Analyzing A Genius Riff From Metallica's "ORION"

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Cliff Burton's contributions to the band Metallica are the thing of legend. In this video, I explore my favorite riff from the instrumental ORION, where his influence can be found all over the track. There is another moment in the song later on that is much more "classical" that also warrants an investigation, and if the interest is great enough, I'll happily analyze that part too!
The reason I love this riff is that it sounds epic, amazing, and slightly confusing. Yet if you understand rhythm at a basic level, it all clicks into place quite well. It also demonstrates the classic composing tools of Metallica - minor keys that feature leading tones and "ugly notes" like b2 or b5.
If you enjoy this video, you might like my other Metallica related videos:
Ride the Lightning Arpeggios: kzbin.info...
Fade to Black Intro Solo: kzbin.info...
The Metallica Scale: • How To Write Metal Rif...
The Case of the Missing 32nd Note: • Metallica and the Miss...
Free online guitar lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Located in Crystal Lake, Jake Lizzio provides free jam tracks and video lessons for guitar players, as well as music theory videos and other music education content.
www.signalsmusicstudio.com

[@Landekar]

4:02 I honestly believe Jake that you meant the last two measures to be B minor and B major, where is notes underneath that make up the chords are really confusing

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

YEP, my bad!!!!

[@GregBennett]

I saw that too and was proud of myself for catching a slip by such a talented teacher haha

[@InhalerOfTheRifftree]

He does that to remind us he's human

[@danieldean8953]

Second video? Yes please

[@eseguerito2629]

DEFINITELY make a video about that middle section!

[@Brog1976]

Yes! The middle section is pretty amazing

[@cardconnection4322]

Yes that is the best part

[@AndriyVasylenko]

I am relieved. Someone finally dared tackle Orion, and it was the most right person to do that! And this riff in particular is my favourite riff ever. Also thanks for the shout out, almost forgot I made that old vid about the intro layers ha. Cheers man and hope to see more Orion bits analyzed \m/

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Thanks Andriy! Your channel was the first I went to when deciding to analyze this part 😁

[@Vau_]

The art of guitar also made a video about Lars' drums on Orion

[@SageStevens]

@@SignalsMusicStudio oooh love the work you and @AndriyVasylenko have done!

[@luca42087]

I would definitely like to see further analysis!!!!!

[@djpinedas]

Probably the best instrumental metal song ever written. Thank you for this analysis!

[@eljejes9097]

Excelent video, thank you very much for the clear explanations of each part of the composition of the riffs. Please make a video about the classical interlude of Orion!!

[@derived-doom]

Danke! This was really helpful. Please consider doing a second part...

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

thank you! I believe the sequel will get made shortly :)

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Want more info on Cliff's bass intro? Check out Andriy's video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6DUcn6YorJgps0si=GTE_l24vEBKDVnNg

[@Pinnacle89]

These are the Signals videos I love and miss! 👏🏼

[@ralfeeeeeeee5046]

I never see your videos on my feed anymore. I'm glad I caught this one

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

the algorithm has betrayed me!

[@kvpc11]

Jake, we need the analysis of that second part! Love your work my friend, you have helped immensely

[@MarcoAnteroMusic]

Hi Jake, Roundabout by Yes has a section with 2 bass lines playing at the same time. It happens on the bridge. If you listen closely (or maybe isolate the tracks) you can hear Chris Squire is doubling Wakeman's keyboard. It's freaking mayhem😂. Great analysis as always!

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

I had no idea🤯 thanks !

[@diste93]

It happens also in the verse, there is a lick played layered on the basic bass riff

[@MattRhodes_Music]

By far and away the most underrated KZbin channel. Your way of teaching and explaining is second to none and I seriously appreciate the breadth of content you've helped me learn! Will never pass up an opportunity to learn any composing or theory tricks from Metallica either 🤘

[@humbertovieira8717]

oh man ! great analysis and explanation! please , make the video of the classical part! I'm sure there's so much there for us to learn about cliff's virtuous composition

[@webbc99]

Yessss that drum line is the best part of this song. I love how when the riff returns at the end of the song it’s played totally straight and it makes it feel really aggressive.

[@smarkalet9078]

I remember reading that when James and Kirk were trying to convince Cliff to join the band, he made them agree to let him play lead bass.

[@bd______og]

😂 He made them agree to move to his city, San Francisco.

[@gannonsmith5807]

Also, Kirk never convinced Cliff to join, he joined before Kirk was considered to join, they still had Dave and Cliff for a while before Dave got kicked out and replaced by Kirk.

[@88_TROUBLE_88]

@smarkalet9078 You best be trollin', goof fruit..

[@Metallica8589]

Art of Guitar has some really good videos on Lars' drumming in this and "Blackened", highlighting how Lars' choice in accents actually affects how we hear the guitar riffs.

[@InhalerOfTheRifftree]

Thank you for being as big a theory and Metallica nerd as I am. I could have never delivered this information in such a thoughtful, well produced, and helpful way. This is truly amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I learned a lot!

[@rowanrobinson]

I fucking love this song. You explain it so well, and how you can talk while playing is mind blowing. More on Orion please!

[@JessesAuditorium]

Always a good time when SMS uploads.

[@mathewweichel1050]

Thank you so much for breaking this down! Ive always wanted a deep dive on that last riff and its off kilter beat. Completely blew my mind as a teenager, and the whole song is just a masterpiece in my opinion. It still inspires my own compositional work today. Thanks for sharing!

[@amirrezazoghi6236]

You are the best dude We would appreciate another part of analysing this masterpiece

[@tango1niner-766]

Jake, I've learned so much from you over the years.. whenever I have trouble comprehending topics I watched the videos till the end and moved on to other ones and eventually back to the video which then makes so much sense.. I advise everyone to not just check this channel out but to watch and rewatch until you feel your able to discuss these topics as well as Jake. Thank you, you are what is best about the internet man 🤘

[@Gubbins_McBumbersnoot]

Dude yes. More please. Orion was one of the first songs I ever learned to play on bass. I’d love a part 2 to this video

[@raugusto0]

Signals AND metallica in one video? Hell yesss

[@LordHondros]

Yes, please absolutely analyze the section we all want!

[@SomeKindOfMetalhead]

I clicked on this so quickly when I saw it on my feed. This is one of my favorite Metallica songs and I’ve been waiting to see an analysis like this! Definitely make that follow up video please :D

[@eyonnealchristmas3974]

Yes, please do the next section because you truly explain music theory in an easy-to-follow, simple format. I truly enjoy watching you share your in-depth knowledge with us 🙂.

[@shch5098]

Great. This is the first YT video for me (a scale learning beginner) to understand and learn the song concept. I always have no clue on what Rick Beato saying about the chord progression and note choice .

[@maxvockner]

Bass player here. Love Cliffs stuff. So sad to lose him so soon. Great video as always

[@rome8180]

The whole middle section of Orion was a huge inspiration for me when I was learning to play bass. I still play it all the time. Would love a follow-up video about that section.

[@kickout3287]

Yes, please make a video about that middle section!

[@mileslinus]

Yes please more analysis of this song, this was awesome

[@ChuckUFarly]

yes, second video. please!

[@GillRigged]

From my understanding, the intro came about from Cliff playing around on a Hammond organ and Leslie speaker with an 808 distortion pedal. (Edit): btw, YES! please do the middle section as well... And it's time that I subscribe to your patreon. I'm a bass player heavily inspired by Cliff who has just picked up a couple of guitars to start learning music theory.

[@azo3z0]

Would love a second video! Great analysis on this one!

[@kommissar.murphy]

4:32 I'll only be able to call that a Trujillo from now on.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

LOL

[@marksims3904]

Second video?? Please do! I'm a newcomer to your channel and have learned so much just by watching this, so educational! Orion is a beautiful piece of music, and something the great composers of yesteryear would be proud of.

[@Ozbozzy]

What a freakin great composition and a freakin great breakdown! Yes! Please do the extended breakdown of this song!!!

[@TPM4594]

Just wanted to comment to say I love your content. Whether its a broad tutorial on big topics like harmonies and intervals or a deep dive into a specific part of a single song - your videos are always super educational and fun to watch. This reads like a paid comment lmao but seriously dude, you're great.

[@Nabana13]

My absolute, without-a-doubt favorite Metallica song. I've been looking for a good in-depth analysis! Thank you so much! And a big YES for a second video!

[@adamgorner4944]

Yes!!! To second video. I first heard Orion when I was 12 in 1993, and the sound absolutely blew my mind. I have been playing guitar ever since, and I still love the sound of this song.

[@SamS-ct9vh]

This video is by far the most helpful, understandable, and interesting music theory video I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@SammyTheOrange]

According to MOP's session tracking sheets, BOTH layered tracks of bass through a leslie and layered distorted hammond organ were used for the intro. Though we still don't know for sure what Cliff played for the intro. Just goes to show Cliff's genius, as people are still trying to crack his works to this day. I'm glad i came across this video, this is my favourite song ever and I am obsessed with the intro and its sound specifically. I'm glad I found some wider coverage on it.

[@SonOfSofaman]

Yes, please. We want more analyses. Especially if it involves examples of counting like you did in this video. I need all the help I can get with keeping time.

[@phillipanselmo8540]

get a metronome, it'll help ya

[@barrygreenwood9856]

Great video. That is my favorite part of Orion, a great piece, as well. Excellent breakdown. That passage is an excellent rhythmic and counting exercise, and your notes on the key sig, accidental tones (“pinch of Phrygian”😂), and the role of the kit in the composition were much appreciated. I remember when I learned to play it 30 years ago it was truly one of those moments when I fell in love with the guitar. To think about the amazing groove the passage creates and to be able to do that myself really helped stoke those fires.

[@humphet]

bro, i've seriously grown so far by watching you. thank you

[@JeighNeither]

The Bass solo in Orion was one of the first things I ever learned, I was so obsessed. The first part & main riff was fairly easy to pick up, (it's got a nice waltz-y bounce to it) but it probably took me a year or more to learn the end, where it starts swinging, to get the right feel. Then of course I learned Pulling Teeth. So many nice classical motifs in that one. Then I realized that I really wanted to be a guitarist. I'd learned my last Burton, but it still influences my playing 30 years later.

[@Trotsky1981]

Super cool to hear a detailed theoretical explanation for something I understand and play intuitively.

[@chronicon5616]

Excellent breakdown. And, a big Like for coining Tresillo Supreme/Grande!

[@rodbeaudry1660]

Yes please continue, I would love a dissection of the break down base parts. Great video!

[@chazzasimmonite]

Can’t wait for the second one. I loved this video, it’s really helped with my knowledge of music theory . Thank you so much!

[@JohnDoe-fz7hz]

I wish someone had explained to me all that over 20 years ago. Excellent Job!!! Looking forward to see the next part

[@seanmbender]

My favorite instrumental. Thank you for the great analysis! I'd love to see more.

[@johnnygringo2239]

Love this song, it was my main focus to get good on bass this summer. Now I know the theory behind it, will try to take some for my own songwriting. Great work, thanks 👍

[@JohnnyReading]

So glad Signals is back!

[@EpochofJoe]

Of course I want that Orion pt 2 video, along with everyone else. No lie, though, I've been crossing my fingers to the breaking point hoping you'll do a Melodic Minor breakdown video. 😅 You have done so well to help me grasp Major and Harmonic Minor.

[@joseaedu]

This is a beaitiful analysis. I loved it. Thank you, please analyze the rest

[@nickmorgan6345]

Great video…..and your shirt looks like you worked really hard creating it! Awesome content…thank you!

[@Droubai]

Great job preparing and explaining the whole riff. Good job

[@SerpentStar_]

Cliff Burton was a gift from the music Gods. He wrote most of Orion including guitar solos, he also wrote that beautiful guitar intro in Fight fire with fire 🎶

[@Bacopa68]

Gift of the Barney Miller theme song. That's really what attracted him to the bass. But maybe that's how the music gods work.

[@VARVIS_]

Awesome video That opening bass wall is so cool

[@hawnick7234]

Would love to see more analysis on the later parts of the song. Great stuff!

[@janekalbinsky]

This is one of my most favourite songs, ever. Thank you for the analysis!

[@johnrizcallah4709]

I would LOVE to see an analysis of the other section. But then, I LOVE to watch you analyze anything.

[@diracio]

Love this riff and so glad you made point about the drums too! Would be good to contrast it with outro when riff returns but with more normal beat I'd say...

[@STERNWAERTS]

great stuff man! always wondered about the rhythm part of that song. now i know! keep 'em coming, you're a fantastic teacher and your graphics are awesome and easy to understand!

[@shad0wrunner69]

Absolutely amazing. Please do more of such analysis. It is educative and entertaining ❤

[@roelofbekelaar874]

Thanks. Really nice to look at it that way. I love metal music and especially old metallica music.

[@eljapel]

If I recall correctly, you are missing the fact that for the main riff, the bass always plays a small variation when the guitar always plays the same, something which I love

[@wretchedspawn22]

please please please. this is the best youtube channel ever Thank you Jake!

[@80sMeavyHetal]

Always loved that riff, great to play. Please make a video about the following parts of Orion!

[@salembeats1875]

Had to check in I haven’t seen you post in a while. You’re a god

[@jcwdog]

Loved this breakdown and video. Thank you. I would love to see break down of that beautiful, beautiful middle section.

[@t1bor194]

Please second part. Awesome video. Subscribed

[@mattslater167]

That was awesome. More, please.

[@shikawgoh]

Yes, would definitely like a continued deep dive into this masterpiece. Second video, please.

[@williamdesilva67]

Yes part 2 plz.. I've been playing that classical section for yrs.. would love to hear your breakdown

[@scottgray4623]

So happy to see this video, Jake! As a bass player (who was into classical and baroque music way before metal) PLEASE do a follow-up video on the 12/8 section. Also, aside from Victor Wooten putting out albums featuring multi-tracked bass lines, I believe Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" features a dual tracked bass line by Herbie Flowers, featuring one of electric bass and one of double bass. It always confused me until it was pointed out to me.

[@FabianVanL]

Another great video explaining a brilliant song. Thanks, Jake!

[@NickCelular]

Yes please, a part 2 would be great!

[@DustinPlatt]

I don't know a bad song on Master of Puppets. Not even a minute. That album is just perfection.

[@matcoffidis1135]

I've always been drawn to this song from the moment I heard it. It has a different tone and feel from the rest of the album. It starts off almost dream-like, yet its also somewhat unsettling. It has this (relentless?) feel, but it's also not super fast. It's almost a dichotomy in and of itself. Really clever. You make this fun and easy to understand. And yes, a second video would be great!

[@kristianpavlic]

Great job as always Jake

[@matheusbitencourt7431]

I Love these analysis vídeos, please make the second one

[@rodrigofonseca6241]

Where have you been? I love your channel, learned a lot of music theory thanks to you. Glad to see you back.

[@calebo56]

great video. will definitely watch if you make another about the part later in the song

[@keith.messier]

Prepare! Consult! I’d love to see your follow-up analysis. Thanks for the lesson, as always.

[@kerrydevine8630]

I don’t understand any of this but I can listen to him all day. Bravo, Jake 👏🏼

[@awes0mo8000]

Great video!! Looking forward to the second part!

[@felipegarcia7924]

Amazing work dude!! I'll stay in tune for my favorite interlude ever

[@IvoVasconcelos]

I am looking forward to next video on Orion!

[@theBlondBrogre]

I am leaving a comment DOWN BELOW in support of another video. Excellent work as always, people should buy your book. Thanks, Jake

[@josemariamedina3903]

Thank you for this! Such an amazing song!

[@cybermanne]

I love this song and would gladly watch another deep dive into the music theory of every measure of it.

[@J.D.0502]

Awesome analysis! I'm looking forward to your analysis of Orion's harmonic middle part! Please do this!

[@frankseverinsen7710]

That middle section is just fantastic. So do it!

[@DeceasedUser]

Yeah… that harmony before that second bass solo… it’s like floating through space spinning around watching all the plants and distant stars pass. It’s purely just plain beautiful..

[@LowEnd-DropC]

Excellent video!!!