It would be nice to see a song that mix accoustic/clean/distorted but that isn't too long like a lot of their songs, I imagine that that would be a hell of a work I suggest: Face of Melinda, Demon of the Fall and Dirge for November I also love Credence and still cant't play it (it's only clean guitar)
A breakdown of "burden" or "coil" off watershed would be cool. If you're looking for acoustic guitar stuff to break down, "voice of the soul" by death would be great although I don't think it'd warrant a long video.
they definitely make those "ugly" notes sound fucking amazing though. the picking pattern and how its presented musically is art. a lot of people need to remember that. a real artist just feels and really embodies their sound. I know some amazing musicians who know nothing about music theory but they somehow can feel and write beautiful and unique music.
@Emiliard Usoevski He's been playing acoustic since a young age and his acoustic playing in general really shines. I think he's just extremely intuitive when it comes to writing chord progressions and has a good sense of what sounds serious vs. typical and goofy.
@Emiliard Usoevski I believe him. What he doesn't mention though is that even though he doesn't know theory, his years of playing gave him a good ear and a sense of how the guitar and it's notes layout work. He maybe can't name a chord but he knows how that chord interacts with other chords and notes/melodies etc. Add to that a certain knack for unconventional sounds (which means he will search for the desired sound. likely longer than a theory schooled guy) and you really don't "need" theory to write amazing stuff. I kinda do it in a similar way. I know some basic theory but once i play i, for the most part, I dont think about theory and just let the sounds guide me. If i get stuck, theory becomes a tool to hopefully get me out of there. sometimes at least lol
Intro: 3:22 riff 2/creepy chord: 7:23 bridge/the secret Opeth scale: 12:05 outro 1/scale shifting: 20:10 outro 2: 24:08 Thanks Ben for the clear explanations! I would loooooove to know the musical theory behind the haunting part at 8:40 in Deliverance!
That rambling about the devil tritones around the 9 minute mark is why I'm a Patron. That smile can only come from someone who genuinely enjoys not only music, but teaching. Your passion is contagious and I've learned more from this channel in a few months than I have elsewhere in years. 🤘
I haven't even finished this video but anything involving Opeth's chords and one of my favorite Opeth songs is an automatic yes from me. Your dirge for November video was absolutely amazing
My favorite thing about this song is how they build so much tension in that middle part, and it leads you to believe that they are going to unleash something heavy as hell. But instead, Mikael goes the opposite direction, and brings everything down to a whisper. Masterful songwriting. I especially love the live version of this off of Lamentations. The outro jam is like 5 minutes long, and it is glorious.
@@dirklives1168 What they lack of? They ve done it all, black metal, death metal, prog rock and so on, not to mention the level, so i would never call them 'far' from the best ever, even though they dont have to be such necessarily
Dude, thank you for this one. Absolutely one of my all-time favorite Opeth tunes (I have unknowingly been playing parts of this incorrectly for years). It would be amazing if you could do a "Bleak" tutorial in the future.
Mikael Åkerfeldt is a master songwriter and my absolute favorite. He loves to challenge his audience and his songwriting has deliberately evolved over time. Opeth have casually carved out a brilliant 30 year career with universally acclaimed album after album. They create timeless music. Not many artists can maintain that longevity while never writing a single bad song.
3 years after putting this video in my *Watch Later* list I finally took an hour to learn the song. Thank you (Uncle) Ben!!! I'll tag you in my version of it....
Dude, probably a minor detail, but I love the edit at 3:40 where you cut back to the dialogue, but still had the chord ring out instead of it being cut too.
Yeah, Opeth is always one of those "why do I bother" bands." I love this album. To Rid the Disease is also a super sick track full of fun chords. Great job Ben!
The title track off of BWP is full of crazy stiff transitioning riff to riff. Also, Mikeal does one of the lost beautiful and memorable solos IMO on Porcupine Trees Arriving Somewhere but Not Here. That’s be cool to see a breakdown on.
Love the "shag carpet" era of Opeth more so than the growly tunes. Kinda reminds me of a great pro g rock band from the 70s that no one ever heard of until now.
I'm not sure how many fans agree with you but I certainly do! Damnation and then Watershed forward is where I spend most of my time. The other stuff is amazing as well, but growl vocals always sound childish to me. These guys are so damn good I feel like it's beneath them.
@@halofour01 That's kind of a childish way to view music, in my opinion. There's so much to take in from their entire discography, or even from other bands that happen to growl. Still Life is probably my favorite album from them, followed closely by Pale Communion, but they have a lot to offer.
@@Sthephyr12 You're right. What was I thinking preferring one style over another. Personal taste is a ridiculous thing to have. Everything is always equal to everyone all the time. My bad.
@@halofour01 Not really how I intended that, but meh, whatever. Take it however you want. I do think it's childish to dismiss entire genres as childish because you don't like a particular vocal element, and one should listen to music outside of their personal tastes. And if that's your response, I don't feel the need to respect your pretentious opinion or your sarcastic counter. You do you, though. Be happy. Whatever.
You recently postet on Instagram that "The baying of the hounds" is the best track by opeth. And I couldnt disagree. But I thought about it now for a week or so and Iam now pretty sure that it´s actually "The Moor". Dont know why I write this, just wanted to express it I guess. Anyway, you´re cool
Baying of the Hounds is nearly flawless, except that it immediately follows Ghost of Perdition, which *IS* flawless. Ghost Reveries is an amazing album front to back.
Very cool you chose Opeth, definitely one of the most unique and immediately identifiable bands. Their “spooky” chords are one of the things I most love about them, especially when orchestrated with acoustic guitars and the odd piano.
There's a guy who does piano versions of Opeth songs here on YT. He's done two videos, each over an hour long. Actually, here, i will post you a link to one of them. th-cam.com/video/hm8HV_cY4NQ/w-d-xo.html
Thank you, that was great. I really appreciate the level of detail of the analysis, especially scrutinzing the weird chords Mike uses. I think Mike is a master of building and resolving tension in elegant and unique ways and this video really helps in breaking down the composition.
First album I heard by them. Was blown away by their earlier work with just how different it sounded. To take such a turn in style and still sound amazing is what makes them so good IMO.
Being just a musician doesnt bring enough ability to create a such a beauty you should be Opeth to create this. I knew someone other than me had realized the shining taste of this song
Man, one can see you were really enjoying yourself cracking this song: the lesson oozes enthusiasm. I had never listened to Opeth, but this video really got me interested. Also, I found myself searching Amazon for the Dunlop Tortex t-shirt. :p
What a great lesson! Not just your playing, I really liked your enthusiasm for the song (band, music...) and way you explained chords. "Music theachers of the world, listen to this!"
Love dem Swedish bois Edit: Probably the most haunting part of the song (maybe most haunting part on the album) is that weird part in the background at 3:27. Hearing it isolated in the Deliverance/Damnation documentary made it even creepier. Edit 2: You should go over something off Still Life next. I feel like that’s some of Mikael’s most complex and weird writing.
This is such a great tune. Thank you for breaking it down, especially the bridge. Interesting on the picking pattern there. Also thanks for the whole-half-dim scale idea
22:50 - I believe Melodic Minor #4 is also known as Lydian b3 which is the fourth mode of Harmonic Major. I always thought I heard these jazz scales in Opeth's music I just never analyzed the music. Great video, very comprehensive lesson.
Killer lesson man! This is one of my favorites off of the album, and I’ve always thought it would be cool to learn it. You teaching it made it a breeze. I’ve been a fan of your channel for awhile. You’re a great teacher and one of the best players on TH-cam in my opinion. Hail Opeth! Cheers!
I love that you're covering Opeth, who are probably my favorite band these past ten years. Quick shout: I played for almost 20 years without knowing any theory. One of your lessons was the first one to make it click.
Wow! I never listend to Opeth befor. Bit this is really cool. Especially in combination with this In-depth analysing breaking down teaching style of yours. I really do appreciate. Thanx Uncle Ben and peace out from Good ol‘ Hamburg. 🍶
Anyone that particularly likes the 'weird' bridge riff really needs to listen to Virus (Norway). Underrated in a far truer sense than most bands described as such.
I like your videos, and not because I can learn how to play stuff (given up guitar years ago), but because your explanations are the apple of an analytical mind's eye (if that makes any sense). I am drawn towards rhythm guitar and harmony, and your channel gives me closure! Pun intended.
I can't tell you how much I wanted something like this. The chords and scales Opeth use are so unique. Everytime I hear a similar chord structure, scales etc. it always reminds me of Opeth. So beautiful. So...Opethian. Thank you so much.
![เบิ้ล ปทุมราช - สาวสอง ( มีมี่ของอ้าย ) ft. ตาต้า,ต้องเต [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mqlMjnP08XI/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for learning the Closure chord chemistry of Opeth with me! Are there any other Opeth tunes you want to see broken down next?
It would be nice to see a song that mix accoustic/clean/distorted but that isn't too long like a lot of their songs, I imagine that that would be a hell of a work
I suggest: Face of Melinda, Demon of the Fall and Dirge for November
I also love Credence and still cant't play it (it's only clean guitar)
@@victormarqves Yes definitely Credence or Face Of Melinda! Btw, Ben already covered Dirge For November
@@dominick070M I didn't know, I'll search for it, thanks!
A breakdown of "burden" or "coil" off watershed would be cool. If you're looking for acoustic guitar stuff to break down, "voice of the soul" by death would be great although I don't think it'd warrant a long video.
A Breakdown of "Death whispered a lullaby" would be great, or hex omega
Bar none, Opeth are one of the best bands of the last 20 years. So much creativity and musicianship.
I think that damnation is a flawless album. There isn't a single note that doesn't work on the entire album.
It's my favourite. By very very very far, my favourite
Agreed
@@fredlaroche6969 Moé 'si . . . 🤘
To be honest, that's the case with all Opeth albums up to Watershed 🤘🏾
yess damnation and blackwater park are their 2 flawless
Mikael from Opeth is simply one of the most interesting and unique guitar players alive. I wish they would do another album like Damnation!
they definitely make those "ugly" notes sound fucking amazing though. the picking pattern and how its presented musically is art. a lot of people need to remember that. a real artist just feels and really embodies their sound. I know some amazing musicians who know nothing about music theory but they somehow can feel and write beautiful and unique music.
@Emiliard Usoevski He's been playing acoustic since a young age and his acoustic playing in general really shines. I think he's just extremely intuitive when it comes to writing chord progressions and has a good sense of what sounds serious vs. typical and goofy.
@Emiliard Usoevski I believe him. What he doesn't mention though is that even though he doesn't know theory, his years of playing gave him a good ear and a sense of how the guitar and it's notes layout work. He maybe can't name a chord but he knows how that chord interacts with other chords and notes/melodies etc. Add to that a certain knack for unconventional sounds (which means he will search for the desired sound. likely longer than a theory schooled guy) and you really don't "need" theory to write amazing stuff.
I kinda do it in a similar way. I know some basic theory but once i play i, for the most part, I dont think about theory and just let the sounds guide me. If i get stuck, theory becomes a tool to hopefully get me out of there. sometimes at least lol
Intro: 3:22
riff 2/creepy chord: 7:23
bridge/the secret Opeth scale: 12:05
outro 1/scale shifting: 20:10
outro 2: 24:08
Thanks Ben for the clear explanations! I would loooooove to know the musical theory behind the haunting part at 8:40 in Deliverance!
Mikael is one of my favorite songwriters. He just writes like no one else. Thanks for explaining Closure, it's always been such a mystery to me!
Damnation is a beautiful record. Closure is my favorite track on there.
Please do a Stuff Opeth Does video like the one you did with Mastodon
“Does” or “did”???
Ben Eller *DID* everything up to watershed but even then some of their new stuff has really catchy riffs and epic solos
@@BenEller Did please.
Why not both? :p
Thanks for this super cool video though, that helps me a lot. Opeth are the best, really...
Do one on gonira
You could play any of their heavy riffs on an acoustic as well and they would still sound god-tier
That rambling about the devil tritones around the 9 minute mark is why I'm a Patron. That smile can only come from someone who genuinely enjoys not only music, but teaching. Your passion is contagious and I've learned more from this channel in a few months than I have elsewhere in years. 🤘
Akerfeldt is so underrated!
I haven't even finished this video but anything involving Opeth's chords and one of my favorite Opeth songs is an automatic yes from me. Your dirge for November video was absolutely amazing
Make more opeth videos!!
damn am I fast
yes! or we riot! lmao
Yes! Needs more Opeth!!!
I could listen to Mikael's songs for the rest of my life
My favorite thing about this song is how they build so much tension in that middle part, and it leads you to believe that they are going to unleash something heavy as hell. But instead, Mikael goes the opposite direction, and brings everything down to a whisper. Masterful songwriting.
I especially love the live version of this off of Lamentations. The outro jam is like 5 minutes long, and it is glorious.
I'm an old man! Ben, you make me pick up the guitar again because of your talent and wit. Never lose it, only become more witlier. Cheers
Opeth best band ever no doubts!
Ima let you finish, because Damnation is what made me go from hardcore jazzer to "maybe this metal stuff isn't so bad".
Relax. They're good but they are far from the best band ever.
@@dirklives1168 What they lack of? They ve done it all, black metal, death metal, prog rock and so on, not to mention the level, so i would never call them 'far' from the best ever, even though they dont have to be such necessarily
The Best for you .
Not the Best and everyone in the World.
@@dirklives1168 what is your best band sir? pls answer I am curious
I must say that this is the most effective breakdown video of all internet. Thank you sir. Greetings from Republic of Turkey
Dude, thank you for this one. Absolutely one of my all-time favorite Opeth tunes (I have unknowingly been playing parts of this incorrectly for years). It would be amazing if you could do a "Bleak" tutorial in the future.
Mikael Åkerfeldt is a master songwriter and my absolute favorite. He loves to challenge his audience and his songwriting has deliberately evolved over time.
Opeth have casually carved out a brilliant 30 year career with universally acclaimed album after album. They create timeless music. Not many artists can maintain that longevity while never writing a single bad song.
I am surprised you have such an upbeat disposition after the 2 setbacks in recording. 3rd time's a charm!
Thanks Uncy Bang!
This guy! Super cool song. Back in october ‘03 they did a tour, supporting Damnation. Went to a seated show. That’s 17 years ago!
Opeth's most melodic album is Morningrise, IMO.
My favorite Opeth album by far. Black Rose Immortal is brilliant.
Literally just finished listening to damnation today because I hadn’t listened to it yet and this video couldn’t have been timed better
Always appreciate that autumnal Opeth content!
Opeth are always top Spoopy bois
I'd love for Opeth to do another acoustic focused album, Damnation has always been my favourite of theirs
This was amazing, more Opeth Uncle Ben! Next challenge breakdown of Reverie/Harlequin Forest, good luck!
3 years after putting this video in my *Watch Later* list I finally took an hour to learn the song. Thank you (Uncle) Ben!!! I'll tag you in my version of it....
Dude, probably a minor detail, but I love the edit at 3:40 where you cut back to the dialogue, but still had the chord ring out instead of it being cut too.
Haha dude thank you for noticing! I did that kinda by accident and it felt real good.
Opeth is my favorite band , thanks!
Uncle Ben uploads already make my day better, but an Uncle Ben upload about Opeth, boy oh boy! Cheers, Uncle Ben!
Yeah, Opeth is always one of those "why do I bother" bands." I love this album. To Rid the Disease is also a super sick track full of fun chords. Great job Ben!
The title track off of BWP is full of crazy stiff transitioning riff to riff. Also, Mikeal does one of the lost beautiful and memorable solos IMO on Porcupine Trees Arriving Somewhere but Not Here. That’s be cool to see a breakdown on.
@@NickHillMakesMusic wait, mikael does the solo on arriving somewhere?
@@ThomasJ502 they collaborated couple of times, Steven Wilson is also a backing vocal on the BWP album.
This made me want to pull out my acoustic and learn to play this song.
Love the "shag carpet" era of Opeth more so than the growly tunes. Kinda reminds me of a great pro g rock band from the 70s that no one ever heard of until now.
Looooove Heritage especially
I'm not sure how many fans agree with you but I certainly do! Damnation and then Watershed forward is where I spend most of my time. The other stuff is amazing as well, but growl vocals always sound childish to me. These guys are so damn good I feel like it's beneath them.
@@halofour01 That's kind of a childish way to view music, in my opinion. There's so much to take in from their entire discography, or even from other bands that happen to growl. Still Life is probably my favorite album from them, followed closely by Pale Communion, but they have a lot to offer.
@@Sthephyr12 You're right. What was I thinking preferring one style over another. Personal taste is a ridiculous thing to have. Everything is always equal to everyone all the time. My bad.
@@halofour01 Not really how I intended that, but meh, whatever. Take it however you want. I do think it's childish to dismiss entire genres as childish because you don't like a particular vocal element, and one should listen to music outside of their personal tastes. And if that's your response, I don't feel the need to respect your pretentious opinion or your sarcastic counter. You do you, though. Be happy. Whatever.
You recently postet on Instagram that "The baying of the hounds" is the best track by opeth. And I couldnt disagree. But I thought about it now for a week or so and Iam now pretty sure that it´s actually "The Moor". Dont know why I write this, just wanted to express it I guess. Anyway, you´re cool
Baying of the Hounds is nearly flawless, except that it immediately follows Ghost of Perdition, which *IS* flawless. Ghost Reveries is an amazing album front to back.
You have been knocking it right out of the park this year Uncle Ben!
Thanks Uncle Ben!! Man, any Opeth song will do! Even the latest one is phenomenal!
Very cool you chose Opeth, definitely one of the most unique and immediately identifiable bands. Their “spooky” chords are one of the things I most love about them, especially when orchestrated with acoustic guitars and the odd piano.
There's a guy who does piano versions of Opeth songs here on YT.
He's done two videos, each over an hour long.
Actually, here, i will post you a link to one of them.
th-cam.com/video/hm8HV_cY4NQ/w-d-xo.html
So killer man! Damnation is one of my all time favorite records. Always loved the little lick at 15:45.
Opeth is my absolute favorite band and you're quickly becoming my favorite guitar youtuber! I smashed LIKE before clicking play.
Oh my, a spooktacular Opeth breakdown woo hoo kids ! Great tine and tutorial as always step dad !
This was awesome uncle Ben! Thank you very much
Always a great day when you do an Opeth video! Well done!
You explained everything realy good and clear. Very good video man
Thank you, that was great. I really appreciate the level of detail of the analysis, especially scrutinzing the weird chords Mike uses. I think Mike is a master of building and resolving tension in elegant and unique ways and this video really helps in breaking down the composition.
So glad you dug it! More Opeth content is definitely coming!
Never saw you so excited about the non-predictable notes! Amazing
I was just listening to damnation at work i went out to smoke and looky here, an opeth video!
I always learn so much from your vids...thanks!
Ow... all the theory maked my brain thinkers hurt and my hand fingers get all tangled up.
thanks so much ben!! I have been on a crazy opeth kick the past month & this was a nice surprise when I opened youtube today :)
I see Opeth - I immediately hit that like. I've always loved the ending of Closure, reminds me of Egypt for some reason.
It’s so rad
@@BenEller forsure man, Opeth outtros always hit different than any other band
First album I heard by them. Was blown away by their earlier work with just how different it sounded. To take such a turn in style and still sound amazing is what makes them so good IMO.
Very tasty. Nice job, Uncle Ben. Love the new grandpa guitar.
Well this brings back memories from High School. I'll definitely be learning this.
I think this is the most comprehensive, in-depth and fun breakdown of an Opeth song I've ever seen. Great work dude!
Love damnation... I always put it on when the leaves start to fall... great video!
Being just a musician doesnt bring enough ability to create a such a beauty you should be Opeth to create this. I knew someone other than me had realized the shining taste of this song
How you work this out is like a magic trick to me but am made up that you do cheers man really well done.
i play by smell!
@@BenEller hahaha
Man, one can see you were really enjoying yourself cracking this song: the lesson oozes enthusiasm.
I had never listened to Opeth, but this video really got me interested.
Also, I found myself searching Amazon for the Dunlop Tortex t-shirt. :p
10:33... augmented chords are awesome, I've been working with augmented notes a lot lately.
Thanks. Great video.
I bought a Martin SC-13E because of your videos... I do love it I must say! Thanks Uncle Ben!
Love this song and band. Great lesson!
This video is more better than I thought it would be. Bravo Ben.
What a great lesson! Not just your playing, I really liked your enthusiasm for the song (band, music...) and way you explained chords. "Music theachers of the world, listen to this!"
I saw opeth twenty years ago. I still in love ❤️ Thank You for this amazing video 🙏
Probably the only person other than Mikael himself to pull off closure's intro solo
Ive wanted this one for EVER!!!!!
Cool vid. Opeth are INSANE. Mikael is a GAWD
Love dem Swedish bois
Edit: Probably the most haunting part of the song (maybe most haunting part on the album) is that weird part in the background at 3:27. Hearing it isolated in the Deliverance/Damnation documentary made it even creepier.
Edit 2: You should go over something off Still Life next. I feel like that’s some of Mikael’s most complex and weird writing.
This is such a great tune. Thank you for breaking it down, especially the bridge. Interesting on the picking pattern there.
Also thanks for the whole-half-dim scale idea
22:50 - I believe Melodic Minor #4 is also known as Lydian b3 which is the fourth mode of Harmonic Major. I always thought I heard these jazz scales in Opeth's music I just never analyzed the music. Great video, very comprehensive lesson.
An Uncle Ben analysis on my favorite band. Oh yes. Today is a good day
This is not the video we deserve, but it is the video we need
Killer lesson man! This is one of my favorites off of the album, and I’ve always thought it would be cool to learn it. You teaching it made it a breeze. I’ve been a fan of your channel for awhile. You’re a great teacher and one of the best players on TH-cam in my opinion. Hail Opeth! Cheers!
Intro 03:22
07:23
12:05
20:10
24:08
I love that you're covering Opeth, who are probably my favorite band these past ten years. Quick shout: I played for almost 20 years without knowing any theory. One of your lessons was the first one to make it click.
Wow! I never listend to Opeth befor. Bit this is really cool. Especially in combination with this
In-depth analysing breaking down teaching style of yours. I really do appreciate.
Thanx Uncle Ben and peace out from Good ol‘ Hamburg. 🍶
You got some listening to do
I'd watch the dubb man, that sounded awesome
hilarious, the grunge pedal jokes never see to get old for me hahahhaha. Uncle Ben, you're seriously the best instructor on TH-cam bro!
Thanks man this has helped me pick my guitar back up, I had lost all confidence and direction. I love this album
Damnation is actually my Fall/winter album. And its one of my all time favs.. Great work thank you very much!
Anyone that particularly likes the 'weird' bridge riff really needs to listen to Virus (Norway). Underrated in a far truer sense than most bands described as such.
Metal’s own Beato. Awesome Ben!
Thanks Uncle Ben !
I’m sure someone pointed it out but I dig that metalocalypse reference in the intro.
Kinda reminds of the Diablo town music. Love Uncle Ben's wankshop videos! Even though I'm left handed!
That's what I thought too, D1 and D2 had lots of cool acoustics like that!
Finally! Some Closure.
I love the "closure" at the end of this song
I like your videos, and not because I can learn how to play stuff (given up guitar years ago), but because your explanations are the apple of an analytical mind's eye (if that makes any sense).
I am drawn towards rhythm guitar and harmony, and your channel gives me closure!
Pun intended.
incredible analysis
Kickass video, sir.
Also that guitar sounds incredible. I love it.
Thanks and Cheers.
I would to love to see you dissecting The Drapery Falls :)
I've just been on an Opeth listening binge when I saw this come out. Quit reading my mind! Haha
Dude you're awesome. I love opeth and this is my favorite song. Grabbing my guitar now. GG!
Just when i picked the whole discography so i get to know the band, came here to see if u made a "Stuff opeth does". Was not disappointed.
Yesss!!! Thanks for the vídeo ;)
I'm really happy you made this video. This is actually my absolute favorite Opeth song. Explaining all of this stuff helped me a lot thank you:)
Very strange that I literally started learning this song 2 months ago and then you upload a lesson for it.. P.s I love you!
I can't tell you how much I wanted something like this. The chords and scales Opeth use are so unique. Everytime I hear a similar chord structure, scales etc. it always reminds me of Opeth. So beautiful. So...Opethian. Thank you so much.