What Makes This Song Great? "Under the Bridge" RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

[@bigooftv7964]

The female singers are actually John's Mum and her Choir.

[@bartolbusic2447]

I think I even heard John with them, not sure though

[@bigooftv7964]

@@bartolbusic2447 Could be.

[@pursharthchawla8306]

@@bartolbusic2447 yup, john sang on that chorus in his signature high register, its in the Funky Monks Documentary

[@craigbrowning9448]

We're "John's Mum's" Choir a Borrowed Church Choir?

[@SergeiSmalkov]

Wow !

[@johnforjustice2350]

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” This song reminds me of that famous quote. So simple but so interesting.

[@mikeseaquest9246]

A great song

[@rootsradical]

"giveitaway giveitaway giveitaway now." -Anthony Kiedis, 1991

[@doctormojo]

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[@korkunctheterrible4302]

The way they used only drums between the verse and the chorus is great. You can almost hear the music in that silence and how it's building up, if it makes sense.

[@ellenveerle8134]

It's interesting that Anthony came w/ the lyrics first, then the band wrote the rest of the song. Their chemistry was otherworldly.

[@Lance37a]

I heard that they just went to their instruments when he was showing them the song.

[@commanderstarstrider7176]

I remember him talking about it on a Rockumentary back when MTV was about music. His shooting up under a bridge downtown. The has a lot of deep meaning.

[@ellenveerle8134]

@@commanderstarstrider7176 I watched the Funky Monks doc and I think there's a part where AK talks about first showing the lyrics to Rick Rubin, who thought it was a great idea for a song. Now, I just wonder if AK already had the melody or if it came after the other parts were written. He said the same thing happened w/ Californication (song) 😯

[@pringelsthegamefreak]

He also wrote Californication before the band wrote the music, crazy how he did that

[@KriegdenSeekrabben]

He writes in his autobiography that he went over to John's house with the lyrics as a poem and John worked out the guitar part on a small fender practice amp, I'd imagine they showed the rest of the band after

[@sagikagan6761]

Rick, please do the impossible and get John Frusciante to sit with you for an interview. You'll be the the hero for thousands of die hard Fruciante fans and you'll get millions of views! JF is the greatest guitarist and musician of our generation.

[@timothyvu7006]

A john interview talking about music would be legendary

[@vilimbubas1302]

After Cobain and Morello, yes

[@DaDinoDM]

@@timothyvu7006 there is a really great interview of john talking about music for a documentary called "the heart is a drum machine" somewhere his entire interview is posted and its one of the best JF conversations about music I've ever heard!

[@th3giv3r]

Nah

[@CamRebires]

@@vilimbubas1302 pleb

[@chuggns]

His understanding of the song goes to show how a great producer is an irreplaceable part of the artistic process

[@XHuntinatorX]

Christopher Huggins ... 100% correct... never been a great group without an equally great producer.

[@NtGism]

This series has made me appreciate the work, artistry and in a word the genious that actually goes into making a great/classic song

[@samdixon6433]

There is a ton of great music that is self-produced in home studios too! Although the point still stands that excellent producing yields excellent music!

[@Walamonga1313]

Sadly Rick Rubin is a big fan of making records loud af

[@natfingerboard]

RHCP is one of those bands, you hit the first chord from any of their songs in a strat and you immediately know it's them. The most common guitar on the planet yet you immediately know when someone is playing red hot chilli peppers, it just sounds like them and nothing else.

[@glassslide]

As someone who remembers when this came out, totally agree, this song was an instant classic and you knew it back in '91. Time has been kind to this tune, still sounds every bit as amazing as it did all those years ago; stellar job, Rick, love love love this series.

[@johnh1824]

amazing to think that blood sugar sex magik and nevermind came out in the same week.

[@ShaunHensley]

This whole album has held up tremendously

[@roadrunner7218]

Back when songs that loved LA were still being written.

[@bitoffingerct]

I've heard this song a million times and I can't believe I never noticed the organ before.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

That's what makes these videos from Rick so worthwhile. By picking apart the different instruments, we hear things that are easy to overlook.

[@mileswilliams4807]

@@SillyGoose2024 What a meaningful statement. Thank you for contributing to the world.

[@bitoffingerct]

@@SillyGoose2024 How old are you, 12?

[@chlebsco]

I’m crying over here... as in ...😂

[@pedjazoo]

I wrote the song. What organ?!

[@marcswanson9507]

Despite it being overplayed to death, I still love this song simply for the way it just builds layer upon layer as it goes along until the final chorus... then the layers all peel away and it gently concludes. Very much like Stairway to Heaven in that regard.

[@noellegillies2874]

absolutely

[@CavemanSynthesizer]

I really like when Rick is clearly grooving out while playing along to Flea's bassline and he gets that little smile.

[@bipbipletucha]

Ah yes

[@cringystingy8025]

@@oinkooink jesus christ will put wherever he wants

[@cam-the-bassist]

For me, the outro with the 'wailing' choir and Anthony's tortured vocals over the chord progression perfectly embodies the torment his addiction brought him. Add on top of that the image of Anthony running away/towards us in the music video. I also adore the last part where most of the parts drop out and its mainly Flea and John - so haunting and beautiful.

[@kyraandamysdad]

That modulation to A major for the outchorus is one of the most glorious moments in rock music, particularly with Flea's fantastic bass part.

[@Jay-we2ek]

More that it goes Amajor, A minor, G F. The major and minor in same bar is unusual

[@benyoung4305]

It blows my mind to think Frusciante was like 19 when he created those guitar parts.

[@ranica47]

Why would you write "like" there? He either was or he wasn't.

[@moonlance3496]

ranica47 he obvs isn’t sure of his exact age duhh

[@ranica47]

@@moonlance3496 Couldn't he have said "around" "in or around" "close to" ? I guess I just hate over use of the word "like" especially because kids here in Ireland are starting to sound more and more American rather than where they're from. I once heard an American tourist tell another "careful standing in front of that fire, it's... like.... hot. " What else would it have been? Cold? Couldn't he have just said "it's hot"without sticking like in the middle?

[@jtp336]

@@ranica47, at least he didn't throw in an unnecessary "literally" like most of the kids do today.

[@ranica47]

@@jtp336 Haha yes, that's true.

[@jessemillar2293]

John Frusciante has to be one of the best guitarist from that generation of music. His playing is Brilliant

[@katieslade8027]

One of my all-time favorite songs. And Anthony Kiedis running in slow-motion is etched into my memory.

[@Johnodog]

Who else is focusing on the song to finally realize how much knowledge Rick just casually drops. Seriously Mr Beato you are a great teacher. Thanks

[@gGauthier]

When a song like Soul to squeeze dont make the cut: One of the best album of all time.

[@rrichards31]

I liked that song more than any on BSSM.

[@enkidude]

@@rrichards31 praying Rick reviews it, it's so good it's therapeutic

[@croman5931]

it didn’t make it because it was apparently too similar to under the bridge iirc

[@jsong8282]

My favorite RHCP song. Not a music guy but that drum is intoxicating when it comes back into the verse

[@simeonwaia]

Hearing John's playing always makes me want to pick up a guitar.

[@eliasstukos170]

It has the opposite effect on me!

[@casseth8030]

Go for it! It's the reason I'm still successful.

[@gurkamalsinghbhogal9043]

Unlike tim henson Or slash Or buckethead Or steve vai Or any other f*ckin guitarist in the world

[@simeonwaia]

@@gurkamalsinghbhogal9043 I love listening to many guitar players. But Frusciante's playing in particular appeals to me as far as shaping my own playing style. Michael Hedges inspires me the same way acoustically.

[@truegoblin3476]

I don't know if you already play, but if you don't man you really should! It's great learning and seeing yourself grow playing all these tunes. Have a good day man.

[@TheRealSplexy]

you could make an episode about literally every song on this record, there so mmuch good stuff (i could have lied is probably my fav of the album) or just any John + Chili peppers album in general

[@mikeseaquest9246]

Breaking the girl is one of the best songs ever made

[@jacobnonamaker8479]

I think John's solo in I could've lied is one of his best he's ever made

[@MaynardOwns]

John is such an amazing guitarist. Chilli peppers best work is with John.

[@lordythegreat88]

That solo sounds like if a person was pathetically sobbing, giving out two angry sobs and then just fading away into a corner in tears.

[@TheRealSplexy]

@@lordythegreat88 yeah and its beautiful

[@johndef5075]

This whole album is a beast. No filler. Love on If You Have to Ask after the scorching solo they break into applause.

[@Jay-we2ek]

There is some filler. Greeting song, righteous and the wicked, they're red hot....

[@jkkay477]

@@Jay-we2ek What, The Righteous and the Wicked is not filler! The Greeting Song is a maybe. Only They're Red Hot is filler really.

[@fiucik1]

This is easily one of the best songs ever. John's part simply amazing, but also Flea's bass line is something special.

[@jibbstriespc5106]

I love JF’s “simple” solos. He always says more with less and makes every note count

[@aldobrezenti]

The whole album is full of these hidden treasures, these underlying layers supporting the original idea of the song, adding so much movement to the music. After all these years you can still find new easter eggs lying somewhere in the songs. This album is really one of the greatests! Fantastic video as usual, Rick!

[@raisa_cherry35]

When you mentioned Easter eggs lying somewhere in the songs,I burst out laughing,but true indeed. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@anthonynelson6029]

So true. This album is an absolute artistic masterpiece. I'm still discovering sounds in it to this very day that I haven't heard before and I practically know the album by rote.

[@charliethetyrton3209]

You failed to mention the biggest reason why this song is so great is because of the lyric content. It is so hearth felt and easy to relate to. But your right Rick this song is great. Thx

[@athenassigil5820]

The entire album was their watershed; an instant classic! It also has some amazing rock, funk/ jazz and bluesy guitar parts that distinguish it from its contemporaries. Great RR production, too....they were really focused and this helped them break out of their funk/punk roots.

[@RichardHoogstad]

I thought I was tired of this song hearing it so many times. But hearing a piano, an acoustic an organ and female vocalist. I had no idea for so many years. Good stuff

[@RC32Smiths01]

I am a simple man, I see a WMTSG by Rick, I instantly watch and like! Simple as that! Great to see the RHCP make another appearance here, and this song is top 5 for me! Cheers and great work as always!

[@CamRebires]

maan, that's a long abbreviation

[@shihadrock101]

I was very much over this song before I watched this video, I'd heard it a few to many times. But this video gave me a whole new perspective on and love of this song. Thanks Rick! don't stop making these videos, the world needs them.

[@AntoniosPapantoniou]

This record has the best production and best recording and best mix of all the Peppers albums ever. You can clearly hear every instrument and every voice and every tone in their pure raw element. The band is united as one and everyone is giving his total breath and charisma. That is one of the main reasons it is one of the best records in the history of Rock. Peppers never made as great an album as this. And then of course there is John Frusciante. Without him there wouldn't have been any Magik. Everything he plays is pure gold.

[@ksi8276]

11:20 Rick is a natural bass player. I have seen him play amazing parts on guitar and keyboards but the joy he has is otherworldly

[@kleptogiver]

Pretty sure I heard him say he studied bass(academically) as his first instrument.

[@NytronX]

Clicked this video so fast. Under the Bridge is literally the reason I picked up guitar. The intro still gets me everytime. The high notes definitely are an overdub, as evidenced by the way they ring out until the next chord change. It is however possible to play the intro hitting those high notes and the low E, it's just very difficult. You have to thumb wrap that F chord. I really miss John Frusciante. He left a void in the guitar world that has not been filled since he left RHCP.

[@bohdanilasz8733]

Same reason to start playing here :) heard a guy play it at summer camp and I was mesmerized. Bought a cheap classical guitar the same summer... 13 years later still love the Chili Peppers

[@SergeiSmalkov]

Same here, the moment I heard the guitar parts, I decided I had to learn the song no matter what. And the same moment I became a strat guy.

[@VladSoriano]

I couldn't hear it when I was younger, but the intro is actually split Left to Right. So the high D note that rings is on the right speaker while the main riff is on the left. This is damn hard to play when you've done the 2nd descending line after F# to return to D. It's impossible. But Rick confirmed it and I re-listened to it, the High D and Db notes definitely come out on the Right as overdubs.

[@timothyvu7006]

I feel the the thumb wrap is so hard if you want to hit the b and e string together, but it doesn't sound the same as a Barre chord.

[@johnnycto7576]

I love how the bass counterpoints the melody in the chorus!

[@vyrus24]

Damn that fretboard's shiny.

[@Gruuvin1]

Ha! Ditto! Maybe he hardened it with epoxy.

[@xmillion1704]

Blinding!

[@diegocelaya298]

I was just thinking about that

[@dakotadale567]

Nitro finish on the neck. Dont see it often but they are all super shiny. I prefer that finish

[@LokkieF]

Looks more like a thick layer of poly.

[@MaynardOwns]

Hearing John speak about tracking guitar and writing and stuff is amazing. On point with some of Rick's rock is dead because of quantizing stuff. John says something like "there is all this wasted space in between the up beats and down beats, don't be afraid to play a little ahead or behind the beat."

[@glennt69lol]

Whole album is great

[@danieldeburgh8437]

Nah

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Frusciante is a stone cold genius. The guitar work here is just amazing.

[@countadyn5327]

One of my favorite RHCP songs:) The "Can't stop" intro is my alarm tone, its perfect as starts out silent and gets louder :)

[@driesvanoosten4417]

Intro is almost identical to Eternal Life by Jeff Buckley, which I think is a much bettet song. But perhaps not to wake up too...

[@msjajhehs8308]

Why do you destroy that song by setting it as alarm? You will hate it

[@obodobear]

@@msjajhehs8308 It's true, I've made that mistake before. My brain starts associating that song with waking up, and I'll just get a sudden feeling of dread every time I hear it, really not a great feeling to get from a song I enjoy haha.

[@msjajhehs8308]

@@obodobear thats exactly what i meant :-D

[@hainesforohio7028]

My favorite song of all-time. Just clicks for me. Beautiful.

[@mikebishop6361]

The chorus at the end, I think, represents the angels of the City of Angels as part of the crescendo. Great way to escort the song out... with a chorus of angels.

[@joeblow6786]

It must've been like recording it in the studio and when you finished you knew it would be the hit of the decade and beyond. One of if not the most memorable singles of the 90's.

[@flp2635]

One of my favorite 90’s song. I even stopped watching Star Trek to watch this video... ❤️ it!

[@raisa_cherry35]

Great bro ❤❤❤😍😂

[@maxp2305]

The vocals at the end give me goosebumps and a tear in the eye

[@demarchiordie]

What Makes This Song Great? John Frusciante, of course

[@CamRebires]

As always

[@larrycoyle4704]

Of course!

[@pringelsthegamefreak]

Anthony did write the lyrics before this song was made tho. I feel like this showcases Anthony's writing as poetry a lot.

[@johnforjustice2350]

pringelsthegamefreak all you need for a great song is 3 chords and the truth. And Anthony was speaking the truth while John and Flee brought it to life. Perfect song in my opinion

[@iammsatrio1951]

Straight to the point. It hurt their not-very-new guitarist lol

[@TheClassicalSauce]

13 years old. This music was my adolescence. You're absolutely right about this song making their career. Blood Sugar Sex Magick was a must-own for any young person into music at the time. Under the Bridge, Give it away and Breaking the Girl, and the rest of the album is just a funky ass groove. The 90's were super cool. Coolest decade in American history.

[@debvalle7466]

"This is where all the action is." Indeed! This was such a great analysis. And I agree it was an important song for that era, musically and socially.

[@LawrenceAugust_]

Rick, your content on this channel has me falling even deeper in love with music... I’m at last recording the album I’ve always wanted to and I will never be able to thank you enough for pouring gasoline on this fire I have going. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@boyfromoz7]

John Frusciante is my favorite guitarist.................

[@cashewpistachio1826]

....you NERD.

[@bipbipletucha]

@@cashewpistachio1826 lmao what a savage

[@cashewpistachio1826]

Absolutely correct @@bipbipletucha , thank you for noting that

[@bipbipletucha]

@@cashewpistachio1826 you are very welcome

[@ohwellwhateverr]

Same. Really underrated vocalist and songwriter, too. His solo albums are incredible

[@400_billion_suns]

To me this song is a masterpiece. Everything fits together so perfectly. No matter how many times I've heard it, it always hits me the same way.

[@lucyagogo]

If you listen closely John is also singing on the backing vocals at the end but it's almost muted, way behind the higher notes from his mom and choir friends.

[@modernpoet3997]

This series has completely changes the way I listen to music. I won't lie and say I grasp all the theory, but I learn something every time. Thank you.

[@jeffledp]

6 year old me bringing this song to my drum teacher to learn, and him being like "let's go"

[@MegaCadr]

jeffledp that makes me so happy

[@msg3tr1ght]

So awesome! I was 10 during this era. These melodies spoke to me. The lyrics of course, speak to 35 year old me. Children of grunge era.

[@Jabbytube]

I got the "Red Hot Rhythm Method" book that Chad put out. Awesome. Came with a CD that you could play along to - it was the best.

[@davedecker1725]

@Cybermojoman He's a monster! He makes whoever he plays with sound better. I saw a Chickenfoot concert and he CARRIED Sammy,Joe & Mike!

[@michaelm4464]

@@davedecker1725 I don't think anyone has to carry Satch haha. He would probably just drop kick a drummer for being off tempo and then proceed to play the drums himself while still shredding on guitar simultaneously.

[@l3alamiya]

I don't understand all the technical words about music because I've never learned music theory but I'm addicted to your videos

[@drvonfriis]

That record was like a breath of fresh air after the overproduced reverb-heavy, drum machine records of the 80's: Real music, played by real musicians, and in the case of this particular record: No reverb whatsoever :-)

[@KickflipGnasty]

I dunno there are definitely moments with reverb throughout this album it's just not overdone. I personally love reverb on guitar leads. Everyone's done that. Even the greatest like Page, Clapton, and Beck.

[@HahaDamn]

Anyway, his guitar is awash with chorus lol, especially in the outro, which you know is the 80s guitar effect of choice, not reverb lol

[@honeychilerider]

I honestly can't believe it took us 75 of these to get to this song. Probably would have been in my first 10. And I'm not even a huge RHCP fan. A great song is a great song and that one is fucking legendary.

[@Epicdps]

Can't wait to hear Rick talk about the RHCP tunes coming out this year, loved hearing frusciante again

[@danielbuchanan1564]

I KNEW this was the song when I saw the thumbnail. So well done as always, Rick. This is a beautiful song to break down.

[@joewoods6625]

Rick - I bought my first guitar, a MIJ foto-flame strat, and the tab book for this album back in 1996. I learned how to play guitar (albeit poorly) to this album. Your channel and educational content is extraordinary. Thank you for consistently sharing your time, energy, and knowledge with us!

[@bmac4]

I went to a drum clinic that had Chad Smith as a guest. Far as I heard with him the band never liked playing to a click, and it gave them a more organic feel that they wanted to use. UTB is a great example of a song that's super well built; its chords are simple but they're played with so much feeling and versatility, and the drum parts are simple but increase in grooviness as the song builds up and reaches its climax. Genuinely funny guy, too.

[@fredresz7773]

Will Ferrell is incredibly and uncharacteristically disciplined on the drums, waiting patiently for the out chorus to let loose! Thanks for another great episode Rick!

[@SilentLunchPod]

The first time I heard this song was on the New Jersey Turnpike while driving into Manhattan to see the Chili Peppers play at Roseland Ballroom club, with the Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam as openers! Blood Sugar had literally come out that day or week or so before and we blasted the full album as we burned down the highway, listening for the first time, everyone kind of freaking out at how great it was. I remember in particular when Under the Bridge came on. Everyone got really quiet. I instantly knew it was something special. It felt like a real departure for the band, and something new in the current music scene in general. After the show, heading toward the tunnel back to NJ, we saw the not yet famous Pumpkins walking together down the quiet early morning New York City streets, and shouted out to them and they waved back. Senior year of high school. Great times.

[@Logoned]

Oh man one of my favorite bands. I was so impressed by RHCP the first time I heard them that they restored my faith in the future of rock. Every one in the band was top notch talented. When my son was born shortly after I took a white onesie and painted it to be an RHCP onesie. When he turned 14 I had no-one to blame but me when I noticed RHCP's logo tattooed on his wrist.

[@eveostay99]

What makes this song great is the sheer emotional power of Anthony kicking heroin. So great to hear and see how the musicians support it. I can't listen to this song without choking back the tears and now I'm crying again having learned below about Anthony's mom singing with the choir the end. Thanks, Rick.

[@MFPReacts]

I really appreciate you taking the time to dissect songs this thoroughly, Rick. These videos are amazing, and extremely helpful from an educational standpoint. Thank you!

[@kaeliarobinson3108]

Came here after I listened to one podcast and figured out why I get so hyped up over instruments and singers!

[@good_king_guitarman1334]

I was 23 when this song was released and I'd never heard anything like it before. It changed my life! It's a great song and has certainly held its currency; i still listen to it regularly and love it every time!

[@CaduVre]

Good_king_guitarman me too

[@TheRealHucasys]

Sorry for the off-topic but need to say this to people who will understand, Sunday night I saw King Crimson and it was the most magnificent sonic experience I have had in my life, it's been two days and I still can't recover...I cried, I laughed, I sat in awe. I got the VIP ticket and was so f... lucky I was seated dead center in front of Jeremy Stacey.... The sound was way beyond perfect (how can a live concert with that complexity and power sound so flawless?? Creamy and head blowing...) and the interpretation......simply beyond words. And the drums parts are all written!!! It's too much, really....thank God (Crimson) I got to experience this.

[@mikel3188]

Thanks Rick... I still remember the first time I heard Blood Sugar and knew someday this album would be considered a masterpiece.

[@EB-bl6cc]

That chord sequence you mention starting at 13:21, especially with john's tuning/tone is just so gorgeous, iconic

[@Jay-we2ek]

It's in standard tuning though ..

[@EnDTh3S1L3NcE]

"It is one of the most memorable guitar riffs of the decade" Honestly id put it up there with "of all time", i dont listen to the Chili's much and couldnt remember which song this was, but the moment i heard that first note it came to me immediately, its something incredible to write a opening riff like that, that grabs you. Speaking of that, just because i have been listening to the album on repeat like mad this week, id love to see "Welcome to the black parade" by My Chemical Romance for a WMTSG episode, there is so much amazing stuff that goes into that song that i feel many people miss or have dismissed because "its an emo band". Regardless, look forward to the next videos, been binging this series all week

[@almostdone8461]

The originality of this song is what makes it iconic. There has never been anything like it and likely will never be. Not many songs have the ingredients of such unique guitar parts, bass line and melody that meld together so perfectly. Like how you breakdown the individual parts, but the miracle of this song is how they make such a "different" song work, and work amazingly. The "out chorus" might be the best combination of drums and bass ever recorded. Good job Rick! Love this series.

[@AdrianMutu87]

A few other great things about this song: 1) start of the video with John playing a jaguar (even if intro was recorded with a Strat) was iconic 2) starting the chorus on an off-beat (starting instead with a muted downstroke) 3) in the chorus, the walking bass parts come out after the strumming attack of the guitar 4) the chorus effect on the guitar in the outro is tasteful 5) the lyrics of the outro are so poignant about the life of a heroin addict (under the bridge downtown, is where I drew some blood, etc...) And makes song come full circle with its initial theme of loneliness 6) listen/watch the SNL version for logical development of the mood behind this song! The scream by Frusciante in the outro is magnificent, so is his scaled down playing throughout that performance.

[@Fleasfan]

the chemistry between John and Flea during the outro where this one time they play the exact same fill :-)

[@jugalgogoi9113]

i read somewhere that john intentionally tried to mess that snl performance.

[@AssanRakhmanov]

@@jugalgogoi9113 Well, it was Anthony Kiedis who said that John tried to piss him off in front of thousands of viewers live

[@chrislewis1943]

This song is why I've bought 5 copies on cd over the years. I had this for xmas at 8 years old. It was my first record and my favorite from RHCP. This one hits home Rick.

[@brasilianguy5437]

This is the masterpiece of RHCP. They did great songs prior and after this, and this is the greatest.

[@k6151960]

This VIDEO is what makes Rick Beato great..! These chords seemed almost magical. Thanks for making them real (but they are still kind of magical).

[@BollocksUtwat]

Rick Beato has taught me that I haven't heard the organ in all the music I grew up loving.

[@margaretcarley8167]

You do some very cool work. Breaking these songs down gives me a greater appreciation of something I already loved. Almost makes me cry. Thank you Rick.

[@Dman85612]

I remember watching late night cable one night in the late 80s( maybe early nineties?) ,which was featuring new bands when RHCP came on .They seemed like punk meets funk ; Flea was doing his masterful slap and pop funk bass and the band was like a groove machine they caught my attention and I became a fan immediately .Great song selection by a great band .Rick Rubins production is spot on.

[@pysq8]

Punk meets funk. So accurate 💜

[@twistedviewlabs]

I've been trying for 28+ years trying to figure out what's going on when the outro backing vox comes in. I knew I heard something else but couldn't quite place it. Hearing it isolated like that solved that mystery for me and made this song 1000x more beautiful. Thank you sir! It's stuff like this that had me smack that subscribe button down all those years ago. Keep it up!

[@mindcontrol67]

I remember where I was this song came out and the first thing I though was Hendrix.Loved those embellishments

[@fredrikhelgeland]

I have never clicked so fast on a video. Thanks rick. Anything RHCP is always a treat :)

[@kevingavigan7883]

I never knew that there were so many instruments on this song. I was already aware of the choir at the end (credited on the album as "Gail Frusciante And Her Friends", I believe that Gail Frusciante was John Frusciante's mother) but I always thought that the only instruments are electric guitar, bass guitar and drum set. I had no idea that there was organ, piano, acoustic guitar, and shaker. No wonder the ending sounds so epic.

[@jonmaclennan]

Awesome breakdown! Such an incredible track. Thanks Rick!

[@lightninray]

Those high notes in the intro are definitely an overdub on the record. Frusciante was one of my big favs growing up. I haven't played that song in years I'm going to have to try it out again.

[@davesummers1369]

I’m not so sure, I think it’s a guitar capoed on the second fret, freeing his left hand up to play it as a straight C and E shape and hit the high note each time. You can hear another guitar (without capo) enter on the first E major chord, then the intro guitar drops out.

[@Jay-we2ek]

No.

[@Jay-we2ek]

@@davesummers1369no, it's just ringing a higher note over a lower one. You pick them together.

[@davesummers1369]

@@Jay-we2ek Yea I was saying it’s not an overdub, and he’s playing fingerstyle. The capo just makes it feasible to play those higher notes, otherwise the chord shape would be too awkward.

[@lightninray]

@@Jay-we2ek on the recording it's an overdub. Live it's played at the same time. He says it himself in that article.

[@diewabbit]

such a perfect bass line for this song.. and of course that timeless guitar part

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

'blood sugar sex magik' is just one of the best rock albums ever, in my mind the best of the 90s...

[@davidhaworth7152]

Best album of the 90’s I believe.

[@Head318Hunter]

The 90s were possibly the greatest era for rock music. 1960s and 70s simultaneously say: hold my beer. BUT seriously the 90s were amazing. This album by RHCP is top 5 imo of that era.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

@@Head318Hunter the 90s weren't even close to what the 60s and 70s were in the developing of rock music... I was a teenager during the 90s listening to Led Zeppelin and 70s Aerosmith and never found any 90s band that could rivalized with those, let's not speak about the moment I went deep into The Beatles, Pink Floyd or The Kinks. Forget about it

[@SspaceB]

Viejotrueno I noticed you qualified your response with “in the developing of rock music”, that’s different than an era having better songs/albums. Of course the 60s/70s were more influential in the DEVELOPMENT because it was so much closer to the beginning...

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

@@SspaceB Saying 'in the developing...' means better songs and albums in the way of being originals and for that, masterpieces, the canon of how and at what level you have to do it... 90s rock artists didn't recorded nothing better than the canon, they fit in the tradition, even those proclaimed independent bands like The Pixies or Sonic Youth, 80s bands more than 90s, but very influential in the 90s rock sound... they didn't break any rule, none of them. That's what John Lydon tried to show with P.I.L. and before, with the Sex Pistols, that rock is dead in a way, because you can't do it better than the originals unless you break the rules, break the canon, and nobody did... even Lydon

[@MiddleCreekRapids]

Thank you, Rick. Your videos enable me to appreciate music even more.

[@sarajamus]

“What Makes This Album Great- Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic”. I remember the first time I put a burrowed copy in my uncle’s cd system back in ‘94 in Dubai & The Power Of Equality plays... my first reaction was- My god, I don’t know if I should bang my head to this or dance. It was equal parts heavy & equal funky & I had never heard of something like that!

[@jaykam7058]

They have so many great songs I'm glad you chose this one. I really like this band . have listened to most of their albums, but this is a masterpiece that transcends all pop music.

[@Gruuvin1]

So many tracks on this album are worthy of the series. Sir Psycho Sexy and Funky Monks are a couple favorites..... Also Mellowship Slinky, Apache Rose Peacock, If You Have To Ask,...

[@weets69]

That whole album is epic. Great vid Rick

[@franknahon9328]

"Under the Bridge" and "Californication" are great but "My Friend" is one of my favorites 90's song.

[@thornmatthew8395]

Frank Nahon mine too

[@jeangentry6656]

Road Trippin is another classic. 😁

[@MyRealName]

I love "My friends", it's very underappreciated because it doesn't feature Frusciante on guitar (Dave Navarro replaced him).

[@jeangentry6656]

@@MyRealName oh, it's a beautiful song, sorrowful, hopeful, and heartfelt. One of their best tracks, even if the album it was featured on, One Hot Minute, didn't do too well.

[@thesullivanstreetproject]

Very underrated song!

[@bollydien2407]

So many people try to analyse this song on KZbin, when you first said Untb I thought..here we go again. But you’ve really this made video your own - unique breakdowns & content completely different to anything else going on YT. Thanks Rick!

[@gernblanston3363]

The uplifting major chords were a deliberate choice of Frusciante's, powerful contrast to the lyric. Did not know that Brendan O'Brien engineered the album, makes sense considering the sound. Brendan is another incredible producer with an impressive resume of his own. Just another factor that made Blood Sugar Sex Magic such an iconic album.

[@maxonmendel5757]

Rick Beato is secretly a KZbin Robot because Google told him that I was trying to learn this song a week ago and so he made this video. But fr, I love your videos, Mr. Beato. I learn so much music from you.

[@ridethelightning7979]

Such a shame John Frusciante isn’t in the band anymore. It’s no coincidence that the best RHCP songs and albums are with him in the band.

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

Yeah but the guy wanted out. I mean I agree, but if he doesn't want to be there then at least he was able to tell them that Klinghoffer was ok as a replacement. He's no Frusciante, but I mean it's better than nothing.

[@coldanimal5107]

I still love One Hot Minute, too. Sure, they sound like a completely different band with Navarro, but I feel it marks an important milestone in their development, and one that laid the foundations for their success with a whole new generation of fans in the second Frusciante phase.

[@KalFx3]

Its because they were on hard core drugs. Not to take any credit away from john but it was the drugs that made those records huge. They gave no fucks back then. Thankfully Anthony is now hooked on MMA

[@petergremlich7931]

He's back!

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

@Linda Niemkiewicz No they are right. He's back.

[@rune288]

John fruciante always uses really interesting chords, the chord progressions are usually fairly straightforward but with the variations he uses make the songs so much better

[@shadyknopfler7720]

Of course Frusciante's strength is the ability to compose memorable guitar parts and melodies, but he's a very disciplined musician and has very good technical abilities, shown mostly live but also in his particular touch, almost impossible to imitate.

[@Jay-we2ek]

Actually, he's "sloppy" as a player, not actually that technical at all, he's more about feel. (Not a negative comment, I'm a huge fan)

[@troutmask9111]

@@Jay-we2ek he’s sloppy but has a good technique just like Steve Howe from Yes.

[@shaunbishop1416]

Great band. They play superbly together. And have so many flawless albums. This was a definitive answer of the Chilli peppers. Of the kind of movement they 'GIFTED' us with. Great again Ricky. Lovely choice! 🤟🏼❤️

[@notadestinygun6556]

I remember in Scar Tissue, Anthony mentions how scared he was to sing this song.

[@jeangentry6656]

If I remember correctly, Tony didn't really didnt sing prior to this, his vocals were a funky, rap/rock style. Plus, this song was originally a poem (That he didn't intend to share) about his struggles with sobriety, so it was very personal to him.

[@notadestinygun6556]

@@jeangentry6656 yea I remember. Such a great read.

[@notadestinygun6556]

@@jeangentry6656 He talked about the story of when he ODed and was taken to a spot in LA to get some more. Was walking through it with this random dude, and decided to turn around and leave.

[@NytronX]

@@jeangentry6656 Yep, this song was a turning point for the entire band.

[@roadrunner7218]

MynameisPistol why was he scared?

[@lemmykoopa7918]

You are so good at breaking down these songs while still keeping an emphasis on overall composition. And you always seem to nail the parts in how well you play them but also in imitating the tones and settings that really elevate them.