Pat Metheny: How to Build a Solo on James
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- In this clip from my conversation with Pat Metheny we talk about the how to solo over the bridge to Pat's tune "James".
Pat picks up his guitar and discusses HOW he encourages people to build a solo so that it makes sense of the chord changes. These concepts could apply to any set of changes as the basis for building an excellent solo.
Hope you enjoy it.
Rick
I met Pat in person in New York in March 1991 - he was window shopping at Sam Ash store on Manhattan.
In disbelief I asked him - are you Pat Matheny?
He smiled, like he always does, and replied - yes, thats me.
I shook his hand and said in my broken English - thank you so much for your beautiful Music!
He smiled and politely continued his window shopping.
That was literally Magical moment of a lifetime for me - this was my first week in US after escaping from Communist USSR.
Now, more then 30 ears later, I am watching this video in my comfortable home studio in Los Angeles, CA.
I am grateful to America, the people of America, who let me in and helping me to realize my lifetime dream to become a composer, producer, performer, inventor.
Thank you AMERICA for your beautiful music and people!!!
Music is a POWER OF PEACE on this planet.
LET THE MUSIC AND PEACE PREVAIL!
Music - The power of peace! Yes. So great that you met Pat in that way as you made the transition to your new life in the U.S. Here’s to peace for all of us going forward. 🙏🎶👍
Great story!!
Nicely said..keep on rocking in the free world bud!!
Greetings from Havana.
A beautiful story for an immigrant who shows gratitude to the host country and puts in some graft. Good on you mate
Pat Matheny is a weird player not standard chords.
Cannot express enough gratitude for getting pat to speak about his process like this. Thank you!
I so agree!
How many older men want to know how his hair is still so thick, and full of life? 😆
100%. I learned this tune very early on, 1985 or 86? It's in my musical DNA and this just feels like stumbling on a letter written from a close friend, 30 years after the fact.
@@yakabayngu1126 Like a ‘Letter From Home’, right? ;^)
(One of my favorite Lyle Mays tunes)
to agree . . So agree!!
I wish Rick could talk to Pat for like a THOUSAND hours! Just beautiful....
Honestly, this is just basic fundamentals. And it’s crazy how much you can do when you have a solid understanding and how much you can evolve those fundamentals. And hearing Pat and Lyle Mays speak on this sort of stuff when it comes with harmonizing and improvising was super important to me in the past couple years and my improvement.
This video is one of the clearest explanations of this concept I have seen on RUclips. You are correct in saying that this is basic fundamentals. Forget fancy stuff (at least at first). Play the chords, know what the chords are, all the notes of the chords and their inversions/voicings. Play through the chords using chord tones (root, 3rds, 5ths, 7ths) and maybe extensions. After you are proficient in these first steps, play around with the rhythmic approach while still playing the chord tones.
Once you can create something melodic using these steps, you can begin to incorporate approach tones and other non-chord tones, and chromaticism.
Finally, you create musical ideas using all of the above. Metheny is a master of this, of course. He has chops to play quickly but his strength is in creating horizontal lines which are interesting melodies and have interesting rhythms.
Clearly genius at work.
Today's Mozart.
Metheny's improvising has always been focused on voice leading since day one. Moving progressively in a melodic, lyrical fashion through the chord tones first, should be every musicians first goal. Always
not just a lesson for James, but a lesson for soloing over all songs. Love the concept of vertical vs linear pathing, and highlighting notes that move the chord progressions forward.
"Look how cool it is when this note changes to that note...", couldn't have said it better. That's part of what makes improvisation fun! Nice to hear one of the greats, Pat Metheny, expressing this sentiment.
What a masterful micro-class on improvisation. Thank you for being so generous, Rick Beato
The basic things executed well is what music-making is all about!
yes yes
Instant respect for Rick by Pat when he mentions the difficulty in playing the bridge on James (0:23). Pat can smell an imposter or a poser a mile away, so when he reacts as he did, it was instant affirmation of Rick's Jazz knowledge.
Honestly, I don’t really understand anything they’re talking about, any music theory, but I love this video, love hearing musicians talk about creating/playing music. Thanks for this!
I don’t understand most of it either. I wish I did. But I listen for any little snippet that might sink in. And well, it’s Pat Metheny…and I’ve been a fan for over 40 years.
@@Nicksonian just start learning music theory my guy. With the advent of the internet you can learn a lot
@@Nicksonian music theory can help you but it is only really helpful for explaining what occures already naturally and not vice versa. Jazz Chords, inversions etc. existed before music theory, they just got named. What will truly help you is listening to a lot of music and first and foremost just sitting down in front of your instrument and exploring the scapes of music. He says himself the keyword is "understanding". You will understand if you sit down and consciously explore stuff on your instrument.
Spot on mate
😂 ,deja que la música y el arte te emocionen, ese canal es más intenso @@terrat3048
Pat echoes what probably his most important mentor, Gary Burton, said about soloing as illuminating the song. Gary likens it to showing somebody around your house, drawing attention to the cool walk-in closet, the open-air Jacuzzi, the Art Deco fireplace, the four-post canopy bed... must be a lushly arranged John Barry piece.
True, but I wonder if this mainly just applies to jazz based music. I imagine some rock songs wouldn't be complete or have the true rock feel if this is what you mainly did.
It’s fun to see Rick obviously enjoying every note with Pat! It was also a treat to learn that James is a tribute to James Taylor.
Rick Beato gives new hope to music with these legends interviews
Forgot how much I enjoyed that interview. Thank you RB.
Seen Pat many times beginning in 1976 and most recently in 2021. Always stellar. James is my favorite Metheny melody ever. I’ve heard it live in many iterations and Pat & Lyle’s solos on the studio recording Offramp still give me chills.
Rick’s video with Pat is one of the best interviews with a musician on RUclips period. Such a joy to watch.
Amen
You're welcome
It must be fantastic for musicians, but I certainly do not understand most of it. Music theory is a difficult subject!
Totally agree.
I ain’t no Pat Metheny(!) but I always relate so directly to the way he talks about music. Total genius, and relatable. 😮😊
What a treat hearing Pat Metheny discuss one of his greatest compositions. Hard to believe it was released over 40 years ago.
For me PM it's one of the living ' Mozarts' of our times that we have the pleasure and honor to listen, watch and and grow side by side. Thank you Pat to be with me during my life journey .
I feel the same way, so many memories of places I shared with Pat Metheny providing the soundtrack to my life. When I am on a western road trip I start the journey with Facing West.
Got to see him live back in the day. Incredible, of course, and such a gracious person too!
@David Hall I've had this privilege since the 90s up to this day.
the lil boy look of bliss on RB's face at 9:00 says it all. love literally all of this
When you put Pet Metheny on your second channel you know you got somewhere!
Pat is such an incredible artist and seems like such a good dude. His enthusiasm is so refreshing !!
OMG!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!! THANK YOU SIR!!!!!🤘🤘🤘👍👍👍💪🙏👏👏👏
My favorite piece
I can’t express how much I appreciate your long form interviews with giants like Pat, Ron, Frank, Larry… Just fantastic stuff, Rick!
(first name terms..)
Pats been teaching this stuff for decades. Check out that bootleg guitar lesson on line he did back in the 80s - if you can find it it’s brilliant. So much music in the triads.
Got a name for it? I'm trying to find it on RUclips now
@@a.nobodys.nobody pat Metheny - lesson on improvisation
@@JazzGuitarScrapbook thank you!
Thanks so much for this Rick. It explains so much about Pat’s way that he communicates his music.
your interview of Pat Metheny was fantastic and I like this little isolated segment...I was fimbling with solos yesterday! Just got the Beato Book upgrade. Wow it will be so helpful! Great work. Thank you for everything
Always great content. My son is a jazz guy. Pat gave a master class at Humber College in Toronto few years ago. It was incredibly valuable for my son. Well done.
This is one of the most unique and rare ocassions on RUclips. This is a gem that every musician should dl onto their phone. (IMO) Thank you, Rick, for having the class and wisdom to get, Metheny, to do this!
Started learning this tune a few days ago. This video is awesome. A master class by Pat in 10 minutes. Nicely done, again, Rick!
my level of ignorance makes this sound like a new language, but it sounds great!
Thanks Rick! It's the closest I'll ever get to a lesson with Pat:-)
Pat's hair keeps getting more and more amazing - more seriously, he looks fantastic for his age.
Yes, he has aged very well! Part of it is his naturally happy expression.
it's a wig
@@anyambtracker4360 If anyone doesn't need one, it's him... He's always had this massive thick hair, going far back in time.
Was just listening to James 30 seconds ago as I woke making coffee in LA!
Is this you, Rick?
Refreshing and inspirational. If you really know what you’re doing you just need two notes in each chord of a progression and it sounds like a masterpiece. Clearly Pat knows what he’s doing ( to put it mildly).
Pat’s touch, his laid back feel and his thematic sensibilities make the mundane sound beautiful. He’s a national treasure. Priceless soloing information, thank you Rick.
Dr. Methany is amazing
Thank you Rick for the two Master Classes, Pat Metheny's and yours on his techniques.
My wife and I just saw Pat last night solo here in Columbus, Ohio. Amazing as always.
I love seeing the wonderment on Ricks when these great musicians wow him. Fantastic!
Rick, you should check out iZotope RX9 if you haven't already, it's got a slew of audio restoration and noise removal tools, there's some wireless microphone noises that might take care of when making your videos. I loved Pat Metheny since about '89 and in middle school. Love these videos of him and other artists!!! Keep 'em comin'!!!
Merci for this.
I know Pat is just a person like the rest of us but with one glaring talent. That doesn’t keep me from feeling that it would be one of my ideas of a heaven sitting in that room having Pat show me how James is put together.
This video you extracted from the whole interview to Pat, is awesome. This is much more than a musical lesson on fundamentals of improvisation. Many thanks Rick
It makes you remember that Pat used to teach at Berkley, he describes things so effortlessly
Tremendous Pat Metheny ! ! Unique Artist ! ..!! Thanx Rick, Keep On Rockin` ! ))
So much in those ten minutes. Now if I can get it to stick.
Master, someone who takes something hard and makes it look easy. Kinda like let’s play Happy Birthday song for melodies.
Was a pleasure to hear Pat play at Paolo Soleri in the 80's was always a full night of i call it exotic music.
Rick, I do have a request for you to please consider: Ian Anderson (jethro tull)?! I think he is a genius. What say you?
Wonderful. Fun to see Pat demonstrate the same improvisational concepts (spread triads, etc) you’ve been sharing in your quick lessons. Thank you both!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for talking with Pat Metheny and getting him to explain his approach ... even though I can't follow everything you guys are referencing, I catch enough that it helps me understand what Pat is trying to do ... I've loved Pat's music for a long time and it's great to have a peek at what's going on in the artists mind ... I've watched the full interview as well and loved it all
This is like 3 semesters of music college crammed into a single short video.
Terrific
If Mutt Lange and Sammy Hagar had a son
Except he’s 67 (as of 2022), ha.
::
Since no one else commented on it - and I realize it’s superficial - but his hair would be remarkable for a 47 year old. Lucky man.
For someone like me who has been a fan for 37 years, but has a minimal understanding of music, I find this fascinating. Listening to Pat talk shop is totally intimidating TBH.
Me too! The group was sublime.
1983.10.29 (8:00 p.m.)
Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Princeton University, Dillon Gym
Pat Metheny Group
Pat Metheny, guitars, guitar synthesizer
Lyle Mays, piano, synthesizers, autoharp
Steve Rodby, double bass, bass guitar
Paul Wertico, drums
Phase Dance (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays)
Travels (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays)
Tell It All (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays)
James (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays)
Every great player on youtube always talks about playing chord tones in there solos. As an entirely self taught player for over 30 years, I wish I would have known this from day one.
Very good insights here. Thanks!
Amazing. I have to say though as much as I love the Tuen one of my highlights from’ James’ is the piano solo. Outstanding
Pat is a super star in this genre...jazz players are articulate when playing..
Rick, did you ask him about not appearing in the Jaco doc?
simply the phenomenon Pat
I agree with you. I came to see and hear what all the hubbub was about, the albums keep getting worse, he dumped Lyle and there is more to the story, believe me. No credit, nothing mentioned about Lyle, he writes a song for WHAT! JAMES TAYLOR!!!! I mean what the fuck, and then does this cheeky interviews about jazz musicians crash and burning on his very complicated bridges like he is developing a little game for everyone. Jezzz....the guy is all self masturbation.
I was browsing in a guitar shop a few days ago. Whilst gawping at the instruments, piped guitar music was playing. Within a few bars, I could tell it was Pat, though I didn’t know the piece. Such was the quality of the music, I couldn’t leave the shop during his long solo, and ended up both staying too long, and buying too much.
Thank you! I’m just beginning to understand how to build chord progressions and I really needed this lesson.
It will be a while before my hands can do those things but it gives me direction.
Agreed! A masterclass in melodic development.
Grabbing my guitar ! Thanks, Rick !
Nice!
I don’t love this tune just because it’s my name. It’s just beautiful
Pat Metheny is just a brilliant musician. This is poetry with a guitar.
Made my day watching this video. Love PM"s music.
In the presence of the master. Never knew this was named for sweet Baby James! Engaging and informative interview. Thank you Rick. Thank you, Pat.
Thanks for inviting Pat and talk about improvisation...
He's a real genius.
Love Pat Metheny's solo acoustic version of "Ferry Cross the Mersey" by Gerry and the Pacemakers. So beautiful.
Parabéns por promover para o mundo informações musicais valiosas. Que Deus lhe abençoe grandemente e prolongue teus dias sobre a terra.
Saw Pat in concert. It was worth every penny!
What a treasure both of you are. This is a magical moment. Thank you Rick.
I had just thanked Rick for turning me on to heavy metal---it's what I hear when I'm doing the dishes---and now Pat Methany. I've just listened to 'James' and it is uplifting, complex, melodic and carries you like an ocean wave to the shores of your inner-mind. But Pat, not to dampen your firey music, but I would have called it 'Cheryl'...
I hear J.S. Bach 6:30 such a joy to hear this broken down
check out the hair. he's still got that doo. whoa!
II LIVES!
*_Yeah- got it Man._*
Just saw Pat this week in Valencia. Legend. Thanks for the interview Rick.
He’s wrong about needing a bass player. Get a bass player who’s smarter than you. Get a bass player who’s your secret weapon like JPJ was for Zeppelin.
Brilliant!
Killer job Rick
Just being able to play the tune is an accomplishment.
Thanks to both of you. I think I'm one of those " classicos " that listened to Pat, Wes, Jim Hall, Mick, Lenny, those guys.. you know, and always loved how smoothly they went through changes, but was stuck in the chord scale world, in spite of taking classes from John LaPorta ( when he was around ). The concept of following what he called " guide tone lines " was in the back of my mind and helped.. usually shifting from third to flatted-seventh where appropriate, but was never smooth for me.. somewhat. Probably because I spent so much time memorizing classical pieces ( Bach, Scarlatti, Dowland, Vivaldi, etc.) such that I was already tired by the time I got to improv work, and so it only developed under pressure on a gig when in front of people, and consequently more slowly. It's rare to get "real information" from advanced improvisers.. without driving all over the country. So this is a rare opportunity. Thanks again for doing it. It's possible that Pat would remember me from the '73/'74 period in Normal, Illinois and at Berklee later, but unlikely.. so Hi from Wes's old stompin' grounds.
Rick if you dig jazz check out Larry Meyer from Long Island. Dude is as great a player as I've ever seen. His live shows are as good as I've ever seen. You will love him. A Jazz monster.
When I began listening to jazz in the mid 1980’s, I use to go back and forth with who was better to listen to between violinist Jean Luc-Ponty or Pat.
Over time, I’ve learned Pat has the slight edge. Both are legendary though.
Happy Father’s Day, Rick!
I love the analysis. More like this, please!
If any of you do not have Pat's "Orchestrion" DVD, scarf it up, man! To me, this is the masterpiece of his legacy...the ultimate one-man band.
I love how Rick looks like a puppy watching the master cook his favourite meal :-)
Brilliant 🎸🤗🎶
What i would give to watch Pat do his hair - washing, styling ... all of it. Fascinating
another under rated Guitarist been listening to Pat since the 70's thanks Rick!
Umm, Pat Metheny is in no way under rated! He is one of the most revered guitarists of his generation and well known among non musicians as well given his genre.
SHUT UP
Un Maestro !
Happy Father's Day, Rick!
Nice one Rick.