Colin Hay: How To Play Overkill Tutorial
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- Have you ever wondered how to play one of Colin's most recognizable songs? Of course you have! Colin's fans have been asking for years on how to achieve the sound of Overkill at home.
And now Colin gives you a step-by-step tutorial in this EXCLUSIVE video (available exclusively first to subscribers of Colin's email list). Enjoy, and let us know what other songs you'd like to see in the future.
Sign up to Colin's newsletter at www.colinhay.com/
Did anybody born in the 1970s ever think they would see a world where we could see Colin Hay teaching his songs like this? 🇦🇺
Born in the 60s A fan of Men at work in the 80s, and listening to the artist Colin Hay breakdown Overkill in the year 2023, this song in an acoustic version is pure gold.
For me it’s exactly the same ,born in the 60s listening to men at work then Colin hay and now listening to him teach us to play it ! Perfect !! My guitars are very very happy ! Thanks Colin ! You are a great person !
Like you, brimming with appreciation. Technology can be such a wonderful thing. But without geniuses like this man, it’s useless. Anyone going to be clamoring to watch modern “artists” do a tutorial in 20 years? Now THAT would be overkill.
😁🇭🇲
I was born IN 1970. Never in a million years would I have expected such a gift.
"I don't know what that chord is, but it sounds pretty." That's pretty much the essence of music that I like.
I found that comment pretty damn inspiring
That’s what my teacher always said, “does it sound good” doesn’t matter what its name is
D11 i think
@@curtrod Notice the quotation marks genius. The other comments are mine. BTW, did you also notice the main riff was "borrowed" from Jim Peterik's tune Hold on Loosely.
curtrod I gave up Camels decades ago. The “ main intro riff” specifically on the recorded electric version by his band Men at Work. Not the whole tune. Pay special regard to what’s said in the quotes.
Only a true legend would do this for his fans, thanks Colin for being that legend.
Agreed!!
Agreed, thank you Colin, you rock ✌️❤️🤘
There are no false legends.
Scrubs man. Scrubs introduced me to this guys beautiful music.
The soundtrack of the whole series is just fantastic.
This guys beautiful music introduced me to scrubs! I was trying to find his song and found a scene from scrubs. I'm a big fan now!
Scrubs introduced me to the acoustic version of Overkill, and from there a whole new appreciation for this amazing artist.
That one particular episode that featured this song and the artist was amazing!
It’s one of the greatest shows ever
A pity that this is such an exeption: The artist himself showing the fans how to play his song properly. I so wish other artists would follow his path. Thank you so much Colin for the insight!
true, though thanks to youtube we are seeing more of it. no one is doing a better job than james taylor. check out his website for lessons from the man himself.
skunk anansie guitarist does Hedonism..
Rik Emmit from Triumph does this also.
Simon from biffy clyro shows how to play..many of horror..
Dr Christoph Schäfer right on
The fact that Colin took the time to explain and teach one of his masterpiece songs with all of us...
He's just a LEGEND.
"Overkill" is a brilliant song; one of my favorites. Colin's voice is nothing shy of amazing. If you haven't seen the "Choir, Choir" video of him playing this song, you have to check it out. It might be the best version of this song I've ever heard.
Scrubs is the best version. How dare you
True!
Just coming over here from that "Choir!.." version. Found it just about an hour ago actually.
A massive version, for sure 👍🏻
men at work hit it big in 1983....what a great summer that was for music and falling in love❤️
They had great songs. I loved both albums. But Overkill is a masterpiece
"There you go, hope that helps.." Indeed.
One of a kind class act, besides authoring some of the most iconic pop records of the 80s and masterfully re-inventing himself and his music long since and beyond.. Armed with his acoustic, a mic and that signature Scot brogue, he's put on some of the most intimate, hilarious, melancholy and human performances over the course of the past few decades. Sea Dogs, Into the Corn Fields, Water Song, Wayfaring Sons, Send Somebody. The list goes on.
Thank you, Colin. You planted the seed in my head as a boy in the 80s to want to write and play and songs, and you gave me a gift of a lifetime as a result.
I love this. My dad would listen to this a lot when I was a kid. I knew he was going through something but he never showed it. Just through his headphones after I was put to bed 🛌. Supposed to be in bed at least, but I don’t think he knew I saw him so vulnerable. Great song
Fuck mate. That is a poem. You made me cry. Thank you. (do something more to share your poem)
@@ctw8735 thank you for acknowledging my comment. As a special insight if this memory, when this took place, my mother had not allowed much visitation for him. He spent 7years trying to get custody of me, and when I finally visited him, this song was his anthem. It spoke what he was enduring. Ca felt children should be with their mothers in the 90’s but he persevered from Sacramento, to L.A every month to try and visit with me and visit his attorney. He dedicated 7 years of this just to have me… I’m grateful to have such a father who loves me, with a mother who battled with her own demons via addiction and a toxic cultural upbringing . Sadly she passed after he got custody of my 8 years after, which I hadn’t seen her throughout no she thought it was best not to conflict my heart while I focused on my schooling etc. I next saw her after the courts awarded my dad full custody 8 years later in her casket to identify her body, as that would be the only chance I’d have to see her before she was buried. Although an extreme turn of events, I learned to forgive her as he did, bc love conquers all and this song now comforts me as it once did him. Such a wild turn of events, but yes, this song was present throughout my entire upbringing revolving around these sad yet character building moments in our lives. Cheers man. Thanks again for the positive remarks. God bless you and yours-
@@DSZ58 ok. You made me cry again. Do something with your story Gilbert. Not here. Books man. Screenplay? At least a poem. Big love to you my brother for being so strong with your gentle heart.
Colin Hay, not only are an INCREDIBLE MUSICIAN, but more importantly, anyone who goes out of their way to show someone how to play a song, let alone their song, let alone their INFINITY POETIC SONG, just proves they’re a truly a heart❤️.
Thank you! For everything, thank you’
❤️
Wow! Straight from the horse's mouth! It's great to have a lesson firsthand rather than someone else's interpretation of it. Thanks for that, Colin.
thanks Colin. i love the accoustic version of this song ...its so pretty.
its very unselfish of u to share the 'how - to' with us all.
cheers. : )
Here Here! Unselfish.
I agree totally...another sweetie is the Ron Sexsmith, helping out his fans figure out the chords to his songs.
Unselfish... generous???
@@tigerheaddude,
Yes, unselfish and generous; it is the defining characteristic of the greatest musical geniuses that they pursue music out of a deep and passionate love, a deep NEED for the expression of an inexpressible longing common to most everyone but found manifested by only a few tortured souls. If you cannot imagine it, it is because you do not possess it. This song is, of course, autobiographical to Colin, as it is for those who long to play it; you have to express the pain and longing or it will consume you, and the expression and pursuit of it heals you (catharsis).
It is paradoxical that if you set out to write a 'hit song', then you will fail, and doing it for material reasons always corrupts the art, while the pursuing of art for art's sake will bring you the wealth you were not seeking. You can see this in how Metallica's music declined as they became obsessed with destroying Napster, and Jimmy Buffet's music declined in direct proportion to his obsession with preventing his music from even being performed as covers (what a fucking HYPOCRITE..), and how Sting wrote much of his greatest music after he'd sold all rights to it (past and future-yet-to-be-written), and Tom Scholz was financially incredibly well off working as an engineer and pursing his music as a hobby/passion when he created that divine work, and countless other examples in categories beyond music.
I truly 'pity the fool' who does not understand this..
@@tigerheaddude,
Yes, unselfish and generous; it is the defining characteristic of the greatest musical geniuses that they pursue music out of a deep and passionate love, a deep NEED for the expression of an inexpressible longing common to most everyone but found manifested by only a few tortured souls. If you cannot imagine it, it is because you do not possess it. This song is, of course, autobiographical to Colin, as it is for those who long to play it; you have to express the pain and longing or it will consume you, and the expression and pursuit of it heals you (catharsis).
It is paradoxical that if you set out to write a 'hit song', then you will fail, and doing it for material reasons always corrupts the art, while the pursuing of art for art's sake will bring you the wealth you were not seeking. You can see this in how Metallica's music declined as they became obsessed with destroying Napster, and Jimmy Buffet's music declined in direct proportion to his obsession with preventing his music from even being performed as covers (what a fucking HYPOCRITE..), and how Sting wrote much of his greatest music after he'd sold all rights to it (past and future-yet-to-be-written), and Tom Scholz was financially incredibly well off working as an engineer and pursing his music as a hobby/passion when he created that divine work, and countless other examples in categories beyond music.
I truly 'pity the fool' who does not understand this..
What a legend ❤
It’s unfortunately rare that artists take the time to show the fans how to properly play their songs. Thanks Colin!
Thank you Colin. I was an aimless young man when this song came out and it gave me comfort as I knew those thoughts were not exclusive to me. Now, all these years later, I face my own mortality as I age and this song still holds so much meaning to the uncertainties in life I thought would have long since been behind me. All good though - it puts a smile on my face and humbles me. Thank you for a lifetime of honest, heartfelt music that speaks to one's soul. Thank God for you!
Who in the world gives Colin Hay a thumbs down for teaching his music?
I thought the same thing here!
Angry Trump losers.
uneducated and fairly naive people, also probably short on patience
@@thomasgatrell2519 i.e. Trump supporters...
People that want attention. And it gives others a chance to make a non--political topic political. Grow up, toddlers.
Been wanting to play this since i saw this in scrubs when i was 12 years old back in 2002...... could never work out those suspended chords...... The 12 year old me thanks you greatly :)
I learnt the watered down version back in 2002 when I was also 12. Only this second rectified that mistake.
They aren't as obvious on the original recordings as they are on the acoustic versions. I never realised the 1st string was also dropped though. Very cool.
Oh my god I thought I imagined that
I remember hearing my older brother playing this when I was a kid and then realizing it was from Scrubs, my brother’s favorite show at the time. I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like, but playing/bearing this song always makes the distance seem not so far.
"I hope that helps " more than you could ever imagine
Colin is a true artist. It takes a big man, secure in his own skin to teach his fans how to play one of his own songs. That's selflessness. Thank you Colin.
There are no false artists.
Incredible voice sold separately lol
I could listen to him sing the phonebook.
CBDM777 Aaronson... Aaron A... 368.. 5439... ghosts appear and send a sign...
The reprise takes some pipes
@@CBDM777 you are making me want to hear disturbed do with 'overkill' what they did with 'the sound of silence'... that song blew my father away, he disliked disturbed and other similar music out of instinct and, after i showed him the scrubs/accoustic ver of 'the sound of silence' he really liked it.....even later admitted it was better then the original he has in 3 versions on cd... i gave him a copy of 'overkill' and a couple others (used itunes to rip them since hes still stuck in the iGarden) i have a very few songs i go to consistantly when i just need to try and disconnect and stop the "overthinking" that plagues life in the modern day.
@@AshenTechDotCom pls no
Honoured to have a lesson on this almighty song from the Legend himself! Thanks for the music Mr Hay.
It's really almighty. Yes indeed. :-)
I never realized how great a guitar player Colin is. I just remember him as the front man for Men At Work. He is much more then that. Hope to see him at Merlefest 2020.
I can't get to sleep
I worry over chord progressions
I know I'm playing wrong
It's really just a bad impression
especially at night i worry over
Epic ; )
Hoes appear then paid away.....
Cum back another day!
[Alt Verse 2]
Notes lost on music sheets
Only brings perspiration
It's time to play with beats
More Chord mutilation
This won’t ever pay the lights
Even if there’s much starvation
It nullifies my plight
From Chords I Kill
fourths resolve and fade to D.
How often do you see a well established musician do something like this??? So cool. Great song.
Walkerchess Not often. Jorma is about it.
few years ago I made a comment on a website about "wishing I knew the guitar chords to a Billy Joel tune called "New York State of Mind". Later that day some guy replied and said, "You know that's a piano song. It has no guitar chords." So I said, "Yes, I know, just really like it. Sorry." Few hours later the same guy sent me an email with the chords laid out, with words to the song beneath them. That person was Howard Emerson, played with Billy Joel for years. It was a surreal thing. He was very gracious, and said he was happy to do it.
Quality
@@SophisticatedBob Whoa. Cool story!
Walker Texas...John Mayer has done a whole series where he teaches his songs. Pretty cool.
What a great guy. Not many stars would take the time to do that. Thank you
I am 35 still listening to them! In 2024 , that song was recorded back in 1982 I did not exist back then, I am from Mexico my dad is 58 still listening to Man at Work.
I am your dad's age... Men at Work were great back in the day
I'm just staggered by Colin's down-to-earth attitude, his warmth and generosity. The song is so beautiful. Greetings to all from lockdown here in Sydney
I watched whole thing even though I cannot play guitar.
Caring Mouse I’m a piano player but watched this as well, realizing I’ve got it easier; just play the chords!
I watched the whole thing even though I'm a drummer.
I watched the whole thing even though I'm deaf
Me too
😄
I have seen many versions of him playing this soung acoustically. It is yet another one of those "80's songs" that shows itself to be far far better than it appeared to be when it was a radio hit. It is a beautiful, creative, powerful, wonderful song. Colin: THANKS for showing the open tuning tricks for playing it acoustically! I will enjoy playing it that way much more than barring the D's all the way down.
my thoughts exactly!
Don't forget haunting...
This song is so very timeless, and forever relevant. Especially today. Hard to believe it's been nearly 38 years since its release. Thank you, Colin, for such a masterpiece.
My 5 year old daughter is obsessed with Men At Work. Watches their old videos all time. So, Colin just know there’s a 5 year old little girl in Asheville NC that loves your music and thinks you’re the best.
That's when you know you're a good parent
Still my biggest musical hero of all time.
How incredibly generous to have the actual artist share and unlock his secrets. God Bless you Colin, you are rare indeed, and fans love you.
Not only in my 36 years of age am i loving everything Colin Hay has done. But now hes teaching me overkill and saying "the G-String is open" while staying completely composed. ❤😂
How on earth can you give this video a thumbs down....I mean really. Colin Hay is such an impressive package, playing, writing and singing.... Great stuff. Thanks for the vid. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
never expected to find a "how to" featuring the man himself! This song
means so much more now that I've discovered insomnia. "I worry over
situations I know will be alright" didn't mean so much I first heard
this song. Great video!
This is a real guitar lesson - not just a how-to. All I paid was the price of 1 record in 1983 and a CD in 1988, and for that Colin sits down & instructs note by note not just how to play one of his songs, but how to tune and play advanced guitar in general. Thank you Colin!
who needs a band when you have a voice like that! can't tell you enough, Colin, how much this song has meant to me since I was a young teenager when it first came out. Cargo was the first album (cassette!) that I ever bought with my own money. much love to you 🙂
I can't believe you spend your time to teach us how to play the song, it's awesome. Thank you
I ramdomly saw you playing this on a Norm's Rare Guitars video and my jaw dropped at realizing what a beautiful piece of song writing this is once stripped down to your voice and guitar. So I had to look it up to learn it and OMG there you are !!! How generous of you to take the time to share this. By the way, your voice keeps acquiring so much depth and emotion; I'm so exited to explore your latest work !
Without doubt one of the most creative geniuses ever to emerge from Scotland.🏴🏴🏴🏴
All his creativity emerged from Melbourne, Australia!
@@beano1eye According to a school classmate speaking in the movie "Waiting for my real life" Colin was a talented musician when he arrived off the boat.
I realize I’m late to this party, but it sometimes takes us a while to get the latest news here in Texas. I concur that Mr. Hay is indeed a Scottish national treasure, but there are numerous other creative musical geniuses from your beautiful homeland. Off the top of my thinning head the names Ian Anderson, Gerry Rafferty, Nazareth, Bay City Rollers, Average White Band, and a cooky kid named Donovan (whose paisley getup of the mid 60’s was obviously the primary inspiration for Prince’s wardrobe) come immediately to mind.
I woke up singing this song this morning, then I played it and then I found this video. I always wondered what drew me to it, it sounds timeless and now I believe I understand that the dropped tuning on both E strings gives it that Uniqueness and attractive sound, almost an expressive sadness as you run through the chord progression. Mrs Hay is right about the Vague Chords, they make all the difference then you add Colins finger picking and voice which just teleports your mind to a different place and time. It sometimes gives me goosebumps. Not many songs do that to me. Thankyou for the good times.
Thanks, Colin. I saw you live in 1983 and still have your songs on my favorites playlist 40 years later in 2023. Congratulations on writing some sensational songs and a great musical career. Much love, peace, and health.
Glad to say he's from the west coast of Scotland! He's one of our own.Thanks for the music Colin.Clydebank loves you!!!
Great song and a great lesson from the man himself. It's a good day for this guitar nerd.
Colin that's a beautiful chord progression. I love that Colin plays like i do; he plays what sounds good to him and couldn't tell you the exact name of the chord lol
Brother, I am 50 and grew up listening to you and Men at Work. I love and appreciate you and wish I could sing with you one day. it would be an honor for me.
That this is, in my opinion, hands down the best tutorial for "Overkill" on the internet, which seems logical. And if you want a good time, check out Colin's Santa Cruz Guitars 40th birthday bash monologue and version of Down Under. I'm not even Scottish but I gotta say its' fookin' breelyant.
I wasn’t a huge 80s pop fan but there was always something about Men At Work that caught my ear. Now that I’m older and understand music much better, I realize it’s because this guy is a helluva songwriter with an incredible voice.
This is so cool that you take the time to share this!
iwilll never get tired of your music!!! been listenin since i was 12 in early 80s ..im 50 now lol and still got uour music on my playlist... ❤❤❤💯💯💯
This was so very generous of him. A wonderful gift to his fans.
thanks colin what a cool thing to do. can't wait to see your documentary!
Bless this man's heart! Thank you, Colin, for showing us your beautiful arrangement. I look forward to seeing you with Ringo's Band in S.F. June 2023. Cheers mate!
This is brilliant Colin! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us!
Still the loveliest man, so humble, never lost his nice soft Scottish brogue, i love this song, hopefully i can learn it, it is a classic song. Great video
Thank you Colin. Beautiful song wonderfully constructed.
Thank you for taking the time to show us this Colin.
Thank you, Colin, for sharing and for being so genuine. This song is an anthem of my early adulthood, forever a part of my life.
Coolest vid I´ve seen this year. Thank you Colin, your music takes me back to my high school times and so many good memories.
It's helps alot. Humble man you are sir...
Thank you for doing this tutorial. You’re so gifted.
Absolutely brilliant
Thanks Colin, One of my Favorite songs of yours and I especially love the Acoustic Album...Wonderful versions of your Work with the Mates
I've always loved this very thoughtful song - haunting and insightful. My favourite Colin Hay song. Loved what you did with it on "Scrubs" - very cool. Thanks for the tutorial, really enjoyed playing along with you!
This is so awesome on so many levels.
This video is another reason to love the man. Thank you sensei Colin.
You’re a good man. Merry Xmas Colin
It's a beautiful song. And the quality and tone of his voice makes it extra special. Thanks for the video on the lesson.
A true artist that wants to share his craft. Thanks Colin!
Beautifully composed, Colin. A favorite of mine!
My all time favorite song by Colin and the boys. And I love all of them.
Loved this song since it came out in the early 80s. Heard it some years later on Scrubs with Colin playing it acoustically. I was hooked again and have played it ever since at gigs as solo/duo and band. Brilliant song. Thank Colin.
Absolutely beautiful!
simply amazing. Thank you, Colin!
Colin, you're an awesome guy to do this tutorial man, I've listened to your music since I was a kid in the 80's, I remember vividly seeing your men a work album at my neighbors house, and being so jealous that I didn't have the LP myself
What a voice!
Thank you so much to share this with us sir Colin Hay. Loving that song, and the artist !
Thanks for the awesome guitar lesson Colin! The world needs more people like you!
Colin, you are a very special man.
Thank you for your contribution to this mad mad world to make it a little bit easier to get along in.
Your music is so timeless.....again, thank you sir.
While everybody is worried about getting the left hand fingering, the magic is in the right hand hybrid picking. Beautiful.
lespaulfanofsparta I see that the back strumm with the middle finger while the thumb and index as well as the pinky going in the opposite way while using a pick almost as crazy as Knofler
So patient Colin !! Thank you 😍
You are a legend Colin Hay! Thank you so much for sharing this.😎🏆.
That guitar is gorgeous! Thank you for the lesson❤️
I have followed you since the 80s. you are amazingly talented. my cousin and I play your song. Thank you for all you do..
Thanks for such a wonderful and heartwarming song Colin. You are outstanding!!
Thanks a million, Colin! First for sharing the song with the world and then revealing to us guitarists how to play it!
He seems to be such a good guy!
He really, really is. I've met him a couple of times as he is so generous with his "meet and greets". Colin will give you a great big hug, whether you asked for it or not. He's a wonderful, genuine person. What you see is what you get.
Mr Hay I know this next statement will seem outrageous but of all musicians I've ever listen to in my 53 years, your music has given me the greatest satisfaction. The 1980's will always be my favorite era because of Men at Work. Thank you for creating such iconic music.
Well said. I miss the 80's with all its great songs like this one :-)
Compared to the 60's, and the British Invasion? Don't be ridiculous.Men At Work Indeed.
Thanks for the breakdown Colin. Such a beautiful song.
How wonderfully generous of you to share this. I wish more artists did this. Thank you and God bless you Colin.
lovely chords Colin. reminds me of Andy Partridge from XTC he always uses weird and.wonderful chord shapes 😀😀
I've been playing over 30 years, all sound and feel. I remember the days of sharing music, in bands, and social settings. "What chord/note are you playing" ... "I have no idea, but it looks/sounds like this". Music is amazing. Love watching you play and story tell. Very real, and amazing sound. Love the drop D tuning, as well.
What an artist!! God bless you Colin
One of my favorite songs of all time! Thank you for showing us how it's played!
Someone wrote how unselfish it was of Colin to do this video and I was just telling my son how cool it was of this guy to do this. I really like the acoustic version as well and first heard it when he was at Norm’s rare guitars (I believe) it really highlights what a pretty melody it is and the chord changes with the melody line at “ghosts appear and fade away” is inspired and absolutely beautiful. I’d never noticed it when it was a “top ten” number. But it has me listening to your music a lot closer. Thanks Colin great tune!!
Peder Davisson
SHIIIIT! Now I have to retune and relearn MY youtube cover of this great song. A-hole... lmao.
This is just so joyous that you shared your knowledge and "how to" of this song, mate. You're the man... man!
Love this song! Thanks for taking the time and beeing so awesome!
This is simply beyond amazing!