Polyphia, Playing God - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มิ.ย. 2023
- #polyphia
Dipping my toes into the more recent progressive Rock music, I decided to go for Polyphia as another band which you have recommended to me many times. This piece, Playing God, I found delightful in many ways. Not only did I enjoy the multiple guitars, but I also really enjoyed the textures and colorations of sound within the music.
Here’s the link to the original song by Polyphia:
• Polyphia - Playing God...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Polyphia
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![Can I learn Playing God on violin in only 30 minutes? [Polyphia 🎸]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gpfupoTVW9U/mqdefault.jpg)
![Can I learn Playing God on violin in only 30 minutes? [Polyphia 🎸]](/img/tr.png)
I remember watching an interview with Tim Henson, and he said what he would do would basically be take chord progressions from Pop songs and arpeggiate them, and then create melodies and harmony from them as he wants his song’s structure to be simple to digest like pop songs but still melodically interesting and technical proficient.
Yes, it sounds like a technical exercise.
@@vruz just pure music theory basically but more poppy
I know that Michael Palmisemo said that, is that what you are thinking? Or did Tim actually say that?
I think he said he even uses an omnichord or something
@@jakehewitt2697 Tim was talking about how he writes songs with chord progressions taken directly from pop and rap songs, and then just solos over them in one of his interviews. he has always acknowledged that his music is not supposed to be anything more than catchy then Pop music with technical guitar playing over the top.
From a guitarist standpoint, this song is incredibly difficult to play and involves a lot of extended technique that most guitarists just haven't mastered.
I'm a metal guitarist. This is easy for me to play!!!
@@thevoiceofamerica2389 We are waiting for your video. Something tells me we will be waiting a LONG time.
On nylon stringed acoustic? Let’s see your video.
@@fsmdanimal I'm not a musician, but can appreciate good music when I see it. This is just bland commercial hip/hop. Reminds me of Christina Aguilera or something similar! Probably recorded on a computer!
It sounds that way.
Fun fact: The whistler is someone from fiver that Tim Henson hired.
Funny I said that hours before lol
@@reactionviewer funny it's pretty well known since tim said it in a video about the making of Playing God. "lol"
@@noahcosijns7318 indeed which is even funnier that multiple people didn’t think that someone else pointed it out first
@@reactionvieweri mean… including you right?
@@ethanquirk28 Oh child, what a sad troll you are. I actually mentioned the production video Tim did for her to watch as it's very interesting. Most of these comments, including this one, are just mentioning the Fiver guy. Crawl back into your troll hole and take the L champ. I know you're not very bright, but no reason to keep showing that off to the world.
This woman looks and sounds precisely like I would imagine a Harp-playing classic musician to look and sound like and I love it.
would
If you look for Polyphia's old stuff, you'll notice they were already beasts, technically awesome, with fast solos, powerful riffs and perfect execution. But they were just another prog band in the business. They could easily compete with Dream Theater, but they made their best decision: go beyond everything and create their own style, their own techniques. Now, they are a reference and I love it (and them).
as a drummer, the drums on this track are underrated in terms of technicality
The drumming is insanely good in this song, along with everything else.
As are most of Polyphia songs. He hits those notes with such precision it almost sounds like samples at times. Very well written band.
@@Immadinosaur92 I just listened to more of their songs. You're absolutely right
Most people point out the guitar parts in Polyphia songs, but damn the drums are very technical as well
guitarist not drummer..so dont hear thos like you do. But i see this comment 100 times over on every polyphia video. Ive never heard the adulation for a drummer like this before
He has to be a beast! As a guitar player, It's hard to get that far.
I can highly recommend you watching the music video, then you get a sense of how much of virtuosos the members of Polyphia are. Also Ego Death is another great song.
Yah listening is one thing. But being able to watch takes it up to another level.
I thought it was interesting that, despite having not seen the music video, she commented that at one point it sounded like the music moved to a different “place”, which is exactly what happens in the video.
I'll be honest I'm glad she's just listening to it. Visuals are a huge part of media & art these days but it's nice she's just taking it as a piece of music in my opinion.
Music is for listening, not for looking with your eyes. Grow dafuq up and stop with that stupid technical sh*t. Playing god is a simple song musically, it’s classic flamenco.
Also watch the Archetype: Tim Henson, a video he did to advertise some guitar effect software. It's an ad but it's some of the best music he's written tbh
Fun fact: the section at the end with the crazy arpeggios was originally done on an Omnisphere and Tim himself admits that when he originally wrote that part, he did it under the *assumption* he'd also be able to play it.
Needless to say, it's incredibly difficult to play.
think it was an omnichord omnisphere is software i believe
Actually, the omnichord was used for the intro. The arpeggios were created by an arppegiator, but the rest you said is true.
It’s only difficult until you get the muscle memory down, then it’s easy
O.D. riff was also written by the arpeggiator, and the backing chords heavily inspired by another song. Respect Tim for sharing his philosophy behind making that song, and of course, his ability to play it.
@@S1LVERF15Same for every other piece of music in the world. It’s like saying “once you’re able to play it, you can play it.”
One aspect that really makes this band what it is, is how the bass plays so well with the drums. The bass is locked into the kick drum and plays whenever it plays. Keeps the whole song grounded instead of it breaking apart.
The most underrated section of the whole song is Scottie's natural harmonic run at 3:10, when he pulls it off in his playthrough video there's this perfect look of satisfaction on his face
I am a 64 year old lifelong musician (Trumpet) and I just happened across this video. It's always fun to see how someone else reacts to a performance that I can't wait to share with friends, especially fellow musicians. Polyphia is one of those rabbit holes you are more than happy to enter. The lead guitarist Tim Henson is a true monster on his instrument. I am somewhat stodgy in the type of music I play on my instrument but I am also proud to say my taste in music is very eclectic and having TH-cam along with all the various Music Streaming platforms enable us to get lost in the music we hold so dear. I look forward to viewing more of your videos, keep up the good work
Excellent analysis! Thank you so much for taking this request.
I have to say the quality of analysis is like no other channel out there right now. Please keep doing what you do!
I've never heard ANYBODY comment on the title of the song itself as it relates to the musical themes of the song. Love it!
I was looking everywhere for the comment about this section of the video
I think the title is specifically to do with the level of technical skill the band needs to execute
Polyphia takes extremely simple and recognizable “pop” chord progressions (in this case i-bVII-VI-V7 which is typical Andalusian style) and then melodically embelishes upon that. These embellishments are always incredibly intentional, stimulating, and ridiculously hard to play. Love these guys. They inspire me!
You know strangely lot about theory. Nice one!
@@Malapropify tim henson himself doesn't though, he explained that a couple of times in interviews :D
I checked it and it's nothing crazy really. It's almost a chromatic "walk" .... Almost sounds like an exercise more than music
Yep that’s what makes them unique and surprisingly listenable
@@Malapropifythat’s a very obtuse way of viewing music. It’s not a chromatic walk, it’s is a descending minor scale and it is one of the oldest chord progressions and melodic motions in western music
Amy, thank you for taking the time to analyze what has become my favorite song of the year! Your ability to delve deeply into a piece of music is unmatched, in my opinion. Love your channel and love Polyphia!
I have been fiending for more content on this song because I'm a layman who cannot fully wrap my mind around how awesome this song is, but can feel it my bones! It was great hearing your interpretation of this song. You also helped me hear part of the song that I wasn't able to recognize before. Thank you.
Great analysis as ever Amy. In your own time I would highly recommend listening to Moyun's guzheng cover of this piece. Its a truly spectacular rendition and the guzheng is maybe closer to a harp than guitar 😊
My favorite cover of any song ever performed. What incredible talent. I literally shed a tear the first time I saw that. that woman is absolutely incredible
Scott LePage doesn't get the accolades that Tim Henson receives though he is also an incredibly adept guitarist, Tim Henson has a special flair though, they do compliment one another very well
Tim definitely is more plugged into a 'pop' taste pallet and looks more 'tiktok trendy' so not surprised he is more popular. They're both insane technically
Loved your breakdown of this one and hearing it on harp was neat!
This is great stuff!!! Love this format! Spot on with the chords!
I really appreciate when you use the harp in your videos. Since it is something you know so well, I feel more connected.
Such an in depth break down, love your energy and enthusiasm 😊 That harp and your playing is beautiful and you have interesting point of view. I just subscribed, looking forward to check out more of your reactions and music!
Great analysis and I love hearing the harp
When you watch at 7:25 you start to realize that this girl and Tim are just on another level musically. My poor commoner ears just thinks it sounds good and sophisticated, meanwhile she just breaks down and could literally jam along with this band using the harp! I’m blown away and jealous all at the same time!
whem you dont play you kindof hear the highlights of a song (the reason pop is so comoressed). When you learn an instrument you hear levels of musoc layered over each other. You hear every note and instrument. That's why i think everyone should learn an instrument
You're underrating how Scott here
@@charlesreid9337 right, with a couple years of practice it's not hard to do what she did: just arpeggiate over the chords, that in this case were quite simple (Em, C, B7)
I never noticed it before, but Tim's playing actually does sound like harp like. Probably the nylon strings on the Ibanez. You're at a disadvantage (?) not being to watch Tim playing this piece. It is a masterful performance.
I love your appreciation and attention to sound! Your thoughts on this song were so wonderful and fresh to hear
I enjoyed the music, and it was wonderful listening and watching to your analysis. Thank you Amy.
Regarding the title:
As you point out, the song has a delicate touch even in its most intense moments. We can picture the Creator working intently on the intricate pieces of his creation, taking a brief moment at the bridge to survey his cosmos, and then, recognizing it as "good", relaxing into an expansive free-form bossa Nova as the finishing touches are placed. He then walks away whistling with pleasure at what has been wrought.
Think of "playing God" as "God at play"
But as someone else has already pointed out, it also makes a boastful double entendre about their virtuosity.
The boastfulness is also drawn from their clear Hip Hop influence. They work with pop beat producers on most of their tracks!
This was really well written, a pleasure to read! Thanks!
I never thought of it this way till I saw this video and this comment. It's a very interesting take. Very refreshing and thought provoking!
Beautiful and thoughtful comment! I thought the same thing, a creator of beats and music, doing what they love!
I’m Japanese and wondering the meaning of this title. Thanks to this nice comment.
I love this woman, reminds me of my high school band director. instantly subscribed... you put musical thoughts into words in a digestible way 🥰
Loved the time you put listening to the entire track before making an analysis. Great work keep it real!
That was lovely! I loved your take on it ❤
I enjoyed your breakdown of the song, especially your ideas and thoughts on the title. Nice video!
My take is that the band isn't playing at being God, they are manifesting the voice of God. They "play God" as one might "play Bach".
YES . THESE GUYS ARE TOO SMART TO MOCK GOD WHO GAVE THEM THEIR TALENTS
this is really late, but all of their music's "scores" are sold on their website. you get both a PDF and a Guitar Pro file, containing both tabs and the actual sheet music for both guitars. The bass parts are sold separately, but also on their website as well.
Hello, Amy! I'm glad to see you reacting to this one. I was addicted to it for several weeks when it released last year.
I don't know if you've dipped your toes into jazz or jazz-adjacent music, but I'd like to recommend a tune from my current obsession: Snarky Puppy, a jazz/funk ensemble with heavy world music influences. My recommendation is Outlier, from their "We Like it Here" record, which is their most popular, and many argue that it's also their best.
I know you usually focus on the music and don't look at videos, but with such a huge group, I think it would be beneficial to watch the video, as it helps to pinpoint sounds one might not notice otherwise, plus it really helps to get the energy of the track. Cheers!
Just wanna say 3 things.
I love Polyphia
You're an amazing human
21:37 = ASMR
I love watching more classically trained musicians react to polyphia.
I’ve been waiting for Amy to listen to this song. I was so upset when she ended the rock history videos and didn’t end on this.
Love this analysis! Very insightful!
Fell in love with this channel when you say "God is a creator entity where he's weaving a tapestry" ...thanks for existing and creating!
Just started listening to this band.... And man was I missing out!! Great reaction!
I think the title kind of fits. This song is a beautiful creation that has some elements of chaos and order intertwined and everything just kind of fits together while other times there's weird syncopations. Everything has it's place within the structure of the song.
Great breakdown and analysis Amy. I really enjoyed it. They are all very talented musicians.
This was fun. Thanks for the video
THis is so awesome and it fits the song so well. would love to hear a collab with tim on the guitar and you on the harp!
I really love your interpretation of the song's title! And I believe that Polyphia would appreciate the sentiment.
Absolutely beautiful and detailed reaction.
Tim had an interview with Wired where he explained how he put together this song, he took a jingle that a Japanese sound board and each cord arpeggiated each of them differently, plus all of the finger techniques.
I saw them live 5 or so years ago in Greensboro, NC and they were beautiful.
This is really good, great bit of runs after the intro when the song first really kicks in. The guitar playing from 2:50 to 3:10 is beautiful, the stuff I really like listening to, awesome choices and mixing in some chords as well.
To me, this is pretty much improv jazz, although it's a bit more repeated, but the modulation, the half step up, and then back down, is very jazz-like. I might have brush stroked the drums too, personal preference.
It's always difficult to give a song a name when it doesn't have lyrics.
Jazz if its played in tune
I don’t hear the jazz. All I hear is flamenco, classical and bossa nova
@@Untoldanimations Interesting. I can't say that I hear Paco de Lucia, Haydn, or Antonio Carlos Jobim in this at all. Prog Rock is probably a good name for it, it defies description somewhat.
Great analysis as always Amy!
Just a suggestion, song G.O.A.T is song that changed the music of this young people and set the path to new musical experience and growth of this band, consider next time to go with that song.
Tim Henson know all David Gilmore, Jimmy Hendrix and Tommy Iommi solos when he was 12 year old, so it is natural for him to evolve beyond and second guitarist Scot Lepage is just half step behind.
Started as just another high school guitar shredder band, they evolve musically great if you ask me.
Greetings to Kid’o, Vlad and Amy, keep on good work ✌️
This and GOAT have a very very similar progression and style. The way the song builds and releases tension.
Scott in no way is "behind" Tim. Even Tim admits that Scott can do stuff he couldn't even imagine. They're on different paths of the same Journey.
"Playing God" is the second track from the album "Remember That You Will Die". Track 1 is "Genesis" and the last track on the Album is "Ego Death". There seems, to me, a Biblical arc to the Album. "Ego Death" features Steve Vai on guitar. Steve has been credited on a 1982 Frank Zappa album for providing "impossible guitar parts". Another hot shot guitar player that plays avant guarde guitar instrumentals is Joe Satriani. Joe taught guitar, Steve Vai and Kirk Hammet (Metallica) were among Joe's students. Joe's album "Surfing with the Alien" is considered a masterpiece. The songs "Always with Me, Always with You" , "Satch Boogie" and "Surfing with the Alien" were praised for the quality of their melodies. 🎸😎
Pretty neat how you can copy and paste a Wikipedia page. Maybe you should try writing something of your own. Noone who knows Polyphia needs your context.
Why so bitter? They were just giving the youtuber context and info for questions she was asking throughout the video… does it really matter that it was copied and pasted?
It would actually be so freaking cool if you did a Harp cover of this.
There's someone who did this on a Chinese style harp already. It is an awesome cover.
I think a great title for this song would be Crunchy Salad.
Great choice.
I must say I think you would enjoy the Mahler style Kyrotechnics of In Vantablack by Kyros. Everything from total chaos to breakthrough moment redemption. Treat your ears!
I love how each sound is described verbally.
Im glad i found your channel, good stuff
I saw them live in November and they were amazing.
Really interesting to hear you speak about it as a harp player. There are many analysis about the song structure and guitar point of view but I found your experiences with harp bringing up some cool ideas.
I’m interested in your take from something by Animals as Leaders. Another virtuosic instrumental metal band.
Some of my favorites.
The Brain Dance, the woven web, Red Miso, the problem of other minds
This is the first time I’ve heard you play your harp. I think the Polyphia song is perfect for harp. They should have called you! 😃
I have no idea why, but I love her review style
What is going on!? I take a break from TH-cam and suddenly your production quality is through the roof! I love it! Great job! You've really come into your own!
I really liked how this was filmed and edited
... the harp sitting beside her just gives her an even deeper angelic impression.
You are truly a delight!
Is awesome to see you try it on the harp, that's what im here fore, together with the reaction
Till now I didn’t see anybody suggest Steven Wilson yet, suprisingly to me. Lot’s of songs to suggest but maybe something like Drive Home or Luminol is interesting to start with. I didn’t know Polyphia. Guitar reminds me of Al Di Meola.
DiMeola yes I thought that too.
I asked every in the comments of almost all of Amy's early videos, but I have up when I read in the Channel blurb that you have to pay $125 for a song request. Fair enough, but too rich for my blood.
If the unlikely were ever to happen, I would love to see an analysis of Routine (including video, for extra impact) or Refuge, which has the perfect harmonica, guitar, synth section. If course, many of Steven's songs are outstanding, but those two are hard to beat.
Apologies for the terrible English. I use a Kindle, which replaces my words with some bizarre alternatives and doesn't allow for editing once posted. Hopefully, you get the gist.
This was a cool perspective on this song. I like the way you articulate your impression, I have a similar one. There is a making of video of this song if you would like to see some behind the scenes on the creative process/journey of this song. According to the source, those whistles are in fact human whistles!
You have a very unique reaction. I enjoyed it.
Wow she’s just great. Phenomenal musical vocabulary
Ugh that breakdownnnnnnnn. Makes me smell the salty ocean air on a warm night 🌚
what you said about how the song seems to be shifting to different places is actually reflected in the music video
You can do a version where you play along with the song not a cover but like you're a member of the band then you do your part of the song. Adding more colors to a certain song. 😊
Hi Amy, I just love your channel and of course I have subscribed to it. It is very pleasant to hear your reactions to the tracks you choose from the point of view of a virtuoso musician. There is a Chinese woman named Mo Yun on TH-cam who makes covers of Western music playing a Chinese Harp or Guzheng. It would be lovely to hear your reaction to her music and explain from a technical viewpoint how she can play modern 12 tone temperaments and 5 note chords while executing polyphony. It seems to me as a technical nerd that would not be possible yet she does it - could you possibly enlighten me?
Keep up the good work!
I do remember someone stating that they (Polyphia)have tabs on their website which includes music sheets
I interpret the album this song is on (remember that you will die) as essentially a rock opera or musical about how the 2 guitarists' egos nearly destroy the band, but eventually put their egos aside and achieve an even higher level of playing. This song is the second track, the happy times before the storm as they are just beginning the journey of a group with incredibly talented members flexing, playing, and enjoying making music together. Each players instrument is their voice and they speak to each other throughout each song.
I love this realisation. Each member of the band are incredibly talented in their own right. I'm so glad they've managed to find a path to make their own, they've managed to stand out while making sure no one in the band is suppressed and all have their time in the light all at once. Simply amazing.
Has a Mediterranean Sundance quality by Al Di Meola.
subbed, very cool breakdown
They actually hired a professional whistler to do the whistling parts lol
I heard the original recording of the whistler before they auto tuned the whistle and I was so disappointed that he calls himself a professional whistler. If he’s a pro then I am a whistling God lol
Designating a genre for Polyphia is uh... interesting :D BTW there is an amazing cover you should check out - Playing God Guzheng Cover
Inter-Dimensional Elevator Music
Like others have said its nice to see the music video to watch their playing. Also Ego Death.
That was a great professional analysis. I agree with your vision for the song title. The only thing that I would add is that it gave me an Old Testament to New Testament feel. Darker texture in the beginning and lighter at the end. It gave me the feeling of hanging out at Gods house on his day off and just listening to music over time. Keep rocking! I mean harping!😄
I've always assumed Playing God was a double entendre also referring to the musicians as "(instrument) Playing Gods".
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE how quickly clasiical music players are able to pick it up lol.
The drummer is absolutely nuts
Is it possible to do *flageolets* on the harp? I'm wondering because Playing God is a flageolet-heavy song.
I think it's wild that this song was recorded on two guitars playing nylon strings. Like, it just doesn't happen in pop music right now. I think that's a big part of why this song is catchy, it's a sound people don't hear all that much in music right now. I mean, aside from the fact that Polyphia as a band and as individual members are just incredible musicians.
what's old is new again lol
I wouls love to see you review old Chicago songs. Like from the first few albums like from the first album called Chicago Transit Authority. The song "Introduction" especially.
In one of their video they mentionned that they hired a professional whistler for the whistle parts when they recorded.
17:30 When you were realizing it’s so far back.. spot on!
You really need to see it performed.
You can buy the scores on their website!
Well, Amy and Vlad. If you are looking into Prog, you have to have a look at some Ayreon. A usual song would be The Day That The World Breaks Down, wich has helpful information in the video in the form of text pop-ups from Arjen (the mind behind the Project). Not sure if sheet music exists, but Vlad could ask Arjen. He is a really nice guy and if he can, I'm sure he would help.
The Ayreon albums could be put under the label of Rock/Metal Opera. Every Album tells one complete story in a bigger universe with many characters.
Since you do mostly analysis of audio only, there is a LOT to choose from. Most reactors go to the live performances, but those wouldn't fit your format as well as the album versions, I think.
They have a website they sell tabs on… think I remember sheet music being a part of it as well
About the title "Playing God" i- it's a flex about the skill level of the musicianship. I would not try to interpret it from the usual context of the phrase "Playing God" but as "we are Gods of this genre and styling of music." Rightfully so - I can't imagine stringing together all of the techniques in a single song seamlessly. The harmonics, alternate picking, palm mute sweep picking, slides instead of hammer ons, tapping, etc. They also have a title called "G.O.A.T." from their last album, presumably "greatest of all time" and the final song on this album is called "Ego Death" which features Steve Vai. Playing God is the 2nd track, so in the context of the album it's about a maturing process and going from proud and egotistical to being humbled by being acknowledged by the legendary Steve Vai and experiencing Ego Death from that experience. I watched a live stream from the band on the album release date and Tim revealed the whistling was done by someone he found on the website Fiver.
What headphones are you using?
An influence on Kurt Cobain and Henry Rollins: GOD (1973, guitar overdrive) by Lobby Loyde and the Coloured Balls (Australia). Also an AC/DC influence. Quintessential instrumental rock guitar. Many great Australian rock bands preceded AC/DC.
ANOTHER ONE YEAAAAAAAAAA
as in another classical musician listening to Playing God yaaaaaaaay
Who is the other one?
@@memeteme99 there’s a few if you search for it
@@memeteme99 oh ok not playing god but other Polyphia songs
1:07 - up there, certainly! Though I think "Hi, Ren" is more recent -- assuming you recorded that before you recorded this, anyway. :)
Being obsessed with sounds is what Prog Rock is all about.