Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails

Рет қаралды 150,691

6 жыл бұрын

"It's a super power. It's an invisible cape. It's a magic trick. It's a tenuous operation of unfathomable nuance. It's an ever-evolving stream of happy accidents. It's a culture made up of weirdos and rule breakers, and geniuses of design and beach freaks and brainiacs and cavemen and crooked little flowers...and it's been a huge part of my identity for as long as I can remember."
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players. In this episode Ernie Ball artist Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails, Guns N Roses) discusses his beginnings with music and guitar, his love of playing, and his relationship with Ernie Ball.
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
Robin Finck plays Ernie Ball Regular Slinky electric guitar strings: www.ernieball.com/slinky

Пікірлер: 415

@erikroseillustration 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for putting this out Ernie Ball. Robin is one of the most criminally underrated guitarists and performers.

@ThatOtherRaccoon 5 жыл бұрын

Friggin A

@DoubleRR44 5 жыл бұрын

Amen to that!!

@MrIgorek13 4 жыл бұрын

Disagree professional knows who is Robin!

@larsgrelck3456 3 жыл бұрын

.. and songwriters! His work on Chinese Democracy is incredible. So genuine and original.

@shep3942 2 жыл бұрын

This is a real guitar player. Not someone shredding and showing how fast thier fingers are or dive bombing. But pure emotion and passion for an instrument. I wish I had that kind of heart

@saintjabroni 2 жыл бұрын

You can clearly recognize it in another… How might you not have it too?

@bryan123483 Жыл бұрын

100% agree. This is exactly why he's my favorite guitarist.

@DoktorDamage Жыл бұрын

Very well said Shep. I agree. He seems to be making "songs" instead of "shredding", which is a dime a dozen. Robin is a REAL MUSICIAN.

@visionop8 11 ай бұрын

Shredding is fun if you can do it. We admire "real guitar players" too but we're always taking shit. You'd be surprised how many "real players" can also shred. Robin Finck is one of them. He was the lead guitarist in Guns N Roses for 11 years.

@shep3942 11 ай бұрын

@visionop8 I'm aware of his talents and I've seen him live with guns. I'm not saying "real guitar players" can't shred. But the art is often lost in trying to out-speed or out-skill the next. Put an acoustic in some guys hands and they are lost

@AlessandroCortini 6 жыл бұрын

LOVE YOU BOBIN!!!!

@copyofacopy7588 6 жыл бұрын

Love you Alessandro!

@a.j8307 6 жыл бұрын

I saw NIN in 2008, and Allesandro and Robin were both amazing live!!

@adamblister6005 6 жыл бұрын

Love you Alligator (if that's your nickname or something)!!!!

@adamblister6005 6 жыл бұрын

Can you tell us when NIN is coming to the US for a tour? Trent isn't saying anything! :)

@AlessandroCortini 6 жыл бұрын

no.

@dpm608 6 жыл бұрын

My gosh, the way Robin talks I could just listen to him for hours. He sounds like he could be an excellent story teller.

@vickywalker8981 2 жыл бұрын

Completely agree. I come and listen to this opening part over and over. The way he says records is too cute ‘rekkids’

@ThatOtherRaccoon 6 жыл бұрын

Robin really needs to get more credit for his work on Chinese Democracy. The man is a genius.

@phayge7623 3 жыл бұрын

That solo on This I Love is incredible.

@ThatOtherRaccoon 3 жыл бұрын

@@phayge7623 everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when I tell them that This I Love is an awesome song!! But it's INCREDIBLE!

@jaedenmk5544 3 жыл бұрын

@@ThatOtherRaccoon I agree

@luislucho4280 3 жыл бұрын

@@phayge7623 es tan increible que slash nisiquiera puede hacerle justicia

@rokaanalzeer7148 3 жыл бұрын

@@ThatOtherRaccoon to me as much as that album is axl trying to go full industrial, that song sounds like vintage GnR. Like I listened to it going “ok I see this in there with November rain and estranged.”

@sum1butno1 6 жыл бұрын

I adore mid-90s NIN, Trent gets credit for stagework but Robin's hair stole the Woodstock show for real. #goals

@cr-cn4ky 5 жыл бұрын

That image of him at Woodstock its what made him my hero.

@Gabrielarbizazuluaga 5 жыл бұрын

robin´s hair always is the best... so original and creative

@cr-cn4ky 5 жыл бұрын

Yes his fucking hair is amazing

@koyaaanisquatsi 5 жыл бұрын

yes it's like 5 different hairstyles in 1

@c2z23 3 жыл бұрын

Also in the MotP video, his hair and posture stole the show

@synthhero1347 5 жыл бұрын

What i love bout robin is that hes so down to earth and just a normal guy who genuinely loves playing and writing music, hasnt been caught up in all the fame/hollywood bullshit and yet has played with some of the biggest names in the industry...keep rocking brother

@fileunderunknown6924 6 жыл бұрын

I want a robin fink guitar album. No drums or bass. Just doing what is happening here. So minimal yet so effective.

@lafeeshmeister 6 жыл бұрын

Actually, yes!

@elliotlecaille 6 жыл бұрын

it'll be called "Alone in the Kitchen" :P

@elliotlecaille 6 жыл бұрын

10:34

@ArtisanSmithy61 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'd love to hear that...love his style...so cool! :)

@exit209 5 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I hear some Buckethead influence in his playing here.

@musculoid4646 6 жыл бұрын

Robin was huge with GN'R, so much feelings, melodies, great attitude. Nobody can replace him in GN'R as in NiN. He should be in the two bands. In deed he is unforgetnable.

@ThatOtherRaccoon 6 жыл бұрын

Muscu Loid "This I Love"'s guitar solo is probably the most perfect solo I've ever heard.

@coletricklejr.7083 5 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with this!

@KBee129 4 жыл бұрын

@@ThatOtherRaccoon and slash came and ruined it

@ThatOtherRaccoon 4 жыл бұрын

@@KBee129 yeah it's a tough solo for anyone to replicate.

@KBee129 4 жыл бұрын

@@ThatOtherRaccoon true but at least keep the structure of the original solo you know. Solos that Robin played of old song is not note to not but at least we can recognize the solo of the old songs but with slash and til solo, it's completely different

@bmwf1joel 6 жыл бұрын

That tone of the Tele is amazing....especially at 4:15 😱😱😱

@jbasti227 6 жыл бұрын

infoowetrust Such a good tone. Do you what song it is?

@0n10n_G0d 5 жыл бұрын

Anyone know what tele that is?

@NVSTRZ34 5 жыл бұрын

@@0n10n_G0d He goes over it in a NIN rig rundown video. It's on youtube.

@jaetguz 4 жыл бұрын

@@0n10n_G0d It is actually a Nocaster.

@rios39 3 жыл бұрын

That’s why I plan on getting one

@noyd4172 4 жыл бұрын

And legend has it, he still hasn't finished that box of strings...

@TraumaAD 3 жыл бұрын

*knods* its true. the benson and hedges are long gone but those strings my friend......... the tone that keeps on giving.

@tula6913 3 жыл бұрын

especially the *fat* ones...

@ThatOtherRaccoon 3 жыл бұрын

This is TO THIS DAY my favorite string theory.

@aeskeets 2 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing him on the Closure VHS as a kid and thinking he was an intimidating entity of rage with a guitar strapped on it. Years later, I find out he's a soft-spoken and humble artist who plays his part perfectly in each band.

@ASMRyouVEGANyet Жыл бұрын

Strange. I never got thay vibe from him. I always saw him as different but deep. Later find out he's a fellot Scorpio. Everything makes sense.

@daleweber2579 6 жыл бұрын

Why doesn't this have 100k or million views? This is the very first music gear related interview video of Robin Finck that I know of. I can't for speak for anyone else but Robin and many others make want to grab my guitar & just jam This is great, thank you for making & sharing this video.

@nullmistress 5 жыл бұрын

Dale Weber because it's exclusive non mainstream artist interview

@markpryce2590 4 жыл бұрын

There's a Rig Rundown with Finck, but it's just desperately awkward, he clearly doesn't want to be there and has very little to say.

@elindgren11 6 жыл бұрын

Robin Finck = magic with a guitar.

@KennethAndrews 6 жыл бұрын

I love the downward spiral CD just hanging around

@lilystorm9618 6 жыл бұрын

i thought i could recognise it haha

@KennethAndrews 6 жыл бұрын

yup!

@jhonnycagexrage7458 5 жыл бұрын

Literally hanging around xdxd

@GustavoMalagrino 6 жыл бұрын

The Best underrated guitarist, thanks ErnieBall 4that !

@brunosilviomartins 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome. The best one yet. This guy is a talented guitar player but he's also a gifted speaker/ storyteller.

@yomo1690 6 жыл бұрын

Why do i find myself repeatedly watching this? Like 4 times in 3 days. There needs to be more Robin Finck on KZfaq.

@kellkalm6109 5 жыл бұрын

did you see the new awkward Rig Rundown interview that was just posted a couple days ago?

@yomo1690 5 жыл бұрын

@@kellkalm6109 just seen it about 10 minutes ago. Wtf the interviewer was awful and Robin did not wanna be there.i think she made him feel more socially awkward than he already is. I promptly redirected people to this interview so people can get a real feel for the guy.

@kellkalm6109 5 жыл бұрын

@@yomo1690I agree. I understand she was uncomfortable for one reason or another... but, if nothing else, she was not good at reading what her guest needed. Nevermind how little research she did going into it all. Very unfortunate. I still keep watching it, because it is "nice" to get the information . . . but I wish it could've been enjoyable for the interviewee.

@saberstimson3871 5 жыл бұрын

wow..i just saw that too but i only lasted a few minutes because it hurt to watch. You're right I'm way into Robin and this is like the holy grail of his interviews I've seen. Its just him comfortably talking about his connection w/ his guitar and where its taken him and also just throwing down several tasteful peices where you could see alot of his different styles. He's just such a rad guy and killer player...hair god ect... the only thing i could recommend to you if you haven't seen it which im sure you have because i sence that we all have scoured youtube for whatever we can find on this badass...gnr rock in rio 2001 sossego... its probably one of the raddest whip your dick out performances I've seen...hes got like the illest feel..and on this performance its all that.

@yomo1690 5 жыл бұрын

@@saberstimson3871 yep seen it dude. Finck was fiiiirrrrrrreeeeeeeee that gig. Isn't enough devil horn in the world to describe that performance.

@unciervoenciervado 3 жыл бұрын

That intro sounds so good. I can listen to it all day

@castanonw 6 жыл бұрын

Epic narrator

@adamblister6005 6 жыл бұрын

Next thing you know he'll be stealing Morgan Freeman's jobs!

@castanonw 6 жыл бұрын

Adam Blister Legendary Hired Gun

@castanonw 6 жыл бұрын

So melodic so much truth

@pattonPwr 5 жыл бұрын

I still can't believe Robin has not released a solo record yet. Time to change this please!

@therealscarred2112 6 жыл бұрын

Everything played in this video has at least a *touch* of magic in it. Thanks, Robin & Ernie Ball!

@Tabrez79 2 жыл бұрын

The solo of This I Love is one of the greatest solos ever composed!! Robin is a legend!!

@ericsolis8691 5 жыл бұрын

Robin has been overlooked as an outstanding guitarist for years. This video showcases exactly that.

@niroshanfernando4784 2 жыл бұрын

I can still remember Robin's first few bands: Bat Your Lashes, Sik Dik, & even a short stint in the infamous Impotent Sea Snakes. ALL those bands had a cool wild 70's Glam Punk/shock rock image-KISS meets-New York Dolls-meets-Alice Cooper-meets-Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie. I can still remember some those early shows he played with those bands at some small clubs in the Atlanta Georgia area. After paying his dues with those bands, his guitar skills would pay off and the rest is musical history as Robin would go on to play with Trent Reznor in NIN & Axl Rose in GNR. KEEP ROCKING ROBIN! 🤘🏾😎🎸

@kevindietz6470 6 жыл бұрын

Love Robin Finck's playing and vibe, guy has a lot of charisma but in a very understated way.

@jbasti227 6 жыл бұрын

Dope guitarist. But that aside, this guy should seriously consider recording an audiobook

@jotade2098 5 жыл бұрын

We need more Robin Finck in youtube.

@Emustall 6 жыл бұрын

Watching Robin on stage with Nine Inch Nails, you would never imagine that he speaks so romantically about life. Awesome interview!

@spaceage7899 6 жыл бұрын

I am not even THAT into NIN but I am a guitarist and Robin is so awesome how he passionately talks about how he discovered the guitar! GREAT story telling talent and not to forget a melodic guitarist just by this video! I am SOLD not just Ernie Ball,I've been using them for decades :-) But I am going to research Robin Fink more! AWESOME DUDE! Good energy )))))

@ThatOtherRaccoon 6 жыл бұрын

Space Age Check out how he plays on "This I Love" and "Street of Dreams" off of GnR Chinese Democracy. It's some of the greatest guitar playing I've ever heard anyone play.

@bradleyrussell1973 4 жыл бұрын

Enjoy "Downward Spiral", and immerse yourself in a character that Trent describes as someone who has given up on hope, in a downward spiral to the bottom of life. Each song describes a place or time in this descent. An amazing album, by any standards. Most artists consider it one of the finest albums ever recorded. Enjoy!

@saltpeter7429 2 жыл бұрын

@@bradleyrussell1973 oh yeah, a game changer. On a level that I dont think has been fully brought to light. Some of it was giving nods to those who went before, some Mick Ronson and some Jimmy Paige and some Johnny Ramone, and some crazy otherworldly noises that hadn't been utilized to that point to make music.

@tomias85 3 жыл бұрын

Very soothing to watch Robin. Very underrated. His solos on Chinese Democracy are the best on there in my opinion

@norijagar 3 жыл бұрын

this might be my favourite KZfaq video of all time

@timmy8654 5 жыл бұрын

I had to stop half way through because Robin made me want to play my guitar more than ever. Thank you for that beautiful intro

@jaranarm 5 жыл бұрын

He's playing some fantastic sounding stuff here. He should seriously do a solo guitar record and bring in guys like Buckethead and Akira Yamaoka as guests or something.

@derkernspalter 5 жыл бұрын

2:45 NIN - Downward Spiral CD. :P Remember seeing Robin Finck the first time on the Downward Spiral tour and was so amazed by his cat-paw-like movements on the guitar strings and the ability to keep playing even while being abused by Reznor who threw waterbottles and all kind of stuff at his head, kicked and pushed him over from behind etc. and he kept on playing as if nothing happened. :-)

@Scadia 5 жыл бұрын

I agree! Watching how he has grown as a player but has still maintained those same movements and "cat-paw-like" ( LOVE this description) fingers is wonderful! It means he was honest about everything he was saying with being saturated. I love watching him as a young player and now. He's one of my favorite guitarists.

@adamblister6005 6 жыл бұрын

I'm mesmerized by Robin's hair.

@te9591 6 жыл бұрын

Adam Blister robins hair was always cool and it felt inspired by the algonquins.

@nunopereira526 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing Robin Fink! Thanks for the time in GNR, i am still sad that you left.

@rios39 3 жыл бұрын

Would like to see him jam with slash

@declineofthewest. Жыл бұрын

Robin has grown to be one of my favorite musicians in this lifetime. As everyone else has said : Criminally underrated

@almightytreegod 5 жыл бұрын

I love this so damn much. Not just his poetic way of talking, but those RIFFZ... I’d love to know everything about what he’s playing through.

@fendi-bull8167 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best GNR guitarist and the best NIN guitarist. Love him.

@michaelsnydermusic 2 жыл бұрын

This series provides so much inspiration to younger guitar players who are learning. To see their hero’s tell stories all of us guitar players identify with is just great. They no longer appear untouchable gods but real people who started like we all did. Plus they ALL say “I bought my first pack because of the colors”. Lol

@thomasb2246 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely would love to see something solo come from him; he did great with lead vocals on one song for NIN in Boston this tour!

@thomasb2246 5 жыл бұрын

Just listened to this again and I will say it again... if he put out an album of songs like what he is playing on here, I would grab it in a heartbeat. I would love to find something like it; it is very different from his stuff with NIN, GNR, etc.

@janvanbiljon1722 6 жыл бұрын

Cool to hear him speak about guitar. Interesting perspective on the instrument.

@jamesbruss84 4 жыл бұрын

My favorite GNR guitarist.

@jkitty1089 4 жыл бұрын

I've watched this at least 100 times. His sound and story is beautiful

@Zoso981 3 жыл бұрын

I've always thought of Robin as more of a Sound Sculpter than just a guitarist. A True artist.

@akultisgod5538 3 жыл бұрын

the way he tells a story draws you in

@LordChrisBerg 6 жыл бұрын

wow. thanks you so much for making this video. i could never find a video of robin talking this much. seeing the downward spiral cd hanging in the beginning made me smile. thank you so much for this!! NIN forever

@TheFandare 6 жыл бұрын

Lord Chris Berg I also smiled when seeing the CD hanging still one of the best albums to date 👍

@codyparker6118 3 жыл бұрын

Got a love the downward spiral as a wind chime disc

6 жыл бұрын

He looks like Kevin Spacey's cooler, much younger brother

@becominglessofmyself7032 5 жыл бұрын

And hopefully not touching little boys

@ru239 4 жыл бұрын

@the3-dkiller1 So kind of like Michael Jackson, right?

@cornstar1253 4 жыл бұрын

Or like Gollum

@Hell_Inc 6 жыл бұрын

man, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an in depth interview with Robin like that. thank you, Ernie Ball

@nw8488 3 жыл бұрын

"less... money... per... issue..." LOL great episode

@nw8488 3 жыл бұрын

i fucking love the way this dude talks about strings.

@Hoscitt 3 жыл бұрын

30 years of NIN being one of my absolute top 'bands' and this is the first time I've seen Robin speak! 😄 Good stuff🤘👍

@NVSTRZ34 3 жыл бұрын

The interview that made me pick up a guitar and start playing. Got home from Vegas NIN show, and this video showed in my feed. Best decision ever. Thanks Robin 🤘

@RichardWatson 3 жыл бұрын

I could happily listen to Robin talk or play all day. He chooses his words so carefully and uniquely- a true mystery of a human being. He provides such a breath of fresh air in a time that demands instant everything.

@GaugeMusicVideos 6 жыл бұрын

The riff at 9:45 is amazing

@josephgartrell5726 2 жыл бұрын

What song please

@misshazy 6 жыл бұрын

This is so good.

@peterkonyak4851 3 жыл бұрын

If you like his guitar snippets in the video, you'll definitely love Robin's intro to sweet child o' mine and paradise city. You'll also love his rendition of the patience solo...

@blackpieceofwhite 6 жыл бұрын

Nice to finally see Robin getting some coverage. Anyone have any ideas what Fender Telecaster that is?

@CentaurusRelax314 5 жыл бұрын

John Malkovich There’s a new Nine Inch Nails Rig Rundown video where he discusses his tour guitars. He had a black one(?) like this that he said was a combination of a parts body from Stratosphere with a neck made for him by one of the Fender Custom Shop masters builders.

@jaetguz 4 жыл бұрын

This is his Nocaster.

@nonipaulette4520 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. One of my fave guitarists ever

@thebondmenmusic Жыл бұрын

I keep coming back to this video. I just love watching Robyn play around on his guitar. He would be great around the campfire.

@OurRawHeart 3 жыл бұрын

I keep rewatching this video. His personae is so compelling.

@GearStuffandThings 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best one of these yet.

@MrIgorek13 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely wonderful monologue!

@gregharrison5479 6 жыл бұрын

Robin is the knight the king wants riding by his side, it battle or for beers. What an inspiring speaker and if you have to think about his talent you don't know shit about an axe.

@wavedepletion Жыл бұрын

Really a pleasure to just see Robin hang out and play a few riffs, wish this was a series or a whole channel.

@markusaurelius777 3 жыл бұрын

9:47 - end of video. That was really creative.....loved that !!!!

@TRTLZRUN18 3 жыл бұрын

I wish it was longer.

@christietipton3134 2 жыл бұрын

Robin Finck! Thank you for sharing with us! Your performances with NIN were a spectacle of greatness. The abuse Trent doled out on stage and your brilliance and dedication keeps you on point far more often than I ever thought possible. Ahh, but the sweet punishment you beat into your guitar kicks me in the teeth and I fucking love it! You and guitar together, are like an extension of the other. Thank you! Such a grateful, and emotional experience to hear/watch you play. 💚

@danieldemayo6209 3 жыл бұрын

everything this guy played was sick

@Crotes1990 3 жыл бұрын

his guitar noodling and riffs are phenomenal

@pullthereins 5 жыл бұрын

A man of many textures!!! One of my all time favorite guitarists. I'm so glad to see him back in NIN. I'd love to here an instrumental album from him.

@TTDimes 5 жыл бұрын

what an amazing intro, what a setting and climax... fascinating

@srirachaseahawk 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, one of the better ones from this series. I think they really show how down-to-earth and approachable he is.

@TRTLZRUN18 4 жыл бұрын

Favorite one by far.

@deanshull4063 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 4 making this well deserved mini doc on Fink, always wondered who the man was behind the guitar. Honored to see him live, roughing out NIN's jagged lil corners.

@matthewosepchook9718 2 жыл бұрын

What a glorious player. Some of the riffs he is throwing down are just stunning to hear. He is definitely my type of player. He "pushes and pulls" perfectly.

@greckendale 4 жыл бұрын

2 years have gone by and I’m just seeing this now!

@guitarz 3 жыл бұрын

next to the bensen and hedges.... classic.. this tells us why talents like this are a priceless.

@jerryshigan2305 4 жыл бұрын

Fascinating dude. Love this.

@idn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this Ernie Ball, really appreciate it. And thank you Robin Finck for sharing your music and art with us.

@666finnegan 6 жыл бұрын

By far, one of my absolute favourite musicians of all time.

@benjaminsmith6674 3 жыл бұрын

I've always enjoyed his controlled hap-Hazzardly style playing. It's nice hearing this side of his playing.

@jasoncoventon7652 3 жыл бұрын

This brings my youth back Robyn Fink Ty🙌

@kimfarr5399 Ай бұрын

Wish I had that copy of the downward sparil cd that Robin has spining around like a wind chime..Robin plays from he's soul such a beautiful thing..

@joekiddyshaw5757 3 жыл бұрын

Love you Robin x

@dadoboogins7833 3 жыл бұрын

this whole thing is indescribably rad

@piersquarless7731 6 жыл бұрын

The first time I saw nin live it scared the shit out of me and excited and blew my mind, this man is a genuis and one of the reasons I picked up guitar, amazing player

@dusty0608 5 жыл бұрын

I am so glad i came across this video. This guy is amazing

@TheDime4life 3 жыл бұрын

He's a very different person which some people may see as weird but this man has a burning passion for his music and you can see him putting everything into it when he plays.

@dreamscapeheromusic1239 5 жыл бұрын

Never heard the concept of buying in bulk spoken about so eloquently... love this guy!

@brirock1 4 жыл бұрын

He has some fascinating insights.

@Kandieswing 5 жыл бұрын

the first scene and the riffs....epic storm..

@barbamatteo Жыл бұрын

Great and talented player that fit NIN perfectly. Love him.

@truthteller1951 5 жыл бұрын

Best one yet!

@Postapocalypse666 Жыл бұрын

I watch this once a week because his playing and energy just puts me in the best mood

@saintjabroni 4 ай бұрын

I feel this.

@phm1800 6 жыл бұрын

thanks robin huge fan

@_Noctifer 3 жыл бұрын

9:43 BRO THE RIFF THAT STARTS HERE BRO

@malcolmadams2105 5 жыл бұрын

I've watched all of these now, and I love them all; but Robin's words' by far, are the encumberment of everything great about the guitar. And why we play; and it's everything that most people cannot find the words for." So, "Thank You" for your words Robin.

@malcolmadams2105 5 жыл бұрын

This is not to be confused with Rig Run down.. I |Fink|U Freakyooo({>