What Makes This Song Great? "Electric Sunrise" PLINI

Summary

In this episode of 'What Makes This Song Great,' Rick Beato analyzes Plini's instrumental track 'Electric Sunrise.' He explores its complex 13/8 time signature, melodic structure, and intricate guitar work. Rick breaks down the song’s riffs, chord progressions, and use of dissonance, emphasizing its emotional and melancholic feel. He also highlights Plini's collaboration with Neural DSP for a signature plugin. Throughout the video, Rick showcases various instruments, effects, and production techniques that give the song its unique sound, while offering insights into Plini's musical approach and creativity.

Takeaways

• 🎸 Rick Beato explores 'Electric Sunrise' by Plini, an instrumental progressive rock track, emphasizing its complex structure and melodic elements.
• 🇦🇺 Plini is an Australian guitarist known for his impressive playing skills and unique sound, admired by legends like Steve Vai.
• 🎶 The song 'Electric Sunrise' is structured in a 13/8 time signature, making it rhythmically complex and intriguing to analyze.
• 🪕 Beato discusses the opening riff, highlighting its E-flat drone and complex chord progressions, along with a unique 13/8 time signature.
• 🎛️ Plini uses a custom guitar plugin by Neural DSP, which includes presets inspired by 'Electric Sunrise', adding to the song's distinct sound.
• 🎹 The song features rich keyboard pads and bell-like sounds, which create a dreamy, atmospheric quality that complements the guitar work.
• 🥁 Troy Wright’s drum parts bring powerful accents and dynamic shifts, contributing to the build-up and energy of the track.
• 🔊 Beato breaks down the main riff, explaining how it’s counted in groups of 3 and 1, contributing to the song’s unique rhythm and progressive rock feel.
• 🎼 He also explains Plini's chord voicings, emphasizing the use of dissonant chords and intervallic shifts that add melancholy and beauty.
• 📢 Beato appreciates the use of textures in Plini's solo sections, pointing out techniques like pinch harmonics, delay effects, and the creative use of dynamics.

Q & A

Who is the featured artist in this episode of 'What Makes This Song Great'?

The featured artist is Plini, an Australian guitarist known for his progressive rock music.

What is the name of the song discussed in this episode?

The song is called 'Electric Sunrise' by Plini.

How did Rick Beato first hear about Plini?

Rick Beato first heard about Plini through a conversation with guitarist Steve Vai, who recommended Plini's music.

What is unique about the time signature in 'Electric Sunrise'?

The song is in a 13/8 time signature, which creates an unusual rhythmic feel that isn't immediately obvious to the listener.

What are some of the musical characteristics of 'Electric Sunrise'?

The song has progressive rock and metal elements, is very melodic, and features dissonant chords that contribute to a beautiful, melancholy sound.

What is notable about the guitar tuning used in the song?

The guitar is tuned down to E flat, which affects the chord progression and creates a richer sound.

What plugin does Rick Beato mention in the video that was developed in collaboration with Plini?

Rick Beato mentions a plugin created by Neural DSP in partnership with Plini, which includes the 'Electric Sunrise' presets.

How does the 13/8 time signature in 'Electric Sunrise' break down in terms of counting?

The 13/8 time signature is counted as four groups of three beats followed by one group of one beat (1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1).

What are some of the effects used in 'Electric Sunrise' to create its ethereal sound?

The song uses a long delay on the lead guitar, which adds to its ethereal vibe. It also incorporates bell-like sounds and organ swells.

What instruments and techniques contribute to the complex layering in the song?

The song features multiple guitars (sometimes four or five layered together), keyboards, bass, and intricate drum patterns that create a textured and dynamic sound.