Understanding Opeth: The Closure Chords with Ben Eller
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- Опубликовано: 23 окт 2020
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Hey kids! Its your good buddy Uncle Ben Eller here with a lesson i've been wanting to do for a while: a full breakdown on the hauntingly beautiful and creepy chords of the mighty OPETH! I've been obsessed with this band and their amazing melodies since Blackwater Park. But what chord types and scales does Mikael Akerfeldt and crew use to make their spooky music? Today, we find out!
In this lesson, we will use the song Closure off the band's 2003 release "Damnation" to better understand what makes their music work the way it does. I'll give you a riff-by-riff breakdown on this tune, plus we will cover all the theory and technique tips you need to master their style!
Gear: Martin SC-13E, Jim Dunlop picks and strings, Fractal Audio Axe FX 3
Let me know what other classic Opeth songs you want to better understand next!!! 
Видеоклипы
Thank you for learning the Closure chord chemistry of Opeth with me! Are there any other Opeth tunes you want to see broken down next?
It would be nice to see a song that mix accoustic/clean/distorted but that isn't too long like a lot of their songs, I imagine that that would be a hell of a work
I suggest: Face of Melinda, Demon of the Fall and Dirge for November
I also love Credence and still cant't play it (it's only clean guitar)
@@victormarqves Yes definitely Credence or Face Of Melinda! Btw, Ben already covered Dirge For November
@@dominick070M I didn't know, I'll search for it, thanks!
A breakdown of "burden" or "coil" off watershed would be cool. If you're looking for acoustic guitar stuff to break down, "voice of the soul" by death would be great although I don't think it'd warrant a long video.
A Breakdown of "Death whispered a lullaby" would be great, or hex omega
Bar none, Opeth are one of the best bands of the last 20 years. So much creativity and musicianship.
I think that damnation is a flawless album. There isn't a single note that doesn't work on the entire album.
It's my favourite. By very very very far, my favourite
Agreed
@@fredlaroche6969 Moé 'si . . . 🤘
To be honest, that's the case with all Opeth albums up to Watershed 🤘🏾
yess damnation and blackwater park are their 2 flawless
they definitely make those "ugly" notes sound fucking amazing though. the picking pattern and how its presented musically is art. a lot of people need to remember that. a real artist just feels and really embodies their sound. I know some amazing musicians who know nothing about music theory but they somehow can feel and write beautiful and unique music.
@Emiliard Usoevski He's been playing acoustic since a young age and his acoustic playing in general really shines. I think he's just extremely intuitive when it comes to writing chord progressions and has a good sense of what sounds serious vs. typical and goofy.
@Emiliard Usoevski I believe him. What he doesn't mention though is that even though he doesn't know theory, his years of playing gave him a good ear and a sense of how the guitar and it's notes layout work. He maybe can't name a chord but he knows how that chord interacts with other chords and notes/melodies etc. Add to that a certain knack for unconventional sounds (which means he will search for the desired sound. likely longer than a theory schooled guy) and you really don't "need" theory to write amazing stuff.
I kinda do it in a similar way. I know some basic theory but once i play i, for the most part, I dont think about theory and just let the sounds guide me. If i get stuck, theory becomes a tool to hopefully get me out of there. sometimes at least lol
Mikael from Opeth is simply one of the most interesting and unique guitar players alive. I wish they would do another album like Damnation!
Mikael is one of my favorite songwriters. He just writes like no one else. Thanks for explaining Closure, it's always been such a mystery to me!
That rambling about the devil tritones around the 9 minute mark is why I'm a Patron. That smile can only come from someone who genuinely enjoys not only music, but teaching. Your passion is contagious and I've learned more from this channel in a few months than I have elsewhere in years. 🤘
I haven't even finished this video but anything involving Opeth's chords and one of my favorite Opeth songs is an automatic yes from me. Your dirge for November video was absolutely amazing
You could play any of their heavy riffs on an acoustic as well and they would still sound god-tier
Damnation is a beautiful record. Closure is my favorite track on there.
Please do a Stuff Opeth Does video like the one you did with Mastodon
“Does” or “did”???
Ben Eller *DID* everything up to watershed but even then some of their new stuff has really catchy riffs and epic solos
@@BenEller Did please.
Why not both? :p
Thanks for this super cool video though, that helps me a lot. Opeth are the best, really...
Do one on gonira
Intro: 3:22
riff 2/creepy chord: 7:23
bridge/the secret Opeth scale: 12:05
outro 1/scale shifting: 20:10
outro 2: 24:08
Thanks Ben for the clear explanations! I would loooooove to know the musical theory behind the haunting part at 8:40 in Deliverance!
Akerfeldt is so underrated!
My favorite thing about this song is how they build so much tension in that middle part, and it leads you to believe that they are going to unleash something heavy as hell. But instead, Mikael goes the opposite direction, and brings everything down to a whisper. Masterful songwriting.
I especially love the live version of this off of Lamentations. The outro jam is like 5 minutes long, and it is glorious.
Mikael Åkerfeldt is a master songwriter and my absolute favorite. He loves to challenge his audience and his songwriting has deliberately evolved over time.
Opeth have casually carved out a brilliant 30 year career with universally acclaimed album after album. They create timeless music. Not many artists can maintain that longevity while never writing a single bad song.
Make more opeth videos!!
damn am I fast
yes! or we riot! lmao
Yes! Needs more Opeth!!!
I'm an old man! Ben, you make me pick up the guitar again because of your talent and wit. Never lose it, only become more witlier. Cheers
I could listen to Mikael's songs for the rest of my life
Dude, thank you for this one. Absolutely one of my all-time favorite Opeth tunes (I have unknowingly been playing parts of this incorrectly for years). It would be amazing if you could do a "Bleak" tutorial in the future.
This guy! Super cool song. Back in october ‘03 they did a tour, supporting Damnation. Went to a seated show. That’s 17 years ago!
I am surprised you have such an upbeat disposition after the 2 setbacks in recording. 3rd time's a charm!
Thanks Uncy Bang!
Opeth are always top Spoopy bois
I must say that this is the most effective breakdown video of all internet. Thank you sir. Greetings from Republic of Turkey
I'd love for Opeth to do another acoustic focused album, Damnation has always been my favourite of theirs
Opeth's most melodic album is Morningrise, IMO.
My favorite Opeth album by far. Black Rose Immortal is brilliant.
Always appreciate that autumnal Opeth content!
This was amazing, more Opeth Uncle Ben! Next challenge breakdown of Reverie/Harlequin Forest, good luck!
You have been knocking it right out of the park this year Uncle Ben!
thanks so much ben!! I have been on a crazy opeth kick the past month & this was a nice surprise when I opened youtube today :)
Killer lesson man! This is one of my favorites off of the album, and I’ve always thought it would be cool to learn it. You teaching it made it a breeze. I’ve been a fan of your channel for awhile. You’re a great teacher and one of the best players on RUclips in my opinion. Hail Opeth! Cheers!
Opeth is my absolute favorite band and you're quickly becoming my favorite guitar youtuber! I smashed LIKE before clicking play.
I think this is the most comprehensive, in-depth and fun breakdown of an Opeth song I've ever seen. Great work dude!
Uncle Ben uploads already make my day better, but an Uncle Ben upload about Opeth, boy oh boy! Cheers, Uncle Ben!
Literally just finished listening to damnation today because I hadn’t listened to it yet and this video couldn’t have been timed better
Thanks Uncle Ben!! Man, any Opeth song will do! Even the latest one is phenomenal!
Dude, probably a minor detail, but I love the edit at 3:40 where you cut back to the dialogue, but still had the chord ring out instead of it being cut too.
Haha dude thank you for noticing! I did that kinda by accident and it felt real good.
Opeth best band ever no doubts!
Ima let you finish, because Damnation is what made me go from hardcore jazzer to "maybe this metal stuff isn't so bad".
Relax. They're good but they are far from the best band ever.
@@dirklives1168 What they lack of? They ve done it all, black metal, death metal, prog rock and so on, not to mention the level, so i would never call them 'far' from the best ever, even though they dont have to be such necessarily
The Best for you .
Not the Best and everyone in the World.
@@dirklives1168 what is your best band sir? pls answer I am curious
Always a great day when you do an Opeth video! Well done!
I'm really happy you made this video. This is actually my absolute favorite Opeth song. Explaining all of this stuff helped me a lot thank you:)
I always learn so much from your vids...thanks!
3 years after putting this video in my *Watch Later* list I finally took an hour to learn the song. Thank you (Uncle) Ben!!! I'll tag you in my version of it....
You explained everything realy good and clear. Very good video man
This made me want to pull out my acoustic and learn to play this song.
This was awesome uncle Ben! Thank you very much
Kickass video, sir.
Also that guitar sounds incredible. I love it.
Thanks and Cheers.
Love this song and band. Great lesson!
Wow , killer lesson, killer song and killer timing 🤘🏻 needed something to learn today🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thank you
Great video as always, I’d love to see even more opeth!
Opeth is my favorite band , thanks!
Oh my, a spooktacular Opeth breakdown woo hoo kids ! Great tine and tutorial as always step dad !
Thank you so much for detailed analysis. This was really a blast to watch. As a hardcore Opeth fan i salute you with great respect
This video is more better than I thought it would be. Bravo Ben.
This is such a great tune. Thank you for breaking it down, especially the bridge. Interesting on the picking pattern there.
Also thanks for the whole-half-dim scale idea
You recently postet on Instagram that "The baying of the hounds" is the best track by opeth. And I couldnt disagree. But I thought about it now for a week or so and Iam now pretty sure that it´s actually "The Moor". Dont know why I write this, just wanted to express it I guess. Anyway, you´re cool
Baying of the Hounds is nearly flawless, except that it immediately follows Ghost of Perdition, which *IS* flawless. Ghost Reveries is an amazing album front to back.
Dude you're awesome. I love opeth and this is my favorite song. Grabbing my guitar now. GG!
So killer man! Damnation is one of my all time favorite records. Always loved the little lick at 15:45.
Man, one can see you were really enjoying yourself cracking this song: the lesson oozes enthusiasm.
I had never listened to Opeth, but this video really got me interested.
Also, I found myself searching Amazon for the Dunlop Tortex t-shirt. :p
Awesome video, thanks Uncle Ben !
Great video! Love to see this fabulous song being played and explained! Opeth are very individual when it comes to using and creating chords and licks related to them. It is what I call their "cosmos"!
The section about the symmetrical scale is also very interesting!
Damnation is actually my Fall/winter album. And its one of my all time favs.. Great work thank you very much!
What a great lesson! Not just your playing, I really liked your enthusiasm for the song (band, music...) and way you explained chords. "Music theachers of the world, listen to this!"
First album I heard by them. Was blown away by their earlier work with just how different it sounded. To take such a turn in style and still sound amazing is what makes them so good IMO.
I can't tell you how much I wanted something like this. The chords and scales Opeth use are so unique. Everytime I hear a similar chord structure, scales etc. it always reminds me of Opeth. So beautiful. So...Opethian. Thank you so much.
Yeah, Opeth is always one of those "why do I bother" bands." I love this album. To Rid the Disease is also a super sick track full of fun chords. Great job Ben!
The title track off of BWP is full of crazy stiff transitioning riff to riff. Also, Mikeal does one of the lost beautiful and memorable solos IMO on Porcupine Trees Arriving Somewhere but Not Here. That’s be cool to see a breakdown on.
@@NickHillMakesMusic wait, mikael does the solo on arriving somewhere?
@@ThomasJ502 they collaborated couple of times, Steven Wilson is also a backing vocal on the BWP album.
Never saw you so excited about the non-predictable notes! Amazing
I saw opeth twenty years ago. I still in love ❤️ Thank You for this amazing video 🙏
I bought a Martin SC-13E because of your videos... I do love it I must say! Thanks Uncle Ben!
Yesss!!! Thanks for the vídeo ;)
Love damnation... I always put it on when the leaves start to fall... great video!
Thank you, that was great. I really appreciate the level of detail of the analysis, especially scrutinzing the weird chords Mike uses. I think Mike is a master of building and resolving tension in elegant and unique ways and this video really helps in breaking down the composition.
So glad you dug it! More Opeth content is definitely coming!
This is so great! Thank you very much for that!
I love this song and your guitar sounds great, thanks for the lesson Uncle Ben. I will be a good boy and learn it.
Absolutely brilliant! Thank you!!
10:33... augmented chords are awesome, I've been working with augmented notes a lot lately.
Thanks. Great video.
Loooove Closure! Really glad I found your channel...sub'd! Cheers from an Opeth fantatic and music teacher.
Wow, I hope the rest of your channel has content like this. Subbed!
Favorite album from them, thanks for this!!
Very cool you chose Opeth, definitely one of the most unique and immediately identifiable bands. Their “spooky” chords are one of the things I most love about them, especially when orchestrated with acoustic guitars and the odd piano.
There's a guy who does piano versions of Opeth songs here on YT.
He's done two videos, each over an hour long.
Actually, here, i will post you a link to one of them.
ruclips.net/video/hm8HV_cY4NQ/видео.html
incredible analysis
Ow... all the theory maked my brain thinkers hurt and my hand fingers get all tangled up.
Well this brings back memories from High School. I'll definitely be learning this.
Ive wanted this one for EVER!!!!!
I love that you're covering Opeth, who are probably my favorite band these past ten years. Quick shout: I played for almost 20 years without knowing any theory. One of your lessons was the first one to make it click.
Wow! I never listend to Opeth befor. Bit this is really cool. Especially in combination with this
In-depth analysing breaking down teaching style of yours. I really do appreciate.
Thanx Uncle Ben and peace out from Good ol‘ Hamburg. 🍶
You got some listening to do
Nice! Thank you so much for this!
Pretty cool Uncle Ben. Thanks
This is great content dude
Thanks man this has helped me pick my guitar back up, I had lost all confidence and direction. I love this album
Cool vid. Opeth are INSANE. Mikael is a GAWD
Love the "shag carpet" era of Opeth more so than the growly tunes. Kinda reminds me of a great pro g rock band from the 70s that no one ever heard of until now.
Looooove Heritage especially
I'm not sure how many fans agree with you but I certainly do! Damnation and then Watershed forward is where I spend most of my time. The other stuff is amazing as well, but growl vocals always sound childish to me. These guys are so damn good I feel like it's beneath them.
@@halofour01 That's kind of a childish way to view music, in my opinion. There's so much to take in from their entire discography, or even from other bands that happen to growl. Still Life is probably my favorite album from them, followed closely by Pale Communion, but they have a lot to offer.
@@Sthephyr12 You're right. What was I thinking preferring one style over another. Personal taste is a ridiculous thing to have. Everything is always equal to everyone all the time. My bad.
@@halofour01 Not really how I intended that, but meh, whatever. Take it however you want. I do think it's childish to dismiss entire genres as childish because you don't like a particular vocal element, and one should listen to music outside of their personal tastes. And if that's your response, I don't feel the need to respect your pretentious opinion or your sarcastic counter. You do you, though. Be happy. Whatever.
Metal’s own Beato. Awesome Ben!
Well explained lesson! Thanks!
Great lesson!
This is the content i wanted to see
AMAZING VIDEO THANK YOUU
Love dem Swedish bois
Edit: Probably the most haunting part of the song (maybe most haunting part on the album) is that weird part in the background at 3:27. Hearing it isolated in the Deliverance/Damnation documentary made it even creepier.
Edit 2: You should go over something off Still Life next. I feel like that’s some of Mikael’s most complex and weird writing.
Very strange that I literally started learning this song 2 months ago and then you upload a lesson for it.. P.s I love you!
I like your videos, and not because I can learn how to play stuff (given up guitar years ago), but because your explanations are the apple of an analytical mind's eye (if that makes any sense).
I am drawn towards rhythm guitar and harmony, and your channel gives me closure!
Pun intended.
Being just a musician doesnt bring enough ability to create a such a beauty you should be Opeth to create this. I knew someone other than me had realized the shining taste of this song
hilarious, the grunge pedal jokes never see to get old for me hahahhaha. Uncle Ben, you're seriously the best instructor on RUclips bro!