Technical Breakdown of Ego Death by Polyphia & Steve Vai - Pro Guitarist Reaction

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Hey everyone I've just done a new video reacting to ABC by Polyphia. I take a deeper dive into the chord progression and melody to uncover how it's essentially constructed like an old jazz standard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpjLopSjhNWBqrM

[@Luke-ih1oc]

Please do more Polyphia breakdowns! I want to see The Audacity and Chimera!

[@Seth-y8g5e]

Well finally somebody who can put words ( clever)on this beautiful piece of art! Love your analysis!👍

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

@@Seth-y8g5e thank you glad you enjoyed it

[@travellerseko]

Hands down, Polyphia’s bringing the golden days of instrumental guitar music back now in my opinion.

[@gohamm8629]

My favorite thing about Polyphia, and that they do on this album more than ever, is create guitar melodies that are just as memorable as if they had a singer. They genuinely make their guitars SING on their tracks, and especially this one. No one does that like them, and it’s one thing that sets them apart from all other instrumental bands. True generational talent!

[@SavagetheMaker]

Just what performances like these need. There’s so many plain reactions, but being able to learn a bit about what they’re doing is important.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you so much I was trying to do something a bit more in-depth and while there's a limit to how much I really know about their music, I did what I could to point things out that could be interesting. Looking forward to doing more analysis reactions.

[@honordevs]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist It's almost better that you don't know much about their music. It lets you have a fresh take and utilize only your professional background, instead of prior knowledge, scripting, and video prep like a lot of reviewers are doing.

[@J.Hermansson]

I was born 1965 and I have listened to all the big ones but this is, by far, the best thing I have heard in my entire life. I'm like you Jack, I just can't stop listening to this song. It is absolutely amazing. I'm so happy that Steve got together with these young extremely talented guys. This is a masterclass in taking a really simple cord progression that we have heard in a 100 hit songs and making it totally unique. OMG!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes I agree it's a really special production all the guys hit it 10 out of 10

[@mxc_clips]

Your reaction is the best, you can tell how much this track means to you as a guitarist. I have not touched a guitar in 10+ years, but there is just something special about this song and just Polyphia as a whole that makes me feel something special when hearing this song and the rest of their music.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes I totally know what you mean I just haven't felt like this about a new piece of music in the Rock genre for a long time so it's making me feel pretty elated to be honest

[@benjachayes]

Yes. The elation about young guys taking music in directions you had never imagined is such a gift to mortals like me. In that sense, I also absolutely love their ABC.

[@adamhock8801]

I also haven't played much in the past few years and find myself picking at the chords with them in sheer joy. It just pulls you in with every listen. The effect of the piece is truly remarkable.

[@R_SENAL]

I'm just discovering Polyphia, but I've been a fan of Steve all my life almost, he's always been the GOAT in my eyes. He built on everything that came before, Page, Beck, Hendrix, EVH, and just took it to the next level. He's spent the last 20 years doing orchestral work and teaching and trying to pass the baton as it were to new greats like Orianthi, but he may have finally found his true successors in Polyphia! This is truly amazing! Look at the unique bending style he uses when he first comes on, it's something new he taught himself to do in the last few years, it's featured on a song of his called Candle Power and it's almost discordant but it's fantastic! He said on a stream it was the hardest thing he ever made himself learn. And this is the guy that plays the Hydra! (see Teeth of the Hydra if you haven't already) Ego Death is something you'll learn the meaning of if you ever watch Steve talk about his spirituality. In summary he firmly believes in meditation and overcoming and killing your egoic mind and being present in the moment with your thoughts and actions. Quiet the inner voice that wants to think about a thousand things and just BE. Ego death is also the death of fear, since fear is completely a product of the ego. But yeah, "snake-hips" Vai, "the human whammy-bar" is in full effect here and it's great! They probably are miming for the camera a bit, film shoots have so many takes they Don't use, they were probably on that roof for hours and who is gonna lug those amps up there? 😅 But he learned about showmanship from playing with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, so he could teach the new stars so much about stage presence AND about being Present!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks so much great to hear your impressions too

[@kylespringman3952]

I find that Vai, in this way, occupies a space between eras that is unacknowledged. My best analogy is Czerny learning from Beethoven and teaching Franz Liszt. What is the difference between Liszt and Beethoven? It is Czerny. What is the historical difference between EVH and Tim Henson? It's Steve Vai.

[@illusive1181]

I love how they all play their own style, then as a band blended, you see the "Ego Death" in real time. Love the artistry.

[@billstru]

Clay’s bass tone, rhythm, and mirroring is such quality.

[@viviolet7]

youre really gonna need to elaborate there brother

[@ChrisEkstedt]

@@viviolet7 I'd love to hear it. Clay isn't featured much and you gotta know he adds a lot to the piece. In his IG you can see him play through a lot of the songs.

[@_paradr0id]

Your analysis of their tracks has been above anyone elses so far. You detect every nuance. Very well done. You takes are spot on and very insightful. Keep them coming!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Glad you like them!

[@CinJyxxe]

I read another comment about the chair that struck me. Both Tim and Scott were in the building, but when it came to Steve, they moved to the roof. He's literally a level above them, and instead of him moving down to their level, they felt the need to rise to his and meet him where he was at. Tim touched on the idea briefly when he mentioned that Steve's contribution inspired the second half of the song, and that he believed it was one of their best of all time.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes I thought it was great how they treated Steve with respect and the creative process was truly outstanding to produce a piece like this together.

[@viviolet7]

you can see them advancing up the floors as the song progresses.

[@ChrisEkstedt]

"he mentioned that Steve's contribution inspired the second half of the song" I'm glad you mentioned that. I wondered about it and Vai certainly did bring the emotional drama of that piece to a whole new level.

[@qpalzmsk1986]

Steve's part is really the part that stuck to my head after hearing for like 100 times. What a legend.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes I know really gets into your brain

[@Solkan55]

This is by far the best reaction I've seen to this track (yes I've watched probably 10). It's so great to have an actual explanation of what's happening musically to a layman. I really enjoy all this technical music and it's nice to have a name of a technique to name the parts I really enjoy if that makes any sense! ---- also as a P.S. : Tim Henson (the guy playing the 8 string) has his own YT channel and has some behind the scenes type stuff for how he writes songs etc. I bet you would really enjoy some of those.

[@thetruesora2111]

The most important thing I took away from this video is that you're an awesome teacher. Loved the story about your gifted student and you recognizing his talent and even learning from him. Absolutely amazing

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Wow, thank you! I am thinking to get that student back over here to make a video showing us some Polyphia parts and talking about his attraction to the band over the last several years.

[@seancollins3106]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist that'd be REALLY cool if you could get him to do that!

[@THEGRIMRIPAcod]

This video is amazing. If Steve's play is coming from his soul, his love for music, so is your explanation. The way you articulate your point of view of the song and your opinions about it is so complex but so easy to understand at the same time... I could almost predict what you were going to say before you even said it because it was coming from the heart and passion for the music. Really outstanding video . Thank you.

[@xleaselife]

Your analysis is so thorough, to the point that it brought me even deeper into the song, even though I've been listening to it non-stop for the past 5 days. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and perspective with us.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

That's great to hear. I've also been listening to it non-stop. It just keeps sounding better and better. Glad you found my analysis useful.

[@richardmiller5099]

Second this - I didn't notice the change in the drum patterns on the rooftop until this reaction. It's really amazing how you can listen to songs like this dozens of times and still find something new about them.

[@tinmachine693]

Damn you've out done me by 2 days!

[@xleaselife]

@@tinmachine693 Better get on it!

[@kergo12]

A week in and still on repeat.

[@peteriversen9044]

What an incredible reaction. Like you, I have a well-versed musical background that lets me appreciate a lot of what Polyphia does. Also like you, there is a limit to what I know and they constantly surprise me. And also ALSO like you, all that almost goes out the window with this track... it is so ethereally emotional. I can barely describe it. One thing I will add to your fantastic breakdown is you mention the repeated motif of the throne, as well as the concept of the title Ego Death. Another thing to keep in mind about the throne is, not only do they all sit in it, but each time they are "rising" through the building. Tim starts in the basement, Scott plays in the room with the big windows, and then ultimately they meet Steve on the roof. And though it is true you can see a lot of "Ego Death" when it comes to Steve, I believe that can be said of Tim and Scott as well... Tim ceeds a lot of time to Scott here and even Clay (the bassist) assumes the middle of the formation once they reach the roof. I think the title has a broader application in that they all acknowledge their skill, but are no longer driven by that... another term for Ego Death might be "post-narcissism" ... the focus, more than ever, is on the art. Sorry for the novel, but one final note - I love that you call out their use of production as almost a separate "instrument" in their compositions. They certainly waste nothing, their videos included. Once again truly fantastic breakdown! Thank you!!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks very much I really enjoyed reading your further analysis also. I definitely agree

[@aniyahfrazier2918]

Just wanted to add that the guitar Steve used on this track is fitted with Sustainiac pickups that cause his notes to just flow together and add to the overall one and harmonics.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yeah that's right he was making great use of that. Good point.

[@russellward4624]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist and I think that's what gives that pick scrape bit sound like that. It has a setting that adds harmonics and I'm pretty sure he's using that.

[@atlys258]

Pretty much everything you've said about Vai's part is almost exactly what I've felt about his experience, through listening and watching. And his feeling of joy, I felt was also echoed by Tim's actual headbanging. He's constructed and portrayed such an aloof and self-assured, almost arrogant demeanor and image for so long that when we finally reach the climax we see that carefully protected image almost completely shattered just by him letting go and headbanging, letting himself actually _feel_ the emotion in the music, and I find that to be really quite beautiful and powerful.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks a lot really glad you enjoyed it

[@therealsharat]

Probable that's the main reason they named this "Ego Death" :)

[@ChrisEkstedt]

"Tim's headbanging" I love the way he let himself go. Their pieces are so jazzy and, although not missing in emotion are not as wildly emotional as that piece. Glad to see him break free of inhibition there (if that's what it was)

[@allengarner2]

Great reaction! I've listened to this song dozens of times before and you pointed several nuanced things I hadn't noticed. Thanks!

[@stopclockapp]

I love that the young guns show love and respect for the OG.

[@ironny2419]

Looking forward to more breakdown type reactions. We need more those on KZbin

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks so much for the encouragement I think I'm going to make this a regular feature on my channel doing technical type breakdowns.

[@jsirius94]

One thing I liked about your reaction vs others I have seen on Ego Death, is that you mentioned the unique production on the guitar tones to really accent certain lines. It's another touch that really helps them orchestrate the song.

[@ObliByMe]

I'm usually not really into reaction vids as everyone usually says the same thing but I loved this video. I could really tell how much you loved this performance and your enthousiasm is so infectious. Keep it up!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

I appreciate that! Thanks

[@titntin5178]

Thank you for feeling this like I do. I also think this band, and their coming of age on this new album, is a seminal moment in rock history which will save guitar music from being consigned to the history books. Tim's compositional techniques are only matched by his abilities, and his band mates are all just as talented - especially the rhythm section (clays drum parts are absolute lesson is playing 'space'). Steve Via has been a fave of mine for ever as I'm a huge Frank Zappa fan, but more than that, he has always been a true experimenter and has always seen beyond current musical tropes. He was a little taken aback that Tim cut up and stitched together what he did for this track (most people take his solo and use it as is), but he agreed to Tim working with it like this, and he's obviously very pleased with the results! He's also a lovely human being and I recommend watching a youtube channel 'Ellen plays bass', a 10 yo little girl bassist with the best smile and a lot of upcoming talent, who recently was given the chance to play a solo on stage with Steve Vai on a gig. Warms your heart to see this stuff it really does....

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Hello Titntin thanks so much for your comment. Yes I agree they are really making the guitar so relevant again and the whole band is amazing. Steve Via is such an open minded musician, a great collaborator and I love his whole attitude in embracing this new lease of life. It must be the biggest thing he has been a part of in years and a massive crowning achievement in my opinion. Also I saw the video of her visiting Steve in his home studio and it was really heart warming. What an amazing bunch and people.

[@sreneethomas]

Omg…I came in and commented before listening to the whole thing. Your comments about Steve Vai in the last 5 minutes of this video…it is everything!!!❤ All of my thoughts when first hearing him play this song,, you were saying! Saying it better than I ever could, but exactly my thoughts. Thank you!

[@taleandclawrock2606]

As well as the musical virtuosity of Polyphia, and seasoned, clever, warm, relateable, inspiration of Vai, i am so satisfied and strengthened by the older and younger generations coming together to create such magnificent impact, something we have not seen enough of in recent decades, with the digital age separating the generations. Its truly profound to see and hear this collaboration, the production and videography are works of art in themselves, the whole thing is breathtakingly majestic, and restores my faith in humanities potential for beauty and good. The only critisicm i have heard of Polyphia is that some think it lacks emotionality, lost in the technical discipline of the complex deliveries. To some extent, every highly disciplined and complex field of human specialisation creates that, by simply working so hard on tasks that emotional expression has to wait. I think in Ego death, with Steve Vai, they showed us why its worth the sacrifice and discipline to master ones art, without losing emotional cognizance....this song with intentional respect for and collaboration across generations and styles is nothing but pure music in every sense of the word.The drummer is also supernaturally magnificent, driving, containing and accenting this incredible music. Like everyone ive seen try to comment, we run out of superlatives. Im just going to emotionally say, i love it, and i look forward to Polyphia further exploring what music means to them, and what it can do.

[@kolbjrnkjeka9199]

I am a bass player who has been listening to this non-stop for a week now. This reaction is the first I have seen that actually appreciates Steve's solo as much as I do. The way you spoke about the physicality was spot on, great analysis

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yeah Steve's solo is pure magic. Thanks for watching and for your comment

[@berninme]

This is by far one of the best reaction/analysis videos on this song. So many reactions have very little to say about the techniques and methods used to make the music. You should consider doing more of these.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you I really enjoyed making this video and its amazing to read comments like this. I feel really happy to offer whatever insights I can to open up the music. Thanks again for checking out the channel.

[@majapapaya7334]

You‘re so right with all you said. It‘s new music, I felt like you discovering Polyphia.

[@sledge1swede654]

The best reaction on youtube I ever seen your passion and explaining is actually understanable and gives a more deep appritiation to Polyphia music just awsome.Thank you so much.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Wow, thank you! I'm really enjoying the journey with this amazing new music and looking forward to doing more of these videos.

[@GauravAggarwal1]

I loved your reaction video. There were many elements I wasn't aware of until you pointed them out

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Hi there thanks very much nice to see you here. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Khaled91]

I was most impressed by the drummer. The groove came from him! My goodness... Smashing those cymbals!

[@BarberMidnight]

I think this is the first reaction to this song that really puts across and notices the pure emotion and expression from Mr Vai in almost every single note. Those who know, know his technical mastery but the emotion, the feels you get from this piece of music is truly something ive not heard or seen in a good while. Its next level from a man... a band who already raised the bar so high. a true masterclass not just in technical performance but emotion in music.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you really glad you enjoyed it

[@miguelteixeira5277]

Thank you for the best analysis I heard in KZbin for this, indeed, masterpiece. Sure different, sure so well played and your view of the facts just helps to understand some of this beauty. Really great, them and your topics in reaction to this, as you said, amazing collaboration.

[@pitpride1220]

Great breakdown, I love so much that you get it and how special it is. Just phenomenal work. I'm glad this video is out there to really explain what this band means for music. I'm so incredibly proud of them. I've been following them for awhile, I'm from an older generation. What excites me the most is what kids are going to accomplish musically listening to these guys. How their musical minds will work and what they'll create in the future. Just incredible!

[@jakeforaker9628]

Without a doubt the best breakdown of this video I’ve seen. I’ve watched hundreds. Your angle is professional and well articulated- much like the song itself. It’s just so good when you understand the levels and layers of talent and execution. You put it into words. Thanks.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks Jake it was great to do this one

[@profile5]

This was a great reaction! Would love this for other songs.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks very much I'll definitely be doing more of their material soon

[@empiremusicpromotions]

This is a perfect song. I wouldn't (and couldn't) think of a way to improve this. Great reaction, will be following your channel.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you very much

[@kevhavard]

Just discovered this tune this week and completely agree with you about not thinking that I could find a new music (especially guitar based) that I'm surprised and inspired by. Being 42 ( as of 2 days ago) I'm rather cynical about new music, but I'm completely obsessed with this band now

[@ManiacTobi]

Wow! I've watched hundreds of reactions over the past years, but this is by far the most enjoyable, knowledgable and articulate ever! And I agree 100% with everything you said 😊

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Wow, thank you! This is really interesting to me because I've kind of resisted doing reaction videos even though I love watching them myself. I think I wanted to keep the channel just focused on my teaching and playing of Indian Classical Guitar. But if people enjoy my approach to breaking things down as best I can, then I'll make this a new feature on the channel. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@ManiacTobi]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist you def should make this a feature! Your technical and musical insights are very much appreciated.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

@@ManiacTobi Thanks again more Polyphia breakdowns soon coming.

[@caleblol2340]

Finally someone who actually appreciates this song as much as it deserves, I've watched other reactions and they are so bland and boring, saying stuff like "oh cool" and then moving on. And all this coming from a classical guitar enjoyer, it makes me happy to see someone enjoy it as much as me.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks very much. When I made this video I thought people might say I was talking to much actually. So it's great to hear people appreciate me trying to take time to share my impressions of the music.

[@randybobandysc2711]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist I wish you talked more! You have a really amazing way of conveying how much you enjoy the song and its intricacies. I can't stop listening to this song so this was a very cathartic video to watch.

[@lasagnahog7695]

I enjoy the "considered reaction" with multiple stops and rewinds. I'm not a musician so these types of videos help me appreciate Polyphia's songs more which makes me like them even more.

[@R3c0nf1gur3d]

The most beautiful thing about Ego Death and especially in the Music video is how much reverence it gives to Steve Vai. Laid out the red carpet.. an alley oop, and ceremonious passing of the torch. Glorious.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

@R3c0nf1gur3d yes it had a positive attitude to the past and future 🎸🙏

[@BigRedSpear]

Your commentary was insightful and compelling. Most play through and say “wow”, but you’re appreciating how the sausage is made.

[@jellyneck7978]

I didn't think I could discover new music to fall in love with either. Most of my musical taste developed when I was younger, as most people do, but to feel so engulfed and mesmerized by a song was something I am so happy to be feeling again. Great reaction, it really deserved a deep analysis like this.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes it's such a great feeling to be excited about new music and to be looking forward to hearing more new releases.

[@MarxOnMars]

This first Vai's part is amazing too, two fingers bends sounds great

[@matthewchan7743]

I don't know much about guitar, but as a person who is learning piano, I can fully feel the emotion that Jack you have told about. It is difficult to tell by words how fucking insane this music is; it feels like every note keeps punching into my heart, I have never seen and hear this kind of crazy and amazing stuff ever in my life. Also thank you for your analyzing, it helps us to understand more from this MV.

[@viviolet7]

if you wanna see something mechanically absurd, polyphia's biggest song "Playing God" is clear nylon classical art.

[@DrkTide7]

If I’m not mistaken, one of Steve Vai’s nicknames is “Snake Hips” haha. So yes - very emotive and almost seductive! Entrancing perhaps! Lol

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Oh yes after the thing he does in Crossroads. He slick man. You might not believe me but someone also called me Snake Hips after seeing me dance at a party (the song was Living la Vida Loca so it needed to be done 😂). Everyone was very entranced as you would expect 🐍.

[@zerculese]

Love the reaction evem before watching it, you described what i am experiencing while listening to polyphia falling inlove with music again after many years 🤘🏼

[@darylljann]

hands down best reaction and breakdown. love it!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sreneethomas]

Refreshing take on a “reaction” video. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Found everything you had to say interesting, making me think a bit more about their performance and just how talented they are. Thanks so much! I hope you do more of these videos! (Not just Polyphia!)

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@dompepz8074]

I believe Vai would really appreciate your deep analysis and feeling you have for his part in this amazing musical piece....

[@tinmachine693]

Obsessed! That's the word! I haven't stopped listening to this for 3 days

[@WishMount]

16:06 I am mesmorised by this extra chord they add to the end of the bar... very alluring

[@Tillavonb]

A “Considered reaction” is such a great way to put it. Great job

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Cheers I like taking some time to think a little before the video to be honest.

[@TheKingnothing314]

Best Song of the Year. I can't stop listening to it.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes it's the best thing I've heard in ages.

[@kmarkosblmp]

I really appreciate your point of view on this. I've been listening to and watching this nonstop. I keep hearing and seeing new things each time.

[@mdev1980]

The most insightful reaction for this song so far.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you I'll do some more soon

[@l.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.l]

Perfect description of the songs ending brother. Vai's playing with soul, like he's projecting to the astral plane.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yeah that's great I love the way you said it. A friend of mine says he's doing not Tai Chi, but Vai Chi 😆

[@l.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.l]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist 😂 sick pun!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

@@l.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.l yeah it made me laugh 😃

[@ChrisEkstedt]

This is an exciting piece. I'm late to discover it but I feel exactly the same way you do about it. I get chills every time I listen to it and I replay exactly the same parts that you do here in this reaction video. I can't even count the number of times I've listened to it by now. Your reaction was spot on and the best I've seen. Polyphia lays the groundwork and melody so very well with their intricate fluid playing, the piece builds and fills every single second of the 6 minutes it runs. Vai comes in and adds the soaring emotional elements it's been building too. Omg what a brilliant piece!!!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Great to hear your thoughts on this. It really was a great moment when this came out and created positive waves in the guitar world 🌎 🎸

[@ChrisEkstedt]

@@JackJenningsGuitarist So glad to find your reaction!! I'm obsessed!

[@falsepod]

So glad someone else picked up on the 80s vibe during Steve Vai's part at the end. I love how they incorporated the flavour of Steve Vai's era there to accentuate that this is HIS part. The entire is thing is just an absolute masterclass. Literally nuts and bolts from the ground up, from the arrangement and production through to the choreography of the video, it's an absolute masterclass. They've genuinely set a bar here for what "rock" music can be. Though I'd hesitate to put any genre label on this song. I personally would consider it closer to a modern equivalent of classical music.

[@justingold1679]

Most thoughtful and passionate reaction video I've ever heard. Love your analysis!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@lordmordecai2211]

I can't stop listening to this song, to me it feels like a passing of the torch. one guitar legend passing the mantle to the new legends.

[@mrs.bulldog3579]

Thanks Jack for sharing your opinion with us. Really appreciate your take to give us some learnings instead of just watching your reaction.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you I felt really moved by this piece when it came out and that does not happen that often with current music to be honest.

[@harrovw]

Wonderful reaction to this astonishing piece of music! I only discovered Polyphia this year and I fell in love…the way you express your feelings about the band and this musical work of art is exactly how I feel… I just wonder how much better they can get…they are redefining guitar music…

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks very much and yes I really look forward to seeing how their music keeps developing.

[@athang28]

After watching this reaction, I just appreciate this song even more.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Amazing that's great to hear

[@Beingthankful]

The format , the explanation , and the passion you have for this all speak for themselves , just keep it up man ! please do this for the album when it comes out on 10/28 !(if you like it obviously) ill single handedly get to a million views lol

[@crazy.scorpio]

That.....was an amazing reaction video to watch. So interesting to watch you break this down. You, and them, are so so so far beyond me in musical knowledge, but wow that was fun to watch and listen. Love how you can say, hey, not usually a fan, but OMG that was amazing... good stuff.. The way you explained how Steve has matured and how you can see it in his eyes as he plays is so true. I never thought of it like that, but yup. You can really see he loves the music.. I checked out your channel and it is really cool how far out of your zone this is and that you tackled it totally opened eyed. You are the epitome of someone who LOVES music. it was truly fun watching you gush over this towards the end lol. Gotta give you a sub, even though I had never heard of Indian Classical guitar playing. 😀

[@albertalex1106]

For the love of God, thank you for your reaction ♥️

[@johnandrews1737]

Excellent reaction. As is the music, your reaction is deep and full of subtle details. Great job.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you so much!

[@x0x0skiller2]

What an excellent reaction. I don’t even play guitar, or any instrument super consistently for that matter, but I love your explanation about what you like about Vai’s solo. I am obsessed with it as well, I keep replaying it. His emotes, body language, facial expressions, his ability to make the guitar wail with wammy and technique, entirely epic and clearly masterful.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks so much I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really was trying my best to put it into words what he's doing with that solo. Thanks very much for your comment.

[@alinickpour]

awesome content! they get lots of reacts from the mainstream react content creators, but you really at a transformative element to the piece with your insights!!

[@ElGageO]

I think one of the best things about these guys is how many people want to pick up the instrument again because of their music. I feel like they're totally redefining guitar playing for the modern generation and so many people are getting excited about it. No doubt they'll inspire many to continue experimenting with new techniques and such. Really great breakdown. Appreciate how much you delve into the techniques as they occur through the piece.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks for watching and yes I'm sure this is going to inspire many people to play guitar or drums or start playing again.

[@chris2MTL]

i'have seen tens of ego death reaction. your reaction is by far the best, i learn a lot ! thanks

[@gcioffi7]

New sub. Might be my favorite reaction video of all time, in no small part because you have the perfect mix of technical appreciation and the visceral side of hearing something truly exceptional and exciting. Loved this video. Thanks.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Wow, thank you! I try to bring those elements together in everything I do so great to hear it worked in this case. Thanks again

[@berninme]

I also have to bring it up, what you say about how Steve is playing and emoting, it's so spot on. It's like an amazing vocal performance in an opera or something like that. You are getting everything. The music, the expressiveness of it, the visual, the emotion, everything.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes so many aspects of the instrument are brought into play with Vai, he does things that know one else really can.

[@R3c0nf1gur3d]

Best reaction to Ego Death, glad you decided to react and break it all down for us mere mortals. Bravo

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

@R3c0nf1gur3d thanks for watching. I was just happy to express my appreciation for the music and any technical details I could comment on. It's not my style of playing but interesting to see what these guys are up to 🎸🔮✨️

[@arkadihughes4893]

Mini humbuckers, heavy compression, lots of skill, and a little bit of CHEMICAL X

[@MacBrrr65]

Thanx for this reaction video. It is thankfully not just one more "wow, they are amazing"-video but also not technically overanalysing it. At many moments I just had to nodd to your explanations where I would had to search for the right words ;) Well done. 👍

[@bryanrosa5281]

With Steve Vai it's almost always like "Yup that's exactly how the guitar part should have gone". He just makes imagination come to life.

[@renx81]

I absolutely love your analysis. I've seen a bunch of reactions to this by now, but nothing has resonated with me thus far like the way your view has. From the analysis of the musical performance itself to the interpretation of the music video, as well as understanding quite well how modern musical pieces like this are ultimately produced. You, sir, are quite impressive.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@bnpparibassss]

Wow, you deserve way more flowers for this video. Thank you so much for this, truly appreciate you.

[@infonator1]

I seriously love that Tim is from the same state as I am! Texas! We are not cowboys with dude hats and a gun on our hip. That's a condescending way to dismiss a threat. So that your on the high ground. A classical psych. plea.

[@CrYou575]

What a great analysis. I'll be listening to this piece with that in mind now.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you glad to hear it was useful in some way.

[@jordanj9069]

This is the primary means by which I want to learn music - finding the theoretical mechanics behind my favourite pieces and moments

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes it's great to go deeper

[@pooanddoo]

This is the best “reaction” video for Ego Death by far.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you I don't these reaction analysis videos often, but this track was something special so I had to share my thoughts.

[@soda1yes]

My favorite breakdown so far. I agree that this video and band have done something important here. If you enjoy music, this is a moment.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks so much for watching, they have really created a buzz with this track.

[@azimuth9819]

The technique Tim is using is called Selective picking, a technique heavily used by Tosin Abasi as animals as leaders, Tosin also taught Tim how to thump

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you yes I've heard Tosin demonstrate that. I didn't know if that was the exact same system that Tim was using here or something similar.

[@kent8moto]

Your breakdown of this performance is superb!! I feel you 100% on everything. Thank You for this video! I enjoyed it very much. Polyphia is my favorite band. I've seen them live 4x already 🤘 they for real

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Glad you enjoyed it! It must be amazing to see them live. I'm going to look out for their UK tour dates.

[@zamplify]

I've never watched any of your videos but I could tell this was gonna be a good reaction.

[@gwojcieszczuk]

Thank you verbalising emotions I feel when listening to this piece. Spot on.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

You're very welcome

[@austin4x]

I've been a Vai fan for years. Have seen him live a few times and met him. He's a great guy and absolutely flawless guitar player. He's able to produce sounds that make absolutely no sense, not just the nore but how he plays them and how he transfers from one note to another. It's all just so perfect. That said, he doesn't write very approachable music. There are only 2 tracks of his I love. For The Love Of God and Tender Surrender. I like his more accessible music only because it allows people to enjoy the song and be amazed by his playing. His songs tend to be just kind of meh, and if you're not enjoying the song you don't care how good the guitar player is. He could be massively popular within the pop and rock community and not just the guitar music community if he wrote more radio friendly songs and I can't bieve I'm for somebody writing pop friendly music but in his case it makes sense. I have to give him props though because he knows this, yet still chooses ro play what he wants to play, knowing full well he is sacrificing being known and accepted as the best to ever do it for the ability to play what he wants to play. As an example, Polyphia are an instrumental band since getting rid of their singer. I believe they are already more popular than Vai and that isn't neccesarily because of talent, but rather because of the accessibility of the music. Tim takes popular pop chords and plays with them to turn them into a guitar part that sort of already feels familiar to you. What track was it that started off as a Taylir Swift song? Playing God, maybe? Can't remember but Tim has a video out of it. That single aspect is why they are going to be massively more popular than any other nstrumental guitar act have ever been before if they're not already.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thanks very much for your thoughts here. It's interesting to look at what seems to get more attention musically. But I do really value the artists that go beyond what is popular and develop their own vision. It's amazing how Polyphia seem to be able to do both. That's pretty rare especially for an instrumental guitar band.

[@apurvsurya7205]

This is by far the best music reaction video, very cool

[@TetraShot]

I appreciate the technical approach, as opposed to a 'first reaction' type video. Especially for pieces as dense as this. More polyphia breakdowns, please!

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Yes more coming

[@firojpaudel]

i just love steve vai's expression ... it was like he was so happy while playing .....

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

I know its brilliant to see

[@Quy-]

Best in-depth reaction video so far. Good analysis on the song :D

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@chaz__]

Always great to see people really excited about progressive guitar music. I'm ready for the Ibanez TOD10N (the new nylon) and I hope I can get one before the scalpers gobble them up. Even their new AZ guitars look really great, could be tempted to get one of those as well.

[@didierbertrand5460]

Bonjour Jack. J'ai regardé beaucoup de réactions vidéos sur la pièce Ego Death. Et tu es, loin de là, la personne qui a fait un "Breakdown" la plus complète et la plus pertinente. Merci de nous partager ta humble connaissance. Tout un plaisir de regarder ta vidéo.

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

Thank you very much for watching

[@pievancl5457]

I can’t remember if you mentioned or not, but were you familiar with Polyphia before you discovered this song? I would be interested in watching you do breakdowns to some of their past releases, specifically their previous couple. Edit: also, Tim Henson does acoustic playthroughs and other cool guitar stuff on his KZbin channel. Would be great if you analyzed some of his playing there too. Scott is also an amazing guitar player in his own right.