THE GREATEST IMPROVISED GUITAR SOLO OF ALL TIME

[@KelValMax]

I love that so many rockers are discovering my jazz heroes.... and so many jazzers are discovering my rock heroes. This channel is just fantastic.

[@majortom4543]

Golden boy and all, and as good as this interchange is, lets not kid ourselves and say this is the greatest solo of all time that nobody else can recreate.

[@MrSatyre1]

​@@majortom4543It's just noise to me, so I really can't fathom anyone else wanting to recreate it.

[@shamusokingsley2412]

I may not know music theory enough to appreciate jazz, but I can recognize this as the greatest elevator music I've ever heard

[@justinerb6975]

Everyone needs to discover Ian Thornley from Rick's interview with him. I just wish Rick would break down some of Ian's songs.

[@RobertMJohnson]

sorry. jazz is really not fun at all

[@anthonywhite2960]

Thank God for Rick Beato and this wonderful channel. Rick's enthusiasm and joy for music and learning is palpable and inspiring.

[@edbernardmusic3599]

I can't wait to hear him feature his own music!

[@Sawlon]

Yes!!!

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

​@@Sawlon🙏 Amen

[@CitizenScott]

Yeah how could the world go on without cringe like this.

[@russelljackman1413]

Amen!

[@duncanfrere2656]

That interview with Metheny reveals an artist living and creating at the utmost reaches of what is creatively possible. Just stunning!

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Being. I’ve done it a few times in my playing life, but would love to be doing that whenever I’m playing!

[@jonathancano6387]

Yeah, that Metheny interview is epic.

[@williamlowe7718]

Pat's hair deserves its own interview...🤣🤣🤣

[@almoko]

for most of us - and I love Pat - all of this flies a mile above our heads, but your appreciation and enthusiasm over this is contagious :)

[@hectoraguilar965]

Yes, I agree. I like Pat Metheny as well. But a solo like this is, while complex and precise, not easy to listen to. Rick seems to be appreciating the complexity of the solo. And while I appreciate his point of view as a musician, as a listener, it sounds unnecessarily complex and disjointed. So much of Pat's other music, while still complex and interesting, also flows smoother and is easier on the ears. Still, I love Rick's passion for his point of view, and his channel overall. He is a true teacher, and I always learn something new. Even if I don't agree or understand it all.

[@lajollascott]

100%. I've listened to Pat Metheny's stuff for I don't even know how many hundreds of hours, but I would have never guessed this solo was this complex or difficult. Complex or difficult? Or course; it's Pat Metheny. THIS complex or difficult? Never.

[@julianyo7072]

It's a musician's solo for musicians. Not necessarily enjoyable. Of course, musicians flip out with these things, but because of the complexity, like an engineer flip out with a Lamborghini motor, but what you enjoy is driving it. To be honest, I find these kind of solos boring. I appreciate the musicality, the dexterity and the complexity of it all, but says nothing to me. Especially that guitar synthesizer tone.

[@alp69gt]

« Travels » was the first Jazz album that I got back in 1988 as I started learning guitar one year prior. Before my guitar teacher got me buying the vinyl, I didn’t know anything about Pat, his music and that way of playing guitar. First time I listened to it I thought it was really weird and wasn’t enjoying it. But I kept listening and gradually became used to it. Then I started really loving it until the vinyl did wear out. Because of that album I had to spend the rest of my life learning all that stuff, moved to Boston, eventually graduated from Berklee, met plenty of great players and teachers, moved back to my home country. Now 36 years later, I’m still learning all that stuff and all what lies beyond. Thank you Rick for sharing your passion! Your video just made me travel back in time and remember how much that music was and is still moving me! And how fortunate and thankful I am to have been able to pursue my dream and make a living out of playing guitar.

[@mikeradcliffe6062]

"Leading the listener along a path that feels both surprising and yet expected." Wow! You just summarized what Pat's composing has always done for me. Nice.

[@zyxwvut4740]

Roger Ebert said a perfect movie ending should be the same: Surprising yet Inevitable.

[@papagaio1696]

Path Metheny

[@Adam-fb5nt]

@@zyxwvut4740 Yes this is taught in Aristotle's poetics

[@touchthatdial]

The joy on Rick’s face when he listens is just joyous to watch. Love this channel.

[@lotnik1976]

again I have to write it - Rick Beato is one of the best content creator on YT right now - every video is interesting, informative, funny, inspiring - just great. THANK YOU - its pure pleasure to know you via YT

[@herwigthelen6304]

This episode touched me deeply. Travels is my favorite album since 1984. I played it to my girlfriends, but also to so many of my music loving friends- noone seemed to care as much as I do. I don’t know how many hours of my life I spent floating away with the same face expression as Rick and diving into this beautiful music. Thank you Rick, for finally, at the age of 56, connecting me to people who care as much as I do. Herwig from Austria

[@wesboundmusic]

I feel the same way about Rick Beato and only at around his age start to appreciate the gift of music all over and a whole new dimension to it that I wasn't able to better grasp previously. Better late than never? I don't know. It might have served me better to have understood more earlier in life, I guess. Oh well....,😇

[@SolSmoak]

My story also. I’m 60. Been a fan since high school. Never met another one.

[@KrystofDreamJourney]

Same here. Greetings from Florida !

[@nbeutler1134]

I can relate as a 21 year old obsessed with Pat Metheny lol

[@edwardgallagher4509]

Singin’ to the choir, my friend… a fan since ‘78

[@bensherwood777]

Rick I love the fact that you are bringing such beautiful and sophisticated music to your channel. It might not be for the mass but it deserves to be featured. It proves that you put music before numbers. Much respect to you

[@djdksf1]

As a piano/keyboard player, a lot of Pat's synth solo stuff is maddening to me because it sounds like it could theoretically be translated to my instrument, until I try to actually do it. There are many ways that the fretboard is a superior interface. Those long, languid lines sound so effortless (I know they're not) and fluid and I'll only ever be able to dream about playing that way. Also, Pat has a friggin' encyclopedia of harmonic and melodic knowledge in his noggin - such a huge wealth of stuff to draw on. Great take on this RB!

[@Devypocalypse]

I love, LOVE that terminology "superior interface". What a term.

[@dariohenriquez7773]

ironically we all guitarists want the guitar to be a piano so we're even

[@djdksf1]

@@dariohenriquez7773 🤣 I guess everyone wants what they do not have.

[@ThvonS]

Good point, but Chopin on synth guitar would be a challenge... to say the least

[@N.SLASH.A]

As someone who’s experimented with various guitar synths for 20 years, I can’t help but wonder if/how some of this could possibly be the interface between the GK pick up and it’s interpretation of what he’s playing that leads it to be something that could not be imitated due to his impeccable playing x the tracking of that given moment in time?

[@NicknLex]

I was surprised that it wasn't anything by Allan Holdsworth but Pat is right there in the same league of genius.

[@Catonian1]

I thought it would definitely be Holdsworth. I specifically thought it would be “In the Dead of Night”.

[@jimmycampbell78]

That's who I was thinking of too when Rick was doing his build-up at the beginning.

[@saracen567]

My favourite electric guitar solo - Alan Holdsworth on “Hazard Profile Part 1” on Soft Machine’s 1975 album Bundles.

[@johnsworldofvideopoker]

Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, & Allan Holdsworth are all in a league of their own. Allan Holdsworth (before he passed on) used to live in Fallbrook, Ca. He would play locally at a small club in North San Diego County called the Bellyup. Afterwards, he would sit at the bar with me & the lead guitarist in my band and talk guitar all night. He was the humblest guy and the most astounding guitar genius you would ever want to meet. R.I.P. Allan.😢🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🍎

[@theplanetruth]

Hey Nick!!

[@101xaplax101]

that excellent statement that you read about being "surprising and yet expected" really nailed it ...... when pat improvises its as if i'm in the car with him and he is driving across town to take us to lunch .........there are 1000 possible ways/permutations to get there........i'm familiar with the town and know the destination but have no idea which route he is going to take.......some of the roads I have never been down before but I never feel lost because I know that the restaurant is along the coast to the north-west and on average that continues to be our general direction ...... the route is ultimately bounded by the presence of the coast and once you see it you'll know that the destination is close at hand.......no matter how complex his playing gets it never feels arbitrary and always has the quality of familiarity........

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Lyle Mays - one of deftest, most beautiful pianists I’ve ever listened to. Much missed by me.

[@markmallinder7618]

Me too. He has such an amazing feeling and humanity in his playing.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

humanity…perfectly put, mate.

[@bentleycharles779]

Lyle X

[@jrmcosta]

Love Lyle almost as much as Pat Matheny… almost! Actualy I think the Best of Pat Metheny is with Lyle and Pat Matheny Group. The “YOU” combined solo is their best Solo ever…

[@mejsjalv]

Lyle with Pat are like peanut butter and jelly.

[@chrisburchett6519]

Thank you, Rick! Largely because of you, I’ve really gotten into Pat the last two years, and earlier this year, my 17 year old son and I had the pleasure to see him live in concert! 🤯 It was the most incredible show and created a core memory for me and my son that will last a lifetime. God bless!

[@rigelloar7474]

Metheny is a sublime improviser. He doesn't source his solos from vocabulary, he plays ACTUAL ideas. He actually has something to say. His solos are wonderful stories, beautifully told. Anyone who thinks vocabulary and chops will get you THERE, had better think again !

[@jm.101]

I’d be happy with either vocabulary or chops

[@davidfleuchaus]

Well said. In his interviews I’m sure you’ve heard similar patterns. He has put a lot of thought into communicating well.

[@marktyler3381]

Agreed. Not to diss people playing safe, but there's a realm after that.

[@rigelloar7474]

@@davidfleuchaus By including YOU, in the "story" he has to tell, the communication is assured. He is loved by the muses. So are you . . .

[@rigelloar7474]

@@marktyler3381 Oh yeah there is ! It's a wonderful place . . . . .

[@festivalexpress8505]

Pat plays like a horn player, perhaps showing his roots as a trumpet player - it's wonderful approach, incredibly original, and sounds amazing.

[@rightchordleadership]

There's only one Pat Metheny

[@jorymil]

I play trombone, and I've tried to transcribe some of Pat's solos--they're just so melodic you can't help but sing along to them.

[@notablejourney]

His brother Mike is the trumpet player.

[@gasaholic47]

@@notablejourney Yes, but Pat started on it as well before switching to guitar.

[@ko-yoshi]

That makes so much sense! Never looked into his roots much but that’s clearly a big part of why he’s such a unique guitarist

[@markmichlewicz5141]

Once again you opened my eyes to something new.this is why this channel is the best.

[@athena2zeus54]

Agreed!

[@kerbyfab]

Have fun down that rabbit hole… it gets deep! I started my journey into Pat Metheny about 12 yrs. and it’s been a wonderful ride to say the least. He’s in my top 5 of all time!

[@edbernardmusic3599]

I agree! I can't wait for that something new is Rick's own music!

[@reinhardtherbert5129]

My mosted beloved Pat Matheney album: I never forget one Situation when I listened to the "travels" Album on a avisit from Germany to THE summer Festival AT the Osho commune in oregon in 1983. - I was walking there through the mountains, watching down on the Ranch that Was filled with A-tents for 15 000 people from all over the World while listening to the whole "travels" Album on my Walkman - for me it was one of the most heavenly sight with some of the most heavenly uplifting music! Thank you for sharing man

[@scotts9601]

Agreed, this is the most complicated solo and fits within the top of the food chain throughout the last 400 yrs of classical music. While other classical masters repeated phrasing, melodies, progressions, Metheny crushes chord progressions with numerous melodies, runs, jumping keys effortlessly to produce pure music theory genius. Never heard this song before, had to listen twice to grab the minimal understanding of where he was going listening beginning to end, knowing the end before the beginning and understanding the course. End result, far beyond comprehension for most listeners. But beautiful and haunting that us bottom feeders never get to a full appreciation, and you Rick, certainly achieved that level of understanding for us to grasp. HT/Thx to you and Pat.

[@chrisyounce1815]

Pat Metheny is my favorite musician of all time and really enjoyed your interview with him. I'm so glad that you enjoy and appreciate Pat's music as much as many of us do to. There's a good reason why your channel has 4.57m subs and growing, it's because your love of all music is infectious and brings together lovers of music from all genres. Keep up the great work Rick.

[@dannylgriffin]

For me, Pat Metheny is only beaten out by Jean-Luc Ponty.

[@nedgetchell2004]

Yes 100%!

[@scottbullock3045]

There's a reason this channel is approaching 5 million subs. Rick is one of the very best music channels on KZbin.😊❤

[@EixtremeDrummer]

You are right. I LOVE that sound since 1982 when I saw Pat performing the Offramp gig.

[@jkujo3091]

Jesus, I had no idea there was another version of this song! I've been listening to Michael Brecker's version exclusively and it's been one of my favorites for years. Love this version, and as a long-time drummer fusion fan taking up basic electric guitar over the past year, I greatly appreciate this analysis. Well done and well chosen, Rick!

[@operating]

Surprising and yet expected. Perfectly said about Pat’s playing. I wish you would do “the way up, part 2”, or “to the end of the world”, or the “Roots of Coincidence”solo. I keep rewatching this video. After growing up with this, it’s sooooo flipping cool to see Rick analyze it. Blown away Rick.

[@jonranper]

Matheny plays so fluidly it sounds almost like a flute or a clarinet. Glad I'm just an old rocker!

[@88pampa]

Yay you!

[@TheGhostOfFredZeppelin]

I was about to comment the same thing, if I just heard that solo on a speaker passing by I wouldn't have thought it was a guitar at first

[@guitarslim56]

Metheny

[@TheKarmicRepairCo]

Trumpet. His main guitar synth always sounds like a trumpet player with mad chops and incredible breath control.

[@nostromo7928]

Tbh, I was confused because Rick was saying "guitar solo" and all I could hear was a flute! 😂

[@petealba707]

Great solo and breakdown. You da man, Mr. Beato.

[@dadof2553]

This is like close encounters of the third kind at the end when the massive U.F.O. lands and they have a conversion with it using keyboards.Crazy good having the talent to come up with this type of stuff.🎉🎉

[@blainekelley816]

This playing, it is like the wind ... I love and appreciate it. It makes me smile and sit in wonder.

[@lateforthesky61]

Rick, you nailed it once again. One of the many amazing tracks on the incredible Pat Metheny "Travels" LP. Brings me back. The entire album is absolutely a live performance work of art. Now over 40 years old, it still sounds like the future of contemporary jazz fusion in 2024! "Straight on Red" , "Farmers Trust" and the emotional "Goodbye." What an incredible double live album!

[@toddclarke1580]

I think , you are at a musical level with this fusion improvisation, that goes over most of our heads.

[@Sailor-Saint]

One of my favorite jazz songs of all time.

[@djhamm721]

I suspected that it would be a solo by Pat and when it was Song for Bilbao, yes! Excellent choice and amazing song. One of my faves, out of the many by Pat.

[@jackrunner6997]

Every time I'm listening to that piece of music my jaw drops...

[@petedoble5033]

That’s what I call letting your musical voice out while you’re in the zone! Love it!

[@chuckkay]

As a musician of over 50 years ... and lover of all genres, I am amazed at every Rick Beato music video. I learn so much. This one was incredible.

[@kimsushiii]

Another solo that's on that same wavelength is the solo in Drive Home by Steven Wilson as played by Guthrie Govan. Crazy story behind it too.

[@shreykapoor1333]

I love Drive home too!

[@jensclarberg6419]

Not even close to be honest.

[@bobparsonsartist564]

I'm at 3:36 right before Rick plays Lyles statement before the solo. Ive listened to this song maybe a hundred times as I play Metheny all the time , and my hair on my arms is just standing in anticipation. Rick your presentation is right up there with the tune! Here we go...play

[@STP43fan]

This is one of my all-time favorite Pat tunes to absolutely turn the volume on max in the car. The Groove setting this up is just too much! A++

[@dane279]

You’re not alone. I always could tell my Dad coming home from work because he’d be blasting Pat Metheny coming down the street.

[@Emperorjones]

Totally with you. The grooves that set up these Pat trips that go beyond are always perfection. A player can study the grooves alone for a lifetime.

[@matthewsnyder6127]

This is the most astonishing and beautiful performance on an album full of astonishing performances. As Rick says, Pat has recorded this tune other times but this is the absolute best version. It’s so melodic and nervously alive, just a towering example of creative and emotional jazz improvisation.

[@heatherfraserdaley460]

Watching Rick in his interview videos, countdowns or even these breakdown videos is proof. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. Watching him try to hide an ear to ear grin or move to a song shows his enjoyment of music is on another level. And it’s infectious. I’d love to just sit in a room with him and share/listen to music that the other guy might not have ever heard, and the hits too.

[@Randyolsson]

that entire record is insane

[@geoffmerrill164]

My thoughts. This video -- you, Pat Metheny and this particular performance -- is a superb example of why I am grateful beyond words to be on the same planet at the same time with so many musical geniuses. They have shaped me and given me moments of ecstacy and years of wonderment, and have reached me on so many levels (and frequencies -- love resonates!).

[@SB-nt9fp]

Lyle and Pat ruled the late 70s to 80s jazz fusion scene. So happy I got to see them in the early 80s at a small venue in Boston. Travels is one of my favorite Pat Metheny albums. Too many great albums to mention from the Pat Metheny group. Huge influence on me playing guitar as a teen. Just incredible musicians. Lyle's solo work is amazing as well.

[@JoeCool-l7h]

Rick thank you for making this video! I’m not a guitar player but I’ve been listening to Pat for over 40 years, have seen him live multiple times, and continue to listen to his recordings every week. His musical skills are otherworldly. Thank you, and THANK YOU Pat!😊

[@UlliMueller]

You nailed it Rick: "Playing ideas that feel inevitable. This involves creating lines & phrases that seem to naturally follow from what came before, leading the listener along a path that feels both surprising and yet expected." This exactly how I always felt about Pat’s playing, his melodic improvisations, and it’s what drew me into being a fan 45+ years ago. Thank You!

[@troutriver58]

I love Pat Metheny, but during this phase of his career he adopted that particular guitar tone which I wasn't crazy about. A few years later he put that down for a different sound. He's certainly my favorite guitarist, every since I first heard him nearly 45 years ago.

[@jeffgrifa4539]

I've never listened to this before either, and I think the guitar sounds like a synthesizer...not for me.

[@bond-suits]

Pat has been playing the same Roland GR-300 guitar synth since early 1981. He still plays it. He's changed the filter settings over time, with it getting much brighter for a while and then a little darker again. But he essentially plays this same sound on almost every album except for the acoustic albums, and he still plays it at every show.

[@forphxsake2024]

@@bond-suits It's his sax, is the way I look at it.

[@troldhaugen]

I've always been frustrated that the greatest and most expressive guitar improviser in history makes his guitar sound like a sterile, cheesy toy keyboard.

[@bond-suits]

@@forphxsake2024 Right. I've heard Pat say that he's always playing like a horn player rather than a guitar player. The GR-300 is taking him one step closer to that. With the Synclavier he was even using a sax sound for a while.

[@QuintonVonesh]

Rick, go listen to Allan Holdsworth live in Montreal 1993. His solo (completely inprovised) at 1:30 will blow your hair back.

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

Hes covered Holdsworth before and demonstrated his solos on the channel , Shawn Lane i want him to cover next as that dude if he was alive could play this tune.

[@ciaranearlie]

When I saw the title I knew it had to be Metheny. In my humble opinion not just one of the best guitarists ever but of the best musicians ever.

[@karltilghman4425]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pete100ca]

I luckily saw many of the tour dates when they rolled this then-unreleased tune out. My 19 year old mind was blown away. When it was released on Travels (and others in Offramp) I was so grateful so many amazing, yet-to-be-released tunes that were played on those tours were available - Are you Going With Me, The Fields, the Sky, Straight on Red, Song for Bilbao, Close to Home, James and on and on. I was musically never the same. Another killer video Rick.

[@holmclausen87]

I don't know how many times I've listened to this as a teenager. My parents had a house in Sweden, that we stayed in during the summer. I remember driving home from some friends around midnight with this tune hammering in the CD-player in our car. It was a feeling of freedom and the amazing musical adventures that was to come

[@michaelstanutz9338]

How I wish Rick could have interviewed Lyle. Awesome work Rick!!!

[@dannylgriffin]

Agree. We miss Lyle!

[@andrewchamberlin8180]

I couldn't agree more with your assessment Rick. Kudos, well done.

[@TonyCantisano]

It takes another life to understand Pat’s mind ❤

[@marksaleski9890]

I saw my first Pat show on the First Circle tour, back when they used to open with “Forward March,” a.k.a. “The Marching Band at Ornette Coleman High” and I never looked back. Years were spend listening to Offramp, First Circle, American Garage, and of course, Travels. Nobody has ever sounded like Pat and nobody ever will. And “Travels” is the gift that keeps on giving, even after all of these years.

[@artgirten7818]

Rick's incredible enthusiasm is so joyful! That version of "Song for Bilbao" was recorded over 40 years ago. Timeless indeed. Younger viewers now discovering what us old folks have appreciated for decades about PM! Fantastic video Rick!

[@ChadHargis]

I don't care about the solo, I just wanna know how Pat and Lukather can be older than me and have so much hair.

[@TheMan21892]

Im 31 but my hair is thinning at the speed of a fucking fighter jet. 😂

[@zerosometime5655]

Right? Drives me nuts. My hairline recedes and a few lonely hairs try to hold the line. They end up with abandonment issues.

[@Tascamaniac]

The PMG was the pinnacle of... everything. I'm really grateful for the live experiences.

[@adammcculloch5614]

PMG was the best. Between 1978 and 2010 their gigs were the greatest.

[@tucktimosprime]

Hard not to notice that drummer, crazy stuff Rick

[@danoconnell1833]

Yes! Agreed. He's a match for Pat's playing for sure.

[@jonashormann5700]

Dan Gottlieb is the man. He was perfect for the songs they played at the time.

[@arnifurman6757]

You have an amazing show. Music has soul, music has life. Thank you so much for the work you put behind your shows.

[@Mr29roses]

You unravel so much in this piece and you're not even talking about the incredible rhythm of this piece!

[@geoffwales8646]

"Are You Going With Me?" is less complex, I suspect, but it takes you on a journey, both melodically and emotionally. It's both a farewell and an invitation in one epic tale.

[@CJasonThwaites]

Iv'e been mining this solo for melodic nuggets for 30 years now... Indeed, Travels is one of my 5 desert island records.

[@erotomaniac51]

Yes Rick this is my favorite Pat solo

[@spkay31]

Pat is so amazing at creating melodic and unique phrases on guitar. You can tell he had a brother who was a horn player and Pat obviously has really developed the horn player's approach to melody into his playing. And using the synth he can get tones bridging horns and an electric guitar! In a previous interview with Pat he talked with you about the study of music and how there's no real single approach, theory or methodology to become a melodic virtuoso. You just need to have an inner sense of melody and usually derived from your own "inner voice". When you hear people who have it to the degree that Pat does it is something to behold.

[@HughMcQ]

Brilliant, Rick. One of my favourite Pat tunes; seeing him play it live in about '93 just blew me away

[@davidfleuchaus]

Thoughts? Many. Many many. First, yes! Pat is firing on all 86 cylinders on this solo. A well oiled machine in the flow physically, harmonically, motivically, artistically, collaboratively, stylistically, creatively, rhythmically. It’s fun, hip, intellectual, primal, new, off the cliff yet tethering on it, fresh, honest, immediate…. It is everything you would hope to capture in an improvisation. Second, yes, Pat works hard. Very. Beyond comparison. And for the best reasons. I heard him once when he was unfamiliar with the material. It was eh. That showed me that the rest of his always stellar performances come about not by innate talent but by diligent work that is driven by a respect for music. Third, forget about playing it note for note. Instead imitate his boldness and devotion and commitment and create your own genre or approach. While this is certainly worthy of capturing every nuance I think Pat would be more inclined to applaud someone who was inspired to create their own thing that has as much intentional artistry as this performance. Fourth, oh man I love this tune and recording. I am a devoted Pat head from early on. Every note, every interview, every nuance. I called him up at home on my 30th birthday. I lived a few blocks from him. We spoke for over an hour. Pat is the real deal through and through. This solo is truly amazing yet it is literally one of tens of thousands of similarly excellent solos. I mean, he played 3 hour concerts 240+ nights a year for 40+ years. He never isn’t fully engaged. His respect for music and for the audience is beyond compare. Fifth, there are so many great ideas in this solo. I want to stop now and just listen. Sixth, Rick, maybe one day we’ll meet. We have a lot in common. Seventh and last, Rick, I’m sure you know that lesson where Pat demonstrates playing on/before/after the beat. That would be a good beginning to a whole video devoted to rhythm/groove/feel/timing. Rhythm is the center but it gets the least attention. Pat of course is a master so innumerable examples come to mind. Towner said as a kid he used to put his ear on the fridge and beat out counter-rhythms to the random pattern of its knocking motor. Pat’s ballads contain meaningful intentional hesitations and natural subtle shifts in volume that together transmit the feelings of an emotional terrain. Putting some attention on the importance and primacy of rhythm would benefit every player in your audience. I could go on but won’t. Thank you Rick Beato.

[@davidbyers1151]

Excellent comment. I really enjoyed reading it.

[@scflair6916]

3:08 Incredible moment of inspiration that I needed to hear.

[@morkus26]

I thought it was going to be 'Are You Going with Me' from the Travels album. Hearing that on mushrooms was unbelievable.

[@joostvergoossenmusicfullne8630]

Hahaha, same experience with weed back in the days...

[@scotconnolly1188]

Its definitely the much better solo

[@DanHatcher-z7i]

Thank you so much Rick! I have loved Metheny for decades! And every time I watch one of your videos, I am liking you more and more. I can not see something from you without learning something new. Please keep up the good work. Oh, and you are making playing "Air Guitar" cool again... From someone who has played it over 55 years!

[@DanEdelen]

Rick, the invaluable service you are delivering keeps the focus on guys like Metheny, Carlton, Johnson, Di Meola, and Jarrett so they get on the radar of folks who don’t know them and stay fresh for the gray hairs among us. Thank you

[@cobalt-6747]

I love J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. his guitar playing is completely fantastic with his crazy guitar solos.

[@eventidewinds]

Love Pat. Was at his show this sunday. A little disappointed about what he performed, but always in awe, how he plays

[@markprincipe7440]

You're not so bad yourself there, Rick! What a great interpretation 👏

[@2-2-manyboats]

You hit the nail on the head, Rick. This is why I can listen to a PM solo and every time find something new to marvel about, even when I’ve played the tune a gajillion times before.

[@StephenMintie-g5q]

What a great video! It kills me when I discovered Pat Metheny when I was 18 and going to college for music........ at a modest State college, my professor expected us to understand this the same level you did. It was impossible, non of us were that talented. We had a guest artist come in once that made a backhanded comment to him, and he said, you do realize who you're teaching are going to be our only fans down the road. I've been following your stuff this year, but this video really showed......... man you really know what you're doing and talking about, and the presentation is awesome.......... I wish I had people like you as teachers compared to those that quite literally killed my love for jazz.

[@SandauxBeats]

Maan. I thought it was the Guthrie Govan interview we've all been waiting for. But it's great nonetheless because it introduced me to a new track I would love to listen.

[@GuyLuchenbill]

Sameeee

[@TheSammyreynolds]

Guthrie Govan doesn't do a lot of interviews anymore. It would be awesome to see.

[@julian.morgan]

Travels is THE album for me. I think that's possibly because the guitar parts are so unattainably far beyond me I gave up trying to figure them out decades ago. That means that like Lyle's keyboards, Pat's guitars kinda bypass my brain and go straight to my soul.

[@joesmith4443]

‘You use the word ‘effortless’ no believe me I’ve spent like a lifetime trying to get to the point where I understand so that I can be.’ -Pat Metheny

[@TEDROPER1]

I saw PMG live for the first time on the tour that became Travels. It is a core memory for me in the midst of decades ranging across musical styles. I’ll never forget sitting in the front row balcony at Wolf Trap, listening to Pat playing “Farmer’s Trust” and the crickets outside singing as one voice with him. Thank you for breaking this down for us, Rick! It is truly amazing.

[@CarstenMeyer-dx6mu]

I entered the sold out concert in Saarbrücken Germany, during Wichita.....that blew my mind......

[@jesuszuazo3789]

Absolutely agree, one of Pat's best solos in the history of jazz, pure beauty.

[@kenjones6441]

Has to be Machine Gun.

[@sumtin05698]

100% Miles Davis was in the audience and I think it made Jimi drop some real bombs that night

[@joesmith4443]

@@sumtin05698Apparently there are some Jam session tapes of Miles and Jimi jamming idk if that’s true but it’s been a well known rumor for decades haha

[@yargum69]

You can hear the horrors of war in the Machine Gun solo. Jimi's ability was out of this world

[@mrdfk9410]

Good shout, and I can never decide which version from those New Years shows 1969/70 I love more, THE famous one in 1/1/1970 or the other version later that evening. (The other two from 1969 are great too obviously but not in the same way imo) Jimi was something else.

[@Devypocalypse]

Naw. Cliché answer, as good as it is. But the jazz's and fusions guys annihilate it. Holdsworth alone probably has a dozen that crush it. Let alone this one what Beato puts forth as well as all manner of numbers from everyone from Prince to Garsed, Govan to Gilmour, Friedman to Django.

[@bruceclark4754]

Sometimes when Rick is interviewing people he respects like Pat Metheny, he's beaming away like the proverbial kid in the candy store

[@hazardousjazzgasm129]

yep, same with keith jarrett

[@mrdfk9410]

My mind is blown. That doesn't even sound like a guitar AND it is being played like it's horn or trumpet. The phrasing in incredible, my mind has gone, I need to find this set and listen to it all!

[@autk]

"doesn't even sound like a guitar" that's where it runs off the rails for me

[@robgrano6814]

The whole album is amazing but he doesn't use guitar synth on every track. Still the solos are always fantastic.

[@MichaelPutsch]

Rick- I remember you went many miles to see a Pat M. cancert and were so early that you got to listen to the sound check and heard Pat doing pentatonic patterns repeatedly- and in this video clip of the interview where Pat explains he just wants to understand- and that leads to "so I can be" the incredible journey he has made is awesome and inspiring because his focus is on getting better- in a way it frees you to not get caught up in comparisons- even with songs he has played for decades.

[@Elixear]

Rick, infiniment merci pour toutes vos vidéos, c'est tellement gratifiant, passionnant et ça fout une patate incroyable. Quel plaisir de vous écouter décortiquer ces œuvres avec tant d'enthousiasme. C'est grâce à des personnes comme vous qu'on SAIT POURQUOI on aime la musique. Pour ma part, en ce qui concerne l'utilisation de la guitare synthé, c'est à la toute première écoute de "The Truth Will Always Be", en 1992, que, après avoir d'abord pleuré comme un gamin, mais de plaisir, sans comprendre pourquoi dans un premier temps (faute d'avoir étudié le solfège), je me suis dit après coup (longtemps après !) : "Ha, ça y est, je sais que c'est lui le patron de ça". Impossible de définir le "ça" en question. Même encore aujourd'hui, il m'est très difficile d'expliquer ce "ça" à quiconque, musicien chevronné ou simple mélomane. Le sentiment de plénitude, d'entièreté, d'unicité, d'authentique et d'évidence pure était si puissant qu'il m'a fallu au moins deux décennies pour mettre simplement des mots dessus et tenter de l'expliquer. Mai, instantanément, en 1992 (j'avais 22 ans et jamais flirté avec le Jazz avant cet âge, ni classique, ni moderne). Et près de quarante ans après (Je ne vous ai découvert que cette année, et je le regrette), paf ! Rick arrive avec ses fascinantes vidéos didactiques, pédagogiques mais par-dessus tout avec une excitation et un enthousiasme infantile (dans le bon sens du terme) dans lesuels je me reconnais exactement, comme des milliers ou millions d'autres probablement. C'est quelque chose de si unique, si limpide, si clair que j'aimerais tant que chacune et chacun d'entre nous ressente aussi fortement que je, nous, vous le ressentez, même sans explication technique musicale. Encore mille fois merci, merci, merci Rick. Ca me remplit de joie, vous n'avez pas idée ! ❤

[@erikgeiser8226]

“Push Comes to Shove” solo - melodic EVH

[@onegusty]

Thank You!!!

[@tylerhackner9731]

Favorite solo!

[@davidfairweather3771]

My best buddy sent me the link to this video a couple of nights ago, and I didn't open it until the next morning. The night before I watched the video, I had an elaborate dream of Rick taking us through Pat Metheny's solo from 'Are You Going with Me' from the Travels album. Clicking on the link the next morning, I was shocked to see how close my guess was. To state the obvious, Pat Metheny is incredible. Hard to put words to his genius. Explosively melodic. Feels like pure freedom (when he opens it up with that Roland synth). So grateful to you always Rick for your passionate wisdom, tasteful analysis, and profound appreciation for great music.

[@patrickcollins6830]

First of all, props to Pat for that head of hair. I have had the opportunity to see him often and to meet him once. He's as musical as a human being can be, and as he says to Rick, he is always looking for stuff he can't do so that he can learn to do it. He's one of very few player/composers whose music is wildly complex and unusual yet comes across with a lyrical beauty that is seamless. Particularly when teamed with Lyle, he has come up with some of the most beautiful and thrilling waves of full-immersion music I have ever experienced.

[@atimtambaby]

God bless Lyle Mays for pushing Pat Metheny beyond his limit only to reach it

[@jimb2577]

That sounds so fluid that I would have sworn that was a horn doing those things. Amazing.

[@filldrummin42]

Your passion and energy makes the musical world a better place. God bless you and your family. I love you sir. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@engelsabrantes6072]

The amount of musical knowlledge to be able to do a review like this for “regular” people that likes music is just unbeliebable. Thank you for bringing sophisticated music making for regular people to appreciate.

[@mattsun71]

I either agree totally on forehand or learn something new that I agree upon. This one is spot on again. Keep taking us with you, man! U Rock, Rick!

[@stonerdemon]

Pat is so good at improvising he even improvised his hairdo.

[@danieladdison5731]

😂

[@skakkalabinko]

Rick you have to cover shawn lane in a video!!!!!!!

[@ericnicolleau4331]

Was expecting Shawn Lane get you back or black market 1992 improvisations when I clicked on this videos lol

[@112131415191213]

That's a weird way to say the 'Drive Home' solo by Guthrie Govan...

[@ismailkhalaf6748]

The live version in Chile is INSANE

[@charlesavino8826]

Playing in a cover band in college in the 1970's I lived with one of the guitar players- we played in packed bars doing Skynard, Allmans, Mac, Dead... You never wanted to hear those tunes again. My roomate would get up in the morning and put on Pat Methany and it was like a cooling breeze through out the apartment and it would clear my head- the perfect antidote to all that I IV V and 12 bar stuff. Beautiful.

[@ericlarson6180]

I’m so glad I watched this episode. I discovered Pat Metheny in the early 90s when we picked up The Road to You. His music is unlike any I’ve heard before, so melodic as you say but so surprising. I lose myself in his playing. I love your explanation of the theory behind his playing. I don’t understand the concepts, but I totally get what he is doing at an intuitive level. Thank you for this episode and thank you for this channel. I’ve loved every episode I’ve caught