Steely Dan - Don't Take Me Alive Guitar Transcription

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 19 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 453

  • @sirvayr
    @sirvayr 9 місяців тому +14

    Gotta admit....theres a lot of these that are close. This is about the best I've heard. Guitar tone, subtle vibrato, BRAVO

  • @progressiverockvocal
    @progressiverockvocal 2 роки тому +114

    Well done young man, everyone's had years to work out this stuff. As hard as it was to find lead guitarists back in the day who could handle the work that Steely Dan presented with so many wonderful guitarists brilliant works, it is good to see that todays musicians still recognize the masterful work and take the time to get it right. Total Respect... !

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  2 роки тому +4

      Thanks! Very kind of you

    • @progressiverockvocal
      @progressiverockvocal 2 роки тому +1

      @@aldeniw You near happen to be anywhere near Albany NY...? Lol..

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  2 роки тому +4

      @@progressiverockvocal I live in Boston, MA! Sorry for the slow reply, I never saw this reply!

    • @progressiverockvocal
      @progressiverockvocal 2 роки тому

      @@aldeniw Shit... gas $ is so bad it would never work.. Would love to do some kind of a tribute band ting some classy cool material either all SD or perhaps some other stuff thrown in like Jon Luc Ponty or some Sting/Police, Dire Straits..? etc. Just dreaming dude.

    • @juletraylor5829
      @juletraylor5829 2 роки тому +1

      @@progressiverockvocal I love your taste in music sir, not many folks know of Jon Luc Ponty ...........

  • @wolfgangmueller1673
    @wolfgangmueller1673 2 роки тому +34

    I'm overwhelmed! Such a young musician has interest in old SD stuff and nailed it to the point! I'm absolutely speechless.

    • @hpawebster65
      @hpawebster65 2 роки тому

      Me as well!

    • @markvaars37
      @markvaars37 2 роки тому

      I'm 32 I absolutely love steely dan and several others. Been loving this music since I was a kidmy dad says when I was like 5 my favorite song was "Warewolves of London by Warren Zevon

    • @marlonholt40
      @marlonholt40 9 місяців тому +1

      This is timeless.

  • @jeffscholes4680
    @jeffscholes4680 2 роки тому +16

    There have been imitators of this riff, but this is by far the most accurate representation of this piece.

  • @brucema12
    @brucema12 2 роки тому +54

    FUCK YES~!!!! Listen my friend...I almost gave up on anyone caring mush less understanding Larry but you...you get it. You're not just copying the licks, you seem connected to the guitar much like the man himself and this makes me very very happy for the next generation of players who will learn from you. Imagine it's 1976 and you are probably a long time from being born and these cat's got together and made this record. Now 46 years later and guys like you are understanding the worth of this music. Thank you for this man. Thank you!

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  2 роки тому +6

      Thank you for your extremely kind words, I fully feel you about the concept of such incredible music being conceived so long before myself and others… a beautiful concept

    • @Dougalthepit
      @Dougalthepit 2 роки тому +5

      Yeah, dynamics, phrasing, touch...Jeez, man, you hit the right spots. This song's been stuck in my head since 1976.

  • @nucleusmedicalmedia
    @nucleusmedicalmedia 3 роки тому +59

    Masterful cover. I never realized how much Carlton was laying back during the chorus and playing those stabby bits.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  3 роки тому +15

      Thank you! I didn’t either until I learned it. He’s just as good at holding back as he is at going all out.

    • @Arturo-sm1tb
      @Arturo-sm1tb 3 роки тому +6

      Larry was pure taste and understated fire. He evoked more emotions by his minimalization. The other perfect example is his work on Third World Man. I would LOVE to see Alden take a stab at that. It may be too slow for you, Alden, but I would love to see your take.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  2 роки тому +4

      @@Arturo-sm1tb love that tune. Didn’t even realize it was Larry playing on it. I believe that is the saddest Steely Dan song along with Charlie Freak.

    • @charlesallison6932
      @charlesallison6932 2 роки тому

      @@aldeniw that's Skunk.

    • @Arturo-sm1tb
      @Arturo-sm1tb 2 роки тому +1

      @@aldeniw Yes, sad but gorgeous song. It was actually recorded first for the Aja album but it was thrown into Gaucho (re-recorded and mastered) at the last minute due to the loss of the Second Arrangement master. There is that gorgeous Carlton 30 second) solo at the 2 minute mark that would be right up your alley.

  • @EmilyTienne
    @EmilyTienne 2 роки тому +30

    Can’t get over how good this is.

  • @veracitytown9942
    @veracitytown9942 4 роки тому +93

    This is SUPERB. Best cover I've seen of this tune.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  4 роки тому +7

      Thank you! Please check out my other Steely Dan covers on YT if you enjoyed this one :)

    • @fredianacci8283
      @fredianacci8283 3 роки тому +8

      I agree - if I close my eyes I’d swear it’s Larry Carlton playing it....

    • @martyweiner6525
      @martyweiner6525 2 роки тому

      The ease of your touch, beautiful articulation and expression of each note, the gorgeous and generous amount of tremolo you apply, awesome dude! Def best cover I've seen. I'd like to hear what you wound do differently??

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  2 роки тому +3

      @@martyweiner6525 thanks so much, I appreciate the kindness. What would I do differently? Well I think LC’s playing in this song is basically perfect so I wouldn’t have done anything differently. :)

    • @hpawebster65
      @hpawebster65 2 роки тому

      Fantastic!
      No better on YT

  • @jammergreg
    @jammergreg 4 місяці тому +2

    My guitar playing took a giant leap in 79 or 1980 when I “ kinda“figured out Room 335. I remarked on this years ago, but that is a stellar performance!

  • @ChosenWon
    @ChosenWon Рік тому +2

    This is excellent.

  • @neilparnell5712
    @neilparnell5712 3 місяці тому +2

    Wow. Totally nailed one of Larry Carlton's best ever performances. The timing and phrasing is spot on and that PRS not only looks good but has killer tone as well as guts.

  • @JohnShields-xx1yk
    @JohnShields-xx1yk Місяць тому +1

    16 in 1976 I bought the royal scam record with my first paycheck. Amazing guitar work.

  • @presterjohn4123
    @presterjohn4123 6 місяців тому +2

    Faultless rendition of probably my favourite Steely Dan.
    As great as cover versions are, I am always gobsmacked at the creative genius and skill of the original composer, Larry Carlton

  • @mikedr1549
    @mikedr1549 3 роки тому +17

    I have to say - there are a zillion covers on youtube by guitar players - and I've watched a lot of them - but this one really stands out! Really superb.

  • @RNFORLAW
    @RNFORLAW 6 місяців тому +3

    Nice to see young people keeping this music alive. Well played young man. You are never to old either. I started playing at 48 and I'm now 60 and can pretty much play any classic rock songs including solos pretty decently. Don't give up !!! it's an awesome thing to know how to play guitar and have fun ~

  • @jonrittmann
    @jonrittmann Місяць тому +1

    Alden I've gone back and listened to this song played by dozens of people, live and in studio and yours still is the most accurate and precise version

  • @davidguthrie3739
    @davidguthrie3739 Рік тому +8

    Nailed it. Every note, chord and nuance. Beautifully and effortlessly played!

  • @Arthur_Foxache
    @Arthur_Foxache Рік тому +2

    Who knew Larry Carlton should have doubled all his lines in this tune! Beautiful tone and playing 👍

  • @pagewannabe272
    @pagewannabe272 4 роки тому +44

    Holy crap dude....AWESOME....very clean sounds just like Carlton....best I have seen as I am learning this now. BTW...I love that PRS ..whew nice.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  4 роки тому +7

      Thanks Page! Really nice comments... got a few more SD covers up if that’s your thing! Cheers!

  • @MRod1079
    @MRod1079 4 роки тому +27

    Outstanding playing here-Dead on!

  • @josephdurbin8736
    @josephdurbin8736 Рік тому +2

    I was vocalist many many years ago in the late 70's. It was mainly a Steely Dan cover band, which had a great musicians. This reminds me of the band back in the day. Nice job.

  • @Tarkus7
    @Tarkus7 4 роки тому +7

    Smooth as silk. No one does this better.

  • @psra8er512
    @psra8er512 3 роки тому +4

    Fantastic!! He should be on stage with the band! Effortless and flawless!!

  • @electricbomber9970
    @electricbomber9970 2 роки тому +1

    It pleases me that young musicians recognize what real quality is and strive to attain greatness!

  • @MrJohnnyb42
    @MrJohnnyb42 3 роки тому +2

    That is one of the best riffs of all time! Love Larry Carlton!!!

    • @darylcadman2863
      @darylcadman2863 3 роки тому

      First heard Larry Carlton back on a vinal, playing in those days with the group The Crusaders. Check out a track Spiral by Carlton.
      But loving this more than great Guitarist. Love his fealing, and everything else
      New Zealand

  • @Arturo-sm1tb
    @Arturo-sm1tb 3 роки тому +3

    Keep coming back to this video....the best guitar transcription on UA-cam...of ANY song.
    I have practiced this pretty consistently for 3 years now, and know that I will never come close to you Alden. Clean and Pure transcription of Larry Carlton in his prime.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks Arturo. But never say never! If you focus super hard to every note Larry is playing you will get there

    • @Arturo-sm1tb
      @Arturo-sm1tb 2 роки тому +2

      @@aldeniw Thanks for the kind words Alden. But you were born with musical gifts that I do not have. I will keep trying!

  • @markburnham7512
    @markburnham7512 3 роки тому +5

    As others have said, and well worth repeating, the best Carlton cover ever. Really fantastic.

  • @nocaed0273
    @nocaed0273 2 роки тому +2

    Fantastic musician. As good as the album cut, which is one of my favorites. Way to go, Alden.

  • @a_missippian
    @a_missippian 2 роки тому +2

    dude you nailed this down to the floor - big cheers from the Delta

  • @paulandrew8838
    @paulandrew8838 3 роки тому +1

    That downward bend is fantastic; beauty lies in details.

  • @frankguning4133
    @frankguning4133 8 днів тому

    Wow! Truly awesome with effortless connection from one riff to the next . You really did Larry solid on this masterpiece . I'm inspired . Thanks

  • @EddieSanders-qz4sl
    @EddieSanders-qz4sl 4 місяці тому

    You're one bad ass guitar player rock on and this Dad is so proud of you

  • @colink4823
    @colink4823 3 роки тому +4

    This really is the best cover I've seen. Flawless technique

  • @vanillaslice3016
    @vanillaslice3016 Рік тому

    And I thought I was the only one who ever used painters tape to keep out the New England summer heat. Top shelf cover of Carlton!

  • @DeelyStanimals
    @DeelyStanimals 9 місяців тому

    Drummers bury the click. Badass guitarists like this bury Carlton's track. Phenomenal playing. This is where the pros come to look to learn this song.

  • @mikehecker6802
    @mikehecker6802 3 роки тому +6

    Impeccable phrasing man I am totally impressed. Don't think I've heard anybody do it better. Well done!

  • @bobbyd79903ify
    @bobbyd79903ify 2 роки тому +1

    Nice job. I've been refining my playing of that lead for 40 yrs. Great ear!

  • @joelyoung6148
    @joelyoung6148 4 роки тому +12

    Nailed it! Always wanted to learn this intro.

  • @1894ron
    @1894ron 2 роки тому +5

    Very well done young man. This is as good as i've heard,including Larry Carlton and Jon Herington. Love this song!

    • @Arturo-sm1tb
      @Arturo-sm1tb 2 роки тому

      Better than Jon on this particular number....not even close.

  • @bobr4987
    @bobr4987 3 роки тому +5

    Never heard it done better! Complete with just the right amount of overdrive. Thanks!

  • @nearlysteviedan1275
    @nearlysteviedan1275 2 роки тому +1

    Bang on. A lot of time & effort gone into that 🎸🤘

  • @RWRI1
    @RWRI1 3 роки тому +4

    Best cover of this song yet. Awesome

  • @michaelreeves3637
    @michaelreeves3637 Рік тому +1

    I don’t think it’s a leap on my part to suggest you love this song. It certainly came through in your playing. Thank you for sharing this gift.

  • @gregwilliams9894
    @gregwilliams9894 Рік тому

    Love that shade of blue you painted the walls and the white window molding, ceiling and the paisley window shades and espcially the blue painter's tape sealing the window shaker. And I love this Steely Dan guitar lesson.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  Рік тому

      Thanks for the highly specific compliments 😃

  • @dena6254
    @dena6254 2 роки тому +4

    Amazing job my friend!!! 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 I am a die hard Steely Dan fan. I have been since middle school. This is one of my favorite songs! I live in Oregon too. 😊 They’re superb musicians. Please keep up the good work! Looking forward to more! 🎸 🤘🏻♥️

  • @mjsmcd
    @mjsmcd 2 роки тому

    What you have is the real touch and feel many others who just hit the notes dont Congrats

  • @connorwagstaff2348
    @connorwagstaff2348 4 роки тому +9

    One of the cleanest covers on UA-cam. Amp/pedal setup? Tremendous

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  4 роки тому +6

      Thanks a lot Connor! Please check out some of my other videos.
      Signal chain as follows: PRS SC -> UA Apollo Twin Duo -> Logic Pro X -> TSE OD808 (tube screamer style plugin) -> Waves GTR (cab bypassed) -> catharsis Vintage 30 impulse responses. Sent to
      hall reverb bus.

    • @connorwagstaff2348
      @connorwagstaff2348 4 роки тому +6

      @@aldeniw you're the man. Thanks! Great song and flawless cover.

  • @michaelmendillo7513
    @michaelmendillo7513 8 місяців тому

    Outstanding Brother ! Give us some more !!! 😎👍🎸✊️🎶🎶🎶

  • @fleekawadog
    @fleekawadog Рік тому

    Second verse @ Exactly 2:00 You absolutely nail the delay in the chords. Truly wonderful.

  • @tbulbulgil
    @tbulbulgil 3 роки тому

    There is no difference from original guitar sound.And the guitar player's technic is wonderfull.congratulations...

  • @stalkerfactory4172
    @stalkerfactory4172 3 роки тому +5

    Sir, you are an astonishing guitar player

  • @georgegeysen6499
    @georgegeysen6499 10 місяців тому

    Wow, the tone is spot on and the phrasing in the licks ... side by side with Larry Carlton would be proud. Thanks for taking the time to get it right. Excellent.

  • @mhthmusicvideos
    @mhthmusicvideos 3 роки тому +1

    Absolutekly outstanding. Bravo indeed!

  • @jammergreg
    @jammergreg 2 роки тому +1

    Stellar!

  • @zanewalls4542
    @zanewalls4542 2 роки тому +2

    I know this has been out for a while but I'll agree with VERACITY TOWN! this is the best cover I've have seen also on this song. I will check out the rest of your Steely Dan tunes. One of my all time favorite bands back in the day! Awesome!

  • @garygrove6887
    @garygrove6887 3 роки тому +1

    One time I was at sound board. Motor city Detroit. The elevator door opened. Donald Fagen and Walter Beckee were standing right there. I've been a fan since the 70's. That was fun.

  • @guitarsandampsrock7306
    @guitarsandampsrock7306 2 роки тому +2

    Fantastic playing and tone!

  • @yraay
    @yraay 3 роки тому +1

    Brilliant! Can you imagine trying to figure that out from the record? No can do...If you got the chops you can watch this and see how to play it! Making it sound like LC does is the gift...You got the chops AM!

  • @grahamt33
    @grahamt33 Рік тому

    Remarkable note - for -note and tone -for-tone recreation. You really must give us more please !

  • @JF_Hudson
    @JF_Hudson Рік тому +2

    Well done! Truly a pleasure to listen to and watch! So glad that you appreciate Steely Dan and Larry Carlton!

  • @guitarstarz2688
    @guitarstarz2688 Місяць тому

    Pretty damn perfect!
    Nice Alden.

  • @boatdetective
    @boatdetective 3 роки тому

    SURGICAL The very best players are masters of tremendous time and timing- not speed. The problem is now I'm driven down into the rabbit hole of watching all your other videos. Damn you, Alden!!!

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  3 роки тому

      Haha thanks man. If you watched my other vids you probably learned I’m a speed demon too... but I agree timing is way more important! Wish I had learned that sooner.

  • @paulsalomon27
    @paulsalomon27 7 місяців тому

    This guitar part is so completely sick. You played it great.

  • @dennisjordan837
    @dennisjordan837 Рік тому

    Intonation ... Accenting ... remarkable timing and rhythm ...
    remarkably well done and professionally executed .
    Talent at this level ... usually holds a studio musicians position for some labels production work .
    Most enjoyable to appreciate every lick ... and every nuance of the original perfectly duplicated .
    Semper Fi

  • @sjirk
    @sjirk 3 роки тому +7

    I know what it takes to achive this. And not only talent is getting you to this level, you really got my respect! stunning job!

  • @bodeans59
    @bodeans59 6 місяців тому

    All I can say is: WOW! Well done!!!

  • @jamescregg694
    @jamescregg694 Рік тому

    This is fantastic! Excellent guitar playing, it makes me want to try to figure this out and I am 76. I love Steely Dan!

  • @franksmith6871
    @franksmith6871 3 роки тому +1

    Great job! You're the ONLY one on UA-cam who got it note-for-note! Good ear!

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  3 роки тому

      Thank you Frank!

  • @danielthompson6880
    @danielthompson6880 3 роки тому +3

    Incredible cover. You're obviously in the master class of guitar players. Close but not quite the same tone as a 335.

  • @robertleath9913
    @robertleath9913 3 роки тому

    Awesome. You could fill in for them anytime.

  • @itsdeclan7733
    @itsdeclan7733 3 роки тому +3

    Absolutely brilliant man. Outstand talent. Kudos.

  • @paulmurphy8993
    @paulmurphy8993 2 роки тому +1

    Shockingly beautiful. Bravo sir!

  • @patrolduty8715
    @patrolduty8715 3 роки тому +3

    Awesome! You played it perfectly, my favorite song of Steely Dan

  • @kevinmcc3147
    @kevinmcc3147 2 роки тому

    Cool interpretation of this classic song

  • @rikardo1070
    @rikardo1070 Рік тому

    YES ! flawless. perfect. transcendent.

  • @GuitarUniverse2013
    @GuitarUniverse2013 4 місяці тому

    I can play this song all the way through, just like you. The major difference, however, is that I look like I’m being chased through back alleys by dogs and MAFIAoZA’s arm to the teeth! Blood sweat and tears pouring out of various parts of my body and I often barely make it from one change to the next. You, on the other hand are completely relaxed, almost to the point of being bored! I don’t mean that in a bad way, but you’re so in tune that it looks like you might be thinking, “ I wonder if the macaroni and cheese is done yet damn, I’m hungry!’ Great fun and thanks for the post.

  • @buddyboy66
    @buddyboy66 2 роки тому +1

    nice job!! lots of skill, determination and a great ear went into this. thank you.

  • @Glehost
    @Glehost 3 місяці тому

    Woaah!! Brilliant my man! Shit! Even nailed the little sprint at the end, very well done.

  • @Arturo-sm1tb
    @Arturo-sm1tb 3 роки тому +2

    nearly perfect. Unreal. Best transcription on UA-cam. Best I have ever seen and heard besides Carlton himself. My favorite part is actually the bridge and your version is gorgeous.

    • @aldeniw
      @aldeniw  3 роки тому +1

      Wow, huge compliments. Thanks! It’s a short and sweet beauty of a bridge

  • @donfarmerjr3371
    @donfarmerjr3371 2 роки тому +2

    Absolutely perfect!!!!!

  • @gavihacohen
    @gavihacohen Місяць тому

    Thanks for posting this video! I've been trying to learn this song for a while now and this makes it a lot easier!

  • @Tarkus7
    @Tarkus7 4 місяці тому

    Still enjoying this gem. Perfection. Thanks again!

  • @Dicklesberg
    @Dicklesberg 11 місяців тому

    Amazing cover, really clean and sounds just like the record!

  • @gsmeeuwsen
    @gsmeeuwsen 2 роки тому +2

    Nice job, Sir! Most perfect cover of that song I've ever heard!

  • @Hue_Nery
    @Hue_Nery Рік тому

    Not just note for note. You captured all the nuance. Great cover! And, a great lesson as well. Thanks for not covering up your fretting hand.

  • @kelvissnyder2134
    @kelvissnyder2134 Рік тому

    GREAT JOB! Been a SD fan since " Can't buy a thrill". Saw Becker and Fagan four times.

  • @loud7070
    @loud7070 Рік тому +2

    Absolutely beautifully done!

  •  4 місяці тому

    The intro riff is just so cool.

  • @donaldpruitt6787
    @donaldpruitt6787 3 роки тому +1

    You made Larry proud ... great job 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎸

  • @WildBillQRO
    @WildBillQRO 2 роки тому

    A lot of work there , superb keep the Dan alive.
    Cheers

  • @geoffgurney88
    @geoffgurney88 2 місяці тому

    Excellent work 👍

  • @MrJohnnyb42
    @MrJohnnyb42 Рік тому

    Your awesome Alden

  • @berylman
    @berylman 6 місяців тому

    I did not know what to expect and that was rock solid playing bro

  • @tovarisch2788
    @tovarisch2788 3 роки тому +1

    Extremely well done.

  • @stevenaustin2507
    @stevenaustin2507 2 роки тому

    Absolutely superb.

  • @jamesbullard4897
    @jamesbullard4897 Рік тому

    Beautiful fingers

  • @brad7670
    @brad7670 3 роки тому +1

    Fantastic, moves me just much as the original. Thanks

  • @bryanshaw8684
    @bryanshaw8684 2 роки тому +1

    That really moved me, just started learning this solo tonight.....it's not just technically beautiful, your timing and the way you lean in just right at the right times is stunning. I'm struggling with the first two bars lol. You really ride that groove like the best of them, best wishes to you Alden.

  • @aartman01
    @aartman01 2 роки тому

    Impeccably done.

  • @jonranta2588
    @jonranta2588 3 роки тому

    Wow,all of it!just how it sounds.