I wrote an email to mr sheehan when i was a kid, didnt know anything. He responded back and even attached a picture of him with jaco pastorius back in the day. Truely a kind, smart, and awesome dude!
Billy is amazing and willing to teach us and thank you Scott for having him on. I learned so much in this lesson machanics are alot to making good sound
I am blessed to be able to count Billy Sheehan as an old friend (From back in the early Buffalo NY days). I can tell you, you won't find a better person or a more explosive and knowledgeable bass player!
Talas! Met him at an incredible show in 79, in Geneva NY, in a bowling alley converted to a bocce club. He was Hendrix on the bass for sure! Met up with him again at NAMM a few years ago and he's still the same cool, down to Earth guy.
@@jkwf1 i met him in the parking lot of the holiday theaters in the summer of 75, big concert in the movie multiplex parkinglot in cheektowaga. we watched talas and send to ourselves "that guy outa be a star" hes better than EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD AND HES PLAYLING A PARKING LOT IN CHEEKTOWAGA THAT AINT RIGHT
I lived down the street from him great guy. He’d stop by if I was playin with my kids on the front lawn. After he left Talas they went back to being called the Tweeds I was honored to fill in with them for 4 shows. Had to figure out the Talas original from the albums & figure out how to play them close to the original bass parts without embarrassing myself lol.
That seems to be the consistent thing I hear about him, whether he's selling out arenas or playing in clubs: a heck of a nice guy, who just happens to be one of the great bassists.
All "rockstars" need to watch billy Sheehan and how he conducts himself with people, fans etc. He's a humble and extremely personable human. Doesn't get better than him, thanks Billy!
He's a rare breed, a shredder who is actually musical and I'm always amazed how obsessed he is with it, he is always trying to do something new despite being that good for that long 😂
@CrimSun FWIW, I find Gary Willis' sound pretty feeble and uneven. Nowhere near the energetic pulse that someone like Jaco could develop, or good rock bassists who play with real force. Of course, it's a matter of taste.
I just finished watching this video. I was attending the Musicians' Institute when first Billy visited in 1985; I'll look for the photos. But the three finger technique was something I had been using myself before I attended M.I. My technique is different from Billy's, but here's how it started: When my high school garage band progressed from KISS to RUSH I began using my fingers instead of a pick. Like most bassists, I started plucking with my index and middle fingers. Then, one day, I saw a photo of Geddy Lee, and it looked to me as if he was using his middle and ring fingers. Whether or not he was, I began to play using my middle and ring fingers. By the time I started playing galloping Iron Maiden-type bass lines I was using three fingers, and as Billy said, Ring-Middle-Index was the easiest for triplets. But for four-count, and this is where I differ from Billy, I use Middle-Index-Middle-Ring. This puts the middle finger on One and Three, thus, the same finger is always on One: M-I-M-R-/M-I-M-R/M-I-M-R/M-I-M-R. You can still start with the Ring finger, as Billy does, but play R-M-I-M, R-M-I-M, R-M-I-M, R-M-I-M, starting each phrase of four with the same finger. My thought was to use my Middle finger each time I passed though, rather than skipping it and plucking only in one direction. Now that I've practiced this technique while typing this out, I think I will be changing my technique from M-I-M-R to R-M-I-M letting my Middle finger be my 2 and 4 counts; it just feels more comfortable now. But use whatever works for you. Oh, and if your Mum subscribes to your channel, you will be able to talk to her more. Cheers! ~D
Living in Buffalo I was lucky enough to see Billy in Talas any day of the week (Mondays at Stage One) Even then it was, wow I better go home and practice! Great guy as well as a master player!
I recently bought the Billy Sheehan custom Signature Series Yamaha Attitude Limited 3. In dark Red. It’s a beautiful bass and plays amazing. Has the high end tone and playability of high end Ernie Ball Music Man models, Specter Euros, and Some Warwick models. But also has the low end thumping power that high end Fender P Basses have, that is a necessity for live playing in a band. That’s the plus of having that pickup setup in his bass. Can be switched from a high end plucky, light tone for fiddling around, and low end power tone for live playing and rhythm. It worth every cent of its $2,400-$2,500+ price tag. It has a super strong neck for neck bends that is set to the body all the way down BEHIND the lower pickups as well as 2 screws at the usual place in the top of the body, it’s an indestructible neck...almost feels like a single piece of wood. It also has the highest 5 frets cupped & grooved for high end bends and playability. Not too many basses have that, pretty unique in a mass produced bass. A great bass for tapping techniques (which is obviously one of the things Billy is known for) thanks to its top of the line strings it comes with & a solid neck. It can be set up (which is almost always what Billy does) to DUAL amp setups. With an electronic pull switch on the body allowing for instant switches from one input to another. He uses one amp setup for high end solos, tapping, higher bass lines, or anything that requires a lighter sound, and another setup for low end thumping rhythm lines during most live songs. Worth every penny. You can find new models for $2,300 sometimes (if so take it because that’s a great deal they usually are around $2,550-$2,600
I started playing bass because nobody else in the band would... I gave up the pick because the front man for one of the bands I auditioned for told me he would break my fingers if I played with a pick... I started using two fingers to pluck because that’s what Cliff did... I went to three fingers because that’s what Billy did... I learned how to slap because that’s what Les did... it’s a journey and I’m still happy to be on it... I love where it’s taken me so far and can’t wait to see where it takes me next... thanks for all you do, Scott!!!
First bass clinic from Mr. Sheehan in Chile , way back to 90's. We was out of venue..drinking a beer ...Billy showed up alone carrying his bass and waiting for the van to the Hotel. 10 minutes after that , Billy was talking and drinking beer with us. Very humble and talented guy, a truly inspiration for me as musician , artist and bass player.
Thanks for this...I'm amazed how Billy keeps growing despite being so good for so long. I recall seeing him live when he was with Talas in Toronto's RocknRoll Heaven - what a place! - just months before David Lee Roth recruited him in the mid 80s. I was standing directly in front of him for whole show, about three feet away. It took me years to recover, it was so shocking to witness up close what he could do with the bass. Best rock bassist of all time? I'm thinking yeah.
I play with three fingers due to learning the trumpet which has three valves. Just watching this though shows I still have some shedding to do as Billy's technique(s) are way more involved and incorporated. Always be learning!
Same here, back in 82-83. I didn't know of Billy Sheehan until a few years later. I don't strike the strings in the same pattern though, my 3 fingers do not rotate but instead alternate more randomly. Never considered practicing to make them alternate in a consistent pattern.
I started my 3 finger technique from Steve Di Giorgio but quickly ran into the same wall I had with 2 finger technique because he has that 1-2-3-2-1-2-3-2-1 type patern going. Still being limited to my middle finger speed. It wasn't until I started Steve Harris' galloping when I transitioned into a more Sheehan like style for staccato speedy bits as well. Very interesting to see he always starts on his ring finger as I'm completely neutral to starting on "whatever finger" as long as I keep the ring-middle-index pattern.
You can get use to the 3 and 4 finger easy by doing what Billy taught years ago (the 80s) 2-1-3-2-1 played smoothly. Then for 4 it's 3-2-1-4-3-2-1. It really teaches you to keep them timed right and you can do cool stuff like play 2-1 and the 3-2-1 part to fit within the 2 beats of the 2-1 part. So two 8ths and two 16ths with an 8th note. Same with the 3 and 4 finger exercise. He also has a different raking technique from back in the day. It's probably all covered on SBL website. Billy pretty much only teaches technique and mechanics in his videos
About time. I know Scott has a thing for the Gospel guys, but Billy really is one of the GOATS and he always pays attention to the groove first and foremost. Also, his Yami bass is pretty awesome.
This is really awesome, do you think you can have a chat with John Myung too? I know he uses the three finger method as well and he also does a lot of different interesting tapping stuff, I'd love to see that in greater detail rather than trying to analyze live videos of him
I'd like to share 2 things. 1. I use a rubber ball (various types. Racket ball, stress ball) to strengthen all my fingers. Using thumb always. Sets of 10 and holding for periods. 2. Like Billy talks about playing without an amp...make contact with a table. It will actually give off vibration and a little more volume. Just sharing.
There’s not a bass technique Billy has not mastered. If you invent it, Billy will master it. For those players that think he’s all about soloing & doing fancy tricks & not a groove player? You haven’t seen all of Billy’s playing.
there is a vid of billy doing a session recording,,, you have to see it,, he was so musicale,, he would play some thing killer and then say or i can ply it like this,, or this or this,, like 4 riff and feels for each part of the song,,, so creative and so good,
Until he said that, I didn’t know Pat Torpey was dead. I’m in shock. I was a huge Mr Big fan until I learned that Billy was a Scientologist, and it really put me off, along with the infighting between Billy and the other members. So I moved on from them.
In 1996 I was in Buffalo, NY and happened to be in the local music shop. While I was looking at the acoustic guitars I heard this thunderous roar coming from across the shop. I glanced over and saw Billy Sheehan in all of his splendor, talent and glory checking out one of their Yamaha basses. I couldn't resist.............I had to bow down and proclaim that I was not worthy............
1988 MI I was at that same clinic. I was then fortunate enough to be with Billy in a private clinic of about 10 students. Really class guy with super cool techniques. Tim Bogert was one of my lead instructors at BIT. Those were great times! Too bad I was young and dumb (19) and didn't really take proper advantage of the Institute. Great memories! Super cool video! Thanks Scott!
While other bass players have their own share of flowery words that don't mean much and zen wisdom that can't be applied on the instrument to share, Billy is the living example of "practice makes perfect".
Incidentally, I've been playing with three fingers, doing that rake thing, inadvertently! I've never seen Billy play until now, which is kinda strange. Always see him in Yamaha Ads. No idea how I started playing with 3 fingers, it just happened. Must be coz of listening to a lot of Richard Bona and his note mutes within a groove.
Learning my generation by the who got me playing with 3 fingers =) the triplets John entwistle could do is almost impossible with two fingers wouldn't be worth your while attempting them hahaha!!!!
Mind blowing, compelling, dare I say uniquely musical from day flipping one... Sheehan is part of a limited rank of musicians whose influence is in a sense tragically quiet. Great player, great person.
He always said he couldn't. And if you notice, he doesn't really consider his slapping technique that legit. He can actually do this tapping thing that's very similar to, and sounds much more like conventional slap bass than what he does in this video. He's not really a funky slapper though, it's kind of stiff. However, he's Billy Sheehan, so he's probably capable of learning anything that's possible to play on the bass, he just doesn't have a need to. Besides, as bassists, 90+% of our playing is done with our fingers (and/or pick) right? Slapping, tapping, etc. really aren't the bulk or any great bassist's playing (even very busy players), it's just what people seem to focus on because it's a harder technique than finger plucking and requires greater short term stamina. (and slapping can even be painful) However, non-musicians aren't usually any more impressed by it (though some really love slapping) which shows us that that musical notes, no matter what technique is used to produce them, is what's most important. And as we all know, basic-in-the pocket bass playing is still the hardest overall thing to do, because you've got to be very consistent and also have the feeling and stamina to do it for a 2-3 hour gig or rehearsal. I know guys who can tap and slap their asses off, much better than me! (and I'm pretty good at that stuff too) But many of them tell me that they're envious of my timing, groove, stamina, and riff/songwriting skills, and that they'd trade their superior slapping, sweeping, and tapping for that in a second! Like the great Jeff Berlin said, "You'll never see an add for a paying bass gig that reads, "Must tap or slap!" I know it's hard to believe but most of Billy's playing isn't show-off playing, it's just good ole finger-style groove playing with that monster 3-finger plucking technique of his. And just like those awesome slappers/tappers said to me, I'd trade my better slapping for Billy's plucking technique in a heartbeat!
It's oddly inspiring to hear a real veteran say they look at a technique and and wonder "how the hell do you do that?" It's true that you never stop learning and growing.
SERIOUSLY underrated bass player. IMHO Billy and Mick Karn are at the top of the heap. The part at 6:15 sounds like the forerunnure to Nunos "Rise" solo LOL
One VERY IMPORTANT detail overlooked here.... Billy can pick with just his 2nd finger joints when he wants to, which is a smaller fulcrum. Every once in a while I try it, but can still only swing my fingers from the knuckle like most people.
What a cool dude and an absolute beast on bass. I love how he seems like the most humble and down to earth guy in interviews, yet a total rockstar on stage. He's an amazingly talented dude.
So in october sons of apollo was on tour in europe with dilemma, a Dutch prog rock band. I know the drummer Collin Leijenaar really well. Today I got the midi controller used by neal morse. I am 17(16 at the time) and Collin thought the tour would be an awesome experience and wanted me as a roady. Sadly the band thought I was too young. I almost fucking met Billy Sheehan. If you do not believe me, Collin Leijenaar is the boss of novae popschool in Ede where Robin teaches me bass look it up
![Billy Sheehan - Bass Secrets [Full Video]](/img/1.gif)
I wrote an email to mr sheehan when i was a kid, didnt know anything. He responded back and even attached a picture of him with jaco pastorius back in the day. Truely a kind, smart, and awesome dude!
He usually always replies. Even if he takes a while.
Billy is amazing and willing to teach us and thank you Scott for having him on. I learned so much in this lesson machanics are alot to making good sound
Same dude. On my 23rd birthday. Yonks ago!
That's so awesome of him. What a great memory!
@@OnPointFirearms can I see the picture of him and jaco pastorius
This man is one of the best bassists in any genre but he’s still learning new things. Amazing.
Billy is a really unique bassist! Great talk, thank you Scott! Can you make an interview/jam with Tom Jenkinson? *.*
Really awesome, thank you Scott!
Next time get Kinga Glyk please, in love with her right now!
I'd like to see Billy Sheehan and Michael Manring hang out for a day.
This blind bassist is great
I'm having a hard time muting the extra string noise when playing with a pick
Try and use your left hand to to stop strings buzzing.
I am blessed to be able to count Billy Sheehan as an old friend (From back in the early Buffalo NY days). I can tell you, you won't find a better person or a more explosive and knowledgeable bass player!
Talas! Met him at an incredible show in 79, in Geneva NY, in a bowling alley converted to a bocce club. He was Hendrix on the bass for sure! Met up with him again at NAMM a few years ago and he's still the same cool, down to Earth guy.
@@jkwf1 i met him in the parking lot of the holiday theaters in the summer of 75, big concert in the movie multiplex parkinglot in cheektowaga.
we watched talas and send to ourselves "that guy outa be a star" hes better than EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD AND HES PLAYLING A PARKING LOT IN CHEEKTOWAGA
THAT AINT RIGHT
@@jkwf1 I'm from Waterloo, a few miles away. Sweet..
I lived down the street from him great guy. He’d stop by if I was playin with my kids on the front lawn. After he left Talas they went back to being called the Tweeds I was honored to fill in with them for 4 shows. Had to figure out the Talas original from the albums & figure out how to play them close to the original bass parts without embarrassing myself lol.
That seems to be the consistent thing I hear about him, whether he's selling out arenas or playing in clubs: a heck of a nice guy, who just happens to be one of the great bassists.
All "rockstars" need to watch billy Sheehan and how he conducts himself with people, fans etc. He's a humble and extremely personable human. Doesn't get better than him, thanks Billy!
Billy is a monster player and one of the nicest guys in the business. His jazz fusion band Niacin is fantastic.
I've had the pleasure of opening for Niacin; one of my favorite groups ever!
indeed, I stumbled upon that on spotify.
He's a rare breed, a shredder who is actually musical and I'm always amazed how obsessed he is with it, he is always trying to do something new despite being that good for that long 😂
NOW HE EVEN DOES SLAP? Wow..he's trying to be better endlessly. Real bass master
The slap section he plays is from his song "Slapped Silly" by Niacin, which he recorded 21 years ago.
go talk to your mum scott!
I only like slap in small doses, as in an unexpected percussive moment. Any more than that and I'm quickly bored with it.
Can be very gimmicky sometimes
Imagine of you did this with Les Claypool
I dont think he'd go for it. Hes always struck me as the Maynard james Keenan of bass, more into the art side of music and fairly private.
@@bassheadjazz2708 yeah I figured but still, i would sign up just for that
Billy > Les.
@@maximusmax4557 nah billy
@@maximusmax4557 who do u think is a better bass player billy sheehan or john myung?
Having someone like Billy on the show is pretty sweet
Loved Billy's comment, "Went to go see Victor Wooten....gave up on that"
This was great! Thank you!
Get Joe Dart from Vulfpeck next!
Jon Anderson YES
^ This!
Please for the love of god. Get Joe Dart on the channel.
Yes
100% yes. There aren't enough Joe Dart interviews.
Billy!! Man this is so Amazing
I love this man
"string it light and get that action low and get it to play as easy as a ukelele" LOOKING AT YOU SCOTT
This is what Gary Willis does as well. Instead of playing hard and having to turn the amp down, you play lighter and turn the amp up.
I think you can get easier dynamics this way.
Aloha, bitches
@CrimSun FWIW, I find Gary Willis' sound pretty feeble and uneven. Nowhere near the energetic pulse that someone like Jaco could develop, or good rock bassists who play with real force. Of course, it's a matter of taste.
I just finished watching this video. I was attending the Musicians' Institute when first Billy visited in 1985; I'll look for the photos. But the three finger technique was something I had been using myself before I attended M.I. My technique is different from Billy's, but here's how it started:
When my high school garage band progressed from KISS to RUSH I began using my fingers instead of a pick. Like most bassists, I started plucking with my index and middle fingers. Then, one day, I saw a photo of Geddy Lee, and it looked to me as if he was using his middle and ring fingers. Whether or not he was, I began to play using my middle and ring fingers. By the time I started playing galloping Iron Maiden-type bass lines I was using three fingers, and as Billy said, Ring-Middle-Index was the easiest for triplets. But for four-count, and this is where I differ from Billy, I use Middle-Index-Middle-Ring. This puts the middle finger on One and Three, thus, the same finger is always on One: M-I-M-R-/M-I-M-R/M-I-M-R/M-I-M-R.
You can still start with the Ring finger, as Billy does, but play R-M-I-M, R-M-I-M, R-M-I-M, R-M-I-M, starting each phrase of four with the same finger. My thought was to use my Middle finger each time I passed though, rather than skipping it and plucking only in one direction.
Now that I've practiced this technique while typing this out, I think I will be changing my technique from M-I-M-R to R-M-I-M letting my Middle finger be my 2 and 4 counts; it just feels more comfortable now. But use whatever works for you.
Oh, and if your Mum subscribes to your channel, you will be able to talk to her more.
Cheers!
~D
Didn't know billy was such a cool cat. Great video Scott
Living in Buffalo I was lucky enough to see Billy in Talas any day of the week (Mondays at Stage One) Even then it was, wow I better go home and practice! Great guy as well as a master player!
TRIVIA, AND IF YOU KNOW THIS YOU ARE A REAL BUFFALO ROCK GUY
WHO OWNED STAGE ONE,?
AND WHERE IS HE RIGHT NOW?
HINT #METOO
He is a machine those fingers are not normal
Never forget to speak to your Mum as often as you can. . You'll regret it later.
I saw Billy twice on the first Diamond Dave tour along with Steve Vai, woah! Billy's a killer player for sure but he's also a very down to earth guy.
You should look up Billy Sheehan and Paul gilbert
Check this video out ruclips.net/video/lsnlnrXS7lI/видео.html
Two fools a minute...love his quick little bass solos.
4 years......and now u can get one of the most ultimate-gods-bassist, cheers mate
I recently bought the Billy Sheehan custom Signature Series Yamaha Attitude Limited 3. In dark Red. It’s a beautiful bass and plays amazing. Has the high end tone and playability of high end Ernie Ball Music Man models, Specter Euros, and Some Warwick models. But also has the low end thumping power that high end Fender P Basses have, that is a necessity for live playing in a band. That’s the plus of having that pickup setup in his bass. Can be switched from a high end plucky, light tone for fiddling around, and low end power tone for live playing and rhythm. It worth every cent of its $2,400-$2,500+ price tag. It has a super strong neck for neck bends that is set to the body all the way down BEHIND the lower pickups as well as 2 screws at the usual place in the top of the body, it’s an indestructible neck...almost feels like a single piece of wood. It also has the highest 5 frets cupped & grooved for high end bends and playability. Not too many basses have that, pretty unique in a mass produced bass. A great bass for tapping techniques (which is obviously one of the things Billy is known for) thanks to its top of the line strings it comes with & a solid neck. It can be set up (which is almost always what Billy does) to DUAL amp setups. With an electronic pull switch on the body allowing for instant switches from one input to another. He uses one amp setup for high end solos, tapping, higher bass lines, or anything that requires a lighter sound, and another setup for low end thumping rhythm lines during most live songs. Worth every penny. You can find new models for $2,300 sometimes (if so take it because that’s a great deal they usually are around $2,550-$2,600
What a legend... So inspirational
I started playing bass because nobody else in the band would... I gave up the pick because the front man for one of the bands I auditioned for told me he would break my fingers if I played with a pick... I started using two fingers to pluck because that’s what Cliff did... I went to three fingers because that’s what Billy did... I learned how to slap because that’s what Les did... it’s a journey and I’m still happy to be on it... I love where it’s taken me so far and can’t wait to see where it takes me next... thanks for all you do, Scott!!!
Billy is sick. Saw him live with Winery Dogs, a very cathartic experience
Damn good band. I saw Billy with DLR on the Eat em and smile Tour. Unbelievable bassist. And showman.
Great show Scott! Billy's so awesome and an incredibly nice guy as well! Love it
Mark King, Sting, Cliff Burton, Duff McKagan, and Billy Sheehan are the reason why I fell in love with electric bass.. 🤟😁
I love his work with the winery dogs, so cool!
Are you locked in a bathroom here?
LMAO
Billy Sheehan is a legend. You should sit down with Alex Webster.
First bass clinic from Mr. Sheehan in Chile , way back to 90's.
We was out of venue..drinking a beer ...Billy showed up alone carrying his bass and waiting for the van to the Hotel.
10 minutes after that , Billy was talking and drinking beer with us.
Very humble and talented guy, a truly inspiration for me as musician , artist and bass player.
Billy Sheehan is why I stopped playing in 2014. He's painting with acrylics on canvas, and I'm smearing sh*t on the wall of a truck stop bathroom.
So this is a YAMAHA PACIFICA bass in plain words. Why didn't Yamaha made a pacifica shaped bass? Is there any cheap bass with that body? mm
Man Billy is a killer player! Great to see him with Scott!!
Phone your mum Scott! She loves you! Billy is such a nice fella too
Billy Sheehan saying "So apparently that's a thing" when discussing Bass made my day!!!
Thanks for this...I'm amazed how Billy keeps growing despite being so good for so long. I recall seeing him live when he was with Talas in Toronto's RocknRoll Heaven - what a place! - just months before David Lee Roth recruited him in the mid 80s. I was standing directly in front of him for whole show, about three feet away. It took me years to recover, it was so shocking to witness up close what he could do with the bass. Best rock bassist of all time? I'm thinking yeah.
Back in his Tapas days, "Sink your teeth". They played the Gasworks back then too.👍🇨🇦💯
Haha autocorrect. Talas
@@butseriously TAPAS ARE GOOD TOO
Great, now I need Spanish food...
Is that a cat sticker on his pickguard? That's so cute, I'm not much of a sticker guy but seeing that makes me want my own cat sticker lmao.
it represents his pet cat called 'spooky'
Hope I will see you with Marcus Miller, Nathan East :)
Yeah me too, Marcus Miller is awesome!
I play with three fingers due to learning the trumpet which has three valves. Just watching this though shows I still have some shedding to do as Billy's technique(s) are way more involved and incorporated. Always be learning!
I started using 3 fingers because of Iron Maiden
Don't know if you know but Steve Harris only uses two fingers
@@Unonomouse well fuck me then LOL i had to use 3 to keep up haha
Cliff burton for me
Same here, back in 82-83. I didn't know of Billy Sheehan until a few years later. I don't strike the strings in the same pattern though, my 3 fingers do not rotate but instead alternate more randomly. Never considered practicing to make them alternate in a consistent pattern.
Same thing happened to me, then I found out that, indeed, Steve Harris plays with just two. It boggles the mind.
I started my 3 finger technique from Steve Di Giorgio but quickly ran into the same wall I had with 2 finger technique because he has that 1-2-3-2-1-2-3-2-1 type patern going. Still being limited to my middle finger speed.
It wasn't until I started Steve Harris' galloping when I transitioned into a more Sheehan like style for staccato speedy bits as well. Very interesting to see he always starts on his ring finger as I'm completely neutral to starting on "whatever finger" as long as I keep the ring-middle-index pattern.
Exactly the same situation with me. My 3 fingers fire out of sequence, it just seems more natural than a systematic 3-2-1-3-2-1-3-2-1.
3-2-1-3 2-1-3-2 1-3-2-1 repeat until it becomes natural, to the point of taking it for granted.
You can get use to the 3 and 4 finger easy by doing what Billy taught years ago (the 80s) 2-1-3-2-1 played smoothly. Then for 4 it's 3-2-1-4-3-2-1. It really teaches you to keep them timed right and you can do cool stuff like play 2-1 and the 3-2-1 part to fit within the 2 beats of the 2-1 part. So two 8ths and two 16ths with an 8th note. Same with the 3 and 4 finger exercise. He also has a different raking technique from back in the day. It's probably all covered on SBL website. Billy pretty much only teaches technique and mechanics in his videos
One of my bass heros and influences. Thank you Scott and Billy!
He earn a spot among the Gods of hard rock. One of my favorite bass player. Humble guy, monster on the stage.
About time. I know Scott has a thing for the Gospel guys, but Billy really is one of the GOATS and he always pays attention to the groove first and foremost. Also, his Yami bass is pretty awesome.
Billy is my biggest influence 👍👍
Billy Sheehan : "BASS GOD"
🤘😎 °): 💜🎼🎵♩............
Plays bass for years, doesn't know how to attach strings :') just kidding guys! Love both of the men in that video :)
This is really awesome, do you think you can have a chat with John Myung too? I know he uses the three finger method as well and he also does a lot of different interesting tapping stuff, I'd love to see that in greater detail rather than trying to analyze live videos of him
I'd like to share 2 things. 1. I use a rubber ball (various types. Racket ball, stress ball) to strengthen all my fingers. Using thumb always. Sets of 10 and holding for periods. 2. Like Billy talks about playing without an amp...make contact with a table. It will actually give off vibration and a little more volume. Just sharing.
Threshold of a doorway works too.
I like door frames, or pressing the headstock against the door of kitchen cupboard units.
There’s not a bass technique Billy has not mastered. If you invent it, Billy will master it. For those players that think he’s all about soloing & doing fancy tricks & not a groove player? You haven’t seen all of Billy’s playing.
there is a vid of billy doing a session recording,,, you have to see it,, he was so musicale,, he would play some thing killer and then say or i can ply it like this,, or this or this,, like 4 riff and feels for each part of the song,,, so creative and so good,
Produce like a Pro (Warren Huart) RUclips Channel ?
ruclips.net/video/r6ya71JSygA/видео.html
Is that the one you are thinking of ?
@@SirEggbertfartalot I don't know but thanks I needed that!
@@MichaelMaxwell747
You're welcome ;0)
Billy is so humble and cool
I use all 5 fingers including my thumb, why stop at 3?
Because the pinky is weak, and shares its main tendon with the ring finger?
The first time i saw my idol billy sheehan slap the bass hehe
Did he say 'god rest his soul'? Has he changed his religion?
I love him but the scientology thing...........
Until he said that, I didn’t know Pat Torpey was dead. I’m in shock.
I was a huge Mr Big fan until I learned that Billy was a Scientologist, and it really put me off, along with the infighting between Billy and the other members. So I moved on from them.
Most valuable minutes in bass history
Grande Billy Sheehan 🇪🇦🇪🇦👏👏
In 1996 I was in Buffalo, NY and happened to be in the local music shop. While I was looking at the acoustic guitars I heard this thunderous roar coming from across the shop. I glanced over and saw Billy Sheehan in all of his splendor, talent and glory checking out one of their Yamaha basses. I couldn't resist.............I had to bow down and proclaim that I was not worthy............
1988 MI I was at that same clinic. I was then fortunate enough to be with Billy in a private clinic of about 10 students. Really class guy with super cool techniques. Tim Bogert was one of my lead instructors at BIT. Those were great times! Too bad I was young and dumb (19) and didn't really take proper advantage of the Institute. Great memories! Super cool video! Thanks Scott!
While other bass players have their own share of flowery words that don't mean much and zen wisdom that can't be applied on the instrument to share, Billy is the living example of "practice makes perfect".
You gotta get Ryan Martinie on here
Billy is such a great bass player and a gentleman. Very cool guy
🧡🧡🧡
Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Puerto Rico.
Incidentally, I've been playing with three fingers, doing that rake thing, inadvertently! I've never seen Billy play until now, which is kinda strange. Always see him in Yamaha Ads.
No idea how I started playing with 3 fingers, it just happened. Must be coz of listening to a lot of Richard Bona and his note mutes within a groove.
I started playing classical guitar, so it was natural to me to play with three fingers on the bass
Learning my generation by the who got me playing with 3 fingers =) the triplets John entwistle could do is almost impossible with two fingers wouldn't be worth your while attempting them hahaha!!!!
thanks for the vid Scott, I love Billy Sheehan, great bass player and he seems like a nice guy
Awesome bro ! He's the reason I started playing
Thanks for bringing this. Billy inspires me to play. And Scott expands my knowledge of everything bass. Wishing you the best year ever.
Mind blowing, compelling, dare I say uniquely musical from day flipping one... Sheehan is part of a limited rank of musicians whose influence is in a sense tragically quiet. Great player, great person.
@9:00 Scott proves to us once again that he is, in fact, a great bass player
Love it!!! I subscribed😁
Didn't know he slapped! Monster ofc
He didn't until the last 10 years or so
@@Zigarius1123 The slap section he plays is from his song "Slapped Silly" by Niacin, which was recorded 21 years ago.
He always said he couldn't. And if you notice, he doesn't really consider his slapping technique that legit. He can actually do this tapping thing that's very similar to, and sounds much more like conventional slap bass than what he does in this video. He's not really a funky slapper though, it's kind of stiff. However, he's Billy Sheehan, so he's probably capable of learning anything that's possible to play on the bass, he just doesn't have a need to. Besides, as bassists, 90+% of our playing is done with our fingers (and/or pick) right? Slapping, tapping, etc. really aren't the bulk or any great bassist's playing (even very busy players), it's just what people seem to focus on because it's a harder technique than finger plucking and requires greater short term stamina. (and slapping can even be painful) However, non-musicians aren't usually any more impressed by it (though some really love slapping) which shows us that that musical notes, no matter what technique is used to produce them, is what's most important. And as we all know, basic-in-the pocket bass playing is still the hardest overall thing to do, because you've got to be very consistent and also have the feeling and stamina to do it for a 2-3 hour gig or rehearsal. I know guys who can tap and slap their asses off, much better than me! (and I'm pretty good at that stuff too) But many of them tell me that they're envious of my timing, groove, stamina, and riff/songwriting skills, and that they'd trade their superior slapping, sweeping, and tapping for that in a second! Like the great Jeff Berlin said, "You'll never see an add for a paying bass gig that reads, "Must tap or slap!" I know it's hard to believe but most of Billy's playing isn't show-off playing, it's just good ole finger-style groove playing with that monster 3-finger plucking technique of his. And just like those awesome slappers/tappers said to me, I'd trade my better slapping for Billy's plucking technique in a heartbeat!
Crab hands as he said before I think lol (the tapping thing he does. He puts his pinky over the top of his ring finger
Raking on bass is like sweep picking on guitar
No, it's like raking on the guitar, lol.
@@rickc2102 lol
Fantastic video and for f@#$ sake mate go call your mum.... I'm going to go call mine as well.
I love that you had Billy Sheehan on your channel. He is my favorite bassist of all time. I hope he will be doing something on SBL soon.
Like matching some drums playing.......
Basically sweep picking a bass, NICE!
It's oddly inspiring to hear a real veteran say they look at a technique and and wonder "how the hell do you do that?"
It's true that you never stop learning and growing.
Cool video
I also saw him at manchester arena with sons of apollo, would have been awesome to see some scott too haha.
Cheers Scott and Team Scott! All the best for 2019; much appreciated : D
Rock On!!!
SERIOUSLY underrated bass player. IMHO Billy and Mick Karn are at the top of the heap. The part at 6:15 sounds like the forerunnure to Nunos "Rise" solo LOL
Wow, I always forget about Billy, he really does have his own style, a rare thing in this day and age.
john myung Please
Scott is almost doing an Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation... "yeah yeah yeah" ; )
Billy with the glasses on after Glasgow lights messed with our eyes. They were sooooo bright
One VERY IMPORTANT detail overlooked here.... Billy can pick with just his 2nd finger joints when he wants to, which is a smaller fulcrum. Every once in a while I try it, but can still only swing my fingers from the knuckle like most people.
Misa. Best damn bass player working anywhere today. Don't know her? You will.
Thanks Scott for sharing your time with Billy. 😁👍
What a cool dude and an absolute beast on bass. I love how he seems like the most humble and down to earth guy in interviews, yet a total rockstar on stage. He's an amazingly talented dude.
I've been looking for black strings, can't find them anywhere! Where did you get them?
I learned three finger plucking from Alex Webster of Cannibal Corpse. He has a video on RUclips for you guys to check out
So in october sons of apollo was on tour in europe with dilemma, a Dutch prog rock band. I know the drummer Collin Leijenaar really well. Today I got the midi controller used by neal morse. I am 17(16 at the time) and Collin thought the tour would be an awesome experience and wanted me as a roady. Sadly the band thought I was too young. I almost fucking met Billy Sheehan.
If you do not believe me, Collin Leijenaar is the boss of novae popschool in Ede where Robin teaches me bass look it up
Double post, but worth checking out Billy and Paul gilbert together in this video ruclips.net/video/lsnlnrXS7lI/видео.html