Backstage With... Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders

[DrumBum561]

4:45 he looks away to tell those people to shut up with his death stare

[mitchellolol]

that shirt it is way too small for that white guy.

[beatkeeper707]

but what strings and gauges does he play?!?! :(

[cjrizzle93]

@beatkeeper707 I want to know the same thing, if you find out... please let me know

[kilipeti]

@beatkeeper707 dunno about what he used on the ibanez, but I know that he uses 10-46 + 66 + 80 for his Strandberg.

[beatkeeper707]

@kilipeti Sweet! Thanks man!

[samweaverstudios]

4:05 look at his arm near where his sleeve is O.o its cool looking

[Nilephan666]

That Axe-FX is worth more than all of you.

[pushcomedy]

@downfallin. I really like that guy! But I think Misha Mansoor is pretty close to Tosin.

[Guitarmazdur]

must aquire EMG pickups and Axe-FX idhbvlxzkdjnvlasdervbzdjfvbl

[Milesgatman]

The part where he starts riffing CAFO with his hat on, head down and digging into his gat like a weapon. Damn he looks like some sort of shredd warrior from a distant planet ready to annihilate helpless earthlings.

[downfallin]

i think the only guitarist that compares to this guy on a technical level is lenny breau, a not so well know jazz guitarist. Check him out hell blow you away.

[SASPython]

it took me 4 minutes to realize his guitar wasn't black...

[grievous56]

@SASPython It is black. :D

[SASPython]

@grievous56 i now realised it was the light that was green xD

[KillTheFlock132]

Tosin Abasi is the best thing ot happen to the black community since martin luther king...

[deadtissue]

@KillTheFlock132 Jimi Hendrix?

[KillTheFlock132]

@deadtissue In my opinion, Tosin is more skilled a guitarist than Hendrix was. I am a HUGE fan of both but i think Tosin is better

[deadtissue]

@KillTheFlock132 I'm not much of a guitarist, so I guess you know better. :)

[KillTheFlock132]

@deadtissue It's all about opinion, if you're a Hendrix fan than he did his job as an entertainer, appeal to his audience

[BioGeometric066]

Tosin is the only dude who could have a popped collar and not look like a douche.

[SuperSas16]

This guy is a guitarist's guitarist

[Carthy6]

only he can make the gayest shoes look cool

[KonkreteXXX]

@Carthy6 regular mens shoes, whats so gay about em

[downfallin]

@Carthy6 ya he wears some wierd shit sometimes the last vid i was he was wearing a jacket with 3 collars. fuck it hes sick.

[TeamGreenBurrito]

All I can think is what it would happen if he teamed up with the Gorillaz; the Earth would likely split in two.

[tubeinyou23]

4:41 - 513 = GENIUS!!!

[drumdude101]

look at those crazy arm muscles moving 3:53 - 4:10 haha

[PhotonVision]

Which idiot decided to play music underneath...?

[MineSweepingKent]

Tosin is my favorite guitarist, but the really fast tapping stuff (CAFO fast tapping part) seems to usually be kind of sloppy. Opinions on this? Are most technical guitarists unable to perfectly play their own stuff?

[alexAENESIDEManders]

@MineSweepingKent

it sounds sloppy because of teh quality of the video

[MineSweepingKent]

@alexAENESIDEManders I'll watch again, but it doesn't sound like some audio distortion or something.

[SoundChiefProduction]

@MineSweepingKent

Its a sweep not a tap

[MineSweepingKent]

@SoundChiefProduction 03:54

[SoundChiefProduction]

@MineSweepingKent

Sorry about that lol XP

[Nimbly0Bimbly]

I always wondered what kind of shoes Tosin wears....

[guitarrhythymfool]

@Nimbly0Bimbly Classy ones.

[littletingoddess96]

lol, i like to see a capo for that guitar! (no pun intended)

[ACDCwarmachine]

@littletingoddess96 the song was called cafo. so there is no pun?

[littletingoddess96]

@ACDCwarmachine ik ik i thought the song was called "caPo" my bad.

[FiestyMclovin]

It's not like he needed to tell us what djent is...

[ChainsawVsGod]

When he plays Soraya sweep with one hand.... OH MY GAAWWDDDD!!!

[MetalBassist73]

i want his shoes

[ChainsawVsGod]

@MetalBassist73

Lol. They're like elf shoes.

[TheCornKings]

@MetalBassist73 i have real similar shoes. look on topmans site dude. they have a lot of shoes like this if not the same :)

[fr618]

He's like Vai 2.0 to me. The playing is unquestionable and he even has this faible for fashion, but compared to Vai in a tasteful way.

[Seth2294]

I now want a Boomerangggg.

[Milliamz]

This guys sucks so hard

[SecretAgent068]

@Milliamz You're kidding right??

[Milliamz]

@SecretAgent068 I personally dont like him, you can barely hear what he's playing most of the time

[UrPostOfficeBuddy]

if i had a nickel for every time he says the word 'logical'...

[Iliketacos091]

nothing against him, but he tends to rush through, which is why i think bassists are necessary, since bassists usually have great sense of time and keep the beat along with the drummer. but hey, he's pretty successful based on what i've heard and i love AAL, bought their album so i guess you can't argue with success :P

[oscarmeyer516006]

@Iliketacos091

he often plays in poly rhythms as opposed to not being able to keep time

[TheTomledo]

@oscarmeyer516006 you can't play a polyrhythm on a solo instrument. There has to be more than one rhythm happening at once. He plays in odd meters

[Phrgyian]

@TheTomledo im pretty sure we have two hands and can play guitar with both at once... but he does play odd meters also

[grahamzandah]

@TheTomledo Phrgyian is correct. It is possible to play a polyrhythm on a solo instrument. Another method is using finger picking.

[leoselvaratnam]

@oscarmeyer516006

Sometimes its best if only makes sense at the end :)

[systematicdesign]

Phenomenal!

[mickthomsonify]

My religion is: Tosin Abasi. He is my hierarchy, my devine being, and whatever else you may call it:D

[ZOMBIELANDakaUSA]

@mickthomsonify

well put...he's my inspiration also. Check out Matthew McGhee also, incredible 8 stringer

[ZOMBIELANDakaUSA]

what forum is Tosin talking about per uploading some patches?

[syn5643]

@ZOMBIELANDakaUSA AXE-FX forum

[ZOMBIELANDakaUSA]

@syn5643

sweet, thanks !!!

[syn5643]

@ZOMBIELANDakaUSA Anytime brother!

[ZOMBIELANDakaUSA]

@syn5643

it's the ultimate challenge trying to play any Abasi, but maybe i'll feel better if i can tune in his effects, lol

Abasi is pure genius, and is most deserving of all the positives that are coming his way, and certainly 1 douchebag(douchebag) who pops in and gives a thumbs down won't deter this. They should keep that thumb somewhere more constructive, like up their !@#$

[syn5643]

@ZOMBIELANDakaUSA I definitely agree with tosin songs. I've been REALLY getting good at some Periphery songs I've been jamming on. I've had this problem with guitar I've always imitated other guitarists I liked way too much. First it was hendrix, the SRV, then Dave Matthews band, Then Avenged Sevenfold, Then TOOL for about 8 years, and I still love them.. But recently I've been really capturing my own style. That's what it takes, find yourself. Take it to another level! Tosin agrees..!!

[ZOMBIELANDakaUSA]

@syn5643

Sweet dude,i've just started teaching myself guitar maybe 6 months ago,i've been told that i'm picking it up at an unheard of rate.Anywho from soon after i started i swear i was drawn to extended range guitars,so i got a 7 stringer,and,loved it, then it was actually watching Abasi that made me salivate to try an 8...I HAVE FOUND MY CALLING,not saying i can much of Abasi,but the 8 feels like it was meant to be.At least i have found the tool that makes me feel confident, etc..

cheers

[Strignid]

he makes me want to put my guitar down for ever and at the same time practice every single minute of every day he is the freakin shit

[Dillon3672]

I remember meeting him last summer, hes a really humble guy!

[jajones1952]

More tap dancing or tambourine . Where's the Baptist Church stage set?

[BubbaNintendo]

This man is a real guitarist. Take notice you chuga chuga breakdown whiners!



[jajones1952]

He really needs 34 strings if he's not going to sing or do the get whipped slave stage show...

[espibanez1]

@jajones1952 are you one4technique?

[bradbouton]

holy shit i have that same cable thats plugged into his axe fx!

[magician10001]

0:46 He rolls his eyes, like he had to really try his patience to explain his tuning, as proof he is 3300 percent more intelligent than the other dude. Or anyone.

[Sun0fABeach]

@magician10001 no he doesn´t roll his eyes there... that wouldn´t fit his character anyways cause he always has the patience to explain what he does.

[psychoticmondays]

seriously 3:32 ??? i am pretty damn sure thats not in 4/4 !!!!!!!

[SyqLAWL]

@psychoticmondays that song is almost entirely in 9/8

[drummakid101]

"Djent, Djent"

wow.

[SavingEverySecond]

GD @ 4:59 it blows my mind that he's tapping such a low note on the 17th fret...a step BELOW my down-tuned 6 string's lowest open note

[retardguitarist]

his right arm muscle o__O

[hughlaw1]

Such a classy guy xD, i also love his shoes! (and guitar of course!)

[DAVECATAZ]

I wish i had money

[PieceOfMind56]

I loved this video...I just have to say one thing the interviewers nips were really distracting.

[99mag3r99]

I wonder if Tosin could sing, if so, AAL would be like the absolute best band ever

[BjKnight91]

I bet Tosin has ridiculously strong hands.

[FinnMetal4Life]

@BjKnight91 I shook his hand today, and you are absolutely right.

[bassistfromhell94]

Am i the only one that Tosin has GIANT feet?

[chroniclesofgraffito]

@bassistfromhell94 not giant feet.. but giant shoes!

[EvonHormozy]

Like if you didn't know Buckethead was black!

[one4technique]

Can this asshat sing?

[one4technique]

@excessivesmoke I want ti hear him play and sing some blues. telll him . Ok?

[mitchellminami]

Man, this guy is just soooo damn cool.

[MrIKTPQ4life]

I would hate to be his guitar tech... restringing an 8-string and setting up 3 different amp setups. That would blow.

[julianh100]

3:33 FLOATING HAT!!! haha that looks SO cool

[BtArocks3133]

Elliott Politte hit the dislike button because he looks lame next to tosin.

[OfForceAndChaos]

He can shred like a motherfucker, he can play with soul, and he can diddle around with 341432414 pedal buttons and effects while he does it. I should probably just quit guitar. Lol.

[tubaeli93]

does anyone know what picks he uses? it looks small maybe like a jazz III or something?

[DjentMeister]

@tubaeli93 I'd be very interested to know this, too.

[Abnormalproductions2]

I'm getting my first 7 string tonight.

[llxTopHatxll]

@Abnormalproductions2 Just get one more string like Tosin

[brnthchldrn]

The guy is hugely talented, and an enormous human being as well. I think I want me some dark chocolate!

[rallycar171]

hes such a normal fuckin down to earth dude that plays the nastiest guitar. it makes me want to wake up the next day. this world may once again have hope. im going to go donate something to charity.

[egmaverikc84]

Tosin is such a damn G!!!

[Thelols50]

jeeze hes so smiley

[corruptedxsilence]

that guys gay

[AdamDallas]

Tosin is just way too fucking awesome.. Real djentleman!

[disfigured75]

Can anyone tells me what his guitar tuning is? Sorry if I word this sentence wrong, I am bad at typing and Speaking English =3

[drenzium]

@disfigured75 EBEADGBE

[metalhed8908]

Damn all you progressive guitarists. Too talented :)

[DuxoD]

Wow! His feet are enormous!!!!

[CannibalKlok666]

HES A FUCKING MACHINE!

[dimeowns100]

am i the only person that repeated the first 8 seconds a couple of times? haha

[BrittonShrum]

he is the stanley jorden reincarnet :)

[SeanathenII]

I would give my right nut to be half the player and writer he is. and my right ones my favourite.

[Jeijo1]

"my clean tone is no secret, Im going to upload some patches to the forum" ARE THEY ANYWHERE DOES ANYBODY KNOW!?!?!

[wackyoneone]

Sweet rig :)

[guitarman069]

say bye bye to steve vai...satch and all your shred guitar heroes.....this is the future of guitar playing folks....tosin abasi....misha mansoor......and that dude from scale the summit

[6ixpoint5ive]

@guitarman069 i agree. these guys don't just solo they write songs and full compositions while using all those cool techniques.

[barneycockburn]

@guitarman069 I like Periphery and all but I don't see what all the fuss is about over Misha. Am I missing something? I feel like I'm not listening to the right songs or something because, guitar wise, the playing on their album doesn't even compare to Tosin's playing

[8JobForAMexican8]

@barneycockburn Because, well Misha composed a lot of parts for Tosin for the Animals As Leader's album, and his use of 6 or 7 string is amazing, He could play like Tosin, but not his repertoire. If you get what I'm saying. Misha is REALLY good, his playing is really clean, and All New Materials is amazing, He is also very multitalented because he could of possibly wrote Periphery's album himself.

[xXJmG47Xx]

@8JobForAMexican8 Misha Programmed Drums...

If it says he actually wrote some of the actual guitar parts somewhere creditable; thats awesome.

But i cant see misha playing/ writing anything like tosin, maybe chords.?.

[8JobForAMexican8]

@xXJmG47Xx Shoot dude, we may never know whats in Misha's talent skill. He might be REALLY good, and can stoop up to Tosin's level.

[kevyp12]

@guitarman069 that DUDE has a name... chris letchford

[TheRandomhero420]

@guitarman069 why does no one else think the same way as me but you

[XAlphaZEROX]

@guitarman069 Yeah, they really take the melodic parts of prog to a whole different level

[GuitarProdigy94]

@guitarman069 Don;t forget Paul Wagonner from BTBAM

[DrumBum561]

@guitarman069 his name is chris letchford

[VintageburstStandard]

@guitarman069 I refuse to say bye bye to Paul Gilbert. 

[Thesedays2weeks]

@guitarman069 - Chris Letchford and Travis Levrier. Your right, they're preddy insane.

[TJGuitarVids]

@guitarman069

Future of popular guitar playing probably.

Metal still seems to me like it's just a massive lag behind jazz.

Like how if you look at metal in Japan it's like '80s UK/US powermetal for the most part.... Sort of.

[ponti5338]

@guitarman069 i love tosin and he's and he's one of the greatest guitarists but nobody even compares to michael angelo batio.

[chroniclesofgraffito]

@ponti5338 wraong

[bcwarlock18]

@guitarman069 The guys from scale the summit are Travis LeVrier (7string) and Chris Letchford (8-string).

[111spandex]

@guitarman069 i think you're referring to Chris Letchford. and i totally agree with you.

[ainsleywalker]

@guitarman069 Dont forget other 'djent' (cringe) guitarists who emerged at the same time as Misha, like John Browne, Acle Kahney and Paul Ortiz!

[metallica5252]

@guitarman069 nah they will always be guitar heroes no matter what, more of an impact on music in general than this guy so far.

[EnglishSteel2347]

@guitarman069

Tosin is a big step forward in playing, but Mansoor sucks and the Scale the Summit guys are nowhere near Vai's level. Vai is still a freak.

[falige]

@EnglishSteel2347 Tosin kinda went to Misha for help in recording his album so...anyway, no one is saying that Vai sucks, but guitarists like Mansoor and Tosin and such are pioneering an entire new form and style of guitar playing. Vai definitely isn't the future, haha.

[ChristophMikael]

@guitarman069 DUDES from Scale the Summit. Chris AND Travis are both phenomenal gutiar players.

[flankerchris7]

@guitarman069 and aj minette

[AnOddMusician]

@guitarman069 vai and satch will never be replaced.

[jamesentler]

@guitarman069 Too true, but I believe you forgot Paul Waggoner ;)

[TheMetalKid9]

@guitarman069 Chris Letchford

[grumpy165]

Someone buy this man a beer!

[inflames6701]

modern hendrix

[Nivlaxia]

I absolutely love how humble he is, as well as witty with the last words said in the interview. Abasi is truly a musician's musician and a guitarist's guitarist.

[SorryArchitect]

He's got big feet.

[Dazsturbed]

Otherworldly talent right there, and such a fuckin' cool guy too!

[FluMMiiiii]

these clean tapping from soraya is awesome, when i tap clean sweeps i dont even hear them

[SnoringMonkeyExhibit]

LOOK AT HIS FOREARM WHEN HE TAPS,

[TheAustimusPrime]

@SnoringMonkeyExhibit Yeah, his muscles are doing the wave

[sentre16]

@SnoringMonkeyExhibit he's the musician and the audience, tapping and doing the mexican wave, hahaha! he's extremely awesome!

[PieceOfMind56]

I think I spy a Capairison in the background cool.

[samarundell]

New drinking game - down a shot every time he says 'pretty much' !

I love Tosin. Such an inspiration, and so down to earth too, the way every player should be!

[Arcand651]

man i love how hs aways smiling he loves this shit

[JoeyTheGuitarDude]

"So, it's pretty logical" bahahahahaha

[Arcand651]

@JoeyTheGuitarDude it is lol

[Equivalence4]

you might think he's messing up or skipping notes.. but then you realize that he's just playing in timings that aren't fathomable by any other musician

[MitchTenderness]

@Equivalence4 Check out a band called Gentle Giant.

[dwasdwas1]

That mother fucker has huge feet!

[killerapp8]

any one els see the muscles in his arm as he plays thay are going crazy

[IWishIWasFinnish]

He looks like he should be in a 70's funk band and then BAM. CAFO in your face.

[theartofshred]

"it's pretty logical

I'm stoned..."

[JPMisery]

HOLY CRAP.....I so need an 8 string number 1 and number 2......HOLY CRAP HE'S AWESOME

[clanleader500]

"Thank you so much for taking time for the interview"

"No problem,thanks for taking interest"

How much fucking cooler can Tosin get?

[OoPHaze]

@clanleader500 dude, when i met him after a show in ny (i left during dillinger and he was at his merch booth) he was askin me if i thought people digged them and we discussed the set and the other bands. such a chill dude

[RythemGuitarist]

is this periphery's amp setup behind tosin?? please reply

@RythemGuitarist the two rigs to the right of Tosins are Alex and Jake's and I have a felling that might be Misha's cab that he's running through