Hands down one of the most underrated guitarists: I think one of the reasons for this is his ego is stable, and has never tried to show off. My favorite thing about Rush, is that each player worked to support the other player musically - the band always worked for the songs, not themselves. The irony of not focusing on themselves is how highly they are regarded as individual players. So many members of current bands admired them, and looked at them as teachers of the craft. RIP Neil Peart.
Rolling Stone has Alex wrongly ranked at #98 out of 100. Really? Rush are not sell-out's fueled by greed. The did/do things there way. True to the Art.
Cabaret Voltaire No kidding...I remember them getting passed over for the R&R HOF for ABBA. And they were still making significant music and selling out large arenas.
No drugs, no divorce, no drama, just three of the hardest working, nicest, focused, talented and professional musicians we will ever see. I can't thank you guys enough for all you gave me and so many others. You deserve a long and happy "retirement" with your family and friends doing everything that you missed out on all those years that you put the needs of your music and your fans above that of yourself and your family. Please thank your wife and children for all they sacrificed over those 40 years we had you.
@@barryjones9362 I feel sorry for the youth of today. They just have no idea what a total waste land of music they are growing up with. But i guess there's a certain amount of ignorance is bliss with it all.
He truly is an incredible artist, sharing his knowledge with no worries. He knows his art and how they all came to be where they are in their niche; success has been owned. He feels free to share their formula for their success.
Knew him in the years I went to school with Alex' son Adrienne, the man himself, and I can say, he is beyond top notch, i can't say enough about him and his humour and his personality (not to mention his guitar playing!!). Will never forget bringing him maple syrup (when he recorded our high school band) that we made on the property, and he gave me tickets to counter parts copps coliseum and Hold Your Fire shirt, I was stunned and will never forget that moment:)
Was that in Oak Ridges? I remember back in the day (30 years) we use to drive by his house, maybe catching him outside cutting the grass or putting out the garbage, but no such luck. Recently, I *think* I ran into him on Lake Simcoe one summer. The wife and I were in our boat on a gravel shoal when we saw this guy coming on a SeaDoo. Since the shoal was only 6-8 inches deep, he got off the machine and tried to push it over the gravel but he was having a little bit of trouble. So, I'm watching this guy and I'm thinking to myself, this guy looks familiar. I got out of our boat and I went over to give him a hand pushing the SeaDoo over the gravel. As I'm helping out I notice a 2112 pentagram tattoo on his right shoulder. For the life of me I can't find any picks or info on whether or not he has such a tattoo. So I get the machine over the shoal and buddy says he's got a cottage at such and such a place and to come over for a beer. I get back to the boat and I said to my wife, I think that was Alex Lifeson...or his brother or someone that looks like him. Maybe someone who's a Rush die hard fan can confirm the tattoo?
Class act. He and the other lads. Neil was a private person, and not as approachable as the Geddy and Alex, but a great person. Their personalities always shined through their music.
@@healym67 I saw an interview with Neil once where he kind of explained himself and why he is the way he is. He just didn't understand why someone couldn't accept him for the job he does and leave it at that. Like the mailman or plumber..that's the way he looked at it. He said he met so many people that were his idols when he was a kid and didn't feel the need to gush or make that person create some kind of a moment for him. I totally get it. Yes, he could have come off as a jerk but to me it was completely understandable and if I would have ever encountered him I would have remembered that and showed him the respect of not treating him any different than anyone else even though I would have probably stared haha.
I love how Alex made this iconic rock song seem so accessible. He taught it more clearly and in fewer words than most teachers. As guitar players and Alex Lifeson fans, we are incredibly lucky to have this video!
I really love listening to Alex speak. He has such a gentle and genuine voice. This is interesting to me since he is such an accomplished musician he could have such a different demeanor yet he seems just like a neighbor.
@@susanhowe8671 "And let's just say that there's a friendly little squirrel that lives inside this amplifier. It's your little world... You can make it anything that you want it to be."
He’s played this thousands of times, and you can tell when he plays the entire song at the end of this video that he still to this day loves playing it. Pretty awesome.
I have listened to it probably more times than he has played it. And I still can't get enough. Lol. My opinion, greatest song ever recorded by the greatest band to ever bless us with music.
Yeah they were a bit different from bands like Guns and Roses. No drugs, no alcohol, no groupies, no drama, no in band fighting, and no busted up hotel rooms.
The difference between doing something that is second nature to you, and slowing down to explain something that is so second nature that you no longer consciously think about it.
Yup, basically no chance of Alex reading this comment. But if he ever did, the only thing to say to him really is: We love you, man. We truly love you. Thank you so much for all the music.
I remember trying to learn Rush guitar parts by ear in the late 80's - I would have KILLED for videos like these back then. Thanks Alex, you're a peach.
I tried it using records. Permanent Waves drove me crazy. We couldn’t even slow it down. I still play them with the same mistakes. We never dreamed of these videos!
@@douglas747wct yeah, my shoulder muscles hurt like an SOB because I tried so hard to imitate that drum solo, the beginning of which sounds more like single-strokes than rolls, especially if compared to video footage of his later similar solos.
I just love how he obviously doesn't know music theory very well, yet can play and write so great. His point of view is totally devoid of academia, which is so refreshing to see on TH-cam as there are so many channels based on dry theory to explain things that clearly very natural to him. It's funny, he reminds me of a mediocre player when describing where the notes are and what he's doing, yet when you listen to his playing or see him live you see a master whose instrument is like an extension of his body. Clearly just a very natural player who plays from the heart and makes the impossible seem effortless.
proof you don't need all that gibberish to create art. Needless to say, it's still very helpful, ESPECIALLY if you're starting out and you wanna do your own thing. for the most part, anyway
After 40+ years of listening to Rush, this is still one of my all-time favourites. When they came out and played Temples, Limelight & Villa Strangiato as an encore (30th anniversary tour?), I thought I'd gone straight to heaven. They got me through my teens and I'll always love their music. Thank you, Alex, Geddy and Neil, for the soundtrack of my life.
I’ve always considered limelight his best solo as well. Cool to hear him say it’s his favorite. It just stands out from the rest. He really makes the guitar weep during that solo.
One of the greatest guitar players in Rock history. He can shred with the best of the m, but instead he chooses to play something that adds to the song, something to complement the musicality of it, instead of something to just show off. He always played as part of the band. I feel so sorry for him and Geddy right now, they must be devastated. RIP Neil.
While I enjoy the shred players, Alex is my fave because his riffs and voicings make me ask "why didn't I think of that" as opposed to how did he do that? His thinking is unique and playing is only his. One note and I know Alex... His rating vs. others is irrelevant. He is HIMSELF. I love you man! You changed my playing forever.
Back in 2002, I was at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque for school. Rush came to the Journal Pavilion and a friend and I went to buy tickets at any price. When we got to the military Tickets and Tours office we found that Rush wasn't selling tickets to the military, they were giving them to us! I had always been in awe of Rush's incredible talent, and now I was humbled by their generosity. They put on an incredible show and we had a great time. Thank you Alex, Geddy, and Neil!
Among the many things I love about this band is the fact that all three guys were absolute aces as people. Well aware of their stellar talent yet so unaffected by it. Alex Lifeson is a bonafide legend and he spends 35 minutes painstakingly going through every detail of a song. Just awesome all around.
"And then immediately tune your guitar"...priceless. Alex Lifeson is, by far, one of the greatest guitarists of all time (and surely MY all-time favorite).
My god..I've grown up on this man's music, feeling all the emotional aspects of those beautiful songs...And here he is...breaking down this, one of my favorite all time pieces.. It's just so surreal.. Thanks Alex!! You're the coolest!
The difference between Alex and all the pick-sweeping virtuosos out there is that his guitar working is musically beautiful. This solo is a prime example.
I've always loved the ethereal sound Alex gets with his guitar by using open strings and letting them ring out in so many of his chords. That's one of the reasons why Rush's music sounds so full even though they're just a 3 piece band. Of course, it also helps that Geddy and Neil are masters of their instruments as well.
Extraordinary! A simplified lesson from the master. I don't think I've seen anything like this from other guitar heroes. Instead of showing off with indecipherable licks .. he breaks down one of the greatest rock anthems of all time ... so that even beginner players can be inspired. So down to earth. I wish I had this when I was a teenager trying to learn these great songs with a record player. I have huge respect.
This man is literally my hero. His playing, his dedication to the guitar and betterment of the songs, and his humility. I'll be a guitarist forever because of Alex
...ok how freaking cool is this? Learn the guitar part for Limelight from the guy who wrote it. Man, I love Rush. Seriously, it does not get better for me ... alright, now Xanadu. :)
...probably mine too. It just never gets old. A Farewell to Kings was the first album I went out and purchased. From the cover to the songs, Rush sure did capture my imagination. What a great cover on that album! The way they wrote and played allowed me to escape into their music.
Sorry for your loss. I lost my cousin last year and the day before he died we were talking about music and Fleetwood Mac was one of those influential bands we both enjoy. He said “Dreams” was his Favorite tune by them and they played it at his funeral. Music has a way of reaching the soul like nothing else. RIP to your brother and my cousin. 🤘🏻
1:55 "Hey, maybe I should play mine like that" -I love the way he is so sincere and humble about guitar playing and not such a snob. yet, he plays genius.
This song is such a brilliant masterpiece. Though it looks fairly simple to play from a not-by-note standpoint, the way Alex blends the arpeggio moments into the melody is just phenomenal. The structure of this whole song is just amazing. That warm elastic solo starts and evolves into a very flavorful rhythm, then the bass and drums crescendo into this world of sound together...I just love it...Thanks Alex...RUSH will always be one of my top bands...!
Ya just gotta love this video. For all those Musical Snobs out there who constantly bombard us with waaayyyy too much theoretical "STUFF" this is great. One of the most amazing guitarists on the planet and while showing us the chords and fills has to stop for a moment and literally point and say put your ring finger here!!! I LOVE IT! Brilliant musician and at age 52 he's still mugs the face and feels the energy like a 20 years old long haired Rock musician. What a wonderful decent and endearing person and it shows in his humble but obviously knowledgeable manner. You just cannot take the teenager out of Rock & Roll no matter what age or how many years of touring or how much education you've received. This is one of my absolute favorite videos, and of course one of my favorite all time bands as well. Thank you for doing this video. (of course I still can't play anything nearly like this but I'll keep on rocking till I die.)
He's such a cool guy, he seems like he's the best friend you can have, surely one of the most important guitarists in the history of guitar, and on of the most important musicians ever, Rush is awesome, 3 perfect musicians.
As a 55 year old guitar player song writer you are a great influence to me pure talent all three of you shaped a generation well more than one thank you.
He plays completely by ear - unlike a lot of guitarists nowadays, and he just works wonders. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums of all time.
I love these guys trying to tell you how they do things. It is just second nature to them, so they can barely slow it down enough to tell you. It's like trying to tell you how to breathe. Wonderful tune.
No words can ever express the level of respect I have for Alex and his bandmates. There music was, and still is the backbone of my life, even at age 63. I used to play this song with my brother (he's a drummer) but now, (at age 63) I'm learning to play it correctly. Thank you Alex...for everything.
yep, I would have paid hundred$ for a resource(s) like this back in the day........imo with Rush its all about the band(as a whole) & how those separate parts fit together as creatively as they do.
I noticed Alex and Neil have almost the exact same look on their faces that you speak of, and Geddy often a bit too, but he's more often looking like he's got it under submission to the point of simplicity
To be fair, it is one of their easier songs. What’d really flip me out personally would be a full lesson on, say, Hemispheres. The video would probably need to be about six hours long, though.
Alex makes one guitar part sound so big. And so cool. The genius of taking simple chords, twisting them a bit with some fills, and making a brilliant song. Love Rush!
Thank You,Mr. Lifeson, was in high school when Moving Pictures was sold in stores here. 80's . Played classical guitar during time in school then graduated and long story short, forgot about guitar until last year ,found a rekindled love for guitar now an electric Ibanez Gio instead of a catgut string twanger , at 59 and three months in can't put the guitar down, learning is endless fun with all these videos and endless tabs. People giving lessons, so awesome. Thank You to Rush for great inspirational music.
If I met Alex in person I would probably break down in tears..he's such a phenomenal and beautiful sounding player who is my biggest influence and Rush is my favorite band to the grave!
Hours spent listening to Alex's guitar parts during my early years made me love the sound of suspended chords. Here, he mentions how he keeps the 'B' note ringing within the A chord during the intro of Limelight.
Paul Czech That B is the secret behind this riff. Many people leave that out including myself when I was younger. I think I ran across it by accident and have been doing it ever since. It just doesn't sound RUSHY without that B in there.
Yeah that one note makes all the difference. impossible to pick that up by ear...wow I learned so much from this on how it's played by you Alex, thank you for showing us guitar players your secrets and technique. The solo just blew my mind i can play it so easily now and it sounds just like he record...fa fa fa fabulouse :)
When I first started watching and he said he was 52 years old, I thought, "Damn! How can it be that this guitar god from my childhood is actually 7 years younger than I am?" It took me a few minutes until I finally noticed the 2007 watermark in the corner.
I’ve been listening to RUSH for nearly 40 years. I cold never quite find the right word to explain his sound (in my ears) when talking about the band’s music. He used the word “loose” about himself and it finally hit me. That’s the perfect word. He plays loose. It’s unique and most excellent too.
This was so enjoyable. I love how he has difficulty with his own song when demonstrating how to play it. Without thinking about it and just playing it this great song just flows from his hands, but when breaking it down he almost struggles at times. Just goes to show how there are no easy Rush songs.
I LOVE "RUSH!!" Alex, along with "GEDDY" and "NEIL" are "Salt of the Earth" type people. Their songwriting and musianship are above stratospheric levels. I've seen them 3 times, and each concert was AMAZING!! Alex speaks so eloquently as well!! RIP "NEIL PEART!" Long live "RUSH!"
Alex, I've learned a million fold from you and I've stayed alive to wait for your next album to come up all these years you kept me alive I love you brother
Each member of this phenomenal band impresses me and I feel are the most intelligent and humble band ever. Living in Niagara Falls, NY we heard Rush in 1974 after Neil Pearl joined them, on Canadian radio first and sought out their albums immediately. All my friends at the time were Rush fans and most were prog fans like myself. I still admire them and think they ended it with a beautiful closing note. Thank you guys for some great music.
Thank you for doing this Alex! Back in my prime (40 years ago!) when I was playing everyday and in a band, I would throw Moving Pictures on the turntable and play Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, YYZ, and Limelight straight through, imagining I was onstage. Of course, back then, we didn't have the luxury of the internet to help learn the songs. It was all by ear! Watching you play some of my favorite Rush songs (and seeing/hearing where I got it wrong!) is wonderful! It's rare to actually have the guitarist who wrote the songs show you personally how HE plays them! Where were you 40 years ago when I was wearing out needles and vinyl and driving my neighbors crazy listening to the same part over and over and over again? :) Now to go home and relearn a few Rush songs....
I have always felt Alex's personality through all the countless hours of watching, listening, analyzing their music. Especially those obsessive teenage years. Alex seems like such a cool dude. ALL the members in this band and their music really stood the test of time. What a Fn band!! RUSH RIP Neal Peart a true talent and inspiration
Alex, my real introduction to Rush came in the summer of 1981, I was 14 years old, and on summer vacation. I heard your songs on the radio like everyone else, until one day when Dave Stewart, a handyman from the Toronto area was adding a room to my parents home. He had Geddy length curly brown hair and a beard, and played your music all day in his 1976 Chevy station wagon. My parents agreed to let me work for him during the summer at his suggestion, what great times rocking out to the greatest band and saving money for my first car. He told me a lot about the band history, and introduced me to your earlier albums via eight track. What strikes me the most in these videos is how humble, and real you are, truly about the music, and craft, not the fame. I have been blessed to have seen you guys in concert four times...not enough... I grieve for the loss of Neil, and wish you & Geddy the best. If fate would shine upon me, I would love to meet you someday, just to hear about the early days. Regards
That was a not too subtle thumb in the eye of the bias and partisan approach of the selection committee. I loved it. They got what they deserved from someone who is generally known to all as a very nice man, which made it more biting. :-D
I've watched a few of his tutorials now and it is so awesome to watch all the little nuances to his playing...truly an incredible musician...one of the greats!!! Thank you Alex for taking the time to show us your talent with a guitar....
Every time I hear Rush my brain heals. Thank you Mr Alex Lifeson for sharing your creation you are certainly one of my favorite guitar players of all time.
A 40 Year RUSH fanboy...The most humble lead guitarist in rock history is Alex Lifeson. Not to mention his skill and love of the instrument. Thank You Alex for it all !
I've seen a few concerts in my time, with Rush it was amazement at how the fullness Alex, with Getty, and Neil filled a song, just an immense wall of perfection sound ... I've seen other super groups with a crew of guitar players not touch the sonic width Alex accomplished ... Pure perfection
Wow! How can you not enjoy having the original guitarist teach you how to play a song? And a guitarist who doesn't have an ego 50 feet taller than anyone else? The man's evidently well grounded and stable minded, and I take it as an honor to have this video here to show how he plays "Limelight." Thank you, Alex Lifeson. :-)
0:00 Origins and influences 9:08 Writing process 12:23 Gear 17:40 Limelight (for anyone coming from Rick Beato, this is the part he wanted you to skip to) -- 19:20 Intro + tabs -- 21:00 Verse + tabs -- 22:18 Chorus + tabs -- 23:55 Solo + tabs -- 28:20 Outro + tabs -- 29:29 Full playthrough
1st time I saw Rush was in 1982 in Greensboro, North Carolina. I screamed my head off and had the time of my life. I was completely infatuated with Alex. I went on to see them at least 15 more times over the years (I stopped counting after one point) and each show was FANTASTIC. THANK YOU Rush and THANK YOU Alex for many decades-worth of phenomenal music that’s here for us and generations to come to keep on enjoying. We love you so much.🥰RUSH FOREVER!❤️ Julie in Texas
This guy was a huge influence on millions of guitarists lives. I remember I saw my first ever concert (a Rush concert) in 1983/ 84. I think it was the Grace Under Pressure tour. Anyway, Rush was one of those massively influential groups and inventor (with other bands) of the so-called Progressive Rock genre. Highly intelligent and quality people these guys were.
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Hands down one of the most underrated guitarists: I think one of the reasons for this is his ego is stable, and has never tried to show off. My favorite thing about Rush, is that each player worked to support the other player musically - the band always worked for the songs, not themselves. The irony of not focusing on themselves is how highly they are regarded as individual players. So many members of current bands admired them, and looked at them as teachers of the craft. RIP Neil Peart.
Couldn't have put it better myself 🤔👍
Steve Lukather is another one. I love seeing artists who are grateful to be doing what they do and are super humble about their ability.
He's never been "underrated" by me. I've had him as one of the best in the world since' 81.
Rolling Stone has Alex wrongly ranked at #98 out of 100. Really? Rush are not sell-out's fueled by greed. The did/do things there way. True to the Art.
Cabaret Voltaire No kidding...I remember them getting passed over for the R&R HOF for ABBA. And they were still making significant music and selling out large arenas.
No drugs, no divorce, no drama, just three of the hardest working, nicest, focused, talented and professional musicians we will ever see.
I can't thank you guys enough for all you gave me and so many others.
You deserve a long and happy "retirement" with your family and friends doing everything that you missed out on all those years that you put the needs of your music and your fans above that of yourself and your family.
Please thank your wife and children for all they sacrificed over those 40 years we had you.
Uh, lots of drugs. :) Go read Geddy's memoir.
Plenty of drugs dude
Soooooo many drugs but they held it together. Greatest Rock Trio of all time.
What band didn't do drugs. But this is the most famous trio and it came out with some beautiful songs thanks guys
After 38 years, I still crank up the radio when Limelight comes on!
When Moving Pictures came out you just knew it was destined to be a classic. I can still remember listening to it all Summer.
In the 1980's we thought the older generation's music was somewhat corny, but today's younger generation recognize the awesomeness of Rush.
@@barryjones9362 I feel sorry for the youth of today. They just have no idea what a total waste land of music they are growing up with. But i guess there's a certain amount of ignorance is bliss with it all.
@@aocplusme5676 Must have been a hell of a fight amongst the band and Terry Brown as to whether to include or exclude Limelight from ESL.
@@aocplusme5676 the full guitar chorus on Camera Eye is amazing too. Right after the intro
This was literally like having DaVinci teach you how to paint the Mona Lisa. Such incredible generosity!
Very kind of him to film this video. Very humble and neighborly for someone as accomplished as he.
Wow such a unpretentious guitarist. Total respect and gratitude. Thank you.
He truly is an incredible artist, sharing his knowledge with no worries. He knows his art and how they all came to be where they are in their niche; success has been owned. He feels free to share their formula for their success.
Definitely.
Awesome guitarist. So cool to see that actual artist showing his craft.
Canadians are so nice.
glad he share chord
Knew him in the years I went to school with Alex' son Adrienne, the man himself, and I can say, he is beyond top notch, i can't say enough about him and his humour and his personality (not to mention his guitar playing!!). Will never forget bringing him maple syrup (when he recorded our high school band) that we made on the property, and he gave me tickets to counter parts copps coliseum and Hold Your Fire shirt, I was stunned and will never forget that moment:)
Was that in Oak Ridges? I remember back in the day (30 years) we use to drive by his house, maybe catching him outside cutting the grass or putting out the garbage, but no such luck. Recently, I *think* I ran into him on Lake Simcoe one summer. The wife and I were in our boat on a gravel shoal when we saw this guy coming on a SeaDoo. Since the shoal was only 6-8 inches deep, he got off the machine and tried to push it over the gravel but he was having a little bit of trouble. So, I'm watching this guy and I'm thinking to myself, this guy looks familiar. I got out of our boat and I went over to give him a hand pushing the SeaDoo over the gravel. As I'm helping out I notice a 2112 pentagram tattoo on his right shoulder. For the life of me I can't find any picks or info on whether or not he has such a tattoo. So I get the machine over the shoal and buddy says he's got a cottage at such and such a place and to come over for a beer. I get back to the boat and I said to my wife, I think that was Alex Lifeson...or his brother or someone that looks like him.
Maybe someone who's a Rush die hard fan can confirm the tattoo?
@@ve3xtr I'm also interested in this. Anyone?
@@ve3xtr Funny I live on the south end of Lake Simcoe and I'm a SeaDoo mechanic who loves Rush and plays guitar..
Class act. He and the other lads. Neil was a private person, and not as approachable as the Geddy and Alex, but a great person. Their personalities always shined through their music.
@@healym67 I saw an interview with Neil once where he kind of explained himself and why he is the way he is. He just didn't understand why someone couldn't accept him for the job he does and leave it at that. Like the mailman or plumber..that's the way he looked at it. He said he met so many people that were his idols when he was a kid and didn't feel the need to gush or make that person create some kind of a moment for him. I totally get it. Yes, he could have come off as a jerk but to me it was completely understandable and if I would have ever encountered him I would have remembered that and showed him the respect of not treating him any different than anyone else even though I would have probably stared haha.
Ladies and gentlemen, a humble, soft-spoken, musical genius.
My heart goes out to Geddy, Alex and the families. RIP Neil..
I love how Alex made this iconic rock song seem so accessible. He taught it more clearly and in fewer words than most teachers. As guitar players and Alex Lifeson fans, we are incredibly lucky to have this video!
Love this guy
Wow, he speaks of so many famous players as if he is one of us. He is not. He is, one of those famous players. A guitar god.
Thank Alex.
Not to himself he isn’t.
@panda44r
You're the troll here, bro.
I really love listening to Alex speak. He has such a gentle and genuine voice. This is interesting to me since he is such an accomplished musician he could have such a different demeanor yet he seems just like a neighbor.
He’s Canadian haha😂❤
@@I-AM-JESSE I was about to say the exact same thing.
Such a mellow dude. He's got a relaxing, Bob Ross quality about him when explaining his love for the guitar. Thanks for such a great video.
His notes are his happy little clouds
@@susanhowe8671 Made me smile, I like Alex and play guitar (a bit), my mum likes Bob Ross and she paints.
Well hes canadian so..
@@susanhowe8671 "And let's just say that there's a friendly little squirrel that lives inside this amplifier. It's your little world... You can make it anything that you want it to be."
He’s played this thousands of times, and you can tell when he plays the entire song at the end of this video that he still to this day loves playing it. Pretty awesome.
I have listened to it probably more times than he has played it. And I still can't get enough. Lol.
My opinion, greatest song ever recorded by the greatest band to ever bless us with music.
But I too noticed his love and passion as he played
my thought exactly. its pretty genius
It is wonderful to see a professional like this, Still bumbling on his instrument. Many props.
The guys in Rush never fail to impress me as genuine, nice people.
Yeah they were a bit different from bands like Guns and Roses. No drugs, no alcohol, no groupies, no drama, no in band fighting, and no busted up hotel rooms.
@@joedimaggio3687 And yet they rocked better than the best of them, no energy lost on record or on stage.
@@russellmurray3964 but the chicks didn't dig them.
You make a great point however, without wishing to be a buzzkill, drugs and alcohol did feature throughout Rush. Peace ✌️
I Feel so validated. He's been playing professionally for 40 years and still has to count the frets! I've been playing for 16 years & still do that
The difference between doing something that is second nature to you, and slowing down to explain something that is so second nature that you no longer consciously think about it.
Me too
Yes because he play with feeling not counting frets.
@@pixelFiendexactly
Yup, basically no chance of Alex reading this comment. But if he ever did, the only thing to say to him really is: We love you, man. We truly love you. Thank you so much for all the music.
Ya never know.
@@iVideosongs😂👍🏻
I truly hope he does read this comment. Because I've loved him since I was 14 years old and I'm now 57.
Alex Lifeson is EASILY one of the greatest guitar players to ever live! He's so underrated, it's criminal.
Alex has a very identifiable sound. He is Rush's door bell
The best at irregular complicated chords
@@banditdarval9401 For sure. Because Rush is a 3 piece Alex plays a very OPEN sound. He makes his guitar sound like 2.
@@banditdarval9401 agreed.
You can add Dave Matthews to that list too.
You're nuts if you think he's underrated WTF.
Dude is well known as one of the best ever.
I can hear Alex talk all day... This man is just amazing.
I remember trying to learn Rush guitar parts by ear in the late 80's - I would have KILLED for videos like these back then. Thanks Alex, you're a peach.
I tried it using records. Permanent Waves drove me crazy. We couldn’t even slow it down. I still play them with the same mistakes. We never dreamed of these videos!
Doing it wrong to make it sound right...the struggle was indeed...real
I'm a drummer, I wore out my ESL tape in the 1980's.
LOL...isn't that the truth!
@@douglas747wct yeah, my shoulder muscles hurt like an SOB because I tried so hard to imitate that drum solo, the beginning of which sounds more like single-strokes than rolls, especially if compared to video footage of his later similar solos.
00:00 - Intro Interview of Alex Lifeson
17:37 - Interview
19:20 - Intro ~ Limelight
20:57 - Verses ~ Limelight
22:13 - Chorus ~ Limelight
23:53 - Solo ~ Limelight
28:16 - Outro ~ Limelight
29:25 - Performance of Limelight ~ Alex Lifeson
Dude I think you dropped this 👑
I just love how he obviously doesn't know music theory very well, yet can play and write so great. His point of view is totally devoid of academia, which is so refreshing to see on TH-cam as there are so many channels based on dry theory to explain things that clearly very natural to him. It's funny, he reminds me of a mediocre player when describing where the notes are and what he's doing, yet when you listen to his playing or see him live you see a master whose instrument is like an extension of his body. Clearly just a very natural player who plays from the heart and makes the impossible seem effortless.
yes, a genius.
proof you don't need all that gibberish to create art. Needless to say, it's still very helpful, ESPECIALLY if you're starting out and you wanna do your own thing. for the most part, anyway
Eddie knows even less theory & doesn't read music at all. And look what he pulled of too.
@Ryan Aubin As a non musician, Rick talks way over my head.
It just proves the point that music is all about feel. He cant explain his chords well but when the song starts he knows how to play them.
After 40+ years of listening to Rush, this is still one of my all-time favourites. When they came out and played Temples, Limelight & Villa Strangiato as an encore (30th anniversary tour?), I thought I'd gone straight to heaven. They got me through my teens and I'll always love their music. Thank you, Alex, Geddy and Neil, for the soundtrack of my life.
I’ve always considered limelight his best solo as well. Cool to hear him say it’s his favorite. It just stands out from the rest. He really makes the guitar weep during that solo.
Alex is such a humble musician, fantastic artist, love Rush. This is what TH-cam should be all about. Thank you Alex.
I love how he can't help but make the "Alex faces" when he plays. Gotta love him, I sure do miss Rush.
Spot on observation! He's so real!
29:16 Whoohoo! And then immediately tune your guitar again.
lol yup for sure. thanks Alex!
We tune because we care lol
Hey! I watch a lot of your videos!!!
One of the greatest guitar players in Rock history. He can shred with the best of the m, but instead he chooses to play something that adds to the song, something to complement the musicality of it, instead of something to just show off. He always played as part of the band. I feel so sorry for him and Geddy right now, they must be devastated. RIP Neil.
While I enjoy the shred players, Alex is my fave because his riffs and voicings make me ask "why didn't I think of that" as opposed to how did he do that? His thinking is unique and playing is only his. One note and I know Alex... His rating vs. others is irrelevant. He is HIMSELF. I love you man! You changed my playing forever.
40 years of experience, amazing he can make the guitar float like that
Back in 2002, I was at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque for school. Rush came to the Journal Pavilion and a friend and I went to buy tickets at any price. When we got to the military Tickets and Tours office we found that Rush wasn't selling tickets to the military, they were giving them to us! I had always been in awe of Rush's incredible talent, and now I was humbled by their generosity. They put on an incredible show and we had a great time. Thank you Alex, Geddy, and Neil!
Jay Hatler damn! I was there in '02..wish I knew about it!!
That is a great Rushstory. No surprise, either
I saw them in SLC and Vegas that tour
I remember that show. I was young and on a guitar bender, and I went to see Joe Satraini instead and regretted it ever since.
Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.BTW, I come from a line so long of military it’d blow your mind. 🤝Thank you for your service.🇺🇸
Julie in Texas ❤️
Among the many things I love about this band is the fact that all three guys were absolute aces as people. Well aware of their stellar talent yet so unaffected by it. Alex Lifeson is a bonafide legend and he spends 35 minutes painstakingly going through every detail of a song. Just awesome all around.
"...and then immediately tune your guitar again!"
Brilliant!
I laughed way too hard at that. Damn near woke up my neighbors. Lol.
"And then immediately tune your guitar"...priceless. Alex Lifeson is, by far, one of the greatest guitarists of all time (and surely MY all-time favorite).
One of the most humble and and modest guitar players and he truly is a great.
More lessons from Alex please. He should dedicate his time to teaching others to play guitar in his retirement. His voice just puts you at ease.
Alex doesn't have to do shit.
I wish ALL the guitar greats would do this before they pass away.
It would be a crown to their already established legacy.
His voice reminds me of Michael McKean.
Bob Ross of guitar
He really does seem like an especially nice person, doesn't he?
My god..I've grown up on this man's music, feeling all the emotional aspects of those beautiful songs...And here he is...breaking down this, one of my favorite all time pieces..
It's just so surreal..
Thanks Alex!! You're the coolest!
The difference between Alex and all the pick-sweeping virtuosos out there is that his guitar working is musically beautiful. This solo is a prime example.
I've always loved the ethereal sound Alex gets with his guitar by using open strings and letting them ring out in so many of his chords. That's one of the reasons why Rush's music sounds so full even though they're just a 3 piece band. Of course, it also helps that Geddy and Neil are masters of their instruments as well.
Everybody talks about the great bass playing and drumming of Rush, but for me it is Alex’s melodies that make their sound.
He’s so humble! He refers to his career and to Rush like we have just heard of them for the first time.
This guy is beyond genius - extremely talented.....one of the world's top guitarists.
Extraordinary! A simplified lesson from the master. I don't think I've seen anything like this from other guitar heroes. Instead of showing off with indecipherable licks .. he breaks down one of the greatest rock anthems of all time ... so that even beginner players can be inspired. So down to earth. I wish I had this when I was a teenager trying to learn these great songs with a record player. I have huge respect.
This man is literally my hero. His playing, his dedication to the guitar and betterment of the songs, and his humility. I'll be a guitarist forever because of Alex
Amen
Alex Lifeson. One of the greatest guitar virtuoso’s of all time. Thank you for your wonderful contributions to music; so many fond memories.
...ok how freaking cool is this? Learn the guitar part for Limelight from the guy who wrote it. Man, I love Rush. Seriously, it does not get better for me ... alright, now Xanadu. :)
I've died and gone to heaven if Alex taught a lesson on Xanadu, my ALL time favorite Rush song
Try to ask him, or ask someone that he'll most likely hear it from to ask for US
...probably mine too. It just never gets old. A Farewell to Kings was the first album I went out and purchased. From the cover to the songs, Rush sure did capture my imagination. What a great cover on that album! The way they wrote and played allowed me to escape into their music.
Heck yes, Robert. I love that song!
Yes! Xanadu
Alex Lifeson is the reason why I ever picked up a guitar. Rush has always been my favorite band. Keep rocking Alex. The world still needs you.
I so wish my bro was alive to see this. Rush was his life, he would talk about about u guys everyday and got me into the band. Your awsome . R.i.p bro
Thank you for the 3 thumbs up for my comment, it means a lot
Sorry for your loss. I lost my cousin last year and the day before he died we were talking about music and Fleetwood Mac was one of those influential bands we both enjoy. He said “Dreams” was his Favorite tune by them and they played it at his funeral. Music has a way of reaching the soul like nothing else. RIP to your brother and my cousin. 🤘🏻
troy551000 so sorry. your bro must have been awesome.
R.I.P. to your brother, Troy.
Gardner Berry 11 years to this day too. Thanks 👍🏻
Rest in peace Neil. Rush is and will always be the Rock and Roll bands symbol of excellence. Won't be another era of this sound ever again.
What upsets me is he is soooo underrated. He's been one of the best IMO for years. Also, RIP Neil.
who says he is underrated?
I've been listening to Rush for more than 40 years and Alex is one of my favourite guitarists.
He seems such a great guy too.
1:55 "Hey, maybe I should play mine like that" -I love the way he is so sincere and humble about guitar playing and not such a snob. yet, he plays genius.
Damn...he went note for note on the solo just to teach us shlubs how to do it. Thank you, sir!!
He makes it look easy enough...
@@davidrice3337 Legends usually do
To be honest, he made a couple mistakes there...Very strange, like he forgot how he did it originally...
What a well-spoken, gracious and grounded guy. He influences me in more ways than guitar.
This song is such a brilliant masterpiece. Though it looks fairly simple to play from a not-by-note standpoint, the way Alex blends the arpeggio moments into the melody is just phenomenal. The structure of this whole song is just amazing. That warm elastic solo starts and evolves into a very flavorful rhythm, then the bass and drums crescendo into this world of sound together...I just love it...Thanks Alex...RUSH will always be one of my top bands...!
Ya just gotta love this video. For all those Musical Snobs out there who constantly bombard us with waaayyyy too much theoretical "STUFF" this is great.
One of the most amazing guitarists on the planet and while showing us the chords and fills has to stop for a moment and literally point and say put your ring finger here!!! I LOVE IT! Brilliant musician and at age 52 he's still mugs the face and feels the energy like a 20 years old long haired Rock musician. What a wonderful decent and endearing person and it shows in his humble but obviously knowledgeable manner.
You just cannot take the teenager out of Rock & Roll no matter what age or how many years of touring or how much education you've received.
This is one of my absolute favorite videos, and of course one of my favorite all time bands as well.
Thank you for doing this video. (of course I still can't play anything nearly like this but I'll keep on rocking till I die.)
Legendary from a Legend. Thanks Alex for sharing your passion. You may be retired from Rush, but you are always in all our hearts.
Wow, what a humble and incredibly talented human being. The best band of absolute virtuoso musicians ever. Change my mind.
He's such a cool guy, he seems like he's the best friend you can have, surely one of the most important guitarists in the history of guitar, and on of the most important musicians ever, Rush is awesome, 3 perfect musicians.
As a 55 year old guitar player song writer you are a great influence to me pure talent all three of you shaped a generation well more than one thank you.
He plays completely by ear - unlike a lot of guitarists nowadays, and he just works wonders. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums of all time.
Alex's lead style is so refreshing. Not a barrage of notes, just tasty tensions and melodies...
I love these guys trying to tell you how they do things. It is just second nature to them, so they can barely slow it down enough to tell you. It's like trying to tell you how to breathe. Wonderful tune.
No words can ever express the level of respect I have for Alex and his bandmates. There music was, and still is the backbone of my life, even at age 63. I used to play this song with my brother (he's a drummer) but now, (at age 63) I'm learning to play it correctly. Thank you Alex...for everything.
He has written so many iconic guitar parts...Great guitar player!!
As a guitar player, I've always been intimidated by Rush songs. This lesson really breaks it down so it doesn't seem as challenging.
yep, I would have paid hundred$ for a resource(s) like this back in the day........imo with Rush its all about the band(as a whole) & how those separate parts fit together as creatively as they do.
Try being a drummer trying to play Rush songs.
I noticed Alex and Neil have almost the exact same look on their faces that you speak of, and Geddy often a bit too, but he's more often looking like he's got it under submission to the point of simplicity
To be fair, it is one of their easier songs. What’d really flip me out personally would be a full lesson on, say, Hemispheres. The video would probably need to be about six hours long, though.
I have always been intimidated by White Lion songs
Alex makes one guitar part sound so big. And so cool. The genius of taking simple chords, twisting them a bit with some fills, and making a brilliant song. Love Rush!
Thank You,Mr. Lifeson, was in high school when Moving Pictures was sold in stores here. 80's . Played classical guitar during time in school then graduated and long story short, forgot about guitar until last year ,found a rekindled love for guitar now an electric Ibanez Gio instead of a catgut string twanger , at 59 and three months in can't put the guitar down, learning is endless fun with all these videos and endless tabs. People giving lessons, so awesome.
Thank You to Rush for great inspirational music.
If I met Alex in person I would probably break down in tears..he's such a phenomenal and beautiful sounding player who is my biggest influence and Rush is my favorite band to the grave!
Alex Lifeson - Nicest guy in Rock n Roll....fact.
Fasteagle Brian May is almost as nice 👍
Liam Gallagher is the nicest guy.
well, he's canadian :)
Well, Dave Grohl
Hot Rockin' we all know that gene is the sweetest and most considerate man in rock
Hours spent listening to Alex's guitar parts during my early years made me love the sound of suspended chords. Here, he mentions how he keeps the 'B' note ringing within the A chord during the intro of Limelight.
Paul Czech That B is the secret behind this riff. Many people leave that out including myself when I was younger. I think I ran across it by accident and have been doing it ever since. It just doesn't sound RUSHY without that B in there.
Yeah that one note makes all the difference. impossible to pick that up by ear...wow I learned so much from this on how it's played by you Alex, thank you for showing us guitar players your secrets and technique. The solo just blew my mind i can play it so easily now and it sounds just like he record...fa fa fa fabulouse :)
Ty Tabor of King's X picked up on this and it throughout his playing.
how does a guy come up with a solo like that???? seriously. freaking genius
One of the simple joys of life, watching Alex play limelight.
When I first started watching and he said he was 52 years old, I thought, "Damn! How can it be that this guitar god from my childhood is actually 7 years younger than I am?" It took me a few minutes until I finally noticed the 2007 watermark in the corner.
I’ve been listening to RUSH for nearly 40 years. I cold never quite find the right word to explain his sound (in my ears) when talking about the band’s music. He used the word “loose” about himself and it finally hit me. That’s the perfect word. He plays loose. It’s unique and most excellent too.
This was so enjoyable. I love how he has difficulty with his own song when demonstrating how to play it. Without thinking about it and just playing it this great song just flows from his hands, but when breaking it down he almost struggles at times. Just goes to show how there are no easy Rush songs.
I LOVE "RUSH!!" Alex, along with "GEDDY" and "NEIL" are "Salt of the Earth" type people. Their songwriting and musianship are above stratospheric levels. I've seen them 3 times, and each concert was AMAZING!! Alex speaks so eloquently as well!! RIP "NEIL PEART!" Long live "RUSH!"
Alex, I've learned a million fold from you and I've stayed alive to wait for your next album to come up all these years you kept me alive I love you brother
what a humble dude...ive cranked the volume on them for my entire life...will never be another rush
Each member of this phenomenal band impresses me and I feel are the most intelligent and humble band ever. Living in Niagara Falls, NY we heard Rush in 1974 after Neil Pearl joined them, on Canadian radio first and sought out their albums immediately. All my friends at the time were Rush fans and most were prog fans like myself. I still admire them and think they ended it with a beautiful closing note. Thank you guys for some great music.
I loved Rush for years. Alex is a beautiful Human Being.
Thank you for doing this Alex! Back in my prime (40 years ago!) when I was playing everyday and in a band, I would throw Moving Pictures on the turntable and play Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, YYZ, and Limelight straight through, imagining I was onstage. Of course, back then, we didn't have the luxury of the internet to help learn the songs. It was all by ear! Watching you play some of my favorite Rush songs (and seeing/hearing where I got it wrong!) is wonderful! It's rare to actually have the guitarist who wrote the songs show you personally how HE plays them! Where were you 40 years ago when I was wearing out needles and vinyl and driving my neighbors crazy listening to the same part over and over and over again? :) Now to go home and relearn a few Rush songs....
I have always felt Alex's personality through all the countless hours of watching, listening, analyzing their music. Especially those obsessive teenage years. Alex seems like such a cool dude. ALL the members in this band and their music really stood the test of time. What a Fn band!! RUSH
RIP Neal Peart a true talent and inspiration
Alex, my real introduction to Rush came in the summer of 1981, I was 14 years old, and on summer vacation. I heard your songs on the radio like everyone else, until one day when Dave Stewart, a handyman from the Toronto area was adding a room to my parents home. He had Geddy length curly brown hair and a beard, and played your music all day in his 1976 Chevy station wagon. My parents agreed to let me work for him during the summer at his suggestion, what great times rocking out to the greatest band and saving money for my first car. He told me a lot about the band history, and introduced me to your earlier albums via eight track. What strikes me the most in these videos is how humble, and real you are, truly about the music, and craft, not the fame. I have been blessed to have seen you guys in concert four times...not enough... I grieve for the loss of Neil, and wish you & Geddy the best. If fate would shine upon me, I would love to meet you someday, just to hear about the early days. Regards
To quote a musical genius "Blah Blah Blah, Blah Blah." Love your work Alex! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
That was a not too subtle thumb in the eye of the bias and partisan approach of the selection committee. I loved it. They got what they deserved from someone who is generally known to all as a very nice man, which made it more biting. :-D
Mark Treu, I see what you did there... 😄😄😄.
".... and then immediately, tune your guitar again" hahaha. Lifeson, a true master of the tone, and a great teacher
I've watched a few of his tutorials now and it is so awesome to watch all the little nuances to his playing...truly an incredible musician...one of the greats!!! Thank you Alex for taking the time to show us your talent with a guitar....
Every time I hear Rush my brain heals. Thank you Mr Alex Lifeson for sharing your creation you are certainly one of my favorite guitar players of all time.
A 40 Year RUSH fanboy...The most humble lead guitarist in rock history is Alex Lifeson. Not to mention his skill and love of the instrument. Thank You Alex for it all !
And now, they'll never play that song again. RIP Neil.
Never say never.
Hall Wealth Management TH-cam No one, And i mean NO ONE would be able to keep up with Neils speed
@@gotomymostpopularvideo3235 It's not the speed, it's the feel.
@@hallwealth Rush specifically stated they will never play with someone else. It's either Alex, Geddy, and Neil, or none at all.
Oh they will. It won’t be Rush, but Geddy and Alex are hardly finished.
Once golfed with his son, nicest kid ever...I see why...
Truly humble guy. Great to hear such in this day and age.
I've seen a few concerts in my time, with Rush it was amazement at how the fullness Alex, with Getty, and Neil filled a song, just an immense wall of perfection sound ... I've seen other super groups with a crew of guitar players not touch the sonic width Alex accomplished ... Pure perfection
Wow! How can you not enjoy having the original guitarist teach you how to play a song? And a guitarist who doesn't have an ego 50 feet taller than anyone else? The man's evidently well grounded and stable minded, and I take it as an honor to have this video here to show how he plays "Limelight."
Thank you, Alex Lifeson.
:-)
0:00 Origins and influences
9:08 Writing process
12:23 Gear
17:40 Limelight (for anyone coming from Rick Beato, this is the part he wanted you to skip to)
-- 19:20 Intro + tabs
-- 21:00 Verse + tabs
-- 22:18 Chorus + tabs
-- 23:55 Solo + tabs
-- 28:20 Outro + tabs
-- 29:29 Full playthrough
Right on
But don't miss the rest! All of it is good.
Great man, great band. Thank you Rush, you have been a big part of my life.
Thank you so much for this, Alex! And for my childhood, growing up with RUSH. ::wipes tear::
Always a pleasure to see you play,Mr.Alex
1st time I saw Rush was in 1982 in Greensboro, North Carolina. I screamed my head off and had the time of my life. I was completely infatuated with Alex. I went on to see them at least 15 more times over the years (I stopped counting after one point) and each show was FANTASTIC. THANK YOU Rush and THANK YOU Alex for many decades-worth of phenomenal music that’s here for us and generations to come to keep on enjoying. We love you so much.🥰RUSH FOREVER!❤️
Julie in Texas
This guy was a huge influence on millions of guitarists lives. I remember I saw my first ever concert (a Rush concert) in 1983/ 84. I think it was the Grace Under Pressure tour. Anyway, Rush was one of those massively influential groups and inventor (with other bands) of the so-called Progressive Rock genre. Highly intelligent and quality people these guys were.
I found one of my tickets, from Dec 8th 1985 in Providence, it was the 8th date at the start of the Power Windows tour. If that helps you place it.