Well, the song that I would die to play live is ” The Clap” by Steve Howe from YES, (search you tube under, “YES, the clap” or “Steve Howe plays Clap”) is the one to go for,for me! I’ve played mood for a day and other standards to good response but this song is in a league of it’s own.
This next one is something that you can get a better view of how to play this one the way he plays it.
I concur with you about playing this live … well playing it actually. Some bits are damned easy and only a few times do your fingers get really stretched but the problem is this isn’t a rock guitarists song or a classical guitarists song. It’s roots are in finger-picked blues and ragtime.
Many people need to learn a vast amounts of new techniques and keep that ragtime syncopation going through most of the song. There are even hints of banjo arpeggios and licks as well.
You are right is saying Mood for a Day is far easier because the reference point is pseudo-flamenco and classical guitar. Not many people really play ragtime so much when they are rock guitarists.
Incidentally, Howe plays this a variety of different ways. I seem to remember at least 7 variations (many I heard on bootlegs but I think there are at least 3 official recordings (Yes Story, Yessongs – only on the movie and later on another live CD). Maybe best to learn the main themes and improvise the rest as you feel like would be in the best spirit of the song.
I also think Howe rocks as a guitarist. His solo on All Along the Watchtower during night of the guitars with Randy California is awesome. Just sooo … distinctive.
WOW Candorwien, THIS IS THE BEST REPLY ever to a post on Guitar Licks, thank you!
The roots of this song is firmly based in the finger-picked blues and ragtime genre and it couldn’t have been said any better.
The syncopations in this one is just breathtaking. It is something for young guitarist to aspire to. We need to educate and pass the torch the masses! In regards to the banjo techniques, you hitting the nail right on the head! I recently did a post on the late great guitarist Elizabeth Cotten and her revolutionary ideas of blending banjo and guitar styles. Check it out …
http://www.guitarlicksandtips.com/2008/03/23/elizabeth-cotton/
I’m sure you’ll find it a little more then interesting.
I recall playing “Mood for a day” at this HUGE high school concert in the mid 80’s. It was St. John’s College in Brantford Ontario. Every band that was on stage that night was just rockin’ and I went up with a coffee house style band, a early “unplugged approach” if you will. It worked out great and it honestly made people think about guitar and music in a new light. I think this performance made some guitarist tryout this style of playing. It made he smile even at a young age!!!
I know what you mean about playing this tune differently at different stages in Steve’s career! The guy is just plain scary. He would be one of those guitarist that I don’t know what I’d do if he walked into a room when I was playing guitar and he wanted to play along too. I might just say that it was just the stereo playing and put it down then walk away, but I’d probably pick it up later … after he left that is!
I loved the reply that you have given this post. I hope and pray you come back often to share your love of appreciation as well as playing techniques to others checking out this site … and myself as well!
Keep on Jammin’ Candorwien