By the way, I knew Shawn personally -- and still talk to his mother Diane -- and he had Cushing's disease from treating his arthritis. How he played the way he did, all while in pain, was absolutely incredible.

As a physician, I can’t believe he had such prowess with the amount of pain he had that he could force himself to play so much better than a normal person. I see his fingers and I know the diagnosis is correct and he is virtuoso with such perseverance that only a true lover of music and sheer will could produce Shawn’s magic in both his guitar and piano playing that he was given a gift from God to be that brilliant-a testimony to his live for his art. God has truly Blessed his hands, his will, and his endurance in the face of such handicaps.

Shawn wasn't just a genius musically, he had an absolute love if knowledge. He would go to the library and check out every book on butterflies, or physics, astronomy. He would read them all and quote from them at will. The title of this piece comes from his daughter. He asked her what music was to her. Her reply was Gray Pianos Flying. Such melody, such clarity in the speed. Tears of joy watching this. It just gets in your heart. Temporal Analogues of Paradise is just amazing. He's one of the reasons that I play fretless guitar. He did some brilliant work with Indian musicians, who were touched by his authentic knowledge of ragas and polyrhythms. Missing my hero.

RIP Shawn. Good on you for bringing attention to him - awesome video as always

Always loved shawn lanes tone over anybody , it really is special and dosent sound like anybody else to me. It's so angelic and sweet.

Extremely accurate and intelligent analysis of all the aspects of Shawn's playing and abilities! He was one in a quadrillion!

-I'm from Memphis. Quiet Riot asked Shawn Lane to replace Randy Rhoads after he passed away in the eighties, and to go on tour with them. Shawn politely declined the offer, because he had a strong passion for music, and he wanted to study music. My friend, Sean O'Donnell, was his guitar practice-partner, and Shawn Lane once told him at one of their practices, that he had gone to the University of Memphis (at that time, Memphis State University) Music Library every day for 6 years, and read every book in the library, and that he had a photographic memory, and had memorized the University of Memphis' entire Music Library. So my friend, Sean, says, "No offense, Shawn, but you're gonna have to prove that to me, before I'll believe it". So Shawn Lane says, "Okay, I'll prove it to you." So Sean O'Donnell went to the University of Memphis Music Library and got excerpts from 40 different books, on paper copies, then took the copies to practice and asked Shawn Lane to recite the text from each book - he gave him the book title, page number, and paragraph number from each book - and Shawn Lane perfectly recited the text from all 40 books - Shawn Lane was a musical genius - he just never told anyone.

I've seen you around on KZfaq for years and was never really aware of the fact that you know your stuff enough to appreciate Shawn appropriately hehe. Thank you for this video. I wouldn't want to start any fights but the man was utterly and very obviously the most advanced electric guitarist that probably will ever live. He is well known as the scary monster that most guitarists try not to think about too much but he still deservers far more recognition.

To me, Lane really played with his heart, more than with his hands. He had the ability to play with such emotion, add subtle nuances, had such accuracy, all of that plus his insane technical abilities (floating right hand O.O) make him my favorite guitarist by far, and one of my favorite musicians.

The drummer deserves some love too, Sean Rickman I think is his name.

I grew up in Memphis Tennessee and saw Shawn the first time when he was 13 or 14 with his band savage. He was already better than 90% of the big names. He died way to young.

I love the smile on Fil's face. Even if this isn't the first time you've experienced what Shawn could do, you can't help but smile. Staggering.

One of my favourite guitar players!!!! Gifted beyond belief and just a sheer pleasure to listen to, so melodic!!!! One would have to try and imagine how much hard work and practice Shawn has invested into his brilliance!!!!! A true virtuoso!!!! Sadly missed but never forgotten !!! RIP Shawn !!!!! Cheers Fil a great video!!!!!!!!!!

afterthought.... one other amazing thing about Shawn's playing was his intonation. His notes were so in-tune when he played. He made a point to do that and even mentions it in one interview that that was one of his goals. IMPROVING that as of that interview. I'm going..... F me, if you improve upon that, you'll be telling AUTO-TUNE what's the correct pitch!

There is simply no end to the amount of praise Shawn deserves (and earned) for his masterful playing and composition. The term "genius," is often overused and thrown around carelessly. Not here. Shawn was an absolute genius. Thank you for doing this video!

Music and guitar playing isn't a competition. That said, Shawn Lane is the GOAT on guitar. A true genius musically and otherwise.

Thank you so much for sharing Shawn with so many people. We would see him almost weekly in Memphis in tbe 80's when he was with the Willies. He never failed to make us shake our heads in disbelief! He was so nice. He come sit with my buddy and myself between sets sometimes. Very humble. Wed most often talk about aquariums and our fish lol.. He told me he had like 20 aquariums. He was so smart. His skin was always a mess. Bless his heart. I feel honored to have been there. Thanks again!!

I was the guitar manager at Strings and things back in the 80's and 90's and ordered the guitar for him he is playing in this video. His main guitar back then was actually made by Roland. I took this guitar home for the weekend before he came by and picked it up. Most people don't know but he was scary good on the piano too.

I got to see him perform in his teens, and he was only one year older than me. Incredible.

he was also a master piano player.

Man I love Shawn Lane. A good friend of mine when we were in high school turned me on to guys like Shawn, Brett Garsed, Greg Howe, Frank Gambale, etc. Shawn Lane was just an unbelievable player. I owe my friend a lifetime of gratitude for opening my mind to true virtuoso musicians. The majority of the population including music lovers have no idea guys like this exist with so much talent. If they did they would turn off FM radio lol

The Memphis monster! what a composer...I love his tone as well...great vid...thanks!

Soooo glad to see people still talking about Shawn Lane. As kids I met Shawn at about 15 years old..shared a rehearsal space in a back yard in north Memphis. Years later after I was in Nashville, we stayed in close touch...talked about music and songs and I ended up using him on sessions in nashville. A monstrous talent and beautiful human......way out in front of any other player on the planet in terms of composition, fusing different styles and sheer blinding, clean speed with melody and soul. A complete wonder drooped on the planet in Memphis, of all places. We were lucky to see him play and witness it first hand. #listentoshawnlane

I've been waiting for Shawn. He's beyond categories in his guitar playing prowess. I put him right up there with Holdsworth and Guthrie Govan.

Thanks very much for this video - I've listened to BOA since 1976 and it's not surprising two hugely talented musicians who were in that band - Tommy Aldridge and Shawn Lane - Shawn never got the acknowledgement he deserved - absolute brilliant!!

Please check out Shawn’s album “power of 10” referring to his 10 fingers. He played every instrument on the album. So sad he died before he could enjoy the fame he deserved. Thank you for sharing this video

The way you described Shawn's playing was spot on. For those new to Shawn here: Shawn was always amazing, but the most mind blowing stuff from him, in my opinion, was his work with Hellborg and Sipe in the mid 90's, and even later with Hellborg and V. Selvaganesh! Check out the live bootlegs on YT! You'll get addicted!

Shawn Lane didn't die, he came back to his planet

Nice surprise Fil, thanks. Can't believe how unknown Shawn is given his skill level, completely agree about your comments on this playing, he's one of the most listenable shredders, hell guitarists, that I've come across because of the melody and variety he infuses in his playing.

Shawn will always be one of my favorites no matter how much time passes. Simply amazing!

What an amazing pinky finger this man had. He had more in his pinky than I have in my whole hand!

I have listen SHAWN LANE music almost 20 years. He was more than a guitarist and a musician. I consider, he has reached the top level on the guitar and musicianship, then gone another planet. Rest in Peace Shawn. We really miss you...

I'm so happy you reviewed this! I was literally watching him play this song the other day and was going to recommend it to you. Shawn is the true king. RIP

For me it is his phrasing that really sets him apart from the others often mentioned as peers. Constantly blown away by his total control of the instrument and honestly can't think of another player to match him in that regard.

the drummer, sean rickman, is a beast as well. his “compositional drumming” dvd is something special. also did some excellent work with steve coleman.

“Aga of the Ladies” is one of my favorite Shawn Lane tunes.

He was a technical tyrannosaurus, he has an instructional video that’s shows off his freakishly fast technique. Paul Gilbert described him as “terrifying” God took him from us much to soon😞

On one hand I would of loved to see Shawn live but on the other my face would of been so melted I'd look like donatella Versace.

One thing I noted also is like other amazing players like Vai or Guthrie Govan he is incredibly creative with his phrasing: his melodies are superb not just because of the notes he is playing and the harmonic context but also the off-the-wall phrasing that makes it more than a regular on-the-beat-always melody but dances around the tempo yet it always come back to it just in time to accentuate giving it an even greater emphasis, just awesome.

I love "Get You Back". I always listen to that song to give a little lift to my spirit.

Every time I listen to this (and i've been listening to Grey Pianos Flying for over a decade, and it's accompanied me through so many fraught and beautiful situations over that time) I can only say that Shawn Lane had that ability to pick things from this universe and put them into a composition that brings a tear to our eye or a mellow smile upon our face, or both at the same time! Shawn was truly a beautiful human being and great composer, and his music is testimony to so many things...

Nice! I was literally going to suggest this video to you a few days ago 🤘

lane's true talent really shined not when he went off on light speed soloing but when he slowed it down. Songs like epilogue for lisa, flying grey pianos and once upon a time in the west are better showcases for his ability instead of mind-numbing speed.

He is literally SPEAKING through his instrument....

If you take away all the fast paced run and difficult technicalities, Shawn is still one of best guitarist of all time. Sound coming out of his fingers is such a joy to listen to.

He was very comfortable playing at such level, even from a very early age, and he always had his own style

I am a big fan of what you're doing here brother. Great job! I remember recommending Shawn Lane to your channel before. But, I'd love to see another video on Shawn.

i run into ppl here in memphis who knew him. my admiration of their friend gives us an immediate connection. in that way, shawn is still bringing ppl together. he was just honored on beale. if there is another guitarist near his level of virtuosity, i’ve never heard them

Always glad to see people find out about the Memphis legend. They used to pass tapes of Shawn around LA and the rockers from the 80's and 90's for sure knew who he was. Many Memphis stories about this cat, Who I did meet and see a few times. A story that I've heard a couple versions of was Joe Walsh , who was known to spend a lot of time in Memphis , either at Ardent studios and others, who I saw at a guitar store here years ago just hanging out, once heard Shawn live and was blown away. The story varies - but the tag line was always the same: " yeah. He is fucking amazing. Fast. But why is he is such a damn hurry? " Noting Shawn's fast playing and finger picking. Lol. Anyway - RIP Shawn Lane.

Love this video!!! Your explanations are spot on!

Thank you for highlighting Shawn. He was a marvel. Loved the analysis!

The only thing I know about Shawn Lane is that he was a teacher of Buckethead once.

The greatest guitarist of all time. Even 'ol Buckethead has said so. RIP you absolute genius✌️☮️

Thank you so much for doing this reaction!

Shawn Lane was the greatest guitarist, who worked hard and practiced constantly. He earned it; it wasn't given to him.

Happy to see you give an analysis.. I got to meet him a few times. He was a really humble person.

I knew Shawn when he was only 16 and smoking every guitar player in Memphis . Fast forward many years when one night Shawn and a friend came over to my house and as we stood in the kitchen my dad walks in and I introduce him to the guys and I said this is Shawn and he plays guitar and my dad says ''Guitar player? So are you any good?'' Well I could have died from embarrassment but Shawn being such a sweet and soft-spoken guy he smiles and says ''I think so'' THINK????? One of the best on the planet but still grounded without any ego. I miss Shawn so much

Thanks for the great analyzes. I have loved Shawn since I saw his Paris concert video, now thanks to you, I have a much better understanding what makes him great.

I'm new to the channel still have lots a videos to watch, Great analysis, Shawn was a superior player and like many others he is truly missed.. Thank you and keep rocking......

Nice video. Just found out about Shawn maybe a year ago and he's easily become my favorite player and my biggest inspiration.

Well, I was waiting for this video. Shawn was a genius, one of these virtuosos like Bach, Chopin, Liszt... who had the ability to merge a amazing technique with gorgeous melodies. And like many of those genius, he left us too soon.

You mention Paul Gilbert's and Buckethead's praise. My favorite came from Vernon Reid (I saw an article when Shawn died.... a lot of comments from a lot of top players, about him).... Vernon Reid was asked if he thought Shawn was the fastest guitar player ever. Vernon replied "He was the fastest *good* guitar player..."

everybody always looks over his years with jonas hellborg.Thats some his best work age of the ladies holy shit....

So happy you had a look at Shawn Lane Fil. Nice job for sure as I could tell the joy you had watching him, and I get that same feeling every time I watch him as well. I loved this man's playing, he is one of the most gifted guitarist and musicians I have ever seen and heard.

wow, how did i miss shawn lane?? i never heard of him til now..... i must say, he IS A BEAST!! goodness gracious.

Don't know why he doesn't get more attention. I'm 62 and haven't heard anyone close to him technically or melodically.

the man had the greatest fretboard hand/fingers of all time.

You have so many guitar videos, I feel at press time here, looking at this video with 412 plays is living proof that most guitarists have no clue about chops, taste and legacy. Shawn, Ray Gomez, Sylvain Luc are the unsung heroes , and have extreme under the radar talent.

It's funny because i can get super excited talking about all the big named guitarist out there and then i think about how Shawn plays.😵 My reaction is of disbelief and basically I become speechless. Yep, Shawn raised the bar on technical playing to a level that is virtually impossible to reach. His popularity should have been way way more than what is was. I bet even Hendrix would have been scared of his playing. 😉 👍

I had never seen Shawn Lane before. Thanks for sharing!

Always such great analysis of great players. I am just starting and this is great to watch and learn from.

The way he could start on the second beat (or even an offbeat), do a blistering run and the phrasing was just absolutely amazing. That's one thing that Paul Gilbert had to say about Shawn; how he could play phrasings at such a speed was beyond anyone.

I met Shawn for three times....he was from another planet....

RIP SHAWN LANE THE BEST GUITARIST AND MUSICIAN IN THIS PLANET...PLEASE REACT TO SHAWN LANE - GET YOU BACK NEXT....

Super cool! This guy is lovely!!! Nice tribute !!!

He was such a beast. He did some great work with Jonas Hellborg

Another fantastic analysis of yet another TRUE legend of the instrument......still picking my face up from his 'incendiary' runs!......my jaws still on the floor......What a 'gift from God'......and now he's in his presence, jamming with all the other past greats.....and I'm sure my father's there with them all (my biggest influence)..... Thanks again from this 'humbled, eternal student of the guitar', I pray God bless Shawn's family and yours abundantly....ps, was awesome to see the outpouring of love and respect from his peers....ALL 'monster technicians' themselves......made it that much more amazing......he, left us 'mere mortals' a breathtaking legacy.

Shawn Lane could pick 18 notes per second! (Guitar World, July 2008)

Shawn is a favorite of this old guy. Great analysis Fil! Many thanks.

Great channel, I never really got in to Shawn Lane in the past but your analysis has probably changed that.

i didnt know about Shawn and cortisol. Thx for sharing, rate him even higher now. Top 5 ever for me.

Wish you had reviewed 'Get You Back' which really showcases his playing. Amazingly, Shawn started with piano, as did Eric Johnson, another great guitar player.

WOW! I never heard of this guy...This was really good!

I'm glad Fil that you are showing other types of music, even though this is not my type of music, but realize he is talented. Keep coming out with these.

I've only recently really started listening to Shawn, and my god was he INCREDIBLE. He has moved up in my pantheon of fusion guitar favorites. Up there with McLaughlin, Di Meola, Holdsworth, etc

Seen him playing with Black Oak Arkansas in the late 70's

This is a great take on Shawn. He really was legendary ❤️

Nice pick. Enjoyed that.

Love listening to Shawn, just flows.

I really like your videos, very informative and interesting.

That was great. I never heard Shawn Lane. The tone was unreal and will seek out more of his playing.

Holy moly! Late to this video. Thanks, this man is indeed a monster of the best kind. That ending!

Excellent analysis and musical appreciation of one of the best guitar players ever.

Wow I had just requested that you do Shawn Lane! Not sure if that why you did it now. Great to see appreciation for Shawn.

Very nice, I went to school with him and he was amazing on bass, piano and drums as well.

I gave you a thumbs up even before I watched the video, because Shawn was the best and your channel covers the best of the best!!! Thank you for your dedication!!!!

i have only just discovered shawn lane; he is probably the best of his genre.

About damn time! He really was one of a kind

Finally Shawn Lane, not sure if you did others from him, but Shawn Lane really is the goat. Love him so much. You really have to dig deeper to understand him. Definitely check out "The way it has to be" and "Wherever you walk". Just incredible. Great vid!!

Been to Shawn's house, met him at a local music store I worked in, saw him live several times, etc. A few "corrections", imo. Shawn's tone is more analogous to Eric Johnson mated to Alan Holdsworth (not in the physical sense! hehehe) Not at all close to Satriani or Vai, ref tone, imo. Shawn had an extremely NON-fuzzy tone. Very smooth and midrangy but with good sustain. Shawn was the fastest picker I've seen who actually played musically and not just doing fast picking on one string. Maybe Holdsworth had as much speed legato-wise but I don't think so. Also John McLaughlin.... another influence of Shawn's. but it's a combo of picking and hammers mostly. Not many pulloffs, if you watch most of his vids. Odd that he almost never did a true sweep apreggio or two hand tapping at all. I guess if he used TWO hands for tapping, the world probably would not be here right now. hahahha He did stuff that sounds like two hand tapping but it's all left hand. Shawn did NOT rest his hand on the strings. He had a floating tremelo and if you watch his instructional vids, you can see his arm is actually floating all the time. ONLY when he mutes would he put the palm against the bridge/strings. You can't pick like he did and rest your hand like you would on a tele or strat or paul. 6:27 CLEAR example of the arm/hand position. His FOREARM is resting on the body of the guitar, his wrist is moving and his bicep is turning which gives the hand movement of fast picking. His pick is up near the neck, ffs! So, no, he didn't rest his hand on the bridge ever unless he wanted to mute which he rarely did, as far as I know. 6:30 even there, it LOOKS like he is, but he's not. I've watched prob 98% of Shawn vids on YT and he is notorious for open strings ringing during his pick flurries. That's BECAUSE his technique is not about palm muting the open strings. His hand is always floating. That adds to his speed. Nothing between him and the notes except 1/32" of jazz pick and some air. Just trying to help. :) Nice vids!