This one is taken from the recording … most players try to even out the beats per measure in this classic and thats not the way Roy played it. There are extra beats and missing beats everywhere. So this one is accurate … the PDF is VERY IMPORTANT and a little explanation is needed. Here’s an example of how it works … look at the first two line of the pdf …
What this means is, after the 4 beat count in, as soon as rimshots start, play RIFF 1 and then count to yourself 4,5,6,7 and then play RIFF 1 again and then count 4,5,6,7 and then play riff 2 (the famous one) 4X … so, the first 2 measures (riff one) are 7/8 time. The four repeats of riff 2 are 4/4 as expected.
This kind of stuff is all over the tune, but its on the pdf. Its tricky, but once you get the idea it becomes pretty easy.
Am I the only one having issues with this? Looking up the original studio version, I get several YouTubes worth.
Start counting 1 on the first rim shot, RIFF 1 starts at beat 5, RIFF 1, second time, starts at beat 11, and RIFF 2 starts at beat 17. The BB version RIFF 2 starts at beat 15 – that is if I am counting correctly.
After the third verse, starting with ‘Walk’ the original has 11, 4 beat measures of E before the A cappella ‘What do I see’. I’m not sure with the BB version, but it feels like 12 measures.
After the A cappella, the count is the same as the opening. The BB version as at least 2 extra beats (or maybe 4 beats) between RIFF 1, second time, and RIFF 2.
I have no trouble playing with the original and I can accommodate the BB starting RIFF 2 on beat 15 rather than 17. However when I play original version on guitar along with the BB, something gets way off after verse 3.
So am I all alone with this or is it really happening?
Tom Stoltz
in Maine
Yes I know I am reviving this old thread.
It’s all marked out for you the cheatsheet. One thing most who do this tune is to try to even out the beats. Roy never did that. Everytime he did it it was a bit different. The song is actually a combo of two time signatures, 7/8 for most of the riffs, 4/4 for the rest.
I find that, with several Roy Orbison songs, their structure is loosely unstructured, but they follow some semblance of structure. (Ha ha) The chord progressions make sense(ish), but the transition chords make the songs.
“Only the Lonely” is one of the best examples of what I’m trying to convey. I can play along with the recordings ok, and I can play them with the Oldies BB kit, but not with a backing track.
Elvis is credited with saying, “When Roy comes to town, he’s The King.”
A lot of Roy’s songs would be changed depending on backup crew, venue, etc etc. Timings were pretty fluid. The recording I used was (knowing me) concert footage where frankly anything goes. My version works and to my ears sounds a bit better than the standard recording, especially towards the end where beats/measure are tossed out the window. Following the cheat sheet has everything needed.
If Tcalvin wants a different version, I’m sure he can find one. If he wants to fix mine, that’s ok too. But I won’t change it. I’ve gigged with it with four other guys, no one had issues.
I agree, Roy’s sense of timing is, shall we say, interesting? However not impossible, I play along with the original just fine. But as LakeLife said, the backing track can be a bit more challenging. There are too many lessons for Pretty Woman available on the internet to dispute the timing of the original – as for some concert version, I can’t say. Even Ultimate Guitar has it, along with timing, I might add.
If I had the wherewithal to change Phil’s, I would. However I don’t. So all I can do is ask.
I would appreciate if someone could demonstrate to me that the Intro of the BB version is correct. When I count it, RIFF 2 starts on the 15th beat – am I correct here? On the original, using the same counting method, I get 17.
Tom Stoltz
BB challenged
in Maine
I suggest that you learn to use a DAW or BBMO. Then you could rewrite any tune you want to your way of thinking. At least if you load a tune into BBMO you can study the structure and see how it’s done. That might be helpful to you. Spending all that time counting beats/measures might better be spent on a DAW.
Btw, you’re the only one who’s complained about the tune.
Phil,
I’m sorry you take this as a complaint, it was not meant to be. I am having trouble with the counts on the intro. The only way I can explain it is with counting the beats and to keep it from getting confusing using 4 beat measures, I just continue the count. So, starting with the first rim shot as 1, I get the 15th beat for the start of RIFF 2 using the BB version and I get the 17th counting the original.
I’m wondering why, what am I counting wrong?
Thank you for inviting me to modify your version but as I mentioned before I don’t do all those different file types. I tried the BBMO and have not found the files the instructions suggest using, .bng I believe. I now have a mess on my desktop, seem to be missing my original BBM, and there is new a backup along with a bunch of new files on the desktop. I can’t go any further because it is not working for me.
I am strictly a user rather than a hobbyist with the BB and never wanted to get this deep into it’s workings.
Again, I apologize for complaining, I would just like to know why I get 2 different counts,
Tom Stoltz
in Maine
Ok, I’ll try this one more time. I just finishing playing the entire song through 4x and the intro another 4x. It works. Look at the attached photo of the pdf.
Start the song, listen for four beats then play Riff 1. After playing the open D string, count to yourself 4 5 6 7 and IMMEDIATELY REPEAT RIFF 1. Again, after the open D string, count to yourself 4 5 6 7. It will feel like you’re off a beat, but just play. Listen to the BB track for clues. Go immediately into the main riff (listen for the riff on bass).
My advice, Stop counting total beats… just follow the cheat sheet. Stop comparing to whatever you consider to be the “original”. Honestly I can’t tell you what version I worked with, just that it works. I’ve been playing (and occasionally gigging with) this song forever. You’re overthinking, over analyzing.
