For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.
The way Rick smiles happily in anticipation before he actually plays the riffs makes ME happy. That love for music is so relatable even though I can't even play the electric guitar.
The guitar tone on the Aenima album is my favorite. That solo near the end of "Third Eye" and the tone on "Pushit" is just incredible. I can't even describe it.
He's like, "Aww, I haven't played in a while", but then crushes anything you ask him to play. He's just one of those musicians who knows so many instruments that he feels like a dud if he's been playing the piano, the drums and bass for a week but forgot the guitar. Rick is the one guy you want to find if you want to learn about EVERY ASPECT of music (composition, execution, recording, production, mixing, mastering and every little thing in between). He's an absolute beast. He's taught me SO MUCH valuable information. Watching him almost guarantees learning -- even if you skip, you'll learn something about pick thickness, or how cranking the MID will affect a song depending where you land!
@@MattsAwesomeStuff Kinda proves the point doesn't it? That's what a guitarist would do. Being not the top most guitarist in in the recording studio, doesn't make Rick "not a guitarist." Being better than most professional guitarists...kinda does.
he's hung out with so many great guitarists for whom it is their life, to him it would be silly to claim to be a serious guitarist...it's all relative Ive found. Ive been both an amazing guitarist and a not so great one, all without my skill level changing, All depends on who's watching and if they know how to play.
01:54 Filter "Hey Man Nice Shot" 02:30 Marilyn Manson "The Beautiful People" 03:35 Avenged Sevenfold "Nightmare" 04:27 Ratt "Lay It Down" 05:36 King's X "It's love" 07:24 Foo Fighters "Everlong" 09:00 Nirvana "On A Plain" 11:15 Rage Against The Machine "Killing In The Name" 12:55 Tool "Forty Six & 2" 13:52 Soundgarden "Spoonman"
@@tarnocdoino3857 You really should check out their stuff. I've been a fan since the 80's. Greatest band no one, except hardcore fans, has ever heard of. Also a LOT of fun to play!
I was pleasantly surprised to see A7X represented here. They are one of my all time favorite bands and one of the reasons I wanted to learn guitar in the first place.
I was expecting it to be honnest since first : you're right they are amazing and are also the reason why i wanted to learn guitar, and second : just like he said in the video Syn is one of his great friends and he absolutely loves what Syn is doing in terms of musical prowess
Every time I tune from standard to Drop D, I automatically play "Outshined" for a second. I thought FOR SURE that was going to be number one. Right band, wrong song. So close. haha Super solid list, especially considering how difficult it had to be to narrow down.
The video has been cut down to 9 songs because “Hey Man Nice Shot” by Filter was blocked by their publisher. The only option was to trim it out of the video. Sorry! Just to clarify a couple of things that I keep seeing on the comments, Unchained is in actually in Drop C#, Sad But True the entire guitar is tuned down a step and not in Drop D and Black Hole Sun is actually tuned a 1/4 step sharp because the sped the tape up. Try playing along with Black Hole Sun and you will see. Keep commenting! There are some really good suggestions in here :)
You should do a video about lamb of god, and I'm honestly surprised you haven't yet... I'd suggest ashes of the wake track from the ashes of the wake album but there's alot of good ones from them🤘
@@Crazyfool12 I concur. Although different thing all together. I grew up on Page, Slowhand, Rhodes, Lifeson and George Lynch. All different flavors but sheer brilliance on the fretboard.
Prince: Hold my guitar :) That said, I love Rick´s amazing musical skills and that he takes the time to explain it all to us mortals. Wish Prince would have made videos like this while he could, but I guess he was busy doing what he did.
I'm working on a piece in DADGAD. For my wife who died from Covid-19 last week. I'm writing on her account. RIP, Joy. I'm composing a celebration of life.
When I was actively gigging, we used Drop D enough that I kept one 6 string and a 12 string in Drop D and a 6 and 12 in Standard. It was faster and easier to swap guitars than going back and forth on just one guitar. We were playing traditional Irish and Scottish songs and Drop D just allows a drone like sound you can't get in standard. It also allowed me to arrange and perform a lot of O'Carolan's Harp tunes on guitar.
for me it was Undertow. I Remember thinking how I was going to HAVE to be disappointed for the next album, cause they were never ever going to top that... well we all know how that ended
I've heard stories about the record company saying they were easily the most requested band by all the other artists that wanted their albums. I'm guessing they could get them for free? Ty is definitely a player's player
sure, the screaming, shredding solos get the lion's share of attention, but take some time to appreciate Ty's outstanding rhythm support work in so many of King's X's excellent catalog ... I think his rhythmic playing in "Lost in Germany" is tremendous
Ty is so good it’s ridiculous. He can play virtually any style with perfect timing and fingering. His left hand is unparalleled and his right hand has such great feel, muting and harmonics. He also has the Phil Keaggy volume knob swell down pat wherein the pick attack is silenced and the result is a bowed instrument sound (violin, viola or cello) using the pinky finger. I haven’t heard him do that for a while. He lives in the same city I do but as many years as it’s been I doubt if he even remembers me. Although, true story, when my band, the Ryde launched, Ty was my band’s first Sound and Light man for our first 2 gigs as The Edge/Sneak Preview had a few days off and we were using almost identical sound and lighting made by John Gott of Dynamite Sound and Light in Springfield MO
One of my favourite drop D songs is “Ten Years Gone” by Led Zeppelin. Such a beautiful song, being relatively underrated but the intro, solo and the ‘army of guitars’ that Page uses is what makes it such a masterpiece imo 🤙
That is my all-time favorite song. It also makes me laugh when people don’t think I’m a big Zeppelin fan, ask me my favorite song by them, then looked stumped as if they’ve never heard of “Ten Years Gone.”
RIck, I literally cannot watch any of your videos because I just get sucked into this vortex of amazingness that is not only extremely informative but super entertaining. Your appreciation of the music that you feature is so infectious. You are the best, bar none.
Rick, the fact that you paid homage to King's X in this video makes you even cooler (as if that was possible). What about getting Doug, Ty, and Jerry in the studio for a special interview?
I have a funny Marilyn Manson story too. I used to work at MTV in Los Angeles and I was on site tech support one of the years they held the VMA's in LA. I had a radio so that if anyone needed computer support they could reach me. On the day before the show they had a dress rehearsal and I hear on the radio, "could we get some more lights in the dressing room? Marilyn Manson has a problem with the dark." Which I thought was wildly ironic considering his image.
They were the inspiration for much of the drop D grunge songs. Very nit picky, but I would have had It’s Love and Everlong at the top since some of these other famous drop D songs wouldn’t exist without It’s Love and Everlong is just an amazing use of drop D.
I love that Hum song. I listen to it all the time out of childhood nostalgia. It's an awesome song like Everlong but it hasnt been overplayed and it's still fun to go back and listen to.
#10. Filter - Hey Man Nice Shot (1:55) #9. Marilyn Manson - Beautiful People (2:40) #8. Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare (3:45) #7. Ratt - Lay It Down (4:36) #6. King's X - It's Love (5:47) #5. Foo Fighters - Everlong (7:34) #4. Nirvana - On a Plain (9:10) #3. Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name of (11:24) #2. Tool - Forty Six & 2 (13:05) #1. Soundgarden - Spoonman (14:02)
Queen had same good drop D songs. The most well known is "Fat Bottom Girls". But two of their most powerful tracks: "Prophet's Song" and "White Man" are also drop D.
Fun fact: Tom Morello has said in interviews he came up with the main riff for "Killing in the name of" while trying to give an example of what drop D tuning was to a guitar student of his...
Lol, I've been "bingeing Beato" for the past month or so (stuck in hospital for chemo), and after 50 YEARS I finally learned I have a real 'thing' for tunes in drop-D and related tunings 😃😄
I was going to mention this. It's one that really should be in What Makes This Song Great, too. When I learned it, I played the entire thing in drop D.
Best Drop D jam with most underrated solo: "Ten Years Gone" by Led Zeppelin. Best folk Drop D: "Bartender" by Dave Matthews. BTW, it's cool that King's X is not forgotten.
Spot on for both thoughts... Bartender is a phenomenal song. And every time I hear a King's X song I can't figure out why they never seemed to break through. Only plus side to that is you'd still get to see them in pretty small venues. Love those guys...
2:01 "Hey man nice shot" Filter 2:44 "The beautiful people" Marilyn Manson 3:50 "Nightmare" Avenged Sevenfold 4:43 "Lay it down" RATT 5:58 "It's love" King's X 7:43 "Everlong" Foo Fighters 9:41 "On a plain" Nirvana 11:31 "Killing in the name" Rage against the machine 13:21 "Forty six & 2" Tool 14:10 "Spoonman" Soundgarden 15:69 not primal concrete sledge for some reason lmao
The looping riff of The Beatles - "I Want You She's So Heavy"! I remember in grade 4 I heard it for the first time. I never heard a looping and ominous riff like that before and it put me in a trance, and I thought that the CD player was actually broken at first. After telling my Dad, he gave me some Black Sabbath albums.
Great selections. I'm glad to see "Everlong", "Spoonman" and especially "Forty Six & 2" made it . The opening riff to "Forty Six & 2" always sends chills up my spine. :)
@@Hansengineering No, Adam Jones plays 6-string Gibson Les Pauls almost exclusively. The low string on a 7-string is B, it would actually be more difficult to play these songs that way.
I'm partial to Outshined by Soundgarden. Never been a fan of Spoonman (I mean, it's ok, but not compared to many other Soundgarden songs). Outshined is also fun to play, although I'm no expert at it. This top 10 necessarily has to leave out so many great ones. So overall, not really a complaint.
My favorite drop D song of all time is from Helmet, "Unsung". Awesome intro and main riff! Helmet lived in drop D. I see quite a few people mentioned Helmet as well. They were the coolest of all they play is in drop D bands of the 90's.
Hell Yeah Helmet! Other than soundgarden, I don't know of another band in the 90s that made everyone decide to tune down. Aftertaste has at least 4 songs in the top 20.
I'm also here for the Helmet love lmao, such an influential and groundbreaking band and yet they're always left out of the conversation. Kind of fitting that they made the song "unsung"
I saw Van Halen at the House Of Blues in Orlando and they opened up with Unchained. What a kickass opener that was. Best opening to any show I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. I started learning that one as soon as I got home and my ears were only ringing about 2/3 as loud.
I probably would’ve picked “Outshined” over “Spoonman”, because to me that’s the first drop-D song that ever hit me hard enough to try playing with that tuning. But they’re both great songs. I don’t know if Rick would’ve included two Soundgarden songs on the list.
Spoonman and Killing In The Name - two best Drop D songs ever! i will add" Velvet Revolver - Slither Creed - What If Tool - Schism Audioslave - Show Me How to Live Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
You are absolutely right! Spoonman is #1. When I was dabbling with guitar, it is one of the very few songs I ever learned to play. IT IS SO GOOD! But then you have, In Flames - Zombie Inc., and that masterpiece of a solo that hardly anyone has ever heard of... :)
I was hoping to hear “Dear Prudence” which is also Drop D along with Travis Picking. Lennon does a remarkable job of playing that and singing lead vocal.
Rick being the Beatles fan that he is, I thought that would be in there, for sure, too. King's X and Tool making the list kind of makes up for the disappointment, though. Could almost call the video "Decade of the Drop D".
Dude!!!! Dream Theater clearly plagiarized "Forty Six & 2" from Tool in the music Home. Go and listen to the whole song and check it out by yourself!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
As a bass player Spoonman is so much fun to play, and the chorus and breakdown riffs are good practice for speed, strength and consistency. Outshined is probably more fun though, coz that riff is mean as hell.
I'm so glad Rick gives time to King's X, and here we see the awesome riffage of "It's Love". Wow, you can really see the work that goes into playing that song. All these years I've just been so sucked in by the guitar in this song, and now I see a bit of why. Although Ty Tabor's guitar tone can be a bit shrill in the solos, his drop D riffing is killer.
Man, was totally excpecting Unsung or In the Meantime by Helmet (or just any song by Helmet). Page is such an underrated guitarist, but such a sweet and humble human being.
Open Car by Porcupine Tree Blind Man by Black Stone Cherry Laid To Rest by Lamb Of God Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana ...too many to add to an already great list!
Putting Ratt’s ‘Lay It Down’ riff you just put me back in my room as a kid learning that riff cause my dad said “since you’re learning guitar check this out(shows me Lay It Down) that’s one the greatest riffs of all time, son” lmao
Warren DeMartini and Ty Tabor. Two of the most underrated guitarists as well as being two of my favorites. So great to see them being appreciated and recognized. King's X is so awesome. Ty's guitar tone is one of the heaviest and best in modern rock. Kurt Cobain doesn't get enough credit for his genius. Maybe because he never took himself too seriously. Spoonman? Yes please! One of the best rock songs, riffs, drum and vocal performances. Awesome Rick! I love this. Thanks.
There's obviously a TON of great drop-D songs I could add....but I'll stick to just one. I might be wrong about it strictly being in drop-D though....could be drop-C# or something, but close enough. This band just doesn't get enough love, so here goes.... SILVERCHAIR - ONE WAY MULE. Super heavy sexy riff-tastic song from their brilliant album Diorama. If you haven't heard it, you're in for quite a treat.... Stop whatever it is you're doing and do yourself a favor.... :)
@fellen Hi. I am biased more towards their first few releases. I believe they were at their best. Heavy music, soaring harmonies, but still with positive vibes. They got darker after that due to personal events. They still remained consistently good. Their breakout release was Gretchen Goes to Nebraska. Faith Hope and Love got mixed reviews but it is one of my all time favorites. "It's Love" in particular is probably one of the songs that best represents them. The Self Titled King's X is chock full of classics and in my opinion their pinnacle as an overall release. Just my opinions. Ear Candy wasn't received so well but "Mississipi Moon" is one of my favorites songs. Give it a listen. So heavy yet it just soars. Good luck and I hope you will learn to love their music.
Cinnamon Girl. 😸 great list as is. Glad you put Lay It Down and On a Plain on it. I hated most of the 90’s rock though. I started going back in time. Tull. ELO. ELP. Camel. Infinitely more interesting than “Bush”.
Helmet taught me the magnificence of the 0-3-4 (tab-speak) phrasing. Blacktop & Turned Out both shined for me, rockin' those main frets. In fact no heavy drop-D riffage practitioner from that era could go wrong with basically anything off Strap it On & Meantime. Melvins, Unsane, & Cherubs were also major drop-D bands at the time -- for me. In fact Melvins' Honey Bucket I would have to say is the most quintessential drop D tuning riff ever...gotta be a 5th apart to pull that off.
Few of these bands would have written their sad nümetal cookie cutter weakness without having Helmet to rip off. It's Sinatra's world. We all just live here. (Free jazz solo)
@@phnelson033 I was hoping if I scrolled down enough I'd find Honey Bucket on here. Great call on Helmet too, people are missing on that band big time.
I’m glad you put Ratt - Lay it Down in there, it’s got to be one of the greatest intros of all time. I did a cover of that song and I can confirm that it is hard to play.
That's an amazing song/riff, my favorite from the band. I actually discovered it was a Drop-D riff as I watched the video, I never noticed that before (I have a terrible ear)
Rick, great work as always. One song in drop D that stands out from my cover band days… Shine by Collective Soul. The crowd absolutely loved it back in the day.
Why does Ironhead get no love? That song is so heavy. But I was surprised he didn't pick Unsung. The song starts on a riff starting on E and when it drops to D, it's so heavy.
Slither by velvet revolver. Hard to leave that one out, considering slash did it in drop d standard. Great song to really get the hang of drop D for ones who are newer to it
juan hundrid percint. all things considered, Slither is a masterpiece. So goood, so fucking catchy. I am not a dancer myself but when that song is playing I can't stop moving. Probably the best song VR ever released. Since we are here, I would like to mention All In The Suit That You Wear, another masterpiece on drop D, one that could be considered a glimpse into what the great STP was heading to wasn't for the band's break up. That song has been my wakeup alarm since forever.
I believe Even Flow is not Drop D. As far as I remember G string tuned to F#. Come to my mind too but then remembered it is not a complete Drop D song.
@MACABRE L.A. That’s partially true. Once you get to Diver Down and 1984 you get more songs in standard tuning (IIRC all of Diver Down is standard). Drop Dead Legs is one of the songs in standard tuning, so I would have included it in this list.
@@toprak7976 pretty sure there’s a low D note in the main riff..? Maybe one guitar is in open D (that would explain the F# on the G string)? In any case, it’s kick ass riff!
Same. First drop D for me. I remember hearing the song for the first time and was instantly hooked...and so became my drop tuning journey from there. Lol
That was awesome, Rick. Interesting that three of the 10 drop-ders had formative exposure to Buzz from (the) Melvins. Kim even credits Buzz for showing him the drop-d. I'm not a guitar player, except in my mind, so I need things explained to me.
For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate
Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.
Cheers rich ☺️ great info tutorial guitarists..
I know that you know you can drop the first string to D also This tuning works well on 6 &12 string acoustics Thank you for your video enjoy life
It doesn't look like you need any more money.
@@dsublette1 who are you talking to?
Love your stuff. What kind of tuning does Kim Thayil use in the song "4th of July"?
The way Rick smiles happily in anticipation before he actually plays the riffs makes ME happy. That love for music is so relatable even though I can't even play the electric guitar.
Indeed
IKR? He's so into the zone, you can see 'Young Rick' appear before your eyes. Especially on #4.
Ya know even people who dont smile whilsts playing feel an extreme amount of passion for it xD
I love how excited Rick gets when he's about to play nirvana he's like a kid it's great
I had the pleasure and humble honor of being the one to digitally archive that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young album from the original tape 👍🏻👍🏻
Adam Jones is no joke! No screaming solos just technical artistry!
The guitar tone on the Aenima album is my favorite. That solo near the end of "Third Eye" and the tone on "Pushit" is just incredible. I can't even describe it.
@@seminole17910 jesus yes! The tone in pushit on that lstverse that's not on the live version was out of this world!
@@colmivers The live version of Pushit that starts out mellow with the alternate "bridge" is insane!
I can’t stand guitar wankery. I’ll take Adams style every time
@@seminole17910third eye is a whole journey, just like reflection and rosetta stoned.
Rick Beato: I'm not really a guitarist
Also Rick Beato: Plays a bunch of fast riffs effortlessly
He's like, "Aww, I haven't played in a while", but then crushes anything you ask him to play.
He's just one of those musicians who knows so many instruments that he feels like a dud if he's been playing the piano, the drums and bass for a week but forgot the guitar.
Rick is the one guy you want to find if you want to learn about EVERY ASPECT of music (composition, execution, recording, production, mixing, mastering and every little thing in between).
He's an absolute beast. He's taught me SO MUCH valuable information.
Watching him almost guarantees learning -- even if you skip, you'll learn something about pick thickness, or how cranking the MID will affect a song depending where you land!
...and a Marilyn Manson song that could be played by a 6 year-old.
@@MattsAwesomeStuff Kinda proves the point doesn't it? That's what a guitarist would do.
Being not the top most guitarist in in the recording studio, doesn't make Rick "not a guitarist." Being better than most professional guitarists...kinda does.
Not a guitarist, just a guitar teacher. Totally different.
he's hung out with so many great guitarists for whom it is their life, to him it would be silly to claim to be a serious guitarist...it's all relative Ive found. Ive been both an amazing guitarist and a not so great one, all without my skill level changing, All depends on who's watching and if they know how to play.
1:54 - Hey Man Nice Shot (Filter)
2:30 - The Beautiful People (Marilyn Manson)
3:35 - Nightmare (Avenged Sevenfold)
4:26 - Lay It Down (Ratt)
5:37 - It's Love (King's X)
7:24 - Everlong (Foo Fighters)
9:00 - On A Plain (Nirvana)
11:15 - Killing In The Name (Rage Against The Machine)
12:55 - Forty Six & 2 (Tool)
13:52 - Spoonman (Soundgarden)
Honourable mentions:
0:32 - Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
I fucking love you
@@jerryskid420 you are right man a few of the songs are good but overall the list is just awful.
Meantime - Helmet - I mean how can that not be on there? Wilma's rainbow? Hamilton had SO many good riffs....
@@jerryskid420 why are u here if you think that he is a horrible producer...
No Mention of Cinnamon Girl? (technically its double drop D because you drop the high e also). But what a great tune.
01:54 Filter "Hey Man Nice Shot"
02:30 Marilyn Manson "The Beautiful People"
03:35 Avenged Sevenfold "Nightmare"
04:27 Ratt "Lay It Down"
05:36 King's X "It's love"
07:24 Foo Fighters "Everlong"
09:00 Nirvana "On A Plain"
11:15 Rage Against The Machine "Killing In The Name"
12:55 Tool "Forty Six & 2"
13:52 Soundgarden "Spoonman"
Kings x was the only one of these bands I did not have in my ear for 20+ years.
@@tarnocdoino3857 same
Thank you
@@tarnocdoino3857 You really should check out their stuff. I've been a fan since the 80's. Greatest band no one, except hardcore fans, has ever heard of. Also a LOT of fun to play!
Where’s Godsmack!!
I was pleasantly surprised to see A7X represented here. They are one of my all time favorite bands and one of the reasons I wanted to learn guitar in the first place.
I was expecting it to be honnest since first : you're right they are amazing and are also the reason why i wanted to learn guitar, and second : just like he said in the video Syn is one of his great friends and he absolutely loves what Syn is doing in terms of musical prowess
You heard lamb of God before?
3 things I want to say:
1. What a killer list!
2. What a great sound of that Gibson.
3. What a beast Rick is.
which one of them? (GIbsons)
Special Mention:
Negative Creep - Nirvana
Slither - Velvet Revolver
Outshined - Soundgarden
Outshined. Best song ever.
YES to all three of those!!!! Negative Creep was one of my first drop D songs to learn, followed by Outshined
@@stephenbenderplus agreed but is it true Drop D?
@@LintBisquick How is it not true drop D?
Outshined seriously outshines Spoonman for drop-d playing. So many other chord voicings utilizing that low-d string other than just the open-fifth.
Slither from Velvet Revolver is my ultimate drop D tune. The licks, bends and pull offs Slash pulls from that main riff make the whole song.
ABSOLUTELY
I hear this and I wanna be Scott W RIP
Glad someone mentioned this one I was waiting for it. Fuckn banga.
Was definitely surprised that it was left out. When he said ”my all time favourite drop-D I was hoping for Soundgarden but thinking Slither
Drop Db
@@GJSolo No, it’s 440hz tuning. Watch the video and jam along. Slash playing open D chords with drop D E string. Played this tune for years.
Every time I tune from standard to Drop D, I automatically play "Outshined" for a second. I thought FOR SURE that was going to be number one. Right band, wrong song. So close. haha Super solid list, especially considering how difficult it had to be to narrow down.
BOOM! Yes
Yes, that's the tune that always comes to mind for me as well. The first drop-d song I learned!
For me it was always Black Hole Sun
The video has been cut down to 9 songs because “Hey Man Nice Shot” by Filter was blocked by their publisher. The only option was to trim it out of the video. Sorry!
Just to clarify a couple of things that I keep seeing on the comments, Unchained is in actually in Drop C#, Sad But True the entire guitar is tuned down a step and not in Drop D and Black Hole Sun is actually tuned a 1/4 step sharp because the sped the tape up. Try playing along with Black Hole Sun and you will see. Keep commenting! There are some really good suggestions in here :)
Thank you Rick for your channel. Deconstructing music and explaining structures and I guess the term is counterpoints, is so incredibly interesting.
I thought that the guitar from Sad But True was played by James while he was fighting the devil while standing on top of Hercules.
Just came here to comment I thought it was Chewbacca in the thumbnail...
You should do a video about lamb of god, and I'm honestly surprised you haven't yet... I'd suggest ashes of the wake track from the ashes of the wake album but there's alot of good ones from them🤘
thanks for the great video dont know a thing about drop tuning but im surprised Metallica didnt make the list
This guy is the most musically inclined person I’ve ever seen. True musician 🎼
And we love his passion for music and teaching.
I don't know. There's this guy Jimmy Paige some people talk about.
@@Crazyfool12 I concur. Although different thing all together. I grew up on Page, Slowhand, Rhodes, Lifeson and George Lynch. All different flavors but sheer brilliance on the fretboard.
Guthrie Govan is chuckling, but yea hes damn good
Prince: Hold my guitar :)
That said, I love Rick´s amazing musical skills and that he takes the time to explain it all to us mortals. Wish Prince would have made videos like this while he could, but I guess he was busy doing what he did.
Drown by Smashing Pumpkins is my favorite drop D riff (and song) of all time! Just something magical about it.
King’s X!! Hell yes! Ty Tabor is one of the most underrated guitarists ever!!
Fun fact: Tom Morello came up with the Killing In The Name verse riff while teaching a student about Drop D tuning.
Wish he had been my guitar teacher.
That's dope!
@@daviddarko2665 No, drop D. LOL
Fuck yeah 🤘🏻
@@johntomasik1555
He definitely gets the recognition. People all over the world praise him. You tools love to say people are “underrated.” Lol
I'm working on a piece in DADGAD.
For my wife who died from Covid-19 last week. I'm writing on her account. RIP, Joy.
I'm composing a celebration of life.
That’s fucking beautiful man. I’m so sorry for your loss. Stay strong and write that song for her I’m sure she’d love it.
Ok boomer
@@bertsimpsan bro
@@bertsimpsan that's not even funny that meme died like 2 years ago
im so sorry man wishing you the best
Always love it when Ty gets credit, where credit's due. Even Jerry Cantrell said he was inspired to DropD because of King's X.
When I was actively gigging, we used Drop D enough that I kept one 6 string and a 12 string in Drop D and a 6 and 12 in Standard. It was faster and easier to swap guitars than going back and forth on just one guitar. We were playing traditional Irish and Scottish songs and Drop D just allows a drone like sound you can't get in standard. It also allowed me to arrange and perform a lot of O'Carolan's Harp tunes on guitar.
That Tool album changed my entire life and outlook at music...
@A A Both incredible albums in their own right. A sign of a truly amazing band.
for me it was Undertow. I Remember thinking how I was going to HAVE to be disappointed for the next album, cause they were never ever going to top that... well we all know how that ended
How so?
“Outshined” by Soundgarden is the most Drop-D song ever, imho. Really love the inclusion of “It’s Love” by King’s X, btw.
Agree! 100%
Definitely outshined!
at least an honorable mention for Outshined
I cannot believe he didn’t include it.
And Spoonman is one of Soundgarden’s worst songs
The main riff of “Killing In The Name” is one of the best, most satisfying riffs of all time.
Listen to "know your ennemy" by the same band. Puts KITN to sleep
@Nick Swanson it does lol . The ending is brilliant and that Maynard part was so great
KITN is a better composed song overall but if we're talking single riffs off that album, I'll take Freedom.
@@whiskeycan529, I’ll agree.
@@whiskeycan529 your choice, I respect it. But "know your ennemy" does it for me. Maybe its also because KITN is overplayed , too..
Ty Tabor is such an unsung guitar genius. It's a crime that King's X wasn't more popular.
I've heard stories about the record company saying they were easily the most requested band by all the other artists that wanted their albums. I'm guessing they could get them for free?
Ty is definitely a player's player
sure, the screaming, shredding solos get the lion's share of attention, but take some time to appreciate Ty's outstanding rhythm support work in so many of King's X's excellent catalog ... I think his rhythmic playing in "Lost in Germany" is tremendous
@@doctorpatient519 Haha, good call Doc. That track gets stuck in my head a ton.
Dogman is an incredible riff. First time I heard it I almost OD'd on serotonin
Ty is so good it’s ridiculous. He can play virtually any style with perfect timing and fingering. His left hand is unparalleled and his right hand has such great feel, muting and harmonics. He also has the Phil Keaggy volume knob swell down pat wherein the pick attack is silenced and the result is a bowed instrument sound (violin, viola or cello) using the pinky finger. I haven’t heard him do that for a while. He lives in the same city I do but as many years as it’s been I doubt if he even remembers me. Although, true story, when my band, the Ryde launched, Ty was my band’s first Sound and Light man for our first 2 gigs as The Edge/Sneak Preview had a few days off and we were using almost identical sound and lighting made by John Gott of Dynamite Sound and Light in Springfield MO
King's X could be all the Drop D songs on this list, IMO. So many brilliant Drop-D songs. Glad he included them.
YES! My fav is Fool You
Cigarettes
Dogman!
Lost In Germany is friggin' RIDICULOUS. What a riff!
They tune even lower, Drop B and A even
Drop Dead Legs by Van Halen is another fantastic one. Velvet Revolver’s Slither is another good one.
I think Slither is Drop D flat actually... Slash always tunes a half step down
@@IvandeWeer You would think so, but that song is actually in standard drop D tuning
@@IvandeWeer it was standard drop d
Drop dead legs is drop c#
I think Drop Dead Legs is in standard tuning... it's just written in D
One of my favourite drop D songs is “Ten Years Gone” by Led Zeppelin. Such a beautiful song, being relatively underrated but the intro, solo and the ‘army of guitars’ that Page uses is what makes it such a masterpiece imo 🤙
YES!!!! Love that song, when the main riff drops for the first time it gives me chills.
That is my all-time favorite song. It also makes me laugh when people don’t think I’m a big Zeppelin fan, ask me my favorite song by them, then looked stumped as if they’ve never heard of “Ten Years Gone.”
Love Ten Years Gone! 🥰🥰
That's my pick for one of the two most underrated Zeppelin songs, the other being No Quarter
This masterpiece started as an instrumental, till Robert heard it and wrote the wisdom filled lyrics. Ten Years Gone is as honest as it gets...
RIck, I literally cannot watch any of your videos because I just get sucked into this vortex of amazingness that is not only extremely informative but super entertaining. Your appreciation of the music that you feature is so infectious. You are the best, bar none.
I think Helmet's unsung was when I first started taking notice to drop tuning.
That power groove type sound still gets me today
Shallow by Porcupine Tree
Israel’s Son by Silverchair
Room a Thousand Years Wide by Soundgarden
Hi Metal Jesus
Amen !!
Hell yeah mj. Room a thousand years wide is the best song on that album
One of three is good. Silverchair? Jeez...
@@adamguy458 I’d like to toss out JCP or face pollution, even searching for a friend
But I like that one too
“Outshined” by Soundgarden is absolutely KILLER drop-D riffage. As well as “Unsung” by Helmet.
Outshined utilizes drop D beautifully.
i also would've chose these over some on this list
Unsung should be there, it's an iconic drop D song
Really surprised both weren't included
Outshined is my go-to riff when trying out a guitar.
Such a great song!
Rick, the fact that you paid homage to King's X in this video makes you even cooler (as if that was possible). What about getting Doug, Ty, and Jerry in the studio for a special interview?
"Outshined" by Soundgarden is in Drop D. That was their killer riff for me in the early 90's.
Yes! Outshined has the heaviest intro of the early 90s.
One of their best songs
Agreed.
@@karmakultivator That whole album is great.
Looking California, and feeling Minnesota.
Rick releases a Drop D video and I'm all "Hello! I've waited here for you everlong."
Excited "ok oooh" from me.
Trueee
You Foo.
Thats the first song i thought aswell
Haha love this comment
I have a funny Marilyn Manson story too. I used to work at MTV in Los Angeles and I was on site tech support one of the years they held the VMA's in LA. I had a radio so that if anyone needed computer support they could reach me. On the day before the show they had a dress rehearsal and I hear on the radio, "could we get some more lights in the dressing room? Marilyn Manson has a problem with the dark." Which I thought was wildly ironic considering his image.
Haha man thats crazy
The excitement in Rick's face makes it all the more fun to learn
Rick- I am so unbelievably glad you appreciate and played KING’S X!! Such an under appreciated band. Way ahead of their time.
I'd love to see a WMTSG installment on a King's X song. Please???!!!
Yeah kings X badass
They were the inspiration for much of the drop D grunge songs. Very nit picky, but I would have had It’s Love and Everlong at the top since some of these other famous drop D songs wouldn’t exist without It’s Love and Everlong is just an amazing use of drop D.
I always loved playing Hum's "Stars". All the riffs are killer in that song.
Have you heard their new album? Killer guitar tones!
Hum are kings of Drop D. My favorite is probably I Hate It Too
I thought it might sneak on the list. Especially the palm muted 0-2-4 part in the chorus and the repeating riff at the end. SO HEAVY.
So much fun to play the bridge to Stars on the guitar cranked high. Their new album is awesome
I love that Hum song. I listen to it all the time out of childhood nostalgia. It's an awesome song like Everlong but it hasnt been overplayed and it's still fun to go back and listen to.
Velvet Revolver Slither, crazy riff that goes back on itself. Gotta love a bit of drop D
Thank you for recognizing Kings X. I love that band, their stuff was brilliant.
..IS (and continues to be) brilliant.
#10. Filter - Hey Man Nice Shot (1:55)
#9. Marilyn Manson - Beautiful People (2:40)
#8. Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare (3:45)
#7. Ratt - Lay It Down (4:36)
#6. King's X - It's Love (5:47)
#5. Foo Fighters - Everlong (7:34)
#4. Nirvana - On a Plain (9:10)
#3. Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name of (11:24)
#2. Tool - Forty Six & 2 (13:05)
#1. Soundgarden - Spoonman (14:02)
trying to figure out how he left out van halen unchained
Tool should be #1 as always.
@@ejRecording he didn't leave it out. He acknowledged it at 5:30
Queen had same good drop D songs. The most well known is "Fat Bottom Girls".
But two of their most powerful tracks: "Prophet's Song" and "White Man" are also drop D.
White Man is in my Top Ten songs, such a brilliant song, musically and lyrically.
Yesss Prophet's Song 😍 heavy as fuck
Velvet Revolver: Slither
Clutch: Burning Beard
The Beatles: Dear Prudence.
Slither is drop C#
@@numb41 no it is actually drop d
Good call on Slither!
If you replace the Beatles song with Muse - Psycho to this, you have the list I came here to add.
@@BruceDoesStuff
As Rick explained with Moby Dick, Psycho really can be played at any key so the drop D isn't as important. But the riff is awesome.
Helmet's album "In the Meantime" took drop D to another level
!! 🤘🏽
Them and Prong at the time were something else.
Fun fact: Tom Morello has said in interviews he came up with the main riff for "Killing in the name of" while trying to give an example of what drop D tuning was to a guitar student of his...
Student of his what??? I really wanna know this fun fact to the end
@@juliabosse14jb he was teaching guitar i guess??
@@juliabosse14jb You need to learn English...
@@eddy5604 You need to learn English too.
@@randyxyt5562 OH STFU!
“Down” by STP has such a killer drop D riff.
Maybe STP's most underappreciated asskicker. I keep trying to get my cover band to play it .
Such a powerful song! So fun to play!
One of my favorites to play in this tuning. Definitely killer.
This!
@@Moviegod37 I'm putting together an STP tribute band... you play bass?
That King's X riff is both heavy and beautiful. Love it.
One thing this video taught me is that I need to listen to more King's X.
Lol, I've been "bingeing Beato" for the past month or so (stuck in hospital for chemo), and after 50 YEARS I finally learned I have a real 'thing' for tunes in drop-D and related tunings 😃😄
I was so close to say "Them bones could be on the list" and then I get to the ending. You win this one, Rick, you win this one.
Them Bones is Drop C# otherwise it would probably be here, I know he has a fondness of it I’ve seen him bring it up a few times
He also said that’s why it didn’t make it in the video lol
"Unsung" by Helmet is definitely up there as well. Killer riff that just melts your face right off.
Yeah, definitely
Yes and the song In The Meantime. That whole album and Betty is a sick riff fest!
Unsung made me start playing in drop D. Never we 't back.
I was gonna say any Helmet track
Hell yeah
Led Zeppelin's Ten Years Gone has an absolutely beautiful drop D bridge. It's filled with so much sound but it doesn't feel heavy at all.
I was going to mention this. It's one that really should be in What Makes This Song Great, too. When I learned it, I played the entire thing in drop D.
I finally started to learn drop D tuning, so this video is perfect! GREAT CALL for Nirvana’s “On A Plain”. Way to be brother!
Darren, West Chester, PA
Best Drop D jam with most underrated solo: "Ten Years Gone" by Led Zeppelin. Best folk Drop D: "Bartender" by Dave Matthews. BTW, it's cool that King's X is not forgotten.
Spot on for both thoughts... Bartender is a phenomenal song. And every time I hear a King's X song I can't figure out why they never seemed to break through. Only plus side to that is you'd still get to see them in pretty small venues. Love those guys...
I love how excited Rick got when playing "On A Plain"
It's not the first time
2:01 "Hey man nice shot" Filter
2:44 "The beautiful people" Marilyn Manson
3:50 "Nightmare" Avenged Sevenfold
4:43 "Lay it down" RATT
5:58 "It's love" King's X
7:43 "Everlong" Foo Fighters
9:41 "On a plain" Nirvana
11:31 "Killing in the name" Rage against the machine
13:21 "Forty six & 2" Tool
14:10 "Spoonman" Soundgarden
15:69 not primal concrete sledge for some reason lmao
First drop d riff mine was sledge
I wish there was a "STFU" button that toggled vocals from any song on/off.
Good list! Outshined by Sound Garden good drop D song, too.
Hey, thanks, Chad
Unleash the Archers primarily plays in Drop D, they have some masterpieces
The looping riff of The Beatles - "I Want You She's So Heavy"! I remember in grade 4 I heard it for the first time. I never heard a looping and ominous riff like that before and it put me in a trance, and I thought that the CD player was actually broken at first. After telling my Dad, he gave me some Black Sabbath albums.
That’s the coolest, darkest riff of all time
"Heavy" also works stupendously, played on piano. Do the bass part in octaves. It's dynamite! Hypnotic, too!
Fred
“Bottom” and “Sober” from Tool’s Undertow would go on my list... and “Outshined” by Soundgarden, of course!
Swamp Song as well.
What about Prison Sex?
Love sober, good call.
My top 10 would only consist of TOOL songs 🤣
@@marcus4485 In Prison Sex, the low string is tuned to B.
I can’t get enough of Rick listening to Nirvana. That is just pure excitement
Great selections. I'm glad to see "Everlong", "Spoonman" and especially "Forty Six & 2" made it . The opening riff to
"Forty Six & 2" always sends chills up my spine. :)
Is it really 'drop d' if they're playing on 7-strings?
@@Hansengineering Who plays Drop D on a 7-string? That's kind of a waste.
@@zeketaney5567 IDK, but don't Tool play almost exclusively on odd stringed instruments?
@@Hansengineering No, Adam Jones plays 6-string Gibson Les Pauls almost exclusively. The low string on a 7-string is B, it would actually be more difficult to play these songs that way.
@@zeketaney5567 ah. I probably heard that as a teen in the aenima era, and had no way to check.
I'm partial to Outshined by Soundgarden. Never been a fan of Spoonman (I mean, it's ok, but not compared to many other Soundgarden songs). Outshined is also fun to play, although I'm no expert at it. This top 10 necessarily has to leave out so many great ones. So overall, not really a complaint.
I think outshined is in a double octave tunning if I remember
The first song that always comes to mind for me is "My Own Summer" by Deftones. Fun song to play to.
It's Drop C# not Drop D
Be Quiet and Drive is one that comes to mind here, pretty sure it’s Drop D
@@prestonray7241 nope, the whole Around The Fur album is in drop C#
Really? I always thought it was drop D
This the very first riffi I learned to play on guitar...
My favorite drop D song of all time is from Helmet, "Unsung". Awesome intro and main riff! Helmet lived in drop D. I see quite a few people mentioned Helmet as well. They were the coolest of all they play is in drop D bands of the 90's.
Hell Yeah Helmet! Other than soundgarden, I don't know of another band in the 90s that made everyone decide to tune down. Aftertaste has at least 4 songs in the top 20.
Came here expecting this one too! Literally learned how to play guitar because of this song.
I heard the song “Stars” by Hum the other day. Sort of forgot about that one. And while not super complex, a nice drop D song.
That’s exactly the song I thought about!
Ah yes, the Helmut hit. Fantastic song.
Some of my other favorites:
Helmet: In the Meantime
Sepultura: Straighthate
Lamb of God: The Faded Line
THANK you for mentioning Helmet lol
Unsung by helmet also has a pretty awesome riff. It's really simple but super good.
Definitely Helmet! I would like to see them get a mention.
I'm also here for the Helmet love lmao, such an influential and groundbreaking band and yet they're always left out of the conversation. Kind of fitting that they made the song "unsung"
Cannot understand no Helmet mention 😱😱
I saw Van Halen at the House Of Blues in Orlando and they opened up with Unchained. What a kickass opener that was. Best opening to any show I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. I started learning that one as soon as I got home and my ears were only ringing about 2/3 as loud.
Spoonman is the greatest drop D song of all time !!!!
Chris cornell and kim Thayil ....were killing it...... Respect for the legends
It's certainly one of them, but lots of songs are worthy. It's completely subjective.
Black hole sun was a much more creative use of drop D. Not just sliding one shape around
It's real good but I prefer the heavier "Outshined"
I probably would’ve picked “Outshined” over “Spoonman”, because to me that’s the first drop-D song that ever hit me hard enough to try playing with that tuning. But they’re both great songs. I don’t know if Rick would’ve included two Soundgarden songs on the list.
Spoonman and Killing In The Name - two best Drop D songs ever!
i will add"
Velvet Revolver - Slither
Creed - What If
Tool - Schism
Audioslave - Show Me How to Live
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
Was waiting on Slither to show up
Show me how to live: seconded
On the whole the “What Makes This Song Great?” Series I’d say has been for me the most valuable and markedly helpful UA-cam music videos of any kind.
Completely agree with you
You are absolutely right! Spoonman is #1. When I was dabbling with guitar, it is one of the very few songs I ever learned to play. IT IS SO GOOD!
But then you have, In Flames - Zombie Inc., and that masterpiece of a solo that hardly anyone has ever heard of... :)
'Killing in the Name' is a strong contender for Riff of the '90s
which one? Two amazing riffs in one song.
@@KevinHwoarang Symphony of Destruction, Afraid to Shoot Strangers lick if not only counting power cord riffs
Every song on that first album would be
@@KevinHwoarang enter sandman??
I'm pretty sure it's standard E...
And freak on a leash, I'm pretty sure it's C standard or D standard.
@@dayanido d standard
I was hoping to hear “Dear Prudence” which is also Drop D along with Travis Picking. Lennon does a remarkable job of playing that and singing lead vocal.
Yes, this. Thanks!
Rick being the Beatles fan that he is, I thought that would be in there, for sure, too. King's X and Tool making the list kind of makes up for the disappointment, though. Could almost call the video "Decade of the Drop D".
@@Beelzebozo68 "It's Love" is an amazing song. So is "Hey Man, Nice Shot."
Pretty sure the Beatles are among the video blockers he talks about
@@frosty6845 Yes, they are.
My first thoughts were:
Stockholm Syndrome - Muse
Lateralus - Tool
Home - Dream Theater
Now we're talking!!
that's the good stuff, love Dream Theater
I spent a good part of 2000-2002 listening to those DT and Tool songs specifically.
Dude!!!! Dream Theater clearly plagiarized "Forty Six & 2" from Tool in the music Home. Go and listen to the whole song and check it out by yourself!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
@@SnoopyInTheBox DUDE!!!
I just listened yeah I agree..
It's like 46&2 and Korns Blind had a baby..lol
As a bass player Spoonman is so much fun to play, and the chorus and breakdown riffs are good practice for speed, strength and consistency. Outshined is probably more fun though, coz that riff is mean as hell.
King's X... The greatest band ever... So glad to see them represented here.
"Killing in the Name" is undeniable... it's impossible to not move to that riff. Right up there with Pantera's "Walk".
I’ve been playing since 2002 and have never played it once.
@@benjamindoverii2841 missing out
@@benjamindoverii2841 nobody said it was impossible to not play.
@@johnterpack3940 Too late now, after this video I had to go play it. I had fun.
walk is in d-standart
I'm so glad Rick gives time to King's X, and here we see the awesome riffage of "It's Love". Wow, you can really see the work that goes into playing that song. All these years I've just been so sucked in by the guitar in this song, and now I see a bit of why. Although Ty Tabor's guitar tone can be a bit shrill in the solos, his drop D riffing is killer.
My favorite is Home, by Dream Theater. Absolute masterpiece
Thank you! I was looking for that one, it's a beast in its genre!
I agree with Rick's choices. The song that showed me Drop D was Unsung by Helmet. Been back there frequently ever since
Same man, same.
Oh man I love me some Helmet. So heavy!!
Great song!
I was looking for Helmet in this list, for sure
Man, was totally excpecting Unsung or In the Meantime by Helmet (or just any song by Helmet). Page is such an underrated guitarist, but such a sweet and humble human being.
Open Car by Porcupine Tree
Blind Man by Black Stone Cherry
Laid To Rest by Lamb Of God
Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana
...too many to add to an already great list!
I think Heart Shaped Box is DADGAD, and knowing Cobain it was probably down a half step
Heart Shaped Box was in Drop C#
Blind man is a great choiche! Love that band
If Porcupine tree is making the list then it’s got to be Trains.
@@rodneyphillips1320 Trains isn't drop D. But Blackest Eye sure is.
Putting Ratt’s ‘Lay It Down’ riff you just put me back in my room as a kid learning that riff cause my dad said “since you’re learning guitar check this out(shows me Lay It Down) that’s one the greatest riffs of all time, son” lmao
"Even Flow" and "Go" from Pearl Jam are pretty cool too
Yes they are!
Even Flow is in drop D?
@@InGrindWeCrust2010
Yeah, Stone's rhythm guitar part is tuned drop D.
hell yea
This!
Warren DeMartini and Ty Tabor. Two of the most underrated guitarists as well as being two of my favorites. So great to see them being appreciated and recognized. King's X is so awesome. Ty's guitar tone is one of the heaviest and best in modern rock. Kurt Cobain doesn't get enough credit for his genius. Maybe because he never took himself too seriously. Spoonman? Yes please! One of the best rock songs, riffs, drum and vocal performances. Awesome Rick! I love this. Thanks.
Totally agree about Ty Tabor!!! King’s X is still the heaviest band I’ve ever heard and they were only a trio.
There's obviously a TON of great drop-D songs I could add....but I'll stick to just one.
I might be wrong about it strictly being in drop-D though....could be drop-C# or something, but close enough.
This band just doesn't get enough love, so here goes....
SILVERCHAIR - ONE WAY MULE. Super heavy sexy riff-tastic song from their brilliant album Diorama. If you haven't heard it, you're in for quite a treat....
Stop whatever it is you're doing and do yourself a favor.... :)
Both of those guys are great players... Very Underated.
@@br1rocks yes. Heavy, heavy tones but with soaring harmonies. One of their best traits. It's criminal how they aren't given more recognition.
@fellen Hi. I am biased more towards their first few releases. I believe they were at their best. Heavy music, soaring harmonies, but still with positive vibes. They got darker after that due to personal events. They still remained consistently good. Their breakout release was Gretchen Goes to Nebraska. Faith Hope and Love got mixed reviews but it is one of my all time favorites. "It's Love" in particular is probably one of the songs that best represents them. The Self Titled King's X is chock full of classics and in my opinion their pinnacle as an overall release. Just my opinions. Ear Candy wasn't received so well but "Mississipi Moon" is one of my favorites songs. Give it a listen. So heavy yet it just soars. Good luck and I hope you will learn to love their music.
I'm just here to sing the praises of King's X and Ty Tabor. Such an underrated band!
I was never very familiar with them but got to catch them live a few years ago and they put on a really great show. Totally glad I got to see them.
The best. I love them so much.
Agreed! I love that Rick included them in this list! Ty Tabor writes amazing guitar parts!
I saw King's X in the late 80's with Blue Murder and Billy Squire
So agree! Of all bands, genres, styles, moods, day of the week....King's X would probably be my final pick.
So glad to see Kings X on this list. Ty Tabor is a beast.
Lay it down - is probably the greatest 80's opening riff.
It’s pretty fucking awesome but...Unchained.
Cinnamon Girl. 😸 great list as is. Glad you put Lay It Down and On a Plain on it. I hated most of the 90’s rock though. I started going back in time. Tull. ELO. ELP. Camel. Infinitely more interesting than “Bush”.
You're in love was awesome too
@@leftyzappa agreed
“Unsung” by Helmet was the first tune I learned in drop D, and I was hoping it would have made the list.
Helmet taught me the magnificence of the 0-3-4 (tab-speak) phrasing. Blacktop & Turned Out both shined for me, rockin' those main frets. In fact no heavy drop-D riffage practitioner from that era could go wrong with basically anything off Strap it On & Meantime. Melvins, Unsane, & Cherubs were also major drop-D bands at the time -- for me. In fact Melvins' Honey Bucket I would have to say is the most quintessential drop D tuning riff ever...gotta be a 5th apart to pull that off.
Few of these bands would have written their sad nümetal cookie cutter weakness without having Helmet to rip off.
It's Sinatra's world. We all just live here. (Free jazz solo)
would have*
@@phnelson033 Blacktop and Turned Out were/are THE best Helmet songs, IMO. We might be the same person :)
@@phnelson033 I was hoping if I scrolled down enough I'd find Honey Bucket on here.
Great call on Helmet too, people are missing on that band big time.
I’m glad you put Ratt - Lay it Down in there, it’s got to be one of the greatest intros of all time. I did a cover of that song and I can confirm that it is hard to play.
Absolutely! One of, if not my favorite Ratt song. YES,that is a stretch to play!
One of these days I'll take the time to work out how to play it based around the open D chord 'cuz that would be 100x easier.
That's an amazing song/riff, my favorite from the band. I actually discovered it was a Drop-D riff as I watched the video, I never noticed that before (I have a terrible ear)
Yeah it is!! That was the riff that made me want to learn guitar. Just so bad ass
@@davidm6387 yes it easier that way but I learnt the hard way just because that’s how Warren done it 😊
Rick, great work as always. One song in drop D that stands out from my cover band days… Shine by Collective Soul. The crowd absolutely loved it back in the day.
One of the precursors of the drop D is Page Hamilton of Helmet. they have great riffs like In The Meantime or Milquetoast... cheers !!
Unsung Too
@@armydwebsale of course !!
Why does Ironhead get no love? That song is so heavy. But I was surprised he didn't pick Unsung. The song starts on a riff starting on E and when it drops to D, it's so heavy.
@@Mark_MKII my love to IronHead and Turned Out too !!!
FBLA II or In the Meantime by Helmet!
Slither by velvet revolver. Hard to leave that one out, considering slash did it in drop d standard. Great song to really get the hang of drop D for ones who are newer to it
juan hundrid percint. all things considered, Slither is a masterpiece. So goood, so fucking catchy. I am not a dancer myself but when that song is playing I can't stop moving. Probably the best song VR ever released.
Since we are here, I would like to mention All In The Suit That You Wear, another masterpiece on drop D, one that could be considered a glimpse into what the great STP was heading to wasn't for the band's break up. That song has been my wakeup alarm since forever.
One of the first drop D songs I ever played
Came here to say slither, but you beat me to it. haha
definitely, this would have been in top 3 of my list for sure
Sort of a forgotten Drop D song by now. But what a killer riff.
I would add:
- Even Flow by Pearl Jam
- Schism by Tool
- The Sound of Muzak by Porcupine Tree.
Sound of Muzak - great shout! Agree with all 3 of those suggestions tbh
Even flow is open d
I always play Even Flow in Drop D but the original version is in Open D
What's good about Schism? It's completely bass driven. Lateralus would be a much better contender.
Imo Blackest Eyes had a more killer riff, but props for PT anyway!
Ty Tabor is one of the most criminally underrated guitarists ever
Van Halen - Drop Dead Legs
Hum - Stars
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
Neil Young - Cinnamon Girl
Drop dead legs is the most underrated VH song. I love the playing in that
I was wondering about VH and why none of their songs made the list. but I'm wondering if they were in drop Db?
I believe Even Flow is not Drop D. As far as I remember G string tuned to F#. Come to my mind too but then remembered it is not a complete Drop D song.
@MACABRE L.A. That’s partially true. Once you get to Diver Down and 1984 you get more songs in standard tuning (IIRC all of Diver Down is standard). Drop Dead Legs is one of the songs in standard tuning, so I would have included it in this list.
@@toprak7976 pretty sure there’s a low D note in the main riff..? Maybe one guitar is in open D (that would explain the F# on the G string)? In any case, it’s kick ass riff!
Love this vid!! Surprised not to see VH “Unchained” on this list. One of the best Drop-D guitar riffs of all time.
It is the best
It's not drop-D, since Eddie is turned down a half step. It's drop-C#. But your assertion that it is the best riff is spot-on.
@@markmm1066 I used to go raving in dropped E 🤣
1st DropD I learned was Soundgarden’s “Outshined.” Not the flashiest, but holds a special place for me.
I think that should be on this list. Great riff.
The first song I thought of
Same. First drop D for me. I remember hearing the song for the first time and was instantly hooked...and so became my drop tuning journey from there. Lol
That was the first song I learned on guitar. Like you said, it’s not very flashy, but it sounds so badass.
Amazing song, super fun to play
That was awesome, Rick. Interesting that three of the 10 drop-ders had formative exposure to Buzz from (the) Melvins. Kim even credits Buzz for showing him the drop-d. I'm not a guitar player, except in my mind, so I need things explained to me.
You know when the video starts and Rick has TWO FULL STACKS behind him that things are about to get serious.
Actually some Zep Tunes had drop D before VH.
Love to see King's X represented. Saw them live for the first time last year and they are amazing.
Same. And seeing them again is high on my post-COVID bucket list!
Ole Rick “Flex the Marshall and Orange stacks” Beato.
Not to mention the cool guitars!
Rick "buy my beato book" Beato.