Swamp Thing by The Chameleons | Guitar Lesson

[@bradpittiful7288]

wow the chameleons...one of the greatest unknown bands of the 80s

[@bradpittiful7288]

@DickMcCoolbeing from philadelphia pa and the horrible music market back in the 80s...i never heard of the chameleons until the early 2000s...and im well past 25

[@arthurveldhoen3932]

Chameleons, JD, Sound, Comsat Angels, Opposition and Sad Lovers & Giants... My whole youth is in there!

[@schtat]

Absolutely magical stuff Arthur, the sheer creative force of all of those bands ;-)

[@nickchops1058]

Hi Adrian. This album was largely Reg on guitar, with Dave on guitar and keyboard. Historically Dave is responsible for the 'ethereal' sound; mostly Chorus in the early recordings, followed by a Roland tape echo taking centre stage for the first two (proper) albums, then an E-bow too. I think he used a Korg pedal of some description too, but my memory fails me. The guitars were tuned half a step up. According to Mark (singer), this was originally due to not knowing how to tune to concert pitch, but they kept it since it sounded right. Thanks again for taking up the challenge. I hope you agree that the Chams deserve more than being at best, a footnote in '80s music.

[@acpg]

Thanks Nick - some really good info there, thanks for sharing.

[@FederinzC]

@@acpg Thank you very much for the guitar lesson! I might add that according to Mark Burgess' book, in the early days they tuned guitars and bass by ear, with one guitarist as reference. They kept tuning unknowingly higher and higher, their early demos are roughly in G standard (!). And as someone else already noted, they developed the unusual "inexplicable" (XD) reputation of breaking strings very often even live. Once in the studio for the first serious recordings, the personnel introduced them to the electronic tuner as a "must" for serious music work. And they found out what was killing strings. The guitars' sound and the vocal lines seemed not to suit them in standard concert pitch, so they settled on F#. Not sure why but somewhere around 1985 when touring promoting the second album they went to F standard and kept that tuning until disbanding in 1987. Briefly reunited in the 2000's they used E standard, and so does the current ChameleonsVox project (a "tribute" band featuring original members, started originally by the John Lever the drummer and then joined by bassist/singer mark Burgess and recently guitarist Reg Smithies).

[@wungabunga]

Correct. I knew Dave and Reg well, and neither of them had the slightest clue about theory. Just pure talent. I mean they didn't even know chords! Dave picked up a banjo lying around in a studio and wrote a song (is there a mother in law in the house), which is very cool. He also played 'gob iron' over it.

[@sheldondrake8935]

thing about them being a footnote, they still tour in small enough places that you can get right up close, maybe you can even chat up Mark in the crowd after. if they were Depeche Mode or The Cure, they'd be far far away

[@martinaxe6390]

Can confirm. Saw them 9 months ago in Arizona with Theater of Hate and The Mission. Not even 150 people in the audience. I could have walked right up to the stage.

[@unclvinny]

One of the moodiest openings to a song ever, I'm so glad more people are finding out about it!

[@struckdown5533]

adrian always with the great bands

[@alunjprice]

Oh yessum, one of my favourite bands.

[@haroldbeltran846]

I had commented on another video that this channel was one Chameleons lesson away from being my favorite guitar channel, and well here it is! Thanks for all the cool lessons!

[@pablom1632]

Thanks Adrian - great lesson. I saw The Chameleons in Valencia in 86. I recall Mark in a swimsuit and a tshirt.

[@Commonsenseprevails23]

Really enjoyed how you explained the guitar method as well as effects used. Many teachers on KZbin don't explain how they got the sound so you only get half the picture especially if your a beginner. Thanks your lessons are clear and concise

[@eugeniogonzalez3372]

You have my entire respect for the rest of my life for putting this up. God bless you with all the finer things in life dear sir. I never thought to see this in my life. This is a very special day indeed.

[@matthewdeakin9939]

Fantastic band, I think that the lesson has solidified this channel as my fav for guitar lessons!

[@gimiligloin1437]

You deconstructed it so well. Such a brilliant tutorial, thank you.

[@Bobbical]

Oh my god Ive wanted to play this song since FOREVER. THANK YOU.

[@5olas]

One of my favorite bands. I have been lucky enough to see them twice live. Thank you!

[@eldene]

Now I want a Boss CE2. Great lesson Adrian. You rock....

[@aaronrothenburger4178]

I love this song.

[@PaulBoudreau]

Amazing: I’ve wanted to see a lesson on this song for ages. Thank you!

[@elliotwheeler4164]

Script Of The Bridge was 3 semi tone higher, Strange Times was 1 semi tone higher, I think they tuned up higher because they tuned to a string ensemble.

[@squelched133]

The greatest guitar lesson on YT!!! ❤❤❤ Always loved this song! Great album. Saw it live in Vancouver in a small club. Just awesome!!

[@SunV0lt]

Wow this is really great. Beautiful chorus and delay

[@dougnewman5286]

I've been waiting decades for a good demonstration of these riffs. This song was the reason I bought a delay and chorus back in the 90s. Bravo sir!

[@runningmayo]

As a person of taste and refinement, I fully endorse this lesson choice. And yes, the Chameleons are Chorus incarnate. A sincere thank you for this lesson, and my utmost respect to the only person who has successfully taught me how to play Johnny Marr riffs. My hat is off to you, sir.

[@pereant]

Used to listen to "In Shreds" for days!!!

[@bradpittiful7288]

as i did as well also...dont fall

[@WolfHeavyMetal]

Thank you so much Adrian for this excellent lesson on the classic "Swamp Thing" by The Chameleon's! It's so nice to learn how they got such a beautiful sound on that song!

[@nmacog]

one of my fave bands of all time - seeing them next week, well Chameleons VOX now. Great video btw - nailed it !

[@paulclarke2321]

Brilliant stuff Adrian. Thanks for sharing this wonderful decipherment of this fantastic Chameleon’s song. Super tuition- really grateful. You’re just brilliant!

[@lastoftheurgents1965]

darn it. harder than i thought. I've been playing it with out the open A. Thanks for working it out and the vid...and for frustrating me ;-) I'm gonna have to work harder. cheers

[@rockthedeejee]

Big Thanks. Hope you continue to explore the 80's indie riffs. Underated guitar treasures.

[@dennfett]

Cheers for this, I can play this on bass but I thought I'd have a go on my sons guitar so this is a really useful video. The Chameleons were a very underrated band, love em.

[@adriennec532]

Thank you for this amazing lesson!!! I love this song so very much. I have this exact chorus pedal as well, YESSSSS!

[@krakou9]

First time I see someone doing a lesson with "my" teenage band (and I still love it although I'm 51 !). Be blessed for that !

[@far_away_rhys]

Thank you so much for this video, was looking for a swamp thing tutorial for ages

[@tomc.3987]

Great lesson as always. Thanks so much for the gear review. Those effects combined all together can change something low key into something explosive.

[@seanlarkin5454]

Adrian, you've done it again. I was just thinking to myself, "Man, I'd love to learn that song. I'll just have to figure it out, I doubt anyone has a video about it." And low and behold, you came through. You're the man.

[@gojump7]

I don't play, and I don't own a guitar... but I *love* this song and find it fascinating to see it come together. Thanks for posting this.

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

Nice one as always Adrian, can't believe that I have only just spotted it. A fantastic band who were greatly underated at the time. Initially they used to tune up to Dave's guitar and it was only when they recorded for Virgin( Fan and the bellows )that Steve Lillywhite pointed out to them the concept of concert pitch. Their manager at that time( a wonderful man called Tony Skinkis) remarked that at last he knew why his band were the only band who constantly seemed to be snapping strings. Keep them coming All the best Jock

[@arthurivex2298]

Thank you for covering this. Cheers from Los Angeles....

[@keidash8442]

I was going to recommend this song to you on your patreon but then I youtube'd it and found you've already made this lesson on it 3 years ago. you're an absolute legend Adrian.

[@willholland8431]

CLASSIC TUNE....OMG! Happy memories dancing to this back in the day🙏

[@benharris5210]

I heard Noel Gallagher name drop The Chameleons in an interview and fell in love with this song. Surprised they weren't even bigger given how popular other bands that drenched themselves in reverb and delay were at the time. You are a legend for doing this, always a song I've wanted to cover but never found any decent tabs for.

[@joeltunnah]

They were a bit of a one hit wonder. Very talented guys, but they never wrote another song that equaled "Swamp Thing".

[@antonshidlovsky5579]

Such a nice tutorial, many thanks!

[@number8pencil]

Simply beautiful. Thank you

[@vendettavendetta6490]

So glad you're doing a Chameleons song Adrian, such an underrated band! If you've not heard much of there music check out the album "What does anything mean anyway" The guitar work is right up your alley, great production and well ahead of it's time.

[@craigstratford5086]

Produced by Steve Lillywhite . Great album soo eerie and atmospheric sounding.

[@theointhebeanie7008]

“Perfume garden” introduced me to the chameleons , loved the ethereal , moving delayed guitars in that track

[@leetintary2074]

I am very lucky to have seen Mark Burgess perform with Chameleons Vox several times in recent years, twice at the Trubadour and once here in Portland. I never got to see the Chameleons in their original iteration or The Sons of God, so I was very excited to see your Swamp Thing lesson. My favorite song from Script of the Bridge would have to be a View from a Hill.

[@saxyman6803]

Thank god this song introduced me to post punk/new wave. Cant wait to play this song in the morning.

[@richo192]

Great band, great song! A massive thanks for the lesson!

[@shannonmaher]

I LOVE your taste in music! This is for sure my new favorite channel! Chameleons💜 Siouxsie💜 Joy Division💜 so many others I love on here, thank you!!!👏👏👏

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

Whoa, you actually did a Chameleons song‽ Jesus, solid taste!

[@Willhomes71]

Great lesson, as always. Without the effects, the riff sounds almost bluesy.

[@ednaplate]

This is brilliant. I’ll make sure Mark Burgess see this and maybe he could answer your questions regarding the recording.

[@declanbates3203]

U know him?!??

[@ednaplate]

@@declanbates3203 Not personally, but my brother in law who is also a keen guitarist does.

[@georgejpg]

@@ednaplate Did he have any answers?

[@mungofinalfi4480]

@@ednaplate Any answers from him?

[@FederinzC]

@@mungofinalfi4480 If it's about the curious tuning of the guitar on the original recording, me and another answered that question in the top comment above. I hope that might help, though not directly coming from Burgess himself.

[@lalmalsawmachhangte620]

Can you do a lesson on dotted eight note delay technique

[@laverdanick]

Hi Adrian, if you are not familiar with their work, might I suggest that you check out their album ‘Script of the bridge’. I saw them earlier this year in London, when they performed it in its entirety, as part of a 35th anniversary tour. A great gig.

[@MercurialToys]

Oh yeah he Chameleons are beloved in certain circles in the U.S. as one of your best musical exports. Though they are Chameleon UK here. I love that whole album. You nailed the sound as usual. My vote is for GBV's "Shrine To The Dynamic Years" for a lesson, but it will never happen. ha Or Robyn Hitchock's "The Man With The Light Bulb Head" Thanks again for your lessons Adrian. Friday is always a good day with your uploads.

[@pennyc7064]

I don't play guitar but I think this riff is the best i've ever heard. I've been playing this song on repeat the past couple of days. I wish I could recreate it in the Ableton DAW.

[@jcw6574]

Absolutely love it, Adrian. I am indebted to you.

[@squeekydoors]

I love this freakin song so much!!

[@The_Macaroon]

Fantastic as always. How about Can you dig it, by the mock turtles?

[@ChristianParschau]

Please more Chameleons, Adrian !!!! If you love Echo a.t.b. you must love Chameleons too !!!

[@sheldondrake8935]

Yes, more Chameleons please ; )

[@ТарасЗагайкевич]

Great lesson!

[@raephstro]

Great stuff, cheers Adrian!

[@surfrby8876]

Where did you ever pull this song from ? One of my faves , your always surprise me , great song and band !

[@jeanlucdiscard]

I believe, at least originally for this particular song, Dave Fielding played synthesizer (chord washes/drones), while Regg played guitar.

[@Kenyerman]

I first met with the song by Pegboard Nerds back in 2015. Then today i looked up some techno/dance songs from the 90's on Spotify. Looked at some titles and i saw 'Swamp Thing' from 'The Grid' and i was like aha this is where Pegboard Nerds sampled from. Listened to that song and i had this strange feeling that this isn't the original form of this. Looked up 'Swamp Thing' on youtube then i heard the original psychedelic madness (which i absolutely love btw). Oh god this song is absolutely cooool :D Under the song i saw this video which was uploaded 3 DAYS AGO and since i play the guitar this will come handy. Sometimes i think there are no coincidences....

[@lkungfu]

Great job

[@downhill240]

You are too cool! Great lesson.

[@chrischung1973]

You do this song justice. A Jazzmaster? Wow. My American guitar ear always thought it was a Rickenbacker, but the second guitar verse (downward) screams Jazzmaster. Plus.. I have a Strange Times poster signed by them. I have no recollection of how I got this. Detroit area fan since 1989. Had to go to Windsor, Canada to buy their import cassette, back then. Any ideas how I have this poster (16" x 24")? Were they in Detroit, ever?

[@stanbark007]

Thanks for this Adrian. I recently discovered this song, and now I am obsessed with learning it. Can you post your effects chain used on this song? I know there's a chorus, but it also sounds as if there is a delay. Optional big ask: Can you post the settings for these effects?

[@ricomumbauer9710]

Yes, please!

[@robinfriday9583]

Compliments ADRIAN RIFF. FANTASTIC

[@worriedremediation]

“Before I lose my mind completely Just leave, please go now” not a lot of song lyrics that hit as close to home as that one.

[@B.Wildered]

Much gratitude from this Gen x yank

[@marcusfiero3724]

Best guitar channel on KZbin. You are knowledgeable, yet humble. Please consider doing Dawn by Mellonta Tauta. If you like that song, listen to Estrella.

[@jccross76]

Best guitar lessons on KZbin,what's the delay set up please?

[@gmotionedc5412]

A fav band of mine. Such tasty vibes😊

[@JJ180]

On the tuning, the Chameleons tuned to F concert pitch instead of E on most if not all of their songs.

[@cmg1819]

I just cannot get the cascading riff down. Been at it for months, picking hand just isn't quick enough! 😭

[@bl00df4rt]

“Today’s lesson is A New England - Billy Bragg, as requested by bl00df4rt, a person of taste and discernment.”

[@bl00df4rt]

I even liked my own comment!

[@freddjXX]

@@bl00df4rt one year later your not alone anymore

[@michaelcullen5955]

hey man, would LOVE a lil more Dinosaur Jr. Doesn't really matter what, follow your heart.... although I KNOW you can play Start Choppin' since you did in the Jazzmaster video. Love the channel, you have the best taste in music out of all these youtube tutorial people

[@pierrem.7682]

FCK YEA POST PUNK , thx for this one

[@chameleontel]

I’ve just sent a link of this to Dave Fielding.

[@ericlebrun1640]

On this track, dave fielding plays keyboards , reg smithies plays this guitar part..

[@rocasaod]

You are the best.

[@Petesaintsfc]

Love it

[@Jazzinvencible]

Great video! I wonder if it is possible for you to teach us "Up The Down Scalator". ;-)

[@andrewromero6913]

Could you do soul in isolation or time next plz

[@jawwardle1765]

Please do Sad Lovers and Giants - Art (By Me) Fantastic riff which would suit you perfectly

[@Jazzinvencible]

bravo!!

[@danielbudge656]

Can you do Abusey Junction by Kokoroko please

[@teodelfuego]

Forgive my ignorance but was is the difference between a chorus pedal and a delay pedal?

[@inUR2teeth]

chorus = "double at the same time" delay = repeat in time

[@visionset1456]

delay pedal is simpler and is basically an echo, with a chorus pedal the pitch is changed slightly on multiple copies of the input to emulate multiple instruments since they would always be tuned very slightly differently - that is my understanding anyway

[@johnx9774]

I always loved Nostalgia. Maybe you can do a vid of Ceremony by New Order (or Joy Division if you want). Seen a few tutorials/tabs but none of them sound right to me.

[@TheMurrblake]

This is awesome- the band tune up a semitone.

[@MrAbacus56]

Hervorragend 👍👍👍 Natürlich Abonniert !! Gruß aus Germany !!

[@wooferwoof3175]

Siiiickkkkkkkk

[@ShlomirBareket]

weren't the Chameleons C86, which was post-post-punk? I reckon you should do a lesson of some of that Eastern-African stuff like Tiranewen.

[@bialko123]

Will you teach something acoustic please ?

[@LowWinterSun01]

Great band. You should check out the track Perfume Garden or their John Peel sessions live album. 👍👍

[@D34DParadise]

It’s good to see a tutorial on The Chameleons, they’re a band not often talked about. How about a lesson on Girl Afraid by The Smiths? I know you’re shying away from Smiths lessons but I’m really struggling with this track. Great tutorial as always 👍👍👍

[@mattpdrt7799]

Can you do a lesson for Impossible Germany from Wilco?

[@bradpittiful7288]

how about an easy one by the band...APB...the song...talk to me

[@chrisearle1542]

What amp and pedal settings please?