"lets look at the minor pentatonic scale " - then completely destroys any notion or understanding anyone has of how simple it is by making it sound like the most ridiculously difficult thing you have ever heard - the greatest ever
I’m an old professional guitarist and discovered John back in the late 60’s along with Larry Coryell. I immediately started buying anything he produced, both as a solo artist or with ensembles and began transcribing as much as I could. Every time I thought I was getting closer he jumped about fifty steps ahead. I was playing in cover bands back then backing up prima donna singers in bars and would drive the other band members crazy by bringing in McLaughlin’s tunes to play as break songs. Eventually I made the transition to the orchestra pits for Broadway musicals where I couldn’t get away with this habit anymore. Some time in the 80’s I got to briefly meet him before one of his gigs and told him about how he influenced my playing and my musical life. He was extremely modest and somewhat self-deprecating when I told him about my crazy quest to transcribe all his work.
When the master speaks we better listen ... I met John several times and I have to say he's first of all such a nice and gentle man. I remember I started admiring him 55 years ago, 51 years ago we met.
what amazes me is how well and how thoroughly he has organized the materials! He has clearly given a lot of time and consideration to an efficient method of communicating his approach!
This'll be taken off RU-vid due to copyright possibly? Be interesting to see how long it lasts. Very interesting stuff anyway from a guitarist & composer I've admired for the last 50 years since a first heard birds of fire. My other hero is genius allan holdsworth.
could someone please please tell me what notes the bass is playing (not anywhere in video in particular but as a rule, what is the underlying principle in backing up a solo?) - and please don't laugh I'm just a beginner and amateur
the most basic thing is playing the root (lowest note) of the chord being currently played or you can play the fifth (from the root) or the major/minor third (always from the root)