Polyphia - Playing God (Reaction!)

Eff these guys, that's too good.
Link: • Polyphia - Playing God...
Hit like and SEBSCRIBE! Thank you for hanging out and being here.
All rights for the video shared and linked below belong to the original copyright holder, and I am making use of the footage under the principle of fair use.
TIP SEBS
streamelements.com/sebsduran/tip
Twitch(where I game): / iamsebsduran
Patreon: / sebsduran
Instagram: / sebs.duran
Twitter: / sebs_duran
AFFILIATE LINKS
The book that changed my life, THE POWER OF NOW:
amzn.to/3KcUSU1
TubeBuddy 20% Off: www.tubebuddy.com/SebsDuran
MY GEAR
Shoes (Altra Escalantes): amzn.to/3KggUFt
Microphone (Shure MV7): amzn.to/3DLhkkF
Camera (Sony A6400): amzn.to/3JaOlYU
Lens (Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN) : amzn.to/3j9zjrI
The only protein powder that doesn't wreck my stomach: amzn.to/3sPzOgB
REAL SALT I put 1/2 TSP in 32 oz of water and drink it every morning: amzn.to/3JMgC9N
BUCKEDUP Supplements (Pre-workout, protein, vitamins, etc)
DISCOUNT CODE 20% off all products: sebsduran20
bckd.co/Di5oS1m
Sebs' Insomnia Cure
ZMA: amzn.to/3ziNd1W
+
L Theanine: amzn.to/3vznaTK
If you were a former Patron, I cannot thank you enough.
336 East University Pkwy 1188
Orem, UT 84058
United States

[@Consider00]

5:04 Hey Sebs. The way he does it is a technique called "false harmonics". To produce an artificial harmonic, hold down a note on the neck with one finger of the non-dominant hand and use another finger to lightly touch a point on the string that is an integer divisor of its vibrational length. Then pluck the side of the string that's closer to the bridge. It's just like playing a regular harmonic except that, assuming that you're right-handed, your left hand fretting the note replaces the nut. Your right thumb replaces the finger that you'd lay lightly on the string and the finger you pluck with is the finger you pluck with. So you can make a much wider range of harmonics than just using the ones naturally provided on an open neck. Finding which one's he wants could either be done by understanding the key structure he is in (The circle of fifths thing you were checking out a bit earlier), but mostly probably just done by ear. With the false harmonic technique you can make a harmonic for any note you want. Not an easy thing to do, infact retardedy dificult to pull off as fast as he does them. Oh! and as a potential PSA. if anyone gets upset because I used the word "Retarded" don't worry I didn't call a person that. Since we don't call people that anymore, no harm has been done to anybody in using it. I used it within it's proper context and intention. To discribe difficuty settings, and/or their dumbfounding nature.

[@WKerrick]

While the explanation of a false harmonic is correct in general, there are absolutely no false harmonics within this song- as evidenced by the released sheet music written by Tim and Scottie. Every single harmonic played in this song could be heard on your 5th, 7th, and 12th frets. How they "pick which harmonic goes with it" is typically because most of their songs are in a key that allows for those notes to be available to them to spice it up (E minor). The last paragraph, self-victimizing yourself for your own word choices, when you have no replies or likes yet is super weird. Though many people these days seem to take comfort in creating scenarios in their head.

[@Consider00]

@@WKerrick Yeah, they do use them frequesntly though. Sebs asked how they could find all these harmonics. I figured learning you could make a harmonic out of any note you want, answered the question he was asking. Even if it wasn't represented in the song. And to your second point. Prevention is key. You brush your teeth, before you get cavities, so you don't get them. That's also acting upon created scenarios in your head. Don't know why, my comment upset you. Hope the rest your day goes better though.

[@WKerrick]

@@Consider00 while I personally don't know of any songs of theirs that utilize artificial harmonics (I assume mostly because they use selective picking vs straight finger picking which makes it rather difficult), I'd have to go back and be more familiar with their old albums to say that with any confidence. Artificial harmonics are always great to learn tho.

[@pitpride1220]

You're both correct and good information was given. That's the important thing. There's nothing wrong with preloading apologies. That's the world we're in. Even the facts over feelings folks weep over insults at times too. No one is exempt from pain or being offended.

[@LethargicCarcass]

“These are some of the most incredible guitarists I’ve heard” “Sorry I’m getting mad now” “These guys are musical geniuses dude” “How do they do this?” “Im super upset and don’t know why” “I don’t understand” Yeah that’s how most of our first reactions to polyphia went as well.

[@johnseward2934]

The thing I love most about polyphia is even with all that technical wizardry and insane progressions....their songs still groove. They got it all. Would love to see them add in a vocalist who was as good as they are at instrumentation.

[@__Raze]

At which point they'd kind of become Unprocessed

[@moviebad109]

It’s a consequence of Tim seeming predisposed to compose in 4/4 time. Something prog rock often misses is that unusual time signatures can often make a song REALLY inaccessible to mainstream audiences. It’s why most prog bands don’t burst through the “prog bubble.” Their songs are impossible to bop your head to. Meanwhile you have polyphia, running a master class on “organized chaos” within 4/4 time. Makes their songs so simple to listen and fall into. While simultaneously being complexly arranged and technical.

[@alexrosario423]

that kind of vocalist is not easy to come by, and it would take forever to find one. To transcribe that amount of skill and musicality to a vocalist, and one who would understand when to hold back to let other parts of the band shine? A lot of people sing, and they sing very well, but most people are doing the vocalist version of playing some tried and true chords that sound great and fit on anything. On top of that, they'd have to have some wicked good lyrics to match which is a whole other level of difficulty unless it just comes naturally out of somebody. I suppose they could outsource this, but then it would definitely not fit the vibe of the bar that this band has set for itself. In many ways, they're a victim of their unbelievable talent, and I think they feel that. It's way easier for them to just stick to being an instrumental band because they're having success with it, and it presents the unique framework of having to write instrumental music that is catchy and interesting enough, that people can connect with it without a vocalist. I find them to be a very interesting band. Also, their music of course is brilliant.

[@JAYWAH66]

Checkout Tim Henson's unplugged playthrough of this and believe it or not you'll appreciate it even more somehow hahah. Another great reaction man, keep em coming!

[@rachaelwhite5961]

It’s like The Girl from Impanema decided to smoke a blunt and shred on nylon..it’s SO GOOD!!!❤️🔥

[@deejayturtle]

Hey you found Seb's. :)

[@usuallyclueless4477]

They went from metalcore to low gain electric to acoustic. They'll probably play a ukulele by 2025 at this rate 🤣 Jokes aside, great song and reaction. Who would've thought this is the same guy who couldn't write a G major scale on the board when his teacher asked him to. Do look at the clip of Tim playing at 16 years old ( they're all almost 30 now )

[@Enderplays12]

Tim, the main guitarrist, lost his shit at seeing someone playing this song at the ukulele lol

[@pleasedyes]

@@Enderplays12 his reactions to the violinists were incredible

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

I'm in my 60's and I have been playing 45(?) years. I will never be 'that good'! But it sure as heck fun trying! Music & my instruments have, like my animals(pets & livestock) gotten me through bad health(mine & my family's), divorce, and bankruptcy. Keep playing and broadening your horizons. Peace & plectrums!

[@chrisharris1522]

Tim and Scott collaborated with Babymetal writing and recording the guitars for Brand New Day

[@jonasw3945]

he already watched it

[@chrisharris1522]

@@jonasw3945 I was just pointing out the connection, not just for his benefit but others reading the comments

[@damantx1]

Your rage at how good they are makes me rotflmao! 🤣🤣 I picked up bass because of their bassist.

[@jeji1222]

Tim Henson, the dude with a lot of tattoos actually has a vid explaining how he writes basically he picks a song or a beat he likes and kinda decipher it and recreate it in his DAW then he choose a part and play around with it maybe with an ARP synth or change the time signature and then he decides how he will play it in an actual guitar with various techniques. Dude is a beast.

[@pitpride1220]

The flowers on the neck of Tim's guitar is a play off of Steve's guitars. But the design is called "The Tree of Death". It goes along with the latest album title "Remember That You Will Die".

[@JavMuyx]

Welcome to the Polyphia rabbit hole haha. They're changing the instrumental game and its insane. Also its pronounce "Pō-lif-eeYa". Id recommend listening to 40oz, thats another banger

[@slayerbot1394]

I came across these guys a few years ago. Been a MAJOR fan since. Their albums are almost always on repeat lol Goose, The Worst, OD, Bad, Nasty, 40z, etc. They release videos on how songs are written, namely GOAT, OD and one or 2 others. Also how riffs were written. They commonly take inspiration from hip hop, trap, among others. Basically some chord progressions on keyboard, then make up some cool way to play everything on guitar. The drums are started digitally i believe, then Clay just plays it lol literally an AI technical drummer

[@thomastaylor9579]

Sebs, hey I've already shared that G.O.A.T./song with a bunch of my musically inclined friends .and they were all intrigued also, thanks for sharing that video, I think it exposed a lot of us to a new genre of music, awesome.

[@munene9567]

Love these guys very much. Their music is ecstasy and they've improved sooo much over the years. They're definitely worth listening to ❤️

[@hazard_209]

Polyphia has walkthroughs for some of their songs and as well as how they wrote it. They also sell tabs for every song. Their journey as a band is actually pretty wild. Started as a high school technical metal band with a singer and all. Moved to instrumental and added hip hop/trap influences. Now they are pulling in a ton of different genres and keeping that super clean technical playstyle.

[@deejayturtle]

More greatness. :) This came out on my birthday. What a B day gift huh?

[@somberlight]

2:30 well, quite literally they sync and quantize the living hell out of it and THEN start learning it until it is perfect. aka the meshuggah manouver.

[@wolfhawk1999]

I honestly love to throw on their music while I'm working. Keeps things flowing

[@jrtilley]

These dudes are synced better than a house full of menstruating persons.

[@SebsDuran]

Bro you made me spit out my food laughing

[@jamesbell8861]

Thats some funny shit bro.

[@rachaelwhite5961]

‘Persons’ 💀

[@v.v.7337]

persons?

[@laylacastel]

@@v.v.7337 Not just women menstruate, there are lots of genders and people who transitioned their gender but have a vagina, so they menstruate anyways haha

[@Penrose707]

Loved your reaction man

[@scroves77]

Love these guys.So Crisp. Yes . Technically haven't heard N E thing like it. all through the band!

[@Denovis]

There are "unplugged" version of both GOAT and Playing God. You should check them out too. Also songs called "O.D." and "Crush" are amazing too :D

[@jamesbell8861]

Welcome to the Polyphia rabbit hole. It just gets better and better the more you discover ... and then once you have heard everything by Polyphia, then you get to meet all of the young savants out there covering Polyphia songs perfectly on Violins, pianos, ukuleles, harps, if you can name an instrument their is a budding prodigy covering Polyphia flawlessly in this new community of excellence that is emerging because of this band. Like I say ... welcome the rabbit hole...

[@mistabobdobalina7319]

Check out YAS by them!! It’s a Jam and a half. Has guest appearances by the guitarists in a band called Chon. It’s like a musical masterpiece

[@alanmmeirelles]

yeahhh, Flamenco + Bossa Nova + Hip-hop wowww

[@jimnusbaum3589]

Those are custom guitars made for Tim and Scott by Ibanez. Nylon strings.

[@rupertprior6923]

Perfection possibly the best song humanity has to offer as an example of musical ability of our species

[@Ulfshjartr666]

Most of their songs are written in B minor which has the most available artificial harmonics that is why they can use them so effortlessly

[@wolfhawk1999]

"Yas" is another great track

[@mmatthews90]

Definitely check out Tim's playthrough. It's even more ridiculous

[@MetalZoned]

Check out one of their older videos "Aviator" feat. Jason Richardson - very melodic, more metal

[@t3hi84n2g]

check out 40 oz. and Nightmare by these guys. Great reaction keep em coming

[@BrianKapellusch]

That drum full between section 2 and 3 is just.... Unnnnnnnngh

[@oleksiikartamyshev3919]

I need reaction to O.D. of Polyphia as well!

[@slash8104]

React to "Biggest Shred collab in the world" by Jared Dines, TheDooo and Scottie LePage (the guitarist in polyphia with long hair) is in there too :)

[@jordanlarson6488]

Check out OD and 40oz by them! Both amazing songs.

[@bebstv9846]

We need more polyphia reaction dude

[@loismetal1567]

this definitely reminds me of Ichika Nito playing style.. you should check him out in KZbin.. the one video when he played ethreal tuning is my favourite..

[@matthewpawlak5986]

Tim and Ichika are friends

[@boerbouwvakker7031]

they literally have a song together

[@Scrub_Jake]

Yeah man it’s actually hard to believe these guys… grade A talent right here check out everything they have please! 🙏🔥

[@grandnoodler]

Tim makes all his music on a computer then translates to guitar after the composition is done. that's how you get all the right harmonics

[@benedekistvan2655]

Check out their latest album New Levels,New Devils,it's a masterpiece.

[@WookieWarriorz]

watch jarad dines shred collab 4, youll be blown away Scottie is in it too

[@MaZZForYou]

youy can totaly learn this if you put the effort in it; But the level of composition is off the charts o_O

[@brandonwest3891]

You should review Animals As Leaders- Red Miso! I really think you would enjoy it

[@Rakesh6720]

That melody at the end had to have been written by an arpeggiator.

[@alexstangohr7190]

Tim Henson’s interpretation of music is akin to how Hendrix can into the guitar scene. He hears things differently and thinks about music in ways we can’t understand

[@alexstangohr7190]

Came*

[@lyconxero457]

If you're interested in more Polyphia, I would suggest first going back further and seeing a bit of their evolution over the years. You've started off with fairly contemporary Polyphia but I'd step a bit further back to things like "Goose" and "40 oz" before fully going down the New Levels, New Devils rabbit hole with all the bangers from that album. If you're REALLY interested, you could go back even further to their more metalcore roots but honestly it was around the The Most Hated EP that Polyphia started to become THAT BAND and guitarists really started pointed at Tim Henson as THAT GUY that you NEED to pay attention to because he's doing something different with his music and playing.

[@yk4786]

You should check out the biggest shred collab vids from Jared Dines.

[@kennedyfiggdrums]

Check out 40oz by them. So good

[@muto4055]

They sounded Spanish Caribbean :)

[@vanilla_milkshake]

you want to see some more great acoustic guitar playing watch "The Brain Dance" by Animals as Leaders

[@cameron4533]

check out 40oz !! or Goose both are my favorite

[@wrxboi80]

Plz check out the unplugged version of this song

[@joeyc630]

Hey, what this band needs now is a pro vocalist like Floor Jansen, awesome 😎

[@k-popplayinklown5473]

Well now you have to check out the BABYMETAL song they collaborated with them on “ brand new day one of my favorites

[@moalisa2086]

He already did, and that’s when I asked him to react to Polyphia, but it seemed to be lost in queue for a while.. . Until his last livestream.

[@Ninjabob568]

Yas, Goose, The Worst, anything off of renaissance. even if you dont react to it, theyre worth the listen

[@Ninjabob568]

also check out tim hensens youtube and scott lepage theyre incredible

[@joeyc630]

Hey, new Arch Enemy official music video Sunset Over The Empire, just released, awesome thanks requesting 2022❤️🔥😎

[@VictorSevenTV]

NEVERMIND HERE IT IS lol

[@nantyadipa5430]

Please watch G.O.A.T after this.They're truly GODS

[@user-pf2qm5je3r]

lol you seem like a cool guy have a sub

[@drshock9994]

tree of life.

[@Notthemikeurlookin4]

Hey, I know you like BABYMETAL. Just giving you a heads up that Polyphia did the guitars on their song Brand New Day. Might wanna check it out.

[@JordanLavigneVineofLifeAlchemy]

Hahaha this is hilarious 😂

[@drshock9994]

nylon strings

[@josephmoya9929]

Sometimes it's better not to understand!

[@pievancl5457]

All the harmonics on your guitar correspond to notes. It’s just hours and hours (and hours and hours) of practice, trial and error, and committing the sounds and fingering to muscle memory. Players like these guys have spent thousands of hours messing around, combined with natural ability as well.

[@crisko796]

you gotta react to 40oz

[@imrankjamil]

I know why you're upset. You just realized you can't reach that level of technique. I've realized the same long ago that's why I can enjoy their music. 🤭

[@willhart4762]

I have a different take. I absolutely appreciate their masterful musicianship. There is no doubt that they are guitar gods. However, I as myself are they really pioneers of a new sound, a new genre. What I hear are Flamenco and Brazilian jazz at the core. Nothing really breakthrough or new. I don't hear any lyrics and therefore the depth of emotion is lacking, hence you won't females listening or reacting much. I am waiting for these guys to take on the challenge and raise the bar...maybe next time.