I hate shred. I hate the 80s. I think i like Yngwie Malmsteen.

[re-animator]

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/2786/yngwie308.jpg

say what you will. he's the prince of passe. but he's an extraordinary musician - and i don't mean just a technician. I think his musical sensibility is light years ahead of most guys in the genre.

I think black star legitimately has some of the best melodies i've EVER heard in a hard rock song. Definitely the most memmorable harmonies. His vibrato is nothing short of excellent, his playing is extremely tight - even live. The tone is really good. Not over compressed or harsh sounding like many guys at the time... its basically the crazy strat + marshall tone taken a step further.

Yeah he overplays, but in context it stays good to the song. His tendency to overplay is much more obvious live than it is in some of his studio tracks. I really like his version of Pachelbels Canon - which was already one of my favorite songs.

Yes his attitude is obnoxious. His wardrobe is ridiculous. Most of his music has no place in the developed world. He can't sing to save his life. But he is a damn fine musician.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07VFcjxXmeA

[Donnie B.]

I can't imagine many guys here who could honestly say that Rising Force didn't knock them on their asses back in 1984. Yes, he's proven to be a one trick pony and a jerk to boot but when he first came on the scene I was completely blown away for all the same reasons you mention. Great tone, great technique, and great melodies.

[Doug]

Although I haven't bought any of his albums for 10 years or so, I still love Yngwie. Especially the early stuff. His technical ability blows my mind. Apart from that, I can recognize his playing immediately. There's something to be said for that. He's totally unique.

For me, it's still Far Beyond the Sun. I still love listening to that 25 years later (yikes, I'm getting old :eek: ).

Lately the singers have killed it for me. I wish he and Joe Lynn Turner could have made it work a little longer. Joe was by far my favorite Malmsteen vocalist.

[B_of_H]

"the prince of passe"

lol


I can't stand any of that stuff really, just the exact opposite of what I like.

[fusionbear]

I still love his playing inspite of his apparent overindulgence in Krispy Kreme doughnuts and frilly, lacy shirts....

[Bankston]

The thing that has always impressed me about Yngwie is his precision.

He's not just moving his fingers fast. He's playing incredibly clean, which makes him sound even faster.

Hate his tone but love his showmanship. The guy is flat out entertaining to watch.

As for his singers, I'll take Jeff Scott Soto.

Oh, and I have a DVD of a show from '84 and he was just pure.

[fetishfrog]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de4Gzf-TgqE

Something about this always brings a smile to my face.

[Gtr_Eng]

YJM is the 'master of his domain'. The imitators are wankers.

Their is only one Yngwie. What he does on guitar is an artform. Those that followed and attempted to match his playing turned it into a sterile shredfest.

Too bad he's such an ass.

[AdamCook]

I don't think you should have to feel you have to justify your appreciation for a great musician just because he is part of a scene that is not considered "cool" by today's standards.

Listen to Yngwie. Listen to Hendrix. Listen to cool new hipster bands like The Raconteurs. It's all good. :beer

[airzorba2]

just watched, my first smile when when he played with his teeth. the rest of the time i was just shaking my head. he plays more notes in one song than i do in two sets...but he doesn't make any mistakes. dammit! time to go home and practice. thanks for the link.

[GregoryL]

I still love his playing inspite of his apparent overindulgence in Krispy Kreme doughnuts and frilly, lacy shirts....

Classic ... my new signature.

[smallbutmighty]

I like Yngwie more now than I ever did then. He is unique....and I mean that as a compliment.

[xntrick]

I still love his playing inspite of his apparent overindulgence in Krispy Kreme doughnuts and frilly, lacy shirts....


if you're gonna rank on his attire you have to include SRV in that mix as well, that big feather hanging off the back of his head looked silly and don't even get me started on his teeth...

[Dog Boy]

Love Malmsteen. Don't think I could listen to him every day though.:dude

[Baxtercat]

Prince of Passe!!!
I'm with ya...
Never liked him till a kid in here at work loaned me his instructional VHS and I heard him rip those blues licks with a near-perfect Strat tone [not HB sludge].
Now I know he's the God of Rock gtr!

[crzyfngers]

i have to admit, i like ole wingnut too. there were a few shredders i enjoyed, jason becker, shawn lane. mostly the guys who understood melody.

[Jade]

I don't think you should have to feel you have to justify your appreciation for a great musician just because he is part of a scene that is not considered "cool" by today's standards.

Listen to Yngwie. Listen to Hendrix. Listen to cool new hipster bands like The Raconteurs. It's all good. :beer

Post of the week right there!:dude

Jade

[CharAznable]

Not a huge fan. A bit repetitive: seems to throw in that baroque pedal tone thing into every solo. His tone is amazing, though. One of a handful of shredders where the guitar sounds like a guitar.

[semi-hollowbody]

meh...listening to Yngvie is like having 10 completely different conversations with 10 completely different children all at once...and they ALL speak different languages...

when its over the listener is exhausted, confused, and remembers little or no substance from the experience...;)

[Jube2550]

I like some shred and don't hate the 80s. Yngwie was and still is a guilty pleasure, if you want to break up a party or clear the room, crank him at 100 decibels and the only ones in the room left will know.:dude I was a big fan then but now listen in small doses and only on occasion.

I saw him live several times and it was an exercise in comedy, greatness & fatigue. The first was opening for AC/DC at Nassau Coliseum, NY 1985 (Rising Force tour). By the time his set was finished my ears were numb. I had never heard anyone play that way or with the note density. Angus was a refreshing bluesy treat after that. Then again opening DIO in NYC on the Lock up the Wolves tour.

Then smaller and smaller clubs while he got larger. Notably was in ATL (I moved) for the Fire and Ice tour. He still had the stadium stacks of Marshall's, 4 or 5 full stacks on either side of the stage at the Coca-Cola Roxy, it was deafening but always a good show for me.

I love his no frills low output alnico pickups with O.D. into an old Marshall tone and built a rig myself around that sound.

[Lance]

meh...listening to Yngvie is like having 10 completely different conversations with 10 completely different children all at once...and they ALL speak different languages...

when its over the listener is exhausted, confused, and remembers little or no substance from the experience...;)

Glad you're speaking for yourself. I find myself alert, attentive, inspired, and I actually understand pretty much all of what was presented to me, when I listen to Yang Wie. I don't find his playing confusing at all. It's almost all diatonic in nature. The notes don't go by faster than most spoken languages. Especially Spanish. No wonder flamenco guys get all the chicks!

[69strat]

I like some shred and don't hate the 80s. Yngwie was and still is a guilty pleasure, if you want to break up a party or clear the room, crank him at 100 decibels and the only ones in the room left will know.:dude I was a big fan then but now listen in small doses and only on occasion.

I saw him live several times and it was an exercise in comedy, greatness & fatigue. The first was opening for AC/DC at Nassau Coliseum, NY 1985 (Rising Force tour). By the time his set was finished my ears were numb. I had never heard anyone play that way or with the note density. Angus was a refreshing bluesy treat after that. Then again opening DIO in NYC on the Lock up the Wolves tour.

Then smaller and smaller clubs while he got larger. Notably was in ATL (I moved) for the Fire and Ice tour. He still had the stadium stacks of Marshall's, 4 or 5 full stacks on either side of the stage at the Coca-Cola Roxy, it was deafening but always a good show for me.

I love his no frills low output alnico pickups with O.D. into an old Marshall tone and built a rig myself around that sound.

Who are you kidding.... You NEVER saw him live !!!!!

[Frank Prince]

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/2786/yngwie308.jpg

say what you will. he's the prince of passe. but he's an extraordinary musician - and i don't mean just a technician. I think his musical sensibility is light years ahead of most guys in the genre.

I think black star legitimately has some of the best melodies i've EVER heard in a hard rock song. Definitely the most memmorable harmonies. His vibrato is nothing short of excellent, his playing is extremely tight - even live. The tone is really good. Not over compressed or harsh sounding like many guys at the time... its basically the crazy strat + marshall tone taken a step further.

Yeah he overplays, but in context it stays good to the song. His tendency to overplay is much more obvious live than it is in some of his studio tracks. I really like his version of Pachelbels Canon - which was already one of my favorite songs.

Yes his attitude is obnoxious. His wardrobe is ridiculous. Most of his music has no place in the developed world. He can't sing to save his life. But he is a damn fine musician.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07VFcjxXmeA
I think when Yngwie first came on to the scene every single hard rock and metal guitar player that was signed to a record label simultaneously pooped their pants in shock. :dude

I heard Black Star for the first time in the early '80s on one of those little floppy plastic record inserts that used to come in the middle of Guitar Player magazine. I think it was right before or after the release of Rising Star.

I am a huge fan of 70s and 80s classic rock, hard rock, hair metal, etc., but the first time I heard Black Star, I absolutely HATED it. I think it was just overwhelming, mainly. After a few more listens I realized that the guy was a phenomenally gifted player, one of a kind, and I've been a huge fan ever since.

[zztomato]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXEbJB4k5Bo

This is my favourite Malmsteen vid.

[Yngtchie]

I really like his version of Pachelbels Canon - which was already one of my favorite songs.Actually, that's not Malmsteen. It's a recording that was given the wrong title, then shared online until a lot of people were under the assumption that Malmsteen had made a version of Pachelbel's "Canon".

He never played it.

[Lance]

My first experience with Yngwie was my guitar teacher at the time turned me on to Rising Force when it came out. Can you say...Little Savage?! I was just blown away by the dude at first note. I couldn't believe how fast and accurate the dude was.

[Frank Prince]

My first experience with Yngwie was my guitar teacher at the time turned me on to Rising Force when it came out. Can you say...Little Savage?! I was just blown away by the dude at first note. I couldn't believe how fast and accurate the dude was.Yeaaaahhh, great tune. That rhythm riff is a great woodshed tool for stretchy licks.

[John II]

I haven't listened to a lot of Malmsteen but what I have listened to makes me think that he is Blackmore on steriods. The influence is very obvious to me. Malmsteen is a wizard just as Blackmore is. Both deserve tremendous respect.

[Lance]

Oh, and I had that very same floppy Black Star. It ended up in a pile of those that came in National Geographic. It was right on top of, "Songs of the Humpback Whale."
I haven't hear RF in such a long time. No, that does not stand for Robben Ford! Not that I have anything but tons of respect for Robben Ford. Anyway, I have been wanting to pick up another copy of Rising Force, but have been holding out in the hope that it'll be remastered. Just about out of breath, though.

[Frank Prince]

I haven't listened to a lot of Malmsteen but what I have listened to makes me think that he is Blackmore on steriods. The influence is very obvious to me. Malmsteen is a wizard just as Blackmore is. Both deserve tremendous respect.I think Yngwie freely admitted his Blackmore influence and respect for Ritchie in interviews early on, but also made the point (in typical brash Yngwie style) that anyone who considered him (just) a Blackmore clone must be tone deaf. :D

I had to agree. The Blackmore influence is there, and it is big, but equally large are the Bach and Paganini influences, and Yngwie took all that, applied his sound to it, and made it uniquely his own.

[SL_22]

The thing that has always impressed me about Yngwie is his precision.

He's not just moving his fingers fast. He's playing incredibly clean, which makes him sound even faster.

Hate his tone but love his showmanship. The guy is flat out entertaining to watch.

As for his singers, I'll take Jeff Scott Soto.

Oh, and I have a DVD of a show from '84 and he was just pure.
I agree with everything you said. I've always liked his first four records, with Marching Out being my favorite.
A few years ago, I finally got to see him live. After the show, I commented to a friend about how it looked like his fingers & picking hand were barely moving, yet he was playing was so fast & clean.
Seeing that made me realize that he really is a great player. He's perfected his technique & style and makes it look effortless. He was fun to watch. After the release of Rising Force, a lot of guitarist changed the way they played.

[John II]

I think Yngwie freely admitted his Blackmore influence and respect for Ritchie in interviews early on, but also made the point (in typical brash Yngwie style) that anyone who considered him (just) a Blackmore clone must be tone deaf. :D

I had to agree. The Blackmore influence is there, and it is big, but equally large are the Bach and Paganini influences, and Yngwie took all that, applied his sound to it, and made it uniquely his own.



Agreed.

[Yngtchie]

What seals it for me is his passion. There are many fast guitarists in the world, but few have the same passion that Yngwie puts into his playing.

Then there's the playing itself, which is tremendous. I'm referring mostly to young Yngwie, because that was when I thought he was at his best, but he can still play like a mothertrucker. While he's very tight and rhythmic, he doesn't have that metronome-like feel you hear in many people's playing. His playing is very loose, his leads floating behind and ahead of the beat.

This is one of many examples of why I feel Malmsteen was the best rock guitarist at the time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWP66X0I52M

He was 20 at the time.

[Steve_2020]

I also am not a shredder or shred fan and think most of what's wrong with music now began in the 1980s. But I like The Swede.

I listened to my first walkman cd player and heard Yngwie for the first time all in one shot in the mid 80s..

My roomate's boyfriend says, "You play guitar in a band, right?"

"Yeah"

"Listen to this.."

Hands me walkman 'CD' + headphones. Ynqwie disc is in the player. Hits Play.

"Holy S**t!!"

-----
As has been mentioned, after stunning the world when he first hit the scene Ynqwie's done a lot of the same things over and over again. A one trick pony. but, wow- What A Trick.

I only ever bought the 'Live In Leningrad' disc and the G3 vid with him. Caught him at a NAMM mini concert a couple years ago. Still freakin amazing to see and hear.

[carbz]

Back in 83-84 I was still in the EVH is king mode even though I was also digging guys like Lynch and Demartini and a few others. When I first heard Malmsteen on the Alcatrazz release as much as I hated to admit it I knew EVH had officially been de-throwned.

[daddyo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDVwqTLS7d0
This is my favourite Yngwie song though it is based on a Adagio by Albinoni (although really by a modern composer, Giazotto).

[glockaxis]

I've enjoyed YM 's music since the beginning and still do. A few spots on Rising Force, I believe that was the one, literally gave me chills down my spine---awesome stuff.

[Gtr_Eng]

Yngwie is Yngwie, EVH is EVH, SRV is SRV, Satch is Satch, Vai is Vai, Hendrix is Hendrix, BB is BB. So why does Yngwie get slammed for being a one trick pony? Is it because of his instructional video where he blows through some blues scales and claims to be a blues master? Just a thought.

Personally I love his playing. Whenever I want to hear some neoclassic metal with amazing virtousity, I'll listen to a YJM CD.

I'm as guilty as anybody of sitting back and criticizing another guitar player for what he is not. As I've gotten into middle age I realize that as good as I think I am, the reality is that I suck compared to all of these guys as well as most professional players. These days I just try to appreciate players for who they are and what they do well.

[zztomato]

Yngwie is Yngwie, EVH is EVH, SRV is SRV, Satch is Satch, Vai is Vai, Hendrix is Hendrix, BB is BB. So why does Yngwie get slammed for being a one trick pony? Is it because of his instructional video where he blows through some blues scales and claims to be a blues master? Just a thought.

Personally I love his playing. Whenever I want to hear some neoclassic metal with amazing virtousity, I'll listen to a YJM CD.

I'm as guilty as anybody of sitting back and criticizing another guitar player for what he is not. As I've gotten into middle age I realize that as good as I think I am, the reality is that I suck compared to all of these guys as well as most professional players. These days I just try to appreciate players for who they are and what they do well.

That's well put. I don't understand why people are so hyper-critical. I think there are a few threads on that topic- guitar players criticizing other guitar players.

[rwe333]

While a little can go a long way w/ YJM, he's a remarkable player w/ phrasing, control, intensity, a sound and a voice that simply towers over others in the 'shred' scene, IMHO. Sure he can be way over the top and prone to showy/repetitive lines, but he's among those that you can identify in a few notes... His first few records really hit the guitar community hard (No Parole for Rock'n'Roll, Rising Force...).

[Leonc]

Never followed him at all or any of the shred stuff from back then. I don't really like neo-classical stuff and I don't like this style of playing--it does nothing for me on a personal, emotional level. But...I totally get it and appreciate Yngwie's contribution to "rock" guitar playing and recognize his style and his technical prowess. The guy is absolutely a monster of chops. His ability to put together music that is melodic and says something puts him way ahead of the rest of the "shred pack"; there's just no denying that, IMO.

[fusionbear]

if you're gonna rank on his attire you have to include SRV in that mix as well, that big feather hanging off the back of his head looked silly and don't even get me started on his teeth...


I agree, SRV looked absolutely foolish with that outfit. He looked like a bad pimp! Love his playing too, btw...

[Lance]

Does anyone know of any existing backing tracks of, not even, specifically Yngwie tunes, but neoclassical styled music? I'd love to hear some of us butcher a few Yngwie tunes. Sort of like those mocking instructional vids that were on YT, LOL!!! I would probably go as far as buying a wig, and shaving, and shoot one for good old YT posterity! I have a Japanese body, USA neck strat with HS-3's in it, that really delivers the goods. Classic blackie look.

[Nergalled]

I first saw Yngwie with Alcatrazz in Riverside CA opening for RATT when Jake E. Lee was still with them. RATT was still a local band, and way before they were big. We all left frightened, Eddie was bad enough to learn, this was something altogether different. Hendrix, Van Halen, then Yngwie. Love him or hate him he radically changed guitar when he came out. Killed everybody, and made us learn chops and theory. He did not use AlNiCo single coils, he uses stacked humbuckers. At the time Dimarzio HS-3, now he has his own signature pickups.

[rwe333]

I agree, SRV looked absolutely foolish with that outfit. He looked like a bad pimp! Love his playing too, btw...

SRV's fashion plummeted as his substance abuse worsened... Dressed pretty darned snazzy after cleaning up...

[Lance]

Does anyone know of any existing backing tracks of, not even, specifically Yngwie tunes, but neoclassical styled music? I'd love to hear some of us butcher a few Yngwie tunes. Sort of like those mocking instructional vids that were on YT, LOL!!! I would probably go as far as buying a wig, and shaving, and shoot one for good old YT posterity! I have a Japanese body, USA neck strat with HS-3's in it, that really delivers the goods. Classic blackie look.


Scratch that. I found some. Google first! I should know this by now. :jo

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1R2GUEA_enUS334&q=yngwie+malmsteen+backing+tracks&aq=0&oq=yngwie+malmsteen+backin&aqi=g1

[Bankston]

What seals it for me is his passion. There are many fast guitarists in the world, but few have the same passion that Yngwie puts into his playing.

Then there's the playing itself, which is tremendous. I'm referring mostly to young Yngwie, because that was when I thought he was at his best, but he can still play like a mothertrucker. While he's very tight and rhythmic, he doesn't have that metronome-like feel you hear in many people's playing. His playing is very loose, his leads floating behind and ahead of the beat.

This is one of many examples of why I feel Malmsteen was the best rock guitarist at the time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWP66X0I52M

He was 20 at the time.

I last saw Yngwie in '04 and he definitely still has it. Remarkable that he recovered from a pretty serious injury and regained most of his chops, although I agree that he was just awesome in his prime. Kind of like an athlete in that regard. Watching footage of Yngwie from that time is like watching a young Michael Jordan or young Mike Tyson.

Lynch opened for Yngwie on that show and he came out into the crowd after his set. George was standing about 10 feet from me, with his head down, covering one ear with his hand and listening intensely.

[Jube2550]

He did not use AlNiCo single coils, he uses stacked humbuckers. At the time Dimarzio HS-3, now he has his own signature pickups.

Stacked single coils = humbucker, not stacked humbuckers.

From the Dimarzio site...

HS-3
wiring: 4 conductor
magnet: Alnico 5
Year of introduction: 1980

http://www.dimarzio.com/site/#/pickups/strat/hs3/

[Lance]

Stacked single coils = humbucker, not stacked humbuckers.

From the Dimarzio site...

HS-3
wiring: 4 conductor
magnet: Alnico 5
Year of introduction: 1980

http://www.dimarzio.com/site/#/pickups/strat/hs3/

1980? Hmm, I don't think that's correct. I thought he got together with Larry D, and had a lot of input on the design. If it was in 1980 I'm sure he would've used those on the Steeler album with Ron Keel in 1983. I could definitely be wrong!

[Nergalled]

Stacked single coils = humbucker, not stacked humbuckers.

From the Dimarzio site...

HS-3
wiring: 4 conductor
magnet: Alnico 5
Year of introduction: 1980

http://www.dimarzio.com/site/#/pickups/strat/hs3/

It is called a stacked humbucker, not saying it is 2 humbuckers stacked. Geez. Anal much?

[tonefinger]

Not a huge fan, but certainly can't knock his incredible technique. Those who do are just jealous that they can't play that way. I'd be willing to bet the vast majority on here would certainly play the way he does if they could, if you had that speed and accuracy in your back pocket, you most certainly would unleash it every now and again just to see the jaws drop.
I loved Alcatrazz with Malmsteen, by the way.

[madscientist]

I find Yngwie to be a huge talent. I don't own any of his albums, nor can I play even remotely like him, but whenever I hear him play, I always say to myself "I need to practice". Very few players do that to me.

[Bobby D]

i love Yngwie!

he's the top guy in his genre. and he CREATED the genre.

he is quite a cool guy too, despite what many people who have never MET HIM think.

honestly -- and i got into a thread sh@3tstorm over this once -- to appreciate what he is truly doing musically requires a bit of musical education in classical music.

of course, you can listen and be in awe of his technique and playing and feel.

it wasn't until after i had gone to college and gotten an education in classical music form and technique that i REALLY began to appreciate just how good Yngwie is.

he really comes from the classical school of music, although it sounds like rock. but he's for sure more of a baroque era composer.

who just happens to wear tight leather pants and plays a Strat :)

example -- Trilogy Suite Op. 3 is a GREAT example of a classical form done RIGHT.

classical music has ALWAYS been an elitist art form. to fully appreciate classical music, one must at the least have an education in the various forms and structures and history of classical music.

how does a sonata work? a symphony? there's quite a bit to think about with classical music.

i spent a few years going from gregorian chant all the way thru Wagner and into Cage and Schoenburg. and was lucky to be educated at one of the top universities in the country.

and it really helped give me a richer appreciation of what Yngwie does.

of course, you can listen to THE FURY of notes, and quickly turn off your ears and mind and say "that's just pointless shredding"

but you might be wrong :)

[Jube2550]

Who are you kidding.... You NEVER saw him live !!!!!



http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o96/Photo151head/yng.jpg

I was wrong (memory is fading), it was the Marching Out tour... 11/21/1985. Ah the good old days.. $14 concert.

The first 3 albums were released fairly quickly from what I recall.

[mikeratan00]

His Vibrato is just amazinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfrZ9WFx2Go

[xntrick]

His Vibrato is just amazinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfrZ9WFx2Go

yes indeed, the scallops hep with that in a big way...

[Andromeda]

I wonder how Dunigan felt when Varney brought YJM over to join Steeler? Did he leave the band before Yngwie's audition or did he hear the Shrapnel tapes himself and figured, "ok, this gig is over."

[Luke]

If you love his playing but could pass on the Dungeon and Dragons lyrics, there are two other guys playing that style instrumental very well.

Joe Stump at Berklee College of Music:

http://www.joestump.com/music.htm (avoid Rapid Fire Rhino it sucks)

And David Valdes:

http://davidvaldes.net/videoenglish.htm

[Lance]

If you love his playing but could pass on the Dungeon and Dragons lyrics,

Hey, hey, hey that's Vikings & Lowenbrau! Get it straight there, Pally! :boxer
;)

[Gtr_Eng]

I saw Joe Stump at a guitar show here in Boston last year. The guy is definitely a monster player. I'll have to check out David Valdes this weekend. Thanks for the link.