Talking about the rareness of 7 strings back in the day: Tosin's old band, Reflux, was playing in Tallahassee but he had broken his guitar the night before. He put out a call to Tallahassee guitarists to see if anyone had a 7 string and I was the only one in town so I met up with him and got him my ESP so his tech could get it up Tosin's specs. I got to go to the show and hang out. I still play that guitar today and I have not changed the setup since!
Rick's assistant here! After working with Rick for over a year now, this interview has really brought me around full circle. Tosin is the one that inspired me to get an 8 string and push myself harder in music all around when I was in highschool. A couple years later, I enrolled into AIMM's guitar program and then after graduating I ended up working for Rick through AIMM's recommendation. So this is honestly incredibly surreal. Super thankful and I hope everyone enjoys the interview like I have!
@@creamwobbly That statement makes no sense lol. The core of the show is comedy, it's meant to be funny. The office theme is just the background of it.
@@TheDirtyyoungman1 Hammering??? I KNOW you're not talking about hammer ons??? If that's the only thing you took away from this video just put your guitar down
Tosin is 38, with over 380 years experience. You can tell from his guitar he's not from this timeline, or dimension. He's learned to blend in pretty well.
Some of The most impressive musicians I have seen are, some would agree and have seen that. I met Nick Johnson and he read inpired me to do some of my own stuff with music, which already wanted to do. I do like some theory stuff though. I have seen more people who play metal who are like that than who play rap music. 😹🤘 What beasts, both people 🤣🤘 Rick can play keys, bass, and guitar well and he likes lots of genres. Tosin has man techniques down. I hope to see Javier do one, although I won't cry if it doesn't happen. 🙃
Oh really; myself I tend to resent anyone that's soooo generous; that an automated system such as this; where any wasting of peoples'time proves unpressidented in comparason; to that giant time consuming of effort that hosts put out. Give me a break. From now on; I no longer remain if ad sucks or a repeat. There; how's that. Leaving also at encountering comments as that. Phony isn't nice,
I'm 47 this year, I've played guitar for 38 of those years and thought we'd probably already had the last Hendrix, Blackmore, Holdsworth, Al Di Meola, EVH, Randy, Yngwie, Vai, Satriani, Frank Gambale, Paul Gilbert, Tom Morello etc. Just when we thought it was all done and someone comes along like Tosin, who has redefined the sonic possibilities and limitations of the instrument, to keep up with his ever expanding creativity. Rick being a musician who has seen the progression of guitar playing and innovators of their time, documented Tosin's contribution perfectly. He asked all the questions we would have wanted to ask and of course, we all love the opportunity to geek out with a fellow gear head. Superb interview and I'm always excited to see a new Rick Beato video. It's always great to see musicians who give back to the music community. Thank you for the consistently excellent content mate. Carlo
Feels like we're going through a shift in music, and especially guitar, at the moment. Extended range guitars have broken through and are pushing music in different directions, of which Abasi is one of the leaders. The other guitarists that you mention feel like they're the old generation, heavily embedded in blues and 6 strings. 7 string guitars in the heaviest metal genres have been the gateway drug. Playing a 7 string feels like nice added bass to a 6 string. Playing an 8 string feels musically, emotionally and conceptually different. It's no longer an extended 6. The combinatorics explode, and it will shift guitar based music.
The joy on that man's face when he's talking about the guitar & music in general ... it's like a kid at Christmas ... he truly loves it. Not like kind of loves it. He *truly* loves it. It's nice to see the obscene amount of talent & skill from someone who just fucking gushes about music when talking about it.
That's like the perfect interview right there; the musician (Tosin is certainly a very interesting individual), the interviewer (Rick, who is also a musician and a man who has taken the RUclips thing to the next level in so many different ways), the themes discussed, the whole setting visually and sonically, everything. I mean, one of those videos you can't praise enough!
What’s really awesome about Tosin is that even though he’s a great player- he’s continuing to learn about guitar, production and music. I love this- keep learning and improving and having fun.
Tosin is so humble and puts off this infectious energy to explore in this interview. I found myself smiling the whole time hearing his replies like all of a sudden this musical superhero has revealed his existence. He answered these somewhat broad questions in such brief yet complete ways too. Floored by this interview, great job to both i was genuinely bummed when it was over i could have watched an hour, easy!
Totally agree with everyone's reactions. But for me, I'm amazed by his smile. He can't contain the joy he derives from music. That is as inspiring as pushing so many boundaries on the instrument. LOVE YA TOSIN
As a bass player first, and guitar player second, Tosin’s playing instantly made sense to me even though it’s so novel (and immaculately executed). Modern guitar playing really evolved around the use of a plectrum and modern bass-playing has had this weird focus on NOT using a plectrum haha. So the high level techniques branched in interesting ways. Like Wooten’s thumb; it’s basically picking with your thumb, but it has a different timbre and encourages its own techniques with the remaining right hand fingers. Tosin is melding these two distinct approaches to string instruments and finding his own distinct voice in the alchemy. It’s amazing to watch. Music never stops evolving, always gonna be visionaries like Tosin pushing things in new directions
As a classically trained clarinetist who likes jazz, got into Animals recently and never enven played on a electrical guitar, I'm impressed by how interested I am listening to a 30min long video about amps, guitar techniques and construction. Those techinical elements are so seamlessly integrated into Tosin's incerdible music that listening to him talk about them feels like exploring and learning about a musical universe you like, even having almost no background and no real interest in actually playing the guitar. That's one of the greatest examples of virtuosistic techique serving the musical expression and not being just showmanship that I've come across recently.
this guy has evolved the guitar playing to a point it's not even the same instrument anymore, as much as a les paul through a marshall is not the same instrument as a spanish classical. i'm too old of a bloke to be here in 50 years, but hell i'd be curious to witness what new paths are going to open up
Give JB a break. If he doesn’t think Tosin feels this stuff than he just needs to open up his heart and soul to the different playing style. Anyone who loves music as much as this cat feels every note and phrase. He’s invented an entire new flavor to playing and technique as well. Bravo maestro Tosin
Rick... I’ve seen HUNDREDS of your videos... but THIS ONE HERE is by GOD one of the BEST!! Covered so damn many ranges of “EVERYTHING MUSIC & GUITAR!” Hats off brother!! I’m buying your MERCH and gonna support!! Truly INSPIRATIONAL!! ThankQ
JT I remember growing up a young guitar player and sooo many of the shreddier/more virtuosic guys were kinda snobby and rude and belittling. I obviously don’t know tosin personally, but every video of him (and the one time I went to a live clinic of his) has shown him to be nothing like those assholes. Such a warm, kind guy who happens to just absolutely kick ass on guitar and makes awesome music.
Hands up, I had never heard of Tosin prior to seeing this video as suggested viewing, but having discovered so much stuff via Mr. Beato in the past year or so since discovering him, I presumed Tosin would be worth investing time into. And my goodness what a wonderful musician. Fearsome technique, but combined with such terrific accuracy. Despite the dizzying tempo and breathtaking complexity he is still evidently playing within himself and completely in control. This is (to me) genuinely groundbreaking playing. And such a great interviewee. I am - of course - going to check this man out further!!
Kevin, your mind will be blown. In fact, Animals as Leaders can be almost overwhelming, no joke. And his band mates are also incredible musicians. Its hard to imagine a better drummer than Matt Garska, he may be to drummers what Tosin is to guitarists. And Javier Reyes is no guitar slouch either - he’s another 8 string killer. Seriously mind altering music.
The funny thing I noticed is we’ve seen a lot of people tryna play like Tim Henson, a lot more advanced shredders because of Jason Richardson, but I’ve barely came across anyone who can pull off the same stuff as tosin
Well I guess people said that about Rodney Mullen, too. He invented modern skateboard tricks like no one else and actually people still struggle to get to his level nowadays and no one reached him.
@BlackSH0veldeath I have so far checked out Chon. Interesting rhythm breaks. This is an exploration for me, an old school Gary Moore style blues player. Lots of rabbit holes to duck into these days.
Tosin is such an inspiration to me and pretty much everyone of this decade. Don't think I've seen anyone with the technical skills or capabilities he has. And of course always a great and informative interview
@@_Stroda I"m not inspired to play like him since I don't think it's possible for me, but he does inspire me to learn more, practice more, and do more. On top of that he accidentally gave one of the better demos I've seen for those pickups - kinda wishing I'd got them on my most recent guitar now....alas...an excuse to get yet another guitar...the missus will be thrilled (she doesn't need to know that pickups can be replaced).
Love listening to guys like Tosin. He strikes me as a very modern and intellectual composer, but he has that solid, academic/technical background combined with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what we think of as possible with the instrument. I found out about this man way too late in life.
It's amazing how this guy can be so fast and so precise at the same time. His sound is clear, you hear every note played alone. I can't even imagine how much time this guy have practiced to get to that point.
Tosin sounds amazing! And the way he describes the gear and his technique actually makes sense. Some musicians don't have the vocabulary to verbally express what they are doing musically. His enthusiasm is palpable. I am now his biggest fan.
I could listen to Tosin all day. He is such a wealth of knowledge. Had the opportunity to learn from him at the Petrucci camp and I can say he is equally adept at teaching.
This guy clearly demonstrates one of the things I love most about music: Sure, it’s the thought, but it’s also the physical work behind the thought to bring it to fruition, which is where a lot of the discipline comes in. It can be so easy to get sidetracked in that department, even when you have great ideas.
Sometimes watching Tosin play, I ask myself, "does he even know how to play a power chord?!" What an amazing player! At a level of playing I can't even comprehend.
"Phrases that aren't encouraged." What a brilliant distillation of a concept by way of language. Vernon Reid shared in an interview years ago, that he will deliberately move his body inconsistently with the rhythm, so as to arrive at different note placement. Tosin rockin' the Vernon Reid circa 1988 hairdo, paying homage to the Goat. Absolutely love it.
I can't say I'm a fan of tosins music. But, man the level of musicianship, skill and technic. A true artist of the craft. Not everyone is good enough to contribute to the evolution of guitar and this guy does in countless ways. Mad respect!
If you want to check out his band animals as leaders i would suggest 'another year' , 'arithmophobia' , 'brain dance' and 'cafo' for a first listen Peace
I was just about to comment that Tosin is one of the most articulate speaking musicians that I've ever heard! Then, they began discussing how he was a highschool dropout, which really proceeded to blow my mind!
Exactly why one should never measure intelligence by a high school diploma. The education system is largely detrimental to innovation & personal expression. It is mostly good for making us assimilate into the existing system established as the norm in this country. Plenty of geniuses who dropped out from sheer boredom.
Two kinds of people can't hack high school: Those who really do have problems with intelligence and/or self-discipline and those who are getting nothing from it because they can self-teach to a higher level than they're getting in the public system. The numbers are closer than many would think. The diploma just shows you could obey the rules, or fake obeying the rules, for four years.
One of the hardest things in my life has been to stop comparing myself to others who have more raw talent and dedication to growth and innovation than I have. I first saw Holdsworth in 1984. I had been playing for 6 years, and I thought I was pretty good. I had a natural ear, fast fingers, and picked up things quickly. A friend used to call me "the human jukebox". But watching Allan play, I was actually weeping in frustration, knowing that I could never get there. The scourge of envy... not a proud moment. Anyway, I got over it, and now it's a blessing to be able to see another humble and incredibly talented musician once again redefining the sonic possibilities of the guitar. I'm glad Tosin is alive. :)
After 40 years of playing guitar i finally got me a 7-string guitar and there is still at least 6-strings too much to master. This Abasi dude is just a monster with his 8-string. Total respect to him and for Rick also for his interviews.
I was like you Rick, watch his right barely move and then, wtf, where did those notes come from?? Awsome player and attitude.., smart cookie. Defintly suscribing to his channel. I wonder how many players are now trying this technique..split screen his righ and left and zoom in, then super slow mo HD, then maybe, maybe figure out what the heck he's doing. The great players always make it look so easy..when it is in fact not so easy...Thanks for another gem Rick..,
Abasi is on a whole different level. Totally insane. He makes all the other legends look like they are playing checkers, while he's playing 5D chess. Unreal.
@@ChiIeboy I disagree. It's not easy to listen to, but it helps if you have practice listening to 20th Century classical music and jazz. You get used to tonalities straight out of the Slonimsky book, and rhythms straight out of the Balkans. Try Bartok, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, William Schuman, Thomas Ades; jazzers like Tim Berne or Mary Halvorson - but if you hear nothing musical in them, it's probably the wrong tree for you to be barking up.
Hubblebub Lumbubwub I beg to disagree. From what little of his music I’ve listened to, it seems to be very well played and musical. It’s not like a lot of other metal where you’re just being bombarded with noise and sweet dissonance in a show of violent emotion, though that’s great in its own way. Abasi’s music has an almost jazz like quality to it, and even the dissonance and the djent seem to serve a different aesthetic from most metal. It’s just as listenable as classical music, but it’s for a different kind of atmosphere, in the same way that jazz is. Just because you personally don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean it isn’t listenable, it’s just not to your tastes, and that’s okay. Classical isn’t to some people’s taste either, that doesn’t mean it’s not good music, or that people who don’t like it have trash taste. It just means some people have different aesthetic preferences.
@@DwarvenHydra I'm not saying it's unlistenable. I enjoy some waaaaay more unlistenable things. The problem with prog music like this is that it can always be incrementally improved. On the other hand, an album like Kind of Blue will stand the test of time because its beauty and innovation can't be surpassed by something similar.
@@hubblebublumbubwub5215 Mozart's 'too many notes' criticism during his time not ringing any bells here for ya? Baroque is pretty unlistenable to a lot of people, as genius as Bach was! Just sayin
I love how these two are speaking a language that they both clearly understand and yet both make it easy for me to understand. Good educators do that. 👍
You know why you’re a great interviewer Rick? It’s because with every guest , no matter what style , instrument , and genre, you just listen with this enthusiasm , and child like wonder. The smile on your face when you watch these guys is like the face we all make when we discover something so cool in music.
Honestly we've had legends b4 like Hendrix but this guys pure skill and understanding of music theory and absolute precision and speed, this guys probably the most talented guitar player ever. Really can you imagine having to follow up a solo from him.
As much as it isn't my cup of tea stylistically, I'm absolutely amazed by Tosin's ability to coax phrases and chords from his guitar... And he seems a really cool dude too! More power to him 💪😎 Happy to see and hear a new generation of master guitarists!!!
Tosin is brilliant. He's in my top 3 people to meet and hang with. I bought the first Animals as Leaders disc as soon as I heard it. I remember thinking wow, this is the new bar. He was only warming up. I have to own one of his guitars. They're amazing. Great interview Rick.
I am most definitely not a musician. But, I find all of this so fascinating and satisfying. Tosin is so well spoken too, I really enjoy listening to what he has to say as much as what he has to play.
This might be the best video from beato I’ve seen. The fact that he doesn’t tell you exactly how, but shows and explains everything as a whole makes a giant difference.
I was fortunate enough to see Bela Fleck & The Flecktones when I was in my early teens. I met victor, I wish I had a photograph to prove it but he was so friendly. I was also enough to see AAL at a small venue in Brooklyn called St. Vitus and Tosin was just inches away from me. I feel very blessed to have been able to witness such legends !
Honestly, I was never a massive fan of the Abasi guitars (just aesthetically, I mean). But after hearing him explain the logic of the cutouts and the shape of it, its definitely a "form follows function" kind of design and I see it differently now. I wouldn't mind being able to rest my electric on my knee and play it at 45 degrees like a classical guitar, as he demonstrates. That's actually how I'd prefer to play. So, I'm sold!
I have watched a lot of Tosin interviews, and this one is by FAR the best. I have only ever watched your "What makes this song great" series until now, but you are a phenomenal interviewer. I can't tell you how much it's appreciated that you truly love music, and your passion and curiosity really comes through. You ask the most perfect questions! Everything I wish I could ask Tosin, you asked! And more importantly, you let him talk. You are truly a gem to bringing great music to the people, Rick. Thank you for all the important work you do for musicians and music lovers everywhere.
He will absolutely go down as one of the greats in guitar history, no doubt. He’s is doing things people have legitimately never seen on this instrument, and just nearly single handedly carving out a new subgenre, and inspiring a generation of guitarists. This will be like when Van Halen first ripped solos with his famous techniques.
Rick, thank you for this. I've been listening to Animals as Leaders ever since this video and Tosin is now my favorite current guitarist. Not only is his music original and beutiful, but his perosnallity is adictive. He comes across as a truly humble and honest. I look forward to hearing more from him.
I absolutely love Tosin as both a player and as a human being. The guy not only can play lights out and pioneering guitar, but he is extremely well spoken and intelligent to where he can really verbalize things in a deeper way that makes real sense musically. This man has changed the guitar game and will continue to do so for years to come. Extremely important musician.
I am always mesmerized by his approach to the instrument! I love what I'm hearing. I can't really do anything close to some of these syncopated hand movement ideas. I love the idea of breaking out alternate picking patterns to change your approach to how the left hand and right hand play off of each other. He's right, it does feel like you're a beginner on the instrument when you try to wrap your head around something new in your technique. My mind is always blown by this guy.
I think what Tosin says at around the 8 minute mark resonates to me very well and it’s one of the reasons I have always loved playing guitar and music in general. There is endless possibilities of what you can do and a genuine curiosity of how to get where I want or what I want to do is what keeps me wanting more out of music and guitar more specifically. This is simply the mindset that makes you seek out being better at what you do on a daily basis.
Rick does an amazing job in allowing a genius on another level to invite us in to his world. Rick provides this context with his never ending quest to consume every available kernel of musical information and digest it back for us mortals to learn, understand and appreciate. Tosin is a fantastic study as well as being highly intelligent and articulate.
Tosin is awesome. If he ever sends you one of his 8 string guitars you should do an unboxing and let us all watch you play it for the first time. As a 6 string player I've always wondered how awkward it would be to fumble around one for the first time to get used to it. If you've never played one it would be interesting to watch lol
Wow! This was a great interview and a surprising treat! I’ve heard Rick talk about Animals As Leaders for couple years now but never checked them out. What an amazing man this Tosin Abasi is! I’m blown away by his talent and incredible spirit to innovate! His love for musical expression is infectious! He has such an easy going, friendly personality and his ability to articulate his passion and expertise is uncanny! Very impressed and will be delving deeper into Animals As Leaders! Thank you Rick for introducing us to this really great, uber talented young man!
This was a very inspirational and eye-opening interview. I haven’t listened to much AAL, but Tosin has been in my periphery in terms of newer players for some time and this really sold him to me in terms of how progressive and stylistically unique he actually is. There is so much to be learned and appreciated from a player like him. Excellent interview.
Talking about the rareness of 7 strings back in the day: Tosin's old band, Reflux, was playing in Tallahassee but he had broken his guitar the night before. He put out a call to Tallahassee guitarists to see if anyone had a 7 string and I was the only one in town so I met up with him and got him my ESP so his tech could get it up Tosin's specs. I got to go to the show and hang out. I still play that guitar today and I have not changed the setup since!
That is so awesome. Yeah, I wouldn't change the setup either!
Dude, that's rad!
Goat
Wow
That's fucking awesome!!!!!!!
I hid my guitars while watching this , so they wouldn’t hear him play and leave me.
aneyesky LOL. By far the funniest comment
dude use heaphones
Yep
LMAO, I now have no more ass!
😅 same here
Rick's assistant here! After working with Rick for over a year now, this interview has really brought me around full circle. Tosin is the one that inspired me to get an 8 string and push myself harder in music all around when I was in highschool. A couple years later, I enrolled into AIMM's guitar program and then after graduating I ended up working for Rick through AIMM's recommendation. So this is honestly incredibly surreal. Super thankful and I hope everyone enjoys the interview like I have!
Billy actually slaps pretty hard on the 8 string, can confirm.
Joshua Chapman Aww shucks thanks mang ❤️
Congratulations on your successes; many more are to come, I'm positive. 😁 Much love!
Lucky guy!
Thanks for all your work on this channel! : )
Hey! Well thanks for all your work! Just rewards for your efforts!
I feel like Rick is the guitar community's cool uncle.
Cal Hollamby the coolest.
100%
Just sounds like noise to me
Cuz he's too single to be a daddy.
He's the one employee at Guitar Center you don't try to ignore when you see him coming over.
Tosin: (plays something insane)...”you know?”
Me: “no, I don’t know” 🤔
lmao, same
I could dig it when he said "D major"
Same lol
LOL no we don't
This guy's mind is absolutely lit up. Wonderful.
Oooooooooooooooooo raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
Swoogy I’m not sure I understand this comment but at the sane time I’m not sure I like it.
@@creamwobbly Ah ok. I've only watched the UK version. We all agree though that Dwight is a shithead
@@creamwobbly That statement makes no sense lol. The core of the show is comedy, it's meant to be funny. The office theme is just the background of it.
@@creamwobbly whoa we have an apparent comedic genius here
I tried to copy some tosin’s chord progressions. I get my cast off in 6 weeks.
My vote for funniest comment!
You win
You are one of the lucky ones. I am getting fitted for a prosthesis as we speak...
I hear ya man!
Choked on my coffee.
Rick: Why didn't people do this 40 years ago?
Tosin: I wasn't born yet.
facts
Good one
Hammering? People were doing it..
@@TheDirtyyoungman1 Hammering??? I KNOW you're not talking about hammer ons??? If that's the only thing you took away from this video just put your guitar down
@@thedude-jb7wx Lmfaoooo. You think Tosin can't play AC/DC?! 🤣😂🤣😂
I just learned the pentatonic scale, so I guess I will be playing like Tosin Abasi in week or two.
Pentatonic scale? I'd reckon you guy's are neck an neck.
Major or minor?
From the CAGED system to the TOSIN system
If you know drop D tuning I could show you the 'Iron Man' riffs. And then you're set!
if you practice for 8-10 hours a day you can get to his level in a couple of months
Tosin is 38, with over 380 years experience. You can tell from his guitar he's not from this timeline, or dimension. He's learned to blend in pretty well.
saw him live one time and it was almost surreal seeing him play, it felt like a live fake video, such a talent.
38?! He looks like 27, honestly that’s a relief lol
Tosin is such a humble and nice guy
Yeah!
Some of The most impressive musicians I have seen are, some would agree and have seen that. I met Nick Johnson and he read inpired me to do some of my own stuff with music, which already wanted to do. I do like some theory stuff though. I have seen more people who play metal who are like that than who play rap music. 😹🤘 What beasts, both people 🤣🤘 Rick can play keys, bass, and guitar well and he likes lots of genres. Tosin has man techniques down. I hope to see Javier do one, although I won't cry if it doesn't happen. 🙃
Which to me stands out doubly considering he's top 5 guitarist in the world. At least
Oh really; myself I tend to resent anyone that's soooo generous; that an automated system such as this; where any wasting of peoples'time proves unpressidented in comparason; to that giant time consuming of effort that hosts put out. Give me a break. From now on; I no longer remain if ad sucks or a repeat. There; how's that. Leaving also at encountering comments as that. Phony isn't nice,
skierpage I mean at least he isn’t arrogant
Gold Nugget Compilation:
3:23 Selective picking nonsense
4:21 Speedy 123's
5:04 Dmaj (non-campfire version)
5:51 Confusing right hand mute thing
6:13 Badass arpeggios
9:23 Thumpity Thumpity Thump
18:12 Extended range chord voicings
18:38 Confusing extended range chord voicings
19:03 Soraya
19:24 Ectogenesis
22:00 Weird printed pickup positions
22:18 Brootal rhythm playing
22:33 "Ya know like..."
23:20 Left hand wizardry
25:05 My ringtone
25:55 Jovial compression example
26:13 Classic Tosin compression example
Jordan Haliday thank you
Yo let me get that ringtone :D
Oh. My. Gawd. This is amazing!
Some heroes don't wear capes
thank you so much
This guy is incredible. A once in a generation guitarist for sure.
It's sad to think that some kid just read that and gave up guitar.
not lots of people cant touch him so far, Satch vai Nuno all fans of Tosin
@@elmoblatch9787 that reminds me Buckethead, legendary Brian Carroll.
Chon
@@gregoryheidt1851 nonsensical
I'm 47 this year, I've played guitar for 38 of those years and thought we'd probably already had the last Hendrix, Blackmore, Holdsworth, Al Di Meola, EVH, Randy, Yngwie, Vai, Satriani, Frank Gambale, Paul Gilbert, Tom Morello etc. Just when we thought it was all done and someone comes along like Tosin, who has redefined the sonic possibilities and limitations of the instrument, to keep up with his ever expanding creativity. Rick being a musician who has seen the progression of guitar playing and innovators of their time, documented Tosin's contribution perfectly. He asked all the questions we would have wanted to ask and of course, we all love the opportunity to geek out with a fellow gear head. Superb interview and I'm always excited to see a new Rick Beato video. It's always great to see musicians who give back to the music community. Thank you for the consistently excellent content mate. Carlo
Feels like we're going through a shift in music, and especially guitar, at the moment. Extended range guitars have broken through and are pushing music in different directions, of which Abasi is one of the leaders. The other guitarists that you mention feel like they're the old generation, heavily embedded in blues and 6 strings. 7 string guitars in the heaviest metal genres have been the gateway drug. Playing a 7 string feels like nice added bass to a 6 string. Playing an 8 string feels musically, emotionally and conceptually different. It's no longer an extended 6. The combinatorics explode, and it will shift guitar based music.
The joy on that man's face when he's talking about the guitar & music in general ... it's like a kid at Christmas ... he truly loves it. Not like kind of loves it. He *truly* loves it. It's nice to see the obscene amount of talent & skill from someone who just fucking gushes about music when talking about it.
Tosin, besides being one of the best players around, is one of the nicest guys in the business! Thanks Rick!
They were smiling so much I found myself grinning like an idiot at my monitor.
Tosin just oozes creativity, just like everyone else in AAL.
That's like the perfect interview right there; the musician (Tosin is certainly a very interesting individual), the interviewer (Rick, who is also a musician and a man who has taken the RUclips thing to the next level in so many different ways), the themes discussed, the whole setting visually and sonically, everything. I mean, one of those videos you can't praise enough!
Also, it's an apple ad..
What’s really awesome about Tosin is that even though he’s a great player- he’s continuing to learn about guitar, production and music. I love this- keep learning and improving and having fun.
Tosin is so humble and puts off this infectious energy to explore in this interview. I found myself smiling the whole time hearing his replies like all of a sudden this musical superhero has revealed his existence. He answered these somewhat broad questions in such brief yet complete ways too. Floored by this interview, great job to both i was genuinely bummed when it was over i could have watched an hour, easy!
Tosin is the nicest guitar hero ever, I'm pretty sure
Pretty much what I was thinking.
Wish he'd expounded some on Steve Jordan....waaaaaat!!!
Tosin never stops smiling
Yeah just isteng to Tosin talk makes me want to go practice and get really good and make weird awesome music
Totally agree with everyone's reactions. But for me, I'm amazed by his smile. He can't contain the joy he derives from music. That is as inspiring as pushing so many boundaries on the instrument. LOVE YA TOSIN
He's also high as tits on this video lol. That's contributing to his cheesing as well 😋
Jake L Just because you were high while watching this doesn’t mean he is. Jk idk maybe lol
@@jakel7213 If he can still play like this... Yeah na, gonna disagree with ya ;P
Cuz you're a music nerd too! You feel his passion while he explains 😁
@chronic 321 Not doubtful. He posted a video right before filming this saying how high he was
Tosin: if I’m taking this Dmaj. Then a millions of notes.
I was thinking the same thing haha, mind blowing.
I'm pretty sure it's just a Dmaj9 arpeggio of some sort but my ears only passed over it once
I have never heard Dmaj sound like that. Incredible
My first thought!! LOL..Are n't we all thieves!!
D major what !? D MAJOR WHAAAAAAAAAAT................
I'm not a big fan of this genre, but this guy is so cool, humble and down to earth that I will start to get into his works right now!
As a bass player first, and guitar player second, Tosin’s playing instantly made sense to me even though it’s so novel (and immaculately executed). Modern guitar playing really evolved around the use of a plectrum and modern bass-playing has had this weird focus on NOT using a plectrum haha. So the high level techniques branched in interesting ways. Like Wooten’s thumb; it’s basically picking with your thumb, but it has a different timbre and encourages its own techniques with the remaining right hand fingers. Tosin is melding these two distinct approaches to string instruments and finding his own distinct voice in the alchemy. It’s amazing to watch. Music never stops evolving, always gonna be visionaries like Tosin pushing things in new directions
Excellent comment. Bravo!
As a classically trained clarinetist who likes jazz, got into Animals recently and never enven played on a electrical guitar, I'm impressed by how interested I am listening to a 30min long video about amps, guitar techniques and construction. Those techinical elements are so seamlessly integrated into Tosin's incerdible music that listening to him talk about them feels like exploring and learning about a musical universe you like, even having almost no background and no real interest in actually playing the guitar. That's one of the greatest examples of virtuosistic techique serving the musical expression and not being just showmanship that I've come across recently.
If I ever meet Tosin, I'll insist on shaking left handed, just so I can feel dozens if not hundreds of my bones and ligaments disintegrate.
I've shaken hands with him twice in my life, about five years apart, and immediately got better at guitar afterwards from the contact high
@@mastertonberry9224 Genuinely witty and wholesome, good form
Wdym
Sorry, this is 2020, we don't shake hands any more.
Thomas Grey yea ill become ash
this guy has evolved the guitar playing to a point it's not even the same instrument anymore, as much as a les paul through a marshall is not the same instrument as a spanish classical. i'm too old of a bloke to be here in 50 years, but hell i'd be curious to witness what new paths are going to open up
Oh dude, no worries! It's gunna be all keytars and banjos lol
@@JB-ju4ev if you don't know what you're talking about, it's usually a good idea to not talk
Give JB a break. If he doesn’t think Tosin feels this stuff than he just needs to open up his heart and soul to the different playing style. Anyone who loves music as much as this cat feels every note and phrase. He’s invented an entire new flavor to playing and technique as well. Bravo maestro Tosin
Yeah, it's really become more of a multi-capable string instrument than just a guitar.
Rick... I’ve seen HUNDREDS of your videos... but THIS ONE HERE is by GOD one of the BEST!! Covered so damn many ranges of “EVERYTHING MUSIC & GUITAR!” Hats off brother!! I’m buying your MERCH and gonna support!! Truly INSPIRATIONAL!! ThankQ
Tosin's attitude, energy and enthusiasm are just as amazing as his playing.
I love how Tosin has a little chuckle after he displays a technique, almost like he is wondering how he got so good.
I’ve never heard of him before but I’m blown away! Instant fan. What an amazing guy
Ditto. Went straight to the Animals as Leaders back catalogue. They are outrageously talented.
Tosin is a brilliant dude
Yet so humble and nice !
JT I remember growing up a young guitar player and sooo many of the shreddier/more virtuosic guys were kinda snobby and rude and belittling. I obviously don’t know tosin personally, but every video of him (and the one time I went to a live clinic of his) has shown him to be nothing like those assholes. Such a warm, kind guy who happens to just absolutely kick ass on guitar and makes awesome music.
And he used “myriad” casually in a sentence. That wins my vote.
Hands up, I had never heard of Tosin prior to seeing this video as suggested viewing, but having discovered so much stuff via Mr. Beato in the past year or so since discovering him, I presumed Tosin would be worth investing time into. And my goodness what a wonderful musician. Fearsome technique, but combined with such terrific accuracy. Despite the dizzying tempo and breathtaking complexity he is still evidently playing within himself and completely in control. This is (to me) genuinely groundbreaking playing. And such a great interviewee. I am - of course - going to check this man out further!!
@John Frum John, the answer to your first question is No. But thanks for the recommendations!
check out behaving badly and another year for some nice balance, all those songs are sick but pretty out there
Kevin, your mind will be blown. In fact, Animals as Leaders can be almost overwhelming, no joke. And his band mates are also incredible musicians. Its hard to imagine a better drummer than Matt Garska, he may be to drummers what Tosin is to guitarists. And Javier Reyes is no guitar slouch either - he’s another 8 string killer. Seriously mind altering music.
Check out:
On Impulse
New Eden
Air Chrysalis
Inner Assassins... These are perfect for beginners/easy listening
@@plynwithfire how can you not recommend tempting time, and Ka$scade
Tosin just put an endless smile on my face with that good vibe ! haha
Tosin is the definition of next level. He is a truly inspiring musician.
Tosin is the most technically-proficient-yet-humble guitarist I've ever seen. He's like a theoretical physicist of music.
@@rykehuss3435 Haha, would be amazing having them both in on interview :D
@@rykehuss3435 aw man forgot about Guthrie. Tosin and Guthrie are the same person, Tosin is the extrovert side and Guthrie is the introvert side.
@@rykehuss3435 in djenty environments? Or?
So just imagine what Tosin's followers will be putting out in 10 years.
The funny thing I noticed is we’ve seen a lot of people tryna play like Tim Henson, a lot more advanced shredders because of Jason Richardson, but I’ve barely came across anyone who can pull off the same stuff as tosin
Something in between scale the summit and save us from the archon
There is also a really nice band called 'The Omnific': one might say they're Animals as Leaders but with two bass guitars instead of 8 string guitars.
Well I guess people said that about Rodney Mullen, too. He invented modern skateboard tricks like no one else and actually people still struggle to get to his level nowadays and no one reached him.
@BlackSH0veldeath I have so far checked out Chon. Interesting rhythm breaks. This is an exploration for me, an old school Gary Moore style blues player. Lots of rabbit holes to duck into these days.
Tosin is such an inspiration to me and pretty much everyone of this decade. Don't think I've seen anyone with the technical skills or capabilities he has. And of course always a great and informative interview
Only thing i can add is every interview I've seen him in seems like he has a nice personality
Seems like a nice guy, and undoubtedly a good and innovative player, but inspiration to 'everyone of this decade'?
@@_Stroda Perhaps an exaggeration a little on my part, but man has he influenced so many, and many more to come I believe
@@seancompton8889 Definitely!
@@_Stroda I"m not inspired to play like him since I don't think it's possible for me, but he does inspire me to learn more, practice more, and do more. On top of that he accidentally gave one of the better demos I've seen for those pickups - kinda wishing I'd got them on my most recent guitar now....alas...an excuse to get yet another guitar...the missus will be thrilled (she doesn't need to know that pickups can be replaced).
Love listening to guys like Tosin. He strikes me as a very modern and intellectual composer, but he has that solid, academic/technical background combined with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what we think of as possible with the instrument. I found out about this man way too late in life.
Too, late?
What a wickedly talented and cool guy! Thanks for turning me on to this Rick!
It's amazing how this guy can be so fast and so precise at the same time. His sound is clear, you hear every note played alone. I can't even imagine how much time this guy have practiced to get to that point.
Tosin sounds amazing! And the way he describes the gear and his technique actually makes sense. Some musicians don't have the vocabulary to verbally express what they are doing musically. His enthusiasm is palpable. I am now his biggest fan.
Proud to say that Animals as Leaders has been one of my favorite bands since I first heard them in 2010!
I could listen to Tosin all day. He is such a wealth of knowledge. Had the opportunity to learn from him at the Petrucci camp and I can say he is equally adept at teaching.
This guy clearly demonstrates one of the things I love most about music: Sure, it’s the thought, but it’s also the physical work behind the thought to bring it to fruition, which is where a lot of the discipline comes in. It can be so easy to get sidetracked in that department, even when you have great ideas.
Sometimes watching Tosin play, I ask myself, "does he even know how to play a power chord?!" What an amazing player! At a level of playing I can't even comprehend.
Scott W imagine him rocking “Wild Thing” in a shitty garage band for a backyard party. LOL
"Phrases that aren't encouraged." What a brilliant distillation of a concept by way of language.
Vernon Reid shared in an interview years ago, that he will deliberately move his body inconsistently with the rhythm, so as to arrive at different note placement. Tosin rockin' the Vernon Reid circa 1988 hairdo, paying homage to the Goat. Absolutely love it.
I can't say I'm a fan of tosins music. But, man the level of musicianship, skill and technic. A true artist of the craft. Not everyone is good enough to contribute to the evolution of guitar and this guy does in countless ways. Mad respect!
Rick is such a gem-like resource and with tosin, great pairing 😊
Standing on the shoulders of giants. Right now theres a kid out there who will take the instrument further because of what Tosin Abasi is doing now.
Who?
@@Siraj-123-q5pthey’re saying that tosin will inspire someone so amazing that he will outshine tosins ability, not necessarily that there already is
What Makes This Song Great: Animals As Leaders?
Tosin flashed so many spinets of songs that Rick could replay.
The woven web or another year😔
The brain dance
"I'm gonna be honest, I have no idea what makes this song great. I have no idea what any of them are doing to their instruments but I like it."
Thank you.
I didn't know of Tosin but he made Rick say "wow" so I'm instantly impressed!
If you want to check out his band animals as leaders i would suggest 'another year' , 'arithmophobia' , 'brain dance' and 'cafo' for a first listen
Peace
@@marcelwernze2760 Thanks I'll do that.
I was just about to comment that Tosin is one of the most articulate speaking musicians that I've ever heard! Then, they began discussing how he was a highschool dropout, which really proceeded to blow my mind!
Exactly why one should never measure intelligence by a high school diploma. The education system is largely detrimental to innovation & personal expression. It is mostly good for making us assimilate into the existing system established as the norm in this country. Plenty of geniuses who dropped out from sheer boredom.
Two kinds of people can't hack high school: Those who really do have problems with intelligence and/or self-discipline and those who are getting nothing from it because they can self-teach to a higher level than they're getting in the public system. The numbers are closer than many would think.
The diploma just shows you could obey the rules, or fake obeying the rules, for four years.
One of the hardest things in my life has been to stop comparing myself to others who have more raw talent and dedication to growth and innovation than I have. I first saw Holdsworth in 1984. I had been playing for 6 years, and I thought I was pretty good. I had a natural ear, fast fingers, and picked up things quickly. A friend used to call me "the human jukebox". But watching Allan play, I was actually weeping in frustration, knowing that I could never get there. The scourge of envy... not a proud moment.
Anyway, I got over it, and now it's a blessing to be able to see another humble and incredibly talented musician once again redefining the sonic possibilities of the guitar. I'm glad Tosin is alive. :)
It’s guitarists like this that make me really want to keep playing and improving. Such a humble, yet skilled guitarist. One in a million!
After 40 years of playing guitar i finally got me a 7-string guitar and there is still at least 6-strings too much to master. This Abasi dude is just a monster with his 8-string. Total respect to him and for Rick also for his interviews.
“I listen to a lot of non-guitar music.” That’s actually a big deal and will really help in many ways. Especially if you’re in a slump.
I was like you Rick, watch his right barely move and then, wtf, where did those notes come from?? Awsome player and attitude.., smart cookie. Defintly suscribing to his channel. I wonder how many players are now trying this technique..split screen his righ and left and zoom in, then super slow mo HD, then maybe, maybe figure out what the heck he's doing. The great players always make it look so easy..when it is in fact not so easy...Thanks for another gem Rick..,
He's got instructional video and tons of youtube videos where he explains it. It's pretty involved.
It's easy. It's a Nuno influenced style.
Still to this day i haven't seen anyone came close to tosin's playing. He's an absolute legend
yes, he is the best guitarist ever. This is what music should be
I joke. :)
Abasi is on a whole different level. Totally insane. He makes all the other legends look like they are playing checkers, while he's playing 5D chess. Unreal.
go bro
As music, it's nearly unlistenable.
@@ChiIeboy I disagree.
It's not easy to listen to, but it helps if you have practice listening to 20th Century classical music and jazz. You get used to tonalities straight out of the Slonimsky book, and rhythms straight out of the Balkans. Try Bartok, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, William Schuman, Thomas Ades; jazzers like Tim Berne or Mary Halvorson - but if you hear nothing musical in them, it's probably the wrong tree for you to be barking up.
@@Baribrotzer Woof! Having diverse musical tastes opens up new worlds to discover as we go through life.
@@Baribrotzer I think for the average person it is borderline unlistenable. That isn't a knock on his talent, he's incredible.
I see you as a friend and a cool uncle... Thanks Rick!... Hi from Argentina.
I hope Tosin's musical creativity will be studied in 400 years like we do Bach and Mozart
Don't get me wrong, he's impossibly good, but the end result is less listenable than classical music
Hubblebub Lumbubwub I beg to disagree. From what little of his music I’ve listened to, it seems to be very well played and musical. It’s not like a lot of other metal where you’re just being bombarded with noise and sweet dissonance in a show of violent emotion, though that’s great in its own way. Abasi’s music has an almost jazz like quality to it, and even the dissonance and the djent seem to serve a different aesthetic from most metal. It’s just as listenable as classical music, but it’s for a different kind of atmosphere, in the same way that jazz is.
Just because you personally don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean it isn’t listenable, it’s just not to your tastes, and that’s okay. Classical isn’t to some people’s taste either, that doesn’t mean it’s not good music, or that people who don’t like it have trash taste. It just means some people have different aesthetic preferences.
@@DwarvenHydra I'm not saying it's unlistenable. I enjoy some waaaaay more unlistenable things. The problem with prog music like this is that it can always be incrementally improved. On the other hand, an album like Kind of Blue will stand the test of time because its beauty and innovation can't be surpassed by something similar.
Hubblebub Lumbubwub Fair enough. Sorry for interpreting your comment to an extreme that you didn’t intend.
@@hubblebublumbubwub5215 Mozart's 'too many notes' criticism during his time not ringing any bells here for ya? Baroque is pretty unlistenable to a lot of people, as genius as Bach was! Just sayin
hearing Tosin for the first time was a "wow" moment for me, like the first time I heard Satriani or Vai. "Guitars can sound like that?.... how?"
This has become my favorite channel.
Tosin is the real deal. Saw him live last year and couldn't pick my jaw up off the floor during his entire set. Absolute genius.
Not only is Tobin an amazing guitarist, be he's so nice and humble. He has many endearing qualities which makes me love his music more
I love how these two are speaking a language that they both clearly understand and yet both make it easy for me to understand. Good educators do that. 👍
Tosin has such a positive spirit! His talent level on the guitar is the ever growing ceiling.
I love the joy in your face, Rick, when you are talking to musicians that you respect❤️
You know why you’re a great interviewer Rick? It’s because with every guest , no matter what style , instrument , and genre, you just listen with this enthusiasm , and child like wonder. The smile on your face when you watch these guys is like the face we all make when we discover something so cool in music.
Phh... This guy's working on major scales what a noob.
Two minutes later: I'm gonna burn all my guitars
Shouldn’t ever stop working on your major scales
The moment I see Tosin play, it fuels a fire in me that wants to be better. So I pickup my guitars.
Then I try. Then I hate myself
Sounds like you got a Minor problem
@@dantedt3931 haha good sense of humour ! :D
Gdi lol good one
tosin created his own unique place in modern Guitarists Era
Hes already a legend
Tosin Abasi is one of the most talented and creative guitarists I’ve ever seen. He is one of the best guitarists the world has ever seen
Honestly we've had legends b4 like Hendrix but this guys pure skill and understanding of music theory and absolute precision and speed, this guys probably the most talented guitar player ever. Really can you imagine having to follow up a solo from him.
Tosin's passion and joy for music really comes through how he expresses information through his voice, it's quit mesmerizing.
Holy cow, thanks for the introduction to this guy! RUclips's greatest gift is discovering amazing new talent like Tosin.
As much as it isn't my cup of tea stylistically, I'm absolutely amazed by Tosin's ability to coax phrases and chords from his guitar... And he seems a really cool dude too!
More power to him 💪😎
Happy to see and hear a new generation of master guitarists!!!
I've described Tosin's playing as "Astronaut metal". Love that category
Tosin is brilliant. He's in my top 3 people to meet and hang with. I bought the first Animals as Leaders disc as soon as I heard it. I remember thinking wow, this is the new bar. He was only warming up.
I have to own one of his guitars. They're amazing. Great interview Rick.
I am most definitely not a musician. But, I find all of this so fascinating and satisfying. Tosin is so well spoken too, I really enjoy listening to what he has to say as much as what he has to play.
This might be the best video from beato I’ve seen. The fact that he doesn’t tell you exactly how, but shows and explains everything as a whole makes a giant difference.
I was fortunate enough to see Bela Fleck & The Flecktones when I was in my early teens. I met victor, I wish I had a photograph to prove it but he was so friendly. I was also enough to see AAL at a small venue in Brooklyn called St. Vitus and Tosin was just inches away from me. I feel very blessed to have been able to witness such legends !
This was one of the best Tosin interviews I've seen. It's great to see the mutual respect. He is amazing. Loved it.
Like Rick said after hearing that insane palm muted selective picking "wow".
How do you surprise someone of Rick’s clout in the industry? You have to show him something he has truly never seen before.
Honestly, I was never a massive fan of the Abasi guitars (just aesthetically, I mean). But after hearing him explain the logic of the cutouts and the shape of it, its definitely a "form follows function" kind of design and I see it differently now. I wouldn't mind being able to rest my electric on my knee and play it at 45 degrees like a classical guitar, as he demonstrates. That's actually how I'd prefer to play. So, I'm sold!
There's alot of shitty things in this world but man just being able to have internet connection and watch this for free is one of the good things
I have watched a lot of Tosin interviews, and this one is by FAR the best. I have only ever watched your "What makes this song great" series until now, but you are a phenomenal interviewer. I can't tell you how much it's appreciated that you truly love music, and your passion and curiosity really comes through. You ask the most perfect questions! Everything I wish I could ask Tosin, you asked! And more importantly, you let him talk. You are truly a gem to bringing great music to the people, Rick. Thank you for all the important work you do for musicians and music lovers everywhere.
Thanks Jared!
Great interview. Tosin is a landmark, a milestone in music.
He will absolutely go down as one of the greats in guitar history, no doubt. He’s is doing things people have legitimately never seen on this instrument, and just nearly single handedly carving out a new subgenre, and inspiring a generation of guitarists.
This will be like when Van Halen first ripped solos with his famous techniques.
Rick, thank you for this. I've been listening to Animals as Leaders ever since this video and Tosin is now my favorite current guitarist. Not only is his music original and beutiful, but his perosnallity is adictive. He comes across as a truly humble and honest. I look forward to hearing more from him.
I Love Tosin! his speech directly reflects his playing, very intelligent and articulate. He's a great trailblazer for this generation of musicians.
I absolutely love Tosin as both a player and as a human being. The guy not only can play lights out and pioneering guitar, but he is extremely well spoken and intelligent to where he can really verbalize things in a deeper way that makes real sense musically. This man has changed the guitar game and will continue to do so for years to come. Extremely important musician.
Tosin blows my mind. I love seeing more innovation in the guitar world.
I am always mesmerized by his approach to the instrument! I love what I'm hearing. I can't really do anything close to some of these syncopated hand movement ideas. I love the idea of breaking out alternate picking patterns to change your approach to how the left hand and right hand play off of each other. He's right, it does feel like you're a beginner on the instrument when you try to wrap your head around something new in your technique. My mind is always blown by this guy.
the captions: " Hi I'm Rigby Otto".
I died 🤣🤣🤣🤣
LMAO
You know, Otto Rigby, the guy from The Beatles
Every time
@@MarioAtheonio *The Beetlus
I think what Tosin says at around the 8 minute mark resonates to me very well and it’s one of the reasons I have always loved playing guitar and music in general. There is endless possibilities of what you can do and a genuine curiosity of how to get where I want or what I want to do is what keeps me wanting more out of music and guitar more specifically. This is simply the mindset that makes you seek out being better at what you do on a daily basis.
Rick does an amazing job in allowing a genius on another level to invite us in to his world. Rick provides this context with his never ending quest to consume every available kernel of musical information and digest it back for us mortals to learn, understand and appreciate. Tosin is a fantastic study as well as being highly intelligent and articulate.
Tosin is awesome. If he ever sends you one of his 8 string guitars you should do an unboxing and let us all watch you play it for the first time. As a 6 string player I've always wondered how awkward it would be to fumble around one for the first time to get used to it. If you've never played one it would be interesting to watch lol
Tobin's clearly a very intelligent individual. I enjoyed hearing his perspective.
This guy is close to opening a portal to another dimension of playing. i dig it!
Play on young one play on....
If he ever just disappears, we'll know what happened.
Wow! This was a great interview and a surprising treat! I’ve heard Rick talk about Animals As Leaders for couple years now but never checked them out. What an amazing man this Tosin Abasi is! I’m blown away by his talent and incredible spirit to innovate! His love for musical expression is infectious! He has such an easy going, friendly personality and his ability to articulate his passion and expertise is uncanny! Very impressed and will be delving deeper into Animals As Leaders! Thank you Rick for introducing us to this really great, uber talented young man!
This was a very inspirational and eye-opening interview. I haven’t listened to much AAL, but Tosin has been in my
periphery in terms of newer players for some time and this really sold him to me in terms of how progressive and stylistically unique he actually is. There is so much to be learned and appreciated from a player like him. Excellent interview.