Backing track courtesy of www.bobbysbacki... Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy! I made a mistake or two along the way, but had fun playing along with this great track!
The average person has no idea the kind of effort it takes to play with that kind of articulation and precision, yet still have all that vibe. I salute you, Zen Man!
The only problem I have with this guitar solo is trying to decide which one I like better - the main solo or the outro solo. They're both absolutely brilliant and you played both of them perfectly.
Dru Chumley I had to learn the first lead, because it is a little different style than the last lead. The last lead is my style. Just had to remember the notes. I learned to play from the Allman Brothers Band album. The second lead, I just played it. It took me 3 days of an hour a day to get the first lead down. And it’s only 1.5 minutes. But it was worth it. We were working on a Steely Dan tribute show when I had to have shoulder surgery and Za had a stroke. I have had the pleasure of playing with Za Williams, of Arrested Development. Za was doing another CD with Arrested Development and a solo album, and I had to have a second shoulder surgery and Za had a stroke. I hope the opportunity is still there. I love playing Steely Dan. We lost too many great musicians this year and last, but Walter Becker, in my opinion was the biggest loss. Bands like Steely Dan, Rush, Yes, and ilk, play music too advanced for most. If you want an instant hit, play something simple. Something a white high school football quarterback can sing alone to and hum or whistle every note. But if you want music to be popular for generations, history shows, the great music last forever. I turned 18 in 1976, playing with a group that had been around a decade. I grew up with the best music. Classic Rock is outselling new music right now. Kudos to every guitarist that was born with the talent, has the patience to learn Steely Dan and took the time to learn their songs. When recording Peg, they had 19 different guitarist play the lead and picked the best. To play Steely Dan, you have to put in the time and do the homework, as they use so many different musicians. This makes Steely Dan hard to duplicate. And if you don’t hit the notes like the original, it won’t sound as good. I’ve never met a tone deaf Steely Dan fan
I was fortunate enough to have a co-worker loan me a cassette of the Royal Scam when I was about 19 years old. He told me specifically to listen to Don't Take Me Alive, but I was literally floored by the entire album. So much so that he had to ask me to give it back. Then a few years later Fagen's Kamakiriad came out, and I became a fan for life. Becker's solo albums are also ridiculously good, and I really wished I had gotten to see him perform live.
Very good - i'm learning this one right now - tough one to master but it shows you how creative Larry Carlton is. He's using the same note i am, but he does so much more with them. Good job on this song, you got the feel. And yes, there's gas in the car.
Gorgeous tone. I "learned" this many years ago, as it was a track my dad played over and over again most Saturday mornings before I ever picked up a guitar, and it was one of those solos I wanted to get down to prove I could actually play guitar. After around twenty five years of playing, I still can't get the phrasing as spot on as you do. Nice work.
Nice on e Tom. Larry would be proud. I remember working this out in 1984 when I was in a band with some guys 10 to 15 years my senior and they were into this stuff big. Really made me put on my thinking cap at 21 trying to play Steely Dan but it made me a better player today. Anything learned from these guys is a lesson in itself. Mike
@roccckkerrr It's an F7 then it slides up to G7 and down to C7add9. A basic open C chord formation but add the pinky on the G string 8th fret. Thanks for watching and hope that helped.
I'm home from work and I've managed to play the first verse chord wise I'm getting there slowly. Thank you because all the covers on here are of the solo only
One of my favorite solos of all time and you nailed it. And even though the solo rocks, I love the licks he plays at the end. Anyway, you nailed it, sir. Good job!
@KP11520 Thanks, K/P! You're way too kind though. It was tough dialing in the solo tone using guitar port. I had to add an OD to my already clean sound so it was a little limiting. I'm glad you liked it and I will give "Any Major Dude" a shot soon. Any yes, the "Dan" chording is as good as it gets.
Sorry for late response! The Antiquities are very warm and they have a nice "squelched" out-of-phase tone in the 2 & 4 position, w/bell-like chime, very SRV. In-phase they are bright & vocal & very controllable. Well worth the expense. I recently put a replacement MIM satin-backed rosewood neck w/med-jumbo frets on it because it was cheaper than a re-fret. I block the bridge. Oh, I LOVE the color! Threw some faux-inlay decals and abalone-topped chrome knobs on it for accent, looks killer now.
I LOVE Steely Dan. You nailed this one. If I close my eyes, I hear the origional. This statement from Wiki sums your efforts up: "The song features a famous and notoriously difficult jazz-inflected electric guitar solo by guitarist Larry Carlton, notable for a single finger-tapped hammer-on near the end. (Fingertapping was not widely known in rock till two years later with the release of Van Halen's first album.) " Btw, Walter Becker worked for the Pentagon as a missle Ballistics consultant
People talk about the main solo, which is harder, but the outro is melodic and gorgeous as well. Sultans of swing has that going. Comfortably numb as well but with second solo. Also Mr Crowley
Thanks a million. I just just learned the rhythm in three views. This is on my rehearsal list for tomorrow. The solo is still beyond my present abilities. Keep on strömmin' - ATL
Mistakes? Nah, you nailed this. You don't have to be slavishly note-perfect to do a great job, and you have. I've been playing this for 20 years, and I'm not doing any better!
Excellent amigo.I have been playing guitar for over 30 years (on and off).That solo is a so beautiful.I refuse to try and learn it so I do not kill my joy at hearing it.Lovely playing.I sometimes sing the vocal while listening to your video. I am a much better singer than player. Thumbs up from a Dan Fan in Dublin,Ireland.
That second solo is the pinnacle of all the guitar work on this masterpiece! You shine like always, Larry.... I mean Tom! (you don't think anybody will figure it out after calling you Larry?) Do you Tom? LOL Next we work on "Any Major Dude". Tricky chord progressions and key changes in these Steely Dan classics. Maybe that's why they are forever fresh and always a pleasure to experience over and over.
Not only is this an excellent cover of Kid Charlemagne, you've also done one of the best demos of the Everything Axe pickups I've ever seen! Excellent job & fantastic playing!
Those new pick-ups sound as good as they look....money well spent! I can't wait to see another video with that set-up! Great post Tommy. It's like an angel came down from heaven and is singing through your guitar. lol
@SIXSTRING63 Very cool, Mike. I'll bet you nailed it even back then. Learning these Steely Dan songs really helps me as well as far as chording goes. Thanks for the comment!
Damn, that's some fine playing and what a great tone. I've always loved the first solo, but it's just struck me how great the outro solo is too. Larry Carlton is a beast.
That diminishing section in the solo gives me chills every single time
The average person has no idea the kind of effort it takes to play with that kind of articulation and precision, yet still have all that vibe. I salute you, Zen Man!
Wow. Rolling Stone said Carlton's solo on this tune is one of the 3 best rock guitar solos ever. And you nailed it!
The only problem I have with this guitar solo is trying to decide which one I like better - the main solo or the outro solo. They're both absolutely brilliant and you played both of them perfectly.
Dru Chumley thanks for the kind words and glad you enjoyed it!
Dru Chumley I had to learn the first lead, because it is a little different style than the last lead. The last lead is my style. Just had to remember the notes. I learned to play from the Allman Brothers Band album. The second lead, I just played it. It took me 3 days of an hour a day to get the first lead down. And it’s only 1.5 minutes. But it was worth it. We were working on a Steely Dan tribute show when I had to have shoulder surgery and Za had a stroke. I have had the pleasure of playing with Za Williams, of Arrested Development. Za was doing another CD with Arrested Development and a solo album, and I had to have a second shoulder surgery and Za had a stroke. I hope the opportunity is still there. I love playing Steely Dan. We lost too many great musicians this year and last, but Walter Becker, in my opinion was the biggest loss. Bands like Steely Dan, Rush, Yes, and ilk, play music too advanced for most. If you want an instant hit, play something simple. Something a white high school football quarterback can sing alone to and hum or whistle every note. But if you want music to be popular for generations, history shows, the great music last forever. I turned 18 in 1976, playing with a group that had been around a decade. I grew up with the best music. Classic Rock is outselling new music right now. Kudos to every guitarist that was born with the talent, has the patience to learn Steely Dan and took the time to learn their songs. When recording Peg, they had 19 different guitarist play the lead and picked the best. To play Steely Dan, you have to put in the time and do the homework, as they use so many different musicians. This makes Steely Dan hard to duplicate. And if you don’t hit the notes like the original, it won’t sound as good. I’ve never met a tone deaf Steely Dan fan
I was fortunate enough to have a co-worker loan me a cassette of the Royal Scam when I was about 19 years old. He told me specifically to listen to Don't Take Me Alive, but I was literally floored by the entire album. So much so that he had to ask me to give it back. Then a few years later Fagen's Kamakiriad came out, and I became a fan for life. Becker's solo albums are also ridiculously good, and I really wished I had gotten to see him perform live.
more tension on the first one so I prefer the first.
BRAVO! You really nailed this! There should be zero dislikes. Very nicely done.
Thanks! And no worries :)
Very good - i'm learning this one right now - tough one to master but it shows you how creative Larry Carlton is. He's using the same note i am, but he does so much more with them. Good job on this song, you got the feel. And yes, there's gas in the car.
imunchienandalusia I love that line. Yes there’s gas in the car.
Carlton's Fabulous Flying Machine Reaching to the Angels Things yet to be Seen and Above Allboard The Show is about to Begin dont Miss the Start
Solo = Win. I've been a SD fan for 40 years. This brings back many a good memory and you guitar work is SPOT ON.
Quite simply the best teaching aid and the most generous gift you could give to the community of guitar students out there. Thank you!
Practice
Absolutely WONDERFUL performance! Take a bow, sir! I DEFINITELY agree with Steve W - there should be ZERO dislikes!!!
Bad ass. Silky smooth solo with great tone and playing. You nailed it.
Great job! Steely Dan is timeless. Jazz, Funk, Rock, Classical. My choice if stuck on the proverbial island.
Wow. Best track I've ever seen on the net.
That was the best 5 min of my life
I know everyone loves the middle solo but the outro solo is GOAT
Gorgeous tone. I "learned" this many years ago, as it was a track my dad played over and over again most Saturday mornings before I ever picked up a guitar, and it was one of those solos I wanted to get down to prove I could actually play guitar. After around twenty five years of playing, I still can't get the phrasing as spot on as you do. Nice work.
Nice on e Tom. Larry would be proud. I remember working this out in 1984 when I was in a band with some guys 10 to 15 years my senior and they were into this stuff big. Really made me put on my thinking cap at 21 trying to play Steely Dan but it made me a better player today. Anything learned from these guys is a lesson in itself.
Mike
beautiful guitar...playin aint too shabby either....what a song!!!!
Hell yes brother. Awesome cover. One of the best most melodic solos I have ever heard...
Holy Cr@p, dude!
That was off the charts! Outstanding work. Many thanks for sharing.
Who the hell disliked this? Awesome job, man.
Not me man. I love the Dan & the steely too. B=),
One of my all time favourite solos and you have nailed it, spot on! 👍🏼
Hands down the best cover I've seen. I've been learning this song for over a year now and I still don't have down like you do.
Simply wonderful, there's a lot of hard work gone into your performance. Topman
Yes! Very nice,I learned this once a long time ago (since forgot).very refreshing to see it played
with this camera.............you nail it....
im 42 from the van halen and yngwie school but i recently found larry carlton and i cant get enough. ill always enjoy yngwie but i have a new love!
I always vibrated on this song! Respect !
@roccckkerrr It's an F7 then it slides up to G7 and down to C7add9. A basic open C chord formation but add the pinky on the G string 8th fret. Thanks for watching and hope that helped.
Excellent playing on a difficult tune as most SD songs are! Great work on the solo! Tx for sharing and all the best!
I know this is old, but I just have to come back every so often for a fix. If I could give it a bajillion likes, I would. 👏🏻
Really really perfect playing. Exceptionally tasteful vibrato, bends and most of all hammer on/pull off. You have terrific timing, lovely cover.
simply . . . lovely
I'm home from work and I've managed to play the first verse chord wise I'm getting there slowly. Thank you because all the covers on here are of the solo only
Wow!!!!! Amazing job, 4 minutes and 52 seconds of jaw dropping. Thanks mate, all the best.
excellent playing..... it`s one fantasticaly written solo
Thx, it's one of my most favourite steely Dan numbers, mostly because of the guitar solo
Awesome! Two of the greatest solos is R&R history in the same song. Well done!
dude-that is sensational rendition-has taken me a very long time and I am still learning this favorite solo of Jimmy Page....
Reelin' In the Years was Page's favorite solo. From what I've read anyway.
Seriously sick. I love it in a million ways
Absolutely spot on. fantastic. Be proud of yourself dude.
Awesome cover. I Have this on repeat! 🔁
Lovely playing of a beautiful number/solo
Top notch playing. Your timing touch and tone were spot on and Steely Dan
One of my favorite solos of all time and you nailed it. And even though the solo rocks, I love the licks he plays at the end. Anyway, you nailed it, sir. Good job!
@KP11520 Thanks, K/P! You're way too kind though. It was tough dialing in the solo tone using guitar port. I had to add an OD to my already clean sound so it was a little limiting. I'm glad you liked it and I will give "Any Major Dude" a shot soon. Any yes, the "Dan" chording is as good as it gets.
Sorry for late response! The Antiquities are very warm and they have a nice "squelched" out-of-phase tone in the 2 & 4 position, w/bell-like chime, very SRV. In-phase they are bright & vocal & very controllable. Well worth the expense. I recently put a replacement MIM satin-backed rosewood neck w/med-jumbo frets on it because it was cheaper than a re-fret. I block the bridge.
Oh, I LOVE the color! Threw some faux-inlay decals and abalone-topped chrome knobs on it for accent, looks killer now.
Nailed it!!!! Enjoyed this very much.
I LOVE Steely Dan. You nailed this one. If I close my eyes, I hear the origional. This statement from Wiki sums your efforts up: "The song features a famous and notoriously difficult jazz-inflected electric guitar solo by guitarist Larry Carlton, notable for a single finger-tapped hammer-on near the end. (Fingertapping was not widely known in rock till two years later with the release of Van Halen's first album.) "
Btw, Walter Becker worked for the Pentagon as a missle Ballistics consultant
I LOVE Steely Dan. You nailed this one
Thanks for the lesson on how to pay attention. Great cover. Great listening.
Very lovely and faithful!
Bravo, well done, I really enjoyed hearing that song played well
Spectacular mate. This and Bad Sneakers are my favorite Steely Dan solos, beautiful stuff.
YOU NAILED IT SON!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic! I am going to dedicate the next year to learn this.
Well done brother....there is no such thing as an easy Steely Dan solo and you nailed it!!!
People talk about the main solo, which is harder, but the outro is melodic and gorgeous as well. Sultans of swing has that going. Comfortably numb as well but with second solo. Also Mr Crowley
awesome job! love this tune;;able to get it now THANKS..KEEPON STRUMMIN BROTHER
great tone! can't believe it shined through on youtube. Outstanding!
Your f***** awesome dude! I'm a big Dan fan and I know every note that's coming and you are spot on! Excellent work, I enjoyed it! 👍👍👊
Ahhh, one of the best long fadeouts ever (old DJ here). Great job.
Perfect, just perfect. So sweet.
Thanks a million. I just just learned the rhythm in three views. This is on my rehearsal list for tomorrow. The solo is still beyond my present abilities. Keep on strömmin' - ATL
just terrific!! I loved watching you cover the whole tune - you so nailed another one and to cover Carlton like that is some amazing playing!!!
Videos like this are what makes UA-cam great. Fantastic job on a great song.
Very nicely played! I've always loved the Kid, and you did him proud with this rendition. I think the people down the hall know who we are.
Dude this is your best work - No one on here can do the Kid like you - I've checked.
Great job. Thanks for sharing and posting this video!
Mistakes? Nah, you nailed this. You don't have to be slavishly note-perfect to do a great job, and you have. I've been playing this for 20 years, and I'm not doing any better!
Excellent amigo.I have been playing guitar for over 30 years (on and off).That solo is a so beautiful.I refuse to try and learn it so I do not kill my joy at hearing it.Lovely playing.I sometimes sing the vocal while listening to your video. I am a much better singer than player. Thumbs up from a Dan Fan in Dublin,Ireland.
Heres another Dan Fan from Dublin thinking the exact same thing!
That, is one kick ass cover, especially the solo.
Solo sounded spot on, Killa......thumbs up!
Awesome, simply beautiful!! Great cover man!
So fantastic. You made it look doable. I only spotted i mistake but you made it look deliberate with a smooth recovery. Very nice work sir.
You really nailed it! I have listened to that song at least 73698 times!! Nice job!
FANTASTIC!
That second solo is the pinnacle of all the guitar work on this masterpiece! You shine like always, Larry.... I mean Tom! (you don't think anybody will figure it out after calling you Larry?) Do you Tom? LOL Next we work on "Any Major Dude". Tricky chord progressions and key changes in these Steely Dan classics. Maybe that's why they are forever fresh and always a pleasure to experience over and over.
awesome professional at the highest level
The Dan would be proud. Great job! I can hardly wait to tackle this solo.
Well Done! Great tone. I picked up a loaded scratch plate from 920D with same pups. Love em
WOW JUST FANTASTIC
Such great memories. Where do I go to get my youth back?
I was totally along for the ride on that one. The guitar solo was fun as heck! Nicely done!!
Steve Weiss Thanks Steve! Recorded quite a while ago. Such a great tune! Glad you enjoyed watching.
I love this song. Good job.
You are amazing man. I hope you're playing live, letting the people enjoy your talent.
I learn a lot with You good, very good cover. Thank You.
Not only is this an excellent cover of Kid Charlemagne, you've also done one of the best demos of the Everything Axe pickups I've ever seen! Excellent job & fantastic playing!
And you got the feel and groove of the solo perfect , great job .
Those new pick-ups sound as good as they look....money well spent! I can't wait to see another video with that set-up! Great post Tommy. It's like an angel came down from heaven and is singing through your guitar. lol
Incredible. Great tone.
Man that is incredible!! That's such a feel good tune and one of my favorite tunes by my favorite band! Great job :)
@SIXSTRING63 Very cool, Mike. I'll bet you nailed it even back then. Learning these Steely Dan songs really helps me as well as far as chording goes. Thanks for the comment!
I have been working on steely dan lately , and your vidios are great . Thanks for taking the time to vidieo the song . It is a major help !!
Damn, that's some fine playing and what a great tone. I've always loved the first solo, but it's just struck me how great the outro solo is too. Larry Carlton is a beast.
Man, these solos were so tasty. Especially that outro. Great playing, nice tone.
great job...great right hand work...smooth yet great attack like Robben Ford!
Beautifully done! You made it look easy ;)
Sweet. Watching your fine playing is a great help to learning it myself. Thanks!
I have watched several on this solo on youtube, yours though, I can say you got the feel down right. Nice work.
Love the Dan, such smooth style...:) You really fill this one up...don't know how else to say it.
Thanks man. That was a real treat. Just effin great.