I've been a practicing guitarist since 1974, it is no surprise to me Prince chose possibly the most robust of guitars for this solo. A Telecaster can easily withstand a tremendous amount of abuse and still keep it together, intune and in control after this most epic of solos. An historic performance for sure. Thank You for your breakdown, well done Sir.
A couple things that were missed. Right before Prince starts his solo, look at George Harrison's son's facial expression. He knows something special is about to happen. Next, no one ever mentions the showmanship or technique that is used at the 12:49 mark.
Dances on par with James Brown, can play guitar like Hendrix and can sing like Michael Jackson but all in his own voice and style. There will never be another Prince. 👑
@@827dusty We can all agree there would be no Prince (as we know him) without Jimi, so there's that. And I would certainly put Hendrix first - but I never saw either of them live so I guess I can't really say? But he's damn close!
@@dannyberry8725 i haven't seen the bash prince interview but to say it was over the top could still serve as a complement while appeasing some of the other band member who really thought it was over the top.
@@Ed_Row_Feez Dhani NEVER bashed Prince . That’s the problem with the net. Some idiot claims something, and there’s always people that will believe it. Prince loved the Beatles, and I’m sure George,Paul,and Ringo feel the same about Prince. Dhani is a humble man, and would never bash anyone especially Prince .
I think the best part of this video is Dhani Harrison’s absolute joy, and completely astonished look. All those guys on stage knew how good prince was, and I think that they all were super stoked to have him play this solo. He did so many greats so much justice.
They were not stoked. They were confused because Prince stole their places. Do you think this is what they practiced? Watch them try to start the next verse and the confusion as he plaid thru. Every time it came around the vocals would start and prince cut them off. If it was time for another solo he would block them. He chose to stop playing guitar and fall off the top 100. I always loved Prince as a guitarist. What I can't like is the preteen way he acted over a choice he made to distance himself from "Guitar God" prison. If you were onstage and every time you tried to do your part you were cut off. Prince punished all these people for his decision to avoid being what he was on that night ... There is a Guitar God you can see videos of. Eric Clapton with JJ Cale and they had respect ... JJ would sing then sit on his stool and jam. Watch how Eric respected and loved JJ. They never got pissy and ruined someone else's moment.
@@benadrylcabbagepatch The others started to sing and were cut off by Prince... Check when Tom Petty begins to sing at 3:44. As each verse the others are trying to play it as rehearsed. Prince is strutting and a lot of his stuff is aimed at the band, like when he leans back off the edge of the stage. If you saw one of your kids with the expressions on their face that Price has you'd know what prince was up to. All in good fun ..
@@nemoprimo4828 musicians don't think like that, one came after the other, you can't belittle Harrison's contribution, the song something still blows my mind, i worship Prince too though, obviously lol, he is the greatest guitarist and its like a secret, almost.. go figure...
@@nemoprimo4828 i will agree he is shocked in a good way though! i have also always loved his facial expression, someone here said 'it's a bad look, because he's hogging the solos' and that it's 'not like they rehearsed' but they didn't rehearse, he did it on the spot, improve lol.
Back story: During rehearsals, the guy who nailed all the Clapton fills actually played the solo Prince was slated to play. After the take, Prince was asked if they should do the song again so he could rehearse the solo. He declined, saying, "I got it." So what we see is Prince's first take on the solo. Incredible!!
He blew Clapton away. He made them all look average. Racism? Why did he not get the Guitar Hero Treatment in the 1980’s that Clapton tyoes got? PS Clapton live? Nowhere able pull off what he does in studio. Jimmy page is the same his live efforts are average without Studio props
I can imagine another guitarist playing a solo where in the song Princes solo is to be played, but I’m sure that what Prince played was all his work, Prince I’m sure didn’t need someone to show him what to play, or give him ideas what to play or what key to play in.
The story I heard is that Prince was annoyed that he hadn’t been included in Rolling Stone’s list of greatest guitarists in that year so he used this solo to prove a point by incorporating the different styles of others on the list. Basically saying I can do all their styles, but can they do mine. There is definitely a nod to Hendrix, Santana and Clapton in there
the key of prince, i think, is considering him like picasso in figurative arts. the end of classic composed into another shape. everything very personal but very classic. with many references to everything but still very personal. a genious.
Prince was never bothered by awards and outward accolades. His people would tell you that. Prince was playing master guitar solos before Rolling Stone showcased their ignorance. I don't believe Prince cared. His talent was on display before the article. That's why people ripped the mag for the omission deeming it intentional.
@@Lane91 I’m not so sure about that. All of his awards were on prominent display at Paisley Park. He was certainly disappointed that Sign O the Times lost to U2 at the 1988 Grammys "I'm not saying I'm better than anybody else. But you'll be sitting there at the Grammys, and U2 will beat you. And you say to yourself, 'Wait a minute. I can play that kind of music, too... But you will not do ‘Housequake.” (Prince, 1990)
I was in the audience that night and as amazing as it looks here on video it was draw-dropping to witness live. The audience was full of rock stars and record executives and everyone was completely slayed…
@@ronsheppard9895 the guy that held him up when he turned around and fell back as he played…. That same guy (probably Prince’s security guy, - he was big) caught it
Superbowl was what made me realize how good he was. And then this video just blows me away. Im 42 years old and i too wish I appreciated him more when he was alive.
Makes my heart break...such a genius musician and such a complete waste of talent to lose him the way we, the World did...THE absolute best EVER GUITARIST ❤
I feel the world is forgetting about Prince and that really should not happen. In the words of Dave Grohl: "Prince is a genius and everybody knows it. He is better than everyone at everything. Thats just how it is"
THAT WAS A SICK SOLO! He was in a zone and he owned the world for almost 3 minute's! That was a roller coaster ride for sure. A real true master class on how to do it. Not a lot of your favorite guitar players past and present could have came close to that. The Rhythm, the Feel, the Swagger, and the Passion was on another level! His technical skills blew me away and whats crazy its like he freestyled the whole thing.....Prince was simply amazing and still underrated!
Prince is a literal musical savant and virtuoso, having learned to play several instruments as a child. He famously played 27 instruments on his debut album. Dude is the definition of a "natural". If you ever wondered what a Beethoven or Mozart would be like in the modern era of pop music, the answer is Prince.
Prince was surely gifted beyond belief, but he was also the hardest working man in show business spending every spare moment in the studio. Read one of Duane Tudahl's books to see what a beast he truly was. Prince pushed everyone he worked with to levels they didn't think possible, you really had to be on your game and have superhuman amounts of stamina to work for him. It wasn't for the faint of heart.
@@kirbonicus Jacob Collier is brilliant but isn't lit the way Prince was as a performer. It was impossible to take your eyes off Prince when performing.
One of the most spectacular moments of my life was the first time I watched that whole video. I was just down to watch the tribute and had no idea I was about to have my brain exploded by Prince.
That was definitely “the moment!! …truth be known, it does come down right in front of the stage where one of Prince’s crew was there in the shadows to catch it. Same couldn’t be said for “Captain Kirk” Douglas’ rare Epiphone guitar that Prince borrowed for his Tonight Show performance….no one to catch it! 😳
Prince's guitar playing is even more amazing when you realize that he mastered so many other instruments. That level of musicality is hard enough on one instrument now imagine that on over 10 or more. True genius
What, you mean like the drums? Piano? Synths? Percussion? Those guitars?! (Bass, I'll grant you, but if you know anything abour guitar and bass playing, you will know they are entirely different beasts requiring many different techniques and skills - he was a master on both!)@@BluEx22329
12:28 i really dont think he actually winged stuff like this. He was never unprepared for big moments like this. He was a genius but also perfectionist.
I think both. Perfectionist yup. And I'm sure he prepared for it. But then he let it loose live I saw him live many times, including a few times with two concerts on same venue on different days, and what and how he played on second day was completely different from the day before Each solo he played was always fresh and unique. Never the same He was so awesome at jamming things out on the spot
He was prepared for big moments like this by virtue of being insanely talented and constantly jamming with other players for decades. He was improvising all of this.
It may not have been 100% scripted, but he definitely knew well what he was going to play that night. I think in general we overvalue improvisation and undervalue composition.
Prince was a working musician. He was famous for putting his band through exhausting rehearsals. There is NO WAY he didn’t prepare for this solo extensively himself. Not in front of this crowd. He wouldn’t let lack of preparation be an issue here. He prepared. And it shows.
This is insanely good analysis. Yes I am a Prince fan and yes I am a guitarist, but I have never seen an analysis as good as this. Prince's hat off to you sir! 🎩
I'm not a musician. I've never played guitar. So I have absolutely no idea on the technical descriptions/jargon, but this is an incredible video. Amazing stuff.
on a side note too, this performance by Prince was completely unrehearsed. He had originally been booked to play all the solo parts, and in the rehearsal the guy playing the solos played over the top of him, nailing all the parts perfectly. Prince took this in stride and said, he can play and I'll just solo at the end. When producers asked to rehearse this arrangement (of Prince solo at the end) Prince just said, no it'll be alright, see you tonight :)
He didn’t rehearse this with the band. But undoubtedly he did himself. He got we he needed from the band rehearsal and rehearsed it himself no doubt. He was probably the most rehearsed musician in the history of popular music. He would have worked hard on this playing in front of that crowd especially.
@@christopherj3121 in another video I saw (I wish I bookmarked it) the producer for the show says when he asked Prince if he'd be interested in playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Prince responded with "I don't know the song, but I'll listen to it and come up with something". Note please I'm paraphrasing from memory so some of that may be slightly off but I do know Prince said he hadn't heard the song before being asked to play it. So not only did he learn the song likely not long before the show, he also improvised much of that solo due to lack of rehearsal with the band, and there is an interview with Petty where he says the nod he gave Prince at one point was to encourage him to keep going so some of that was improvised on the spot on the stage; all while making it look casual.
Prince mapped out the song and had an idea where he could go and than just let it rip…if he had to play the solo again it might sound different…he knows what options he has in that progression and if he wanted to solo for ten minutes he could just take it to the moon I mean this guy was unbelievably talented
@@christopherj3121 The work had already been done in a bedroom many years ago. He knew the song and the changes and he had the facility to play all over it.... that's what made this special.
I think "greasy" is one of my new favorite descriptors for guitar licks. Prince is a bad bad man. That's all there is to it. During his solos I was getting the nose scrunchles the whole time, and I just kept leaning back...but then he just kept taking it higher and I couldn't lean back any further! Just filthy.
That solo brings tears to my eyes EVERY time I watch it and I have watched it more than 100 times!!! I honestly don't think there are that many better guitar solos ever done!
Hold on, prince is amazing but blues has lots of great solos. Stevie ray Vaughn has had more powerful, energetic, godly solos. Brings tears to my eyes. Bb king and Albert king have some very impactful solos. If you were interested I'll recommend
- so few people notice this! It is one of the many signs on this evening of Prince's true absolute greatness. I've only recently discovered this event, but it ranks right up there with Hendrix' Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock.
I've watched this video hundreds of times, and as a Prince fan and guitar player I become more amazed each time. Especially when I realize how much skill it took for that entire performance. Prince was the 80's Hendrix
Firstly, I honestly cannot thank you enough for doing this. As a Prince fan since my early teens in the early 90s, I witnessed his career through the highs and lows. One thing was constant - dude could play guitar with the best of them. Secondly, I know picking a favourite guitarist is a minefield and nobody will ever agree... but of all the greats, Prince played in a way that always spoke to my soul. Maybe it is a case of mother's milk always tastes best, who knows. But I've seen the guy play Santana, Hendrix, BB, and a hundred styles in between and he sold every one of them. For me, his playing has always been the playing I crave and the playing I judge others by. Thirdly, I was lucky enough to see him 36 times over 16 years and everything you heard was true. He was the best of the best. His stage show changed as he grew older and I was able to see the last of the "splits and running around" year of 1998 right up to the "Hendrix and Sly" years of 2013/14. In the 2000s, his guitar work ttok centre stage and rightly so. It was his strongest instrument and his conduit to the crowd. (in my opinion he was next strongest on bass, then keys, then drums) But during all that time I often wondered how "conscious" all that playing was. It is quite astonishing to hear what goes into playing a solo like this. Thank you for sharing your talents with us so we can guess at what was in the mind of one of the greats. Fourthly, an engineer of his at the time said that Prince had recordings of WMGGW sent to his hotel room prior to the event. He wasn't much of a Beatles fan - even snubbing an invite to join McCartney on stage in Minneapolis - for reasons we'll never know. So he did have to learn the song. My gut tells me he prepared the bulk of that solo ahead of time, leaving some bits at the end to be improvised in the moment. And lastly, if you ever visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland (worth it) there's a proper mix of the audio of this track. The guitarist who plays the Clapton-faithful bits (Marc Mann) steps in at the bit where you rightly showed us Prince nailing the F# and proceeds to do his own wailing as the track ends. Prince joins him with that final flourish and then the infamous guitar throw (caught by his guitar tech, handed to Oprah Winfrey who returned it backstage). But with the guitar work of Marc Mann and the other instruments raised back into the mix, the solo is even more of a joy and makes even more sense. He was showboating, he was playing to make a point, but he was in no way being disrespectful. He played with that band. THANK YOU.
I read that they all had actually rehearsed this song, but he deliberately held back (and said as much to the band) so he could bring the wow during the performance. That’s one of the reasons for Dhani’s grin…and Prince’s.
As a composer of mostly contemporary classical music ie not pop/rock/blues etc i would say this is well composed but then performed with real flair. It takes nothing away! The guy had both in spades. He could work out his ideas and then execute with total presence....that is what the likes of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were famous for in their lifetimes. He really died to young.
@@mikelmarion the mix at RnR HOF has the other instruments at a more natural volume in the mix. Prince's solo isn't necessarily louder. But having the other guitar up in the mix makes the playing in the final minute make sense... Prince is letting Marc Mann play and then rejoins him toward the end. Musically it is a jigsaw and we don't get to hear it accurately in this mix. I did upload a recording but it was blocked soon after sadly.
You'd forget about Prince for awhile and then he'd come out of hiding and set the stage on fire to remind everyone he was the baddest man alive and not to forget it and then he'd disappear for awhile again. He was so amazing.
😉hahaha yes! preach sir...🙏greatly put! and indeed, what exactly has he just done in recent years? u might not be aware of ur freudian slip, but do u notice a pattern in the very choice words u choose? well apply this pattern to this day, he would totally pull such a stunt for kicks before his fans truly became his fam, but this time its MUch deeper...in a sense evan moreso than art...not long now either...🎊🎉🎊
@@pfr94 It’ll happen again. He recorded everything. Every show, aftershow, rehearsal and soundcheck. After he played a show, he and the band would watch the show and then go do an aftershow at a small club (the best shows are the aftershows) We may not live to see it all but it will happen again.
I wish you had commented on the incredible touch he shows in that almost final solo part where he does the 4 wah bends (19:40). In each of those, he's bending the note ever so slightly, making each pluck rise in pitch and clarity until it hits the final root note with strong vibrato dead-on. Either he's rotating his pick ever so slightly or changing position where he picks the string, the control is mind boggling and as soulful as one could hope to ever do.
Love how you focus on that opening phrase (“something special happened!”) after the sustained 4 to 5 bend. I’m a Bebop player and this phrase totally kills me the way Bird, Trane or Rollins might. On a meta level, to me this is Prince immediately establishing his supreme and sublime musicality. For those who can truely hear, with this phrase you immediately realize you are in the presence of greatness and are about to be floored by the playing to follow. Joseph P Cannavo
@@lee399 I play bass and when I hear guitar played like this, I wish I could bend like guitar players. Obviously on the fretless or stand-up I can slide, but it is not the same because of how the "boxes" of playing a stringed instrument work.
I loved this solo so much when I saw it years ago and with all the greatness on stage, he pulls this volcanic hot solo off and the other musicians are just as delighted and stunned.
Superb DDA of this virtuoso performance. But know I have seen Prince live numerous times, and THIS may not even be in his top 100 guitar performances. 🤟🏾
When the ‘good’ notes come, I like how your facial expressions reveal how well you appreciate the ‘magic’ you’re hearing at the moment...a true sign of musical maturity. Your reactions helped me better appreciate the genius in Prince. Thank you.
There was an interview with someone close to prince at the time that said prince told him what happened. He had gone half in on the rehearsal..."darking" it...then when the actual performance came he just let loose and kind of caught the others on stage by surprize...so typical Prince :) , love it
the very first moment I heard that solo I knew that it was one of the best ever improvised...every note put at the right moment, rhythmically, in context with the chord progression, the feeling....and with Prince it was all about the "in between" the notes...
It looks like he’s never heard the song before and just winging it but Prince knew every single note he played. He’s a real professional and still one of my favourite solos
prince was a beatles fan & a clapton fan, so i'm sure he's heard the original before, especilly due to the little clapton inflections/nods mixed in -- although his main influences in life were led zep, hendrix, santana, sly & the famly stone, little richard, grand funk railroad, & james brown.....i'm sure he's heard the song before, but he plays with far more rhythm & soul than most
Awesome, PRINCE has always been my hero, the GOAT ( total musician ) in my opinion, I'm now in my fifties I grew up eating and sleeping PRINCE, this was an enjoyable breakdown of the master, cudos. Thx u
I discovered this epic legendary solo quite recently last year, and… what an earthquake, I was crushed under the weight of Prince’s power, it was nothing like I have ever seen. It’s an explosion of pure style and divine musicality. What a beast.
most everyone that plays at a reasonable level has had moments of "Genius " when you play that perfect note without thinking. to watch someone play note after note from that place blows my mind
I call it, "The Zone." Where you are playing better than you know how. You don't know where the notes are coming from, or how... but they are being played. Prince seems to be BOTH... AT THE SAME TIME... IN THE ZONE, yet totally in control. Amazing.
Totally right. I am mediocre and had that moment exactly ONCE in my second life as musician, thankfully in a concert. Remember our band leader - a real genius - looking at me grinning and like "what the fuck are you doing there?" Aand me "no idea man" while going on... like not being on the planet. Unforgettable. Sadly once in a lifetime :) And Prince and some few others could go there any time they wanted... I anyway love this song so much but he makes it truly epic.
I have to say I’ve enjoyed watching you become a Prince fan, many musicians of your caliber tend to be a bit jaded, not wanting to admit the level of genius that was Prince. I grew up in Minnesota, I was a fan since the Controversy record, I was a little kid, a kiss fan who understood that Prince was different than everyone else on the radio at the time, he’s the reason I became a guitar player, blessed to see him live 8 times. Have you noticed that Prince fans are different than other music fans, we are almost possessive… anyway I love your channel, there’s a good chance you’ve already done a reaction video to this live version of Purple Rain , if you did, I’ll find it, if you haven’t, let me just say this version will hug your soul & blow your mind, the guitar solos at the end are some of my favorite playing by anyone. Just like how Jimi’s Machine Gun is intense, after this version of Purple Rain, if you turn it up and submerge yourself in the sound, you might need a nap when it’s over, I’ve watched it hundreds of times and I’m still blown away every time. Here’s the link th-cam.com/video/bm03wqLY3Nc/w-d-xo.html
One thing that I haven't seen ANYONE mentioning, is how many times Prince is actually controlling the knobs. Just look how many times he reaches his tone knob and sometimes the volume knob.
Yep! That bit he goes on about little changes at the start, he missed the fact Prince turned up his guitar the second before playing the bit he’s on about. The fingering is very important but that little kick of volume really made it jump out.
This has to be by far one of my favorite epic Prince guitar shredding ever!! The man was a musical genius that knew all the little nuances in music and add his own flair to it!! Phenomenal musician!! Gone too soon!!
Great breakdown. As a person that has been on stage an in the wings. Especially seeing some of the greats. It’s cool to see others point out the unspoken communication that goes on, on stage. The changes, the nods of approval. I saw the encouragement they gave him at every turn and he took it and ran with it. It’s like they were in on it, and I heard that Prince didn’t go to the rehearsal. It all happened flawlessly live.
To be able to rock in the mist of all those rock stars and shine the way he can only shine, is what Prince was. There will never be another genius, performer and master musician like him again.
Really enjoyed the breakdown of this performance. I've watched it many times and have always been amazed thst throughout the improv, there's never a sign that he's trying to find his way back, he's always on point and knows which turn it is. That grin when he knows what's coming and lands on the F. Good grief that's not just showmanship thats pure musical magic and those moments that we occasionally stumble into as musicians. He knew where he was, and that was just a gift that he was giving to the others on the stage.
This Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance has been and is still my all time favorite live performance thanks to Prince’s insane mastery and reverence for this George Harrison classic. YOUR breakdown has now added incredible depth to my listening experience. I’ll keep digesting and appreciating further thanks to you. Just subscribed. Peace
I love after he catches him Prince is like yeah, I'm done and they look at him and signal...Yeah give me more. I love it, they felt every part of this. That's music, it grabbed them.
I love prince in general. It's so hard to articulate why his solos are so full of swagger, immaculate timing and more than anything taste and emotional resonance. Thank you for breaking it down so thoroughly. I felt that!
Michael. I also see a node or exho of Hendrix. When he lifts the guitar and does the throw you describe. As a budding guitarist myself I saw Hendrix do that on his first U. S. tour. We were all in awe of his mastery. Prince has earned my respect over and over. Thanks for posting this deep dive.
I’m just now consciously seeing a throw and learning what it is, but I’m a huge fan of jimi and I just thought it was something for style, this is insane seeing it being so important it’s a crucial part of the performance and is such a standout thing, this whole performance just floored me
I'm not a guitarist nor do I know how to read music, all I know how to play is the tambourine and sing, but I sure enjoy good music and watching people be excited about a craft. Very nice!
Hey Michael. Been playing guitar for a long time, but only self taught. Decided to join you're course. I'm taking it very seriously from the beginning and not jumping ahead. I've learned so much. Can't wait to get to the grateful dead ones but I'm going to finish the main ones first. Thanks!
I have really loved my journey on GuitarGate so far. I committed to finish levels 8 and 9 before allowing myself the Jerry courses...it's so tough to wait! :) I think you will enjoy GG and the community involved, or at least I hope you will. I have found it to be a very welcoming and supportive environment.
Another great vid. Of all the people I know that "loved" Prince growing up in the 80's, I don't think any of them knew how insanely talented he truly was, especially as a guitar player. Arguably nobody like him in the history of music. Interesting story (to me) regarding this guitar he's playing: There is a TON of legend & lore surrounding it but there's a high probability that my father owned this Hohner MadCat just before Prince picked it up in the late 70's, at least his original one before he had a handful of replicas made. Nobody is exactly sure which one this is but the orig had white pickup covers that he had "painted" black with a Sharpie, which faded over the years. Pops had it for a few months & while touring thru Louisiana came across a music shop that had a guitar he really wanted & traded up for it (I think it was his '67-68ish Gibson ES 335). When Prince tossed this MadCat at the end of this show his guitar tech caught it & immediately handed it to Oprah, who then eventually returned it to Prince. Nobody knows where it is now, probably a vault at Paisley Park. One of dad's many "wish I woulda kept" axes!
As I was still learning with a teacher although guitar is a never ending learning experience, I did mention that Prince was totally overlooked as a great guitarist. I think greatest of this generation. Not much of a response. Next week or so, Guitar Player Magazine comes out with Prince on the cover. Basically, confirming what I said. I was a kid so. I knew. If you played guitar, you knew. The general public. No they had no idea.
Awesome breakdown! I remember the first time I watched this video. I was so completely in awe and blown away by that solo that my jaw was dragging the floor for at least a week after. I thought Steve's solo was great. But when Prince did his thing... that was it. I've always known Prince was an amazing guitarist, but he let it all out on this one. And of course, it wouldn't be Prince without the guitar throw and strut off stage at the end. RIP to an amazing musician. Gone but definitely not forgotten.
Virtuosic analysis of a virtuoso performance - mad props. As a player, I have a tremendous appreciation for Prince's talent, but your breakdown gives this performance a depth I never fully appreciated, but perhaps vaguely sensed on a subliminal, goosebump level. Your commentary truly sums up his absolute mastery of performance, ensemble playing and badass musicianship. This solo reaches everyone from the total non-musician to the guitar geek on so many levels and you articulate it exceptionally well. Prince does justice to George's memory in a way that nobody else could have and you allow us to really appreciate that fact.
To all guitar/reacting channels and youtubers there.That's how you breakdown a solo. Not reacting only base on what you feel. Hand down on this breakdown. So much information and absolute lesson.
Michael; you are a great instructor, you have a great ear 👂, perfect pitch, superb analysis, deconstruction, and explanation for us to learn from you! Thanks for sharing 🎸🎼🎵🎶🎸🎸🎸
I watched Prince from the beginning of his career. I knew how great he was when I first saw him. Most musicians and artists dissed him when he first came on the scene, especially the rock artists. He intimidated the R&B artists and musicians as well. Because he dressed real crazy, wore heels and weird costumes, black musicians dissed him. But the main reason all musicians tried to diss him is because they hadn't seen one person so talented at everything they did. I met Prince once at a Larry Graham concert back stage in NY and he was very cool and asked to use my guitar pick. He was going on stage to perform with Larry. There are very few guitarists who can play rhythm and lead equally. Many can play both, but not equally. Some musicians are just gifted and Prince is the most gifted I've ever seen and growing up in Louisiana in the 50s and 60s I saw many gifted blues and funk guitarists, some were even relatives. We won't see another Prince for a hundred years if we ever do. My son is a gifted musician, plays multiple instruments since about four years old. I took him to see prince at Madison Square Garden for the first time and he begged me to follow Prince to every city for several days. He was that impressed and my son was playing like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson at age 12. Prince was a true musical genius. I'm glad to see a lot of people really get it now. R.I.P Prince.
the “little nuances” are what differentiates these guys from the pack…these show the careful flairs which bring difference, uniqueness, and innovation to predictability, while still abiding to the fundamental rules…these creative nuances often make up their signature differentiators…and make these artists truly “great” Hemingway: “courage=grace under pressure” Picasso: “you must know all the rules impeccably before you can break them”
"It's music theory, not fact. Like lawyers and doctors: “Still practicing.” They ain’t got it down yet. It’s music theory, not fact. There are no rules. I never learned how to read music. Maybe that’s why I’m so twisted and unorthodox. But if I’d have taken guitar lessons, I wouldn’t do all the silly stuff that I do!" -Edward Van Halen
Always love how the slides down and up the neck (near dead notes) in between phrases become something tantamount to pick-up notes, mark of a wonderful guitarist
Just now discovering how great prince was on the guitar through your reactions and breakdowns, so thanks! He really was a true showman and what a guitar player!
Nice breakdown of this legendary Prince performance. My respect for Prince's genius rose exponentially the first time I heard/saw this. Just Incredible!!
Fun Fact: His guitar had to go on birth control before that show because it knew what Prince had in store for it. Listening to you analyze Prince while I'm looking that the VH patterned pen(?) on your desk... 2/2. VH and Prince are my two favorite bands/musicians. Good taste Michael. Very good taste.
TH-cam BUNDLE SALE: Get All 14 Of My Guitar Courses for 40% off as a lifetime member! Use code youtube40 at checkout :) - www.guitargate.com/courses
I have no musical talent but I love watching you and Rick Beato because you make it simple for me to understand
th-cam.com/video/ZKBaktLKOko/w-d-xo.html Dive into Pasquale Grasso
I think I’m going to buy one for my upcoming birthday in September.
I've been a practicing guitarist since 1974, it is no surprise to me Prince chose possibly the most robust of guitars for this solo.
A Telecaster can easily withstand a tremendous amount of abuse and still keep it together, intune and in control after this most epic of solos.
An historic performance for sure.
Thank You for your breakdown, well done Sir.
A couple things that were missed. Right before Prince starts his solo, look at George Harrison's son's facial expression. He knows something special is about to happen. Next, no one ever mentions the showmanship or technique that is used at the 12:49 mark.
Dances on par with James Brown, can play guitar like Hendrix and can sing like Michael Jackson but all in his own voice and style. There will never be another Prince. 👑
Best of a couple of generations….
Ya damn skippy and I do t mean peanut butter😉😉😉!!!
You never saw Jimi Hendrix. Let's not get carried away.
@@827dusty We can all agree there would be no Prince (as we know him) without Jimi, so there's that. And I would certainly put Hendrix first - but I never saw either of them live so I guess I can't really say? But he's damn close!
actually really plays guitar more like Santana (he actually said so) and his singing is more like Smokey Robinson
the real treat was seeing George Harrison's son and the massive smile on his face watching prince.
He actually went on to bash prince about it in a later interview saying it was over the top and not in the spirit of the song
@@Ed_Row_Feez funny since he was the sole reason Prince was playing. Dani asked Prince to take part.
I see that too. Utterly brilliant for Dhani. 👏👏😎🎸👈PRINCE
@@dannyberry8725 i haven't seen the bash prince interview but to say it was over the top could still serve as a complement while appeasing some of the other band member who really thought it was over the top.
@@Ed_Row_Feez Dhani NEVER bashed Prince . That’s the problem with the net. Some idiot claims something, and there’s always people that will believe it. Prince loved the Beatles, and I’m sure George,Paul,and Ringo feel the same about Prince. Dhani is a humble man, and would never bash anyone especially Prince .
I think the best part of this video is Dhani Harrison’s absolute joy, and completely astonished look. All those guys on stage knew how good prince was, and I think that they all were super stoked to have him play this solo. He did so many greats so much justice.
Imagine going from thinking ur father is the baddest mf to ever do it- to realizing the truth in real time.
They were not stoked. They were confused because Prince stole their places. Do you think this is what they practiced? Watch them try to start the next verse and the confusion as he plaid thru. Every time it came around the vocals would start and prince cut them off. If it was time for another solo he would block them. He chose to stop playing guitar and fall off the top 100. I always loved Prince as a guitarist. What I can't like is the preteen way he acted over a choice he made to distance himself from "Guitar God" prison. If you were onstage and every time you tried to do your part you were cut off. Prince punished all these people for his decision to avoid being what he was on that night ... There is a Guitar God you can see videos of. Eric Clapton with JJ Cale and they had respect ... JJ would sing then sit on his stool and jam. Watch how Eric respected and loved JJ. They never got pissy and ruined someone else's moment.
@@benadrylcabbagepatch The others started to sing and were cut off by Prince... Check when Tom Petty begins to sing at 3:44. As each verse the others are trying to play it as rehearsed. Prince is strutting and a lot of his stuff is aimed at the band, like when he leans back off the edge of the stage. If you saw one of your kids with the expressions on their face that Price has you'd know what prince was up to. All in good fun ..
@@nemoprimo4828 musicians don't think like that, one came after the other, you can't belittle Harrison's contribution, the song something still blows my mind, i worship Prince too though, obviously lol, he is the greatest guitarist and its like a secret, almost.. go figure...
@@nemoprimo4828 i will agree he is shocked in a good way though! i have also always loved his facial expression, someone here said 'it's a bad look, because he's hogging the solos' and that it's 'not like they rehearsed' but they didn't rehearse, he did it on the spot, improve lol.
Back story: During rehearsals, the guy who nailed all the Clapton fills actually played the solo Prince was slated to play. After the take, Prince was asked if they should do the song again so he could rehearse the solo. He declined, saying, "I got it." So what we see is Prince's first take on the solo. Incredible!!
He blew Clapton away. He made them all look average. Racism? Why did he not get the Guitar Hero Treatment in the 1980’s that Clapton tyoes got? PS Clapton live? Nowhere able pull off what he does in studio. Jimmy page is the same his live efforts are average without Studio props
He didn’t need anyone to show it to him.
😮
Exactly. Meaning someone else showed him the part. ROFL
I can imagine another guitarist playing a solo where in the song Princes solo is to be played, but I’m sure that what Prince played was all his work, Prince I’m sure didn’t need someone to show him what to play, or give him ideas what to play or what key to play in.
The story I heard is that Prince was annoyed that he hadn’t been included in Rolling Stone’s list of greatest guitarists in that year so he used this solo to prove a point by incorporating the different styles of others on the list. Basically saying I can do all their styles, but can they do mine. There is definitely a nod to Hendrix, Santana and Clapton in there
the key of prince, i think, is considering him like picasso in figurative arts. the end of classic composed into another shape. everything very personal but very classic. with many references to everything but still very personal. a genious.
Prince was never bothered by awards and outward accolades. His people would tell you that. Prince was playing master guitar solos before Rolling Stone showcased their ignorance. I don't believe Prince cared. His talent was on display before the article. That's why people ripped the mag for the omission deeming it intentional.
@@Lane91 I’m not so sure about that. All of his awards were on prominent display at Paisley Park. He was certainly disappointed that Sign O the Times lost to U2 at the 1988 Grammys
"I'm not saying I'm better than anybody else. But you'll be sitting there at the Grammys, and U2 will beat you. And you say to yourself, 'Wait a minute. I can play that kind of music, too... But you will not do ‘Housequake.” (Prince, 1990)
Rolling Who? As in I never cared what those yahoos printed past 1972/
Yes
I was in the audience that night and as amazing as it looks here on video it was draw-dropping to witness live. The audience was full of rock stars and record executives and everyone was completely slayed…
reminds me of the story when Clapton, Paul McCartney, Pete Townsend and Jeff Beck went to see Hendrix for first time.
I always wondered where his guitar went when he threw it up into the air as he finished . .
@@ronsheppard9895 the guy that held him up when he turned around and fell back as he played…. That same guy (probably Prince’s security guy, - he was big) caught it
Oh my🙏
Prince blows a note in the first phrase! Bahahahahahaha
That performance combined with his Super Bowl Halftime Show really made me regret not being a bigger appreciator of his music growing up.
OMG!!! That Super Bowl performance! And that he performed in THE RAIN to Purple Rain! Fantastic! Phenomenal!
Yeah, same.
Superbowl was what made me realize how good he was. And then this video just blows me away. Im 42 years old and i too wish I appreciated him more when he was alive.
Keep in mind he didn't participate in the rehearsal, he came and listened to them play and left.
Prince was the Mozart for my generation. Absolute musical genius.
i've said this exact same statement. a gazillion times. the Mozart of these times. the Mozart of this generation. 1999%
Mozart c'est une chèvre tu écoute souvent du Mozart ? Ne compare pas l'incomparable prince c'est le meilleur de tout les temps
Makes my heart break...such a genius musician and such a complete waste of talent to lose him the way we, the World did...THE absolute best EVER GUITARIST ❤
Mozart?
@@richardrybinski2320 Yes.
Prince was a monster musician,composer,performer and front man. He's missed. He was really special.
I feel the world is forgetting about Prince and that really should not happen. In the words of Dave Grohl: "Prince is a genius and everybody knows it. He is better than everyone at everything. Thats just how it is"
THAT WAS A SICK SOLO! He was in a zone and he owned the world for almost 3 minute's! That was a roller coaster ride for sure. A real true master class on how to do it. Not a lot of your favorite guitar players past and present could have came close to that. The Rhythm, the Feel, the Swagger, and the Passion was on another level! His technical skills blew me away and whats crazy its like he freestyled the whole thing.....Prince was simply amazing and still underrated!
All with SHOWMANSHIP! Mind effin’ blown. Every time.
One of the best musicians ever. I always loved his guitar playing. So much feeling.
Underrated by whom?
I agree canaah99 , other ones could not do this, who are what they say are great, PRINCE IS THE GREATEST!!
Prince is a literal musical savant and virtuoso, having learned to play several instruments as a child. He famously played 27 instruments on his debut album. Dude is the definition of a "natural".
If you ever wondered what a Beethoven or Mozart would be like in the modern era of pop music, the answer is Prince.
Prince was surely gifted beyond belief, but he was also the hardest working man in show business spending every spare moment in the studio. Read one of Duane Tudahl's books to see what a beast he truly was. Prince pushed everyone he worked with to levels they didn't think possible, you really had to be on your game and have superhuman amounts of stamina to work for him. It wasn't for the faint of heart.
@@lavenderbee3611 James Brown is one of his main influences and it truly shows
@@Kickinthescience For sure, James Brown was somebody he looked up to.
Well... I think the answer TODAY is Jacob Collier. But in the 80's and 90's and 00's, Prince.
@@kirbonicus Jacob Collier is brilliant but isn't lit the way Prince was as a performer. It was impossible to take your eyes off Prince when performing.
I always loved how Prince is in heartbreaker red and Tom is in Prince purple
The smile on Harrisons face says it all
definately! And the eye and facial communication between Dhani and Prince! They are having a blast!
One of the most spectacular moments of my life was the first time I watched that whole video. I was just down to watch the tribute and had no idea I was about to have my brain exploded by Prince.
You have had a sad life.
@@jaymasterscrapper301 Bruh stop 😭😭
Likewise.
same...
@jaymasterscrapper301 you have a sad life.
My favorite part was when the other players realized that they were experiencing a golden moment in time.
Well said ❤❤❤
You left out the best part of the solo, where at the very end he throws up his guitar and IT NEVER COMES BACK DOWN. What a legend.
I was just going to write this. Classic.
That was definitely “the moment!! …truth be known, it does come down right in front of the stage where one of Prince’s crew was there in the shadows to catch it. Same couldn’t be said for “Captain Kirk” Douglas’ rare Epiphone guitar that Prince borrowed for his Tonight Show performance….no one to catch it! 😳
Some say the guitar is still floating
It came back down, Takumi caught it. Takumi always caught them.
@@Craig_Fussell Supposedly it was given to Oprah who was in the audience.
Prince's guitar playing is even more amazing when you realize that he mastered so many other instruments. That level of musicality is hard enough on one instrument now imagine that on over 10 or more. True genius
Most of those other instruments are other types of guitars
@@BluEx22329he was an excellent drummer and pianist
All while keeping up his basketball skills, and smashing half of Hollywood's leading ladies... stuff of legends
It's way easier when you can play one instrument as you already know how it all works.
What, you mean like the drums? Piano? Synths? Percussion? Those guitars?! (Bass, I'll grant you, but if you know anything abour guitar and bass playing, you will know they are entirely different beasts requiring many different techniques and skills - he was a master on both!)@@BluEx22329
12:28 i really dont think he actually winged stuff like this. He was never unprepared for big moments like this. He was a genius but also perfectionist.
I think both.
Perfectionist yup. And I'm sure he prepared for it. But then he let it loose live
I saw him live many times, including a few times with two concerts on same venue on different days, and what and how he played on second day was completely different from the day before
Each solo he played was always fresh and unique. Never the same
He was so awesome at jamming things out on the spot
He was prepared for big moments like this by virtue of being insanely talented and constantly jamming with other players for decades. He was improvising all of this.
It may not have been 100% scripted, but he definitely knew well what he was going to play that night. I think in general we overvalue improvisation and undervalue composition.
Prince was a working musician. He was famous for putting his band through exhausting rehearsals. There is NO WAY he didn’t prepare for this solo extensively himself. Not in front of this crowd. He wouldn’t let lack of preparation be an issue here. He prepared. And it shows.
This is insanely good analysis.
Yes I am a Prince fan and yes I am a guitarist, but I have never seen an analysis as good as this. Prince's hat off to you sir! 🎩
Tip of the raspberry beret.
Don't you mean a raspberry beret off to you sir?
@@exxekhan Well, thank you my good man/woman/they/them! So awkward.
I'm not a musician. I've never played guitar. So I have absolutely no idea on the technical descriptions/jargon, but this is an incredible video. Amazing stuff.
Same. I don't know the technical but I rode the vibe to the moon
It's not real technical but his note choice and feel and delivery is phenomenal
on a side note too, this performance by Prince was completely unrehearsed. He had originally been booked to play all the solo parts, and in the rehearsal the guy playing the solos played over the top of him, nailing all the parts perfectly. Prince took this in stride and said, he can play and I'll just solo at the end. When producers asked to rehearse this arrangement (of Prince solo at the end) Prince just said, no it'll be alright, see you tonight :)
He didn’t rehearse this with the band. But undoubtedly he did himself. He got we he needed from the band rehearsal and rehearsed it himself no doubt. He was probably the most rehearsed musician in the history of popular music. He would have worked hard on this playing in front of that crowd especially.
@@christopherj3121 in another video I saw (I wish I bookmarked it) the producer for the show says when he asked Prince if he'd be interested in playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Prince responded with "I don't know the song, but I'll listen to it and come up with something". Note please I'm paraphrasing from memory so some of that may be slightly off but I do know Prince said he hadn't heard the song before being asked to play it. So not only did he learn the song likely not long before the show, he also improvised much of that solo due to lack of rehearsal with the band, and there is an interview with Petty where he says the nod he gave Prince at one point was to encourage him to keep going so some of that was improvised on the spot on the stage; all while making it look casual.
@@jcpahman77 Prince said a lot of things. He was always creating mystique.
Prince mapped out the song and had an idea where he could go and than just let it rip…if he had to play the solo again it might sound different…he knows what options he has in that progression and if he wanted to solo for ten minutes he could just take it to the moon I mean this guy was unbelievably talented
@@christopherj3121 The work had already been done in a bedroom many years ago.
He knew the song and the changes and he had the facility to play all over it.... that's what made this special.
His guitar greatness finally revealed to all.
I think "greasy" is one of my new favorite descriptors for guitar licks. Prince is a bad bad man. That's all there is to it. During his solos I was getting the nose scrunchles the whole time, and I just kept leaning back...but then he just kept taking it higher and I couldn't lean back any further! Just filthy.
That man can play some NASTY riffs
So Funky that I can Smell It All the way here in Michigan LOL!
One of the most talented musicians that ever lived. Rest in Peace Prince 1958-2016
Hard to believe he was almost 60. I think of him as 35 all the way till the end.
Also, he was a prophet.
‘Don’t let the elevator bring us down.’
The look on Tom Petty's face when Prince back dives off the stage...priceless!
That solo brings tears to my eyes EVERY time I watch it and I have watched it more than 100 times!!! I honestly don't think there are that many better guitar solos ever done!
When I need to smile 😊. I play My guitar gently weep Solo by Prince 💜
Hold on, prince is amazing but blues has lots of great solos. Stevie ray Vaughn has had more powerful, energetic, godly solos. Brings tears to my eyes. Bb king and Albert king have some very impactful solos. If you were interested I'll recommend
Prince was the best. Always played with a lot of feel. He was unique. Absolute genius
Hands down the best breakdown of Princes greatness I’ve ever sat through. Bravo!
Just sayin…😎
Totally, the best type of homage.
fantastic breakdown
All I know is I cannot stop watching it and crying a little that I never saw him live. RIP
Best live guitar solo, ever. Full stop.
Totally love Dhanis reaction when Prince does the fallback . He perhaps just witnessed the greatest salute to his father George , ever . Magic .
- so few people notice this! It is one of the many signs on this evening of Prince's true absolute greatness. I've only recently discovered this event, but it ranks right up there with Hendrix' Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock.
@@1258-Eckhart Absolutely!!!!
@@1258-Eckhart AMEN.
I've watched this video hundreds of times, and as a Prince fan and guitar player I become more amazed each time. Especially when I realize how much skill it took for that entire performance. Prince was the 80's Hendrix
I remember not really eating Prince as a guitarist until I heard this!
I mean, i play guitar, decently, this here is BRILLIANT!!
Prince was more influenced by Santana then hendrix. Prince said the only thing he had in common with Hendrix is they're black...
prince was one of the most underrated guitar players of all time. the dude was a fuckin ripper.
Now that is a king. Prince on a guitar. Man.
1:57 Agree 100%! "Prince is, arguably, the baddest man who ever walked the planet!"
In size 4 high heels no less.
Firstly, I honestly cannot thank you enough for doing this. As a Prince fan since my early teens in the early 90s, I witnessed his career through the highs and lows. One thing was constant - dude could play guitar with the best of them.
Secondly, I know picking a favourite guitarist is a minefield and nobody will ever agree... but of all the greats, Prince played in a way that always spoke to my soul. Maybe it is a case of mother's milk always tastes best, who knows. But I've seen the guy play Santana, Hendrix, BB, and a hundred styles in between and he sold every one of them. For me, his playing has always been the playing I crave and the playing I judge others by.
Thirdly, I was lucky enough to see him 36 times over 16 years and everything you heard was true. He was the best of the best. His stage show changed as he grew older and I was able to see the last of the "splits and running around" year of 1998 right up to the "Hendrix and Sly" years of 2013/14. In the 2000s, his guitar work ttok centre stage and rightly so. It was his strongest instrument and his conduit to the crowd. (in my opinion he was next strongest on bass, then keys, then drums) But during all that time I often wondered how "conscious" all that playing was. It is quite astonishing to hear what goes into playing a solo like this. Thank you for sharing your talents with us so we can guess at what was in the mind of one of the greats.
Fourthly, an engineer of his at the time said that Prince had recordings of WMGGW sent to his hotel room prior to the event. He wasn't much of a Beatles fan - even snubbing an invite to join McCartney on stage in Minneapolis - for reasons we'll never know. So he did have to learn the song. My gut tells me he prepared the bulk of that solo ahead of time, leaving some bits at the end to be improvised in the moment.
And lastly, if you ever visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland (worth it) there's a proper mix of the audio of this track. The guitarist who plays the Clapton-faithful bits (Marc Mann) steps in at the bit where you rightly showed us Prince nailing the F# and proceeds to do his own wailing as the track ends. Prince joins him with that final flourish and then the infamous guitar throw (caught by his guitar tech, handed to Oprah Winfrey who returned it backstage). But with the guitar work of Marc Mann and the other instruments raised back into the mix, the solo is even more of a joy and makes even more sense. He was showboating, he was playing to make a point, but he was in no way being disrespectful. He played with that band.
THANK YOU.
Thanks for writing this out.
I read that they all had actually rehearsed this song, but he deliberately held back (and said as much to the band) so he could bring the wow during the performance. That’s one of the reasons for Dhani’s grin…and Prince’s.
Wait so there is a mix with princes solo louder? With there was a multitrack of this available somewhere
As a composer of mostly contemporary classical music ie not pop/rock/blues etc i would say this is well composed but then performed with real flair. It takes nothing away! The guy had both in spades. He could work out his ideas and then execute with total presence....that is what the likes of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were famous for in their lifetimes. He really died to young.
@@mikelmarion the mix at RnR HOF has the other instruments at a more natural volume in the mix. Prince's solo isn't necessarily louder. But having the other guitar up in the mix makes the playing in the final minute make sense... Prince is letting Marc Mann play and then rejoins him toward the end. Musically it is a jigsaw and we don't get to hear it accurately in this mix.
I did upload a recording but it was blocked soon after sadly.
there are freaking college courses breaking down this performances now -- it's a amazing how this performance has taken on a life of its own
The speed at which this kind of music is played and thought out in the moment is just mind blowing.
You'd forget about Prince for awhile and then he'd come out of hiding and set the stage on fire to remind everyone he was the baddest man alive and not to forget it and then he'd disappear for awhile again. He was so amazing.
Your explanation reminds me of Bobby fisher.
😉hahaha yes! preach sir...🙏greatly put! and indeed, what exactly has he just done in recent years? u might not be aware of ur freudian slip, but do u notice a pattern in the very choice words u choose? well apply this pattern to this day, he would totally pull such a stunt for kicks before his fans truly became his fam, but this time its MUch deeper...in a sense evan moreso than art...not long now either...🎊🎉🎊
@@JJ-rn1uv he’s deceased brother. Never gonna happen again sadly.
@@pfr94 It’ll happen again. He recorded everything. Every show, aftershow, rehearsal and soundcheck.
After he played a show, he and the band would watch the show and then go do an aftershow at a small club (the best shows are the aftershows)
We may not live to see it all but it will happen again.
I wish you had commented on the incredible touch he shows in that almost final solo part where he does the 4 wah bends (19:40). In each of those, he's bending the note ever so slightly, making each pluck rise in pitch and clarity until it hits the final root note with strong vibrato dead-on. Either he's rotating his pick ever so slightly or changing position where he picks the string, the control is mind boggling and as soulful as one could hope to ever do.
Love how you focus on that opening phrase (“something special happened!”) after the sustained 4 to 5 bend. I’m a Bebop player and this phrase totally kills me the way Bird, Trane or Rollins might. On a meta level, to me this is Prince immediately establishing his supreme and sublime musicality. For those who can truely hear, with this phrase you immediately realize you are in the presence of greatness and are about to be floored by the playing to follow.
Joseph P Cannavo
Jp 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
@@lee399 I play bass and when I hear guitar played like this, I wish I could bend like guitar players. Obviously on the fretless or stand-up I can slide, but it is not the same because of how the "boxes" of playing a stringed instrument work.
Saving the F at the end felt like after all that he was just messing with us. The man was a scoundrel.
I loved this solo so much when I saw it years ago and with all the greatness on stage, he pulls this volcanic hot solo off and the other musicians are just as delighted and stunned.
Attempting to demystify the enigma that is Prince is no easy task. You actually elevated my appreciation. Great job!
You hit on the very difference between Prince and other musicians. It is his musicality. His music flows through him and comes from within him.
Its a Beatles classic. He knows this song backwards and forwards on a level that none of us could ever comprehend. This solo is pure improvisation.
Pure improv apart from the fact he plays 90% of what Clapton played 20 years earlier....
@@-The-Darkside he was deliberately playing different styles, including Clapton, as an FU to being left off the Rolling Stone top 100 guitarists list
Superb DDA of this virtuoso performance. But know I have seen Prince live numerous times, and THIS may not even be in his top 100 guitar performances. 🤟🏾
When the ‘good’ notes come, I like how your facial expressions reveal how well you appreciate the ‘magic’ you’re hearing at the moment...a true sign of musical maturity. Your reactions helped me better appreciate the genius in Prince. Thank you.
There was an interview with someone close to prince at the time that said prince told him what happened. He had gone half in on the rehearsal..."darking" it...then when the actual performance came he just let loose and kind of caught the others on stage by surprize...so typical Prince :) , love it
the very first moment I heard that solo I knew that it was one of the best ever improvised...every note put at the right moment, rhythmically, in context with the chord progression, the feeling....and with Prince it was all about the "in between" the notes...
It looks like he’s never heard the song before and just winging it but Prince knew every single note he played. He’s a real professional and still one of my favourite solos
Prince has probably dissected this song and rerecorded it 100 times at Paisley Park.
prince was a beatles fan & a clapton fan, so i'm sure he's heard the original before, especilly due to the little clapton inflections/nods mixed in -- although his main influences in life were led zep, hendrix, santana, sly & the famly stone, little richard, grand funk railroad, & james brown.....i'm sure he's heard the song before, but he plays with far more rhythm & soul than most
Awesome, PRINCE has always been my hero, the GOAT ( total musician ) in my opinion, I'm now in my fifties I grew up eating and sleeping PRINCE, this was an enjoyable breakdown of the master, cudos. Thx u
I discovered this epic legendary solo quite recently last year, and… what an earthquake, I was crushed under the weight of Prince’s power, it was nothing like I have ever seen. It’s an explosion of pure style and divine musicality. What a beast.
most everyone that plays at a reasonable level has had moments of "Genius " when you play that perfect note without thinking.
to watch someone play note after note from that place blows my mind
I call it, "The Zone." Where you are playing better than you know how. You don't know where the notes are coming from, or how... but they are being played. Prince seems to be BOTH... AT THE SAME TIME... IN THE ZONE, yet totally in control. Amazing.
Totally right. I am mediocre and had that moment exactly ONCE in my second life as musician, thankfully in a concert. Remember our band leader - a real genius - looking at me grinning and like "what the fuck are you doing there?" Aand me "no idea man" while going on... like not being on the planet. Unforgettable. Sadly once in a lifetime :) And Prince and some few others could go there any time they wanted... I anyway love this song so much but he makes it truly epic.
Spot on.
@@globalimpactinstitute Those moments only ever happen to me in rehearsal, and never on stage. Damn it.
I have to say I’ve enjoyed watching you become a Prince fan, many musicians of your caliber tend to be a bit jaded, not wanting to admit the level of genius that was Prince. I grew up in Minnesota, I was a fan since the Controversy record, I was a little kid, a kiss fan who understood that Prince was different than everyone else on the radio at the time, he’s the reason I became a guitar player, blessed to see him live 8 times. Have you noticed that Prince fans are different than other music fans, we are almost possessive… anyway I love your channel, there’s a good chance you’ve already done a reaction video to this live version of Purple Rain , if you did, I’ll find it, if you haven’t, let me just say this version will hug your soul & blow your mind, the guitar solos at the end are some of my favorite playing by anyone. Just like how Jimi’s Machine Gun is intense, after this version of Purple Rain, if you turn it up and submerge yourself in the sound, you might need a nap when it’s over, I’ve watched it hundreds of times and I’m still blown away every time.
Here’s the link
th-cam.com/video/bm03wqLY3Nc/w-d-xo.html
What else can be said about this display,,, 🎇✨🎆🌠♨️💯🔥🇨🇦
life long fan of him and his music 🎶.
Saw him live in concert at the ACC in Tronto.
I giggled through so much of this, in total delight, and even exclaimed aloud a couple of times, "F-YEAH!" You make the walk through so fun...
I’m a bass player and I absolutely appreciate this video and your knowledge on music theory. Much love brother. 👍🏻
One thing that I haven't seen ANYONE mentioning, is how many times Prince is actually controlling the knobs. Just look how many times he reaches his tone knob and sometimes the volume knob.
He was just checking that it was on 10.
@@LoveGuitar63277 Surely you mean '11'?
You can't let Spinal Tap outdo Prince ;-)
Yep! That bit he goes on about little changes at the start, he missed the fact Prince turned up his guitar the second before playing the bit he’s on about. The fingering is very important but that little kick of volume really made it jump out.
This has to be by far one of my favorite epic Prince guitar shredding ever!! The man was a musical genius that knew all the little nuances in music and add his own flair to it!! Phenomenal musician!! Gone too soon!!
Great breakdown. As a person that has been on stage an in the wings. Especially seeing some of the greats. It’s cool to see others point out the unspoken communication that goes on, on stage. The changes, the nods of approval. I saw the encouragement they gave him at every turn and he took it and ran with it. It’s like they were in on it, and I heard that Prince didn’t go to the rehearsal. It all happened flawlessly live.
To be able to rock in the mist of all those rock stars and shine the way he can only shine, is what Prince was. There will never be another genius, performer and master musician like him again.
It is a tragedy how much talent was wrapped in that one package
Really enjoyed the breakdown of this performance. I've watched it many times and have always been amazed thst throughout the improv, there's never a sign that he's trying to find his way back, he's always on point and knows which turn it is. That grin when he knows what's coming and lands on the F. Good grief that's not just showmanship thats pure musical magic and those moments that we occasionally stumble into as musicians. He knew where he was, and that was just a gift that he was giving to the others on the stage.
This Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance has been and is still my all time favorite live performance thanks to Prince’s insane mastery and reverence for this George Harrison classic. YOUR breakdown has now added incredible depth to my listening experience. I’ll keep digesting and appreciating further thanks to you. Just subscribed. Peace
Massive respect for your commentary/ lesson on arguably one of the greatest showmanship guitar solos from a Master! 🤘🤘🤘R.I.P. Prince😇😇😇
Man, you are great, if not only for the grasp of your material, but for having your emotions take over and trusting your audience
We used to go to Bunkers Bar in Minneapolis to see Prince when he was 18.
I love after he catches him Prince is like yeah, I'm done and they look at him and signal...Yeah give me more. I love it, they felt every part of this. That's music, it grabbed them.
I love prince in general. It's so hard to articulate why his solos are so full of swagger, immaculate timing and more than anything taste and emotional resonance. Thank you for breaking it down so thoroughly. I felt that!
Michael. I also see a node or exho of Hendrix. When he lifts the guitar and does the throw you describe. As a budding guitarist myself I saw Hendrix do that on his first U. S. tour. We were all in awe of his mastery. Prince has earned my respect over and over. Thanks for posting this deep dive.
Also those octaves. Right out of Jimi's Star Spangled Banner. But that was Prince. He was an encyclopedia of guitar.
I’m just now consciously seeing a throw and learning what it is, but I’m a huge fan of jimi and I just thought it was something for style, this is insane seeing it being so important it’s a crucial part of the performance and is such a standout thing, this whole performance just floored me
I cant believe you are finally reacting to this. Day has been made
With that performance he instantly cemented himself into rock guitar legacy!
I'm not a guitarist nor do I know how to read music, all I know how to play is the tambourine and sing, but I sure enjoy good music and watching people be excited about a craft. Very nice!
Hey Michael. Been playing guitar for a long time, but only self taught. Decided to join you're course. I'm taking it very seriously from the beginning and not jumping ahead. I've learned so much. Can't wait to get to the grateful dead ones but I'm going to finish the main ones first. Thanks!
That’s great!! Thanks so much for giving me a shot and good luck!
I have really loved my journey on GuitarGate so far. I committed to finish levels 8 and 9 before allowing myself the Jerry courses...it's so tough to wait! :) I think you will enjoy GG and the community involved, or at least I hope you will. I have found it to be a very welcoming and supportive environment.
Another great vid. Of all the people I know that "loved" Prince growing up in the 80's, I don't think any of them knew how insanely talented he truly was, especially as a guitar player. Arguably nobody like him in the history of music.
Interesting story (to me) regarding this guitar he's playing: There is a TON of legend & lore surrounding it but there's a high probability that my father owned this Hohner MadCat just before Prince picked it up in the late 70's, at least his original one before he had a handful of replicas made. Nobody is exactly sure which one this is but the orig had white pickup covers that he had "painted" black with a Sharpie, which faded over the years. Pops had it for a few months & while touring thru Louisiana came across a music shop that had a guitar he really wanted & traded up for it (I think it was his '67-68ish Gibson ES 335). When Prince tossed this MadCat at the end of this show his guitar tech caught it & immediately handed it to Oprah, who then eventually returned it to Prince. Nobody knows where it is now, probably a vault at Paisley Park. One of dad's many "wish I woulda kept" axes!
As I was still learning with a teacher although guitar is a never ending learning experience, I did mention that Prince was totally overlooked as a great guitarist. I think greatest of this generation. Not much of a response. Next week or so, Guitar Player Magazine comes out with Prince on the cover. Basically, confirming what I said. I was a kid so. I knew. If you played guitar, you knew. The general public. No they had no idea.
Awesome breakdown! I remember the first time I watched this video. I was so completely in awe and blown away by that solo that my jaw was dragging the floor for at least a week after. I thought Steve's solo was great. But when Prince did his thing... that was it. I've always known Prince was an amazing guitarist, but he let it all out on this one. And of course, it wouldn't be Prince without the guitar throw and strut off stage at the end.
RIP to an amazing musician. Gone but definitely not forgotten.
Virtuosic analysis of a virtuoso performance - mad props. As a player, I have a tremendous appreciation for Prince's talent, but your breakdown gives this performance a depth I never fully appreciated, but perhaps vaguely sensed on a subliminal, goosebump level. Your commentary truly sums up his absolute mastery of performance, ensemble playing and badass musicianship. This solo reaches everyone from the total non-musician to the guitar geek on so many levels and you articulate it exceptionally well. Prince does justice to George's memory in a way that nobody else could have and you allow us to really appreciate that fact.
Beautifully said.
What an absolutely brilliant analysis of Prince and this legendary moment in time!
this was one of the greatest solo live performances I ever seen. and he didn't even show for rehearsal.
To all guitar/reacting channels and youtubers there.That's how you breakdown a solo. Not reacting only base on what you feel. Hand down on this breakdown. So much information and absolute lesson.
Michael; you are a great instructor, you have a great ear 👂, perfect pitch, superb analysis, deconstruction, and explanation for us to learn from you! Thanks for sharing 🎸🎼🎵🎶🎸🎸🎸
They have a new directors cut that concentrates more on Prince! Miss this guy...
Monstrous analysis, of a monstrous lead segment, by a monstrous guitarist. Thank you. 🥲
Thanks for a superb deep dive 👌
Prince is from another planet 🙏
I watched Prince from the beginning of his career. I knew how great he was when I first saw him. Most musicians and artists dissed him when he first came on the scene, especially the rock artists. He intimidated the R&B artists and musicians as well. Because he dressed real crazy, wore heels and weird costumes, black musicians dissed him. But the main reason all musicians tried to diss him is because they hadn't seen one person so talented at everything they did. I met Prince once at a Larry Graham concert back stage in NY and he was very cool and asked to use my guitar pick. He was going on stage to perform with Larry. There are very few guitarists who can play rhythm and lead equally. Many can play both, but not equally. Some musicians are just gifted and Prince is the most gifted I've ever seen and growing up in Louisiana in the 50s and 60s I saw many gifted blues and funk guitarists, some were even relatives. We won't see another Prince for a hundred years if we ever do. My son is a gifted musician, plays multiple instruments since about four years old. I took him to see prince at Madison Square Garden for the first time and he begged me to follow Prince to every city for several days. He was that impressed and my son was playing like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson at age 12. Prince was a true musical genius. I'm glad to see a lot of people really get it now. R.I.P Prince.
...Prince, what a showman and amazing musician he truly was. RIP.
One of my favourite go to videos, almost weekly , gets the juices flowing
the “little nuances” are what differentiates these guys from the pack…these show the careful flairs which bring difference, uniqueness, and innovation to predictability, while still abiding to the fundamental rules…these creative nuances often make up their signature differentiators…and make these artists truly “great”
Hemingway: “courage=grace under pressure”
Picasso: “you must know all the rules impeccably before you can break them”
Well said and quoted. Thanks!
"It's music theory, not fact. Like lawyers and doctors: “Still practicing.” They ain’t got it down yet. It’s music theory, not fact. There are no rules. I never learned how to read music. Maybe that’s why I’m so twisted and unorthodox. But if I’d have taken guitar lessons, I wouldn’t do all the silly stuff that I do!"
-Edward Van Halen
Always love how the slides down and up the neck (near dead notes) in between phrases become something tantamount to pick-up notes, mark of a wonderful guitarist
Just now discovering how great prince was on the guitar through your reactions and breakdowns, so thanks! He really was a true showman and what a guitar player!
Nice breakdown of this legendary Prince performance. My respect for Prince's genius rose exponentially the first time I heard/saw this. Just Incredible!!
Amazing analysis from someone in the game. Made me appreciate it even more, to see how musicians catch these subtleties. 👍
Prince is your favorite musicians favorite musician.
He was just pure "X" factor.
Excellent..... Such a huge, lifelong fan of Prince and his Music! Thank you Michael!!!
Fun Fact: His guitar had to go on birth control before that show because it knew what Prince had in store for it.
Listening to you analyze Prince while I'm looking that the VH patterned pen(?) on your desk... 2/2. VH and Prince are my two favorite bands/musicians. Good taste Michael. Very good taste.
The most underrated guitarist ever. This performance beat Clapton page etc . He is as gr8 as Hendrix as talented as Jackson.
I used to be a big Clapton fan and I've seen him live a few times. But ...I just don't see him anywhere close to Prince in guitaring.
Prince was a musical genius, BEST GUITAR SOLO