This is superb. The meticulous attention to detail, the archaeology of digging down to find out what these musicians were actually playing, using the original instruments, finding a way to replicate the viola, this entire thing is a labor of love, a love which I share for the Velvet Underground, but at a level of musical skill and knowledge which is far beyond anything I could hope to do. Respect and gratitude for what you’ve done here, sir.
I still come back to this video not only for the tuning but just to watch such a well made and researched recreation. Amazing really, can't imagine the effort it takes but I do admire it
Thanks for your comment! I am working on similar videos for more songs by the VU at the moment, so make sure you are subscribed and don't miss them! =)
I was 19 and in the Factory during the glory period 65-67 (I am using a different name here). You're the most astute commentator on the Velvet Underground that I have read or seen. Very unusual, as you are from a much younger generation. Your doc on Mo is simply the most accurate. You understand why their brief period is great art at the highest level. The way you play is them.
Thank you so much, that really means a great deal to me, especially coming from somebody who was there hearing the band while they were starting out. Their music moved me profoundly the first time I heard it, and I instantly identified with it. I still can't understand why more people of my generation - or any other for that matter - don't appreciate them. It's still very much a 'those who know' type situation even now, as despite it being years since they 'officially' recognised for their efforts, they are still far from a household name. Inspired by them, and other bands that followed in their footsteps who have also influenced me; I wrote and produced my own solo album...but despite efforts to present myself, I haven't so far received any response or interest from record labels, or opportunities of any other kind...so the next best thing for me has been making this content at home in tribute to my heroes' legacy, to inform as many others as possible about the intricacies in their work, and convey just how invaluable they really were to the history of modern music. It seems I've definitely carved out a little niche with this channel, and I'm hoping that in doing so, somehow I will be able to make music my full-time career, one way or the other.
Thank you! This song which was used at the beginning and end of the documentary was inspired by Moe’s drumming - ua-cam.com/video/yJHskPxpy3U/v-deo.html - and VU influence is present throughout my solo album (see the playlist ‘What’s Going On Upstairs - Full Album’ on my channel). Thanks for the support! 🙏🏼
Sounds spot on. I am no musician and play a tiny bit of guitar but am a HUGE music fan and have been a VU, Reed, Cale, Tucker and Nico fan since the 70’s. To my tin ear your guitar seems to have nailed their sound-thanks!
Mate, this is a REVELATION! I grew up with the VU, and this particular song was always an enigma to me guitarwise. I'm beginning to see the light, now! Lou and his band were just absolute genius. You did a great job, kudos!
Absolutely the best video. Cannot be more professional than this one. Finaly I know why I sounded a bit strange when playing it. Thanks for analyzing one of the best songs!
At about 8:24 you can hear where Marr got some of his influences from, never heard it this clearly before. Obviously the Velvets are listed as a huge influence, but hearing the isolated guitar re-inforces that.
Now you mention it I can hear exactly what you mean...Marr's melody in the second verse of 'Heaven Knows...' immediately comes to mind. It's the picking of multiple strings that ring the same note, adding a drone effect. Reed's way of playing VIF evolved over the years; on the album version he mainly strums the chords in the verses and picks parts here and there, but as his playing progressed he used more picking in this cleaner, more jangly style. My interpretation I guess you could say a 'best of' compilation of different performances.
@@CAMFORRESTER Plus of course Marr had a Gretsch, it looked similar to yours, but not sure which model, referring to the early days here. Enjoyed your tutorial, I'm a bassist, but found it fascinating all the same.
@@AmysTrilogy Yep, he had a few I believe! Mainly 6120 style (single cutaway) models but very similar indeed. Lovely sounding guitars. Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed the tutorial! :)
Been fiddling about with numerous versions of this fantastic song since I was first transfixed by it on hearing the Banana album in the 70s. This is perfect, thank you. The standard tuning with the top E dropped to D is crucial which I'd never seen before (I know it's then dropped a semitone or two further but the relative tuning is the same). I was also greatly impressed by your tutorial for the equally mesmeric All Tomorrow's Parties which got an immediate 'like & subscribe'. At that point I couldn't (and can't) fathom why your subscriber level isn't much higher, as you deserve. Good luck.
Thanks so much for your comment - glad you've enjoyed the tutorials. If you haven't already, do check out my Sterling Morrison documentary, and if you're able to share it in any way I'd really appreciate it! ua-cam.com/play/PLXFuVjTBILlgbL7vPV_j8aZiZ2njZTpoY.html
Thank you Cam, I'm going to study this great tutorial you've made....never thought I'd be able to get even near to recreating this truly amazing song...
This is just superb Cam. Incredibly interesting and informative. Thanks for taking the time to explain this in such a way. I very much look forward to working my way through your other vids.
Thanks very much! And yes I remember reading that somewhere too actually! Perhaps they just added some compression & eq to keep it as clear as possible?
What a bloody great lesson! I have been playing for 42 years, I have perfect pitch and I can learn any song immediately. But some songs by the Velvet Underground had always eluded me. The weird tuning! But of course! That is why! Thank you profusely, brother in Velvetworship! Plus, you have a distant resemblance to Lou Reed circa 1974. You only need a swastika in your hair :-D
One song that has haunted me for years is Ride Into the Sun particularly the interplay between the rhythm and lead guitars plus the starkness of the lyrics. The change up mid song too is unusual too. An in depth guide to that piece, would be wonderful. It is something that I have search for in vain. I don't think Lou Reed was ever really satisfied with his work on it. I like how you point out his limitations as a guitarist (limitations that he readily admits, since he considered himself to be a poet and not a great musician) and demonstrate how he worked around his them plus how he may had done things better. Although I had heard the Velvet's do it, it had passed under my radar until one day when I was listening to WFMU, the great NYC freeform radio station, and Dean Wareham from Luna played a cover of it that stopped me in my tracks, bringing tears to my eyes.
I know what you mean about Ride Into The Sun...you can hear exactly what they are getting at with those beautiful guitar parts, but the song as a whole never seemed to solidify sadly. Lou was a great rhythm guitar player, and really knew how to manipulate feedback to face-melting effect, but he was never a technician by any means. You can hear the shift away from dissonance and the use of unusual chord voicings after John left the group - that was almost entirely his influence. You can also hear however, the progression of Lou's guitar playing; not so much in the technical sense, but more in the delicacy and accuracy with which he would play.
Fookin' brilliant! Became an instant fan when I saw your Mo Tucker doc a few years ago. I thought you were just an amazing drummer . I see I underestimated you.
Thanks! Glad you've discovered more of my work through seeing the documentary. Visit my channel to browse through more - I've got my own original material, as well as VU tutorials & covers.
after 3,000 goes , now learned - my new party piece, just need a gretsch , doesn't sound right on my tele and strat - superb tutorial , thanks - frankie
great job Cam. Fantastic!!! Glad to see younger ones into Lou and spreading the word. I did not realize Lou played a Country Gentlemen, I seen it so many times, but it did not click. wow! I make docs also, and think you may dig some, especially my Lou. I have a video of when I went and visited Lou's Archives in NYC at the library. I must see for a fan!! It is simply overwhelming. cheers and subbed!
Thanks man, I shall check that out for sure! I also made a documentary about Moe Tucker from The Velvet Underground in case that may interest you: ua-cam.com/video/26Y-qPglJQ0/v-deo.html
You probably won't see nor answer this question, but I'll mention it anyway. I wondered what you thought about the bass drum being tuned to a C#? I've always thought this was an intentional decision on the part of the VU for the recording of Venus in Furs. I mean, after all, what are the odds of it being that without some judicious re-tensioning.
wow at last someone who digs the velvets enough to do a lesson ......thx bro
Bootilicious Cam superb singing
I thought the same thing😊
This is superb. The meticulous attention to detail, the archaeology of digging down to find out what these musicians were actually playing, using the original instruments, finding a way to replicate the viola, this entire thing is a labor of love, a love which I share for the Velvet Underground, but at a level of musical skill and knowledge which is far beyond anything I could hope to do. Respect and gratitude for what you’ve done here, sir.
Thanks so much for your comment! I'm glad you appreciated the tutorial and recording :)
totally nailed the song, even the mix sounds similarly balanced like the record.
Thanks mate! Yeah I tried to replicate the mix and stereo image of the original as closely as I was able to!
Nothing short of outstanding. Your attention to detail, and obvious passion for the material shines through. A gorgeous cover.
Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it :) It's one of my favourite songs of all time.
I still come back to this video not only for the tuning but just to watch such a well made and researched recreation. Amazing really, can't imagine the effort it takes but I do admire it
Thanks for your comment! I am working on similar videos for more songs by the VU at the moment, so make sure you are subscribed and don't miss them! =)
I was 19 and in the Factory during the glory period 65-67 (I am using a different name here). You're the most astute commentator on the Velvet Underground that I have read or seen. Very unusual, as you are from a much younger generation. Your doc on Mo is simply the most accurate. You understand why their brief period is great art at the highest level. The way you play is them.
Thank you so much, that really means a great deal to me, especially coming from somebody who was there hearing the band while they were starting out.
Their music moved me profoundly the first time I heard it, and I instantly identified with it. I still can't understand why more people of my generation - or any other for that matter - don't appreciate them. It's still very much a 'those who know' type situation even now, as despite it being years since they 'officially' recognised for their efforts, they are still far from a household name.
Inspired by them, and other bands that followed in their footsteps who have also influenced me; I wrote and produced my own solo album...but despite efforts to present myself, I haven't so far received any response or interest from record labels, or opportunities of any other kind...so the next best thing for me has been making this content at home in tribute to my heroes' legacy, to inform as many others as possible about the intricacies in their work, and convey just how invaluable they really were to the history of modern music.
It seems I've definitely carved out a little niche with this channel, and I'm hoping that in doing so, somehow I will be able to make music my full-time career, one way or the other.
best VU lesson ive ever seen. keep it up man
You are really tuned into that Velvets frequency. Amazing stuff!
You really detailed the shit out of of this tutorial! What a gem. Thanks for answering all my brains questions!
Fabulous! You have demystified VU for me for the first time. Maybe the best tutorial I have ever seen. Way to go!
Thank you, thank you very much! Finally after all those years I can play this song :)
Thanks for watching and glad you found the video helpful!
This is excellent stuff. First class.
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it! :)
This has rocked my world. Thank you so much Cam
No worries 😉
Outstanding! Recreating the viola part with samples is particularly impressive
Deeply impressive work. Like to hear your music as it must be exceptional based on this effort.
Thank you! This song which was used at the beginning and end of the documentary was inspired by Moe’s drumming - ua-cam.com/video/yJHskPxpy3U/v-deo.html - and VU influence is present throughout my solo album (see the playlist ‘What’s Going On Upstairs - Full Album’ on my channel). Thanks for the support! 🙏🏼
nice one , thanks, just back from the VU film and my teenage obsession is rekindled, never could play this - and that's one hell of a guitar
Gretsch are the best!
@@CAMFORRESTER agree
We need more people like you that pay this much attention to detail.
Gold
Well done son .
Passion can never be trumped by virtuosity .
Perfect. Many many thanks to you. A public service, superbly rendered.
100% amazing from start to finish
Fantastic. This is a 10🤟🏻. The tones are spot on. Impressive.
Amazing... on my knees for more.... Please, more.... please....
Man, I am blown away by this. Simply amazing. Well done!
This is all completely fantastic ‐the tutorial, the performance, everything.
Really thorough video and probably the best I've seen on this track.
Sounds spot on. I am no musician and play a tiny bit of guitar but am a HUGE music fan and have been a VU, Reed, Cale, Tucker and Nico fan since the 70’s. To my tin ear your guitar seems to have nailed their sound-thanks!
Man, thank you very very very much for your great video! That's what I really need.
Mate, this is a REVELATION! I grew up with the VU, and this particular song was always an enigma to me guitarwise. I'm beginning to see the light, now!
Lou and his band were just absolute genius. You did a great job, kudos!
Thanks mate! Glad you found it helpful!
Absolutely the best video. Cannot be more professional than this one. Finaly I know why I sounded a bit strange when playing it. Thanks for analyzing one of the best songs!
Great, got a stormy day coming up, going to detune a gutar and learn this 😎 Great tutorial!
Amazing. Thank you. I've been searching for this tutorial for years. The history and theory was an amazing touch. Outstanding!
Thanks I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. Be sure to check out all my other VU tutorials on my channel!
Tu es un bienfaiteur de l'humanité.
Fantastic detailed breakdown. This song has always been a favourite of mine. Thank you for this excellent work.
Unbelievable research on this, thanks for all the hard work and blessings for your passion. 🙌
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
This is incredible, clearly put together with love for the band and song. Stunning full band performance, well done!
At about 8:24 you can hear where Marr got some of his influences from, never heard it this clearly before. Obviously the Velvets are listed as a huge influence, but hearing the isolated guitar re-inforces that.
Now you mention it I can hear exactly what you mean...Marr's melody in the second verse of 'Heaven Knows...' immediately comes to mind. It's the picking of multiple strings that ring the same note, adding a drone effect.
Reed's way of playing VIF evolved over the years; on the album version he mainly strums the chords in the verses and picks parts here and there, but as his playing progressed he used more picking in this cleaner, more jangly style. My interpretation I guess you could say a 'best of' compilation of different performances.
@@CAMFORRESTER Plus of course Marr had a Gretsch, it looked similar to yours, but not sure which model, referring to the early days here. Enjoyed your tutorial, I'm a bassist, but found it fascinating all the same.
@@AmysTrilogy Yep, he had a few I believe! Mainly 6120 style (single cutaway) models but very similar indeed. Lovely sounding guitars. Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed the tutorial! :)
Beautiful. Good voice and a brilliant song.
Been fiddling about with numerous versions of this fantastic song since I was first transfixed by it on hearing the Banana album in the 70s.
This is perfect, thank you. The standard tuning with the top E dropped to D is crucial which I'd never seen before (I know it's then dropped a semitone or two further but the relative tuning is the same).
I was also greatly impressed by your tutorial for the equally mesmeric All Tomorrow's Parties which got an immediate 'like & subscribe'. At that point I couldn't (and can't) fathom why your subscriber level isn't much higher, as you deserve. Good luck.
Thanks so much for your comment - glad you've enjoyed the tutorials.
If you haven't already, do check out my Sterling Morrison documentary, and if you're able to share it in any way I'd really appreciate it! ua-cam.com/play/PLXFuVjTBILlgbL7vPV_j8aZiZ2njZTpoY.html
Wonderful...amazing...brilliant! My favorite band of all time, so thank you so very much!!
Excellent. Really nicely done!
I wish I could play this song and make it sound this great, but it points out how essentially John Cale was. Excellent job.
Indeed, John's influence is all over this track!
Such an insightful tutorial, great tone, and so accurate. Keep them coming!!
Excellent! Used my own way to play this 25 yrs ago and it did capture the song and mood but this is definitely how it was done.
Mate, this was excellent. I came across this video whilst looking to learn the song, but just put my guitar and just followed in awe
Thanks mate, glad to hear it was easy to follow!
Your videos are amazing! So glad I found these
Thanks very much; glad to hear you're enjoying them! 😊
Deliciously niche. Brilliant work! Thank you.
This is some high quality content right here...
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Amazing tutorial and cover! Stellar work
Thank you Cam, I'm going to study this great tutorial you've made....never thought I'd be able to get even near to recreating this truly amazing song...
Now I know where the high droning guitar and dense production on Jumping Jack Flash came from. Brian was a big Velvet fan.
This is just superb Cam.
Incredibly interesting and informative.
Thanks for taking the time to explain this in such a way.
I very much look forward to working my way through your other vids.
Thanks for the comment, I hope you enjoy the rest of the series! 😎
I read an interview that the guitar and bass were DI on the second version. Love the tutorial and tuning tips, and a great cover version!
Thanks very much! And yes I remember reading that somewhere too actually! Perhaps they just added some compression & eq to keep it as clear as possible?
This was amazing. Your rendition is awesome.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great tutorial….Info about the tuning very helpful. Nice guitar
like the bass too. i appreciate the work and devotion.
Dude, this is intense. Good job mate
This sounds amazing thank you
This was very helpful. Thank you very much sir.
God bless your soul
Brilliant great job i love this song
Very impressive.
amazing detail and hard to come by information in this video. This is amazing
Thanks for the comment, glad you found it informative and enjoyed it! There will be more to come…
Great tutorial, really well made dude!!!
Great video LAD!!! WELL DONE!!!!!!
Your voice really fits the song. Loved this video!
Τhank you so much!
Velvets=Genious
Great - thanks. That C# m7 b9 has always left me feeling slightly shop-soiled.
@@Unfunny_Username_389 I believe certain kinds of shops still play the song frequently...
Amazing work!
Thanks much!
What a bloody great lesson! I have been playing for 42 years, I have perfect pitch and I can learn any song immediately. But some songs by the Velvet Underground had always eluded me. The weird tuning! But of course! That is why! Thank you profusely, brother in Velvetworship! Plus, you have a distant resemblance to Lou Reed circa 1974. You only need a swastika in your hair :-D
You're very welcome my friend...and thank you! I take that as a massive compliment haha ;)
Outstanding work!
This is awesome
This is just amazing
Impressive!
Brilliant work. Thank you very much for this. Just subscribed. 👍🏻
Thanks so much for you support!
that was the best version i’ve heard, yet
Thank you for saying so! I'm glad you like it!
Great video!
Amazing video! Thank you
Thanks! Be sure to check out my other uploads if you would like to see more VU songs explained: ua-cam.com/video/0fbnpmVyXbU/v-deo.html
One song that has haunted me for years is Ride Into the Sun particularly the interplay between the rhythm and lead guitars plus the starkness of the lyrics. The change up mid song too is unusual too. An in depth guide to that piece, would be wonderful. It is something that I have search for in vain. I don't think Lou Reed was ever really satisfied with his work on it. I like how you point out his limitations as a guitarist (limitations that he readily admits, since he considered himself to be a poet and not a great musician) and demonstrate how he worked around his them plus how he may had done things better.
Although I had heard the Velvet's do it, it had passed under my radar until one day when I was listening to WFMU, the great NYC freeform radio station, and Dean Wareham from Luna played a cover of it that stopped me in my tracks, bringing tears to my eyes.
I know what you mean about Ride Into The Sun...you can hear exactly what they are getting at with those beautiful guitar parts, but the song as a whole never seemed to solidify sadly.
Lou was a great rhythm guitar player, and really knew how to manipulate feedback to face-melting effect, but he was never a technician by any means. You can hear the shift away from dissonance and the use of unusual chord voicings after John left the group - that was almost entirely his influence. You can also hear however, the progression of Lou's guitar playing; not so much in the technical sense, but more in the delicacy and accuracy with which he would play.
Fookin' brilliant! Became an instant fan when I saw your Mo Tucker doc a few years ago. I thought you were just an amazing drummer . I see I underestimated you.
Thanks! Glad you've discovered more of my work through seeing the documentary. Visit my channel to browse through more - I've got my own original material, as well as VU tutorials & covers.
after 3,000 goes , now learned - my new party piece, just need a gretsch , doesn't sound right on my tele and strat - superb tutorial , thanks - frankie
You're welcome; glad I could help!
Fantastic!
great job Cam. Fantastic!!! Glad to see younger ones into Lou and spreading the word. I did not realize Lou played a Country Gentlemen, I seen it so many times, but it did not click. wow! I make docs also, and think you may dig some, especially my Lou. I have a video of when I went and visited Lou's Archives in NYC at the library. I must see for a fan!! It is simply overwhelming. cheers and subbed!
Thanks man, I shall check that out for sure! I also made a documentary about Moe Tucker from The Velvet Underground in case that may interest you: ua-cam.com/video/26Y-qPglJQ0/v-deo.html
@@CAMFORRESTER Yes, ty, I am in process of watching that.
amazing video!
Wow what a great tutorial and cover!
bro great tutorial thank you so much!
very interesting
really in-depth tutorial, i subbed and hope you can upload some more vu tutorials in the future. Cheers for the great video
Thank you…I am working on another right now. Hopefully it will be finished & uploaded within the next week or two…keep your eye out!
Gr8 lesson cheers - like a reversed dropped D tuning DGCFAC
Brillant mate !!
You probably won't see nor answer this question, but I'll mention it anyway. I wondered what you thought about the bass drum being tuned to a C#? I've always thought this was an intentional decision on the part of the VU for the recording of Venus in Furs. I mean, after all, what are the odds of it being that without some judicious re-tensioning.
Ya, good job
Man this is gold
Thanks! I will finally have more coming over the next few weeks, so make sure you're subscribed and don't forget to hit the bell! ;)
thank you master
You are welcome, student? 😅
Cure his heart
Absolutely love the amount of work that you put into the vid, can't wait to see more VU tutorials mate
This is great Cam. Have a subscribe!
excellent video
Thank you, I hope it was helpful!