TOSIN ABASI - Rock's New Guitar Hero: Bringing Guitar into the Modern Age

[@jessemazur]

Talking about the rareness of 7 strings back in the day: Tosin's old band, Reflux, was playing in Tallahassee but he had broken his guitar the night before. He put out a call to Tallahassee guitarists to see if anyone had a 7 string and I was the only one in town so I met up with him and got him my ESP so his tech could get it up Tosin's specs. I got to go to the show and hang out. I still play that guitar today and I have not changed the setup since!

[@twisantigo]

That is so awesome. Yeah, I wouldn't change the setup either!

[@usernamesareforidiot]

Dude, that's rad!

[@00govan00]

Goat

[@fp-ko7vg]

Wow

[@bogie1971]

That's fucking awesome!!!!!!!

[@ianabraham8031]

I tried to copy some tosin’s chord progressions. I get my cast off in 6 weeks.

[@nickparas7170]

My vote for funniest comment!

[@TheNinnyfee]

You win

[@ironmonkey1512]

You are one of the lucky ones. I am getting fitted for a prosthesis as we speak...

[@charlesgarber5766]

I hear ya man!

[@KasbashPlays]

Choked on my coffee.

[@aneyesky]

I hid my guitars while watching this , so they wouldn’t hear him play and leave me.

[@rcpmac]

aneyesky LOL. By far the funniest comment

[@smellyreally2562]

dude use heaphones

[@thisaintmuhname1579]

Yep

[@houstongalloway6380]

LMAO, I now have no more ass!

[@juanpablotupper691]

😅 same here

[@AaronMetallion]

Tosin is 38, with over 380 years experience. You can tell from his guitar he's not from this timeline, or dimension. He's learned to blend in pretty well.

[@agustinfernandez5115]

saw him live one time and it was almost surreal seeing him play, it felt like a live fake video, such a talent.

[@xyzyzx1253]

38?! He looks like 27, honestly that’s a relief lol

[@dmd7472]

Wasn’t Wes Montgomery only a few years with the instrument before doing weird and wonderful things

[@Crowliflower88]

I feel like Rick is the guitar community's cool uncle.

[@MrShreddykruger]

Cal Hollamby the coolest.

[@macdietz]

100%

[@adrianalbon7347]

Just sounds like noise to me

[@Peesashit284]

Cuz he's too single to be a daddy.

[@HansyPants184]

He's the one employee at Guitar Center you don't try to ignore when you see him coming over.

[@BillyDrinksMilk]

Rick's assistant here! After working with Rick for over a year now, this interview has really brought me around full circle. Tosin is the one that inspired me to get an 8 string and push myself harder in music all around when I was in highschool. A couple years later, I enrolled into AIMM's guitar program and then after graduating I ended up working for Rick through AIMM's recommendation. So this is honestly incredibly surreal. Super thankful and I hope everyone enjoys the interview like I have!

[@joshuachapman9005]

Billy actually slaps pretty hard on the 8 string, can confirm.

[@BillyDrinksMilk]

Joshua Chapman Aww shucks thanks mang ❤️

[@charlesgunn2696]

Congratulations on your successes; many more are to come, I'm positive. 😁 Much love!

[@HareDeLune]

Lucky guy! Thanks for all your work on this channel! : )

[@theScienceLabLive]

Hey! Well thanks for all your work! Just rewards for your efforts!

[@jordanhaliday295]

Gold Nugget Compilation: 3:23 Selective picking nonsense 4:21 Speedy 123's 5:04 Dmaj (non-campfire version) 5:51 Confusing right hand mute thing 6:13 Badass arpeggios 9:23 Thumpity Thumpity Thump 18:12 Extended range chord voicings 18:38 Confusing extended range chord voicings 19:03 Soraya 19:24 Ectogenesis 22:00 Weird printed pickup positions 22:18 Brootal rhythm playing 22:33 "Ya know like..." 23:20 Left hand wizardry 25:05 My ringtone 25:55 Jovial compression example 26:13 Classic Tosin compression example

[@sadtemberlol3963]

Jordan Haliday thank you

[@poxin]

Yo let me get that ringtone :D

[@quinetastic]

Oh. My. Gawd. This is amazing!

[@jeffd.3883]

Some heroes don't wear capes

[@jackattack8044]

thank you so much

[@OriginalRaveParty]

This guy's mind is absolutely lit up. Wonderful.

[@patrickrasmussen2666]

Oooooooooooooooooo raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

[@marklondon2008]

Swoogy I’m not sure I understand this comment but at the sane time I’m not sure I like it.

[@marklondon2008]

@@creamwobbly Ah ok. I've only watched the UK version. We all agree though that Dwight is a shithead

[@andstriker]

@@creamwobbly That statement makes no sense lol. The core of the show is comedy, it's meant to be funny. The office theme is just the background of it.

[@user-dj9iu2et3r]

@@creamwobbly whoa we have an apparent comedic genius here

[@hellyeah2299]

I just learned the pentatonic scale, so I guess I will be playing like Tosin Abasi in week or two.

[@crowing3886]

Pentatonic scale? I'd reckon you guy's are neck an neck.

[@silddx]

Major or minor?

[@ralelunar]

From the CAGED system to the TOSIN system

[@brovold72]

If you know drop D tuning I could show you the 'Iron Man' riffs. And then you're set!

[@zakur0hako]

if you practice for 8-10 hours a day you can get to his level in a couple of months

[@endofanera1983]

Tosin: (plays something insane)...”you know?” Me: “no, I don’t know” 🤔

[@eigojiyouzu]

lmao, same

[@M0rgul0N]

I could dig it when he said "D major"

[@joshgrillo6115]

Same lol

[@dmv3373]

LOL no we don't

[@leonardoross8133]

Tosin is such a humble and nice guy

[@RolanTHUNDER]

Yeah!

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

Some of The most impressive musicians I have seen are, some would agree and have seen that. I met Nick Johnson and he read inpired me to do some of my own stuff with music, which already wanted to do. I do like some theory stuff though. I have seen more people who play metal who are like that than who play rap music. 😹🤘 What beasts, both people 🤣🤘 Rick can play keys, bass, and guitar well and he likes lots of genres. Tosin has man techniques down. I hope to see Javier do one, although I won't cry if it doesn't happen. 🙃

[@edwardyoung8241]

Which to me stands out doubly considering he's top 5 guitarist in the world. At least

[@MichelJosephCardin]

Oh really; myself I tend to resent anyone that's soooo generous; that an automated system such as this; where any wasting of peoples'time proves unpressidented in comparason; to that giant time consuming of effort that hosts put out. Give me a break. From now on; I no longer remain if ad sucks or a repeat. There; how's that. Leaving also at encountering comments as that. Phony isn't nice,

[@drperkyreal4686]

skierpage I mean at least he isn’t arrogant

[@geoffstockton]

This guy is incredible. A once in a generation guitarist for sure.

[@gregoryheidt1851]

It's sad to think that some kid just read that and gave up guitar.

[@CASNY4METAL]

not lots of people cant touch him so far, Satch vai Nuno all fans of Tosin

[@f.jideament]

@@elmoblatch9787 that reminds me Buckethead, legendary Brian Carroll.

[@trevorr6794]

Chon

[@joealarcon2864]

@@gregoryheidt1851 nonsensical

[@DizzyDez613]

Rick: Why didn't people do this 40 years ago? Tosin: I wasn't born yet.

[@kharimateen1104]

facts

[@ChinoMagliba]

Good one

[@TheDirtyyoungman1]

Hammering? People were doing it..

[@iambrowntown]

@@TheDirtyyoungman1 Hammering??? I KNOW you're not talking about hammer ons??? If that's the only thing you took away from this video just put your guitar down

[@DizzyDez613]

@@thedude-jb7wx Lmfaoooo. You think Tosin can't play AC/DC?! 🤣😂🤣😂

[@CarloRegadasGuitar]

I'm 47 this year, I've played guitar for 38 of those years and thought we'd probably already had the last Hendrix, Blackmore, Holdsworth, Al Di Meola, EVH, Randy, Yngwie, Vai, Satriani, Frank Gambale, Paul Gilbert, Tom Morello etc. Just when we thought it was all done and someone comes along like Tosin, who has redefined the sonic possibilities and limitations of the instrument, to keep up with his ever expanding creativity. Rick being a musician who has seen the progression of guitar playing and innovators of their time, documented Tosin's contribution perfectly. He asked all the questions we would have wanted to ask and of course, we all love the opportunity to geek out with a fellow gear head. Superb interview and I'm always excited to see a new Rick Beato video. It's always great to see musicians who give back to the music community. Thank you for the consistently excellent content mate. Carlo

[@pleasureinjury9690]

Feels like we're going through a shift in music, and especially guitar, at the moment. Extended range guitars have broken through and are pushing music in different directions, of which Abasi is one of the leaders. The other guitarists that you mention feel like they're the old generation, heavily embedded in blues and 6 strings. 7 string guitars in the heaviest metal genres have been the gateway drug. Playing a 7 string feels like nice added bass to a 6 string. Playing an 8 string feels musically, emotionally and conceptually different. It's no longer an extended 6. The combinatorics explode, and it will shift guitar based music.

[@Egloss89]

Tosin is so humble and puts off this infectious energy to explore in this interview. I found myself smiling the whole time hearing his replies like all of a sudden this musical superhero has revealed his existence. He answered these somewhat broad questions in such brief yet complete ways too. Floored by this interview, great job to both i was genuinely bummed when it was over i could have watched an hour, easy!

[@Setri123]

Tosin is the nicest guitar hero ever, I'm pretty sure

[@Hardrockkenny]

Pretty much what I was thinking.

[@royjones3099]

Wish he'd expounded some on Steve Jordan....waaaaaat!!!

[@williamlowe7718]

Tosin never stops smiling

[@enaidealukal4105]

Yeah just isteng to Tosin talk makes me want to go practice and get really good and make weird awesome music

[@igorlemes1123]

Tosin, besides being one of the best players around, is one of the nicest guys in the business! Thanks Rick!

[@phillipdevereaux9626]

They were smiling so much I found myself grinning like an idiot at my monitor.

[@raysyu4330]

Tosin: if I’m taking this Dmaj. Then a millions of notes.

[@Ale-Desafinados]

I was thinking the same thing haha, mind blowing.

[@abuventertainment2856]

I'm pretty sure it's just a Dmaj9 arpeggio of some sort but my ears only passed over it once

[@dylangeraci4582]

I have never heard Dmaj sound like that. Incredible

[@nagomizik9358]

My first thought!! LOL..Are n't we all thieves!!

[@jacobpittman1996]

D major what !? D MAJOR WHAAAAAAAAAAT................

[@xRamZx]

Tosin just oozes creativity, just like everyone else in AAL.

[@tobidavis8613]

I love how Tosin has a little chuckle after he displays a technique, almost like he is wondering how he got so good.

[@PapaDudeness]

That's like the perfect interview right there; the musician (Tosin is certainly a very interesting individual), the interviewer (Rick, who is also a musician and a man who has taken the KZbin thing to the next level in so many different ways), the themes discussed, the whole setting visually and sonically, everything. I mean, one of those videos you can't praise enough!

[@MusikTeleVision5]

Also, it's an apple ad..

[@joebrowse5338]

Phh... This guy's working on major scales what a noob. Two minutes later: I'm gonna burn all my guitars

[@devindevine6887]

Shouldn’t ever stop working on your major scales

[@steelo_g]

The moment I see Tosin play, it fuels a fire in me that wants to be better. So I pickup my guitars. Then I try. Then I hate myself

[@dantedt3931]

Sounds like you got a Minor problem

[@RiotOnlyMakesOpCHars]

@@dantedt3931 haha good sense of humour ! :D

[@arch92]

Gdi lol good one

[@patrickrasmussen2666]

If I ever meet Tosin, I'll insist on shaking left handed, just so I can feel dozens if not hundreds of my bones and ligaments disintegrate.

[@mastertonberry9224]

I've shaken hands with him twice in my life, about five years apart, and immediately got better at guitar afterwards from the contact high

[@mysteryloaf]

@@mastertonberry9224 Genuinely witty and wholesome, good form

[@FGirao]

Wdym

[@contentioushackery]

Sorry, this is 2020, we don't shake hands any more.

[@kinniecas9004]

Thomas Grey yea ill become ash

[@Skitz1o1]

What Makes This Song Great: Animals As Leaders?

[@avoqado89]

Tosin flashed so many spinets of songs that Rick could replay.

[@johnathanwilson1363]

The woven web or another year😔

[@DallasStewartMusic]

The brain dance

[@mrnogo9651]

"I'm gonna be honest, I have no idea what makes this song great. I have no idea what any of them are doing to their instruments but I like it."

[@LayMyBurdenDown]

Thank you.

[@ashamael]

The joy on that man's face when he's talking about the guitar & music in general ... it's like a kid at Christmas ... he truly loves it. Not like kind of loves it. He *truly* loves it. It's nice to see the obscene amount of talent & skill from someone who just fucking gushes about music when talking about it.

[@kevinkiley6503]

What’s really awesome about Tosin is that even though he’s a great player- he’s continuing to learn about guitar, production and music. I love this- keep learning and improving and having fun.

[@mgscano]

this guy has evolved the guitar playing to a point it's not even the same instrument anymore, as much as a les paul through a marshall is not the same instrument as a spanish classical. i'm too old of a bloke to be here in 50 years, but hell i'd be curious to witness what new paths are going to open up

[@allach_mclanlin]

Oh dude, no worries! It's gunna be all keytars and banjos lol

[@brendangibson8200]

@@JB-ju4ev if you don't know what you're talking about, it's usually a good idea to not talk

[@bluenotesharp]

Give JB a break. If he doesn’t think Tosin feels this stuff than he just needs to open up his heart and soul to the different playing style. Anyone who loves music as much as this cat feels every note and phrase. He’s invented an entire new flavor to playing and technique as well. Bravo maestro Tosin

[@etiennelatour3435]

Yeah, it's really become more of a multi-capable string instrument than just a guitar.

[@Tbone6string1]

So just imagine what Tosin's followers will be putting out in 10 years.

[@leestevens1539]

The funny thing I noticed is we’ve seen a lot of people tryna play like Tim Henson, a lot more advanced shredders because of Jason Richardson, but I’ve barely came across anyone who can pull off the same stuff as tosin

[@felipe8511]

Something in between scale the summit and save us from the archon

[@AxelJVH97]

There is also a really nice band called 'The Omnific': one might say they're Animals as Leaders but with two bass guitars instead of 8 string guitars.

[@alexanderh2715]

Well I guess people said that about Rodney Mullen, too. He invented modern skateboard tricks like no one else and actually people still struggle to get to his level nowadays and no one reached him.

[@Tbone6string1]

@BlackSH0veldeath I have so far checked out Chon. Interesting rhythm breaks. This is an exploration for me, an old school Gary Moore style blues player. Lots of rabbit holes to duck into these days.

[@lamech006]

Totally agree with everyone's reactions. But for me, I'm amazed by his smile. He can't contain the joy he derives from music. That is as inspiring as pushing so many boundaries on the instrument. LOVE YA TOSIN

[@jakel7213]

He's also high as tits on this video lol. That's contributing to his cheesing as well 😋

[@roblosh8417]

Jake L Just because you were high while watching this doesn’t mean he is. Jk idk maybe lol

[@lamech006]

@@jakel7213 If he can still play like this... Yeah na, gonna disagree with ya ;P

[@Ariaa76]

Cuz you're a music nerd too! You feel his passion while he explains 😁

[@jakel7213]

@chronic 321 Not doubtful. He posted a video right before filming this saying how high he was

[@joaogabriel.mesquita]

As a classically trained clarinetist who likes jazz, got into Animals recently and never enven played on a electrical guitar, I'm impressed by how interested I am listening to a 30min long video about amps, guitar techniques and construction. Those techinical elements are so seamlessly integrated into Tosin's incerdible music that listening to him talk about them feels like exploring and learning about a musical universe you like, even having almost no background and no real interest in actually playing the guitar. That's one of the greatest examples of virtuosistic techique serving the musical expression and not being just showmanship that I've come across recently.

[@mrnelsonius5631]

As a bass player first, and guitar player second, Tosin’s playing instantly made sense to me even though it’s so novel (and immaculately executed). Modern guitar playing really evolved around the use of a plectrum and modern bass-playing has had this weird focus on NOT using a plectrum haha. So the high level techniques branched in interesting ways. Like Wooten’s thumb; it’s basically picking with your thumb, but it has a different timbre and encourages its own techniques with the remaining right hand fingers. Tosin is melding these two distinct approaches to string instruments and finding his own distinct voice in the alchemy. It’s amazing to watch. Music never stops evolving, always gonna be visionaries like Tosin pushing things in new directions

[@quinetastic]

Excellent comment. Bravo!

[@zachhartwell]

Tosin is the most technically-proficient-yet-humble guitarist I've ever seen. He's like a theoretical physicist of music.

[@laszlokorodi7355]

@@rykehuss3435 Haha, would be amazing having them both in on interview :D

[@zachhartwell]

@@rykehuss3435 aw man forgot about Guthrie. Tosin and Guthrie are the same person, Tosin is the extrovert side and Guthrie is the introvert side.

[@patrefkorwa9371]

@@rykehuss3435 in djenty environments? Or?

[@mikey_dk]

I hope Tosin's musical creativity will be studied in 400 years like we do Bach and Mozart

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

Don't get me wrong, he's impossibly good, but the end result is less listenable than classical music

[@DwarvenHydra]

Hubblebub Lumbubwub I beg to disagree. From what little of his music I’ve listened to, it seems to be very well played and musical. It’s not like a lot of other metal where you’re just being bombarded with noise and sweet dissonance in a show of violent emotion, though that’s great in its own way. Abasi’s music has an almost jazz like quality to it, and even the dissonance and the djent seem to serve a different aesthetic from most metal. It’s just as listenable as classical music, but it’s for a different kind of atmosphere, in the same way that jazz is. Just because you personally don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean it isn’t listenable, it’s just not to your tastes, and that’s okay. Classical isn’t to some people’s taste either, that doesn’t mean it’s not good music, or that people who don’t like it have trash taste. It just means some people have different aesthetic preferences.

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

@@DwarvenHydra I'm not saying it's unlistenable. I enjoy some waaaaay more unlistenable things. The problem with prog music like this is that it can always be incrementally improved. On the other hand, an album like Kind of Blue will stand the test of time because its beauty and innovation can't be surpassed by something similar.

[@DwarvenHydra]

Hubblebub Lumbubwub Fair enough. Sorry for interpreting your comment to an extreme that you didn’t intend.

[@allach_mclanlin]

@@hubblebublumbubwub5215 Mozart's 'too many notes' criticism during his time not ringing any bells here for ya? Baroque is pretty unlistenable to a lot of people, as genius as Bach was! Just sayin

[@jonathanlongo6131]

I'm not a big fan of this genre, but this guy is so cool, humble and down to earth that I will start to get into his works right now!

[@LOWRYmynwa2010]

“I listen to a lot of non-guitar music.” That’s actually a big deal and will really help in many ways. Especially if you’re in a slump.

[@trexx97]

Standing on the shoulders of giants. Right now theres a kid out there who will take the instrument further because of what Tosin Abasi is doing now.

[@Siraj-123-q5p]

Who?

[@JacksonRiddle90]

⁠@@Siraj-123-q5pthey’re saying that tosin will inspire someone so amazing that he will outshine tosins ability, not necessarily that there already is

[@dejablueguitar]

Rick... I’ve seen HUNDREDS of your videos... but THIS ONE HERE is by GOD one of the BEST!! Covered so damn many ranges of “EVERYTHING MUSIC & GUITAR!” Hats off brother!! I’m buying your MERCH and gonna support!! Truly INSPIRATIONAL!! ThankQ

[@DavePilotCH47]

I’ve never heard of him before but I’m blown away! Instant fan. What an amazing guy

[@sierradelta07]

Ditto. Went straight to the Animals as Leaders back catalogue. They are outrageously talented.

[@watfordkev]

Hands up, I had never heard of Tosin prior to seeing this video as suggested viewing, but having discovered so much stuff via Mr. Beato in the past year or so since discovering him, I presumed Tosin would be worth investing time into. And my goodness what a wonderful musician. Fearsome technique, but combined with such terrific accuracy. Despite the dizzying tempo and breathtaking complexity he is still evidently playing within himself and completely in control. This is (to me) genuinely groundbreaking playing. And such a great interviewee. I am - of course - going to check this man out further!!

[@watfordkev]

@John Frum John, the answer to your first question is No. But thanks for the recommendations!

[@raulperez2308]

check out behaving badly and another year for some nice balance, all those songs are sick but pretty out there

[@Unibabble]

Kevin, your mind will be blown. In fact, Animals as Leaders can be almost overwhelming, no joke. And his band mates are also incredible musicians. Its hard to imagine a better drummer than Matt Garska, he may be to drummers what Tosin is to guitarists. And Javier Reyes is no guitar slouch either - he’s another 8 string killer. Seriously mind altering music.

[@plynwithfire]

Check out: On Impulse New Eden Air Chrysalis Inner Assassins... These are perfect for beginners/easy listening

[@thedriverman1217]

@@plynwithfire how can you not recommend tempting time, and Ka$scade

[@Jaageful]

After 40 years of playing guitar i finally got me a 7-string guitar and there is still at least 6-strings too much to master. This Abasi dude is just a monster with his 8-string. Total respect to him and for Rick also for his interviews.

[@matthewt.5313]

Tosin's attitude, energy and enthusiasm are just as amazing as his playing.

[@Jt7166]

Tosin is a brilliant dude

[@PepinoMichoacan]

Yet so humble and nice !

[@zacharycohen89]

JT I remember growing up a young guitar player and sooo many of the shreddier/more virtuosic guys were kinda snobby and rude and belittling. I obviously don’t know tosin personally, but every video of him (and the one time I went to a live clinic of his) has shown him to be nothing like those assholes. Such a warm, kind guy who happens to just absolutely kick ass on guitar and makes awesome music.

[@johnfrenette]

And he used “myriad” casually in a sentence. That wins my vote.

[@demoriaeprice6764]

Tosin doesn’t even work out, that’s all prog gains right there.

[@BetterCallThall]

Focus makes you hard, friend!

[@Kaddywompous]

Progressive overload!

[@8man943]

that explains petrucci's sexy biceps

[@livingtoaster1358]

He actually does work out he sometimes posts on insta lol

[@8man943]

@IOTM2011 you mean thicc jesus?

[@RC32Smiths01]

Tosin is such an inspiration to me and pretty much everyone of this decade. Don't think I've seen anyone with the technical skills or capabilities he has. And of course always a great and informative interview

[@seancompton8889]

Only thing i can add is every interview I've seen him in seems like he has a nice personality

[@_Stroda]

Seems like a nice guy, and undoubtedly a good and innovative player, but inspiration to 'everyone of this decade'?

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@_Stroda Perhaps an exaggeration a little on my part, but man has he influenced so many, and many more to come I believe

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@seancompton8889 Definitely!

[@jollyvoqar195]

@@_Stroda I"m not inspired to play like him since I don't think it's possible for me, but he does inspire me to learn more, practice more, and do more. On top of that he accidentally gave one of the better demos I've seen for those pickups - kinda wishing I'd got them on my most recent guitar now....alas...an excuse to get yet another guitar...the missus will be thrilled (she doesn't need to know that pickups can be replaced).

[@stevenclemens3684]

When we are old Tosin will have mastered the art of minimal physical effort, max output of notes. Like in 30 years he will be like "okay so I figured how to play a whole song from a single pluck."

[@mikepaulus4766]

Like Leonardo DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa with one stroke.

[@TheInternetIsDeadToMe]

Tosin is the definition of next level. He is a truly inspiring musician.

[@geoffprice9583]

Abasi is on a whole different level. Totally insane. He makes all the other legends look like they are playing checkers, while he's playing 5D chess. Unreal.

[@lukeluquer4611]

go bro

[@ChiIeboy]

As music, it's nearly unlistenable.

[@Baribrotzer]

@@ChiIeboy I disagree. It's not easy to listen to, but it helps if you have practice listening to 20th Century classical music and jazz. You get used to tonalities straight out of the Slonimsky book, and rhythms straight out of the Balkans. Try Bartok, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, William Schuman, Thomas Ades; jazzers like Tim Berne or Mary Halvorson - but if you hear nothing musical in them, it's probably the wrong tree for you to be barking up.

[@k9er233]

@@Baribrotzer Woof! Having diverse musical tastes opens up new worlds to discover as we go through life.

[@Gr33nPhoenix]

@@Baribrotzer I think for the average person it is borderline unlistenable. That isn't a knock on his talent, he's incredible.

[@frmrchristian303]

I was just about to comment that Tosin is one of the most articulate speaking musicians that I've ever heard! Then, they began discussing how he was a highschool dropout, which really proceeded to blow my mind!

[@inspectorbudget]

Exactly why one should never measure intelligence by a high school diploma. The education system is largely detrimental to innovation & personal expression. It is mostly good for making us assimilate into the existing system established as the norm in this country. Plenty of geniuses who dropped out from sheer boredom.

[@Trollificusv2]

Two kinds of people can't hack high school: Those who really do have problems with intelligence and/or self-discipline and those who are getting nothing from it because they can self-teach to a higher level than they're getting in the public system. The numbers are closer than many would think. The diploma just shows you could obey the rules, or fake obeying the rules, for four years.

[@7hoopdawg]

Tosin sounds amazing! And the way he describes the gear and his technique actually makes sense. Some musicians don't have the vocabulary to verbally express what they are doing musically. His enthusiasm is palpable. I am now his biggest fan.

[@aaroncasteel2281]

Love listening to guys like Tosin. He strikes me as a very modern and intellectual composer, but he has that solid, academic/technical background combined with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what we think of as possible with the instrument. I found out about this man way too late in life.

[@dragonmyke]

Too, late?

[@vsalbuq]

It's amazing how this guy can be so fast and so precise at the same time. His sound is clear, you hear every note played alone. I can't even imagine how much time this guy have practiced to get to that point.

[@scottw7051]

Sometimes watching Tosin play, I ask myself, "does he even know how to play a power chord?!" What an amazing player! At a level of playing I can't even comprehend.

[@johnfrenette]

Scott W imagine him rocking “Wild Thing” in a shitty garage band for a backyard party. LOL

[@an_38kitkashyap]

Is it just me or Tosin is always a very happy guy?

[@zachhartwell]

When you get to scoot around in an Audi R10, you're always happy!

[@seanbessette6517]

Dude has achieved his goals and found his zen. I don’t blame him for being cheerful!

[@charlesgunn2696]

Sick car, one of a kind (and no doubt shaping the future for all guitarists) guitar virtuoso, business owner (crafts his own guitars), AIMM grad... the real question is why wouldn't he be happy?

[@18JR78]

He’s living his dream, that’ll do it haha.

[@static_motion]

@@zachhartwell R8, but yeah, I'd be a pretty happy guy if I could drive one of those beasts all the time.

[@Loathello]

One of the hardest things in my life has been to stop comparing myself to others who have more raw talent and dedication to growth and innovation than I have. I first saw Holdsworth in 1984. I had been playing for 6 years, and I thought I was pretty good. I had a natural ear, fast fingers, and picked up things quickly. A friend used to call me "the human jukebox". But watching Allan play, I was actually weeping in frustration, knowing that I could never get there. The scourge of envy... not a proud moment. Anyway, I got over it, and now it's a blessing to be able to see another humble and incredibly talented musician once again redefining the sonic possibilities of the guitar. I'm glad Tosin is alive. :)

[@primosolo7559]

Still to this day i haven't seen anyone came close to tosin's playing. He's an absolute legend

[@craigcotter7476]

yes, he is the best guitarist ever. This is what music should be I joke. :)

[@CMM5300]

I can't say I'm a fan of tosins music. But, man the level of musicianship, skill and technic. A true artist of the craft. Not everyone is good enough to contribute to the evolution of guitar and this guy does in countless ways. Mad respect!

[@IamAlterEggo]

I bet Tosin can draw a square with his left hand an a circle with his right at the same time.

[@gabrielteixeira7564]

And both would be tremendously perfect

[@patrickrasmussen2666]

WHILST patting his head and rubbing his tummy... don't think too deeply on that one.

[@richardjohnson7379]

Patrick Rasmussen and tying his shoe laces....backwards

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

@@patrickrasmussen2666 😂 Might as well add simultaneously chewing some gum and reciting the alphabet backwards to the list 😂🤪🎵🎶

[@PJErvin]

I haven't even watched the video yet and I know exactly what you mean. Smart analogy.

[@banjobones4190]

What a wickedly talented and cool guy! Thanks for turning me on to this Rick!

[@panterallicadeth]

Tosin just put an endless smile on my face with that good vibe ! haha

[@Blackcreekstudios]

I could listen to Tosin all day. He is such a wealth of knowledge. Had the opportunity to learn from him at the Petrucci camp and I can say he is equally adept at teaching.

[@jonp3890]

This guy clearly demonstrates one of the things I love most about music: Sure, it’s the thought, but it’s also the physical work behind the thought to bring it to fruition, which is where a lot of the discipline comes in. It can be so easy to get sidetracked in that department, even when you have great ideas.

[@DannyEye2704]

Proud to say that Animals as Leaders has been one of my favorite bands since I first heard them in 2010!

[@mhitc.4975]

tosin created his own unique place in modern Guitarists Era

[@FGirao]

Hes already a legend

[@fluffymoist7780]

It’s guitarists like this that make me really want to keep playing and improving. Such a humble, yet skilled guitarist. One in a million!

[@00govan00]

"Phrases that aren't encouraged." What a brilliant distillation of a concept by way of language. Vernon Reid shared in an interview years ago, that he will deliberately move his body inconsistently with the rhythm, so as to arrive at different note placement. Tosin rockin' the Vernon Reid circa 1988 hairdo, paying homage to the Goat. Absolutely love it.

[@travismord4175]

Funny how he mentions Vic Wooten influencing his guitar playing, because as a bass player, I take influence from Tosin and other non Bass players

[@armbarfan]

I didn't know of Tosin but he made Rick say "wow" so I'm instantly impressed!

[@marcelwernze2760]

If you want to check out his band animals as leaders i would suggest 'another year' , 'arithmophobia' , 'brain dance' and 'cafo' for a first listen Peace

[@armbarfan]

@@marcelwernze2760 Thanks I'll do that.

[@heyuhmark2025]

Tosin Abasi is one of the most talented and creative guitarists I’ve ever seen. He is one of the best guitarists the world has ever seen

[@wuldntuliktonoptb6861]

Honestly we've had legends b4 like Hendrix but this guys pure skill and understanding of music theory and absolute precision and speed, this guys probably the most talented guitar player ever. Really can you imagine having to follow up a solo from him.

[@eduardozamora1947]

hearing Tosin for the first time was a "wow" moment for me, like the first time I heard Satriani or Vai. "Guitars can sound like that?.... how?"

[@themightymcb7310]

Tosin is the real deal. Saw him live last year and couldn't pick my jaw up off the floor during his entire set. Absolute genius.

[@catman6089]

Tosin is the Paganini of Guitar, inventing new techniques and sounds

[@JR-dd4ec]

Not only is Tobin an amazing guitarist, be he's so nice and humble. He has many endearing qualities which makes me love his music more

[@goosegagaadam]

I love how these two are speaking a language that they both clearly understand and yet both make it easy for me to understand. Good educators do that. 👍

[@TouFik]

Rick and Tosin: two real Djentlemen.

[@roguecheddar]

Noice!

[@distantgalaxymusic1447]

Hats off! 😂

[@markuselipka]

djent? not every 8-string elektrik guitar player is necessarily at home in djent. at least rick himself, haha! but funny com nevertheless, bro.

[@judinovak3569]

I love the joy in your face, Rick, when you are talking to musicians that you respect❤️

[@LifeHawkeye]

I absolutely love Tosin as both a player and as a human being. The guy not only can play lights out and pioneering guitar, but he is extremely well spoken and intelligent to where he can really verbalize things in a deeper way that makes real sense musically. This man has changed the guitar game and will continue to do so for years to come. Extremely important musician.

[@cameronroot]

Tosin has such a positive spirit! His talent level on the guitar is the ever growing ceiling.

[@serjicalforce]

Like Rick said after hearing that insane palm muted selective picking "wow".

[@stefanandrews5098]

How do you surprise someone of Rick’s clout in the industry? You have to show him something he has truly never seen before.

[@nightnoodler812]

I was like you Rick, watch his right barely move and then, wtf, where did those notes come from?? Awsome player and attitude.., smart cookie. Defintly suscribing to his channel. I wonder how many players are now trying this technique..split screen his righ and left and zoom in, then super slow mo HD, then maybe, maybe figure out what the heck he's doing. The great players always make it look so easy..when it is in fact not so easy...Thanks for another gem Rick..,

[@mdeerocks6792]

He's got instructional video and tons of youtube videos where he explains it. It's pretty involved.

[@christianmalinao]

It's easy. It's a Nuno influenced style.

[@mmklassen]

I am most definitely not a musician. But, I find all of this so fascinating and satisfying. Tosin is so well spoken too, I really enjoy listening to what he has to say as much as what he has to play.

[@st.peterunner8758]

So glad there’s a community online that appreciates modern guitar and progressive music. Everyone I work with can’t understand it and is stuck listening to old Metallica.

[@kevinostberg1729]

That cat has both sides of his brain very nicely integrated.

[@Reverend_Mojo]

Dude has at least THREE brain hemispheres to play that

[@Ambience20]

this is muscle memory achieved through hard practise, not brain power

[@jaems]

Tosin's passion and joy for music really comes through how he expresses information through his voice, it's quit mesmerizing.

[@plazt5018]

This guy is close to opening a portal to another dimension of playing. i dig it! Play on young one play on....

[@Trollificusv2]

If he ever just disappears, we'll know what happened.

[@blingpup21]

Nobody else makes the soundscapes that Tosin makes on his guitar…true genius.

[@SWAENC]

You know why you’re a great interviewer Rick? It’s because with every guest , no matter what style , instrument , and genre, you just listen with this enthusiasm , and child like wonder. The smile on your face when you watch these guys is like the face we all make when we discover something so cool in music.

[@TheTerryd5150]

Tobin's clearly a very intelligent individual. I enjoyed hearing his perspective.

[@psylopanda2841]

I see you as a friend and a cool uncle... Thanks Rick!... Hi from Argentina.

[@Newbyrock23]

Tosin blows my mind. I love seeing more innovation in the guitar world.

[@shREDhead44]

I Love Tosin! his speech directly reflects his playing, very intelligent and articulate. He's a great trailblazer for this generation of musicians.

[@PedroDias-hj2jy]

What a humble guy and not just a virtuoso but a innovator, definetly the new guitar hero..!!!

[@ShinyRacer22]

Hey everybody I'm Rigby Otto Well that's what the captions say

[@JungleScene]

thats too funny. Im gonna call him rigby otto from now on.

[@jacobarmstrong5308]

Buy the Otto book today!

[@cje9553]

I’m not a guitarist but absolutely appreciate Mr Abasi’s ridiculous skill & creativity.

[@jppagetoo]

I have seen Tosin play a couple times. Amazing player. I'd say "talented" but that would sell short how hard he works at his craft. Yes, he is talented but he has made himself the player he is today. Props to Tosin for taking his playing to new places. His compositions are so listenable not just guitar gynmastics to impress other guitar players.

[@johnfrenette]

I’ve seen Animals As Leaders once. Really amazing, didn’t fully follow, but enjoyed it. “An Infinite Regression” is one of the tracks that really gets me.

[@gitsurfer27]

Talent is 25% natural ability and 75% work. Its the work of anyone's craft that makes them who they are, no one is born with a high level of ability at anything. If you've heard their name, then their success has been hard earned.

[@chewycenter7690]

Yeah, I was planning on hating his stuff like I hate most any shred, but I can't... I just... can't...hate it!!

[@quantumxfluxmd6821]

There's alot of shitty things in this world but man just being able to have internet connection and watch this for free is one of the good things

[@vminator]

Tosín is picking up where EVH left off. A true pioneer of the guitar that show you a whole other level exists. So thankful for guys like him.

[@orensomething]

How can anyone watch Tosin and still feel good about his guitar playing

[@asmrdadbod2483]

He actually inspires me to try new things

[@claudevieaul1465]

As much as it isn't my cup of tea stylistically, I'm absolutely amazed by Tosin's ability to coax phrases and chords from his guitar... And he seems a really cool dude too! More power to him 💪😎 Happy to see and hear a new generation of master guitarists!!!

[@pennstateyo]

I've described Tosin's playing as "Astronaut metal". Love that category

[@spylingual8573]

Watching Rick's enjoyment is worth it alone. Tosin is a god.

[@jbass_1993]

I was fortunate enough to see Bela Fleck & The Flecktones when I was in my early teens. I met victor, I wish I had a photograph to prove it but he was so friendly. I was also enough to see AAL at a small venue in Brooklyn called St. Vitus and Tosin was just inches away from me. I feel very blessed to have been able to witness such legends !