522]

It’s fun to see Rick obviously enjoying every note with Pat! It was also a treat to learn that James is a tribute to James Taylor.

[@richardthurston2171]

Seen Pat many times beginning in 1976 and most recently in 2021. Always stellar. James is my favorite Metheny melody ever. I’ve heard it live in many iterations and Pat & Lyle’s solos on the studio recording Offramp still give me chills.

[@mikehartmann3858]

What a treasure both of you are. This is a magical moment. Thank you Rick.

[@stevefulnecky4563]

Thanks to both of you. I think I'm one of those " classicos " that listened to Pat, Wes, Jim Hall, Mick, Lenny, those guys.. you know, and always loved how smoothly they went through changes, but was stuck in the chord scale world, in spite of taking classes from John LaPorta ( when he was around ). The concept of following what he called " guide tone lines " was in the back of my mind and helped.. usually shifting from third to flatted-seventh where appropriate, but was never smooth for me.. somewhat. Probably because I spent so much time memorizing classical pieces ( Bach, Scarlatti, Dowland, Vivaldi, etc.) such that I was already tired by the time I got to improv work, and so it only developed under pressure on a gig when in front of people, and consequently more slowly. It's rare to get "real information" from advanced improvisers.. without driving all over the country. So this is a rare opportunity. Thanks again for doing it. It's possible that Pat would remember me from the '73/'74 period in Normal, Illinois and at Berklee later, but unlikely.. so Hi from Wes's old stompin' grounds.

[@peterrezba995]

another under rated Guitarist been listening to Pat since the 70's thanks Rick!

[@atquinn1975]

Umm, Pat Metheny is in no way under rated! He is one of the most revered guitarists of his generation and well known among non musicians as well given his genre.

[@eduardoquintana3504]

SHUT UP

[@markdoyle9642]

Heartfelt Respect, I learned to play guitar running in the mountains of Eastern Oregon listing to P.M. 's James Over and Over and Over again because it was such a perfect song. No one was there to tell me how hard it actually is to play. THANK YOU For bringing this insight and and wonderful memories! Respect!

[@markdoyle9642]

And the perfectly timed : "ti ti" in the solo.

[@morten1]

Rick Beato gives new hope to music with these legends interviews

[@LearnWithStephen]

your interview of Pat Metheny was fantastic and I like this little isolated segment...I was fimbling with solos yesterday! Just got the Beato Book upgrade. Wow it will be so helpful! Great work. Thank you for everything

[@seanoflynn5180]

My all-time favorite Metheny tune. Love the way you can hum most of the solo, and the way the second part shifts gear.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Brilliant!

[@user-wl4rv7pi4h]

Always great content. My son is a jazz guy. Pat gave a master class at Humber College in Toronto few years ago. It was incredibly valuable for my son. Well done.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci for this.

[@tymanski1]

the lil boy look of bliss on RB's face at 9:00 says it all. love literally all of this

[@tekannon7803]

I had just thanked Rick for turning me on to heavy metal---it's what I hear when I'm doing the dishes---and now Pat Methany. I've just listened to 'James' and it is uplifting, complex, melodic and carries you like an ocean wave to the shores of your inner-mind. But Pat, not to dampen your firey music, but I would have called it 'Cheryl'...

[@augustosandoval]

Made my day watching this video. Love PM"s music.

[@DaneMutters]

I love the analysis. More like this, please!

[@KevinMcMahon-hy2kl]

Started learning this tune a few days ago. This video is awesome. A master class by Pat in 10 minutes. Nicely done, again, Rick!

[@MrMjp58]

I was browsing in a guitar shop a few days ago. Whilst gawping at the instruments, piped guitar music was playing. Within a few bars, I could tell it was Pat, though I didn’t know the piece. Such was the quality of the music, I couldn’t leave the shop during his long solo, and ended up both staying too long, and buying too much.

[@mathieumoreau1649]

My wife and I just saw Pat last night solo here in Columbus, Ohio. Amazing as always.

[@seanemmettfullerton]

This is priceless... thank you, Rick! There's an elegance in simplicity. When we compose, two voices can tell an entire story, -a melody and a bass line. Brilliant! :)

[@RocRizzo]

Thanks so much for this Rick. It explains so much about Pat’s way that he communicates his music.

[@Vitimk12]

Thanks for inviting Pat and talk about improvisation... He's a real genius.

[@alessiograziani6355]

This video you extracted from the whole interview to Pat, is awesome. This is much more than a musical lesson on fundamentals of improvisation. Many thanks Rick

[@splashesin8]

This was a great interview and am still appreciative of it happening! ❤️❤️

[@patrickladucer4118]

Loved it! Short and sweet but very educational and informative. Thank you Rick

[@leebond4559]

It makes you remember that Pat used to teach at Berkley, he describes things so effortlessly

[@scrapkingfilms]

This is truly a gift. Pat shows how much joy he has in writing and “showing” the tune.

[@sentistosuono]

You're so inspiring!❤❤❤

[@alanlane6419]

Pat is amazing to listen to and watch his playing is so technical and makes my two brain cells want to hold hands last time I see him was in Melbourne which I took my binoculars to get up close went to see him in hammersmith London couple weeks ago I forgot my binoculars so I missed his brilliant close up playing but what a awesome performance….. again

[@randommuiscchannel1049]

Terrific

[@user-cq4nq8ci9o]

Yes, Mr Metheny, Paco de Lucia, Very loved in Spain, Great guitarr player, Thank you for mention it

[@harrypeters8306]

Thanks for helping me to understand my playing better, and presenting new things for me to try! I became aware of pat Metheny in the mid 1980s, and was immediately inspired by his playing I introduced him to people I knew that were unaware of him and they in turn became inspired, Pat has a special place in many people's musical hearts and thank you rick for all your efforts you've brought many of us closer to the things we love in music and the musicians that inspire us all!

[@everettsmith971]

I love seeing the wonderment on Ricks when these great musicians wow him. Fantastic!

[@user-ys3uo5lw8w]

Rick, you should check out iZotope RX9 if you haven't already, it's got a slew of audio restoration and noise removal tools, there's some wireless microphone noises that might take care of when making your videos. I loved Pat Metheny since about '89 and in middle school. Love these videos of him and other artists!!! Keep 'em comin'!!!

[@michaeljulius5895]

Thanks Rick! It's the closest I'll ever get to a lesson with Pat:-)

[@Roberto47664]

Thank you Rick for the two Master Classes, Pat Metheny's and yours on his techniques.

[@JazzGuitarScrapbook]

Pats been teaching this stuff for decades. Check out that bootleg guitar lesson on line he did back in the 80s - if you can find it it’s brilliant. So much music in the triads.

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

Got a name for it? I'm trying to find it on KZbin now

[@JazzGuitarScrapbook]

@@a.nobodys.nobody pat Metheny - lesson on improvisation

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

@@JazzGuitarScrapbook thank you!

[@TheFeelButton]

Nice!

[@danmason8427]

For someone like me who has been a fan for 37 years, but has a minimal understanding of music, I find this fascinating. Listening to Pat talk shop is totally intimidating TBH.

[@phoenixjim0527]

Me too! The group was sublime. 1983.10.29 (8:00 p.m.) Princeton, New Jersey, United States Princeton University, Dillon Gym Pat Metheny Group Pat Metheny, guitars, guitar synthesizer Lyle Mays, piano, synthesizers, autoharp Steve Rodby, double bass, bass guitar Paul Wertico, drums Phase Dance (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays) Travels (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays) Tell It All (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays) James (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays)

[@mattgrooms1853]

Thanks Pat! Thanks Rick!

[@barakados]

OMG, I'm enjoying so much this lesson, but I'm really enjoying Rick moment as well . He is nooding his head like a possessed by James spirit, his in the sky. I'm happy for you and I thank you a lot, Rick.

[@chrisneyman]

Lovely talk.

[@stevep7582]

Pat is a monster player. I remember in my teens in the 80’s my brother turned me on to As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls. From that moment onward Pat has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Thanks for having him on.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

0:30 ..."Crash & Burn on the Bridge of James" - the new album?

[@massarisandro]

Un Maestro !

[@markramirez3086]

Pat is a genius, and Rick is a great teacher/instructor.

[@19del69]

Fascinating!

[@fbelfiore00]

Wow, absolutely awesome, and useful. I could cut and paste some of Pat’s comments to explain some key features of playing baroque music too! The bass leading, the emphasis on exceptional, surprise notes, and so on. Thanks a lot!

[@carlquance2542]

Great breakdown on what we all should think like.

[@jamesgoddard2321]

Refreshing and inspirational. If you really know what you’re doing you just need two notes in each chord of a progression and it sounds like a masterpiece. Clearly Pat knows what he’s doing ( to put it mildly).

[@edjacobs1750]

Thanks Rick...first saw Pat during BSL in Chicago Jazz Showcase

[@tymeryder7264]

Another interesting interview.

[@garryfimister6878]

Great lesson

[@ginoperaro3101]

simply the phenomenon Pat

[@alphabeets]

Fantastic! ❤😊

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Killer job Rick

[@Wrecktoid]

Pat is brilliant!

[@marcocerase1007]

very very interesting and absolutely illuminating from a didactic point of view

[@nickgironda8932]

Happy Father’s Day, Rick!

[@BayouMaccabee]

This is like 3 semesters of music college crammed into a single short video.

[@bpetersson5024]

my level of ignorance makes this sound like a new language, but it sounds great!