Tomorrow Never Knows - Greg Howard Chapman Stick guitar tapping

[JustLocal]

This great sound needs a bit more show, a lot more!

[curefm2]

amazing

[HankHillshred]

this is so fucking awesome worsd cant describe this intensity and sheer amazing melodic song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\m/

[TheNatedogg56]

I now know what the beatles would sound like if they had been an 80's fusion band.

[Debeems]

This is the 6th Greg Howard video I have seen and listened to today...I might just have a new favorite musical idol!!! Thanks for the sound Greg Howard you do it so well!!!

[migu247]

is tapping on a chapman stick easier than on a guitar?

[gregplaysthestick]

@migu247 yes, the action is much lower and the strings are a bit looser.

[steandrews1]

@migu247. If you try to apply the same principal to playing a normal guitar to the stick, you will soon find out how not to play it, it takes some getting used to, think of it as playing the piano both hands are doing different things (bass and lead together) if you can do that then you stand a slight chance. I used to have a stick never got the real hang of it.

[caalenater]

greg your amazing! thank you for all your songs and mad stick technique! :)

[klump1953]

great super

i never see that before

super muliie player

2 ine one

peter

[55chh]

How can such a "junior high math teacher" type guy be so tuned in?

[Landotter1]

Love it!!! I have watched people play them at art shows and such. It is amazing and sounds incredible!!!

[udlman]

Great stuff! Even though I really enjoyed this, I can't help thinking of the irony of a John Lennon song being brought to life on something called a 'Chapman' stick.

[harmono]

I have this CD called Water on the Moon. Greg improvises I think all the way through on this one, and really pushes the envelope. I like that.

[philjit1]

is he from another planet ???. wicked. not heard that before..

[ednagrimshaw]

Well... I DO have tears in my eyes. Simply fantastic! Thank you!

[DennisEdgren]

Happy Tapping

- Just me or are you thinking of sex?

[netboy04]

I don't know if I consider this bass playing, but I do consider it f*ckin' amazing. Might be the most impressive thing I've ever seen or heard. Unreal.

[scarred2112]

@netboy04 That's because although it's been popularized by Tony Levin, Alphonso Johnson & other Bassists, it truly *isn't* Bass Playing. Partially because there are multiple tunings (nearing 20, depending on what version of the Stick) from it's classic "Bass Side in Inverted 4ths/Melody Side in 5ths" to ones that allow more range for lead guitar-like playing or ones shifted lower for dedicated bass playing. But the technique is far closer to a mix of complex tapping and "keyboard on guitar".

[Jerryman1980]

Well played!!

[scarred2112]

Fantastic cover of a classic song, Greg! I had the unique (and rare I imagine) treat of being able to see you both solo as well as with The Greg Howard Band (AFAIR it was around 2002) in the the greater Cincinnati/Newport, KY area and came away with a far great understanding of what's possible with a Stick. Although I haven't gotten mine yet (a combo of cost as well as fear of failure I suppose) when I do so you'll be near the top of the list as to "why?" :-)

[BarberSpider8]

Hey, this sounds amazing! Thank you for posting this

[WyattTheGuitarist]

Hey man, what do you use to get that distortion sound... id like to try to get it on guitar, its super creamy.

[scarred2112]

@WyattTheGuitarist I've listened to enough Stick players that play various genres of music (Jazz, Fusion, Prog & even Metal or "AcouStick") to define that as part of The Stick itself - it's a very "flowing" distortion that isn't angular or sharp. If Water could be defined by a sound, to me it would be "Distorted Stick".

[WyattTheGuitarist]

@scarred2112 Lol i just wanted to know what amp/pedal/modeler he was using.

[scarred2112]

@WyattTheGuitarist Not a problem. ;-) That appears to be Stickist Glenn Poorman's rack onstage that Greg is using, so I'd Google his name and check out his gear pages on his website... as well as Glenn's Stick releases, which are certainly "up there" in terms of quality.

...but I've heard Stick players using racks like these (Greg, Glenn), SVT Bass stacks (Tony Levin) and computer plug-ins (Sean Malone) and they *all* have that element of flowing, smooth distortion: that's simply The Stick.

[WyattTheGuitarist]

I've never hear Tony Levin use a distortion that i would describe as smooth or flowing :P

[scarred2112]

@WyattTheGuitarist Have you ever listened to any of his solo work? Quite a variety of styles from almost New Agey material to Progressive and Rock. His tone on his own CDs can be quite different than his sideman sound with Gabriel, KC, etc...

[gregplaysthestick]

@WyattTheGuitarist Hi Wyatt, It's the Boss SE-70, an ancient halfrack box with analog distortion, filering and compression, but digitsal everything else. The pickup is an EMG-FT. Thanks for watching.

[enforcer4444]

Sounds good.I see there are 8 dislikes.Everyone is entitled to their opinion.But I question how much of a music enthusiast are you if you dislike it.You must not appreciate art or technique.If that is the case then go listen to JUSTIN & GA GA.

[gigikarl]

there is no doubt about his playing ability.... but far too much delay.. so it all end up in a new age- sound soup... dont like it !!

[racketlauncher]

Another level!

Many regards,

Ian

[eimajecnerwal]

Bonkers and BRILLIANT!

[Evanhalf2]

This performance introduced my jaw to the floor! Amazing! A great Beatles song as well.

[GORFF987]

Wonderfull!

[jondy2]

What an amazing instrument - I'd never seen a Chapman Stick before - it's as fascinating watching this incredibly talented gentleman play it as it is to listen.

[gregplaysthestick]

@jondy2 Thanks! There is a whole channel dedicated to Stick players here on YouTube: /stickplayers check out the favorites, lots of great stuff. Thanks for watching.

[theblehedgehog]

i'm glad to hear this! is wonderful

[elsesinaloa]

¡¡muy bueno!! de primera línea.

[NicoA47]

This must be the most exciting stick arrangement and performance here on youtube. I almost have tears in my eyes. Thank you!

[gregplaysthestick]

@NicoA47 Thanks, Nico, you should check out the new trailer for the Stick Night Live DVD (look on the "stickplayers" channel). It's a great DVD, with some incredibly exciting playing, too.

Happy Tapping,

Greg

[randee99]

Greg: Your live sound is/has always been insane, especially on the bass side (do you credit your SWR amp for that?). What tuning are you using on this Stick? Also, is it my impression, or the Stick you are playing here does not have volume controls?

I'll keep my eyes/ears peeled for your next project!

Have a nice day!

[gregplaysthestick]

@randee99 Hi Randee, Here I'm using a StepABout preamp for both sides of the Stick. There's a video on this channel for the StepABout if you are interested in finding out more.

This Stick is in the Classic tuning with a high bass 4th. Very versatile tuning, with tremendous range and some nice additional chordal possibilities from the high 4th.

The pickup is a hybrid Stickup on the bass side and EMG on the melody. No room for pots for volume, I never use volume knobs anyway. Thanks!

[AaronVernonFOP]

Holy cow! I really appreciate that you make such beautiful music. This is brilliant, please, never stop.

[gregplaysthestick]

@AaronVernonFOP Thanks, Aaron, I really appreciate the comment.

[gregplaysthestick]

@TheBlackWhirlies Thanks for the comments, Whirlies. Please don't worry about the critics. At least they took they time to check out the video. I try to take something good from such comments. Maybe there is something there I can learn from what they say. Happy Listening, Greg

[jimmyfinlayson]

I would really like to hear you do the theme from the Last of the Mohicans. That bass would sound great.

[pakvasevigreste]

Awesome...

[JonnReyna]

buy a metronome

[pakvasevigreste]

@JonnReyna

it is sad that this is all you can say to this virtuoso!

[CheBelloMaestro]

I saw in some comment of yours that "more to come" ? :D I want it ! That vid' is really making me wanting to play Stick, i have played guitar for something like eight-nine years, and looking forward to play Chapman Stick. Keep on !

[gregplaysthestick]

@CheBelloMaestro Hi CheBelloMaestro, There are lots of new ones on this channel since then, including "Black Dog Strut" "Waiting for Ernie" and "Raindodgers". Also on the stickplayers channel, I just put up a new demo video. Thanks! and Happy Tapping

[theinfinatewisdom]

LOVE it!

[theinfinatewisdom]

LOVE it!

[larryaguitar]

Spectacular. I'm a fan!

[Monkofmagnesia]

It's no Paul Walters, but it's still freakin' fantastic.

[JamesGod08]

Much better than the original, and vastly greater musician than the overrated beatles

[StupidHatMatt]

@JamesGod08 you can't be serious...

[BuletProofProduntioz]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fdsaw]

impressed!



[mjohnson801]

The more I see of it, the more I'm becoming a fan of the chapman stick. alas...I'm a drummer and clueless around stringed instruments.

[stickplayers]

@mjohnson801 There are lot of similarities to drums, and also percussion instruments like tabla and congas.

[hettory]

HI GREG... Thanks for give us your beautiful art.

[dipbait]

Im entertained :q

[DwihQ]

excellent

[Aldoz97LTE]

I love your musical style Greg!

Nice song,and nice instrument!

(I want to buy it...but the price is very very high!!)

[chiditoboy]

this video shouldn't be for all people, some parts may be too agressive for de audience, greg you are really sick of stick!

[MomoTheBellyDancer]

Easy there, Greg. You mess up the timing pretty badly on a few occasions.

[gregplaysthestick]

@MomoTheBellyDancer It's true I didn't play it perfectly, but people seemed to enjoy it anyway. I'm not a perfectionist, but I try to be an "exceptionalist". Thanks for the feedback.

[geiroffenberg]

@MomoTheBellyDancer, you must be forgiven for such an arrogant comment since you are obviously 100% insane.

[MomoTheBellyDancer]

@geiroffenberg

"you are obviously 100% insane."

Perhaps, but I still have a sense of time.

[gregplaysthestick]

@geiroffenberg It's cool. An honest critic is often my best friend. If you like the video, letting people know is the best way to show it. Thanks for watching! more to come.

[geiroffenberg]

@gregplaysthestick yeah i meant it jokingly, but that doesn't always work on the internet, lol! Sorry, momo, im sure your'e very fit mentally.

[sickstyles]

Wow. You're a freeking madman on that thing!

[pjrowlands]

the timming man watch out

[1viva]

Incredible!!. I have a feeling that it must be one of the hardest instrument to play...even for a experienced guitar player.

[gregplaysthestick]

I wouldn't know. I never played the guitar. It's definitely the most fun instrument to play for me. I hope you get to try one out sometime.

Happy Tapping,

Greg

[Destrega2097]

I think you are one of the best stick players in the world, when not THE best.... you make so much variation, thats truly great and inspiring for bass and guitar players:) I know a lot of tony levin, but he seems to be a beginner compared to you;)

[1noshoot]

I love the distorted guitar tone you have on the stick. i wouldent like it on a guitar, but it sounds good with your style.

[Powagoat]

I love seeing the maneuver at 1:21 where you pull your right hand over to the bass side. Definitely a technique I'm going to have to try out.

[gregplaysthestick]

This is one of the advantages of using the Stick's more common "crossed" hand orientation. By reaching over the strings both hands have access to the whole instrument all the time.

Glad you like it.

[edgluhrs]

Beautiful job.

[lincolnpereira]

Awesome!! Five Stars!! Great Job!

God Bless you,

Lincoln Pereira

[mikepulcinella]

Amazing! Beautiful! Awesome! Keep up the good work!

[gregplaysthestick]

Thanks, Mike, and all the rest of you, for all the kind comments.

[takeo1969]

Wooooooow... You have two brains!!! FANTASTIC!!!

[FaytLeingod07]

Wow holy crap. You sir, are amazing.

[gvt76]

Always amazing! Cheers from Brazil Greg! You rule!

[dkblanke]

Watched you play this live and I am still in awe. thanx for sharing and great job.

[motorhead9999]

Are you using MIDI at all in this clip, or is it just various guitar effects/pedals?

[gregplaysthestick]

hi motorhead,

It's just guitar effects. The output of the instrument is split into 6 string on one effects line and 6 on another.

Most of what you re hearing is two old Boss SE-70s, still my favorite multi-effects, combining an analog overdrive circuit with a digital section for delays, etc.

[TheTheifInYourHead]

I've noticed a lot of you pro stickists use a separate belt to hook your stick into. what do you use?

[gregplaysthestick]

I really like canvass belts, like Army or Boy Scout belts. They "give" nicely and are infinitely adjustable. I've had the red one in this video for several years.

Thanks for the question and for checking out the video.

[TheTheifInYourHead]

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I'm trying to gather as much info as i can for when i've got enough money to get me a Grand Stick

[TheMindfulOne]

This is what the epitome of stick playing looks like!

[Zander4724]

amazing!

[dchapsk]

I love it. Very determined, driving version of one of The Beatles all-time greats, then Norwegian Wood. Viva Stickistas!

[gusletarist]

Very power performance!! Fat sound on level of Pink Floyd! Eternal musical theme plus excelent impro interpretation!

Thanks to Greg!!

20 ******************* =)

[giedosst]

This rips my soul in twain!

[giedosst]

I shit my pants then in the crowd and I just did again!

[ebrann]

OMG. Can you get any better Greg?

[gregplaysthestick]

Thanks ebrann,

I hope so, that's always the goal. Thanks for the kind comment.

[TheFolksinger]

Frustrating! I am a Michigander, usually in Cairo, but in California at the time this happened. Emmet and Greg have to invent a way for some of us Stick learners to be in more than one place at the same time. Wonderful stuff!

[ellselzer]

awesome...takes me to the great michael hedges recording...

[gregplaysthestick]

thanks to everyone for all the kind comments. My inspiration for this arrangement is the "801 Live" version with the amazing Simon Phillips on drums. Hedges was amazing, though, thanks for the reminder about him.

[EarleBrown]

Really really awesome. If I could afford a stick, I'd buy one for sure.

[grandstick]

Great playing as always, Greg!  I wish I could have been there. See you at FredTap!

[birdlives2000]

What an awesome sound you have! I wish I could try out playing a chapman stick. It looks so fun

[bloozintro]

A f***ing mazing!

[legoo2005]

very talented! 5*