The guy is a master at acoustic guitar. I wish that side of his playing was featured more often. There is a great instrumental off of "Snakes and Arrows" called "Hope" that he wrote and performed. It's great.
DAMN. Not even breaking a sweat, is he? Amazing. One of the reasons why Alex is one of my favorite people--not just musicians, PEOPLE--in the entire world.
Loved Alex’s playing since the first Rush album. Lots of muscle and melody. Beautiful power playing. Thanks Alex for providing such great guitar for the sound track of my life!
If anyone doubts the skill and talent of this 3-man group just do research and see the awards this group has collected together and as individuals. Very underated indeed. Alex Lifeson is incredibly talented and gives a great performance. Seen Rush several times. Each show better than the next
I became a diehard RUSH fan after I saw them warmup KISS in Pittsburgh, PA in 1975. Never missed a tour since. And, actually met Alex and Geddy after the Roll the Bones concert here in Pittsburgh at the old Civic Arena. Both guys were very nice and treated me like a long time friend.
He's open-tuned tuned to D major and is doing pull-offs. Alex is one of those great guitarists like Brian May who sort of "fly under the radar" compared to guys like Van Halen, Rhoades, etc. But he's an outstanding guitarist with an innovative style and a great ear for melody. He can take the most simple phrase and make your hair stand on end. I got to see Rush 3 times when I was a kid. Amazing.
A modern day master and a VERY funny person... I've been going to Rush concerts for about 30 years & his ad libs on the mic in concert are completely HILARIOUS!
Lerxst could make it big in standup comedy EASY if he wanted to... but he's just so darn good on the guitar - one of the best lead guitar voices out there! And for you Canadians: Good thing his bandmates can keep up with him 'eh?
I have to agree. Lifeson is a very stong player iv seen rush 3 times now,as a musician myself I think that Rush IS the band with the most talent out there. Sadly Alex is much underrated.
Some of these comments make me want to cry. This is NOT "Hope" played fast. This is just Alex improvising. Here's everything you need to know: This is a Garrison 12-string guitar tuned to DADAAD (which incidentally is the same guitar and tuning used on "Nope"). I hope this helps you guys.
I grew up with this band but I sort of lost track of them as I don't listen to the radio ever ...and I am finding out these guys are real down to earth cats who each have a great story to tell ...I will always wish them well as they continue to set the bar in a world that seems to increasingly worship mediocrity they are not just rock musicians some hard core rush fans may be missing that point...they are great musicians they can play anything they want to...and will.
I'll have to think that Lerxst is slightly under rated for his shear guitar skills and versatility. This guy can play not just guitar but mandolin, classical, acoustic, other mini instruments like the mandolin, this guy is amazing, but I also feel that it's true that he's happy where he's at and doesn't really care about being the best of all time. He's a very humble man.
I'm still amazed at everybody trying to figure out what "song" or "piece" it is. It's nothing. It's an exceptional guitarist just warming up in the studio. That's all it is. Nor is it sped up. Some of the suggestions that it's "Hope" played fast just kill me. Can some of you guys simply not even tell one note from another? This is pure spontaneous playing on the fly without thought. When you've been an elite professional musician for over 40 years it's not that big of a deal.
@Rick31797 It sounds a bit like he's riffing on Cripple Creek (most often played on a banjo rather than guitar). Most of the times I've seen it done on guitar were someone who was playing with finger-picks (like a banjo) - not as common to see someone doing it with a regular pick, at tempo. And he makes it look so easy... :)
@HighwayToHell2112 your so right man, i mean look at this its amazing and at 54 there! WOW. or back in the 70's look at the song LA V know what im saying?
I posted a song in video response called Flamethrower that I wrote many moons ago in tribute to RUSH and my favorite guitar player of the time ALEX LIFESON. Still love his work - hope you enjoy the video.
Took my five damn years to learn all of Fly By Night(though I learned almost 70% of all Rush songs), I didn't practice it every day otherwise I would've learned it in the first month, well, it pretty much took me a week to learn the entire thing minus the solo, and just recently I learned the solo, and Alex is over here just fucking throwing his fingers around and I'm sitting here like: ._. fuck
Im a huge rush fan, my dad turned me on to then. im 13..haha too bad nobody my age knows about them. im fairly good at guitar, im learning the intro to hope on a 6 string.
I'm glad they're not "popular" I would hate it if everyone had on a RUSH shirt. When I wear one of mine, or get to go see them people ask me about it and who they are. And they really want to know what they're about. That is much more cool!! RUSH forever!!
I agree, he is sooo underated, it's not even funny. Rush could not be without him and he could not be without Rush. Together they are the best musicians in the world, bar none. Everyone else says Neil/Geddy are the best drummer/bassest, but forget the colors and tones Alex brings to the table. I'm sorry but if EVH was in this group or Satch, they would suck. Only Al can complete them and he does. Top 10 GTR players in my book.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
One of the most underrated guitarists of all time!!
The guy is a master at acoustic guitar. I wish that side of his playing was featured more often. There is a great instrumental off of "Snakes and Arrows" called "Hope" that he wrote and performed. It's great.
LOVE that track!
i grow up listening to rush x and alex is the reason ... i picked up a guitar 35 years ago xx ... he is a legand .. in my world ...
Noone is "the best" but A.L. is a very distinguished, unique and accomplished guitarist. Serious musicians worldwide have great respect for him.
DAMN. Not even breaking a sweat, is he? Amazing. One of the reasons why Alex is one of my favorite people--not just musicians, PEOPLE--in the entire world.
I saw rush three days ago... THEY WERE SO AMAZING. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life
Loved Alex’s playing since the first Rush album. Lots of muscle and melody. Beautiful power playing. Thanks Alex for providing such great guitar for the sound track of my life!
As a guitar player and fanatical Rush fan I damn well know how great a guitar player Alex is..!!
Lifeson's playing is unreal. Truly amazing.
If anyone doubts the skill and talent of this 3-man group just do research and see the awards this group has collected together and as individuals. Very underated indeed. Alex Lifeson is incredibly talented and gives a great performance. Seen Rush several times. Each show better than the next
My fav guitarist of all time.
I became a diehard RUSH fan after I saw them warmup KISS in Pittsburgh, PA in 1975. Never missed a tour since. And, actually met Alex and Geddy after the Roll the Bones concert here in Pittsburgh at the old Civic Arena. Both guys were very nice and treated me like a long time friend.
True talent is man and simple machine, how that man masters it without shortcuts or crutches and delivers it to the world
Talent is man and a simple machine that one masters by himself without cutting corners or making fake music.
Probably the most underrated guitarist ever.
Just casually being awesome.
The most underrated rock guitarist ever
So Underrated, and it sucks because no a lot of people know what a great guitarist he really is. LOVE RUSH!
thats soooo amazing, alex- best guitarist, Lee- best bassist, Peart- Best Drummer, Rush- Best band ever period.
Glad someone else gets it! ✊🏾
He's open-tuned tuned to D major and is doing pull-offs.
Alex is one of those great guitarists like Brian May who sort of "fly under the radar" compared to guys like Van Halen, Rhoades, etc. But he's an outstanding guitarist with an innovative style and a great ear for melody. He can take the most simple phrase and make your hair stand on end. I got to see Rush 3 times when I was a kid. Amazing.
Absolute brilliance.
A modern day master and a VERY funny person...
I've been going to Rush concerts for about 30 years & his ad libs on the mic in concert are completely HILARIOUS!
Lerxst could make it big in standup comedy EASY if he wanted to... but he's just so darn good on the guitar - one of the best lead guitar voices out there!
And for you Canadians:
Good thing his bandmates can keep up with him 'eh?
the master at work :)
I had no idea he could play Appalachian style guitar so good.
BEST GUITARIST WORKING TODAY. No question...
Amen 🙏🏾
Accomplished guitarist-meaning he can play any style with exelence.
He is too insane for words...the words I just said cant even describe how awesome he is...
Skilled! He must be one of the greatest guitarists in history!
Alex Lifeson is a Guitar 🎸 god #1
In my book he is!
The man is just a GOD, pure & simple!!!!
Awesome, Alex is unreal!!
I have to agree. Lifeson is a very stong player iv seen rush 3 times now,as a musician myself I think that Rush IS the band with the most talent out there. Sadly Alex is much underrated.
holy shit thats awesome, he is so underrated, gotta love him!
Some of these comments make me want to cry. This is NOT "Hope" played fast. This is just Alex improvising. Here's everything you need to know: This is a Garrison 12-string guitar tuned to DADAAD (which incidentally is the same guitar and tuning used on "Nope"). I hope this helps you guys.
naw, I'm beyond help. Thank anyways though.
The man Is amazing!
He is amazing. I don't think I can even move my fingers that fast, let alone play the quitar so well.
Alex, another guitar god. Just got my tickets for the LA Nokia show. Can't wait..
I grew up with this band but I sort of lost track of them as I don't listen to the radio ever ...and I am finding out these guys are real down to earth cats who each have a great story to tell ...I will always wish them well as they continue to set the bar in a world that seems to increasingly worship mediocrity they are not just rock musicians some hard core rush fans
may be missing that point...they are great musicians they can play anything they want to...and will.
Alex lifeson is the best guitarist ever and i heard that he created the world with one epic solo :)
Gawd I
Alex Lifeson is a Guitar 🎸 god #1
very elegant Alex, your a master of Celtic metal!
THE G.O.A.T
Genius.... period.
I'll have to think that Lerxst is slightly under rated for his shear guitar skills and versatility. This guy can play not just guitar but mandolin, classical, acoustic, other mini instruments like the mandolin, this guy is amazing, but I also feel that it's true that he's happy where he's at and doesn't really care about being the best of all time. He's a very humble man.
Merci Alex que du bonheur lorsque tu joue
awesome, he is really underated.
Andreas Segovia commented on Alex Lifeson's playing. I wasn't there but I think he said it was Awesome.
@ewq14 Exactly. No style is off-limits for Alex.
Versatility Alex is!
I'm speechless.
Halleluya!! Ive seen the light!!
And I am proud to say that I am definitely one of those.
Hail King Lerxst!!!!!! We are not worthy!!!!
Brillient!!!!!
i hope rush lives longer and never dies
still one of my favorites
I'm still amazed at everybody trying to figure out what "song" or "piece" it is. It's nothing. It's an exceptional guitarist just warming up in the studio. That's all it is. Nor is it sped up. Some of the suggestions that it's "Hope" played fast just kill me. Can some of you guys simply not even tell one note from another? This is pure spontaneous playing on the fly without thought. When you've been an elite professional musician for over 40 years it's not that big of a deal.
i went to the rush concert last night in vancouver and he comes out and plays this on a 12 string
he just woke up life is great!
@Rick31797 It sounds a bit like he's riffing on Cripple Creek (most often played on a banjo rather than guitar). Most of the times I've seen it done on guitar were someone who was playing with finger-picks (like a banjo) - not as common to see someone doing it with a regular pick, at tempo. And he makes it look so easy... :)
SO COOOOOOL!!!!!!
Why he isn't on the list of 100 greatest guitar players is beyond me.
I heard they put Alex in 98th place which is absolutely ridiculous to say the least...
alex lifeson is probably the most underrated guitarist there is.
and i totally agree with fabioprodutions
@HighwayToHell2112 your so right man, i mean look at this its amazing and at 54 there! WOW. or back in the 70's look at the song
LA V know what im saying?
I posted a song in video response called Flamethrower that I wrote many moons ago in tribute to RUSH and my favorite guitar player of the time ALEX LIFESON.
Still love his work - hope you enjoy the video.
looks like someone just woke up. awesome
30 seconds of Lerxst "warming up" is about 2 hours of playing by me.
Wow!😳
because srv and jimi were innovators and badass and probably even are huge influences to alex
Il se réveille et pisse l'excellence. Puis, il viole sa guitare mdr.
Je l'aime !
Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, et Neil Peart sont les meilleurs !
...awesome playing, it sounds very Celtic, a bit like Jimmy Pages white summer. Brilliant playing.
*Jaw drops open*
Amen and hallelujah!!
just warmin up
Watching his fingers is like watching waves of water crashing over a waterfall.
@frieser62 Agree with you 100% Rush are from another planet for sure. Their talent seems endless.
Best. Guitarist. Ever.
lifeson owns a third of my soul.
i was there that concert was amazzing
This would make a great theme for a new "New Yankee Workshop" ;)
@stargazer1967 the guitar could be tuned too open E which would make it easier too play like that with a pick..
thanks
Took my five damn years to learn all of Fly By Night(though I learned almost 70% of all Rush songs), I didn't practice it every day otherwise I would've learned it in the first month, well, it pretty much took me a week to learn the entire thing minus the solo, and just recently I learned the solo, and Alex is over here just fucking throwing his fingers around and I'm sitting here like: ._. fuck
Absolutely!
monster of rock
totally agree
Im a huge rush fan, my dad turned me on to then. im 13..haha too bad nobody my age knows about them. im fairly good at guitar, im learning the intro to hope on a 6 string.
is the making of snakes and arrows
I'm glad they're not "popular" I would hate it if everyone had on a RUSH shirt. When I wear one of mine, or get to go see them people ask me about it and who they are. And they really want to know what they're about. That is much more cool!! RUSH forever!!
I agree, he is sooo underated, it's not even funny. Rush could not be without him and he could not be without Rush. Together they are the best musicians in the world, bar none. Everyone else says Neil/Geddy are the best drummer/bassest, but forget the colors and tones Alex brings to the table. I'm sorry but if EVH was in this group or Satch, they would suck. Only Al can complete them and he does. Top 10 GTR players in my book.
that is wicked!
What I wanna know is WHO took this home video???
This reminds of Bron-Y-Aur Stomp from Led Zeppelin...
And Lenny Breau's version of The Claw...
Alex should have put this little ditty on the album...that would have been bad ass.
Very cool. Where did this bit of video come from? Hopefully there'll be a snakes and arrows DVD coming soon.
If I could give you unlimited thumbs ups, my friend, I would
Él es uno de los POCOS guitarristas que no compite para ser el mejor del mundo como otros (Gilbert, Satriani, Vai, etc...) AWESOME!!!
Lerxst rules.
i must see more! where did you get this?
love it
Definitely has that Celtics feeling
Lerxst is THE MAN!!
Alex is gonna turn country and tour with Darius Rucker! haha
smile alex!