Very true. He single handlely inspired a whole generation to pick up the guitar and what with that and giving us all those great songs that will be his legacy. This reunion tour feels like wrapping up a career and cementing Oasis's legacy and that makes me suddenly feel old and realize how short life is 😳
Live forever goes right to the core of your soul. Band’s seem to lose their initial appeal by becoming too progressive. Tony McCarroll’s simple drum beats were also a big part of their amazing raw sound.
I'd say this knack for layering obviously comes from dance music, which was very popular in Manchester at the time. As a savvy producer, Noel didn't hesitate to utilize any influences that he had heard in his flavour of rock and roll music
I’m reading Paolo Hewitt’s book at the moment and he’s given a lot of information on Noel’s love and influence from dance music. He used to be around that scene big time during the ecstasy era in Manchester. Loved the likes of the happy Mondays and everyone around that scene.
My mate bumped into him in Ibiza once; pilled up out of his nut definitely digs electronica. Also played voodoo ray on dessert island discs and spoke nostalgically about the scene.
Its not the pentatonic scale if the chords underneath are not derived from it, Noel Gallagher doesnt write chords from scales, he writes chords then plays whatever he feels works on top, hes a feel type writer, he doesnt know music theory.
Of course in the 90s Noel may have ripped a quote from the Beatles for this "Some guy told me I have a Pentatonic scale in my song and I thought GREAT! I always wanted one of those!!" >:)(With the Beatles is was aeolian cadence)
@@jasoncruizer something he's said time and time again, he is not a trained muscian he does it by ear and has had lengthy arguments with people saying he must have done music theory, when he hasn't.
@@andrewwebster2598or supersonic, or bring it on down, or headshrinker, gas panic, do you know what I mean, it’s getting better man, lock all the doors, girl w xray eyes, etc
I've always enjoyed the simpler solos. They really balanced out the fuller sounds of the rhythm sections. They were humbler solos that paid homage to the rhythm and the song generally by not overshadowing it.
@@edfost5734 Agree. The Listen Up solo is also extremely simple, but I absolutely love that song. The solo has a liquid quality like the "river" the lyrics mention. It's a hypnotic quivering and flowing and folding into itself.
I love when you make videos where you're also playing guitar! It makes it less 'reporter' and a bit more "mates chatting about things we love" Sláinte! 🙂
Noel gallaghers solo's were the people's solo's the lad in his bedroom thought he could pull some of them off. He must of influenced a very lot of young lads to play the guitar and dream of being a rock and roll star, and many older men to this day. Them solo's might of been simple but they are iconic and thats something that the best musicians in the world have never achieved.
Yeah agreed. Something brilliant, simple and accessible - there wasn't much else out there when I was learning that was so melodic AND playable as a beginner
Noel calls himself a songwriter and not a guitarist, which I think is very honest. He’s a brilliant guitarist for many reasons in my opinion. I think everyone should look at how he views guitar and songwriting, he has a ‘just get stuck in and find something that sounds good’ mentality, and it works. I learned to be a lot less of a freak for tiny intricacies and details because of Noel. There is a time to focus on those things, but I think he highlights why you shouldn’t give as much of a fuck. He has also progressed as the years went on I believe. He’s a certified guitar hero in my opinion and I suppose this question boils down to what people think makes a ‘good guitarist’. Some people who don’t like the Oasis type of music probably prefer the ability to shred, although I’m generalizing there. Being less basic clearly isn’t bad, as Noel has made some of the most memorable lead guitar lines in history. Great video as usual.
Also, live Noel guitar solos were a lot different than the album versions for many songs. For me, his Champagne Supernova solos at GMEX or Budokan are epic. His sound is so distinctive and powerful. Maybe it's because I don't know anything about actually playing guitar but know what sounds great to my ears, but I don't think anyone else could make the solos for that song sound better than Noel did at those concerts.
Most "rubbish" guitarists can also be amazing songwriters. I would argue most wouldn't even consider them predominantly "guitarists", but singer-songwriters.
Yes, the guitar is like a tool of the trade to a songwriter, compared to a guitarist-one who primarily engross themselves in that particular instrument.
Noel's songs are easy and enjoyable to play, but easy songs are wonderfully constructed, intelligent and harmonious. In addition to being an excellent composer, he knows how to create incredible melodies. The song "Wonderwall" has practically the same chords as "D' You Know What I Mean?", he can repeat the chords of one song creating another, just changing the "time" of the chords... Genius!
I've always been a fan of his rhythm acoustic playing, which is a really underrated quality amongst guitarists. On the lead stuff, you're bang on about creating the groove, James; no more so than on one of my all-time favourites, Columbia.
I loved this video. Noel inspired me to learn guitar at age 10 and I have never thought I was a great guitarist, but he has taught me more about melody, rhythm and texture than probably any other guitarist. He is one of the greatest songwriters of all time and his guitar playing was a major part of that. So it doesn’t really matter!
For me, two signs of great talent and natural good taste are the C#7 in Supersonic, the progression and chord choices in She’s Electric, and the use/timing of the D chord in Hello.
Great video James, that breakdown of Morning Glory was fantastic, never realised there were so many different parts which came together to form the whole. Noel is a songwriter at the heart of it and plays what is needed for the song - I love the solos on Listen Up and Talk Tonight! Never been a fan of all that 'noodling'! Half the time what they play has no relation to the melody of the song and is just to show off how many notes they can play in one bar. Its a bit like when you have people who have amazing skills with a football - all the juggles, flips and spins - but if you put them in a match they haven't got a clue what to do. I'll always get more feeling from a solo by Noel (or some one like Dave Gilmour) than those hair metal players.
Yeah I'd sooner listen to an Oasis solo than just a load of pyrotechnics and high speed showing off. The solo should serve the music, not function as an opportunity to showcase
@@rumtumbugger I can whistle "for the love of God" by Steve Vai anytime. His fantastic lead playing is not comparable to any oasis song. That doesn't mean he has better songs. They wipe him out in terms of songwriting anytime.
6:19 and of course the best Champagne Supernova outro is Noel at Budokan…. The extended Simple Game of Genius sound check is one of my favourites. And not to forget the extended outro of ‘I am the Walrus’ with I guess a solo that Noel came up with? All excellent.
I already see a few folk here who clearly commented before watching the video 😂 Well done again James, brilliant video and I like the depths you go to to prove specific points with evidence and demonstrations. Keep em coming plz 👍
The acoustic is a VERY good Lowden with DI into a Focusrite and SM58 mic, blended together The electric is a Fender Telecaster Deluxe into a Blackstar Silverline Deluxe
As far as guitarist's really go, my answer is no not at all! But im hoping you read this comment!! Is there any chance you could possibly just do a qwik video on how to play those licks at the end of the masterplan intro? 🙏🙏🙏 love playing that tune but i always tend to just go to the am7 with a slide into the e7 and those licls would really spice it up if you had the time?!!! Thanks alot man appreciate all your content...!
Here you go. Will look best on a larger screen - pc or ipad or similar. e--------------------------------------------- B--------------------------------------------- G--------------------------------------------- D---0---1---0-------0--------------------- A------------------3------3----0------0--- E------------------------------------3-------- e----------------------------------0------- B--------------3------------------0------ G----------0------0--------------1------ D---2/4---------------4--------0------- A----------------------------------2------- E----------------------------------0-------
Ocht, I wouldn't say he's rubbish. Thats very harsh. Innovative? No. But who needs to be. He came along at the right time and filled a void. Hes a songwriter not a virtuoso. And he did that role to the peak of his ability. And actually, his solos serviced the songs well. What more is needed?
Anyone that’s listened to Noel’s Champagne Supernova solo in Budokan 1998 knows that he was one hell of a guitar player. He was just simplifying his playing to fit the songs and the alternative-rock style that was appealing in the 90s. The same could be said with Kurt Cobain (check the guitar parts on ‘Love Buzz’).
I've got a funny video on my channel where he makes a mistake but admittedly Noel is fantastic guitar player and his strength is the melody. His leads are relatively simple of course, but he had great chords, great lines, great song writing and to record and play live is a big challenge, he did it all. Before THAT video I can't remember him messing up. Legend.
One of my favourite songs is Ceremony by New Order/joy division, that's essentially a 2 chord song full of lots of simple parts but layering of the simplicity makes something truly magical. Maybe people are just annoyed with buskers playing wonderwall.
People probably also say Bernard Sumner isn't a 'good' guitar player. However I ask 'did he make memorable and moving music?'. Yes. Definitely. And then some. Therefore, like Noel, he is a good guitarist.
@@JJPwfelli it's also arguable that Joy Division and New Order are not traditionally guitar lead bands with more emphasis on the bass and later synths but there is still some good guitar lines in there
He even said in the pedal show interview that he’s really a song writer over a guitarist. The fact that most of his songs are 4 simple chords that memorable makes him genius. He focused more on his timing and keep it tight over flying around on the fret board
I think Noel said if he had been fully aware how rudimentary his guitar skills were he wouldn't have had the guts to appear in public. At the time I had noticed that he wasn't Steve Vai but to me I liked the songs and his playing was good enough to perform them.
Steve Vai - I remember reading about him in guitar mags in the 90s, satriani too, the music was unlistenable for me but should probably give it another go
The thing is sometimes his lyrics are bad but they work cos stadiums can sing them back - they're like nursery rhymes at times with the odd nice line chucked in - hey Jude is similar really
@@Tsa-SONGS-ABOUT-BEING-a-DAD Yes, that is very true. The vocal melodies and simpleness make them very memorable. And yet during their hey day a lot of the lyrics was some rubbish about someones sister thats got a blister in her magic pie or something lol.
You need a powerful voice that doesnt not give a f like Liam's to sell some of those lyrics. And usually the melody and song structure was so good on top of that, that you didnt care. But a poet laureate Noel was NOT
Back in the 90s I had this debate with a friend of mine who couldn't understand why I rated Noel highly as a guitarist. I wish I had been able to explain it the way this video does. The layering of the guitars as you described was a big element of Oasis's appeal for me. Thanks for this explanation of how it was done.
Thankyou James insightful. I'm only a cover band player but 100% agree about trying to get bandmates to layer and add backing vox as much as we can. Audiences like simple repetitive singalong sounds
Noel was enough guitarrist to create crowd singing anthems, simple songs with epic catching mellodies and honest reality lyrics. Everything the 90's needed at that time
I think this is a balanced and thoughtful criticism, James. It doesn't paper over Noel's shortcomings but it also defends what he did as an aesthetic. (Plus, brilliant re-creations of Noel's parts!) One of the things that makes Noel's reputation suffer by comparison is how brilliantly creative some of the other Britpop guitarists were, especially Nick McCabe and John Squire. Even Bernard Butler, Graham Coxon, and Mark Webber from Pulp way outclassed Noel in terms of pure technique as well as in terms of variety of approach. So although what Noel did was perfectly suited to the purpose, it was definitely lacking in flash compared to his contemporaries, and yet he insisted on filling every track with lead guitar and guitar solos nevertheless.
Exactly, I made a comment, very similar to yours, I think that several Britpop guitarists are much better technically, and creatively than Noel, but he is an excellent composer and lyricist, so, this kind of offsets the technical deficiencies as a guitarist.
Totally right again James take for instance I'm outta time chords are masterplan but it's the sound of oasis I think as a band they had a unique sound which hasn't been replicated for a long time now
A great video as always, James. I was wondering: would you consider making a video, whereby you explore Bonhead’s rhythm guitar? He was such an integral part of their sound, and for me, it’s something they lost - especially live - when Gem Archer came on board. Noel and Bonehead had such a distinct musical-role. His powerhouse playing really drove their performances.
How many bands or artists have their audiences sing along to their guitar solos? It's crazy hearing 80,000 ppl or however many singing along to the Supersonic solo or the intro to Some might say. The only other time ive heard something like that is the crowd singing along to the intro riff of "He is" by Ghost.
Everything good he ever wrote he adapted from someone else usually with heavy influence. Oasis was great, but not because they had good musicians. That’s part of the allure to me.
I got a secret for you: that first sentence is true of every musician. We’re still not as good as Oasis. The Beatles and Oasis both did this thing where they reach far beyond their musical ability and, out of sheer determination, pull it off and that’s precisely what makes it pop and sound so fresh to the listener. You could argue this is characteristic of The Clash as well, but they didn’t reach for bigger ideas so much as exotic ideas.
@@cobeyc.b5946 I’m referring to the songs Noel proudly stole from and now has to pay royalties to in perpetuity. He been pretty open about that. “Whatever” for example, which apparently he’s a genius for “writing”. Lol.
@@matthewcofield6251 I don’t like Whatever and neither does Oasis. I won’t ever say T Rex invented the blues so Cigs & Bevys is original in my book too. Shakermaker is positively post modern, so stealing the most famous advertisement in history and part of their childhood is kind of the point. Half The World Away wouldn’t be seen as stollen is Noel wasn’t so honest and tbh most songwriters just lie their way out of paying up royalties because we’re all filthy thieves.
My guy every guitar player you know even the famous ones all rip off from each other, there are only 12 musical notes when you’re playing in a key there’s even less and every guitar player learns the same licks, same movements and moves the exact same way on guitar, the only difference being their inflection and personal taste when playing their musical notes
Every song you hear is probably a 1, 4, and 5 structured song, every now and then you get extra chords but yeah bro there is nothing new to discover with music, only what you do with it
Rubbish guitarist? It really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. That's not the point of music anyway. The real question is: does it move you? And for the guitarist-what do you want to offer the world? Your true self and personality? Noel certainly did that.
It's funny that since they announced the reunion gigs I have been listening to their back catalogue daily. For me I always remembered their image. I had completely forgot how good their tunes were. Simple yet innovative stuff. Listening back to that era and Oasis had that different sound.
Could be a stretch but you could argue some of the simplicity comes from the late 80's/early 90's club scene; the Hacienda etc - where basics were all you needed. Noel often cites the dance music scene as inspiration.
Thanks so much for this and for all the effort you put into demonstrating the parts. Your playing sounds spot on to Noel’s. And I agree. Noel is a chord sequencing genius and an inventive layerer. It’s just a different metric for what constitutes good. There are loads of widdly guitarists I like, loads I don’t. There are loads of minimalist guitarists I like, loads I don’t. It’s all about taste and serving the song / genre. Noel is the master of what he does.
Another thing to consider that during the 90's... unlike the previous decades.. simplicity in general especially in rock and pop, was more desirable... and virtuousity was not looked upon overall favorable anymore. Alternative Rock was famous for this, either no solos, or if they were there, very simplistic, short, pentatonic runs at best. Oasis fit the mold perfect for the time.
@@gkniffen Did my statement suggest there were no solos period? I said if there were, they were often very short or simple, not like solos people would tend to think of compared to previous decades.
I kind of see what you’re saying but there were a lot of huge bands in the 90s with the opposite of simplistic guitars: Pearl Jam, Tool, Radiohead, Creed, RATM…to name a few. I do agree with the solos thing though…they just kind of faded as the decade progressed. Once nu-metal took over, they were pretty much gone.
Congrats on a great analysis as usual, James! Of course, given Noel was indeed Oasis' lead guitarist (at least in the 90's, afterwards Gem took many of the lead parts I guess) we do need to regard and analyse him as a guitarist, but I would argue that's not what he is and, as you stated as well, Noel always downplays himself as a guitarist. He knows he is a songwriter first and foremost and he stated many times he played lead guitar in Oasis only because there was no one else to play it. And one of my favourite Noel's quotes about songwriters vs. guitar heroes (not that there is necessarily a battle between them) is "Between Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix, I choose to be McCartney all day". ;)
Oh, yes brilliant and balanced analysis, with some lovely studio work to illustrate the key points. NG definitely had some stand-out moments when his dexterity and invention can't be questioned. To your examples I would add 'Rocking Chair' - really tasteful lead acoustic guitar.
I've just realised that if you pay attention to the melodies in the songs he wrote (I only know 90's Oasis, mind you) he was also using the pentatonic scale, almost exclusively. I went through a few well known songs in my head, and the only note I can think of that isn't in the pentatonic scale is in Don't Look Back In Anger, in the chorus there's a F. I am sure we could find more examples in songs, but really they are not easy to find. But then it is rock and roll, it's blues influenced, it makes sense. It's not Coldplay (I mean songs that may have guitars but don't have the rock music DNA in the composition).
I believe that Noel had this simple repetitive groove sound was inspired by the Madchester movement... but with a RocknRoll sound to it. Simplistic and Brilliant, for example Fade in/out Live Intro is a good example. Good video James.
So, WTSMG has 6 guitar parts?! I remember trying to pick them all out on the compressed CD. I couldn’t quite do it! Thanks for showing. My frustration has been assuaged 😅
James, I have a bootleg of them playing in Japan in 1998/99 and they do a long version of Champagne Supernova that really sounds different. Far more of a wig out then they would normally do. Wish I could remember which gig it was but do you have any recall of it from my description?
Great video as always, James. I don't really care how many notes can fit into a bar, as long as they make sense. I have an equal love for Allan Holdsworth's notes as much as Noel Gallagher's notes. As long as a musician can deliver good tone, phrasing and rhythm, I don't care how vast their vocabulary is. If one delivers I'm all ears. Also, for the excessive repetition, well... a whole stadium needs time to take it all in. Repetition is fine.
I think he brought in guest guitarists not because what he was playing didn't work, he brought them in to add a different feel and to add different textures
Great video. Personally I think Noel’s greatest gift is his Right Wrist. I sometimes obsessively listen to his acoustic stuff and try and replicate it. Yes a lot of his songs are in basic chords and some anyone can play but to sound like Noel playing them takes real skill
James Hargreaves absolutely Bob on, very insightful intricate... I used to make music in the rave days and layer.... I always hated screaming guitars but any guitar you could play on a keyboard usually had a melody behind it...... Noel was/is ahead of his time.... wonderful content James 😎😎
One other thing, his songs being easy to play on guitar made them spread faster. Everyone (including me & you having watched this video), learned guitar with his songs which made us love them even more.
Whew, I'd never notice how complicated the layering was in "Morning glory". That's why I like it so much probably, you have a lot of notes and riffs and phrases to listen to...
If he was a better guitarist, he didn't make it apparent. HIs playing works for his style and song writing, and that's good enough for me. He is one of my most crucial influences on guitar ever, but I recognize he is not the most well technically gifted or knowledgable guitarist, but not everybody needs to be. He is more a rhythm guitarist than some lead shred player or something, despite he showed off a lil more during the Be Here Now era of live playing. There is a very very common lineage to Noel's riffs and soloing of the classic era of Oasis, you easily learn one pentatonic shape and play every Oasis song on it during that era. DLBIA and Don't Go Away solo's pretty much share the same notes for the most part.
Vary well wrote sir and the wembley concert 2000 on lead guitar I felt he did some geat creative solos and rifts.. A Genuis songwriter and more of a acc guitar player.. Proud of Noel.
People strove for simplist guitar rifts coming away from 80s permed male hair and 10 minute guitar solos and hairspray to the basic rock indie era. His legend icon was morrisey and legend Johnny Marr
He is a songwriter 1st and foremost, I think you're right that he recognised lead guitar simplicity as part of their sound. In my opinion (as a musician myself) alot of musicians forget that while "we" might enjoy complicated runs etc the majority of the listening public just want something catchy or a hook or sound they recognise instantly on the radio - familiarity is a very stong motivator of enjoyment. Great Video!
This was a great video and I hope Noel knows about Jsmes 🙌 I've always thought Noel is a modern day equivalent of one of the classical composers (don't laugh 😂). Presumably, simple repetition on some songs was also to make us focus on the lyrics. I'm not sure if Noel was responsible for the whole musical arrangement for most of the songs he is soley credited to - not sure how that works between the songwriter, the producer and the individual musicians contributing at the point the main songwriter shares the song with them or during recording. But I assume he directed the whole arrangement of most of the songs he is solely credited for. And that is why I think he is an out-and-out composer. Absolute genius in my opinion, and continues to be with all his non Oasis stuff too
I think people tend to overlook Neil Young's influence on Noel because the British influences are more obvious, but it's especially evident in his guitar playing - not overly flashy, but melodic and heavy. The difference between Noel and Neil's playing is that Noel is usually much less improvisatory - his solos are generally composed and then replicated over and over live, which means that the notes he plays are usually something he's established sounds pretty good even if it's not technically in the right scale the whole time.
Your videos are always good. I started watching you do the Beatles videos. I didn’t really listen to oasis much is that was sort of past my time. And I thought they were a bunch of rowdy drugs that were rude. Did they get to run of Australia? However, watch your video of the master plan and I’m hooked on them. Thank you.
I remember an article from 95 or 96 with Noel in one of the guitar magazines, talking about how he’s tired of doing the same guitar tricks and might take lessons 😂 side note: In the same interview he talked about using the Gibson 500T pickup. He’s the perfect guitarist for Oasis. Melodic and memorable, awesome riffs but nothing flashy.
Often, it’s a blessing not to have technical baggage, brilliance lies in simplicity, even if unintentionally… Maybe it’s possible to compare Noel on his guitar solos to Ringo in his drumming style, the kind of minimalism that’s the hardest to pull off…
Noel G, if you read this: Your guitar playing is awesome. Everyone will be able to hear your unique style. King of feel. People love it. Also: do an interview with James 😊
Noel Gallagher has inspired millions of people around the world to learn the guitar. That makes him an amazing guitarist.
Or he played the guitar the most simple way possible that made average people realise that its not as difficult as they imagined it to be
Very true. He single handlely inspired a whole generation to pick up the guitar and what with that and giving us all those great songs that will be his legacy. This reunion tour feels like wrapping up a career and cementing Oasis's legacy and that makes me suddenly feel old and realize how short life is 😳
Gas panic live at the old Wembley made me order my first guitar 👍
@@FortValance bob dylan inspired millions to pick up a guitar with similar skill set
@@seanjones180 very true
Why overcomplicate a song by using complex stuff when you can make a song that will live on forever using the simple stuff?
Live forever goes right to the core of your soul. Band’s seem to lose their initial appeal by becoming too progressive. Tony McCarroll’s simple drum beats were also a big part of their amazing raw sound.
The live forever solo is a classic for me, learned it by heart when I was about 14
Yeah there is being a good guitar player and then there is being a good music player/maker
Very mediocre argument
Noel is a writer not a guitarist. He plays whatever is right for the song. He ain't slash
Noel is a songwriter at heart and look how many of his songs became iconic. He just focused on what he could achieve on the guitar
Couldn’t have said it better
True but he played some nice lead too
@@Tsa-SONGS-ABOUT-BEING-a-DAD Certainly did
I this his he exactly did not . He did not master the guitar but he applied it cleverly.
As Holdsworth said, the guitar is a tool for expressing what you want to say.
Simple but very tasteful guitar parts giving the songs exactly what they needed.
I'd say this knack for layering obviously comes from dance music, which was very popular in Manchester at the time. As a savvy producer, Noel didn't hesitate to utilize any influences that he had heard in his flavour of rock and roll music
I’m reading Paolo Hewitt’s book at the moment and he’s given a lot of information on Noel’s love and influence from dance music. He used to be around that scene big time during the ecstasy era in Manchester. Loved the likes of the happy Mondays and everyone around that scene.
My mate bumped into him in Ibiza once; pilled up out of his nut definitely digs electronica. Also played voodoo ray on dessert island discs and spoke nostalgically about the scene.
Who doesn't use the pentatonic scale? It works for everything. If ain't broke, don't fix it.
Its not the pentatonic scale if the chords underneath are not derived from it, Noel Gallagher doesnt write chords from scales, he writes chords then plays whatever he feels works on top, hes a feel type writer, he doesnt know music theory.
That's the thing. Everyone uses the pentatonic scale. And it makes many guitarists sound alike.
@@jasoncruizer Noel is a gardener with his lead guitar in the 90s, not so much an architect
Of course in the 90s Noel may have ripped a quote from the Beatles for this "Some guy told me I have a Pentatonic scale in my song and I thought GREAT! I always wanted one of those!!" >:)(With the Beatles is was aeolian cadence)
@@jasoncruizer something he's said time and time again, he is not a trained muscian he does it by ear and has had lengthy arguments with people saying he must have done music theory, when he hasn't.
I feel like he's got a knack for playing just the right part at the right time. The solo in 'Live Forever' fits perfectly.
Agreed
Or Slide Away
@@andrewwebster2598or supersonic, or bring it on down, or headshrinker, gas panic, do you know what I mean, it’s getting better man, lock all the doors, girl w xray eyes, etc
I've always enjoyed the simpler solos. They really balanced out the fuller sounds of the rhythm sections. They were humbler solos that paid homage to the rhythm and the song generally by not overshadowing it.
its kind of genius in a way. i mean the alive solo for example is only 2 notes but sounds awesome
👍 @@edfost5734
@@edfost5734 Agree. The Listen Up solo is also extremely simple, but I absolutely love that song. The solo has a liquid quality like the "river" the lyrics mention. It's a hypnotic quivering and flowing and folding into itself.
@@renardfox328I like the Listen Up solo too.
Me too - widdling solos are just guitar practice on record
I love when you make videos where you're also playing guitar! It makes it less 'reporter' and a bit more "mates chatting about things we love" Sláinte! 🙂
Noel Gallagher ya fookin’ animal!
Steve, what baaarrr chord is OSW?
Noel gallaghers solo's were the people's solo's the lad in his bedroom thought he could pull some of them off. He must of influenced a very lot of young lads to play the guitar and dream of being a rock and roll star, and many older men to this day. Them solo's might of been simple but they are iconic and thats something that the best musicians in the world have never achieved.
Yeah agreed. Something brilliant, simple and accessible - there wasn't much else out there when I was learning that was so melodic AND playable as a beginner
Spot on. He's the Hank Marvin of his generation.
I like the acoustic guitar solo on Rocking Chair. It's simple but classy and suits the song perfectly.
Highly underrated solo.
@@48Ender48I’ll throw “it’s better people” into that mix as well
@@SpiritOfMontgomery Underrated song all round 😊
Noel calls himself a songwriter and not a guitarist, which I think is very honest.
He’s a brilliant guitarist for many reasons in my opinion. I think everyone should look at how he views guitar and songwriting, he has a ‘just get stuck in and find something that sounds good’ mentality, and it works.
I learned to be a lot less of a freak for tiny intricacies and details because of Noel. There is a time to focus on those things, but I think he highlights why you shouldn’t give as much of a fuck.
He has also progressed as the years went on I believe. He’s a certified guitar hero in my opinion and I suppose this question boils down to what people think makes a ‘good guitarist’. Some people who don’t like the Oasis type of music probably prefer the ability to shred, although I’m generalizing there. Being less basic clearly isn’t bad, as Noel has made some of the most memorable lead guitar lines in history.
Great video as usual.
Also, live Noel guitar solos were a lot different than the album versions for many songs. For me, his Champagne Supernova solos at GMEX or Budokan are epic. His sound is so distinctive and powerful. Maybe it's because I don't know anything about actually playing guitar but know what sounds great to my ears, but I don't think anyone else could make the solos for that song sound better than Noel did at those concerts.
Most "rubbish" guitarists can also be amazing songwriters. I would argue most wouldn't even consider them predominantly "guitarists", but singer-songwriters.
Yes, the guitar is like a tool of the trade to a songwriter, compared to a guitarist-one who primarily engross themselves in that particular instrument.
Guitarists who write songs are too bothered about the guitar playing being impressive, to other guitarists and often miss the point of their own song.
Great video… always something to be said for a guitar solo that you can sing/whistle hours after listening. He was a master at this
Yeah I agree
I absolutely love this topic and the discussion of technical ability vs musician ability. Great video!
As always a good episode
Cheers
Jazz player here: James you nailed, top pop strumming, and so tasteful
Noel's songs are easy and enjoyable to play, but easy songs are wonderfully constructed, intelligent and harmonious. In addition to being an excellent composer, he knows how to create incredible melodies. The song "Wonderwall" has practically the same chords as "D' You Know What I Mean?", he can repeat the chords of one song creating another, just changing the "time" of the chords... Genius!
Another great video James, Love the tone of your telecaster.
Ta very much 🎸🎸🎸
I've always been a fan of his rhythm acoustic playing, which is a really underrated quality amongst guitarists.
On the lead stuff, you're bang on about creating the groove, James; no more so than on one of my all-time favourites, Columbia.
Started playing guitar in 1997. Still am. Wouldn’t of happened without Noel and Oasis
Haha! Same here. Noel’s guitar style was perfect for beginners and getting your confidence up. Rock on man. 🎸🔥
Stunningly fine vid mate ❤ As a guitarist myself, this was as instructional as it was inspired. Hats off 👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
class video. great points. i'd rather have simple solos over interesting chords than vice versa
Yes, TPD getting immersed in James' comment section. Love to see it!
Nice to see you here!
I loved this video. Noel inspired me to learn guitar at age 10 and I have never thought I was a great guitarist, but he has taught me more about melody, rhythm and texture than probably any other guitarist. He is one of the greatest songwriters of all time and his guitar playing was a major part of that. So it doesn’t really matter!
For me, two signs of great talent and natural good taste are the C#7 in Supersonic, the progression and chord choices in She’s Electric, and the use/timing of the D chord in Hello.
Great video James, that breakdown of Morning Glory was fantastic, never realised there were so many different parts which came together to form the whole. Noel is a songwriter at the heart of it and plays what is needed for the song - I love the solos on Listen Up and Talk Tonight! Never been a fan of all that 'noodling'! Half the time what they play has no relation to the melody of the song and is just to show off how many notes they can play in one bar. Its a bit like when you have people who have amazing skills with a football - all the juggles, flips and spins - but if you put them in a match they haven't got a clue what to do. I'll always get more feeling from a solo by Noel (or some one like Dave Gilmour) than those hair metal players.
Yeah I'd sooner listen to an Oasis solo than just a load of pyrotechnics and high speed showing off.
The solo should serve the music, not function as an opportunity to showcase
@@JamesHargreavesGuitar that recreation of the wall of sound for MG was SICK!!! thanks for all you do!
@@PaulSchwarz Thanks very much, and you're welcome 👍👍
Let me hear Tim Henson write something as acclaimed and timeless as DLBIA… Virtuosity is more often than not synonymous with dull songwriting.
Amen!
100% correct - sing/hum/whistle me a Joe Satriani/Steve Vai tune anyone. Style of substance - I'll take an NG composition any day.
@@rumtumbugger I can whistle "for the love of God" by Steve Vai anytime. His fantastic lead playing is not comparable to any oasis song.
That doesn't mean he has better songs. They wipe him out in terms of songwriting anytime.
6:19 and of course the best Champagne Supernova outro is Noel at Budokan….
The extended Simple Game of Genius sound check is one of my favourites.
And not to forget the extended outro of ‘I am the Walrus’ with I guess a solo that Noel came up with? All excellent.
Noel was limited but still managed to make it sound great. Peaked around 98 era. Seems lazy now though, hasnt played lead properly really in ages.
Strangely I think the opposite, he's actually improved by a huge margin. At least he had when I saw him in 2017. Still not a major fan of his though.
Tbf I think part of that has to do with him being able to play quicker due to all the gack lol
He’s ace. Love his style and solos.
I already see a few folk here who clearly commented before watching the video 😂
Well done again James, brilliant video and I like the depths you go to to prove specific points with evidence and demonstrations. Keep em coming plz 👍
Hahahahahaha yep happens every time!
Thanks for watching, more to come 👍🎸🍻
Great vid mate keep up the good work, I was just wondering how you get that tone it’s really nice 👍
The acoustic is a VERY good Lowden with DI into a Focusrite and SM58 mic, blended together
The electric is a Fender Telecaster Deluxe into a Blackstar Silverline Deluxe
Is it an O25? Those are lovely guitars
As far as guitarist's really go, my answer is no not at all! But im hoping you read this comment!! Is there any chance you could possibly just do a qwik video on how to play those licks at the end of the masterplan intro? 🙏🙏🙏 love playing that tune but i always tend to just go to the am7 with a slide into the e7 and those licls would really spice it up if you had the time?!!! Thanks alot man appreciate all your content...!
Here you go. Will look best on a larger screen - pc or ipad or similar.
e---------------------------------------------
B---------------------------------------------
G---------------------------------------------
D---0---1---0-------0---------------------
A------------------3------3----0------0---
E------------------------------------3--------
e----------------------------------0-------
B--------------3------------------0------
G----------0------0--------------1------
D---2/4---------------4--------0-------
A----------------------------------2-------
E----------------------------------0-------
@@JamesHargreavesGuitar thanks a bunch mate!!
@@shaunyd92 very welcome
Ocht, I wouldn't say he's rubbish. Thats very harsh. Innovative? No. But who needs to be. He came along at the right time and filled a void. Hes a songwriter not a virtuoso. And he did that role to the peak of his ability. And actually, his solos serviced the songs well. What more is needed?
Did you watch the video or just react to the title? 😒
Anyone that’s listened to Noel’s Champagne Supernova solo in Budokan 1998 knows that he was one hell of a guitar player. He was just simplifying his playing to fit the songs and the alternative-rock style that was appealing in the 90s. The same could be said with Kurt Cobain (check the guitar parts on ‘Love Buzz’).
I hope the upcoming oasis tour includes 50 guitarists all sat in the green room. Don’t wanna miss a single layer.
I've got a funny video on my channel where he makes a mistake but admittedly Noel is fantastic guitar player and his strength is the melody. His leads are relatively simple of course, but he had great chords, great lines, great song writing and to record and play live is a big challenge, he did it all. Before THAT video I can't remember him messing up. Legend.
One of my favourite songs is Ceremony by New Order/joy division, that's essentially a 2 chord song full of lots of simple parts but layering of the simplicity makes something truly magical. Maybe people are just annoyed with buskers playing wonderwall.
People probably also say Bernard Sumner isn't a 'good' guitar player. However I ask 'did he make memorable and moving music?'. Yes. Definitely. And then some. Therefore, like Noel, he is a good guitarist.
@@JJPwfelli it's also arguable that Joy Division and New Order are not traditionally guitar lead bands with more emphasis on the bass and later synths but there is still some good guitar lines in there
He even said in the pedal show interview that he’s really a song writer over a guitarist. The fact that most of his songs are 4 simple chords that memorable makes him genius. He focused more on his timing and keep it tight over flying around on the fret board
Man I’ve been enjoying your videos!!!!!! Good job!
James love that tone on the tele what pedal and amp where you using?
No pedal, just straight into a blackstar silverline deluxe
You've outdone yourself, man!
Well done.
Your demonstration of Morning Glory was fascinating. Sometimes we overlook the complexity of layers we're hearing.
The tones and textures he builds on lead make his music what it is magnificent well played mate
I think Noel said if he had been fully aware how rudimentary his guitar skills were he wouldn't have had the guts to appear in public. At the time I had noticed that he wasn't Steve Vai but to me I liked the songs and his playing was good enough to perform them.
Steve Vai - I remember reading about him in guitar mags in the 90s, satriani too, the music was unlistenable for me but should probably give it another go
Noels guitar playing was fine for the music Oasis was putting out. Now if you wanna talk lyrics... there's a subject.
The thing is sometimes his lyrics are bad but they work cos stadiums can sing them back - they're like nursery rhymes at times with the odd nice line chucked in - hey Jude is similar really
@@Tsa-SONGS-ABOUT-BEING-a-DAD Yes, that is very true. The vocal melodies and simpleness make them very memorable.
And yet during their hey day a lot of the lyrics was some rubbish about someones sister thats got a blister in her magic pie or something lol.
@@originalvisual7491 rumor has it she contracted it after having lasaaaaaaaagna 😶
You need a powerful voice that doesnt not give a f like Liam's to sell some of those lyrics. And usually the melody and song structure was so good on top of that, that you didnt care.
But a poet laureate Noel was NOT
@@euro51116 true Liam could have sung the phone book and made it sound biblical
Back in the 90s I had this debate with a friend of mine who couldn't understand why I rated Noel highly as a guitarist. I wish I had been able to explain it the way this video does. The layering of the guitars as you described was a big element of Oasis's appeal for me. Thanks for this explanation of how it was done.
Thankyou James insightful. I'm only a cover band player but 100% agree about trying to get bandmates to layer and add backing vox as much as we can. Audiences like simple repetitive singalong sounds
Noel was enough guitarrist to create crowd singing anthems, simple songs with epic catching mellodies and honest reality lyrics. Everything the 90's needed at that time
I think Pete Townsend also said that Noel had a rudimentary understanding when it come to guitar
I think this is a balanced and thoughtful criticism, James. It doesn't paper over Noel's shortcomings but it also defends what he did as an aesthetic. (Plus, brilliant re-creations of Noel's parts!) One of the things that makes Noel's reputation suffer by comparison is how brilliantly creative some of the other Britpop guitarists were, especially Nick McCabe and John Squire. Even Bernard Butler, Graham Coxon, and Mark Webber from Pulp way outclassed Noel in terms of pure technique as well as in terms of variety of approach. So although what Noel did was perfectly suited to the purpose, it was definitely lacking in flash compared to his contemporaries, and yet he insisted on filling every track with lead guitar and guitar solos nevertheless.
Exactly, I made a comment, very similar to yours, I think that several Britpop guitarists are much better technically, and creatively than Noel, but he is an excellent composer and lyricist, so, this kind of offsets the technical deficiencies as a guitarist.
I'd love for you to compare Noel vs Coxon - their styles were so different, but yet they were both amazing in their own ways
Totally right again James take for instance I'm outta time chords are masterplan but it's the sound of oasis I think as a band they had a unique sound which hasn't been replicated for a long time now
You are hands down my favourite youtuber.
Another great video
A great video as always, James. I was wondering: would you consider making a video, whereby you explore Bonhead’s rhythm guitar? He was such an integral part of their sound, and for me, it’s something they lost - especially live - when Gem Archer came on board. Noel and Bonehead had such a distinct musical-role. His powerhouse playing really drove their performances.
How many bands or artists have their audiences sing along to their guitar solos? It's crazy hearing 80,000 ppl or however many singing along to the Supersonic solo or the intro to Some might say. The only other time ive heard something like that is the crowd singing along to the intro riff of "He is" by Ghost.
Everything good he ever wrote he adapted from someone else usually with heavy influence.
Oasis was great, but not because they had good musicians. That’s part of the allure to me.
I got a secret for you: that first sentence is true of every musician. We’re still not as good as Oasis.
The Beatles and Oasis both did this thing where they reach far beyond their musical ability and, out of sheer determination, pull it off and that’s precisely what makes it pop and sound so fresh to the listener. You could argue this is characteristic of The Clash as well, but they didn’t reach for bigger ideas so much as exotic ideas.
@@cobeyc.b5946 I’m referring to the songs Noel proudly stole from and now has to pay royalties to in perpetuity. He been pretty open about that. “Whatever” for example, which apparently he’s a genius for “writing”. Lol.
@@matthewcofield6251 I don’t like Whatever and neither does Oasis. I won’t ever say T Rex invented the blues so Cigs & Bevys is original in my book too. Shakermaker is positively post modern, so stealing the most famous advertisement in history and part of their childhood is kind of the point. Half The World Away wouldn’t be seen as stollen is Noel wasn’t so honest and tbh most songwriters just lie their way out of paying up royalties because we’re all filthy thieves.
My guy every guitar player you know even the famous ones all rip off from each other, there are only 12 musical notes when you’re playing in a key there’s even less and every guitar player learns the same licks, same movements and moves the exact same way on guitar, the only difference being their inflection and personal taste when playing their musical notes
Every song you hear is probably a 1, 4, and 5 structured song, every now and then you get extra chords but yeah bro there is nothing new to discover with music, only what you do with it
Rubbish guitarist? It really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. That's not the point of music anyway. The real question is: does it move you? And for the guitarist-what do you want to offer the world? Your true self and personality? Noel certainly did that.
It's funny that since they announced the reunion gigs I have been listening to their back catalogue daily. For me I always remembered their image. I had completely forgot how good their tunes were. Simple yet innovative stuff. Listening back to that era and Oasis had that different sound.
Could be a stretch but you could argue some of the simplicity comes from the late 80's/early 90's club scene; the Hacienda etc - where basics were all you needed. Noel often cites the dance music scene as inspiration.
That Masterplan intro is Gorgeous
Thanks so much for this and for all the effort you put into demonstrating the parts. Your playing sounds spot on to Noel’s.
And I agree. Noel is a chord sequencing genius and an inventive layerer. It’s just a different metric for what constitutes good. There are loads of widdly guitarists I like, loads I don’t. There are loads of minimalist guitarists I like, loads I don’t. It’s all about taste and serving the song / genre.
Noel is the master of what he does.
Another thing to consider that during the 90's... unlike the previous decades.. simplicity in general especially in rock and pop, was more desirable... and virtuousity was not looked upon overall favorable anymore. Alternative Rock was famous for this, either no solos, or if they were there, very simplistic, short, pentatonic runs at best. Oasis fit the mold perfect for the time.
Exactly!
There were more solos in the 90's than you remember... They weren't "shred" solos, but they were solos nonetheless.
@@gkniffen Did my statement suggest there were no solos period? I said if there were, they were often very short or simple, not like solos people would tend to think of compared to previous decades.
I kind of see what you’re saying but there were a lot of huge bands in the 90s with the opposite of simplistic guitars: Pearl Jam, Tool, Radiohead, Creed, RATM…to name a few. I do agree with the solos thing though…they just kind of faded as the decade progressed. Once nu-metal took over, they were pretty much gone.
Congrats on a great analysis as usual, James! Of course, given Noel was indeed Oasis' lead guitarist (at least in the 90's, afterwards Gem took many of the lead parts I guess) we do need to regard and analyse him as a guitarist, but I would argue that's not what he is and, as you stated as well, Noel always downplays himself as a guitarist. He knows he is a songwriter first and foremost and he stated many times he played lead guitar in Oasis only because there was no one else to play it. And one of my favourite Noel's quotes about songwriters vs. guitar heroes (not that there is necessarily a battle between them) is "Between Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix, I choose to be McCartney all day". ;)
Oh, yes brilliant and balanced analysis, with some lovely studio work to illustrate the key points. NG definitely had some stand-out moments when his dexterity and invention can't be questioned. To your examples I would add 'Rocking Chair' - really tasteful lead acoustic guitar.
Great vid. Did Noel write the riff for 'king in the bushes? One of my favourite riffs.
Another great vid James 👍👍
That acoustic sounds mega. What brand is it? Cheers
I've just realised that if you pay attention to the melodies in the songs he wrote (I only know 90's Oasis, mind you) he was also using the pentatonic scale, almost exclusively. I went through a few well known songs in my head, and the only note I can think of that isn't in the pentatonic scale is in Don't Look Back In Anger, in the chorus there's a F. I am sure we could find more examples in songs, but really they are not easy to find. But then it is rock and roll, it's blues influenced, it makes sense. It's not Coldplay (I mean songs that may have guitars but don't have the rock music DNA in the composition).
I believe that Noel had this simple repetitive groove sound was inspired by the Madchester movement... but with a RocknRoll sound to it. Simplistic and Brilliant, for example Fade in/out Live Intro is a good example. Good video James.
So, WTSMG has 6 guitar parts?! I remember trying to pick them all out on the compressed CD. I couldn’t quite do it! Thanks for showing. My frustration has been assuaged 😅
Brilliant episode. Thank you very much, I really enjoyed it!
James, I have a bootleg of them playing in Japan in 1998/99 and they do a long version of Champagne Supernova that really sounds different. Far more of a wig out then they would normally do. Wish I could remember which gig it was but do you have any recall of it from my description?
Budokan Japan 98, popular one for the long solo at the end.
@@martinfennell9639 that's the one. One of my favourite performances of Champagne Supernova.
Great video as always, James.
I don't really care how many notes can fit into a bar, as long as they make sense. I have an equal love for Allan Holdsworth's notes as much as Noel Gallagher's notes.
As long as a musician can deliver good tone, phrasing and rhythm, I don't care how vast their vocabulary is. If one delivers I'm all ears.
Also, for the excessive repetition, well... a whole stadium needs time to take it all in. Repetition is fine.
I think he brought in guest guitarists not because what he was playing didn't work, he brought them in to add a different feel and to add different textures
Great video… always something to be said for a guitar solo that you can sing/whistle hours after listening. He was a master at this xx
Loved that morning glory rendition at the end 🖤
James please do a video teaching that riff you played in The Masterplan intro, I've never seen anyone do that before!
Great video. Personally I think Noel’s greatest gift is his Right Wrist. I sometimes obsessively listen to his acoustic stuff and try and replicate it. Yes a lot of his songs are in basic chords and some anyone can play but to sound like Noel playing them takes real skill
3:33 I almost feel like this was a staple of 90s guitar solos inside a certain British pop-rock genre.
I always thought he was one of the best lead guitarists around in the Be Here Now era, his solo work on the Gmex gig especially was incredible.
Ummm no...
It sounds complex talking about guitar cords. Glad James explained it even though it's unlikely I will never understand it.
James Hargreaves absolutely Bob on, very insightful intricate... I used to make music in the rave days and layer.... I always hated screaming guitars but any guitar you could play on a keyboard usually had a melody behind it...... Noel was/is ahead of his time.... wonderful content James 😎😎
One other thing, his songs being easy to play on guitar made them spread faster. Everyone (including me & you having watched this video), learned guitar with his songs which made us love them even more.
I started playing two years ago and while I do try and play fast impressive stuff. The things I love the most is always very simple melodic stuff
Whew, I'd never notice how complicated the layering was in "Morning glory". That's why I like it so much probably, you have a lot of notes and riffs and phrases to listen to...
If he was a better guitarist, he didn't make it apparent. HIs playing works for his style and song writing, and that's good enough for me. He is one of my most crucial influences on guitar ever, but I recognize he is not the most well technically gifted or knowledgable guitarist, but not everybody needs to be. He is more a rhythm guitarist than some lead shred player or something, despite he showed off a lil more during the Be Here Now era of live playing. There is a very very common lineage to Noel's riffs and soloing of the classic era of Oasis, you easily learn one pentatonic shape and play every Oasis song on it during that era. DLBIA and Don't Go Away solo's pretty much share the same notes for the most part.
Vary well wrote sir and the wembley concert 2000 on lead guitar I felt he did some geat creative solos and rifts.. A Genuis songwriter and more of a acc guitar player.. Proud of Noel.
People strove for simplist guitar rifts coming away from 80s permed male hair and 10 minute guitar solos and hairspray to the basic rock indie era.
His legend icon was morrisey and legend Johnny Marr
p.s enjoyed this hugely, and now I know I only need to master the pentatonic scale, which was my plan all along. Cheers!
He is a songwriter 1st and foremost, I think you're right that he recognised lead guitar simplicity as part of their sound. In my opinion (as a musician myself) alot of musicians forget that while "we" might enjoy complicated runs etc the majority of the listening public just want something catchy or a hook or sound they recognise instantly on the radio - familiarity is a very stong motivator of enjoyment. Great Video!
The master plan progression always gives me the chills
This was a great video and I hope Noel knows about Jsmes 🙌
I've always thought Noel is a modern day equivalent of one of the classical composers (don't laugh 😂). Presumably, simple repetition on some songs was also to make us focus on the lyrics. I'm not sure if Noel was responsible for the whole musical arrangement for most of the songs he is soley credited to - not sure how that works between the songwriter, the producer and the individual musicians contributing at the point the main songwriter shares the song with them or during recording. But I assume he directed the whole arrangement of most of the songs he is solely credited for. And that is why I think he is an out-and-out composer. Absolute genius in my opinion, and continues to be with all his non Oasis stuff too
I think people tend to overlook Neil Young's influence on Noel because the British influences are more obvious, but it's especially evident in his guitar playing - not overly flashy, but melodic and heavy. The difference between Noel and Neil's playing is that Noel is usually much less improvisatory - his solos are generally composed and then replicated over and over live, which means that the notes he plays are usually something he's established sounds pretty good even if it's not technically in the right scale the whole time.
Great point
A lot of Neil's soloing is horrible in my opinion 🤣🤣 He does have a unique style though which suits his music.
Your videos are always good. I started watching you do the Beatles videos. I didn’t really listen to oasis much is that was sort of past my time. And I thought they were a bunch of rowdy drugs that were rude. Did they get to run of Australia? However, watch your video of the master plan and I’m hooked on them. Thank you.
Supersonic shows the great layering of guitar you refer to. Just like Johnny Marr, the layering of guitar parts creates a signature wall of sound
I remember an article from 95 or 96 with Noel in one of the guitar magazines, talking about how he’s tired of doing the same guitar tricks and might take lessons 😂 side note: In the same interview he talked about using the Gibson 500T pickup.
He’s the perfect guitarist for Oasis. Melodic and memorable, awesome riffs but nothing flashy.
The 'Wall of Sound' is more to do with extreme dynamic compression than it is the texture of intricate overdubbed parts
Often, it’s a blessing not to have technical baggage, brilliance lies in simplicity, even if unintentionally… Maybe it’s possible to compare Noel on his guitar solos to Ringo in his drumming style, the kind of minimalism that’s the hardest to pull off…
Noel G, if you read this: Your guitar playing is awesome. Everyone will be able to hear your unique style. King of feel. People love it. Also: do an interview with James 😊
Noel G, if you read this reply plz stop messing around on youtube and write some new oasis songs. Also: do that interview with James 😊
I love the rhythm and the chords to "Underneath the Sky".