I ate lunch with him at Victor wootens camp. Nicest guy ever. Treated me like a complete equal, like I was worth his time just as much as anything. Blew me away, I'll never forget it. Awesome dude.
I love how he straight up says it doesn't matter how you use your right hand; 1, 2, 3 fingers, a pick, etc; more bass players need to be less judgmental like this dude.
I'm from Buffalo and remember the many times I stood 10 feet from Billy and the great band Talas and watched the master at work. When you see a musician who has total mastery of his instrument it was mind-blowing!
what's really cool about Billy is that he is not afraid to admit that he is committing mistakes in the middle of his teaching. this shows how humble this guy is, even though his abilities and musicality is WAY up there. props to you sir!
My guess is his mistakes there are simply from slowing down to show us mortals, and having to relinquish his tactile memory which typically operates at much higher speed. Maybe?
That's weird to me it's always been the opposite, when we make mistakes we let people know we know we made a mistake by laughing or smiling or rolling your eyes or squinting your face because you low-key don't wanna let them think "you're so bad you didn't even realize you made a mistake". You want them to know you know. But usually they never realize unless it's incredibly obvious and fucked up.
Three finger quadruplets instead of triplets, yikes! And Steve Harris does triplets with two fingers, like Geddy used to, now Geddy does it all with one finger ! Billy's the man, enthusiastic like he's 20 something.
I've heard so many people criticize this man for not doing slap pop funk type solos live . Hey I'm sure he can but at a Rock show his shredding is really impressive. Besides he has incredible in the pocket groove .
I am pretty sure billy has had a secret click installed somewhere in his body, he's no robot but his timing is like an atomic clock, just loove listening to his playing, and he's such a mellow guy.
I've been playing Guitar for about 13 years and I just got my first Bass the other day. It is so much fun learning how to play something similar yet very different. Billy has always been on my radar even though I didn't play Bass before. I think thats from being a Paul Gilbert fan.
Great teaching in the video. Awesome approach and attitude. One complaint, the editor cuts away to the left hand way too much for a video on right hand technique.
So glad I found this! only been playing 3 months, happily (naturally) been using my third finger whilst picking. Then came across another lesson saying you must only use two finger alternate picking. This man is fabulous, you can use whatever you like as long as it sounds good and it works. Thanks so much now I can get back onto my practise.
Electric drill?! Bro, I graduated from the electric drill in 6th grade! I'm totes using a garden hoe to rake my strings. Where do you think Slipknot got their signature sound?! That's right..... you're welcome!
I've always loved that Billy is an absolute shredder but somehow manages to seem to have zero ego about music. Very impressive. I've seen a few lessons with him too, always a great teacher.
Being a bass player (and starting on bass), when I use a pick on a guitar, I noticed I alternate pick ascending, and economy pick descending. I must have got it from finger playing on a bass because of how you sort of "brush back" with your fingers. after 25+ years, it's very hard to unlearn, but as Billy says (I think I can call him Billy, I don't think he'll mind), maybe if it works I should just go with it.
thats a muhfuggin beast of a workout. im a guitar player, but i realy enjoy playing bass. and i use my fingers, and a pick, but i want to toss the pick and train my fingers on the right hand cuz i like how it sounds and it looks cool. im practicing billys technique, and lets just say its going to take awhile!
There's a Niacin tune, where he, almost the entire tune, is doing this crazy Rocco Prestia staccato attack. The tune MOVES, and Billy does it effortlessly.
Bro that's up to your liking, he's only teaching the movement pf the fingers, he can't know what string gauge and action each and everyone of the ppl watching this is comfortable with. I don't even understand what you mean by length of finger travel.
FINALLY a comprehensive video about the 3 finger method. Pity I just found it now where I have the technique down and had to figure it out by myself. Wish I had seen this years ago. Respect to Billy, he's a legend
I'm 51 now. I was 16 when I started following him. What I like is his saying "don't worry about my number of fingers, you can use a violin bow or a drill"!! There are no words to describe how much I respect this guy.
3 fingers repeating in a 3/4 pattern while playing 4/4 licks -- it must be a bitch to play licks like that. I mean, if you were using all 4 fingers of the picking hand, minus the thumb of course, you'd have 4 fingers repeating in a 4/4 pattern over 4/4 music, which would be a lot easier to do. It's a testament to what a superb musician Billy is.
Using the pinky is not super comfy. Also, it's not that hard to play 4/4 with 3 fingers uniformly, you just need to play like this (order of fingers): ring, middle, index, middle /repeat
Well the pinky is just too short; but I've never seen this technique before. Also it explains why he's so fast, one of the fastest runs / players you'll ever hear on a bass.
Obviously, Geddy practiced many scales it makes anyone a better player and song writer. Well he's a master you know, one of the best to ever pick up a bass, or a keyboard, or sing...many times at the same time.
Pretty cool video. I realize this post is pretty old but, I love how Billy says use your own technique. I start with my third finger and go to my first finger. Never thought about four fingers. Thanks Billy.
"Hey Billy, it's Jack here. Can you come help me move a couch on Saturday?" "Sure Jack. What time do you need me?" Humble, humble guy for someone so ridiculously talented.
Remember to stretch your hand before playing. Billy has a very large palm, larger than the standard size. Therefore, his technique is unique and non-standard. Do not hurt your muscles, and if it doesn’t work out, just take a pick, it’s more rational.
I like how he starts off saying there is no wrong way as long as you achieve the result you're after. I use 3 fingers, sometimes even 4; but it's not like him at all... I tend to mix up the finger being used, somewhat randomly based on what is comfortable for me.
Billys was the furst and only instructional video i ever got when i was 14 in the laste 80's and its taken.me a long tjme but i wouldn't change the three forbthe two again whats weird is i had to go back to masteringkng the two in.my adulthood in order to improve my overall accuracy with the three... not sure why but u had to spend significant time re workimg the two
I think you missed the point. He said that he always plays in one direction (ring middle index, ring middle index) instead of in both directions (ring middle index then middle again). If you were to play in both directions your middle finger would hit a string twice as often as the others. But Billy's style of three fingers in one direction means each finger shares the load equally
I met Billy a few years before this video, it was at NAMM, and he was so great to spend a few minutes chatting, and if I remember correctly, he gave me some strings and swag, and I’ve never forgot it. This few minutes made me choose to stick with 4 string, when seemingly everyone was moving to multiple string bass. He could do almost anything he wanted to musically with 4 strings, I’ve not felt the need for more strings since. Thanks Billy for the inspiration!
Seen Billy many times live with various bands , always a joy to watch the master at work. World’s best bass player and a great songwriter / performer too. If you love bass or consummate musicians , treat yourself and see him live !!
Billy seems like the kind of guy that'd use his day off to help you move a couch
right? lol! definitely
That's such a good analogy, I completely get the same vibe
This is being accurate. He'd probably grill up some brats for ya afterwards.
I ate lunch with him at Victor wootens camp. Nicest guy ever. Treated me like a complete equal, like I was worth his time just as much as anything. Blew me away, I'll never forget it. Awesome dude.
I sent him a random fan message on fb messenger and he replied back lol.
He's the Bob Ross of bass. I feel better about myself when I hear him.
Bob Ross of boss! 😂 I love that:)
Bass! That is 😂
No, he is Billy Sheehan on his own right
I love how he straight up says it doesn't matter how you use your right hand; 1, 2, 3 fingers, a pick, etc; more bass players need to be less judgmental like this dude.
yeah I kinda hated how most bass teachers always and i mean ALWAYS insist that you only used 2 fingers and you must pluck them alternatively.
This dude is one of the best bass players in the world.
People make a tradition out of anything..
I wish more bass teachers would be like him.
Agreed, although if you want to try to play as fast as Billy does, 1-2 fingers is not gonna cut it 😆
I'm from Buffalo and remember the many times I stood 10 feet from Billy and the great band Talas and watched the master at work. When you see a musician who has total mastery of his instrument it was mind-blowing!
I'm gonna start playing with an electric drill now, thanks Billy
Paul Gilbert probably has a video how to if you want to look it up ;)
tape a pick to a drill bit. Have fun!
lol@@stoutlager6325
most industrial advice to date
Get the Jack hammer out.
what's really cool about Billy is that he is not afraid to admit that he is committing mistakes in the middle of his teaching. this shows how humble this guy is, even though his abilities and musicality is WAY up there. props to you sir!
My guess is his mistakes there are simply from slowing down to show us mortals, and having to relinquish his tactile memory which typically operates at much higher speed. Maybe?
That's weird to me it's always been the opposite, when we make mistakes we let people know we know we made a mistake by laughing or smiling or rolling your eyes or squinting your face because you low-key don't wanna let them think "you're so bad you didn't even realize you made a mistake". You want them to know you know. But usually they never realize unless it's incredibly obvious and fucked up.
True
I wonder if Metallica ever thought about Billy after Burton died?
Three finger quadruplets instead of triplets, yikes! And Steve Harris does triplets with two fingers, like Geddy used to, now Geddy does it all with one finger ! Billy's the man, enthusiastic like he's 20 something.
I love this dude so much! How positive and goodhearted can a person be?
Fuck 4 fingers I play with a electric drill, always!
I was hoping I wasn't the only one. I personally like slap drill though.
Next episode: Billy Shehan's wrong hand technique ...
Very helpful. You're not just a great bassist, you're a great bass teacher. A sensei.
I've heard so many people criticize this man for not doing slap pop funk type solos live . Hey I'm sure he can but at a Rock show his shredding is really impressive. Besides he has incredible in the pocket groove .
"Well within anyone's grasp to play it". Gotta love Billy
I am pretty sure billy has had a secret click installed somewhere in his body, he's no robot but his timing is like an atomic clock, just loove listening to his playing, and he's such a mellow guy.
He’s done shows for literally his entire life
Watching again, a great way to spend life
@@dingushussey4100 I ended up watching this everyday until I learned the lick he showed in the video
I've been playing Guitar for about 13 years and I just got my first Bass the other day. It is so much fun learning how to play something similar yet very different. Billy has always been on my radar even though I didn't play Bass before. I think thats from being a Paul Gilbert fan.
I played guitar for 15 years before I realized I was a bass player lol.
How SICK is that Bass though? Is it partially scalloped? That's just too freaking cool!
Top 5 frets under D and G strings.
Check out the electronics on it its fucking gorgeous
Yamaha bass
I can't even think that fast
He plays a bass guitar whose company also makes motorcycles
This guy is so chill. If only everyone would be like that.
Listen to HaxanChaos
True.
The guy's down to earth and for real.
Would love to shake his hand.
(maybe some of the magic would rub off. Lol)
He’s a Scientologist so not exactly, haha
Great teaching in the video. Awesome approach and attitude. One complaint, the editor cuts away to the left hand way too much for a video on right hand technique.
Yes!
So glad I found this!
only been playing 3 months, happily (naturally) been using my third finger whilst picking. Then came across another lesson saying you must only use two finger alternate picking. This man is fabulous, you can use whatever you like as long as it sounds good and it works. Thanks so much now I can get back onto my practise.
you can play with one finger.
james jamerson: thanks.
He's such a great guy, happy to share in such a relaxed and gentlemanly way.
I love how personable and instructive he is.
👊 Exactly! There's is NO "right way" to play the bass
legend bassist
That's the end of Xanadu by Rush
I don't even play bass but when I do I use 3 fingers.
No wonder bass players are so popular with the ladies, finger work. We drummers don't stand a chance.
Tommy Lee says hold my beer lol
I like the fact that even the great mr sheehan makes mistakes and it gets left in...we all make mistakes, just except it...GREAT VIDEO
Very, very underrated bass player. Absolutely one of the best
I don't think he's underrated ;-)...
...Don't really think that you know the meaning of the word "underrate" 😂😂🤣🤣
Electric drill?! Bro, I graduated from the electric drill in 6th grade!
I'm totes using a garden hoe to rake my strings. Where do you think Slipknot got their signature sound?!
That's right..... you're welcome!
2:15 but BASSically
6:15 now thats the BASSis on it
2:43
3:19
If Billy Sheehan says it’s ok to play Bass with a pick, then it’s good enough for me.
What an absolute dude. How can someone be so good at something and still remain that humble... amazing.
I've always loved that Billy is an absolute shredder but somehow manages to seem to have zero ego about music. Very impressive. I've seen a few lessons with him too, always a great teacher.
Being a bass player (and starting on bass), when I use a pick on a guitar, I noticed I alternate pick ascending, and economy pick descending. I must have got it from finger playing on a bass because of how you sort of "brush back" with your fingers. after 25+ years, it's very hard to unlearn, but as Billy says (I think I can call him Billy, I don't think he'll mind), maybe if it works I should just go with it.
I don't think I've ever heard the lower strings of a bass sound that clean when being played that fast.
I didn`t play bass any better after watching this but I did start choking my chicken with three fingers.
thats a muhfuggin beast of a workout. im a guitar player, but i realy enjoy playing bass. and i use my fingers, and a pick, but i want to toss the pick and train my fingers on the right hand cuz i like how it sounds and it looks cool. im practicing billys technique, and lets just say its going to take awhile!
There's a Niacin tune, where he, almost the entire tune, is doing this crazy Rocco Prestia staccato attack. The tune MOVES, and Billy does it effortlessly.
That's the sweetest Yamaha bass ever.
Thought it was Tom Morello at first.
That was awsome..!! I alredy started practicing. My conratulations for your open mind right hand technic statement.
i really liked this video and your approach. thank you
I didn't know coffee contained coke
Like many tuition videos, you are missing a lot of detail here. String guage,how close to the bridge, length of finger travel etc
Bro that's up to your liking, he's only teaching the movement pf the fingers, he can't know what string gauge and action each and everyone of the ppl watching this is comfortable with. I don't even understand what you mean by length of finger travel.
How cool is this dude? No ego or pretentiousness. Dig it.
FINALLY a comprehensive video about the 3 finger method. Pity I just found it now where I have the technique down and had to figure it out by myself. Wish I had seen this years ago. Respect to Billy, he's a legend
This Man Is The Real Fuckin Deal Who Is Always Cool And Always Seems To Be Engaging!! Qualities That A Lot Of Times Seems To Elude Musicians.
even as a shred guitarist I always find this kinda stuff valuable information :)
The BASS's MASTER ITSELF... Thank you Sir William
I'm 51 now. I was 16 when I started following him.
What I like is his saying "don't worry about my number of fingers, you can use a violin bow or a drill"!! There are no words to describe how much I respect this guy.
one of the best ever...
Thanks, Billy, for your very thorough and articulate explanations. I particularly appreciate your in-depth approach to the mechanics of playing.
One of the best...
3 fingers repeating in a 3/4 pattern while playing 4/4 licks -- it must be a bitch to play licks like that. I mean, if you were using all 4 fingers of the picking hand, minus the thumb of course, you'd have 4 fingers repeating in a 4/4 pattern over 4/4 music, which would be a lot easier to do. It's a testament to what a superb musician Billy is.
Using the pinky is not super comfy. Also, it's not that hard to play 4/4 with 3 fingers uniformly, you just need to play like this (order of fingers):
ring, middle, index, middle /repeat
Well the pinky is just too short; but I've never seen this technique before. Also it explains why he's so fast, one of the fastest runs / players you'll ever hear on a bass.
Great video. Thanks for your generosity and time. One question: Why are some frets scalloped?
chizmo7 It's for bending. :)
Oh. OK. Makes sense. thanks.
Is he just plucking with 3 fingers?
Jameson played with one finger as did Bruce lots of the time I believe.
At 9:30 it's Rush's Xanadu scale.... Geddy plays a real similar run in Xanadu.
Genio Billy!!! Gracias por tu enseñanza maestro.
I love that he says hes not playing well and he sounds better than anything ive ever done. Seems like such a genuinely cool guy
XAAAAN - AAAAA -DUUUUU. :) Is it really from that, or was that part of the song just Rush incorporating a simple scale in a cool way?
A lot of 'technical' riffs (guitar or bass) are derived from playing scales in a weird, cool or odd way
Obviously, Geddy practiced many scales it makes anyone a better player and song writer. Well he's a master you know, one of the best to ever pick up a bass, or a keyboard, or sing...many times at the same time.
Old, but gold...i'm practicing exactly this...i can't play with four Fingers, because my right pinky is defective!
And this is what it sounds like when applied. th-cam.com/video/dhc0XcNAwgM/w-d-xo.html
Interesting how much raised his pickups are. The strings are almosy resting on the pickups, that sure do helps a lot to play fast
Pretty cool video. I realize this post is pretty old but, I love how Billy says use your own technique. I start with my third finger and go to my first finger. Never thought about four fingers. Thanks Billy.
"Hey Billy, it's Jack here. Can you come help me move a couch on Saturday?" "Sure Jack. What time do you need me?" Humble, humble guy for someone so ridiculously talented.
Remember to stretch your hand before playing. Billy has a very large palm, larger than the standard size. Therefore, his technique is unique and non-standard. Do not hurt your muscles, and if it doesn’t work out, just take a pick, it’s more rational.
He explains things like my eye doctor.
Don't play any instrument but I love electrified rock and jazz music. I've watched this video three times, it's so damned interesting.
i like having a bridge pickup on my pj bass to play around the bridge with less buzzing and i only use the P pickup
You have no idea how fascinated i am by this. 😀 Been sitting here practicing that this whole time watching
I like how he starts off saying there is no wrong way as long as you achieve the result you're after. I use 3 fingers, sometimes even 4; but it's not like him at all... I tend to mix up the finger being used, somewhat randomly based on what is comfortable for me.
Billys was the furst and only instructional video i ever got when i was 14 in the laste 80's and its taken.me a long tjme but i wouldn't change the three forbthe two again whats weird is i had to go back to masteringkng the two in.my adulthood in order to improve my overall accuracy with the three... not sure why but u had to spend significant time re workimg the two
And, there is: a bass guitar, called - Olympus ?! You are more sympathetic!
Why can I never find bass players with half this ability for my bands.....
Scalloped frets on a bass 👀
i'm always down to learn new technology...i would have taken it to the grave!! free on the internet!! Thank you!!
Kevin Johnson why would someone (you) be afraid to teach people about something they can improve in having fun with I will never get that
I'm pretty sure Paul is the only one who plays with an electric drill rofl
Billy also uses the drill in a duet with Paul. First recorded in 1991 and played live thousands of times since then.
Love the way Billy plays. I seen him play live when he was with David Lee Roth and played with Steve Vai. It was awesome.
"BASSically, thats the BASSics of it"
FIRST FROM 2020!!!
I like the way he totally sheds that piece and says "it's all within anyone's grasp to play that" 💀
The most important hint is at 1:28 : "the middle finger has to work twice as hard". This is probably the greatest obstacle in 3 finger technique.
I think you missed the point. He said that he always plays in one direction (ring middle index, ring middle index) instead of in both directions (ring middle index then middle again). If you were to play in both directions your middle finger would hit a string twice as often as the others. But Billy's style of three fingers in one direction means each finger shares the load equally
So everybody should know these there finger technique by now.
You’re a legend billy
Cool dude!
Great bass man...
Was visiting faculty at MI when I was there...
Can’t believe he doesn’t know what a 1/4 note is (his words).
Most of the Best Bass Players out there only use two fingers.
I met Billy a few years before this video, it was at NAMM, and he was so great to spend a few minutes chatting, and if I remember correctly, he gave me some strings and swag, and I’ve never forgot it. This few minutes made me choose to stick with 4 string, when seemingly everyone was moving to multiple string bass. He could do almost anything he wanted to musically with 4 strings, I’ve not felt the need for more strings since. Thanks Billy for the inspiration!
Hes so down to earth
Wow, he seems to be a really handsome guy
You took earl Scruggs to the bass. Bravo!
Seen Billy many times live with various bands , always a joy to watch the master at work. World’s best bass player and a great songwriter / performer too. If you love bass or consummate musicians , treat yourself and see him live !!
Thanks dude... You f'n rawk..
If anyone is watching this video and would like to practice the lick search for Billy Sheehan Lick on Flat.io for a playable tab with fingering. =)
Still looks young
And was almost 60 here! Purist the guy never did drugs - see look how long a person can last doing the right thing.