The GOAT Allan Holdsworth Lick EXPLAINED

[@percyvolnar8010]

Dude... Allan is playing his ass off on ALL of his albums.

[@t-radray7231]

What's even better is that you taught the lick in less than 10 minutes! Well done sir.

[@Ben-cx5fe]

I knew it would be this lick before I even clicked. It's one of his finest in my opinion, if not the finest. So much 'harmonic data' in just a few bars. I still have the cassette

[@marbinmusic]

The lick truly never gets old.

[@gordoncrmn]

Holy sh@@!!! I'm super impressed. I already knew you were a monster player and now your breaking down holdsworth stuff for us . I love your lessons and your overall knowledge . Everyday its a just what I needed moment !!

[@marbinmusic]

Glad you're digging the lessons because we have a lot of them coming and don't plan on stopping 😤✊

[@Claymor621]

I remember the transcription of this solo in Guitar Player in 1985. Steve Vai did it. This section of the solo was later covered in Guitar Techniques . Such a great solo. It keeps cropping up lol.

[@jimmythebold589]

haha. right? it defiinitely is a great allan solo, in spite of being over a one chord vamp.

[@pnwdrifter5680]

I remember it too. I had metal fatigue and then bought that mag. Never had the courage to actually try... but this video sure helps understand what's happening there.

[@Acousticeg]

I really like how you break it down to make it more understandable. I love Allan's music, thanks for the great lesson.

[@marbinmusic]

Allan's playing is wonderful and can be intimidating. Glad you got something out of the lesson 👍

[@Thayne2222]

One of the best explanations of Holdsworth harmony. People always lose the forest for the trees when shit starts to get all outside and strongly. Just let the lick possess its stank. Whether it’s inside, outside, enclosed around chord tones or just an oblique smattering of notes, it all will have some sort of effect if there is some sort of intention and underlying logic to it. Another thing that I think really makes his “outside” ideas work is that he has this insane ability to go completely out into outer space with these chromatic excursions but then somehow eventually land perfectly on a chord tone, sometimes multiple tonal centers of changes later, like some sort of fucked up gymnast dismounting the bars, doing 5 backflips, twirling like a top, flying out the window, jetting out past Pluto, and then landing back on earth on the head of a pin. And he always seems to do it in a way that defies your ear’s expectations.

[@Volosic]

1:35 Lick 1 2:33 Lick 2 3:04 Lick 2 chunk 1 3:13 Lick 2 chunk 2 3:35 Lick 2 chunk 2 note D 3:57 Lick 2 pattern 1 4:31 4:45 5:06 Lick 2 + 5:18 5:49 Lick 2 + 6:02 chunk 1 6:05 chunk 2 6:09 chunk 3 6:14 chunk 4 short 6:21 7:05 blues 7:25 7:50 8:07 diagonal scale 8:22 legato/slide

[@MonkeysTimes2]

Luck had me find your explanation of this particular solo. I am a flutist and bassist and AH is the only guitarist, along with Jeff Beck who steps out just in a different way and direction, I have worshipped. You way of approaching that section as nothing more than something in G minor augmented by the pattern approach was very enlightening. Something so simple. Thank you.

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

What the hell are you talking about? How in the world do you find anything relating Jeff Beck and Allan Holdsworth?

[@LearningDrummerSam]

@@user-ov5nd1fb7s Steps out in a differnt way. he's not trying to connect the two, he simply says each have a style that sticks out to their ears. Get back on that reading comprehension yessir

[@t-radray7231]

Great video! Mr Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar.

[@doctorpatient519]

astute observation, as Coltrane wanted to be the Art Tatum of the sax

[@davidscott1052]

That's what Robben Ford said also

[@cklin7832]

great video. Commentary is very clear and not too wordy. Examples are played live on the guitar which clearly show the application of the ideas discussed. Thanks a bunch for this!

[@SeeMick1]

This is the lesson I have been looking for for years. Not that I can really play it up to tempo, but I can get all the notes. One thing I found helped with chunk 3(?) the chromatic runs, is to slide into that last note. It helps set up your hand for the next sequence of 5 by moving up the neck.

[@christianperla7126]

The 3rd finger slide really helps to shift up the neck! Thanks.

[@SeeMick1]

@@christianperla7126 another one that I just stole from watching Derryl Gabel's incredible cover of this solo is to slide from the 13th to 14the fret on the falling down the stairs lick instead of hammering. Again, makes the stretches easier, and makes pulling off to that 11th fret note cleaner and easier.

[@ChrisAlia123shredmadinsanity]

Thanks so much! Just awesome! And so wonderfully broken down.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Had the pleasure of seeing Marbin open for the Holdsworth/Haslip/Donati trio in 2012. Best show I've ever seen in my life. Thanks for all the music and keeping Allan's legacy alive!

[@C2Cats]

Thanks, great insight/lesson, been a huge fan of Allan for many years.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Amazing skills, ears, work ethic, and community spirit; thanks for sharing your work with us mortals!

[@vastrange]

another super lesson! Thank you! ♡

[@marbinmusic]

So glad!

[@Dompropat]

Fantastic breakdown of his ethos and the lick itself

[@golfdayton]

"Something you easily extrapolate..." Ha ha very funny ! Marbin is a great band. Saw them in Dayton, opening for Allan. Still have Marbin music CD on my car stereo.

[@mandrewcurry9416]

You're the GOAT! This is on my watch later list. As in, it will take a few listenings to "get it!" Thanks!!!!

[@marbinmusic]

Wonderful. Good luck :)

[@gernblenstein1541]

Excellent breakdown! Thanks for the content!

[@maxxkarma]

That was really helpful. Excellent!

[@thejamnasium6447]

I miss seeing you guys at the old Thirsty Hippo in Hattiesburg, MS

[@richardplenos2928]

Thank you so much sir Dani Rabin 🔥🔥🔥

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Nice! Was VERY concerned we would disagree on choice of AH GOAT lick! 🙀 Nope! That's the one. And coincidentally, currently working on it, and the tone, with maestro Gabel. 😂 Cheers and Happy Solstice Holidays, Daniel

[@PowerPlantSpots]

Jesus, Dani. That is amazing! You keep getting better.

[@garyking934]

I like the "falling down stairs" outside analogy

[@johnmcminn9455]

Great video moves along Really great instruction on the intermediate advanced concepts

[@nickjitsu]

Cool explanation. You hit the nail on the head as far as Allans playing. He goes more for texture rather than specific harmonic correctness. I play the lick different, but same notes. I think of it as a Dm (aolean) extended shape with a wee G# minor scale inside. Same sonic result. I converted them to (easy) pentatonics for a wee video I did a while ago. I learned so much from that one tune (Devil take the Hindemost). Half way through I was thinking there is another great lick from that solo that uses the Bm idea....and you played it! That's made my day!!! Cheers Mate!

[@DemosInTheDark]

really great, man. you’ve tackled some tough stuff, but this one… heck yuh.

[@marbinmusic]

😎🤘

[@pascolla1]

Best thumb nail on KZbin,

[@marbinmusic]

:)

[@zombiesateourchannel]

Great analysis! There is a video where Alan states that "that scale that people are calling harmonic major" is his favorite. So the 4th mode makes kind of sense to me.

[@satchrules101]

Very well taught! Subbed

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks for the sub!

[@gabimeredith1]

Amazing breakdown!

[@jorgebermejo3708]

Great dissection, thank you!

[@marbinmusic]

Glad you liked it :)

[@Sleestackx]

I wish I knew music theory only so I could understand Allan’s music. It’s just f’ing incredible. It saddens me that I’ll never be able to understand it and apply some of this to my playing.

[@StraightOuttaSeratonin]

Hey man thanks for the lesson!

[@tom12ta]

More good stuff...thanks Dani 🍺🍺😉🤘💚

[@marbinmusic]

No problem 👍

[@tjm9565]

If you wanna know what AH was thinking, check out the Bret Stine interview about his book, "In the Mystery.". He's written the single most important book on Holdsworth and this solo is discussed at length ....it's not what you think!

[@Acousticeg]

Would also really enjoy a video covering some Steve Morse runs. Thanks

[@oov55]

nicely done

[@Hadri_ART]

Great vid🎉

[@MixolydianMode]

Did i understand right that Allan sometimes focused on geometrical patterns more instead of checking every note or interval in them? So it is just important on which note i end up after the pattern? That would be a great way to experiment in my solos.

[@Acousticeg]

I use geometrical patterns thinking instead of scales and intervals. It's great for outside the box extemporaneous improvisations. I can't play anything that Allan did, but using a geometrical approach along with inside scales and intervals does add a Holdsworthy sound when I play. It's also very important to emulate his phrasing and feel.

[@elementsofphysicalreality]

If you watch his lesson he’s all about patterns and the shapes they make. Using his ear to move them to get his desired effect. He should have tuned all 4ths. All 12 notes work if you come back to home often enough.

[@youngandrew66]

Holdsworth chromaticism worked for Alan because he could play them at super high speed thus getting back to a chord tone before it jars too much. Genius that very few have achieved (plus he was super Northern which made his explainations of his technique very funny)

[@fabiochelocaballero9706]

Quique genio Tangobebop espero q se reúnan de nuevo estos capos

[@itriedmany]

Fantastic! What model Suhr are you playing?

[@marbinmusic]

It’s an Antique

[@terrapin323]

My man!

[@marbinmusic]

My man 😍

[@rochford59]

To understand Allan's playing,l think you need to understand the way the man' thinks in his musical mind🤔over my head🥴...R.I.P. Allan Holdsworth❤️..Allan would be extremely impressed with your playing skills😊👍😉

[@justinkrann7406]

Alans music was great and unique. But I think we can safely it was often "Random"

[@nogbadthebad2609]

Has anyone seen the Rolling Stone top 250 guitarist list!!! It's ridiculous, Allan isn't even on the list! As Vernon Reid (who was 49 on the list) said, it's pure ignorance. Well done Vernon for speaking up. I would add, it is hugely disrespectful to Allan's immense influence and legacy. Allan is number one, it's as simple as that.

[@jfo3000]

That is just one reason why that list is useless and no attention should be paid to it.

[@erictripton]

As an Allan fan, note for note may yield some discovery. But the truth is this solo was derived from improvisation. Even Allan said to go for the essence and find your own voice. When you create a solo of your own with this type of feel, then you are headed forward. Sure learn this, then develop your own. Again, this solo was improvised, not planned.

[@StayHomeEatGreat]

Glad I found you! New sub here!

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks for subbing!

[@CVGuitar]

Awesome

[@monkeysbum999]

The cellular approach a book by Randy Vincent.

[@ubdejones1]

correct me if i'm wrong, but after you said that he's focused in the 12th frets, does that mean that he actually only cares about a good exit from that kind of phrase rather than the phrase itself? Because a lot of 'out' things only sound good if you end en transition them to the 'in' in the right way. right?

[@marbinmusic]

I meant that it’s a visual pattern. He’s a beast and can obviously visualize G Dorian everywhere and will have no problem landing that lick back at any point

[@ubdejones1]

@@marbinmusic thanks! He's gotta be a fucking alien or something then lol

[@marbinmusic]

@@ubdejones1 lots of atonal shredding on that planet

[@ilanarabin3068]

Great 🦋

[@christianperla7126]

Great lesson. What do you call it "goat"? Sorry, perhaps I'm missing something.

[@marbinmusic]

Goat - greatest of all time. It's my favorite holdsworth lick

[@christianperla7126]

@@marbinmusic Ok, thanks for the clarification !

[@marbinmusic]

@@christianperla7126 and I often make love to my goat while listening to this solo

[@king-ci4ob]

too good damn, i tot u r Richie Kotzen

[@metalheadblues]

Slow or fast Holdsworth licks kick ass

[@marbinmusic]

agreed

[@jason698]

That's almost sacrilegious putting your face on Allan's body

[@marbinmusic]

Considering so many dudes steal his style I think stealing his body isn't that bad

[@jason698]

@@marbinmusic it's funny I'm in my mid-fifties and growing up listening to and seeing Allan play live nobody and I mean nobody could steal his style back then. I have to give it to you though you really can play him. It was tongue-in-cheek. Rock on brother!

[@antonioberuff5033]

Not bad Dani-o

[@mannyfragoza9652]

I listen to what Allan said how he gets his phrasing. He mentions how all the different notes that make up chords. My guess is when he improvises he playing all the different notes that make up the chords/key that particular song hes playing is in. Im guessing among his other innate talents, he had a photographic memory

[@nudsh]

Also known as "Alan Holdsworth, Betcha Can't Play This: Vol 6"

[@augustusbetucius2931]

I seriously doubt he was thinking harmonic major or harmonic minor, as you said. As I'm sure you know, he didn't use conventional music theory, like the rest of us. Instead, he had his own system of theory that he devised. From everything I've read, and what I've heard the man himself say, he didn't use standard music theory at all. He knew it, I've heard him talk about dorian and other things we know and recognize, but he seemed to have little if any use for it.

[@marbinmusic]

@@augustusbetucius2931 watch how to holdsworth with Brett stine

[@WBUSCH49]

Bmmaj7 combined with Gminor does it ring a bell___ Mesian mode IV

[@Shreddelicious]

what have you done to Allan?

[@s.h.guitarworks3309]

Its so crazy that even when you slow the licks down, they still sound just as awful to the musical ear as they do at regular speed.

[@facepalmjesus1608]

i love how Holdsworthian licks in slow speed sound like ''syntax error'' :D

[@Mexnexus]

8:14 that lick totally ripped by Michael Romeo.

[@krecik121212]

😍😍😍

[@marbinmusic]

😈

[@BuckJoFiden]

Great breakdown. Would’ve been better without the bedroom stadium solo patch tone.

[@darthmorbous]

Hw is actually thinking and playing the eight note dominant scale

[@marbinmusic]

I was wrong in this vid but you are too. Check out our series How to Holdsworth with Brett Stine to find out what’s what.

[@randyhetlage9202]

☆☆☆☆☆

[@marbinmusic]

We're maintaining a solid streak on Randy's ratings. Thanks for watching and commenting bro 👍

[@randyhetlage9202]

@@marbinmusic God bless ya.🌹❤️🌹

[@rabinserious1]

👍

[@Dylan-co2cl]

There's only one Allan Holdsworth.Everything else is imitation😉

[@obiem9319]

6:00

[@youngandrew66]

I wish he wouldnt call them 'chunks'... reminds me of vomitting which the frustration of learning these 'chunks' is making me want to do 😅

[@mckinleymorton]

Rad

[@gcviolin2]

It's not a lick It's a line!!!

[@pobinr]

Why does the word goat come into this ?

[@raoulduke8720]

That's a cool trick but it doesn't sound like music

[@johnmcminn9455]

Oh yeah...the easy one ...lol

[@guitar9310]

I quit

[@frannyp46]

Scorching stuff. Takes the paint off your guitar

[@marbinmusic]

Very few guitars can handle Holdsworth's intensity and come out unscathed

[@jimmythebold589]

ALLAN DIDN'T USE LICKS. ALLAN rarely repeats any sort of his ideas. He's on record as deigning the idea of 'licks'. he knows the notes and the tonal tension , plus the shapes, it's not a 'lick' you will never ,ever hear him playing the same sequence of notes in a solo. alas, since he always has the same sound and same ambling, non melodic,non repetitious fake 'songs' he will only gain traction with guitar nerds such as ourselves. i'm a switch hitter. i love pop music from the last 20 years and from the 70s and 80s, but allan's music, even with amazing recordings like IOU, Road Games and Metal Fatigue and 17 men,minus one, are just too abstruse to appeal to non musiciansand non guitar players.

[@heidiheidiho6412]

I'm a non musician and non guitarist and I love Allan's music.

[@DaveDurango]

I know plenty of non-musicians who listen to Holdsworth.

[@SLP-eb1wp]

Out of tune scales. Makes no sense. No.

[@heyman3752]

moron!

[@FlaxeMusic]

The term "out of tune scales" makes no sense. Explain yourself.

[@Marunius]

@@FlaxeMusic He means out of key I guess :P? Not the best term for it either.