Analyzing A Genius Riff From Metallica's "ORION"

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  • Опубліковано 1 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 614

  • @Landekar
    @Landekar 2 місяці тому +77

    4:02 I honestly believe Jake that you meant the last two measures to be B minor and B major, where is notes underneath that make up the chords are really confusing

    • @SignalsMusicStudio
      @SignalsMusicStudio  2 місяці тому +21

      YEP, my bad!!!!

    • @GregBennett
      @GregBennett 2 місяці тому +7

      I saw that too and was proud of myself for catching a slip by such a talented teacher haha

    • @InhalerOfTheRifftree
      @InhalerOfTheRifftree 20 днів тому

      He does that to remind us he's human

  • @danieldean8953
    @danieldean8953 2 місяці тому +410

    Second video? Yes please

  • @eseguerito2629
    @eseguerito2629 2 місяці тому +275

    DEFINITELY make a video about that middle section!

    • @Brog1976
      @Brog1976 2 місяці тому +4

      Yes! The middle section is pretty amazing

    • @cardconnection4322
      @cardconnection4322 2 місяці тому +2

      Yes that is the best part

  • @AndriyVasylenko
    @AndriyVasylenko 2 місяці тому +192

    I am relieved. Someone finally dared tackle Orion, and it was the most right person to do that! And this riff in particular is my favourite riff ever. Also thanks for the shout out, almost forgot I made that old vid about the intro layers ha. Cheers man and hope to see more Orion bits analyzed \m/

    • @SignalsMusicStudio
      @SignalsMusicStudio  2 місяці тому +25

      Thanks Andriy! Your channel was the first I went to when deciding to analyze this part 😁

    • @Vau_
      @Vau_ 2 місяці тому +2

      The art of guitar also made a video about Lars' drums on Orion

    • @SageStevens
      @SageStevens 2 місяці тому +2

      @@SignalsMusicStudio oooh love the work you and @AndriyVasylenko have done!

  • @luca42087
    @luca42087 2 місяці тому +70

    I would definitely like to see further analysis!!!!!

  • @derived-doom
    @derived-doom 2 місяці тому +6

    Danke! This was really helpful. Please consider doing a second part...

    • @SignalsMusicStudio
      @SignalsMusicStudio  2 місяці тому

      thank you! I believe the sequel will get made shortly :)

  • @eljejes9097
    @eljejes9097 2 місяці тому +49

    Excelent video, thank you very much for the clear explanations of each part of the composition of the riffs. Please make a video about the classical interlude of Orion!!

  • @djpinedas
    @djpinedas 2 місяці тому +5

    Probably the best instrumental metal song ever written. Thank you for this analysis!

  • @MGM261
    @MGM261 2 місяці тому +5

    4:52 thats the riff that popped into my head when the video started. Funny how its the one you wanted to analyze. What a sick piece

  • @MarcoAnteroMusic
    @MarcoAnteroMusic 2 місяці тому +35

    Hi Jake, Roundabout by Yes has a section with 2 bass lines playing at the same time. It happens on the bridge. If you listen closely (or maybe isolate the tracks) you can hear Chris Squire is doubling Wakeman's keyboard. It's freaking mayhem😂. Great analysis as always!

    • @SignalsMusicStudio
      @SignalsMusicStudio  2 місяці тому +6

      I had no idea🤯 thanks !

    • @diste93
      @diste93 2 місяці тому

      It happens also in the verse, there is a lick played layered on the basic bass riff

  • @ralfeeeeeeee5046
    @ralfeeeeeeee5046 2 місяці тому +6

    I never see your videos on my feed anymore. I'm glad I caught this one

  • @Pinnacle89
    @Pinnacle89 2 місяці тому +25

    These are the Signals videos I love and miss! 👏🏼

  • @kvpc11
    @kvpc11 2 місяці тому +14

    Jake, we need the analysis of that second part! Love your work my friend, you have helped immensely

  • @humbertovieira8717
    @humbertovieira8717 2 місяці тому +13

    oh man ! great analysis and explanation! please , make the video of the classical part! I'm sure there's so much there for us to learn about cliff's virtuous composition

  • @MattRhodes_Music
    @MattRhodes_Music 2 місяці тому +5

    By far and away the most underrated UA-cam channel. Your way of teaching and explaining is second to none and I seriously appreciate the breadth of content you've helped me learn!
    Will never pass up an opportunity to learn any composing or theory tricks from Metallica either 🤘

  • @webbc99
    @webbc99 2 місяці тому +6

    Yessss that drum line is the best part of this song. I love how when the riff returns at the end of the song it’s played totally straight and it makes it feel really aggressive.

  • @rowanrobinson
    @rowanrobinson 2 місяці тому +3

    I fucking love this song. You explain it so well, and how you can talk while playing is mind blowing. More on Orion please!

  • @InhalerOfTheRifftree
    @InhalerOfTheRifftree 20 днів тому

    Thank you for being as big a theory and Metallica nerd as I am. I could have never delivered this information in such a thoughtful, well produced, and helpful way. This is truly amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I learned a lot!

  • @smarkalet9078
    @smarkalet9078 2 місяці тому +23

    I remember reading that when James and Kirk were trying to convince Cliff to join the band, he made them agree to let him play lead bass.

    • @bd______og
      @bd______og 2 місяці тому +9

      😂 He made them agree to move to his city, San Francisco.

    • @gannonsmith5807
      @gannonsmith5807 Місяць тому +6

      Also, Kirk never convinced Cliff to join, he joined before Kirk was considered to join, they still had Dave and Cliff for a while before Dave got kicked out and replaced by Kirk.

    • @88_TROUBLE_88
      @88_TROUBLE_88 Місяць тому

      @smarkalet9078 You best be trollin', goof fruit..

  • @mathewweichel1050
    @mathewweichel1050 Місяць тому

    Thank you so much for breaking this down! Ive always wanted a deep dive on that last riff and its off kilter beat. Completely blew my mind as a teenager, and the whole song is just a masterpiece in my opinion. It still inspires my own compositional work today. Thanks for sharing!

  • @Metallica8589
    @Metallica8589 2 місяці тому +11

    Art of Guitar has some really good videos on Lars' drumming in this and "Blackened", highlighting how Lars' choice in accents actually affects how we hear the guitar riffs.

  • @TPM4594
    @TPM4594 2 місяці тому +1

    Just wanted to comment to say I love your content. Whether its a broad tutorial on big topics like harmonies and intervals or a deep dive into a specific part of a single song - your videos are always super educational and fun to watch. This reads like a paid comment lmao but seriously dude, you're great.

  • @eyonnealchristmas3974
    @eyonnealchristmas3974 Місяць тому

    Yes, please do the next section because you truly explain music theory in an easy-to-follow, simple format. I truly enjoy watching you share your in-depth knowledge with us 🙂.

  • @JessesAuditorium
    @JessesAuditorium 2 місяці тому +4

    Always a good time when SMS uploads.

  • @shch5098
    @shch5098 Місяць тому

    Great. This is the first YT video for me (a scale learning beginner) to understand and learn the song concept. I always have no clue on what Rick Beato saying about the chord progression and note choice .

  • @tango1niner-766
    @tango1niner-766 2 місяці тому +1

    Jake, I've learned so much from you over the years.. whenever I have trouble comprehending topics I watched the videos till the end and moved on to other ones and eventually back to the video which then makes so much sense.. I advise everyone to not just check this channel out but to watch and rewatch until you feel your able to discuss these topics as well as Jake.
    Thank you, you are what is best about the internet man 🤘

  • @LordHondros
    @LordHondros 2 місяці тому +3

    Yes, please absolutely analyze the section we all want!

  • @SomeKindOfMetalhead
    @SomeKindOfMetalhead 2 місяці тому +1

    I clicked on this so quickly when I saw it on my feed. This is one of my favorite Metallica songs and I’ve been waiting to see an analysis like this! Definitely make that follow up video please :D

  • @raugusto0
    @raugusto0 2 місяці тому +7

    Signals AND metallica in one video? Hell yesss

  • @mileslinus
    @mileslinus 2 місяці тому +1

    Yes please more analysis of this song, this was awesome

  • @SonOfSofaman
    @SonOfSofaman 2 місяці тому +4

    Yes, please. We want more analyses. Especially if it involves examples of counting like you did in this video. I need all the help I can get with keeping time.

  • @kickout3287
    @kickout3287 2 місяці тому +2

    Yes, please make a video about that middle section!

  • @humphet
    @humphet 2 місяці тому +1

    bro, i've seriously grown so far by watching you. thank you

  • @Nabana13
    @Nabana13 2 місяці тому

    My absolute, without-a-doubt favorite Metallica song. I've been looking for a good in-depth analysis! Thank you so much! And a big YES for a second video!

  • @GillRigged
    @GillRigged 2 місяці тому +8

    From my understanding, the intro came about from Cliff playing around on a Hammond organ and Leslie speaker with an 808 distortion pedal.
    (Edit): btw, YES! please do the middle section as well... And it's time that I subscribe to your patreon. I'm a bass player heavily inspired by Cliff who has just picked up a couple of guitars to start learning music theory.

  • @JohnDoe-fz7hz
    @JohnDoe-fz7hz 2 місяці тому

    I wish someone had explained to me all that over 20 years ago. Excellent Job!!! Looking forward to see the next part

  • @rome8180
    @rome8180 2 місяці тому +3

    The whole middle section of Orion was a huge inspiration for me when I was learning to play bass. I still play it all the time. Would love a follow-up video about that section.

  • @maxvockner
    @maxvockner Місяць тому

    Bass player here. Love Cliffs stuff. So sad to lose him so soon. Great video as always

  • @attilalevai7630
    @attilalevai7630 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for looking into this song. I always enjoy your teaching.
    I know of a song, because we published it, which features a double bass part. It isn't very popular though.
    "The Sea of Glass" from An Apprenticeship. It can be heard from about 3:46- for a couple of seconds.
    Also, at the very end of the song there are four different guitar parts played simultaneously, 2 on each side.

  • @chronicon5616
    @chronicon5616 2 місяці тому +1

    Excellent breakdown. And, a big Like for coining Tresillo Supreme/Grande!

  • @barrygreenwood9856
    @barrygreenwood9856 2 місяці тому

    Great video. That is my favorite part of Orion, a great piece, as well. Excellent breakdown. That passage is an excellent rhythmic and counting exercise, and your notes on the key sig, accidental tones (“pinch of Phrygian”😂), and the role of the kit in the composition were much appreciated. I remember when I learned to play it 30 years ago it was truly one of those moments when I fell in love with the guitar. To think about the amazing groove the passage creates and to be able to do that myself really helped stoke those fires.

  • @azo3z0
    @azo3z0 Місяць тому

    Would love a second video! Great analysis on this one!

  • @kerrydevine8630
    @kerrydevine8630 14 днів тому

    I don’t understand any of this but I can listen to him all day. Bravo, Jake 👏🏼

  • @EpochofJoe
    @EpochofJoe 2 місяці тому

    Of course I want that Orion pt 2 video, along with everyone else. No lie, though, I've been crossing my fingers to the breaking point hoping you'll do a Melodic Minor breakdown video. 😅 You have done so well to help me grasp Major and Harmonic Minor.

  • @theBlondBrogre
    @theBlondBrogre 2 місяці тому

    I am leaving a comment DOWN BELOW in support of another video. Excellent work as always, people should buy your book. Thanks, Jake

  • @Ozbozzy
    @Ozbozzy 2 місяці тому

    What a freakin great composition and a freakin great breakdown! Yes! Please do the extended breakdown of this song!!!

  • @Trotsky1981
    @Trotsky1981 Місяць тому

    Super cool to hear a detailed theoretical explanation for something I understand and play intuitively.

  • @dezmilad
    @dezmilad 2 місяці тому

    Ooooohhhh boy, I was not expecting a new video... And I never imagined seeing my #1 riff of all time being the subject of that video.
    🙏🙏Thank you sir🫡🫡

  • @marksims3904
    @marksims3904 2 місяці тому

    Second video?? Please do! I'm a newcomer to your channel and have learned so much just by watching this, so educational! Orion is a beautiful piece of music, and something the great composers of yesteryear would be proud of.

  • @diracio
    @diracio 2 місяці тому

    Love this riff and so glad you made point about the drums too! Would be good to contrast it with outro when riff returns but with more normal beat I'd say...

  • @matcoffidis1135
    @matcoffidis1135 2 місяці тому

    I've always been drawn to this song from the moment I heard it. It has a different tone and feel from the rest of the album.
    It starts off almost dream-like, yet its also somewhat unsettling. It has this (relentless?) feel, but it's also not super fast. It's almost a dichotomy in and of itself. Really clever.
    You make this fun and easy to understand. And yes, a second video would be great!

  • @scottgray4623
    @scottgray4623 2 місяці тому

    So happy to see this video, Jake!
    As a bass player (who was into classical and baroque music way before metal) PLEASE do a follow-up video on the 12/8 section.
    Also, aside from Victor Wooten putting out albums featuring multi-tracked bass lines, I believe Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" features a dual tracked bass line by Herbie Flowers, featuring one of electric bass and one of double bass. It always confused me until it was pointed out to me.

  • @adamgorner4944
    @adamgorner4944 2 місяці тому

    Yes!!! To second video. I first heard Orion when I was 12 in 1993, and the sound absolutely blew my mind. I have been playing guitar ever since, and I still love the sound of this song.

  • @johnrizcallah4709
    @johnrizcallah4709 2 місяці тому

    I would LOVE to see an analysis of the other section. But then, I LOVE to watch you analyze anything.

  • @SamS-ct9vh
    @SamS-ct9vh 2 місяці тому

    This video is by far the most helpful, understandable, and interesting music theory video I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

  • @wretchedspawn22
    @wretchedspawn22 2 місяці тому

    please please please. this is the best youtube channel ever Thank you Jake!

  • @roelofbekelaar874
    @roelofbekelaar874 2 місяці тому

    Thanks. Really nice to look at it that way. I love metal music and especially old metallica music.

  • @johnnygringo2239
    @johnnygringo2239 2 місяці тому

    Love this song, it was my main focus to get good on bass this summer. Now I know the theory behind it, will try to take some for my own songwriting. Great work, thanks 👍

  • @VARVIS_
    @VARVIS_ 2 місяці тому

    Awesome video
    That opening bass wall is so cool

  • @escueladeartesemocionales
    @escueladeartesemocionales 2 місяці тому +1

    Maaaan, that Lars arrangement is soooooo tasteful.
    Thank you so much for your tutorials, it keeps me very engaged with music

  • @Droubai
    @Droubai 2 місяці тому

    Great job preparing and explaining the whole riff. Good job

  • @Unicornslaughter
    @Unicornslaughter 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for this analysis! It is more proof of Cliff's musical prowess. I understand he had some classical music knowledge and music theory training but I wonder if he new of the term tresillo or had just internalized it from listening to other music? Also, count this as another vote for a second video on the middle section! That would be awesome. Your videos are fantastic BTW.

  • @JohnnyReading
    @JohnnyReading 2 місяці тому

    So glad Signals is back!

  • @kristianpavlic
    @kristianpavlic 2 місяці тому

    Great job as always Jake

  • @keith.messier
    @keith.messier 2 місяці тому

    Prepare! Consult! I’d love to see your follow-up analysis. Thanks for the lesson, as always.

  • @urilevy1
    @urilevy1 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for this clever and entertaining educational throwback

  • @joseaedu
    @joseaedu 2 місяці тому

    This is a beaitiful analysis. I loved it. Thank you, please analyze the rest

  • @shad0wrunner69
    @shad0wrunner69 2 місяці тому

    Absolutely amazing. Please do more of such analysis. It is educative and entertaining ❤

  • @rodbeaudry1660
    @rodbeaudry1660 2 місяці тому

    Yes please continue, I would love a dissection of the break down base parts. Great video!

  • @LowEnd-DropC
    @LowEnd-DropC 2 місяці тому +1

    Excellent video!!!

  • @ptx2fight2010
    @ptx2fight2010 2 місяці тому

    What an awesome breakdown thanks so much!!!!
    Annnnnd yes please breakdown the classical influence part of the song!!!!!!

  • @FabianVanL
    @FabianVanL 2 місяці тому

    Another great video explaining a brilliant song. Thanks, Jake!

  • @SerpentStar_
    @SerpentStar_ 2 місяці тому +5

    Cliff Burton was a gift from the music Gods. He wrote most of Orion including guitar solos, he also wrote that beautiful guitar intro in Fight fire with fire 🎶

    • @Bacopa68
      @Bacopa68 2 місяці тому +2

      Gift of the Barney Miller theme song. That's really what attracted him to the bass. But maybe that's how the music gods work.

  • @seanmbender
    @seanmbender 2 місяці тому

    My favorite instrumental. Thank you for the great analysis! I'd love to see more.

  • @cybermanne
    @cybermanne 2 місяці тому

    I love this song and would gladly watch another deep dive into the music theory of every measure of it.

  • @janekalbinsky
    @janekalbinsky 2 місяці тому

    This is one of my most favourite songs, ever. Thank you for the analysis!

  • @nickmorgan6345
    @nickmorgan6345 2 місяці тому

    Great video…..and your shirt looks like you worked really hard creating it! Awesome content…thank you!

  • @JeremyVeleber
    @JeremyVeleber 2 місяці тому

    This was a really fun one. Keep going my dude.

  • @STERNWAERTS
    @STERNWAERTS 2 місяці тому

    great stuff man! always wondered about the rhythm part of that song. now i know! keep 'em coming, you're a fantastic teacher and your graphics are awesome and easy to understand!

  • @felipegarcia7924
    @felipegarcia7924 2 місяці тому

    Amazing work dude!! I'll stay in tune for my favorite interlude ever

  • @t1bor194
    @t1bor194 Місяць тому

    Please second part. Awesome video. Subscribed

  • @frankseverinsen7710
    @frankseverinsen7710 Місяць тому

    That middle section is just fantastic. So do it!

  • @josemariamedina3903
    @josemariamedina3903 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for this! Such an amazing song!

  • @JeffreySwanson-o7r
    @JeffreySwanson-o7r Місяць тому

    I was playing at 45 years ago it's glad to see you young kids that are into it. Keep it up dude you're really good and that guitars badass

  • @shikawgoh
    @shikawgoh 2 місяці тому

    Yes, would definitely like a continued deep dive into this masterpiece. Second video, please.

  • @rodrigofonseca6241
    @rodrigofonseca6241 2 місяці тому

    Where have you been? I love your channel, learned a lot of music theory thanks to you. Glad to see you back.

  • @randomlyselecteduser
    @randomlyselecteduser 2 місяці тому

    Have to make a second comment: You are the best music teacher I've ever heard. I know that 10 books read by 10 people can end up with 10 bests, but for me, you're exactly that. Thank you for your work.
    P.S. Maybe this is something simple, but if you could explain the 5-count at the beginning of Leper Messiah, that would be great! lol It feels exactly like a 4/4 to me. I'm a dufus though. liol

  • @nemedie82
    @nemedie82 2 місяці тому

    This was amazing man, thank you!!

  • @LaithFaouri
    @LaithFaouri Місяць тому

    Great analyzing 🤘🏼

  • @chazzasimmonite
    @chazzasimmonite 2 місяці тому

    Can’t wait for the second one. I loved this video, it’s really helped with my knowledge of music theory . Thank you so much!

  • @howdoyousound
    @howdoyousound 2 місяці тому +12

    "tasty, weird and absolutely lovely." Almost anything Lars Urlich wrote from 1984 to 1988. great vid man!

  • @paddor
    @paddor 2 місяці тому

    Very good video. Not really a musician here but i understood most of this. Absolutely love the song too.

  • @alexandre9051
    @alexandre9051 2 місяці тому

    Great analysis!

  • @hawnick7234
    @hawnick7234 2 місяці тому

    Would love to see more analysis on the later parts of the song. Great stuff!

  • @MaskedJackal87
    @MaskedJackal87 2 місяці тому

    great explanations and strong visuals!

  • @mattslater167
    @mattslater167 2 місяці тому +1

    That was awesome. More, please.

  • @SammyTheOrange
    @SammyTheOrange Місяць тому

    According to MOP's session tracking sheets, BOTH layered tracks of bass through a leslie and layered distorted hammond organ were used for the intro. Though we still don't know for sure what Cliff played for the intro. Just goes to show Cliff's genius, as people are still trying to crack his works to this day. I'm glad i came across this video, this is my favourite song ever and I am obsessed with the intro and its sound specifically. I'm glad I found some wider coverage on it.

  • @willster7272
    @willster7272 Місяць тому

    good seeing you again bro

  • @dottormaelstrom
    @dottormaelstrom 2 місяці тому

    I always loved playing that riff on guitar but never had the knowledge to properly understand the weirdness of the rhythm. Great job!

  • @justiniavarone1818
    @justiniavarone1818 Місяць тому

    Hey Jake... YES ,ABSOLUTELY..!! That would be awesome to break down that classically inspired middle section 🤘🏼.. Cliff was an absolute genius in my humble opinion. If you watch / listen to some interviews that are done with his father , he was heavily influenced by classical music. If you notice , from " Puppets " on in their discography you will hear that influence. I apologize for a ling rant , but , that middle section with the counter point and the harmony is soooo tastefully done , is 1 reason " Orion " is my fav Metallica song. Anyways YES...!! You doing that breakdown video in the way only you do 🔥.. is highly anticipated. 🤘🏼