See Me Become An Instant Allan Holdsworth Fan

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE bit.ly/2HytC6r
FOLLOW ANTHONY ON
TWITTER / anthonycouchgtr
INSTAGRAM / anthonycouchgtr
See the moment I watch this performance of Looking Glass By Allan Holdsworth for the first time. I become an instant fan!

[@chatter7653]

What blows me away about Holdsworth is your jaw is on the floor listening to his insanely perfect legato technique, then you realize his chords are as equally astounding and unorthodox, then lastly the realization that all of that was means to the end , which is extremely sophisticated and MUSICAL songwriting. Imo, the world has yet to catch up to his very advanced musicality.

[@stratplayer96]

Holdsworth was a genius. A guitarists guitarist. I had the opportunity to meet him. He was so kind, humble, and very down to Earth.

[@mbolduc]

Saw him with the Jazz Superband in Dallas, 1987 I think. My classical guitar instructor took a bunch of us, we got to meet him after and he spent the whole time apologizing for playing so poorly. We were all dumbfounded by that, as we were all considering quitting the guitar since we'd never spend a single second of our lives playing that well

[@paulcalmond]

@steve Recendez, agreed, I started listening to him quite late in his career, about four years before he died. I was watching an old video interview of Frank Zappa, the interviewer asked which quitarist Zappa liked listening to , he said Alan Holsdworth, regretfully my initial thought was Alan who ? Went looking for his music, found it really enjoyable and impressive

[@GirthUnitz]

Totally agree! Had the pleasure of meeting him a few times as well! Very friendly and kind man to talk to!

[@nasticanasta]

I saw Allan 15 times from the 80's till he died. Talked with him every single time, had dinner with him several times...many beers shared, many laughs, a humble giant. We became friends. He didn't like talking about his playing, he'd rather talk about effects and amps or anything else than him. I had the same experience with Larry Coryell, whom I saw with John Mclaughlin in 1978 that honestly made me pick up the guitar and play...I didn't get to meet him in 78, but after that, I spoke with him every time I saw him, had drinks and dinner with him and his band.

[@michaelb.42112]

Me too, I've seen Allan and the boys a million times since 1989 and spoke to the band every time because that's the beauty of jazz shows, low audience, high enthusiasm.

[@rickgutheil4267]

Dave Carpenter, RIP, a monster on bass. I used to go to school with him and played a lot of baseball with him before he followed his dream of playing music for a living, and becoming a bass legend. Combined with Allan it doesn't get any better than that!

[@gernblenstein1541]

Didn't know he passed! Met him once with the band. Nice chap. RIP

[@lex3729]

Van Halen, Vai, Satriani, etc...all concurred that Holdsworth was the Lord of Guitar.

[@brendanmorrison5546]

And John McLaughlin, Frank Zappa......

[@panama1942]

Malmsteen even gave him the nod

[@internetenjoyer1044]

apparently Robert Fripp said Holdsworth was the only english guitarist worth listening to apart from him lol

[@jirky015]

Allan Holdsworth is Frank Zappa's favorite guitarist.

[@skarbu]

And also Shawn Lane

[@acousticgypsy314]

Allen didn't die, he just went home to whatever insane planet he came from!

[@secrets7301]

He took the 4.15 Bradford Executive! 💔

[@glennwirth7334]

Great One ☝️

[@Wayne_Robinson]

There isn't anyone like Allan Holdsworth. Besides his legato, his harmonic stretches are amazing.

[@dpclerks09]

Not to mention his overall sense of harmony and note choice in general. There will never be another. Like an alien that was only with us for a brief moment in time, before returning home.

[@StarvedForTime]

With other, even the most impressive guitarists, you can see their hands, understand what they're doing and know why they've chosen to do that. Holdsworth is like an alien came down from space and started to play the guitar. He's so far away from anyone else it's untrue.

[@JazzGuitarScrapbook]

So much tenderness in Allan’s music and compositions. I always think that gets missed. I don’t listen to shred guitar, but I always have time for Allan.

[@Yarsh52]

Upon discovering Allan Holdsworth years ago, I hunted down everything he was every involved with in the 70s. Soft Machine, Tempest, Jean-Luc Ponty, New Tony Williams Lifetime, Pierre Moerlen’s Gong, UK, Bruford, etc. Admittedly, his solo work in the 80s was an acquired taste for me, but now I find it endlessly captivating. Mr. Holdsworth was truly something special and I am glad you now know this pleasure to be found in his music. Speaking of underrated guitarists, Gary Green from Gentle Giant leaps to mind.

[@TheSixStringCorner]

I'm convinced Holdsworth was an alien who had these mystical powers to hypnotize you with his playing

[@ACMusic]

The Six String Corner after watching this video I can definitely agree. We need the men in black to investigate!!👍👍

[@Pladderkasse]

My thoughts exactly. A visitor from deep space.

[@andym28]

alien holdsworth

[@TheSixStringCorner]

Now if he could only be the Terminator and tell us "I'll be back"...

[@lex3729]

The Six String Corner And all he ate was Guiness Stout.

[@joebloggs1444]

I met Allan Holdsworth once back in the early 80s. I was playing guitar through the amp I was having built for me by the same company he used. Suddenly Mr Holdsworth walks in the door!!! Funnily enough I immediately stopped playing. He goes "don't stop,that sounds great!" But I just didn't dare in front of him. Cool guy...loved chatting and 🍺 beer. What a player ..sadly no longer with us.

[@pleximanic]

What amp was it!

[@McShwee]

Perhaps it was a Hartley-Thompson? I have two

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

Truly a great guy. A gent. Humble-he had nothing to prove.

[@michaelledford4751]

Listening to an interviewer ask Frank Zappa who he thought was the most skilled guitarist alive and Zappa answering by saying Alan Holdsworth turned me on to Alan in 1979 , I saw Alan play in Fusion legend Jean Luc-Pontys band and was blown away ,I've been a super fan ever since , Alan's phrasing is truly unique .

[@lilkujo]

Zappa said he felt he was the most "interesting" guy on guitar on the planet. But whatever ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ the dudes a boss

[@joebloggs1444]

My fav Allan Holdsworth period is when he was with Bruford.... unbelievable!!! The most amazing tone and playing I've ever heard....

[@philippetriay]

Agreed and Bruford, Berlin and Stewart were just out of this world too especially in One of a kind where the melodies are stellar

[@vincentlussier8264]

YES! With the band UK also. How about the solo in In The Dead Of Night?

[@ct4709]

And JLP

[@alecdawson1668]

I love that other-worldly quality his music has. It feels like watching a sci-movie from the eighties or something.

[@ACMusic]

Alec Dawson you're right! It's melodic but adventurous and unique. He was a master!

[@NeilRaouf]

Allans is in the same creative league as Beethoven or Coltrane. Period.

[@mamamia6925]

neither Coltrane or Allan are in the league with Beethoven.

[@saucedevourer8858]

@@mamamia6925 Yeah, because they are in a higher one.

[@avisionofsorrow]

No because they write good music. There is a difference.

[@andym28]

If Pythagoras was alive (who of course created the basis for western music) he would love them all, but Holdsworth would be singled out as the one who reharmonised music.

[@mkseed9188]

Rory Bryson who is “they” and what do you consider to be “good music?” Your contribution to this conversation seems to be more of an empty opinion.

[@krma1970]

After almost 40 years trying to understand and learn from Allan's music, I think I finally got a valid explanation ! He is a transdimensionnal being, throwing glimpses of other realities in ours. Way more enlightened than we are, that's why nobody really understands what's going on. His music is a gift as well as a doorway to grow. We can just be thankfull to be, in some way, custodians of his heritage.

[@jederepetition1004]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/in7GYXSKgNx2f80❤❤

[@fluxoff]

Very glad you recorded this "first reaction" video. I first heard a.H. in about 1981 an d was blown away. I didn't know how much work he put into his independent and original study of the guitar. He put in years of study analyzing the neck and fretboard in order to work out a completely free means of constructing chords and modes that later became his signature style(second nature). He literally forgot all about the basics of guitar chords in order to build something that fit his big hands better.

[@MrMacDougall]

Yorkshire’s Finest. RIP brother Alan! My intro to him was the 87 album “Sand” which I first heard as a Van Halen loving 15 yr old. After a confused but intrigued first listen (the bass is doing so much!) I became an instant fan on the second! He inspired me to pick up the guitar.

[@motorcitysmitty]

His chord melodies are only *slightly* less difficult than his solos. He also was a tall man and had inhumanly large hands and reach on the fretboard. It's almost criminal how good he was. I did a cover of Water on the Brain, Pt. II on my KZbin channel. It took a long time to get it down. There's no crazy solos on it but it is up there with the more difficult things I've tackled.

[@Kroeber38]

I wouldn't even dare to categorize his music into the "jazz-fusion" category. That is the music of Allan Holdsworth, and it is beautiful!

[@robertsimmons8614]

I was blessed to see AH in concert at least 6 times. I miss him much. When both EVH and Steve Vai proclaim AH as the GOAT listen.

[@NicknLex]

Happened to me in 2007. Instant fan after listening to the first track of The Sixteen Men of Tain. I was in shock, I was happy, I was reborn.

[@SR71YF12]

My favourite reaction video on the entire KZbin. A perfectly appropriate reaction to the musical phenomenon and the instrumental virtuoso that was Allan Holdsworth. The late great Dave Carpenter on bass, who also seemed to be a wonderful and humble human being despite being an absolute monster on his chosen instrument, just like Allan. And I love Gary Novaks playing just as much as that of any other drummer who played with Allan. You nailed it, they were all really in the zone in this clip.

[@gv-can4718]

I wish I could go back and listen to all Allan’s synth axe stuff for the first time again. Blew my mind, still does.

[@lex.cordis]

Secrets, Distance vs Desire, Sand, Clown, Eidolon, Spokes, etc. Just unreal! Some of my favorite tunes of his are with the Synthaxe. Allan once said "too many people listen with their eyes more than their ears". A lot of truth to that.

[@betterthantelly2993]

The absolute king of kings of electric guitar playing so off the scale (wahey!) showing us the human potential when we allow ourselves to be ourselves rather than a conditioned drone. Great vid too!

[@PeterCaudwell]

Allan improvised, he didn't play licks. He tried not to go back or forward 3 notes in a scale. He isn't cool or flash - he looks like a school's Geography teacher playing in a band with some accountants. He is unique and will never be emulated.

[@ACMusic]

I'm just so glad I finally got around to hearing him. I've been listening to him a lot since this video!

[@albertfish69]

hes been emulated, but none of them are even close

[@manjay49]

And he is *not* a shredder. No. Unlike a lot of "shredders", his legato playing is infused with melodic invention, lateral harmonic abstraction and technical brilliance. And he was obsessed with *sound* and texture. *Always* looking for the perfect *sound*. He did this until the very end. Was very restless looking for "that sound". Why? He did *not* like the "sound" of guitar. He loved horns. In particular the sax and *mind* of John Coltrane. His main interest, according to him, was *improvisation*. In that regard, when he was *on*, he had no equal on guitar. The problem he had was that as a composer, it was difficult for most people to "gain access" to his vision. He also loved ale.

[@batmandeltaforce]

He ONLY improvised in the creation of his songs. Once he got the improve to suit him, he learned it note for note and can/could repeat it note for note.

[@mikaelandersson6662]

@@batmandeltaforce That's complete BS

[@jeff7775]

Longtime AH fan here. Enjoyed your reaction! One thing I feel I gotta point out: while so much attention is (obviously) placed upon his groundbreaking Coltrane-seque sheets-of-sound legato solos, AH had a REALLY unique and advanced harmonic sensibility - even for fusion. "Alien" Holdsworth really had an otherworldly approach to music - compositionally as well as technically. Truly one of a kind...

[@TheScunion]

Welcome to the club. It doesn't get any better than Holdsworth.

[@JohnWilliams-gp6ec]

Welcome to the club, mate. Been a Holdsworth fan since Metal Fatigue in the 80's. Nobody else like him. Even have it in my KZbin playlist. No big hair. No spandex. No flying V. Just pure talent.

[@StrateleStudios]

I had the same reaction but I actual watched for the first time live. This was before KZbin so I had no idea what he looked like. I saw some rather “normal” looking guy in a green wind breaker jacket come up and tune the guitar. I thought he was the roadie. He glanced over at the drummer for about 2 seconds then they dove into the most ridiculous lick where Allan’s hands appeared to defy physics. His hand traveled down the neck and the lick went up 🤯. My music life changed from that point on. I’ve met him twice but to keep things short I’ll just say he’s was very humble.

[@matthewroach4729]

All of us have been there, life before and after learning about Allan Holdsworth. A guitar instructor introduced me to Allan's playing. This excerpt is from Allan's wiki page: Holdsworth was cited as an influence by a host of rock, metal and jazz guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen,[2] Joe Satriani,[3] Greg Howe,[4] Shawn Lane,[5] Richie Kotzen,[6] John Petrucci,[7] Alex Lifeson,[8] Kurt Rosenwinkel,[9] Yngwie Malmsteen,[10] Michael Romeo,[11] Ty Tabor,[12] and Tom Morello.[13] Frank Zappa once lauded him as "one of the most interesting guys on guitar on the planet",[14] while Robben Ford has said: "I think Allan Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar. I don't think anyone can do as much with the guitar as Allan Holdsworth can."

[@ACMusic]

Matthew Roach it makes sense that I like him! I love most of the people in that list. As for the others, they're perfect for my next "first time watching" videos like this one!!👍👍👍👍

[@matthewroach4729]

This KZbinr (Derryl Gabel) teaches how to play like Allan Holdsworth. He's really really good! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3fMlJWmgautabc

[@UltimateJgx]

Matthew Roach No one can Learn how to play like Allan H. Derryk is good, but he can not play like Allan, neither improvisations. He can play so.e Allan's solos ( The most regulat ones ) but never in life will be able to reproduce the monster improvisations Allan made in his live shows. U can find a lot of crazy videos of Allan here in YT

[@matthewroach4729]

UltimateJgx I agree

[@shitmandood]

I learned when I was 12 back in the 80s, so there hasn't really been a life before Holdsworth for me..lol.

[@ericprincen3345]

I love those videos (yours AND Allan's.) I saw Allan play in 1988 in college as a freshman for my first hearing. I was into transcribing Paul Gilbert and other Shrapnel artists at the time. It was a life memorable experience because I thought I understood the instrument until that moment when his amp went dirty. It was a good news / bad news realization. I understood I knew basically nothing, and I was inspired.

[@karlosed]

Probably or arguably best reaction video on tube

[@nevillepearson2670]

Holdsworth was the guitarist who influenced me the most. His sound is beautiful (I'm still trying to come close), his style, fluid jazzy modal legato playing so expressive. He was a genius.

[@davetone2106]

Nice! I had the same reaction, jaw drop, in the 1970's when the Tony Williams album Believe It came out, this solo on Fred.... wow. Congrats. Allan has been a lifetime of inspiration, and he will be missed, but his power and beauty will go on forever!

[@lightnintrucker]

I instantly became a fan of Allan Holdsworth the moment I first heard his music. Not too long after that, we lost him. Woulda loved to have seen him in concert.

[@Pladderkasse]

Yeah, I remember when my A. H. lights turned on, back in 1989 when I heard his album "Secrets", I was just sold. Now, I have all his records. You have to get used to his synth-guitar stuff, but once you accept the sound of that strange, alien instrument, it's all amazing music. He was just not of this earth.

[@asagoldsmith3328]

I think Holdsworth's most emotional playing could possibly be "Adios a la pasada" on the 78 bruford album. Always gives me chills with the rising, almost organ-like keyboard (and of course Berlin and Bruford speak for themselves).

[@brucepieroni9102]

I recently discovered Allen. At 66 I can't get enough. He is amazing. It's hard to listen to anyone else right now except Zappa now and then. Love them both!

[@shwilly]

There's no gate. In order to fake your way trough some Holdsworthian lead stuff you're gonna want to: -adjust your pick attack so your picked notes and hammer-ons are about equally loud -avoid using pull-offs. If you want to play a lower note, slide down or use a lower string -dial in a decent amount of bass on your amp, roll the treble way off and go easy on the mids too -add some mild overdrive. Roll down the tone and volume knob 'til it sounds about right -perhaps add some compression if your tone lacks sustain (you should be able to manage without though) It also helps if your guitar is set up nicely with some nice low action, etc. I'll be the first to admit that it can be fun to try and mimic the greats... but in the end you're gonna end up sounding like your parodying these musicians unless you actually attempt to study the music itself, naturally. I mean, what's there to say about Allan's incredibly creative approach to chord voicings and scales that hasn't been said already... Buying a Steinberger or whatever and mastering smooth alternate picking will get you nowhere if you don't learn to think like this man on a more musical level

[@nasticanasta]

you forgot the multi delays to get that silent attack...Metheny did something similar with multi chorus'

[@Stereotype5346]

@@nasticanasta MXR "Smart Gate" was last in his line. Often hanging off the amp (1-knob pre-set) from the BOSS Fuzz, TC Electronics Distortion, Systech Harmonic Energizer, Yamaha's Multi-Stomp, whatever = ended with an MXR. The "Tony Williams" recordings are just a Phaser and Marshall = Loud and Noisy. After that came gates. Allan had big hands, so like "Jeff Beck" he 'Palms' a pick (Dunlop Med. Grip Top, Smooth End) in his hand easily. He was using .008 / .038, even .007's. In observing his technique I noticed "Allan" doesn't use 'Pull Off's' like everyone else. He 'Pushes Off' the string, backwards to guitar 'pull offs'. One would have to start training with this technique, I doubt one could 'add' it to their list of 'licks'. You can see "Allan's knuckles move the 'wrong' way when he flys, you'll see finger-nails flicking instead of hiding. It's backwards and deadly fast, leaving your finger poised over the fingerboard after use instead of moving out of the way of hiding. Now I think he mixes and trades "Hammer On, Hammer Down and Pull Off's equally and instinctively. Perhaps a result of Violin Training?

[@markvanderstaaij3625]

Simple volume paddle is what I thought. More live controle than a gate I guess

[@deathtrapdeath]

You don't need to be a guitar player to realize Allan is absolute next level. Incredible, really.

[@guntherschubert3973]

He was awesome wasn’t he?My favorite guitarist of all time!

[@heartfielder]

He was one of the greats ! I was very honored to meet him and shake his hand. I have a pic of us somewhere.

[@dyster5179]

What a legato master he was. When you can frighten EVH, that's saying something. He was a real treasure.

[@ACMusic]

Dy Ster his technique is insane!!☺

[@PaulRoseGuitar]

A truly unique genius. Not comparable to anyone before or since. Sadly missed.

[@wozadamada]

I don't know how many times I've watched this? I never get tired of it. I love your honesty and I appreciate your respect for a true guitar God! The best of ALL reaction videos!

[@harescuts9300]

Allen Holdsworth is one of the great guitarists. In the 70's I listened to the band "UK". IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT and BY THE LIGHT OF DAY were some of my favorite tunes. I saw UK at Chicago Stadium way before it was replaced.

[@ally11488]

Utterly unique guitarist. There won't be another Allan.

[@TheZenguitarguy]

You are experiencing one of the most advanced harmonic composers and improvisers of the 20th century. Someone who invented a vocabulary of improvisation that did not exist before him, like coltrane or Michael Brecker or Oscar Peterson. The depth and breadth of his compositional expression is more deep and profound then just this one improvisation. His "legato" is just a way of facilitating the ideas in his head. He always said he wanted to be a sax player. The technique is identified with him but is immaterial as it is just his voice expressing it and is an evolution of his exploration over 50 years. My suggestion for you, as a player and teacher, is to immerse yourself more deeply in the language and history of what you play and teach and then re-visit this process because it will allow you to enter the experience more deeply and speak to it more coherently. Some of your reaction and associations to deep players like Mahavishnu or Trane feels odd in juxtaposition to how you play and it feels a little odd. I am happy for your exploration and find it interesting that it shows up on my feed, and wish you luck on your music journey.

[@rationalmuscle]

Superbly put. I was fortunate enough to meet Allan. I studied with Berlin when I was right out of high school, and of all weird things, Allan moved to the same small town as I did. You can't really put his level of genius into any category, but suffice to say he was able to hear what (so far) no one else I've ever listened to could hear.

[@sebastiansullivan4770]

I was literally watching this thinking that he sounded more like a sax player than a guitar player and then I read your comment. Lol.

[@guillaumechabason9606]

Allan could be even more impressive than Coltrane In my opinion Allan is the most gifted musician I have ever heard and seen live With Zappa

[@SedanChair]

I am so excited thinking about the journey you've now begun. I listened to Holdsworth for years only knowing of his work from about i.o.u. onward. Then I discovered Soft Machine, U.K., Tony Williams Lifetime, Gong...so much to discover! A composer and musician literally without peer.

[@fabienwlr2388]

When i've discovered Allan few years ago i was blown away. He have an unique style of playing guitar, look like you hear a saxophone sometimes. I'm listening to him when i can't put down my guitar :).

[@seukfuhi]

Welcome to the Universe of the Coltrane of guitar, Anthony. Holdsworth didn't like guitar, but was offered one as a kid. He decided to invent his own language and literally "transcended" the instrument so as to make it more horn-like (both in scales and tone). Just like Coltrane popularized the sax/drum duet (his bass-less duets with Elvin Jones are legendary), Holdsworth always enjoyed doing the same. Check out his rendition of Coltrane's "Countdown", or tunes such as "The Drums Were Yellow" from his 2000 Magnum opus, "The Sixteen Men of Tain".

[@ACMusic]

seukfuhi no way, Allan did countdown? I have to search for that one right away!! Thanks for the info, I'll definitely check out the other songs too!!☺

[@seukfuhi]

Once you're done, check out his solos in "Low Level, High Stakes", "Zarabeth", "Letters of Marquee", "No Brewed Condiment" (esp. Live in Tokyo rendition), "Devil Takes the Hindmost", "The Sixteen Men of Tain", "Point of No Return" (with Jean-Luc Ponty), and experience your life change forever. Oh and for educational purposes, you can type "Holdsworth talks about scales" in the KZbin search engine.

[@albertfish69]

that whole record 'none too soon' is only standards and its FUCKING AMAZING

[@modularmuse]

Good vid, there's some great footage around of him with Soft Machine, a band that was a forerunner to later fusion bands, I think mid-70's.

[@martymandrell5961]

Thanks for the video Anthony!! I've played guitar since ten, got into metal, then my teacher mentioned Allan.......... instantly became my "Guitar God" at that moment but I could never play like him...... that's what always pushed me to learn more. Got more into fusion players because metal was now too boring to play? Anyways, I've seen Allan live about six times, gotten autographs, etc...... but, at one of the last shows in Phoenix, AZ. I went back into the small venue because I saw the lights still on............ turns out Allan and his band where still in there just having beers after the show with no one else around. I walked in and was flabergasted as I walked up to them trying to talk normally, they knew I was a fan! I could not make my sentences make sense and they kind of laughed as I fumbled my way talking face to face with my "Guitar Idol". Allan was so cool....... I had brought his book with me "In Search For The Uncommon Chord" and he signed it saying....."The most important thing about this book is how to drink beer".......... very funny man!! He also gave me a free Yoshi"s dvd that they were selling at the show and signed it also! I've never talked to any of my music idols in such a one on one situation, I will always cherish this..... and by the, I woke up the next day and thought.......... "Did that really happen"? I will forever miss him............. : (

[@jeroenscheltema7198]

I am just as stunned and blown away by this as you are... I could never really wrap my head around jazz fusion music although i love listening to it. This was a stunning performance. Allan Holdsworth is pure gold. Rest in peace great man.

[@mikesimonian990]

EVH once said he would love to play like Holdsworth if he could figure out WTF he was doing. Saw him love in a small club once and became an instant fan myself. Have you done Shawn Lane or Eric Johnson reviews?

[@ACMusic]

Mike Simonian I haven't, but Shawn Lane keeps popping up so I may have to check him out!!☺

[@MrJadePinwheel]

there is an audio video of everything and AH jamming actually. Eddie holds his own I think

[@OuttakedPerformancesTM]

You can check out my channel for some Eric Johnson content (check his around 90's stuff, they are the best)

[@mvunit3]

Anthony - DAMN! You haven't heard Eric Johnson??? :O Do yourself a favour and find Eric playing on "Austin City Limits"! Seems many of us definitely will get you into more guitarists. I'll start you onto this playlist . . . kzbin.info/aero/PL2DU3TBNutEd5qv7FfIMdWsOxxzKET2nn (more themed playlists on my channel).

[@evertvanderhik5774]

John Mclaughlin called him the E.T. of guitar and would also steal it if he could figure out what he did.

[@andresmarino2788]

I believe from this same concert “ letters of marque “ (Germany 1997 )is a piece that might’ve been even better to start with . He was/ is incredible. His whole thing and how he arrives at it. Autodidact who pretty much invented his own language for cataloguing scales and the chords that come from them; a pandiatonic view; interval structures . He carved a singular path for himself and as a result arrived at something very much his own. He inhabits his own world but can definitely hold his own and place his stamp performing tunes such as as “ inner urge “ . He also got under the hood w gear as well; modifying and outright inventing gear. You see his face and you can see he is making decisions and improvising- not a collection of preplanned stuff. He is deep on all fronts: rhythmic, linear, harmonic. As for others to check out: Ed Bickert ,Nelson veras; Julian lage; Kurt rosenwinkel; Ben monder; Lenny breau; ted Greene ; George van Epps , Barry Galbraith ; Tim miller; Jim hall; mick Goodrick ; Danny gatton; Blake mills; mick Barr ; pat martino Michael hedges; Paco delucia; Baden Powell Guthrie govan; lage Lund , Adam Rogers

[@Oenloveslife]

Andres, I had to go and check a bunch of these, who I had never heard of. I knew of course Julian Lage, Lenny Breau, Ted Green, Geoge Van Epps, Tim Miller, Jim Hall, Mick Goodrick, Pat Martino, Michael Hedges, Paco, Baden, and Guthrie. Right now I am listening to Nelson Veras (with Jonathon Kreisberg) and really loving it! Thank you for tossing these names out here. Now I have a few more great guitarists to add to my list of god knows how many : )

[@lipsterman1]

"Do I need to say anything?"....EXACTLY... I am not a musician so it took me a while to "get it." I love how musicians "get it" within a few chords.

[@visog]

Your reaction at 3:39 is priceless! Great video... (for the record, my AH entry point was Bruford's 'One of a Kind'...) Glad you made the leap.

[@jimmyboy131]

This guy was amazing. Where he was coming from with his phrasing, and where he was going, is unknowable to someone way down on the skill spectrum like me. He had stuff going on in his musical mind that was his own thing. Others like Van Halen, and Vai, have stated that if they had to choose one guitar player to be called the greatest, it was Alan.

[@davemilnes1147]

Loved the way you blew your nose ON the beat ;) I saw AH live once...one of the warmest gigs I ever saw. A very humble, engaging performer and musically in another world altogether. The drummer is Gary Novak btw - saw him with Chick Corea. Just saying.

[@tontoschwartz6916]

you are amazing Anthony, what a righteous and honest listener lol, thanks

[@joebloggs1444]

That is the most amazing solo ever!!!!

[@JohnWilliams-zu8wg]

To me, he is like Michael Jordan. He came in and basically reinvented the genre. Not only that, but he raised the standard of quality for other players thereafter. Hes a musician's musician.

[@finbarnone]

Hey Anthony, that was quite funny watching your reaction. I first heard him on the UK album when it first came out. Listen to the intro from Nevermore and Allan's solo at the end, jeez, very restrained but wow, that's when I first realised this guy was way more talented than anything I had ever heard. I think you're missing a trick if you just listen to his soloing, his chord work is so powerful and emotional. I would also recommend listening to the 4.15 Bradford Executive. As for other guitarists.....Fabrizio Leo, Marco Sfogli, Eric Gales, cheers mate.

[@truthlivingetc88]

that was a brilliant fun watch !

[@PunyapatFungtammasarn]

One of the best live version of Looking Glass

[@Meemorp_]

Love Holdsworth! If you're not familiar him already, definitely check out Shawn Lane as well!

[@PeterLaman]

Well, there's Allan and the rest. Allan was unique and can't be compared to any other player. So if you heard him for the first time now, there's a huge backlog of listening to do. Chronologically going through the phases in Allan's life, I'd recommend visiting the following milestones: The days with Tony Williams, then the "Enigmatic Ocean" album of Jean-Luc Ponty, with these contrasting guitarists Allan and Darryl Stuermer. Especially the solo on "Enigmatic ocean, pt III" is epic. You can find it on youtube. Then we have the brilliant albums with Bruford ("Feels good to me" and "One of a kind". Next, Allan's solo catalog. I won't highlight any of them, because they're all highlights. Enjoy!

[@PeterLaman]

And don't forget this epic solo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nLi6mpo9-Yd5Ym36s

[@jfo3000]

Peter Laman The first UK album must be heard as well. So much great guitar, Allan even shredded on acoustic.

[@nlumby]

Agree completely re. 'Enigmatic Ocean' (Jean Luc Ponty) and Bill Bruford's 'Feels Good to Me' and 'One of a Kind' ...also you need to listen to Soft Machine 'Bundles' and 'Softs' and Gong 'Gazeuse' ...all of these albums were ear-openers for me and I think, in some ways more accessible than more recent material (which is no less fantastic for that). He was an outstandingly brilliant guitar player who influenced a whole swathe of others ...though most never came close in terms of his quality. I rather fondly remember quaffing a beer as a student back in about 1978/79 (the same time as the Bruford albums) at some pub in the south London with him and Jeff Berlin playing just feet away... fantastic!

[@darrylguerrant5101]

I was about to suggest the same thing. Go through it that way!

[@ivonsmith3095]

This is a beautiful video & reaction Anthony! It almost made me cry to see your genuine reaction to Allan's wonderful skill!

[@ivonsmith3095]

You probably know this UK guy: but this track changed my appreciation of tapping guitarists cos I dont like them - beautiful skill, beautiful composition and spirit! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIqaeKF3ppuNpNk

[@ACMusic]

Ivon Smith thanks so much, I'm really happy that my video moved you!! I'll check out the video you posted!!

[@irena7777777]

Anthony Couch Have you tried listening to fusion guitarists like Guthrie Govan, Frank Gambale or Pat Metheney? All 3 are amazing.

[@wolowolowolo]

My 1st time was on Brufords Hell Bells... my favorite guitar player ever since..

Allan Holdsworth was really big..incredible musician!

[@ACMusic]

You are 100% right! It's a shame I've taken this long to hear him!

well in a way just a very few people knew him -he was just to far out i guess..

[@pandstar]

Great video! Your expressions and reactions were priceless! As a long time Holdsworth fan, I welcome you to the fold. I am sure you are going to get many recommendations, but here a few of mine: Gong - Expresso II, Gazeuse! Bruford - One of a Kind, Feels Good to Me Holdsworth - Metal Fatigue, Road Games, Wardenclyffe Tower, Hard Hat Area Soft Machine - Bundles Jean Luc Ponty - Enigmatic Ocean U.K. - U.K.

[@ACMusic]

pandstar thanks so much for the recommendations! I'm making it my aim to listen to more of his stuff now!! I'll check out your suggestions!

[@dbhammond]

That's a good list. The JLP album was my entry into Allan's world. It's easier to digest upon first listen than some of his solo music.

[@erikmendez7068]

I was blessed enough to see Allan Holdsworth 3 times. It was a small place called The Baked Potato. He seemed like a cool guy. No one is like Holdsworth. He stands on his own. No matter how many times I’ve seen him, my jaw drops. Amazing player.

[@patrickjaros2835]

i have watched your reaction at least 20 times. never gets old

[@SmoothCriimiinal]

Watch Shawn Lane, I would recommend "Grey Pianos Flying" or "Tri 7/5" live at MI. The dude is the beast of all beasts, hands down.

[@ElrondHubbard_1]

Can't touch Holdsworth.

[@daedrmr2dae]

Yes, agreed-- Shawn lane is the *fastest*. (Can't listen to his music for more than 5 minutes.)

[@Joeh1154]

Lane's a fantastic player though Holdsworth's Harmonic and melodic concepts were far ahead of anything Shawn did. I like them both but Allan was simply exceptional on so many levels.

[@FossilisedFishooks]

When I hear the phrase "I teach guitar" and "i've never heard Allan Holdsworth" I begin to worry.

[@ACMusic]

* Looks from left to right guiltily *

[@LUckybones25]

I had never heard of him either until after he passed away. Now I realize why. His music sucked.

[@ericjhughes3527]

@@LUckybones25 Your taste sucks.

[@HotRodVargas]

Congratulations dude. Welcome to the club.

[@thedude4594]

That haircut. I can’t look away! Focus on those crazy fingers. This is perfection!

[@Jessetavaresguitar]

Eu sou do Brasil e amo a vibe do Allan, O Allan Holdswhorth foi um Grande Gênio da Mentalidade Guitarristica Fusion, ele tem todo o meu Respeito, sua musicalidade me Influenciou muito, e viajo ao universo quando ouço seu som que será eterno para aqueles que apreciam uma boa música, porque as músicas de Allan é de outro mundo, eu defino o Guitarrista Allan em uma frase: o Gênio Alienigena.

[@MTheoOA]

Allan é divino

[@Jessetavaresguitar]

@@MTheoOA vdd meu amigo

[@rafanj824]

Qnd eu ouvi "Tokyo Dream" na complilação "Eidolon", eu fiquei completamente intrigado e apaixonado pelas melodias maravilhosamente bizarras no solo, com aquele legato característico que enche os ouvidos de uma forma inacreditável!!! Ouvi-lo é uma verdadeira jornada espacial por universos distantes que só ele conhecia.

[@tanderson8213]

I get emotional when i hear his music these days.. one of a kind man... He’s missed.. if you listen closely .youll notice that he emotes playing his guitar very much like John Coltrane did... theres is not much difference ...

[@colmcq]

This is great!

[@xirknight]

Dude, I’ve played guitar my whole life (55 years old) and I’ve seen every guitar player around.... except for Mr. Holdsworth, I don’t know why have not heard/ seen him but watching this video I just had the same reaction as you... speechless and dumb struck. Wow RIP Allen. I’m gonna go binge now.

[@guitarraspoa]

i play guitar for 30 year.... Holdsworth is the only one i can't play any song. His technique and musicality is out-of-this-world.

[@Bifrons]

That was my face about 30 years ago. :)

[@kelvinpanesar7606]

Mine too!!!

[@GoFindAsafeSpace]

This guys ax literally sounds like a clarinet!! 😍 Amazing!

[@paolopellegrino9915]

I'm a not a musician, i don't play any instrument and i know nothing about music theory. A friend of mine who plays guitar gifted me with a couple of tunes from Holdsworth's and i immediately fell in love with his music. I even saw him two times on live stage. Now 20 years have passed and i still listen and enjoy his music from another universe. We will not forget you Allan.

[@donnyrussell3731]

Holdsworth recommendation right here on KZbin - "Believe It" - Tony Williams Lifetime - Full Album 1975. Insane playing, arguably his best playing on any record.

[@ACMusic]

Donny Russell I'll have to check that out!! Thanks for the recommendation! 👍👍

[@lewsheen7514]

The song you want to listen to first off that album is "Fred." It's a Holdsworth composition.... And contains some of the most mind-blowing electric guitar soloing EVER. Trust me on this one, mate...

[@gitaaa7740]

Check out his stuff with the band Gong the album Expresso 2. Been a fan since 1978. Met him many times. He is the most humble guy ever.

[@rembeadgc]

Here's another opinion. My favorite Holdsworth playing is probably his two solos on Bruford's "Fainting in Coils" and "One of a Kind Parts I and II", from Bill's One of a Kind album. His solos there are like water, understated, flowing everywhere, in all directions and always ending in the right place. He eventually departed from that particular sound and approach, apparently choosing to focus his guitar expression in what seemed to me like a more "electronic amplifier sound" direction (I don't know of a better way to describe it). The One of a Kind playing had a more "organic resonance" to it.

[@guitarjonn7103]

Hey Anthony, FYI, there's a box set of his stuff available now, you can find it on Amazon. Well worth it if you really want to delve in. I know you were impressed by his solo here but his chordal work is just as amazing once you've study him a bit. He is a giant of our instrument who changed the landscape for what a guitar can do. Happy trails.

[@MarkBreton]

I love your reaction to this. Good on ya! I have been following Holdsworth for a long, long time. I have the Carvin Holdsworth model, one with a whammy. The way the notes bloom and then taper like they do is the guitar design. He talked about the way the guitar build affects the note pronouncement in a Carvin promo. You can get some great sustain on it with a hard driven amp.

[@clusternest1704]

absolutely great and empty the same time

[@mandrich]

I am happy for you that you found out...Go for "4:15 Bradford Executive", this made him my favourite guitar player for 30 years now.

[@ACMusic]

mandrich thanks for the recommendation, I need new songs to add to my guitar playlists, this one will be added!!

[@MaXaNoMaLoUs]

One of my favs too!!! Probobly one of the most unique and quintessential songs by him. Less shreddy and soo melodic. I also love Clown and Postlude

[@goku14139268520]

mandrich Yes! Bradford executive elicited a speechless reaction in me similar to the reaction in this video, but in my instance, it was due to the melodic style of play in Bradford. It felt otherworldly at the moment. I definitely second this recommendation.

[@StratMatt777]

Thanks mandrich! 4.15 just turned me into a Holdsworth fan. I had listened to a few of his songs and just don't get it (including the one that is listened and reacted to in this video), but that song is really something- much more melodic. Thanks! Clearly an idol of Petrucci!

[@mandrich]

That`s fun. Maybe some good tracks to go ahead: The Un-merry go round, Pud Wud, Clown, Shallow Sea, Against the clock, Panic Station (Which also has the most beautiful bass solo I know)

[@kipponi]

Wizard Holdsworth. He got his own symmetrical scales which are unsymmetric for rest of us. It sounds jazz and something else. I remember he first wanted to be sax player that says a lot. He changes playing direction(notes) all the time and different note groups. He is so into it I am not. There could be an only one like film Highlander. He was in his own playing world.

[@chongyvevo]

Proud to be born on the same day as this amazing man. RIP Allan

[@amesmusicstudioscom]

Yep, me too. I fall in love with AH music all over again every time I hear it. This has been going on for me since "Gorgon" on the Tempest album... Cheers!!

[@arvydussibonus1712]

I’ve loved Holdsworth since the 90’s and even I’m blown away by this performance which I haven’t seen before. Atavachron is a phenomenal album.

[@alanohagan6999]

Monster jazz chops - who else could play the guitar like a saxophone, truly awesome

[@ACMusic]

Alan Ohagan his phrasing in this solo is on fire!! I've heard it a few times now due to editing the video and coming back to respond to comments!! It's a non stop barrage of amazing licks!

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Alan Ohagan . Sheets and waves not licks or riffs .. the master

[@s8terseeyal8teryah8t]

Wes montgomery

[@aka.Mr.French]

Allan had a masterful knowledge of harmony and scales, which was the foundation of his compositions and solos. You may want to check out his book "Reaching for the Uncommon Chord" (if the cover photo of his left hand doesn't scare you off).

[@flashythingme]

I don't think you're going to find a post-Hendrix guitarist that was more of a game-changer for the instrument than Allan. That said, there are a couple more great guitarists that weren't/aren't necessarily game-changers but perhaps envelope pushers. I would suggest (if you haven't heard them)... Ben Monder and Shawn Lane... Enjoyed the vid, thanks Anthony

[@johngibbs799]

So happy for you to discover Holdsworth. 😇

[@wayneaholt]

Saw Allan Holdsworth playing in around 1989/1990 at Huddersfield Polytechnic. I'd never heard of Holdsworth, but a guy who I was in a band with at the time who was studying at the Leeds College Of Music swore that he was worth seeing, so he dragged me along. Even though the music wasn't quite my style, I was blown away - the incredible flow of musical ideas was an almost spiritual experience : quite possibly the best live gig I've ever seen.