[EPIC RIFFS] The Riff That Defined Rock 'n Roll

[@provixc]

I was blessed to see Chuck at an airport on his last tour. I saw an old gentleman with a funny hat, just sitting on a corner like just anybody, instead of being praised as the absolutely mythical rock&roll god that he was. I asked for a picture and he was the sweetest. He and his staff seemed quite surprised that a 20yo kid had recognized him. So, for a moment, I could hold one of the very hands that forged rock.

[@mysticmagicsmurfdarklord6844]

Wow, that’s so cool! I’m happy for you

[@jeremyalm9006]

AMAZEBALLS

[@jordymaas565]

well done, 'you gotta pay riding this star ship'. Yeah he travelled well & glad he did. Thanks Paul, excellent work.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Chuck was attacked by the establishment and jailed, and harassed, for YEARS. When the Beach Boys recorded one of their big early 1960s hits - using Chuck's riffs as the basis, of course - they gave him a partial composer's credit, to help him with legal bills. He was bitter and angry for many years, and he had EVERY right to be. Time, Religion(and marriage to a good woman) and recognition by generations of young Rockers has made him a bit more satisfied. Recognition in a massive hit movie("Back To The Future") in the 1980s, of course, didn't hurt one bit. He tasted the dregs for many years, though, and it's beyond shameful, the way he was treated. He toured, solo, for many years, by himself and his guitar, to anywhere willing to meet his terms(2 big amps[specified] and a backup band that could play his hits in the original keys), and he could be rough on those musicians. Just ask Keith Richard's chin! But that was the way many people saw Chuck play, for decades. He once made some porn films, in Sweden. It's amazing that he lasted as long as he did. I bet he's in Heaven now, jamming with thousands of gleeful Rock guitar players who preceeded him...RIP, Chuck Berry - God really DOES recognize his own. Fortune passes everywhere.

[@beejoutbush3322]

v cool

[@Dev-fo7oi]

You guys aren't ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it.

[@--TOM--]

😂🤘

[@RPBroadcast]

How original

[@oldrrocr]

actually, we were... and our kids, and grandkids, DO love it too.

[@pianoekket]

This is what I wanted to read, before I continue with the video

[@k.s.vids1]

I noticed one of the Johnny B. Goode major KZbin sites quit comments altogether. Certainly because 9 out of 10 were "your kids are gonna love it."

[@alanhowell3646]

Unbelievable lesson. The lighting, the clever editing, the insert sections, the guitar, the tone, the detail and clarity of the lesson. Quite simply the best guitar tutorial I’ve ever seen. Perfect.

[@moosic2i]

All that maybe true, but why does it sound so frickin lame weak & compressed compared to the original recording. No grit no rock n roll no balls!

[@abrahamalbarracin8739]

@@moosic2i ok hater

[@liquensrollant]

​@@moosic2i I think he did a good job. Even Chuck Berry himself didn't play it as well as this in the live videos I've seen!

[@mattcorregan4760]

@@moosic2i Always have to have some loser find something to hate.

[@PeaveyGott]

exactly what I thought!!!

[@Dogsrule777]

I grew up in St Louis. My band played Mississippi Nights in 94. We actually played Johnny B Good with Chuck Berry in the side seats chillin. I found this out later and was mortified we even tried to play it in front of him! He never said a word to us. :)

[@quima5844]

You missed the chance of a lifetime brother

[@TheGroovyGuitarDude]

EPIC intro! 😂🤙🏽

[@adammoffatt3832]

Nice adverts.......

[@deebugger]

Having a hard time deciding what I like more: the contents or the presentation. You're killing it in both!

[@TheUnplugged1]

Came for the riffs stayed for the flawless editing 🤯

[@philippankhurst6680]

Just about the only person I've ever seen play this iconic intro properly and with the respect it deserves. Brilliant !

[@Jamesfrancosdog]

Man, that spin around edit where the guitar changes was literally PERFECT 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Edit: ok Paul, you have become a full on editing wizard. I’m honestly blown away at the quality of your videos!

[@nah9585]

Right!?

[@Ralph2]

Been analysing that edit since I finished watching the video. Very smooth!

[@ppvk2610]

Amen to that

[@jonsnow5518]

i cant even see a cut ?

[@Ralph2]

@@jonsnow5518 It's the frame after the first guitar is no longer visible. Givaways are Pauls right finger and the inlay on the edge of the guitar body. It's quite masterful!

[@shawnist]

As usual, finding a way to teach a guitar player how to fish…now not only can we play this riff, but Paul is providing insight to simple ideas that give us a way to make this music truly influential in our own playing. Thanks Paul!

[@jennymckenzie5304]

I vividly remember the first time I heard this riff made me smile like a mad woman when I was only a 9 year old girl, exactly the way you played it in that intro brought back the same emotions and feeling of happiness, gotta say I love it.

[@AKIHIMSELFSCHOOLOFMUSIC]

Fucking crazy, guitars ane riffs are fine, who the hell is editing?? Don’t tell me you do it all by yourself apart from teaching 100s of students daily and being a husband. I would feel pity of me not being able to manage 10% of what you are. Crazy work man!!!!! Huge fan from India 🇮🇳

[@sdejong9165]

And a father..

[@manabboruah7882]

Masterji ka fauzi 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@utkarsh_Shrivastava]

Arre masterjee aap yahan...

[@kevinmorphet8083]

This was an amazing teaching technique. Brilliant.

[@chaitanyavaddy1863]

I’m a fan of you now .

[@JR-pr8jb]

The greatness and importance of Chuck Berry in music history have still not been adequately explored.

[@creedkirkland]

The way you blend your love of music and filmmaking together is truly incredible. Love your content!

[@johnnymossville]

It's so easy to just accept the song as a great tune, but it's groundbreaking, genius, and inspired millions to pick up the guitar and play. Such an important piece of history

[@luistenorio666]

I watching the first 15 seconds at least 10 times. That was the smoothest transition I've ever seen in my life. Masterful.

[@richox1956]

love the video, but Marty McFly aside, we should give credit to Carl Hogan Guitarist of the Louis Joran Tympany Five band. He created the original riff which Chuck Berry based his solo on. Thanks!

[@carlosbruxel]

Exactly! Chuck took it, made it slightly bluesy, sped it up and fully distorted it, which made the rock n roll sound. I hope Hogan received some money from Berry as well, to be fair of his success.

[@7colliemac]

@@carlosbruxel No doubt Chuck was influenced.. but as Elvis Costello said after Pump It Up was virtually plagiarised in my books.. said we all borrow from other artists.. he said he “borrowed” Pump it up from Bob Dylan & Chuck Berry. Beatles borrowed from Bach to everybody in between, but in a way you would never pick it up.. Come Together = You Can’t Catch Me by Chuck. Everybody does it.

[@MarkBurnett_Google]

One of the greatest guitar lessons ever recorded by me. A wealth of knowledge both execution and theory conveyed by a master player and teacher. Study this and practice!

[@mysticmagicsmurfdarklord6844]

I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to the level of musical skill that I can finally understand most of this

[@400_billion_suns]

I've purchased your electric and acoustic courses, but I still feel the need to say thank you for these amazing, artistic, entertaining, and immensely helpful lessons you post here too.

[@TheAlgoflon]

I would really like to thank you for all the excellent content you have put onto KZbin. You have re ignited my interest in my guitar. It no longer sits in the corner being ignored except for the odd sing along session at family gatherings, and is now played almost every day for hours on end as I explore the seemingly endless new ideas that your videos have opened up for me.You have shown me what I thought was impossible for me to achieve to be well within my reach

[@ryansnydercg]

That has to be the smoothest transition I’ve ever seen Paul

[@moosic2i]

That's the problem with the sound of the music in this video. In what possible way can Chuck Berry be described as "smooth". I know your comment was'nt exactly meant in that way but where's the grit, the in your face dgaf sound/attitude that i love about rock n roll!

[@joemay6907]

This tune never gets old. I specifically love the fills he does between the “go johnny go, go” parts

[@-Pol-]

Masterful lighting there - Who'd ever guess that Paul hails from the land of Rembrandt, Terbrugghen and Vermeer! I like how the honeycombed light reflecting off the guitar complements the pattern of yet another classic Davids waffled jumper!

[@moosic2i]

Yeah, it's a pity Paul has'nt paid as much attention to the actual sound of the music he's trying to explain. Where's the grit, the energy not this over produced compressed muzak!

[@larrypower8659]

moosic21 ~ Seriously? This is probably the best tutorial on the JBG intro I’ve seen. And I grew up with Chuck Berry’s music. I think your criticism is misplaced, but that’s just me …

[@chrisfarri8914]

That transition for the guitars on the intro is flawless 🔥

[@kevinknight470]

Another excellent demonstrative video. Johnny B Good has been one of my life time favorites. I used to tell people that Chuck Berry is the true King of rock and roll music and they didn't understand. As far as I know, the song School Days is the first time that this style of music was called rock and roll (1957). "Hail, hail, rock and roll, deliver me from the days of old." Thanx Mr. Davids

[@larrypower8659]

@ Kevin Knight ~ My admiration of Chuck’s music knows no bounds, but he was not the ONLY King of Rock and Roll. Little Richard, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis were also pioneers. But one thing is for sure: Chuck Berry WAS AND STILL IS Rock And Roll Guitar. No Chuck? No Stones, no Beatles, no rock and roll guitar. It’s really the elec- tric guitar that finalized the phenomenon of Rock And Roll for the masses.

[@alfsmith4936]

He was the king of fiddly widdly kiddly diddly.

[@scottkidwell3601]

You had me from the intro... well done! The lesson is great, and I realize I've been half-assing it for far too long. The editing and video production is really next level. Brava, and well done! Thank you, Paul 🙏

[@mattstanley8944]

I’ve half assed it so long ... I’m not sure I can break my Bad habits !!! But as a St .Louis native , I’m going to relearn it correctly as a tribute to Chuck ! Btw ... the last album he recorded has been released ... at age 94 . It is ! outstanding

[@jkennan]

Thanks for all the super-focused top tips!

[@nbpersonal]

Been following Paul since his early KZbin days, and man his production has gone next level. So nice to see him absolutely slaying it.

[@WickBeavers]

Makes me just wanna shimmy, shake and rock and roooool! Nice guitar! Thanks!

[@randykintzley5923]

Genuine rock royalty. Chuck might be responsible for inspiring more people to play guitar than any human that has ever lived. ... and if he didn't inspire you directly, there's a good chance he inspired the guy that inspired you.

[@MrJett1971]

Chuck was the REAL king of rock ‘n roll

[@charlie-obrien]

He inspired John Lennon who inspired me. And when I learned more about Chuck his music and his journey, I became a devotee.

[@bongjovi4928]

@@charlie-obrien 🤣

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Many years ago, at the Mar e Sol concert down in Lousiana, I had the privilege of listening to Chuck perform. One of the truly greats of Rick. The man is... was a legend. Can't nobody fill this man's shoes. Rest in Peace, dear soul.

[@bushman6964]

My kids are gonna love this

[@gimmee99]

Maybe the best video you have ever produced by in terms of quality and content. Bravo !!!

[@pr1mo990]

The fact that you can play guitar as well as anyone, teach as well as anyone, and video edit as well as anyone is quite annoying 😁 but a pleasure to watch!

[@moosic2i]

But still sound like muzak. Quite a trick!

[@rinathama]

That acoustic playing/explaining Paul is a gift from the Gods.🤘

[@dlhdonn]

Absolute best breakdown of this intro I've ever seen. I've loved this song from the second I heard it and it never gets old. This sound was so captivating and mesmerizing...that everyone played it. Incorrectly. I've encountered numerous people who look down their noses at Chuck Berry and, especially, Johnny B. Goode. In actuality, they're thumbing their nose at all the times they've heard it butchered, played in A, and over simplified. Thank you for providing this lesson. I hope it becomes required learning for all aspiring rock guitar players.

[@dlhdonn]

Never mind...I responded before I read the address completely!

[@Brotelho]

Long time Paul Davids fans will know that this is not the first tutorial video on this particular song. But I'm happy that he's revisited it because not only has his guitar playing skills gotten better and his videography skill have gotten better, but his teaching skills have gotten better too. Like a perfect circle. Keep it up Paul. Hope you revisit other songs you've covered before as well.

[@flouisbailey]

Did Chuck understand the complexity of his music. Paul dissected it in his usual superb manner. The explanations on acoustic guitar were helpful and humorous.

[@kendouble9705]

He did.

[@flouisbailey]

@@kendouble9705 Where did these pioneers learn this complexity? They all didn’t go down to the crossroads and bargain with the evil 👿 one like Robert Johnson is said to have done. No, they must have practiced a lot.

[@FrankyBabes]

The first 30 seconds of this is wonderfully put together. Such attention to detail.

[@alexwebmch]

This is going to sound like an infomercial, but Chuck Berry changed everything for me. I didn't take guitar seriously until I decided to listen to early rock & roll on a whim in my late teens. I was hooked right away and learnt every riff and solo on 'The Great 28' compilation. Thanks for paying tribute to Chuck with this video 🙂

[@victorwilburn8588]

A great collection, indeed. Berry gets some criticism for a lot of his songs sounding alike, and there is of course some truth to that, but it's not the whole truth, as the collection attests. "Havana Moon" shows his breadth, and even a straight rocker like "Rock and Roll Music" throws in a rhumba section.

[@alexwebmch]

@@victorwilburn8588 Agree - he did come back to some of the same ideas from time to time, but no two solos are exactly the same. He was also a gun lyricist, which is why 'No Particular Place To Go' is still a classic, even if it's basically the same song as 'School Days', IMO.

[@victorwilburn8588]

@@alexwebmch: Right, I neglected to even mention his lyrics, which were also top-level. A wordsmith, for sure.

[@adnanabdillahghifari720]

That transition is soo awesome

[@Jbone4681]

Man this guys videos are impressive. You dont even need to play guitar to enjoy his content 👏👏

[@matthewyonkman5692]

I love the cuts between the description of the riff and the side explanation videos. It's funny and inventive.

[@mayoindy9744]

I love Back to the Future and the movie was my introduction to the song (as it was for many others I believe). I always wanted to learn it but was kinda intimidated to have a go at it because I had a feeling there's way more to it than just learning the correct notes from a tab. And boy was I not wrong. I saw the movie for the first time about 20 years ago, I am now 33. Time to finally get the hang of it! Greatly appreciate your videos by the way, been watching your stuff since before you left your job a couple years ago. Thank you for another amazing and entertaining lesson!

[@mayoindy9744]

@DJMISTERCRINGE Thank you so much for asking! I am gonna be honest with you, I have not had the time to sit down with this one, but hey - It's a new year and that means more resolve to do the things that I love. If anything, 2022 is the year when I WILL learn how to play this awesome tune

[@joeballard3027]

Paul, your contributions to the guitar playing community are invaluable. I wish I could have watched this 30 yrs ago. God bless you

[@barrybr1]

Chuck Berry, from all accounts, was a difficult man to be around (and to play with) but he was a friggin' genius, musically. Johhny B Goode is still one of the greatest songs ever written imho. Thanks Paul, this was exceptional!

[@Paul197A]

Actual, the intro to Johnny B Goode is note for note from a piano riff from 1929. In fact most of his riffs were written by his piano player.

[@MrJett1971]

@@Paul197A it’s actually from Louis Jordan’s 1946 song Ain’t that just like a woman (they’ll do it every time).

[@Paul197A]

@@MrJett1971 yes, he did a version but it predates him as well. I’ve heard the 1929 recording. It’s a piano intro that’s note for note for the Berry version. Which makes sense as it was Berry’s piano player who came up with all of those Berry guitar intros.

[@ejorbe]

Your lessons have always been great and entertaining, but your editing and creative have really gone up several levels! Really enhancing your great story telling!! Awesome job!!

[@Joffa1994]

You and Chris Buck, best editing in the game! wow

[@zacharias7284]

There are a bunch of really amazing, talented guitarists on KZbin… but the more I listen to Paul, the more he becomes my favorite. He covers all the bases. He’s entertaining. He’s an absurdly talented player. His tone is always on point. His content is always educational both for guitar players and for music fans. There are so many guitarists that I subscribe to and love (like Tyler Larson and Samurai). But the two channels I can just get lost in are Paul and Rick Beato.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

It's amazing this lick is actually not that easy to play at full tempo and just has tons of great ideas and to to this day is a great lick to learn note for note to have in your bag of tricks. You can really learn alot from it to this day.

[@przybyla420]

Chuck berry was a hell of a guitar player. Not easy to shred with a guitar hanging that low and to dance at the same time.

[@TiesSepGames]

Still so impressed, not just by your musical knowledge and talent but also by the insane quality of your videos. Keep up the good work en blijf rocken Paul!

[@rodrigofeitor1115]

I literally finished learning this song a week ago. So happy about this post

[@aaronbennett1266]

I love that you take the time to explain the reasons why it is played the way it is.. it makes it so much easier to catch on. Thank you Paul, 🙏

[@troybabs]

Your camera work and editing skills are just as good as your guitar playing!

[@CharLessMajor7Music]

Very smooth transition on that guitar change.. like a magic with no editing..

[@edphaze6550]

It’s great to revisit the roots every so often. Chuck is the daddy of rock’n roll, baby. Thanks for reminding us!

[@andradeabisai123]

What a great teacher! Some of the vocab is way over my head but I like how he not only explains how to play it but also explains the vocab!

[@patriottothecore6215]

Fire up the flux capacitor - this is one of your best vids - amazing playing and editing.

[@moosic2i]

Everybody keep's commenting on the editing, the lighting etc etc but is it just me? The music sounds awful. Why so over produced, so compressed so lame. Like muzak, perfect for an elevator!

[@johnlratcliffe]

I think it's just you.

[@KriegerIngarten]

@@moosic2iseems fine to me

[@WRCStudio]

Paul this is easily the best video I've seen on this page! Transcription and analysis, context, and true teaching! This is what guitar players need more of on the KZbin's!!!

[@ItsFinished]

Breaking down one of the most iconic riffs ever in such detail and style is "next level" stuff!

[@michaelcameron2292]

Honestly this is a wonderful lesson on the riff that started it all Thankyou so much

[@rynno34]

You have mastered the art of "Alton Brown" in guitar videos my friend... Lovin it...

[@firegoat73]

Accurate

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

As a rock listener, this was a cool video for me to at least understand what those with the six strins are capable of. Bravo.

[@horace_prince]

Man, you're a film maker.

[@bastianogr4960]

Your videos are just amazing. Not only is the content (and the content structure) top notch, I also really love your approach to teach. It's entertaining and extremely focussed at the same time. You have such an easy-to-grasp way of explaining things, and you share so much insight. Also your voice, the colors, the lighting, the editing, your flawless English (although you're apparently not an Englisch native speaker), and of course your insanely tasty, smooth guitar tone are simply unparalleled! Really easy on the eye and on the ear. Your videos are like meditation and music lessons in one. Doesn't get better than this. Thank you for doing this! Oh, by the way. Coincidently, I watched a couple of Johnny B. Goode lessons on KZbin just recently. Not one of them even got close to yours, as far as quality and learning effect go. 👏🏻

[@johnsee7269]

The man that invented rock n roll guitar! Played a guitar just like a ringin a bell!

[@tonners.pettitt9938]

You do a great job of explaining and showing a complete amateur how to play guitar with all the nuances of what makes a great guitarist, love your approach and willingness to share

[@geralr]

Hey Paul, have you ever thought of the possibility that maybe Eric Gales, John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., etc watch your videos and learn from you? That would be so mind blowing to me

[@SherryEspinosa]

Wouldnt surprise me

[@przybyla420]

John Mayer discovered the Grateful Dead in like 2018. I doubt he knows about Paul yet. In a couple years he’ll probably discover Bob Marley, maybe after that.

[@sahadkhan7470]

Talk about Smooth transitions ...Loved the guitar change in the intro .

[@jessicacosiguitar]

What a beautiful guitar! Amazing video as always, greetings from Italy! :)

[@christophertucker5295]

I love that not only are your talent and teaching skills top notch, but you are incredibly creative with your video production as well. You make it fun to watch and learn, thank you.

[@benmcpherran4571]

Paul, I’m sorry, I have to be honest, at the risk of getting a little sentimental. You have really blown me away with your ability to invite any amateur guitar player into the control room. But when you also demonstrate consistent innovation with the technique of the videos (all with absurdly clear and crisp audio) has really set you apart as a multi-discipline genius. Please don’t stop getting better and visualising the gold standard.

[@douglasfreeman3229]

That Johnny B. Goode opening riff sends shivers down my spine. Rock 'n' Roll perfection.

[@emiliocurbelo8891]

Then this earlier1946 song will send you more shivers (Chuck was more than merely "inspired" by the intro): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJWWoouce5ybp6c

[@rekkaenteria614]

The video transitions keep on improving just like your playing.

[@BigTpetty]

Can I just say, holy crap that transition to the ESV was seamless. Literally jaw dropping! Props to the editor! Not sure if that’s you or not. :)

[@RutNij]

The jacket is back 🤣👍🏼

[@jithinkumar7985]

i love how much fun paul has with his videos... its just so fun to watch over and over again

[@chrismay9030]

It strikes me that I can listen to a lot of rock music and hear bits and say, “that’s a Hendrix thing” or “that’s a little Jimmy Page bit” or BB king, Gilmore, etc, but I’ve never thought “that’s a Chuck Berry thing”. All of his bits are just “that’s a staple of Rock”. His style is so ingrained in the genre.

[@jeremyalm9006]

Yes, this!!! 👆👆👆

[@straymusic]

At 8:45 "He really loves the F. Who doesn't.." made me laugh. Perfect deadpan delivery

[@remy-theorangeskyslasher6184]

That 355 is beautiful

[@RJKS45]

I love how Paul keeps moving Paul out of the way to teach us. Sibling rivalry?

[@bohanananza5443]

Paul you should check out jimi Hendrix rendition of killing floor live at Monterey. I'd say that might be one of his hardest songs yet.(Besides a probable hidden solo buried by the weight of the internet)

[@lordedear9388]

It's another amazing Paul video. Lets goooo

[@szpackyu]

The price for this guitar is 3 kidneys + VAT

[@cmet8280]

The Epiphone version is only 1/2 Kidney + VAT.

[@rishabhbose29]

My friend. Here in India this will cost around a dozen kidneys, VAT+GST+CGST . Can't even do the math after this. :(

[@dornomac]

So i just need to find one more kidney...

[@bigchungus9876]

@@dornomac Lmao

[@Makanisurfin]

I have to hobbies... The guitar and fotography and you combine both by making guitar videos that are just satisfying to watch. Great work being done here!

[@Skypie61]

Thanks!

[@mainchannel4442]

Best Johnny B. Goode into tutorial ever. A full musical analysis of this bit. And the video effect was very cool, too. Two thumbs up! 👍 👍

[@loudsalt]

Your cinematography and editing is brilliant. Netflix and Amazon studios should be throwing cash at your door to make documentaries.

[@alexanderp2643]

I can’t wrap my head round how amazing your teaching, production and style are ALL FOR FREE! We are very lucky indeed ❤️

[@gw2031]

The movie quality editing ' Great guitar playing and the cool laid back Paul just make this channel a joy to watch! Love it !

[@claudefazio]

This was a true masterclass in guitar playing. Well done Paul!

[@HeliBenj]

on top of all your talents, your video editing skills and creativity are off the chart!

[@santrixhimself3679]

i read the title, saw the preview in the thumbnail and immediatly knew which riff 100% agree!

[@sinisterplotter6447]

The editing in this made me smile so much. So well done!

[@whitecloud3284]

Dude, your videos keep getting better. Amazing teacher, and great player.

[@telecastersRthebest]

That spin change at the beginning was so seamless that I found myself repeating that section over and over just to see where the cut was.

[@sheresound5456]

Super detailed insight by a master into a classic rock style. Amazing tone from the 355 special and whatever accessories he's working with.

[@replicated]

This was a great video. Thank you. Chuck Berry never gets enough credit in my opinion. The true King of Rock n Roll.

[@replicated]

Somehow I was not subscribed even after watching a ton of your videos. Am now. Quality content.

[@joshmcgill1268]

I love your videos, bro, you drop a lot of complex information in a way that's very easy to 'digest' or comprehend, and I really appreciate it