Mark, no words. I'm a failed guitar player of 30 something years, and life didn't allow me to reach playing abilities I should have. Billy has been my #1 for 46 years now. Never once would I have ever considered thinking to have done this. Just WOW 😮.
After 30 years of playing guitar it's rare to find eureka moments like this! OMG I've been playing this riff for years and it never sounded right. Just played it and hurrah, instant Billy! Bravo sir. 🙌👏🙌
This is giving me flashbacks to the day I discovered Dropped D tuning, something I grew so fond of that I installed a Scruggs Tuner on one of my Telecasters
Since you like the drop "D" tuning with classic rock, try Neil Young's "Ohio" with it and enjoy the goodness even more my friend. BTW, Mark has some great tricks on other videos, please check him out.
I've used this tuning for years. It's perfect for playing rhythm and lead on open G songs (think Rolling Stones) as it allows you to get the open G sound without affecting fingerings of scale patterns/licks.
That’s what used to my head in in the 70’s when trying to work out those licks from the record! At times it was almost enough to make me give up! Thank gawd punk came along when it did or I’d have jacked the guitar in! That just gave me enough time to work out all those easy tunes, and pick up the little tricks those other guys we’re doing!
Holy moly! Clever indeed! I just saw ZZ tonight and I’m binging on Billy Gibbons’ guitar techniques. They played Waiting for the Bus/JJLC. The boys are as good as they’ve ever been, even in their 70s! Thanks for the great tip! 👍
Billy Gibbons is genious. A straight ahead blues rock but the timing and tempo are so unique, the way the turn-around turns on a dime straight into the 2nd stanza. and this was a great lesson. it's always the little things. thanks!
The Reverend Billy G. No one like ZZ Top. Blue Jean Blues... It seems the greatest player's play some of the easiest stuff. It's more about tone and timing. Thank you so much.
yeah Billy is full of simple tricks....was trying to play rhythm guitar tab of TV Dinners in standard E tuning and its simple enough, but as soon as i tuned it to drop D to play the bridge, all the rhythm power chords became simple two or three string barre chords, and i could still play the solo parts on the high strings, plus i could get a low harmonic open DAD chord i couldn't with standard E.....it makes complete sense re-tuning one string unlocked all of Billy's secrets....so simple its complex, thats why he's the best, rock n roll genius.
Mark, I must agree with you that Mr. Billy G. is a guitar master. I had the honor of seeing ZZ in concert back in the 1970's. One of the best shows I ever attended!!! They were SO darn good!!! I recall not being able to hear Frank's drums. Then I listened to the album and low & behold Frank is a killer also!!!!! This is one fine band!!!!!
In the 70s I was in a bar band that just played Chuck Berry and Stones. There were a number of Stones tunes, notably Brown Sugar among them, that I could never get to sound quite right to my ears. When I found out Keef tunes in G a lot it was like the veil lifted. For awhile I even had a 2nd guitar, tuned to G, with no 6th string. If you figured this out yourself, your pretty smart, dude.
I discovered this when I decided that I wanted to learn acoustics “Rocky Mountain High” and “Poems, Prayers, and Promises” by John Denver. When I watched some videos of him playing them, it was obvious that he had done the same thing on both songs, just tuning the low E down to a D. Everything went from impossible to totally simple for both songs. Works the same on this one, too.
Wonderful! Really appreciate this lightbulb moment. Have loved Billy for his ability to make complicated stuff sound simple but this was a revelation. Great video!
Awesome - that makes total sense! I saw Billy live this year and sat in the third row directly in front of him. I was wondering how he could take his hand off the guitar and still hear a low G ringing! I thought he was just playing strings 2-3-4 open, but now I know the trick. Awesome!
Yup, you got it right. On the album original I believe he played the Rhythm in open G (including the high E string and a different track for lead with standard tuning. It’s one of my fav ZZ Top songs as well.
Thank You. You come across great and teach the subtlest simplest tricks like this and I was just about to learn this for my band. Now I go it!!! Thanks, Mark!!!
Great discovery. These things were harder to find out in the days of LPs and no internet. But I've learned that if a part is difficult, chances are almost guaranteed there's an easier way than I learned it.
great video! Billy Gibbon' stuff is always so nuanced, its complicated as heck - and I always play that opening to the solo a double stop C and B-flat bending the B-flat up . . . such on add choice but very intense
Tres Hombres I think was a huge influence on AC/DC. Ride On is based on this chord pattern, and the title “Ride On” comes from the outro lyrics of waitin for the bus. Makes me think that Ride On was born from a jam on those songs. AC/DC song Decible is basically the waiting for the bus riff. For mine Angus Young and Billy have the tastiest touch of all hard rock guitarists.
Great stuff Mark.I was also blown away when I heard Brothers and Sisters back in my student days in Cardiff University in Wales.The Brothers only came to the UK on two occasions and I saw them both times;the last time was 1991 with Warren.They were incredible on both occasions.It is a shame that a lot of people this side of the pond do not know much about them.I preferred Dickey's style to Duane's (just my preference) and Dickey is one of my major influences as a guitar player.keep up the good work.
Just called this video bro. I've been playing this song for years. But never quite could figure what was going opened up a whole another door thanks, dude?
Been doing this for gigs for the last 30 years. Mostly bc I’m lazy 🙂. But just about every stones song, delbert song, or black crowes song, i drop just the A string. Super convenient. And good enough is good enough for rock n roll 🤘
Yes, you got it. Sounds great, works great, and it only takes 2 seconds or so. People who insist on, say removing the low E-string to play Keith ... they either are going to gigs with a ton of gear or they're not gigging. This is a great compromise solution, and it's so simple.
Embarrassing?! YEP! I just learned about Drop G after 40 years of playing!! DUH! Perfect, man! Thanks! Loving the channel - just found it! Here's a tip since you opened my eyes to drop G (lol): try that dissonant lead lick (after the walk-down lick) here: 2nd string/11th fret; 1st string/8th fret. One whole note apart! Really throws you off balance & adds some serious BLUES vibe! Keep up the great content!
Mark . Never seen you before , but what a great guy you are Sir . Your humble positive teaching technique cannot be taught . You've either got it or you don't . Man you're a lucky guy , I'll pop in a lot more .
Mark, you're great. I love J J L C but could never quite get it right. But now, because of your very astute solution, when I play it, it sounds perfect. Many thanks Man!!!
Hey Mark! Great video as always. I had heard about tuning the a string down to G several years ago, and it completely unlocks the song. 👍 One tip… That little lick that you play up the neck is incorrect. It’s simply eighth fret on the first string and 11th fret on the second string. Really gives that strong dissonance that stands out. Add slight vibrato on the second string only. Give it a shot.
Thank you. I’m 64 years old and still a garage musician. I wish I could’ve met you when I was younger but I keep trying.
Mark, no words. I'm a failed guitar player of 30 something years, and life didn't allow me to reach playing abilities I should have. Billy has been my #1 for 46 years now. Never once would I have ever considered thinking to have done this. Just WOW 😮.
Cool!
Awesome. Love Billy Gibbons, one of the true masters of blues rock.
After 30 years of playing guitar it's rare to find eureka moments like this! OMG I've been playing this riff for years and it never sounded right. Just played it and hurrah, instant Billy! Bravo sir. 🙌👏🙌
Glad to help!
that was me with Whole Lotta Love using the microbend to get the dissonance instead of sliding that everyone does.
Ian Con
30 years playing , and this is new to you !? You take the cake
@T N T his focus shouldn't be yours, that's kinda the point of music
This is giving me flashbacks to the day I discovered Dropped D tuning, something I grew so fond of that I installed a Scruggs Tuner on one of my Telecasters
I rarely leave drop D tuning. I've built my playing technique around it the last few years.
Been playing for 47 years. Never seen that tuning. Can’t wait to check it out. Cheers!
Since you like the drop "D" tuning with classic rock, try Neil Young's "Ohio" with it and enjoy the goodness even more my friend. BTW, Mark has some great tricks on other videos, please check him out.
I adjusted my air guitar and will be ready tonight
LOL! Love it!
I've used this tuning for years. It's perfect for playing rhythm and lead on open G songs (think Rolling Stones) as it allows you to get the open G sound without affecting fingerings of scale patterns/licks.
Exactly. And it takes 5 seconds to tune it, so you don't need to grab another guitar or hold up the band while you re-tune.
Dropping that A to a G opens up new worlds 👍
@Gerald Dixon Cummings Yes, that's exactly it!!
That’s what used to my head in in the 70’s when trying to work out those licks from the record! At times it was almost enough to make me give up! Thank gawd punk came along when it did or I’d have jacked the guitar in! That just gave me enough time to work out all those easy tunes, and pick up the little tricks those other guys we’re doing!
Agree. 'Start Me Up' (Stones) works with this 1 string tweak.
Holy moly! Clever indeed! I just saw ZZ tonight and I’m binging on Billy Gibbons’ guitar techniques. They played Waiting for the Bus/JJLC.
The boys are as good as they’ve ever been, even in their 70s!
Thanks for the great tip! 👍
Rock on!
Billy Gibbons is genious. A straight ahead blues rock but the timing and tempo are so unique, the way the turn-around turns on a dime straight into the 2nd stanza.
and this was a great lesson. it's always the little things. thanks!
Thanks!
I don't have enough tricks to need a bag, so this is AWESOME!
Helo come like friend, good luck, god be with you🤝🏻
LOL!! That's great. Glad to help!!
I have plenty of tricks, but not for the 🎸 guitar..😢
@@Yundra3444 and 6i6ĺò4ò6 õo4ey
Awesome! Thank you!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
I’ve played this song so many times, but never figured this one string change out. Thanks, it’s been driving me crazy forever.
Glad to help!
@@MarkZabel This is how he plays it live?
😎🎸 Yeah this is great it drove me me crazy to but that sure didn't take forever getting to crazy was a real short trip ✌️😂🎸 just keep playing
@@austntexan Billy plays it in standard tuning.
The Reverend Billy G. No one like ZZ Top. Blue Jean Blues... It seems the greatest player's play some of the easiest stuff. It's more about tone and timing. Thank you so much.
Wow. Thanks Zabel
My pleasure
I never ever ever think of different tunings! Awesome. Thank you!
My pleasure. I'm usually the same!
Billy is way ahead of most of us. Thanks.
You bet.
God bless Texas ⭐️and Billy Gibbons 👍💯
yeah Billy is full of simple tricks....was trying to play rhythm guitar tab of TV Dinners in standard E tuning and its simple enough, but as soon as i tuned it to drop D to play the bridge, all the rhythm power chords became simple two or three string barre chords, and i could still play the solo parts on the high strings, plus i could get a low harmonic open DAD chord i couldn't with standard E.....it makes complete sense re-tuning one string unlocked all of Billy's secrets....so simple its complex, thats why he's the best, rock n roll genius.
What a marvelous tip. This opens up so much.Thank you Mark
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
WOW, great lesson man! These are the tricks most of us wouldnt even think of
Glad it was helpful!
Holy Cow !! I been playing it the hard way forever, U can never stop learning. LUV your videos.
Rock on!
😂 I always love it when I discover an easier way. And I always wonder how it escaped me for so long!
Been playing for 50 years and still learning 😀.
Love that song, too! Great explanation. Thanks.
40 years later, I now have the answers! Thanks Mark!
Happy to help!
I've been using 'drop G' for years mate! Opens up a LOT of rhythm playing for blues and early rock!
Cool!
@@MarkZabel \m/
Thanks for reassuring me on this one as I have never had the opportunity to ask Billy but I have be detuning that A string for a long while ñow.
Most excellent Mr. Mark. 65 and not going to set the world on fire but really enjoy learning these things!
Absolutely! Anything that makes life easier!
Cool trick. I would have never figured it out on my own. Thank you.
Glad to help
Wow! That makes such a huge difference. Never even seen that done before. Cool!
Isn't it easy and so cool? Makes everything fall into place for the key of G.
That is SO cool! Thank you. I'm doin' it tonight.
Have fun!
Mark,
I must agree with you that Mr. Billy G. is a guitar master. I had the honor of seeing ZZ in concert back in the 1970's. One of the best shows I ever attended!!! They were SO darn good!!! I recall not being able to hear Frank's drums. Then I listened to the album and low & behold Frank is a killer also!!!!! This is one fine band!!!!!
That's great!
He didn't fool anyone. He was doing it before others, plain and simple
In the 70s I was in a bar band that just played Chuck Berry and Stones. There were a number of Stones tunes, notably Brown Sugar among them, that I could never get to sound quite right to my ears. When I found out Keef tunes in G a lot it was like the veil lifted. For awhile I even had a 2nd guitar, tuned to G, with no 6th string.
If you figured this out yourself, your pretty smart, dude.
I play it in “double drop” tuning but your trick works nicely too
After all these years…what a great tip.
He’s so signaturely creative and masterful . YOU SOUND FANTASTIC… BINGO YOU GOT IT MARK .
Thanks Jon!
as always a delicious little eye opener. Thanks!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
I discovered this when I decided that I wanted to learn acoustics “Rocky Mountain High” and “Poems, Prayers, and Promises” by John Denver. When I watched some videos of him playing them, it was obvious that he had done the same thing on both songs, just tuning the low E down to a D. Everything went from impossible to totally simple for both songs. Works the same on this one, too.
Wonderful! Really appreciate this lightbulb moment. Have loved Billy for his ability to make complicated stuff sound simple but this was a revelation. Great video!
Thanks! He sure did have the knack for doing that - making complex things simple.
Awesome - that makes total sense! I saw Billy live this year and sat in the third row directly in front of him. I was wondering how he could take his hand off the guitar and still hear a low G ringing! I thought he was just playing strings 2-3-4 open, but now I know the trick.
Awesome!
I think he did it on Tush as well. I had seen a tab with it like that. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
No problem!
good thing youtube recommended me your channel
I'm glad too!! Thanks for watching!
Great tip, thanks. You always hear about dropped D, but never an inside string. Looking forward to trying it out!
Have fun!
Does it also work for waiting on the bus? If it does could you please making instructional video on it that's very cool
Probably does, as they often do it as a medley. Great suggestion!
I've struggled with the same things on this song that you described. This is great! Thanks so much Mark!
When it dawned on me, it all fell into place. For the key of G it's great!
in Hawaii, the gang refer to it as the " slack " tuning
That’s awesome, great job. 👏👏👏
Thanks!
Sweet. You give us so much in a few minutes!
Great to hear. Thanks!
Wow! loving your tricks and tips... in that order! lol! Thank you Mark! 🌠🌟😄💖
Glad you like them!
My mind is officially blown wide open now. Thanks!
Happy to help!
Cheap Sunglasses has the one string change too, high e down to d and it makes that slide chord work
Cool!
Yup, you got it right. On the album original I believe he played the Rhythm in open G (including the high E string and a different track for lead with standard tuning.
It’s one of my fav ZZ Top songs as well.
Thanks!
Thank You. You come across great and teach the subtlest simplest tricks like this and I was just about to learn this for my band. Now I go it!!! Thanks, Mark!!!
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great discovery. These things were harder to find out in the days of LPs and no internet. But I've learned that if a part is difficult, chances are almost guaranteed there's an easier way than I learned it.
Good point!
Very cool, I’m gonna have to try this!
Please do!
That really sounds much better. Good job.
Thanks!
Thanks Mark.
Never would have thought of that trick!
Glad to help!
great video! Billy Gibbon' stuff is always so nuanced, its complicated as heck - and I always play that opening to the solo a double stop C and B-flat bending the B-flat up . . . such on add choice but very intense
Thanks Chuck!
Great trick sir I'm adopting this one for sure !
Please do!
Hats off to YOU! You make me wanto learn the guitar,.
Man, you made my day!
You do a great job teaching hats off to you
Thanks!
Tres Hombres I think was a huge influence on AC/DC. Ride On is based on this chord pattern, and the title “Ride On” comes from the outro lyrics of waitin for the bus. Makes me think that Ride On was born from a jam on those songs. AC/DC song Decible is basically the waiting for the bus riff. For mine Angus Young and Billy have the tastiest touch of all hard rock guitarists.
Sweet trick! Thanks, Mark.
You bet!
Tricks of the trade thanks for adding a new tool in my toolbox love this song love me some ZZ Top
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Billy used super light gauge strings also. Usually .008's . There's a rig rundown on premier guitar showing his stuff
Yep.
He's got 7's now...
First time I’ve seen your channel but I play an HSS sunburst strat myself and I like it already!
Glad to hear it!
Great advice on this song!!
Thanks John!
wow, awesome, will certainly give this a try, many thanks
You're welcome. Go for it, it's fun and easy. Thanks for watching!
Great stuff Mark.I was also blown away when I heard Brothers and Sisters back in my student days in Cardiff University in Wales.The Brothers only came to the UK on two occasions and I saw them both times;the last time was 1991 with Warren.They were incredible on both occasions.It is a shame that a lot of people this side of the pond do not know much about them.I preferred Dickey's style to Duane's (just my preference) and Dickey is one of my major influences as a guitar player.keep up the good work.
Thanks Jake!
I love your tone!!!
Thanks!
Just called this video bro. I've been playing this song for years.
But never quite could figure what was going opened up a whole another door thanks, dude?
Great tip, ...I've liked and subscribed, and hello from Wales 🏴
Thanks and welcome aboard! Glad to have you here!
Thanks! Very cool little trick!😎
Glad you like it!
I always liked a good Squire guitar. This one sounds great, looks like it plays fine and looks great too. Thanks for the tips.
You bet. And yes, it plays amazing!
Good stuff Mate...Thanks for sharing can't wait to have a go....
Enjoy!
I tuned the low E up to a G. Makes it easier to play for me and a fuller sound. Just found your channel and subbed. Thx.
Thanks for the sub!
That squier sounds great
Good one. I'll try that out. Thanks!
You bet. Thanks for watching!
Love this one
Brilliant! Thanks for this secret unlocked!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
Wo, what a trick you shared, thank you😊
Merci
You're welcome!
Thanks Mark. Great explanation. These are the things I would never think of, and I've been playing (learning) 50 years.
Glad to help! Rock on!!
Me too. The old Jesus just left my vernacular
Been doing this for gigs for the last 30 years. Mostly bc I’m lazy 🙂. But just about every stones song, delbert song, or black crowes song, i drop just the A string. Super convenient. And good enough is good enough for rock n roll 🤘
Yes, you got it. Sounds great, works great, and it only takes 2 seconds or so. People who insist on, say removing the low E-string to play Keith ... they either are going to gigs with a ton of gear or they're not gigging.
This is a great compromise solution, and it's so simple.
A very elegant solution!
I agree!
That is super cool! Rock on Mark, killer lesson and in 5 minutes no less.
Glad you enjoyed.
Embarrassing?! YEP! I just learned about Drop G after 40 years of playing!! DUH! Perfect, man! Thanks! Loving the channel - just found it! Here's a tip since you opened my eyes to drop G (lol): try that dissonant lead lick (after the walk-down lick) here: 2nd string/11th fret; 1st string/8th fret. One whole note apart! Really throws you off balance & adds some serious BLUES vibe! Keep up the great content!
Thanks brother!
Awesome. You broke the code! Very helpful.
Glad it helped!
Mark . Never seen you before , but what a great guy you are Sir . Your humble positive teaching technique cannot be taught . You've either got it or you don't . Man you're a lucky guy , I'll pop in a lot more .
Welcome Fritz! Glad we connected!
great idea!
I dig your teaching methods.
Glad to hear it!
Brilliant. Thanks Mark
You're welcome ... and thank you!!
nice lesson. thank you for the vid!
Glad you liked it!
Mark, you're great. I love J J L C but could never quite get it right. But now, because of your very astute solution, when I play it, it sounds perfect. Many thanks Man!!!
Thanks Mike! Glad to help.
Awesome. Wish I had found out that earlier.... Also one of my favorites from ZZ Top....Next to the underrated Just Got Back From Baby's.....
Glad to help!
Almost 100k congratulations we’ll deserved and long overdue,
Thanks!! Almost there!
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You should do a video on the solo. Deceptively simple. So interesting and with those crazy pick slides!
Good idea! Hey, what do you know? Check it out! ruclips.net/video/KpgsEt9gOss/видео.html
Every day i learn not many i don't 💛
Thank you for the video, very well done.
Thanks!!
Hey Mark! Great video as always. I had heard about tuning the a string down to G several years ago, and it completely unlocks the song. 👍
One tip… That little lick that you play up the neck is incorrect. It’s simply eighth fret on the first string and 11th fret on the second string. Really gives that strong dissonance that stands out. Add slight vibrato on the second string only. Give it a shot.
Thanks.
Thank you...I was hoping someone would point that out.
And be sure to add the g on the 12th fret of the g- string😄, a little bit of a stretch but worth it.
Came here to say that. Otherwise I never thought of tuning down the A string...awesome!
I thought it was the 9th fret on the 1st string (C#) not the 8th fret which would be C.