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Steve Vai Lesson: The Crossroads "Intimidation Lick"

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THE MAGNET CAMERA MOUNT IS NOW ON KICKSTARTER! Film your own playing just like we do in our lessons! www.kickstarte...
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Article and analysis - with full tablature! - here: troygrady.com/2...
Thanks for watching!
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Transcribing a Steve Vai gem from the movie Crossroads. You know the one: Jack Butler flicks off his jacket and launches a slashing, high-speed display of alternate picking intimidation. The run ends in a devastating right-hand harmonic shake as Steve -- er, Jack -- nods to the band. It's on.
Steve launches this ferocious and precise attack with his glare locked not on his fretboard or his picking hand, but on his adversary. As a teenager, I was terrified. I was also surprised that such a domineering display seemed to sneak past the script, in a way almost stealing the thunder of the ensuing slugfest. The "intimidation breakdown", as I'd taken to calling it, was almost too good. Let's take a look at how it's played.
Includes analysis of the Elephant Gun lick, from Steve's classic album with David Lee Roth, Eat 'Em and Smile, as well as a look at Jack Butler's climactic solo -- the "Evil Solo" -- in the final Crossroads duel.
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For the intrepid few who read this far down in the RU-vid description, here's the rig setup:
Les Paul Classic with stock Gibson 500T bridge pickup into Cornford Hellcat, gain pegged, tone settings 6-5-4. Homemade pine cabinet with H30s miked with a '57 straight on but 1.5" left of center cone. Touch of 'verb. That's it!

Опубликовано:

27 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 1,4 тыс.

@troygrady 6 лет назад

Want to transform your technique? Join our incredible community of guitar learning at Cracking the Code! troygrady.com/join/

@commentfreely5443 5 лет назад

we know this finger exists?

@christiangasior4244 4 года назад

I was speechless as well and you really helped say a lot of what I feel.

@stevenaustin4591 4 года назад

hey Troy, Im really enjoying these vids, have you got any on building speed and maybe some warm ups so's I dont have my hand cramping up from jumping in the deep end at speeds of 160bpm+?

@IvanReeves-ep5jm 4 года назад

Troy ......Nice! Do you know the name RY COODER?

@michellegrounds3919 3 года назад

Pretty stupid amazing how you explain let alone figured this out. Trust me not my first account or time to comment on this video actually my girlfriend's account. Simple amazing video and editing. Never gets old in my opinion. Excellent job.👏

@BenEller 9 лет назад

These are without a doubt the absolute best guitar lesson videos of all time. I really can't thank you enough.

@Lejundairy 9 лет назад

Ben Eller Fancy seeing you here, uncle Ben.

@SelmiAzhar 7 лет назад

wew!

@Nishant-ESP256 7 лет назад

Ben Eller hello uncle!!!

@orangenoise8350 7 лет назад

I've seen all these like 7 times I hope he does something about buckethead one day

@rerdo9741 6 лет назад

Ben Eller hi Uncle Ben

@jongomm 10 лет назад

Dude you are the biggest analysis geek I have ever known, you make me feel *normal*. Almost. Way to go! Maximum respect. :)

@troygrady 10 лет назад

***** Wonder nerd powers unite! Indeed, we're trying to bring a little something more analytical to the conversation in everything we do at Cracking the Code. Thanks for watching!

@AugmentedAndy 10 лет назад

***** This has got to be the best guitar music analysis I've seen on RU-vid. Major respect to you sir and what you do, I aspire to be at your level of proficiency, please continue the Cracking the Code series as a regular thing!

@UCxfXV35YLGBVxpMg0U9 10 лет назад

love your music

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Thanks man!

@troygrady 9 лет назад

Andrew Munro Thanks! We're indeed continuing the show, and you should episode three not too far off from now.

@ddrlankyj 9 лет назад

the amount of effort that went into this video was pretty crazy. the production quality, sound quality, and your knowledge is pretty impressive man. I'm shocked you don't have more subs.

@troygrady 9 лет назад

ddrlankyj thanks!

@christiangasior4244 4 года назад

The amount of effort that goes into everything this man does is astounding. I hope you’re doing well, Troy.

@wj74 8 лет назад

I got about 5 minutes into this video and decided to jump to the comments to tell you, that's good video production, voice over, and guitar instruction. I also appreciate that your teaching style is more of a wide overview than the same tedious, walk at a slow pace instructors on RU-vid. Just tell me what position he's in and I'll get it from there and that's what you did. Good stuff!

@troygrady 8 лет назад

+wj74 Thanks! We try to bring a little Discovery Channel to the proceedings when we can.

@JimSlimjimCassi 8 лет назад

I also agree, a lot of teachers will show you what you need to know, but at a much slower pace, that is fine if i'm just starting out, but i'm a bit more advanced, as you say, just show me where to start, or the 1st run, and once i have the pattern being used, it's just time until i work it up to speed.

@aliensporebomb 10 лет назад

It's like CSI: Vai - like an forensic investigation on how guitar players do their thing.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

aliensporebomb Ha!

@Tonygiles90 6 лет назад

yep!! 😀

@funhousecreativestudios 3 года назад

Here six years later to say 'CS Vai'

@JazzRadioFfm 10 лет назад

i've never seen someone on youtube who is so perfectly (re-)playing what he has heard. i mean there are crazy players out there, but they probably have their style and can sorta play what they do best. yet, i would even think that if you put steve vai on that chair and told him to play that solo again, he wouldn't nail it as good as you did. you really are an instrumentalist in the most classic sense: you can play whatever you want in whatever style is needed. it doesn't mean much, but you have my highest respects.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

JazzRadioFfm Oh I'm sure Steve would hit it out of the park -- he's Steve Vai! Even better, he'd play something new that also sounds Steve-esque.

@berserkerfunestus 10 лет назад

You gotta check out Cesar Huesca then...

@naegleriafowleri2230 4 года назад

Sixto Flores lol no

@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694 9 лет назад

Steve Vai is the only guitarplayer who ever beat himself in a guitarduel... ;P

@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694 9 лет назад

+sjokkrosa Alt av sllide var spillt av han, men Steve Vai spillt resten, check your sources ;)

@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694 9 лет назад

Værs go Herr/Fru Sjokkrosa! :) For å klarifisere ytterligere, Steve Vai spilte seg selv og arr. av Paganini 5th Caprice mens!

@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694 9 лет назад

Ok Hr.Kvehaugen, ha en flott dag :)

@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694 9 лет назад

Bedre sent en aldri! Er du gitarist selv?

@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694 9 лет назад

Takk :) Ja, jeg har noen favoritter, Shawn Lane, Guthrie Govan, Brian May, Paul GIlbert, Tommy Emmanuel, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Joe Pass osv. jeg har sikkert glemt noen jeg også, det kan jeg garantere. Det er da enda bra at du beholdt EN gitar i alle fall, det er egentlig som å sykle, bare å sette i gang, det vil si, jeg tror ikke Hr.Govan kan å sykle (If you catch my drift) uansett så spiller det vel ikke så stor rolle hvor god du er så lenge du koser deg?! :)

@seanoleary4717 10 лет назад

The idea that you could break down a player like Steve Vai as 1. figure-out-able 2. analyzable... wow. Massive respect.

@nightwingofkandor2990 5 лет назад

Steve Vai in crossroads is what made me want to learn to play guitar. I've been playing for a while now but this super fast alternate picking has always seemed just too far out of reach.But I've been using your videos to learn the cross roads duel. Though I'm still working on it I can finally a day in the not to far future when I'll be able to play it and have it sound amazing. Your while cracking the code series has been transformative for me. Thank you.

@JasonMcFly 10 лет назад

There's a billion great instructors on RU-vid, and I've seen most of them. But you might be the absolute best. Both analysis and presentation is world class. Thank you so much for this.

@frostedhead 3 года назад

These are by far the best lessons on the interweb.

@J0HNJ0RDAN 9 лет назад

Your narration, for some reason, keeps making me feel like I'm watching The Wonder Years.. that aside I absolutely love the way you've put this all together and your playing. Very well done and enjoyable.

@sealsonsaturn 9 лет назад

all that speed is awesome but i love the harmonics at the end of his runs badass so

@troygrady 9 лет назад

jumping jesus Agree!

@dono6971 8 лет назад

This reminds me of ESPN's Sports Science. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@basilwalls1320 8 лет назад

You're one of my heroes Mr. Grady. I love learning the facts behind the licks instead of the licks alone. Keep on making the theoretical music world smaller for us nubs. :D

@HOWYOUDOIN884 7 лет назад

so TWO people in the world can play it!

@ngdguitar5081 10 лет назад

Holy shit dude - you're a GREAT player, and this is extremely well presented and executed! Fantastic. : )

@dougsteeleguitar 10 лет назад

Fuckin' killer.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Thanks man!

@khanhbui739 10 лет назад

I agree. SO GLAD that I found this channel. High quality contents, man. Instant subscribe.

@metalmikebot 10 лет назад

***** Agreed with SkyNett, I've never seen such a thorough and well-presented (and well-executed) instructional vid. And I own a ton!

@MrJetplanemusic 9 лет назад

LOL! Looking for the whammy there at 3:56.

@EldiasMahdiSastra 9 лет назад

Jay McAllister I can't stop laughing

@MADW00DY 9 лет назад

Jay McAllister I seen that look and just laughed cuz ive got one guitar that has no floyd and the other two do and sometimes i forget which one im using and i go for a dive bomb and its just terrible. hahaha

@DarrenMatthes 9 лет назад

Analysis of this quality will definitely propel the art of guitar forward for generations to come.

@roberta6360 9 лет назад

The most scientific and detailed approach to guitar technique that I've ever seen! Great job.

@MrAncientchild 10 лет назад

Well, I hope you're happy. You've made a blues/rock player, who's never had much interest in practicing patterns and technique, want to actually sit and do boring exercises-- because, when presented like this, it's not at all boring. GREAT job, man. I think I'm gonna have to subscribe on your site, even if I don't end up actually practicing any of it-- it's that well-presented and interesting. Kudos.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

MrAncientchild It's ironic that you mention this because one of the big advantages for me of developing solid technique is getting away from pattern-based practice. We use them because they are a way of controlling the difficulty level, but it can turn your whole vocabulary into graph paper if you're not careful!

4 года назад

Exactly.. He demonstrates what the results of those "boring exercises" will be. Lol...eye burning runs slowed down in slo-mo. 🎸 brilliant.

@christiangasior4244 4 года назад

Even troy’s replies are next level.

@nickrkr 5 лет назад

This channel is so underrated

@douglasnisbet1189 3 года назад

This guy is putting so many guitar teachers out is business. Amazing work.

@paulwomacks117 5 лет назад

This was a great movie!! To those of you who dont like Steve vai remember this crossroads was just a movie. Lol they had lunch together and set down and talked. Steve vai is a amazing guitarist. But find out more about him. He has a big heart!! I will always be a STEVE VAI FAN!

@phillipgohorns 10 лет назад

3:55 no whammy bar LOL

@troygrady 10 лет назад

I know! Ugh, why didn't they tell me this before I bought it??

@DiegoPujolT 8 лет назад

Would I prefer to have your chops, your teaching skills, or your hair?! Great video!!

@dennisantolovic7169 9 лет назад

When I first saw the movie all those years ago I wondered why the dual even started after this lick. It still kicks after all these years, hats off to you for having the skill and ability to pull it apart in such a scientific way!

@KennethGonzalez 4 года назад

Just rewatched this and it's as enjoyable as the first time I saw it. What a great breakdown!

@GuitarAtoZ1 10 лет назад

Savage tone, super lesson and a super player you are man. Wicked and I'm mega impressed as someone who is very critical of anything guitar related. Well done.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Bryan Birkett Thank you!

@TruthSurge 9 лет назад

Man, I thought only I thought like this. hahahahhaah slowing shit down, pitching it around, looking at fingerings and trying to figure out how someone played a thing. I even reverse engineer stuff like vocals (iow, pitch kids vocals down low and try to cop the tone so I can sing kids parts even tho I have a baritone voice etc). Interesting vid and nice chops too!

@troygrady 9 лет назад

It's true -- constant investigation is the way of the guitarist! We're always exploring. Thanks for watching!

@jc7207127 10 лет назад

From Zappa through his first solo record, Vai was in total beast mode

@Olek4567-r 10 лет назад

It's very impressive. Lots of details and logical analysis. Good for You!

@evansimpson6652 10 лет назад

I have never put this much thought into learning anything, ever. And I'm only 2 and a half minutes in, you sir are a genius, you must have a degree in music philosophy, a university program I just made up

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Thanks man! We enjoy pulling things apart here at Cracking the Code and there is plenty more to come down the line.

@troygrady 9 лет назад

We mention Neal in Season 1, Episode 2 of Cracking the Code. Great player. I think I may have emailed him for an interview years ago but he never responded. Down the line, who knows.

@brianwooden823 9 лет назад

Man, you seriously took guitar lesson videos to another level. This is so well explained.

@Aner2557 9 лет назад

We are humbled - very clean playing - a LOT of hard f'n work - and very worthwhile!

@5150vhnd 10 лет назад

You sir, are amazing. Love the picking technique. You pull these runs off without sounding overly "mechanical".

@troygrady 10 лет назад

***** Thanks! That's high praise. The aesthetic in the '80s definitely was a bit mechanical, but there was still finesse involved. Kind of like the way dance producers think certain analog drum machines have 'soul'.

@wadesharp11 7 лет назад

Always wanted to learn this and here we are thank you so much! Tab and demo is just fantastic along with the break downs ...Amen

@JimiJam24 6 лет назад

I cant believe just how much this changed my own solos AND how I am now learning others solos. WOW Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I'm 52 and still learning lol Take it from me folks, this helps.......

@Sashabooboo 10 лет назад

I was expecting a video of someone in a chair with better than a mobile telephone mic. This was really well made, with a good narrative, organization, graphics, everything. Thank You. It was clear and easy to follow.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Sashabooboo Funny - we do use an iPhone in our production, but maybe not the way you were expecting! Check out the "Down Around the World" series for more on this.

@davidnika446 10 лет назад

It is beyond my dreams to play like this, but what an awesome breakdown. I can't totally assimilate all the details, but your videos are amazing. Now I'm going to listen to a Tiny Tim song, so I can feel better by comparison.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Ha! My parents once got me a Martin ukelele for Christmas, but I made them return it. Beautiful instrument. But I knew I was never going to play it!

@evilstalkerhorne 4 года назад

@@troygrady I have my great grandfather's The Gibson Mandolin. I keep it in a display case. I guess it is worth a few thousand bucks but he is long dead after he left my dads mom and the rest of them here going west never to come back. I stare at it from time to time and think about shit. Priceless to me!

@christiangasior4244 4 года назад

You stare at it and think about shit? You by chance have it displayed in the bathroom?

@Goldsilver 5 лет назад

What kind of Seymours do you have in that Les Paul? Sounds phenomenal. Great playing/teaching.

@asaskald 9 лет назад

This has got to be one of the greatest things I've ever watched on RU-vid.

@bazabaza7821 10 лет назад

Absolute genius! I can't even imagine how many hours went into this tutorial...but It was extremely entertaining, exacting, funny and informative. heroic work..!

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Baza Baza Ha. It's not exactly "rescuing kittens from a tree"-level heroism, but I'll take it!

@SeanQuinn 8 лет назад

I just discovered your channel and subscribed. Dude you're awesome guitar player. And the way you break these solos down has made a world of difference for me. Bravo!

@RandomJammer 10 лет назад

Wow. Awesome breakdown and narration. Good job. RJ

@stevesmith9447 7 лет назад

I'm not even a guitar player and I'm still blown away by the depth of your analysis. Wonderful!

@phillipgohorns 10 лет назад

By far one of the best lessons I've even seen on RU-vid. This is amazing and incredibly well done!!!

@FrankTaylor74 9 лет назад

This was a true master class, holy crap thank you.

@troygrady 9 лет назад

Frank Taylor Thanks!

@JoeJaeger 9 лет назад

***** Troy I am blown away by your detail and how you share that knowledge, so clear, so concise!!! Thank you man.

@TonyMartinez 10 лет назад

actually .... I love everything about this video !! really cool video !!!! and nice teaching wich I know, its not easy :)

@j_freed 10 лет назад

This guy is such a guitar geek, I love this kinda stuff.

@anthonycipolla4224 10 лет назад

..this is like guitar archeology... a super forensic dig into licks we have all wanted to play for ages.. Great job Troy - I love it!

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Thanks man! The lesson is nominally about the Vai lick, but you're right that it's also about the transcription process. There was so little information available back in the day, that sleuthing was a fact of life for all of us. I can't imagine what it's like growing up in the era of RU-vid ubiquity. Kids these days!!

@robnos9901 9 лет назад

Damn....::goes back to practicing::

@jakajarc 10 лет назад

I took the end of the movie, as Ralph finding his own "roots" and being able to play classical in a mature way, by adding the grit and life experience of blues to his clinical classical music. In fact he added the soul of the blues to the notes of the classical... And if you ask Vai, I believe he would see himself as a master of the blend of genres! BTW your transcription and commentary and playing were excellent! Thank you!

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Jaka Jarc I like this reading of it, and I suspect that may very well have been their intent. Nice interpretation!

@lauraeeee 10 лет назад

Jaka - I have a similar view on this. When Eugene busts out his Trick Bag at the end of the film he is returning back to this classical roots and he kills it. ***** seriously cool stuff I love your work!

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Thanks Chris!

@evalex71 10 лет назад

This video is so cool it's ridiculous. I started playing guitar because of this scene! Thanks for the great break down. BTW my favorite is Steve's chugging riff at the beginning of the guitar duel

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Apparently Steve agrees with you about the chuggy riff. Someone else pointed out -- I think on our Facebook page -- that this is the riff that eventually became "Bad Horsie". Cool.

@PrinceWesterburg 10 лет назад

Thats the best 15mins I've yet had on RU-vid, sensational, loved it, thank you so much! :o)

@GabzitoHD 9 лет назад

what makes the note sound like that at 9:26 and what is it called :O?

@justabeard3794 4 года назад

it’s an artificial pinch harmonic

@clinicegg3815 3 года назад

What're you doing here??

@m3tafunj 10 лет назад

I feel like I'm watching something on the History channel like Ancient Alien or the Bible code or something. Everything is a big mystery and discovery here, but very cool man. haha. How does Steve Vai do it? You know what I heard in the slowed down passage? The secret language of "ALIENS."

@troygrady 10 лет назад

m3tafunj I'm not going to say it's Aliens, but.... it's aliens!

@elecktrick9s99 10 лет назад

Best lesson I've ever heard/seen- as an amazing teacher as you are a player!

@kbrinson85 7 лет назад

considering how much this channel has grown in popularity and the big name players who have volunteered to be involved, im surprised steve vai himself hasnt commented or contacted Troy to confirm this is how he did it

@fasuto8656 Год назад

I don't think he remembers honestly, for him it's just another solo

@mikefire9626 10 лет назад

You are amazing!

@mikefire9626 10 лет назад

Jesse, have you heard of this guy?

@DaveFreeman 10 лет назад

Wait, are you asking Jesse if he's heard of Steve Vai? Hasn't everyone? Along with Yngwie Malmsteen and a guy playing at a birthday party I almost met named Joe Satriani, they're all consistently in the top 25 lists.

@mikefire9626 10 лет назад

no, the guy dissecting the guitar riffs. He is pretty amazing

@DaveFreeman 10 лет назад

That's what I get for not actually WATCHING the video...

@mikefire9626 10 лет назад

Did you watch now? He's really good, am I right? He also doesn't look like he should play like that.

@thunderscratch66 9 лет назад

wow. trying to analyze and reproduce someone else's music reminds me alot of emulating console games on the pc. It takes alot of work, and in the end, only reproduces what has already been done. I'm not ragging on this vid, massive respect to the guy in this vid. But one thing I've learned about music is that some of the best ever put out, was by ppl finding their own path. Of course examining other ppl's work DOES help! It's just so damned hard to reproduce something the way the original artist did it...here we are 30 years later trying to figure out exactly how steve vai played this....incredible! :) anyway, props to troy, great vid, thumbs up :)

@troygrady 9 лет назад

For the most part, I agree. This isn't really about replicating Steve's artistry -- it's about learning how the guitar works. Back when the movie came out, Steve was a god and this stuff was pure mystery. I would have killed for any understanding at all how lines like this were put together. But only so I could go off and write my own.

@MrLagunapete 9 лет назад

***** I have to say in having over 3 decades of editing and guitar playing, that you are probably one of the few guitarists with the technical intellect to understand the difficulty in understanding my job as an editor. There are times I have to dither in corrections to a recorded error a guitarist might request after a session was done long ago, and explaining to them sometimes that what they're requesting me to create is not natural because it is mechanically not possible to achieve on a guitar neck. LOL Troy, I sometimes feel like pulling my hair out trying to explain to them that it will create a peculiar and surreal type envelope of guitar sound no matter how subtle or quickly it passes. Something in the mind of a guitarist flags when you hear it, and you think there’s something “wrong” with that.

@troygrady 9 лет назад

Morph Mode Tell me about it! Between Autotune, Beat Detective, Vocalign, and sample replacement, we're all pretty familiar with this story by now. But on the other hand you have the Les Paul mentality of taking technology and doing something awesome and creative with it. That's what makes it all worthwhile.

@tonyngawing9455 9 лет назад

::/44::-

@NationalMan 9 лет назад

Actually, it wasn't that long ago when console games emulated what we saw on PC. Back then, most games were released on PC first then ported over to console. It wasn't until the demand for console games increased that we saw a shift in this anomaly. Now they just release the game on console first or they make the game for all of the different formats. However, after all this time, PCs are still more powerful than consoles.

@Mrcloc 9 лет назад

Thank you! This video locked in something I wasn't quite sure about. My guitar playing went from loose to tight in 1 day because of this video.

@timmiltz2916 9 лет назад

Troy Grady I REALLY admire the care you put into your playing. Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoyed this.

@jimmiemclovin 9 лет назад

Well, he's no Ralph Macchio but he's pretty good.

@icey502 9 лет назад

Great video. Looking for the tremolo at 3:55 - hilarious. Are you willing to share what gear/software you are playing through on this vid?

@troygrady 9 лет назад

It's already up there in the description -- thanks for watching!

@zZrEtRiBuTiOnZz 9 лет назад

Yeah, I agree, that was pretty funny. Great playing too btw Troy.

@troygrady 9 лет назад

Thanks!

@mrnobodyinvr9762 3 года назад

When I was a kid, in the mid 80s, with my Charvel, rippin it up on old Hendrix and Metallica tunes, I thought I was killin it...and then, we all met Steve Vai...and Jack Butler, and it was over, and time to start all over again in what was the measure of a killer guitarist.

@FingerstyleVideos 9 лет назад

The production value here is just crazy good. Wow.

@Trulsbk 8 лет назад

Haha I can't play this

@tornoutlaw 7 лет назад

I can. Very, very slowly xD

@slidey1000 4 года назад

@@tornoutlaw I can play it slowly too. One note per day

@JgHaverty 10 лет назад

hmm, a lot of it is just pentatonic, not too horrible actually O.o its funny how speed makes things feel more difficult than they are

@troygrady 10 лет назад

This is an interesting point. When you think about it, the difficulty level of a particular line shouldn't change just because the tempo changes. Running doesn't "get more difficult" when you run faster. It just requires more effort, and you can't do it for as long. But the difficulty level per se doesn't increase. I think the takeaway here is that if you feel something "get more difficult" as you pick up the speed, then that means the mechanics aren't correct to begin with.

@JgHaverty 10 лет назад

***** True, but using that same analogy, not everyone can run like usain bolt ;) Having speed and proficiency are trainable, but there should and is a genetic limitation no?

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Of course. But athletic speed and correct form are separate issues. Whatever one's top speed naturally is, whether it's Bolt-level, or average guy-level, there should be a relatively smooth performance curve to reach it. There should not come a point along that curve where everything suddenly feels uncoordinated and tangled. This is the case for many players when it comes to picking technique, and it's what we're addressing in Cracking the Code. As to how to attain max athletic speed, again, interesting question. But a different one that needs more testing.

@JgHaverty 10 лет назад

***** That denies the aspect of plateus though. Thats how it works in pretty much everything. Fast gains until you hit a brick wall, then you gotta work to break through that wall. Same with anything, I was trained as a nuclear operator in the navy, and they told us from day one "none of this shit is gonna make sense, and one day its just gonna be like a lightning bolt in your head, and you will understand everything"... I always thought it was bullshit, but it was so true. If it were a "smooth linear progression", everyone would excel at guitar, no?

@JgHaverty 10 лет назад

***** Ok, I decided to dive into this video... It's great. You're a fantastic teacher, I love how you stay advanced without smashing ridiculous advanced theory in our faces. Great work man.

@maximusgordon 10 лет назад

I've never analyzed a player's technique like that when figuring something out. Very insightful. Well done, man.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Thanks Max! The video is nominally about the Vai lick, but really about the hoops we have to jump through to get anywhere on this crazy instrument.

@gibsonguy5240 9 лет назад

This is insane speed picking. Perfect right/left coordination. Maybe I'll get there, but I can't play that fast and clean. INSANE!

@Rockisdead_Oficial 7 лет назад

I assume is you on Les Paul, respect, virtuose on Les Paul aint easy, the weight is tough |o|

@troygrady 7 лет назад

+Leandro Marins It's easier when you're sitting down!

@xx7stringxx 10 лет назад

Troy, that was amazing. In 35 years of playing, I have never seen someone breakdown someone and their playing style so precisely and thoroughly. Great job and great playing as well!

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Awesome -- the mix of music and analysis is what we do 'round here. Thanks for watching!

@blackie75 9 лет назад

very impressive playing I have to say...some of the best I've heard anywhere

@RLLongcrierMusic 10 лет назад

Super Nice,I remember when Steve first played this and I dubbed off the tv with a cassette recorder so I could transcribe it.

@troygrady 10 лет назад

That was exactly the story in my case as well -- portable cassette recorder held up to the speaker! Analog, long may it live.

@RLLongcrierMusic 10 лет назад

it was great back then being the first kid on the block to play it,BLEW my friends AWAY!!!

@richardhunt809 10 лет назад

You said all that without moving your lips. That's marvellous!

@sailure1 10 лет назад

Great break down. Love it when Professionals "pull back the curtain." Thanks.

@powerfuless 9 лет назад

I love how they explore other solos by Steve to diagnose how it's played. The production on the video is really high too. Very impressive!!

@christopherlees1134 7 лет назад

These crossroads licks vids are quite possibly the most well analyzed and well done guitar lessons online

@martinmorris5948 8 лет назад

+Troy Grady You are a genius! I'm just getting back into guitar after a 20 year hiatus. Subscribed to some mags and going full force on re-learning. I stumbled upon you through guitar world magazine and I got so excited watching your videos...Its just amazing what you are doing! Its rekindled my excitement for guitar even more. THANKYOU for what you are doing!

@wj74 8 лет назад

Now that I've seen the entire video, here's my take. When I was kid, I would have paid 100$ for the pure gold in this video. That's incredibly deep analysis that deserves to be discovered. You're talking about nuance shit that nobody's talked about and it's amazingly true and well laid out. Back story, I also started playing young, took 4 yrs of lessons, taught lessons, played professionally in Nashville and I'm declaring this video is the best I've seen. Thank you! And btw, Yngwie is also killer with the 4 note per string slide move as well!

@TheBlashMusic 6 лет назад

Your genuinely the best guitar teacher on RU-vid

@TheGlobuleReturns 7 лет назад

This production value is incredible

@will09lee 8 лет назад

That was just awesome. You are a very gifted player and an inspiring teacher. I loved the breakdown. Lots can play, but few can teach. And even fewer do both. Great job.

@garyhancq7444 10 лет назад

This is awesome! I went through a similar, albeit less intensive study of this particular groove and I am awed by your tenacity and dedication! And you play it beautifully! Rock on!

@Gorbyrev 9 лет назад

2nd time round watching this and I have to just take a moment to thank you for taking this lick to bits. Great technique and phenomenal expression, great playing sir.

@AllStarBugler 8 лет назад

How come I never heard of YOU before? This is awesome! You are a great player and have given me a new understanding and respect for lead guitar soloing. Thanks for sharing!

@smoketrain714 7 лет назад

Best lessons on RU-vid award!

@michaelobrien4245 5 лет назад

troy ,i watch your videos and there wonderful....i've been playing for years and i am so surprised...i have never seen or heard one person ever explain something that a guitar instructor taught me years ago and it changed everything for me...he said when your moving fast/shredding ....always keep a very light light touch on the fret board ...he said you want to feel a vibration between the tips of your fingers and the fret board...that was.probably one of the best tid-bits of information i had ever been given....when i am warming up ...it's one of the first things i ever try to feel for. and adjust properly....it literally was a game changer and i am REALLY surprised i've never heard anyone talk about it........

@Paulocity8 8 лет назад

Outstanding. I see like me you have rewound and paused the Crossroads dual more times than any VHS player should ever have to. My brother, sister and parents know this instantly too! You play it very well man! I may dust off my axe and finish what I started. Thanks man!

@Mrbooboo1972 3 года назад

I stumbled across this guy because if Steve Vai. Totally Awesome. This guy seriously can play.

@GEORGEZNEMETH 9 лет назад

I am a Les Paul player. Thanks for sharing this video without a strat/whammy bar..I LOVE IT!!

@AllenGarberGuitarFun 10 лет назад

Excellent job. I really appreciate it when someone puts such effort into getting things as right as possible. I have always taken this approach since I started playing over thirty years ago. You have excellent production value in your clips and lessons, but the real thing that shines is your attention to detail and logic...two things that I have always relied on in learning from others. Thanks!

@troygrady 10 лет назад

Yes, the nerd is strong with us! Thanks for watching.

@guitarsword1 7 лет назад

Dude, your lesson is unreal.

@adolpholiverbush2 9 лет назад

Steve Vai, for the win. Yep. Great videos, has actually made me want to play and practice again. Got so burned out during the shred wars of the 80's. I'm 42, btw, so I lived this. So many great players.