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Alex is the only guitarist that has moved me emotionally with just his playing. Hope is a great example... So much emotion. And his solos are so unique and tell a story.
His rhythm playing has so much movement...like a percussion instrument itself... because he had to play with Neil and Geddy. His playing is actually true artistry.
I think a great example of this whole idea of keeping notes present throughout the chord progression is Time Stand Still. That whole song is full of barre chord shapes with the high B and E strings left open, and it gives you some great minor 7 and add9/add11 voicings.
One of the most underrated aspects of Alex Lifeson is how he adjusted his playing to the changes of Rush's sound with time. Even though he admitted he was not a fan of all the synthesizers, he adjusted his playing to better enhance those songs, and it created some of the most creative, original guitar playing in rock music. Listen from mid to late 80's rush and how he played over above the lower parts mix while the synths were down lower. He played these devastating beautiful lines that had so much color and emotion. Even while he was forced into a corner he didn't enjoy so much, he was such a good musician he played what sounded best and it only grew his creativity.
Alex's airy open chords were a revelation to me in the late seventies. I spent many hours moving the needle back and hunting for those sounds on the guitar. He's top 5 on my list!
I remember when I first heard him too. Nobody sounded like him. A lot of his stuff is not impossible to play but it was what he conceived and how he delivered it that made it so unique...
I'm 64 yo, and I've listened to a gazillion guitarists over the years...I have to sincerely say that, if forced to make a choice of whom I consider the best overall guitarists I've ever heard, it is Alex Lifeson...AL "paints" with his fingers...a true artist...his is the ability to stir the emotions and also create mental imagery (soundscapes) that is nothing short of pure sonic theatre...and what I've found with AL's approach to chord work applies across genres of music as well...he's an artist's artist; a guitarist's guitarist...as a guitar player, he gives you permission to be free and explore what seems like infinite permutations of the fretboard to express yourself...and for that, I am eternally grateful...too, he just sees like a very cool guy to hang out with and have a beer.
I’ve said this forever but Alex is hands down one of the most unique guitar players ever. This video definitely nails it with explaining the subtleties when Alex plays
Lifeson is a great Canuck...a down to earth fine man....humble and thoughtful to fans he meets...and just happens to be one of the greatest rock guitarists in history.
Very unique way of looking at Lifeson’s playing. Not just spirit of the radio. You have inspired me to dig deeper into some of the deeper cuts. Thank you. Also, I love lots of guitar players (of course Hendrix, SRV, Clapton, Beck, Mick Taylor, Keef, EVH, Iommi, May, etc. ) but four players have really intrigued me lately. More the emotional players who fill space so well with rhythm and riffs. The Edge, Gilmour, Lifeson and Andy Summers. These latter four just fill space so well with well-chosen composition.
I don't know where do people get this underrated bullshit from. There is no great guitarist that came after Alex that doesn't have him as a reference. Every time I see an idiocy like this, it is from people that think they are among the few enlightened ones that can appreciate something that the ignorant mass can't.
Alex is in my top five. I didn't realize until after several years of playing how much of an impact he had on me. His arpeggiated voicings and shifting textures and melodies together with Geddy and Neil enabled the three of them to fill the entire sound spectrum. His solos were always amazing, whether shredding or playing slow and melodically. Another piece I have always found intriguing is Broon's Bane on Exit Stage Left, an acoustic piece right before The Trees. Lerxst continues to inspire me to this day.
No one at the bridge! Such an awesome sound!!!!!!!!!!And contains his most underrated solo. It’s my favorite. The first 4 notes of that solo are SO haunting and unique
Straight up melody, chorus and amazing riffs. I'll take that over non stop speed any day. Alex Lifeson is one of the greatest progressive rock guitarists ever. I honestly never get tired of listening to classic Rush.
The very same image of Alex Lifeson inspired me as a young guitarist, too. His style has definitely had more influence on my playing than any other guitarist, ever.
Rush is a symphony of electric sound, after alex took formal classical guitar lessons the dynamics of his playing for the band accomplished something no other guitarist could achieve. It took those three incredible musicians to make Rush!
Back in the day when radio stations would give away backstage passes, we would watch Alex Lifeson tap dance on his way to the stage, he was so funny it was amazing to see him act like that before he would take the stage and perform his unique style.
Thank you for this video. It made my morning. It made me realize just how much influence Alex had on my playing. The most comments I get on my playing is “your arpeggiating and chord playing mixed together sounds really good”. As if they do not hear it that much. I first saw them in 1976 for the “All The World Is A Stage” tour.
It’s my pleasure! So glad it had a positive effect on your day. His influences are undeniable and are all over my playing too. Glad we all got to share his story together. I wish I got to see them in their earliest days but I would have been too young. That must be an awesome memory. Cheers! 😎🎸🤘🏽
@@LonelyRocker No One At The Bridge is iconic for any young band, or just young people. The lyrics, vocals, and emotion are hard to equal. The Beatles with "Help" was kinda the same way. John was laying his thoughts out on the page on that one. I see No One at the Bridge in the same way, like a young person laying their thoughts out candidly on the page. And that guitar solo... Damn!
Great reaction, Alex Lifeson is a guitar genius because he always knew what to play and when. There was no one way of playing, one style, there was just, whatever went with the song. A great example can be heard in two songs from their performance from the Clockwork Angels Tour, live in Dallas. In The Analog Kid, which is an up tempo beat he played a high tempo (shredding) solo. Very next track was Bravado, a much more melodic number and he played two bright, melodic solos in keeping with the song. Understated genius in my view.
I dabled in drums when I was 14-18, (lots of Rush ESL attempts!) and absolutely loved Neil Peart and Rush, and am no guitarist, but Alex’s playing always captured my attention and enchanted me - there simply was no other like him in rock music imho - and I continue to state that he was the backbone of Rush’s unique sound, and what captivated us die-hard fans. His chord progressions were spiritual, and yet haunting and melancholic in ways indescribable , and his solos… the man of a 1000 solos. Pure and creative genius was Alex. Needless to say, this wanna be drummer, named his son after … Alex.
Rush's' albums are great but to see it done live is where you see how amazing all 3 of them are. Alex has been my favorite guitar player for a long time because there is always more going on than it appears.
Something I've always appreciated about Alex is how he starts and ends his phrases on unexpected beats in the measure, an indication of how he never wanted to sound like everyone else.
Thanks so much for posting this. It is TOTALLY up my street! Love your select choice of parts - these are bits that I have been working on myself for ages!! :)
This was very well done! Alex is who made me want to pick up the guitar 35 years ago. I still discover nuances in his music and never get tired of listening to his playing especially in those early albums. “Here Again” is such a classic Lifeson work that touches me endlessly. Thank you for sharing!
I went to GIT in the mid-80's and I asked Jeff Berlin "what if you want to write a great, unique, memorable song"... crickets.... "work hard at it"... i.e. craft is one aspect of all endeavors but creativity is truly on another level
I don't usually comment in the middle of watching a video, but I just want to commend you on a few things. First of all, your appreciation of Alex's talent shines through in your commentary and playing. You're taking the time to explain the composition and musicianship without talking over the head of guitar hacks such as myself. Your sister's digital renderings as an accompaniment was a pleasant and unexpected twist. You popped up randomly in my feed this morning. I'll be sure to check out your other videos. Well done, Dan!
Thank you so much! This put a smile on my face. This was a special project for me and has become one of my favourite videos. Glad I popped up in your feed and hope some of my other videos now meet your expectations. Cheers!
Great video! I love the description and the lesson of the chord progressions. And this was a fun collaboration to do together. I love how you paired the art progression with the chord progression. Really well done! ❤❤❤
As a life long (I'm 65) Rush fan, thank you for celebrating Alex. IMO, one of the most underrated guitarist of all time. I cant think of a guitarist would fit better. Neil's lyrics and percussion and Ged's bass playing and multitasking get the majority of media buzz but without Alex, it doesn't work. It's a tripod of geniuses. Take away any one leg and it falls over. Thanks again, really enjoyed this post.✌
Thanks so much! And thank you for sharing your thoughts. So glad you enjoyed this video. Coming from a lifelong fan that means more than most. It was a joy making this video. Thanks!
Many stories like yours! I entered around moving pictures. Though the Spirit of Radio was the first song I ever heard. It was on a compilation album and it was edited. Never looked back as well!
Wow your sister really did a fantastic job with that art work. Judge thumbs up to her. There is a lot of talent in your family. Thanks for the excellent demonstration about Alex’s arpeggio and chord style’s. Great job lonely rocker. 👍🏿
I was never much of a Rush fan back in the day and for the life of me I don't know why. Many years have passed and now I've cultivated so much appreciation and respect for this band. Better late than never! And Alex is a signature player, carving out a niche all his own and not copycatting anyone. Each and every note is well thought out and well placed, kind of like some guy named Neil does on the drums.
I love Rush (best band ever) and Alex Lifeson guitar playing..he truly is one of the greatest rock guitar players ever! His rhythm and solos are beautifully composed, soulful..love it..
Their music 🎵 was simple and complicated with great transitions and thats what made their music 🎵 so popular, also they were able to transition from songs on different albums with ease live, which made it fun to see live because you were able to hear everything that they produced in a 3 hour show
What an entertaining video I enjoyed this so much. To me Rush are the ultimate musical geniuses who did it all by themselves through hard work, determination, going against the grain, believing in their music and refusing to be controlled and manipulated by the system. Their talent showed no boundaries in my opinion. I personally owe them so much. I am proud to say that I was a Rush fan from my first encounter which was a live performance of Xanadu on the late night Old Grey Whistle Test in 1977. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you so much!!! Really glad you enjoyed this. It was a pleasure to make. Rush gave us many lifetimes of music. And I for one will be forever grateful. Cheers!!!!!
The consistent tone through a chord progression is used to maximum effect by Steve Howe on Yes' "Wurm" in the outro to "Starship Trooper". But one Lifeson trick I like is unison tones - say combining the B note on the 3rd string with an open B string - in either a chord or an arpeggio
Awesome video, so well explained, and now I understand why I like Alex's creativity and even when he's playing fast, he's never in a hurry, and his choice of tone are amazing. Great artwork from your artist, it made the video even more fun
Cool! Been playing for 40 years so nothing new here but nice to see it all layed out so the next generation of guitar kids can learn and appreciate Alex's amazing chord work. I had one of those Howard Roberts models for a minute back in the late 80's but I really hated the baseball bat neck so it had to go.
I’ve been wanting to pay tribute to Alex in some way for a long time. Yes, the neck is reminiscent of a 59 Les Paul profile. I’m more comfortable on smaller necks these days but this still gets as much use as any guitar I have. Thanks for watching!
Here I sit, in my RUSH T-shirt, in my lonely studio with a poster of Rush from '76, Al and Ged both with double necks. The things I loved most about his playing were his ferocious vibratos and the high E and B ringing open so often. And the "clean" distorted tones, like in Fly By Night...is there a modeler that can nail that sound? Hemespheres is my favorite album by them.
I'm not a guitar player, but I've always liked Lifeson's guitar style. Surely is has to do with what you explained here. Your love for his playing (and Rush) shows - only real fans analyze and play their musical idol's parts with such attention to detail. Great video!
What an awesome comment! Thanks so much for your observations. Rush is the band that drove me to play music. And Alex was my first guitar hero. Considering how much time I still invest into my love for music it can’t be understated how important they are to me. I was compelled to make this little tribute. Cheers! 😎🎸🤘🏽
Grew up with Rush, first saw them at a high school party on Don Kirshners Rock Concert on TV. Thank you for pointing out the Bb part on No one at the Bridge, I've played the correct notes but in a much more difficult way. Glad your vid popped up...subscribing now! Alex is my all time fave guitarist, he played out of the box of most rock players and I found that so interesting in my own journey of playing guitar. Thanks again.
Check out the actual timing of the hand movement change in Limelight. Alex shifts the chord from the E position to the F# position BEFORE playing the A# during the E bar. This is what makes it sound so fluent, and though it’s weird to get your head around first, it actually makes it easier to play.
for another couple of examples of how he would take part of a chord and move it through the whole progression the opening riff to Fly by Night is a great example. But maybe the simplest and most underrated is from Hand Over Fist off of Presto. He anchors the the G and D on the B and E strings and then voices all the other chords around them. Simple and genius.
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Alex is a musical genius!
Agreed!
Alex is slowly becoming my favorite guitarist. Not one note wasted on any record, and his solos are all amazing
Glad you are discovering him..there is so much to learn from his playing...and so much to enjoy!
Agree some of Alex solos are the best
My 3 most favorite men, outside of my husband.
Dirk, Lerxst & Pratt. 🤘❤️
Word!
Listen to Digital Man, and he'll become that. Hahahahaha.
Alex is the only guitarist that has moved me emotionally with just his playing. Hope is a great example... So much emotion. And his solos are so unique and tell a story.
He truly is a special player and drove me to play guitar. 😎🎸🤟🏼
Right!
Check out Tory Slusher.
I haven’t played Hope in ages. Lovely song
His rhythm playing has so much movement...like a percussion instrument itself... because he had to play with Neil and Geddy. His playing is actually true artistry.
Totally agree...great rhythm work is very underrated but so fundamental...
I think a great example of this whole idea of keeping notes present throughout the chord progression is Time Stand Still. That whole song is full of barre chord shapes with the high B and E strings left open, and it gives you some great minor 7 and add9/add11 voicings.
Great example! His catalogue is littered with this technique. It’s great to use it in your own playing. I do all the time!
Great job....Alex has been my favourite guitarist for over 40 years....the man's a genius and so humble....a one off....thanks.
Thank you! I had a blast making this video. Appreciate you watching it and glad you enjoyed it. Alex has been my favourite for over 40 years as well.
We love the Lerxst. He's a goofball and a character and one of the top 3 musicians of all time!
@@Torgo1969 Agreed! By top 3 do you mean a list of three that includes Geddy and Neil? 🤣
@@LonelyRocker You got it!
One of the most underrated aspects of Alex Lifeson is how he adjusted his playing to the changes of Rush's sound with time. Even though he admitted he was not a fan of all the synthesizers, he adjusted his playing to better enhance those songs, and it created some of the most creative, original guitar playing in rock music. Listen from mid to late 80's rush and how he played over above the lower parts mix while the synths were down lower. He played these devastating beautiful lines that had so much color and emotion. Even while he was forced into a corner he didn't enjoy so much, he was such a good musician he played what sounded best and it only grew his creativity.
Alex's airy open chords were a revelation to me in the late seventies. I spent many hours moving the needle back and hunting for those sounds on the guitar. He's top 5 on my list!
I remember when I first heard him too. Nobody sounded like him. A lot of his stuff is not impossible to play but it was what he conceived and how he delivered it that made it so unique...
He’s on my top 5 influencers and favorites as well.
I'm 64 yo, and I've listened to a gazillion guitarists over the years...I have to sincerely say that, if forced to make a choice of whom I consider the best overall guitarists I've ever heard, it is Alex Lifeson...AL "paints" with his fingers...a true artist...his is the ability to stir the emotions and also create mental imagery (soundscapes) that is nothing short of pure sonic theatre...and what I've found with AL's approach to chord work applies across genres of music as well...he's an artist's artist; a guitarist's guitarist...as a guitar player, he gives you permission to be free and explore what seems like infinite permutations of the fretboard to express yourself...and for that, I am eternally grateful...too, he just sees like a very cool guy to hang out with and have a beer.
Very well said! I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Cheers!
I’ve said this forever but Alex is hands down one of the most unique guitar players ever. This video definitely nails it with explaining the subtleties when Alex plays
100% AGREE! And thank you very much. I enjoyed making this one :)
I love every phase of his development. Signals is my favorite album for his soloing. Digital Man and The Weapon are especially impactful to me.
Me too…so much to draw inspiration from.
The outro from Mission just takes me places. I’m not a guitarist but that solo in the outro has always made me want to learn how to play it
@@markmccoy3369 I am so with you on that! I was very excited when A Show Of Hands included Mission so I could experience the resolution to the solo.
The arpeggio Alex played in "The Trees" had me hooked on RUSH ever since.
Those are brilliant!!! One of my favs too...
Lifeson is a great Canuck...a down to earth fine man....humble and thoughtful to fans he meets...and just happens to be one of the greatest rock guitarists in history.
100% agree...great player and equally great human being!
@@LonelyRockerThank you Sir. Couldn't agree more.
Even when keyboards started to become more central in Rush's sound during the 80s, Alex still found a way to make his presence heard.
Tasteful players always find their palce and he was the king!!!
Alex is the master of taking something so effective and simple and dressing it up with some extra notes thrown in to take it to a new level!
Totally agree!!!!
Very unique way of looking at Lifeson’s playing. Not just spirit of the radio. You have inspired me to dig deeper into some of the deeper cuts. Thank you. Also, I love lots of guitar players (of course Hendrix, SRV, Clapton, Beck, Mick Taylor, Keef, EVH, Iommi, May, etc. ) but four players have really intrigued me lately. More the emotional players who fill space so well with rhythm and riffs. The Edge, Gilmour, Lifeson and Andy Summers. These latter four just fill space so well with well-chosen composition.
Absolutely my pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it and it inspired you to dig into some deep cuts. Cheers and thank you!
Alex is COSMICALLY under rated.
He's the reason I play guitar!
Only by people that don't know any better. Most good musicians know better.
I don't know where do people get this underrated bullshit from. There is no great guitarist that came after Alex that doesn't have him as a reference. Every time I see an idiocy like this, it is from people that think they are among the few enlightened ones that can appreciate something that the ignorant mass can't.
His texturing on Power Windows was incredible. So underated.
100% agree!!!
Most of the albums
Alex is in my top five. I didn't realize until after several years of playing how much of an impact he had on me. His arpeggiated voicings and shifting textures and melodies together with Geddy and Neil enabled the three of them to fill the entire sound spectrum. His solos were always amazing, whether shredding or playing slow and melodically. Another piece I have always found intriguing is Broon's Bane on Exit Stage Left, an acoustic piece right before The Trees. Lerxst continues to inspire me to this day.
Definitely one of the greats! Broon's Bane!! I've been playing that piece for years! Such a beautiful piece of music...
Oh my god forgot about No one at the bridge, that riff is so stuck in my head, simple but efficient
I always loved that one!
Then the solo comes in like a Mack truck....Try it with headphones on......superb....
Alex's playing is so unique and creative, truly one of the greatest to ever do it
100% agreed!
No one at the bridge! Such an awesome sound!!!!!!!!!!And contains his most underrated solo. It’s my favorite. The first 4 notes of that solo are SO haunting and unique
I’m with you. I have always loved thst song and that solo was an early favourite of mine. Cheers!
you got that right, as soon as i read this i heard it in my head.
easily one of my fav rush songs
You're the first person I've seen even name that song as a favourite solo, and I'm 100% behind you. Thanks to the OP for even posting about it!
Straight up melody, chorus and amazing riffs. I'll take that over non stop speed any day. Alex Lifeson is one of the greatest progressive rock guitarists ever. I honestly never get tired of listening to classic Rush.
I’m with you! Still tons to learn from him after all of these years!
Awesome video! Love Alex, he's so underrated! RIP Neil. 🇨🇦
Thanks so much! And cheers to both of your points. 👍🏼😄🎸
The very same image of Alex Lifeson inspired me as a young guitarist, too. His style has definitely had more influence on my playing than any other guitarist, ever.
That's awesome!! Great photo! I've always loved that one....
Alex is an amazing, creative guitarist and composer. He’s really funny, great sense of humour. I imagine he would be a riot to chum around with.
I met him a couple of times. Really genuine guy.
Alex is my favorite guitarist of all time.
Me too!!
Rush is a symphony of electric sound, after alex took formal classical guitar lessons the dynamics of his playing for the band accomplished something no other guitarist could achieve. It took those three incredible musicians to make Rush!
100% Agreed...there will never be another band like them.... (possibly) ;-)
Alex is a great guitarist! He's the reason why I started listening to Rush!!😁🤟👍
Great reason!!! Thanks for watching :)
Back in the day when radio stations would give away backstage passes, we would watch Alex Lifeson tap dance on his way to the stage, he was so funny it was amazing to see him act like that before he would take the stage and perform his unique style.
He clearly was enjoying himself and that was ALWAYS fun to see...
RUSH ALWAYS enjoyed themselves while playing. They were always a LIVE band.
Came for the Alex guitar techniques, stayed for the mesmerizing painting! Super cool combination, and very well executed!
Awesome, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
So enjoyed how you developed each chord and Rochelle’s art especially
😎🎸🎨
This chord progression from Cygnus is to me one of the most beautiful ever!
Agreed. Love it! So inventive and massive sounding.
That first Chord of the song I’ve labeled the Alex Lifeson chord. I can’t read music but I know he uses it a lot.
Rush has created so many great songs. If I had to pick one as a favorite it would kill me but one of the top songs for me is Between the Wheels.
Great tune and very tough to choose!
I first saw Alex and the band play in 1977 and I was hooked. It’s 2024 and I am watching a video on Alex’ arpeggios at 7:20 AM 😂
Awesome!!! You are a lifer like me!!! Glad my video shared some time with your morning coffee :)
same thing going on in freewill, Xanadu, I'm sure a lot of others too. pretty cool
Maybe I need to do a part 2! )
My thoughts, exactly! I call them "drone arpeggios". Alex is on my Mt. Rushmore of guitarists. He's been a big influence on my style. Part 2 please!?
Thank you for this video. It made my morning. It made me realize just how much influence Alex had on my playing.
The most comments I get on my playing is “your arpeggiating and chord playing mixed together sounds really good”. As if they do not hear it that much. I first saw them in 1976 for the “All The World Is A Stage” tour.
It’s my pleasure! So glad it had a positive effect on your day. His influences are undeniable and are all over my playing too. Glad we all got to share his story together. I wish I got to see them in their earliest days but I would have been too young. That must be an awesome memory. Cheers! 😎🎸🤘🏽
Caress Of Steel has always been one of my favorite albums that no one else will understand. But some are coming around...
It is a bit of a strange album but I love it nonetheless and No One At The Bridge is one of my all time favs.
@@LonelyRocker No One At The Bridge is iconic for any young band, or just young people. The lyrics, vocals, and emotion are hard to equal. The Beatles with "Help" was kinda the same way. John was laying his thoughts out on the page on that one. I see No One at the Bridge in the same way, like a young person laying their thoughts out candidly on the page. And that guitar solo... Damn!
Love the hrfusion!
I love that guitar 😎🤘🏽🎸
Mines from 1980!
Sweet! I’d love one of those too!
@@LonelyRocker they're great!
The very best thing I watched all day! Alex is my favorite guitarist by far. So creative. No one at the bridge is one of my favorites to play.
Thanks so much. This video was a labour of love. No one at the bridge is a killer track for sure!
Great reaction, Alex Lifeson is a guitar genius because he always knew what to play and when. There was no one way of playing, one style, there was just, whatever went with the song.
A great example can be heard in two songs from their performance from the Clockwork Angels Tour, live in Dallas. In The Analog Kid, which is an up tempo beat he played a high tempo (shredding) solo. Very next track was Bravado, a much more melodic number and he played two bright, melodic solos in keeping with the song.
Understated genius in my view.
Thanks! You nailed it 100%. So much to learn from his playing. I really miss that band.
I dabled in drums when I was 14-18, (lots of Rush ESL attempts!) and absolutely loved Neil Peart and Rush, and am no guitarist, but Alex’s playing always captured my attention and enchanted me - there simply was no other like him in rock music imho - and I continue to state that he was the backbone of Rush’s unique sound, and what captivated us die-hard fans. His chord progressions were spiritual, and yet haunting and melancholic in ways indescribable , and his solos… the man of a 1000 solos. Pure and creative genius was Alex.
Needless to say, this wanna be drummer, named his son after …
Alex.
Excellent video Pal, great playing and superb Artwork too.
Thank you kindly. Very much appreciated!
Rush's' albums are great but to see it done live is where you see how amazing all 3 of them are. Alex has been my favorite guitar player for a long time because there is always more going on than it appears.
100% agreed!
Something I've always appreciated about Alex is how he starts and ends his phrases on unexpected beats in the measure, an indication of how he never wanted to sound like everyone else.
I agree. He always crafted his parts. It’s clear he put a lot of thot into what he played.
@@LonelyRocker Ditto for that whole trio. That's a difficult rock triangle to hold your own in.
@@joxyjoxyjoxy1 Amen!!!!
Thanks so much for posting this. It is TOTALLY up my street! Love your select choice of parts - these are bits that I have been working on myself for ages!! :)
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!!!
This was very well done! Alex is who made me want to pick up the guitar 35 years ago. I still discover nuances in his music and never get tired of listening to his playing especially in those early albums. “Here Again” is such a classic Lifeson work that touches me endlessly. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!! So glad you enjoyed this. It was a lot of fun to make. Cheers!
Nice ! I am Always a Fan of Alex and Rush ! The Music of Rush is Unforgettable !
LONG LIVE RUSH!!!!!!
This is brilliant along with the added artwork is the icing on the cake. Bravo!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
I went to GIT in the mid-80's and I asked Jeff Berlin "what if you want to write a great, unique, memorable song"... crickets.... "work hard at it"... i.e. craft is one aspect of all endeavors but creativity is truly on another level
It truly is an intangible. Great skill, creativity and personality. Memorable songs just have this intangible ingredient...
I don't usually comment in the middle of watching a video, but I just want to commend you on a few things. First of all, your appreciation of Alex's talent shines through in your commentary and playing. You're taking the time to explain the composition and musicianship without talking over the head of guitar hacks such as myself. Your sister's digital renderings as an accompaniment was a pleasant and unexpected twist. You popped up randomly in my feed this morning. I'll be sure to check out your other videos. Well done, Dan!
Thank you so much! This put a smile on my face. This was a special project for me and has become one of my favourite videos. Glad I popped up in your feed and hope some of my other videos now meet your expectations. Cheers!
I thought the technique you were going to talk about is how Alex sometimes puts his arm behind his head between chords
Ha!! That's for the follow up! :)
or pretending to be a conductor lol
Great video! I love the description and the lesson of the chord progressions. And this was a fun collaboration to do together. I love how you paired the art progression with the chord progression. Really well done! ❤❤❤
Thnx for the awesome contribution :)
I could listen to Alex all day long. I can't say the same to many famous shredders, even though I have enormous respect for them.
Im with you!
As a life long (I'm 65) Rush fan, thank you for celebrating Alex. IMO, one of the most underrated guitarist of all time. I cant think of a guitarist would fit better. Neil's lyrics and percussion and Ged's bass playing and multitasking get the majority of media buzz but without Alex, it doesn't work. It's a tripod of geniuses. Take away any one leg and it falls over. Thanks again, really enjoyed this post.✌
Thanks so much! And thank you for sharing your thoughts. So glad you enjoyed this video. Coming from a lifelong fan that means more than most. It was a joy making this video. Thanks!
Very cool.... Alex Lifeson... My favorite of all time...
Thanks! And agreed. Love Lifeson! 🎸🤘🏽🏆
I was a young teenager when I first heard 2112. That was it ! Hooked for life and inspired me to play.
Many stories like yours! I entered around moving pictures. Though the Spirit of Radio was the first song I ever heard. It was on a compilation album and it was edited. Never looked back as well!
@@LonelyRocker Nice job on the video btw thanks!
My pleasure and thank you!
Humble, funny and genuinely unique
Alex is definitely my favorite guitarist of all time
Totally agree!!!
Wow your sister really did a fantastic job with that art work. Judge thumbs up to her. There is a lot of talent in your family. Thanks for the excellent demonstration about Alex’s arpeggio and chord style’s. Great job lonely rocker. 👍🏿
Thanks for your kind words...it brought a huge amount of sunshine into my day :)))))
I was never much of a Rush fan back in the day and for the life of me I don't know why. Many years have passed and now I've cultivated so much appreciation and respect for this band. Better late than never! And Alex is a signature player, carving out a niche all his own and not copycatting anyone. Each and every note is well thought out and well placed, kind of like some guy named Neil does on the drums.
Some didn't take to Rush. Often it's Geddy's voice. But if you like good players they get to you eventually!
I love Rush (best band ever) and Alex Lifeson guitar playing..he truly is one of the greatest rock guitar players ever! His rhythm and solos are beautifully composed, soulful..love it..
I'm 100% with you on that!
Their music 🎵 was simple and complicated with great transitions and thats what made their music 🎵 so popular, also they were able to transition from songs on different albums with ease live, which made it fun to see live because you were able to hear everything that they produced in a 3 hour show
Simple and complicated...that perfectly describes Rush....
What an entertaining video I enjoyed this so much. To me Rush are the ultimate musical geniuses who did it all by themselves through hard work, determination, going against the grain, believing in their music and refusing to be controlled and manipulated by the system. Their talent showed no boundaries in my opinion. I personally owe them so much. I am proud to say that I was a Rush fan from my first encounter which was a live performance of Xanadu on the late night Old Grey Whistle Test in 1977. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you so much!!! Really glad you enjoyed this. It was a pleasure to make. Rush gave us many lifetimes of music. And I for one will be forever grateful. Cheers!!!!!
Excellent overlooked songs, that was awesome thanks for sharing.
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!
GREAT lesson! Fabulous artwork!
Thank you so much 😀
Alex (and all 3), amazing writers!!! Been a fan since I was a ‘tweenager! Nice vid. Hearing these chords and examples makes me smile
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed this. I miss that band so much.
Love your content, BIG Rush fan myself! Alex Lifeson is the boss!!Subbed!!
Thank you so much!! Alex is my all-time fav! 100%. Thanks for hopping on. Glad to have you here!
Thanks for the video and love toward Alex's guitar playing!
Glad you enjoyed this. It was my pleasure to make this 😎👍🏼🎸
The consistent tone through a chord progression is used to maximum effect by Steve Howe on Yes' "Wurm" in the outro to "Starship Trooper". But one Lifeson trick I like is unison tones - say combining the B note on the 3rd string with an open B string - in either a chord or an arpeggio
Yes, I love that effect and have stolen that technique a number of times :)
Great conversation. AL was never a shredder and that is what made him great. All AL riffs served the song and not his ego.
Thanks so much! And I agree...Alex was always about taste and real creativity....
Awesome video, so well explained, and now I understand why I like Alex's creativity and even when he's playing fast, he's never in a hurry, and his choice of tone are amazing. Great artwork from your artist, it made the video even more fun
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed this video. It's definitely one of my favourites. And so is Alex. Cheers!
Cool! Been playing for 40 years so nothing new here but nice to see it all layed out so the next generation of guitar kids can learn and appreciate Alex's amazing chord work. I had one of those Howard Roberts models for a minute back in the late 80's but I really hated the baseball bat neck so it had to go.
I’ve been wanting to pay tribute to Alex in some way for a long time. Yes, the neck is reminiscent of a 59 Les Paul profile. I’m more comfortable on smaller necks these days but this still gets as much use as any guitar I have. Thanks for watching!
Here I sit, in my RUSH T-shirt, in my lonely studio with a poster of Rush from '76, Al and Ged both with double necks. The things I loved most about his playing were his ferocious vibratos and the high E and B ringing open so often. And the "clean" distorted tones, like in Fly By Night...is there a modeler that can nail that sound?
Hemespheres is my favorite album by them.
Big Al was ALWAYS my fave. He's so unique. Many of his riffs came from actual dreams he had. GOAT.
Absolutely. He’s the reason I play guitar!
I'm not a guitar player, but I've always liked Lifeson's guitar style. Surely is has to do with what you explained here. Your love for his playing (and Rush) shows - only real fans analyze and play their musical idol's parts with such attention to detail. Great video!
What an awesome comment! Thanks so much for your observations. Rush is the band that drove me to play music. And Alex was my first guitar hero. Considering how much time I still invest into my love for music it can’t be understated how important they are to me. I was compelled to make this little tribute. Cheers! 😎🎸🤘🏽
Thanks for you analysis Brother. Alex is on my top 5 list. And great great Gibson by the away.
God bless you.
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it!
Desde 1980 soy fans de Rush y toco estos acordes desde entonces... Con mi les paul custom.. Rush is the best.
Agreed!!!
Brilliant… love the art as well
Thanks so much!
Grew up with Rush, first saw them at a high school party on Don Kirshners Rock Concert on TV. Thank you for pointing out the Bb part on No one at the Bridge, I've played the correct notes but in a much more difficult way. Glad your vid popped up...subscribing now! Alex is my all time fave guitarist, he played out of the box of most rock players and I found that so interesting in my own journey of playing guitar. Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Glad I could help and thanks so much for the sub!!!
What an enjoyable video. I am an enormous RUSH/ Alex fan and like them even more now!
Thank you so much! This was a joy to make. Glad you found it enjoyable! Cheers!
awsome video.I really like the picture on your wall at the end of Rush at Le Studio Permanent waves era
Thanks!! And great eye!! A true Rush fan!!!
@@LonelyRocker I live 5 minutes away from the former Le Studio
Wow. I never got to visit the sight. One of my regrets...
@@LonelyRocker The land The Mountains the Lake are still there.Great vibes
Perhaps one day! I’m actually originally from Montreal so really it’s a shame I never saw it.
Slowly?Better Slow than Never!Take care!Alex,Is Always The MaN!Take care,Fans!
😂😂😂😂😂
My old roommate and I gave Alex the nickname Captain Arpeggio. Definitely our favorite guitar hero!
I love that!!
Check out the actual timing of the hand movement change in Limelight. Alex shifts the chord from the E position to the F# position BEFORE playing the A# during the E bar. This is what makes it sound so fluent, and though it’s weird to get your head around first, it actually makes it easier to play.
I'll have to look closer at that...nuance is everything!!!!
@@LonelyRocker I'd been playing it like you for years, finding out was a game-changer!
Awesome chords, awesome artwork.
So glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks!!
for another couple of examples of how he would take part of a chord and move it through the whole progression the opening riff to Fly by Night is a great example. But maybe the simplest and most underrated is from Hand Over Fist off of Presto. He anchors the the G and D on the B and E strings and then voices all the other chords around them. Simple and genius.
Great examples! It was hard to narrow it down to just these. The man is great!
@@LonelyRocker I've said for years that he lives on Planet Alex and we are all privileged to come and visit.
I was just listening to Rush at work yesterday. They got so many hits!
Lots to discover with Rush. Enjoy the ride!
Alex is a genius. Just like his band mates.
Amen!
Thank you for your great explanation I look forward to more of your channel
You are very welcome! And thanks for your thoughts! Hope to hear from you on other videos!
What a terrific video!
Thanks so much!. Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the guitar. F sharp
Thank you so much! That was awesome. And your sisters art rocks!!!
My pleasure! And thank you! And I’ll let her know! Cheers…
More like sharing space, rather than "knowing his place." The guy is, and was, awesome!
Alex is the GOAT!!!!!!!
What a great video! Cheers
Thank you! Cheers!
Yessss!!!!!
No One at the Bridge!!!!!!
Always loved that track...and the guitar solo is killer!!
Fantastic video. Alex is Lord.
Thanks so much! And I agree 🎸😎
Ian checking in here... 😉 Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Amazed how you broke down the Cygnus Book II melody. Great stuff! 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice video, I really like the art!
Thanks so much!!!
Thank you
You're welcome!
Great video. Loved your tone. ✌
Thank you so much! 😎🤘🏽🎸