My grandparents were huge fans of doc watson, and the first time i heard dust in the baggie ,I thought it was roll in my sweet baby's arms , because it sounded so similar. I'm not a musician just live listening go musjc
I know Billy! I would love to see you two do a video! I just saw him last weekend at Hoxeyville Music Festival! I’ve been introducing him for years! I remember him playing in between sets when he didn’t have his own set when he was about 19, I think. Now he headlines! I’m super proud of him! ❤️
its so pure and raw. like a concert setting is supposed to be well performed and acoustically as good as possible. that couch version is a testament to how far billy will go. he doesnt need a single thing. he barely even remembered the name of the song when he performed that. it was just "oh yeah, i can play that one i just wrote."
What most impresses me about his solo being a guitar player myself, is EVERY note in that solo rings clear. Not once did he miss a note or muffle one going that fast with a flat pick, on an ACOUSTIC. Super hard solo, out of this world to do it that cleanly.
That's the kind of thing that rocks me about illy Strings, and Tommy Emmanuel as well.. it's the level of skill, precision, and comfort-zone from these monsters at these outrageous tempos that humbles us mortals.
I think Billy's original basement video of this song was the most impressive. B/c he's doing all parts himself, including vocals, lead and rhythm (of all string instruments)
Metal Guy Here. Can confirm that transition from metal to Bluegrass is a real thing. I love both. For me, it's the aggressive, technical ability and the fun factor in watching with amazement the mad skills of these musicians. Billy has a metal heart, BTW.
My uncle used to say that Metal is to Bluegrass as Punk is to Country. I asked what he meant, and he just said that Metal players and Bluegrass players tend towards technical complexity and raw emotion. Punk and Country are people who tell great stories but can't play a damn lick. He was biased. ;)
@@MountainsBreath yeah, but how many of those elite country guys are also Bluegrass players? Mind you, I'm not talking about people like Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell or others, nor even phenomenal finger-style pickers like Willie Nelson. I was talking about the people whose name no one knows outside their local area. People playing local bars and weddings, doing cover songs. You go see a no-name country band, and meh. They'll be okay. You go see some no-name Bluegrass players and odds are you'll be deeply impressed.
As a drummer....you blew my mind when talking about listening to each instrument as a piece of a kit. I never thought about that, but you're absolutely right.
that's interesting... since I started listening to music I always hear or try to differentiate what instruments r being used in a song ... I noticed I subconsciously filter out all sounds until I only hear a specific instrument ... doesn't work with all songs tho ... I'm pretty sure this must be some kind of autism... no wonder my son is autistic....
30 seconds into the couch vid I was like “This guy is the real thing.” Even though I’d never heard of him before. Thing is he’s a great songwriter too. Damn. Turns out I love bluegrass. I just didn’t know it yet.
David Laferney check out this ,Billy Strings and a kid named Taz. Start at around 40 minutes.. It's absolutely amazing. Not to say the first 40 isn't, but just trust me.. It's epic..
Yes, his lyrics are impressive. His playing is what draws you in but the lyrics are what make you stick around. My son and new daughter-in-law just walked down the aisle to “Love like me.” Tears flowed.
I've been a guitar player for 40+ years, and been around a lot of great guitarists, especially in the bluegrass scene. That being said, Ive never seen ANYBODY that could flat pick like Billy.
He's insane for sure, but I really think the argument could be made that Bryan Sutton is the best out there currently. He's got a few years on Molly and Billy though. He's my favorite for sure.
I actually met Billy a while ago when he came to Phoenix and played at the MIMs museum music festival. He was such a laid back and cool person. Even recognized me by my name from me commenting on his FB posts. I was blown away. Hands down one of the best guitarists I’ve seen.
Siegfried Kaufmann very cool story. I discover d this kid about two weeks ago. As soon as I burn all my guitars I’m going to find a place to see him live ASAP. I haven’t seen a guitar player that good in a very long time.
@@russellsalsman8425 LOLOL Do yourself that favor.. Last time I saw him was late night at winterwondergrass. I was front and center on the floor. Pretty small stage in a small building. Mind blowing.
I have tried for years to simply play the guitar and fail, horrendously fail. Seeing your knowledge filleted through Billy's performance is truly a hallmark of a great teacher. Then to see you struck by his talent to move through the notes with your intimate knowledge of how difficult it is gave me a new appreciation and a higher understanding of how great he really is. We are both listening to the same song, just not in the same way, and yet we both are amazed. Thank you for giving me new eyes and ears to hear his music, appreciate your video immensely.
One thing I love about Billy is the passion that shows when he is playing. He almost seems surprised at himself sometimes. Absolutely love everything he does. And kudos to you sir. You aren’t a slouch at flat picking that’s for damn sure. Keep the videos coming my friend.
I think sometimes Billy is just like I’m not sure what’s going on but my hands are going crazy right now. He’s just there for the ride while his fingers go mad
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen him at the start of shows looking a little anxious, then start to play and sing and loosen WAY up like he realized all over again…”holy burning balls of fire I’m shockingly good at this”…in the most humble cool and endearing sense.
He’s a “hometown “ kid. Used to see him busk on a downtown bridge with his friends. His Dad taught him how to play. He went off into metal, then came back to the stuff his dad taught him. He just did a tour with just him and his Dad. Very Cool stuff! :). Thanks for the breakdown, because he is definitely hard to follow. Lol. :)
i cant tell you, in a current world of stiflement and restriction and barriers, how innocent and breath of fresh air your memory that he was busking on a bridge sounds. The kids in the top 1%, and i could listen to him all day.
@@meisterlymanu5214 the kid is the top of the one percent. I cannot think of a single person who could touch this kid. This kid is a phenom of phenoms.
As a person who was born and raised on bluegrass, turned metal head, then come back to being a banjo player in a bluegrass band, it makes me so happy to see other people begin to realize how impressive bluegrass is. It's not just "hillbilly mountain music" it is its own breed and not many people can pull it off
It always blows my mind when people can just pick it up so easily. I have to work so hard at guitar. I mean, I know this takes tons of hard work but my hands and fingers just do not move like that 😂
Bluegrass, in every one of its instruments, is one of the most difficult forms of music to play and requires a level of talent and physical exertion not needed in almost any other genre of music, and yet is one of the most under appreciated of all Genres.
All the people saying Billy Strings is one of the greatest ever probably don't realize that a lot of Bluegrass players consider him to be an excellent guitarist but far from one of the greats ever...yet. But if you're not used to some high speed, high precision flat-picking, this looks like wizardry. And even if you're a flat-picking master, this still sounds damn clean.
Never really fully appreciated bluegrass music, but that’s just some plain and simple badass playing right there. No doubt, that flat picking is truly mind melting. Very impressive and much appreciated. Thanks, Michael!
That video where he talks about how he came up with his name, then plays Late July is great. That was the first song I head from him after looking him up because he was the opener at a Devil Makes Three concert I was going to at Red Rocks.
@@sam_s_ That video is honestly the definitive edition for me. His studio release feels too slow and sleepy, while that live performance of Late July feels perfect.
I wanted to see him at red rocks so bad. I was Lyft driving people in and out of the venue though. His studio release sucked compared to the video that he tells the story of his name. And I haven’t really heard much else from him I actually like.
@@sam_s_ Thats how i found out about him as well. He opened up solo at 930 club for dm3 and no one was really expecting anything from him. The second that creaky soulful voice came on the PA the whole room collectively got whiplash and was glued to the stage.1 year later his name was everywhere, I think thats the fastest ive seen an artist blow up in that scene.
Hearing your analysis really helps me understand why I just can't get enough Billy & the boys. I'm a musician and love to hear your take on this crazy good stuff.
I have an almost exact testimony as you. I first started playing guitar when I was 13 playing metal and even ended up in a MetallicA cover band playing the drums. I heard bluegrass all my life growing up because my family was from Kentucky and WV but never cared for it until I heard what is now my mentor, play the banjo and I was hooked and had to learn how to play. I went home and sold my B.C. Rich Warlock and Crate amp to buy a banjo! It's been almost 20 years and I never went back to metal. Good vid!
For the simple mountain folk never afforded college or private lessons baffled by this dude speakin in tongues I will attempt to translate...It's a boom-chuck, lightnin step, barn burner with some chicken pickin, and pappy's lick at every turn around same as the last song and the next one. If this translation un-twisted your britches be neighborly and read it for those who can't.
I have been playing guitar since I was 6 years old. I am now about to turn 45 in a month. Not sure how many years of guitar playing that adds up to, because I am a professional musician and therefore allergic to math. When I first heard Billy Strings I was almost angry at how ridiculously good that kid is. What was more frustrating was the fact that I couldn't quite put my finger on exactly what it was that was so amazing to me about his playing. This video really helped to clear that up for me. The guy is the Michael Jordan of flat-picking, which is a style that I am brand new to. I got some habits to break.
it's great watching you break down something that you don't know "note for note" yet. Most teachers tell you some stuff. Good teachers teach you how to learn and aren't afraid to admit they don't know everything.
I appreciate your humility above all...I know very little about guitar, other than Billy Strings is impressive as hell. But you are an amazing teacher!
His solo version sitting on the couch is impressive.... he barely misses a single note in that version, with solos at every break... he’s next level with that guitar bluegrassy sound...
Absolute most impressive lead on acoustic ive ever heard. I always tell people, I dont play the guitar, i play songs on the guitar. These types of dudes play the guitar.
I got to meet billy years ago. Went to a bluegrass thing on a whim. Friend got a ticket for me. I grew up playing metal in Michigan. Never cared for country or anything else other than metal. Billy and his mando player don julian shredded my face off on a small stage. Just the two of them and I was musical changed from that point on. He jammed out in the lobby of the hotel with a bunch of random people after his show. Dude is on another level and his music contributions will continue to be great. Thanks for the vid and some awesome insight into the intricacies of a bluegrass band.
Bluegrass Festivals and conventions are the best....after the show everyone's just hanging out jamming together playing old standards. It's an amazing tradition.
"This dude sounds like a young Doc Watson". What a compliment. But the kid backs it. It's nice to see some youth (w/ a slight edgy look no less) in keeping the bluegrass traditions alive.
Completely agree! Doc had a huge influence on him (obviously). Billy's dad is an amazing guitar player in his own right as well. He does a great collab with the Del McCoury Band that is awesome.
One of my strongest memories of seeing "Old and In The Way" was the way they danced around each other to create the mix. I think they had two mikes, one overhead for Vasser, one mike on a mike stand. When I recently told someone about that he called it the "Grand Olde Opry dance".
Your first statement is me all the way. Metal head from the start of my passion for music, then I found old crow medicine show and the devil makes three. I am still however a metal head at heart.
It's so great to see a seasoned pro react to brilliant playing with the same sense of enthusiasm and astonishment as anyone else. This is definitely what resonates for me about your vids. Awesome!
Dude you look like a kid in a candy store watching billy play this song awesome to watch even if you don’t like bluegrass you have to respect his playing
I’ve recently found Billy Strings and it’s made me a fan of this kind of Bluegrass. This music gives me joy and it’s great to find other folks who enjoy it like I do!
I feel this so hard. I was neck deep in Tool and NIN and such when someone first hit me with Phish, then Del McCoury and Steve Earl with The Mountain. Life changing in very positive ways. Keep up the awesome work man, love your content.
Watching your videos six months into trying to learn how to play has me feeling like a toddler at the grownups table. I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I know I love it!
No he isn't. The banjo players name is Billy Failing and he is from Portland/Oregon. He got an own album and is a friend of Billy for 10 years. He is one of the best banjo players I have ever seen in my life. The most amazing thing for me is that they are always improvising their solos... just crazy stuff.
My screamo-metalhead godson turned me on to this guy about a month ago. Apparently Billy's been tearing it up for several years but somehow I missed it. Now I'm all about Billy Strings. Thanks Michael for showcasing this awesomely talented guy.
I've never really played bluegrass but decided to learn this song and solo, and it is about the most difficult tune I've ever tackled. I still can only play his solo cleanly at about 90% speed lol. It blows my mind that Billy can just rip a blazing fast solo like this totally improvising. When I'm improvising I typically hear what I want to play in my head before I play it, but this is so dang fast I have no clue how billy is able to hear this in his head and play it on the spot. Flatpicking is no joke at all, and absolutely every single genre of guitarist out there can learn a TON just by learning stuff like this. If you can pick every single note of a solo like this, you will DEFINITELY become a better player in any style out there. Billy's the real deal.
@@guitardudebanjoman lol playing like he did in that old video he couldn't play worth a damn? Lol dude I started playing 3 weeks ago, come watch me play the intro to nothing else matters on my acoustic...I'll show you someone who can't play worth a damn lol
Billy is a good friend of mine... Kind of a little brother adopted into my family. I just loved seeing a good guitar player struggle with his guitar playing! 😆 I knew the first time I seen him play he was speical. He was unreal as a kid. He really took off at 16, 17, 18. He's played this song in my living room a million times! 😆 Also yes he was a metal head and was in a metal band when he was a kid. Doc Watson was his favorite blue grass player and who he looked up to. Him and his dad... His dad gave him the love for blue grass.
"Forgot how he got down there". Had me rolling man! Watching you get as close as you do to he sound has me amazed. Granted I'm just a drummer who likes to dabble in the ol 6 string......... y'all are nuts!!!
Love Billy Strings stuff. Thanks Michael for taking us along for the breakdown. Dude your facials and reactions are just a good as Billy's while your in mid breakdown and wanting to jam at same time. LMAO throughly enjoyed entire video.😜
I had a metalhead friend try to tell me he was going to move to nashville and work as a studio musician because country was so much easier. I told him I LOVE metal but you're insane, Nashville is the lions den of musicians.
Well if it's those pop country genre, I couldn't see why he wouldn't manage. In my country Sweden there were a bunch of metalheads in the 2000s who started making radio pop because it seemed easier and they became the most successful pop writer in the world (most Grammys or whatever)
So when Billy busts into the solo I just can not believe the feeling of awe it brings to my stomach! He is so AMAZING and he is such a showman too! My fave is him and his boys covering Believe from Cher, it's so good!
Not only is Billy strings playing that guitar like no one else he also is singing at the same time. I couldn't even attempt what this man does it's amazing the guy is just amazing
Michael, it's so much fun to watch you watching this video and know you're enjoying it as much as the rest of us. Thanks for your commentary and astute observations. Subscribed!
I love your enthusiasm. Your excitement is contagious and relatable as I get “giddy” when I hear impressive music. I’m a new subscriber to your channel and I look forward to following you!
Hey a bit of Billy's history. I am friends with his father Terry Barber who is a fanominal flat picker. Billy was literally raised in the blue grass scene and Terry was his mentor. Billy began flat picking at about 5 yrs old and was playing complete songs with his dad by age 6yrs old. As a teenager Billy began to explore heavy metal and was in some metal bands but he never really left his flat picking roots behind. Then as a young adult he went back to what he knows moved to Nashville and the rest is history.
From Rolling Stone: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/billy-strings-bluegrass-must-see-774144/ www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country-lists/10-new-country-artists-you-need-to-know-august-2017-204157/billy-strings-2-204833/ “I grew up playing bluegrass with my dad. That’s how I cut my teeth when I was a little kid, and how I learned how to play music. But I learned how to perform when I was in a metal band, and that energy stuck with me,” Strings tells Rolling Stone. “There’s a lot of speed in both [bluegrass and metal]. When I think of Earl Scruggs on banjo, or some really fast bluegrass banjo, you can almost relate that to really fast metal or Slayer or something. It makes me feel almost the same thing - it’s fucking speedy.” Sounds Like: The head-banging speed of a thrash metal band channeled through flat-picked guitar and mandolin, with a touch of end-of-the-world psychedelia He Says: “There’s a similarity [between metal and bluegrass], not so much as far as the actual licks you’re playing but just the sound of it. Fast banjo music, you could compare that to Slayer. It’s just fast and hard and driving like that; it makes your heart race. I took some stuff with me from the metal band I was in and I couldn’t let go of a few things. We jumped all over the stage and kicked each other and spit on people in the audience. I don’t do that at my shows now, but I almost can’t help but move around like that. There’s so much energy there. When you go to a metal show and everyone’s jumping around and jumping off stage - man, there’s something really special going on there.”
Michael, I have watched so many videos over the years of different people playing music, covering songs, reacting to songs, tutorials etc. But I have never seen ANYONE truly enjoy and soak up every note of everything you hear. You make watching so fun!! Sometimes you look like a kid at Christmas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do. KEEP IT UP!!!!
Watching a musician try to figure this out brings a smile to my face. I appreciate music but can appreciate even more when a pro is trying to figure it out. Brings it to a new level.
![Guitar Teacher REACTS: Tommy Emmanuel "Classical Gas" [Mason Williams]](/img/1.gif)
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My grandparents were huge fans of doc watson, and the first time i heard dust in the baggie ,I thought it was roll in my sweet baby's arms , because it sounded so similar. I'm not a musician just live listening go musjc
They unsubbed me again
Meth is a muthalicka my friends.
Turmoil and tinfoil is 10000 times more impressive...please do it.
I know Billy! I would love to see you two do a video! I just saw him last weekend at Hoxeyville Music Festival! I’ve been introducing him for years! I remember him playing in between sets when he didn’t have his own set when he was about 19, I think. Now he headlines! I’m super proud of him! ❤️
Nothing beats the version when Billy's playing this on the couch because the guy who is high AF in the background is AWESOME...
its so pure and raw. like a concert setting is supposed to be well performed and acoustically as good as possible. that couch version is a testament to how far billy will go. he doesnt need a single thing. he barely even remembered the name of the song when he performed that. it was just "oh yeah, i can play that one i just wrote."
Frodo, ya his feet don’t move and that cigg never gets lit.
You mean the guy who looks like he has a quest to give you? Agreed, that video is the best version.
The guy that looks like he gives out side quests?!
So true
Billy Strings' guitar faces always look like he just picked up the instrument for the first time and is pleasantly surprised at how good he is.
underrated comment :D
This is surprisingly accurate.
there's a guy Clark song called "the guitar" which sums this up perfectly
was gonna say the same thing XD
Sold his soul to the devil and it still blows him away with the talent he was given by the Prince of darkness
What most impresses me about his solo being a guitar player myself, is EVERY note in that solo rings clear. Not once did he miss a note or muffle one going that fast with a flat pick, on an ACOUSTIC. Super hard solo, out of this world to do it that cleanly.
Right on the money. The precision needed in timing between the left and right hands to pull that off cleanly is truly mind blowing.
Haven’t had anyone blow me away like he’s has in almost 20 years.
Flat picking like that is STUPID hard. We can all play that fast with hammer ons and pull offs. Straight flat picking is next level.
Lol we can?
That's the kind of thing that rocks me about illy Strings, and Tommy Emmanuel as well.. it's the level of skill, precision, and comfort-zone from these monsters at these outrageous tempos that humbles us mortals.
People who like metal like extremes, Metal is the extreme of rock, bluegrass is the extreme of country.
Bluegrass is bluegrass … it’s always been shred
I think Billy's original basement video of this song was the most impressive.
B/c he's doing all parts himself, including vocals, lead and rhythm (of all string instruments)
I agree. Wish Michael checked out that one instead
Thinking is really difficult, to be honest. Keep at it and you might see some improvement eventually.
@@workshoptelescope Damn... you're joke is as late to the party as you are to this post..
You'll get it one day lil guy 😉
He's also on Mushrooms
Metal Guy Here. Can confirm that transition from metal to Bluegrass is a real thing. I love both. For me, it's the aggressive, technical ability and the fun factor in watching with amazement the mad skills of these musicians. Billy has a metal heart, BTW.
My uncle used to say that Metal is to Bluegrass as Punk is to Country. I asked what he meant, and he just said that Metal players and Bluegrass players tend towards technical complexity and raw emotion.
Punk and Country are people who tell great stories but can't play a damn lick.
He was biased. ;)
@@craenor country players are fuckin elite dude
@@MountainsBreath yeah, but how many of those elite country guys are also Bluegrass players? Mind you, I'm not talking about people like Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell or others, nor even phenomenal finger-style pickers like Willie Nelson.
I was talking about the people whose name no one knows outside their local area. People playing local bars and weddings, doing cover songs.
You go see a no-name country band, and meh. They'll be okay.
You go see some no-name Bluegrass players and odds are you'll be deeply impressed.
He used to play in metal bands, I saw an interview where he said that
You should check out "Can't Stop Now" by New Grass Revival. Absolutely shreds
Billy looks like he’s morphed into green shirt guy from his original video
TheBrunsonchase hahaha
Some say that dude still hasn't lit his smoke to this day...
A.K.A side quest guy. Look where this quest got Billy. Don't underestimate side quests.. Haha
So damn funny y'all!!
😂😂😂
As a drummer....you blew my mind when talking about listening to each instrument as a piece of a kit. I never thought about that, but you're absolutely right.
Same here! Never thought of it that way but it instantly changed the way I heard this.
It’s true!
@@Guitargate absolutely. Blows my mind. I never would’ve thought about it in that way. I like it.
Training tacos
It’s raining tacos
that's interesting... since I started listening to music I always hear or try to differentiate what instruments r being used in a song ... I noticed I subconsciously filter out all sounds until I only hear a specific instrument ... doesn't work with all songs tho ... I'm pretty sure this must be some kind of autism... no wonder my son is autistic....
I would like to take a moment here and mention how amazing it is that Jared Walker can do that without the mandolin catching on fire.
Ever heard Ronnie McCoury?
Loads of talent on that stage.
I think I saw his fingers smoking though.🤣
Aint that the truth...lol
He was cutting it up on Halloween. Straight 🔥 😭😭
30 seconds into the couch vid I was like “This guy is the real thing.” Even though I’d never heard of him before. Thing is he’s a great songwriter too. Damn. Turns out I love bluegrass. I just didn’t know it yet.
ruclips.net/video/ysqKnE7U_j4/видео.html
David Laferney check out this ,Billy Strings and a kid named Taz. Start at around 40 minutes.. It's absolutely amazing. Not to say the first 40 isn't, but just trust me.. It's epic..
Yes, his lyrics are impressive. His playing is what draws you in but the lyrics are what make you stick around. My son and new daughter-in-law just walked down the aisle to “Love like me.” Tears flowed.
I've been a guitar player for 40+ years, and been around a lot of great guitarists, especially in the bluegrass scene. That being said, Ive never seen ANYBODY that could flat pick like Billy.
Only Larry Keel can compare💪🖖🏼🙏🤙🏻
Molly Tuttle.
Chris Luquette, Bryan Sutton, Josh Williams, Jake Workman...they're out there.
He's insane for sure, but I really think the argument could be made that Bryan Sutton is the best out there currently. He's got a few years on Molly and Billy though.
He's my favorite for sure.
@@cszollinger here
ruclips.net/video/cpTJi6mI0IU/видео.html
I actually met Billy a while ago when he came to Phoenix and played at the MIMs museum music festival. He was such a laid back and cool person. Even recognized me by my name from me commenting on his FB posts. I was blown away. Hands down one of the best guitarists I’ve seen.
Siegfried Kaufmann very cool story. I discover d this kid about two weeks ago. As soon as I burn all my guitars I’m going to find a place to see him live ASAP. I haven’t seen a guitar player that good in a very long time.
He is without a doubt the most exciting thing to happen to guitar in a long time. Cheers P[>
That's great to hear, I was hoping he was like that in person. I hope the fame won't change that. He's so good that he needs to be known.
@@russellsalsman8425 LOLOL Do yourself that favor.. Last time I saw him was late night at winterwondergrass. I was front and center on the floor. Pretty small stage in a small building. Mind blowing.
100% agree, I got a chance to hang out with him at a bluegrass festival some years back. Just as you said, really solid, kind individual.
Billy lookin at his hand like: "Y'all just see what my fingers did!!?" Lol
Just let Billy play he is very good and fast
He supriced himself.
@@kipponi I was pretty supriced
ikr lol dude kills me
Billy lookin at his hand like : I cant believe what my hand just did! Lol
I have tried for years to simply play the guitar and fail, horrendously fail. Seeing your knowledge filleted through Billy's performance is truly a hallmark of a great teacher. Then to see you struck by his talent to move through the notes with your intimate knowledge of how difficult it is gave me a new appreciation and a higher understanding of how great he really is. We are both listening to the same song, just not in the same way, and yet we both are amazed. Thank you for giving me new eyes and ears to hear his music, appreciate your video immensely.
Did Billy's friend ever light that smoke?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Side quest guy😂
Nope still has it. 🤣
He does on a side quest
😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
One thing I love about Billy is the passion that shows when he is playing. He almost seems surprised at himself sometimes. Absolutely love everything he does. And kudos to you sir. You aren’t a slouch at flat picking that’s for damn sure. Keep the videos coming my friend.
I think sometimes Billy is just like I’m not sure what’s going on but my hands are going crazy right now. He’s just there for the ride while his fingers go mad
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen him at the start of shows looking a little anxious, then start to play and sing and loosen WAY up like he realized all over again…”holy burning balls of fire I’m shockingly good at this”…in the most humble cool and endearing sense.
He’s a “hometown “ kid. Used to see him busk on a downtown bridge with his friends. His Dad taught him how to play. He went off into metal, then came back to the stuff his dad taught him. He just did a tour with just him and his Dad. Very Cool stuff! :). Thanks for the breakdown, because he is definitely hard to follow. Lol. :)
Awsome!!
i cant tell you, in a current world of stiflement and restriction and barriers, how innocent and breath of fresh air your memory that he was busking on a bridge sounds. The kids in the top 1%, and i could listen to him all day.
@@meisterlymanu5214 the kid is the top of the one percent. I cannot think of a single person who could touch this kid. This kid is a phenom of phenoms.
I cant even understand how someone can just teach you how to play like that. I hate my fingers
@fred truth ! I know billy , his mom and my mom were best friends :) , good kid , amazing player ! He’s been playing for ever now ! Awesome picker !
Whenever Billy Strings plays, Doc Watson is looking down and Smiling.
Doc wasnt a flat pick guy
@@zorton34 If he was really up there don't you think he'd be able to see?
The whole world smiles when this kid plays.
Rhumandlove doc Watson didn’t flat pick😂
...and James Brown
As a person who was born and raised on bluegrass, turned metal head, then come back to being a banjo player in a bluegrass band, it makes me so happy to see other people begin to realize how impressive bluegrass is. It's not just "hillbilly mountain music" it is its own breed and not many people can pull it off
It’s acoustic tech metal basically
At the time "bluegrass" became a thing it was an attempt to take Appalachian string bands and give them a more technical quality akin to jazz.
I think it’s crazy that just from the opening sequence, you can already somewhat play the whole riff. It’s astonishing
He is without a doubt a talented guitarist
It always blows my mind when people can just pick it up so easily. I have to work so hard at guitar. I mean, I know this takes tons of hard work but my hands and fingers just do not move like that 😂
Was thinking same . Michael is very impressive
The dust in a baggie hes talking about is from hot cheetohs.
hot rails
Definitely Takis. Not Cheetos
So your implying cheetos is illegal to consume
White cheddar cheetos
The tweak is heavy
I'm a metal head myself, but I stumbled across Bill Strings several months back and immediately fell in love with his work. Dude is a badass.
I know right! He was in a metal band before this! He's a fucking metalhead! There's videos about it
Me too! Exactly
“Turmoil and Tinfoil” is much more interesting from a theory perspective. Would love to hear why think the chords in that song “work”
Came here to say that exact thing.
ruclips.net/video/fJmzS_Redh8/видео.html
Here’s the link
When he performed Highway Hypnosis at Steamboat it blew my mind
Cuz Billy can make anything work
Agreed
Really nice to see someone who understands really exploring this song. I know nothing but I enjoy watching people appreciate skill.
Roy Clark was a great guitar picker that is often over looked. He could play the heck out of several instruments!
Roy is a top top guitar player of all time.
Check out Tom Bresch..
🎩⚜️🎩
Perfect opportunity for Billy to make a video “Billy Strings Reacts to Guitar Teacher’s Reaction to Billy Strings”
Hope he doesn't ruin this opportunity
😂 that would be funny. IMO Billy is the best guitar player I have seen in the last 20 years.
Brilliant
I don't he would do that🤣
Hilarious 😀
Watch “Turmoil and Tinfoil” by Billy. Very unique and awesome.
absolutely my favorite song by billy
ruclips.net/video/-8J4rrN3tgs/видео.html
The jam in the van version is pretty dam solid. Honestly the whole JIV performance is great.
Yeah..... "Turmoil And Tinfoil" basically invented prog bluegrass.
Billy is amazing that kind of speed and accuracy just blows my mind!
Bluegrass, in every one of its instruments, is one of the most difficult forms of music to play and requires a level of talent and physical exertion not needed in almost any other genre of music, and yet is one of the most under appreciated of all Genres.
All the people saying Billy Strings is one of the greatest ever probably don't realize that a lot of Bluegrass players consider him to be an excellent guitarist but far from one of the greats ever...yet.
But if you're not used to some high speed, high precision flat-picking, this looks like wizardry. And even if you're a flat-picking master, this still sounds damn clean.
@@craenor yeah, I prefer the style of Tony Rice.
Back in the day I was a metal head! 23yrs ago my I went to a bluegrass show in Branson MO. BLEW MY MIND!!! Never looked back after that!!
Never really fully appreciated bluegrass music, but that’s just some plain and simple badass playing right there. No doubt, that flat picking is truly mind melting. Very impressive and much appreciated. Thanks, Michael!
Mind melting!! Thx!
Fun video I'm from Knoxville Tennesee and bluegrass always takes me back to childhood and puts a smile on my face.
That’s it!!
I'm from Lenoir City myself. I used to go to the Old City and see bluegrass concerts all the time when I was high school and college aged. Good times
@@Matt_Bright_1983 Haha my old highschool got Lenore city’s old baseball coach
@@Matt_Bright_1983 go panthers
I go to Gibbs so not to far
Check out Shakey Graves “late July” a lot to unpack with that one
That video where he talks about how he came up with his name, then plays Late July is great. That was the first song I head from him after looking him up because he was the opener at a Devil Makes Three concert I was going to at Red Rocks.
@@sam_s_ That video is honestly the definitive edition for me. His studio release feels too slow and sleepy, while that live performance of Late July feels perfect.
I wanted to see him at red rocks so bad. I was Lyft driving people in and out of the venue though. His studio release sucked compared to the video that he tells the story of his name. And I haven’t really heard much else from him I actually like.
@@sam_s_ Thats how i found out about him as well. He opened up solo at 930 club for dm3 and no one was really expecting anything from him. The second that creaky soulful voice came on the PA the whole room collectively got whiplash and was glued to the stage.1 year later his name was everywhere, I think thats the fastest ive seen an artist blow up in that scene.
On it!
I've mostly played rock music my entire life, but Billy makes me want to play bluegrass. He is such an amazing artist.
Hearing your analysis really helps me understand why I just can't get enough Billy & the boys. I'm a musician and love to hear your take on this crazy good stuff.
I have an almost exact testimony as you. I first started playing guitar when I was 13 playing metal and even ended up in a MetallicA cover band playing the drums. I heard bluegrass all my life growing up because my family was from Kentucky and WV but never cared for it until I heard what is now my mentor, play the banjo and I was hooked and had to learn how to play. I went home and sold my B.C. Rich Warlock and Crate amp to buy a banjo! It's been almost 20 years and I never went back to metal. Good vid!
SEE!?!? Right on brother.
Kentucky baby
i’m so amazed that he can just easily fuckin play this from ear and just by having a quick look and go for it, he’s amazing
For the simple mountain folk never afforded college or private lessons baffled by this dude speakin in tongues I will attempt to translate...It's a boom-chuck, lightnin step, barn burner with some chicken pickin, and pappy's lick at every turn around same as the last song and the next one.
If this translation un-twisted your britches be neighborly and read it for those who can't.
Nice.
Nice
Niiiice
I had no idea what this fancy fingerin Hollywood man was Jawin about, thank ya neighbor Ill pass this along to Ma'
@@jacobsmith4457 *Nice
I have been playing guitar since I was 6 years old. I am now about to turn 45 in a month. Not sure how many years of guitar playing that adds up to, because I am a professional musician and therefore allergic to math. When I first heard Billy Strings I was almost angry at how ridiculously good that kid is. What was more frustrating was the fact that I couldn't quite put my finger on exactly what it was that was so amazing to me about his playing. This video really helped to clear that up for me. The guy is the Michael Jordan of flat-picking, which is a style that I am brand new to. I got some habits to break.
Dude!! Same!! Old and in the way and doc Watson got me into bluegrass and I just found Billy Strings
There you go.
it's great watching you break down something that you don't know "note for note" yet. Most teachers tell you some stuff. Good teachers teach you how to learn and aren't afraid to admit they don't know everything.
surprised so many people in this thread haven't heard of Billy....
matthew patrick I know right ?
And the ones that know of him think he started in a metal band
Most of Billy’s shows was all being sold out on his last tour and he was gaining a lot of momentum and then, Coronavirus.
Totally underrated artist
Billy's Dad is no slouch either. Watching those two just wing it made me proud to be blue grass country born. Love little Billy.
Bluegrass and metal have that same speed ethic
They do, but Metal guys cheat with electrics and distortion.....lol
I appreciate your humility above all...I know very little about guitar, other than Billy Strings is impressive as hell. But you are an amazing teacher!
I remember watching the video of Billy on the couch playing his guitar it blew me away! I have been a fan ever since!!
love how diverse this channel gets.. running the full breadth of Guitardom. Keep it up!
His solo version sitting on the couch is impressive.... he barely misses a single note in that version, with solos at every break... he’s next level with that guitar bluegrassy sound...
Absolute most impressive lead on acoustic ive ever heard. I always tell people, I dont play the guitar, i play songs on the guitar. These types of dudes play the guitar.
I got to meet billy years ago. Went to a bluegrass thing on a whim. Friend got a ticket for me. I grew up playing metal in Michigan. Never cared for country or anything else other than metal. Billy and his mando player don julian shredded my face off on a small stage. Just the two of them and I was musical changed from that point on. He jammed out in the lobby of the hotel with a bunch of random people after his show. Dude is on another level and his music contributions will continue to be great. Thanks for the vid and some awesome insight into the intricacies of a bluegrass band.
Bluegrass Festivals and conventions are the best....after the show everyone's just hanging out jamming together playing old standards. It's an amazing tradition.
"This dude sounds like a young Doc Watson". What a compliment. But the kid backs it. It's nice to see some youth (w/ a slight edgy look no less) in keeping the bluegrass traditions alive.
Completely agree! Doc had a huge influence on him (obviously). Billy's dad is an amazing guitar player in his own right as well. He does a great collab with the Del McCoury Band that is awesome.
Love your enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment you get from listening and dissecting the music. It’s infectious !!!! 🎸 🪕 💪🏼👍🏼
One of my strongest memories of seeing "Old and In The Way" was the way they danced around each other to create the mix. I think they had two mikes, one overhead for Vasser, one mike on a mike stand. When I recently told someone about that he called it the "Grand Olde Opry dance".
Love it! Sometimes you're the snare, sometimes you're the hi-hat. Awesome!
I remember when the Opry wouldnt allow Hank Sr to say Beer and now Billy sings about dust in a baggie... different world
You are not the only metal head who loves blue grass. True country.
bluegrass to metal and metal to bluegrass seem like natural progressions for guitarists due to the technical magnificence of the genres.
Your first statement is me all the way. Metal head from the start of my passion for music, then I found old crow medicine show and the devil makes three. I am still however a metal head at heart.
It's so great to see a seasoned pro react to brilliant playing with the same sense of enthusiasm and astonishment as anyone else. This is definitely what resonates for me about your vids. Awesome!
Funny, how we've heard those licks a zillion times...and we STILL can't wait to hear them again...!
His solo version of "man of constant sorrow" at the bookstore is mind numbing!
“Roll the bones” by shakey graves 😁 the audiotree version specifically.
Dude you look like a kid in a candy store watching billy play this song awesome to watch even if you don’t like bluegrass you have to respect his playing
Billys attacks his fast picking with the precision of a surgeon.One of the best guitarist you can go watch today!
I’ve recently found Billy Strings and it’s made me a fan of this kind of Bluegrass. This music gives me joy and it’s great to find other folks who enjoy it like I do!
You should definitely look into Molly Tuttle for some crosspicking goodness. Immaculate technique! Check out “white freight liner blues”
Definitely! Show the the ladies some love. Molly is incredible! I believe she used to be Billy's roommate.
Better yet watch Molly and Billy playing together as they take turns with lead
Johnerik01 She plays a lot with B. Strings too
Everything I have listened to by Billy Stings is just out of this world, love the duos with Marcus King!
Check him out with Taz
I feel this so hard. I was neck deep in Tool and NIN and such when someone first hit me with Phish, then Del McCoury and Steve Earl with The Mountain. Life changing in very positive ways. Keep up the awesome work man, love your content.
I truly enjoyed watching how much you truly enjoyed watching this video, Read music is so infectious can't help but smile
Watching your videos six months into trying to learn how to play has me feeling like a toddler at the grownups table. I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I know I love it!
"Clearly, I'm not a miracle worker"...actually laughed out loud on that one. Awesome song and posting. ; = )
Ha! Thanks :)
You have no idea how many times I’ve also said “Phew... Billy, Billy, Billy...” while attempting to play some of his licks
check the 1st version he did of this.. it kills this version. trailer park shit and it's awesome..
Mind BLOWN that the banjo player IS THE GUY IN GREEN SHIRT. I feel like the world now has synchronicity
No.. what?! No way
Is this true? Because that was my first thought...unless Green Shirt Guy is using the force on me
Hahaha. He's not the guy from the basement video.
@@doolbro 🤣🤣🤣
No he isn't. The banjo players name is Billy Failing and he is from Portland/Oregon. He got an own album and is a friend of Billy for 10 years. He is one of the best banjo players I have ever seen in my life. The most amazing thing for me is that they are always improvising their solos... just crazy stuff.
My screamo-metalhead godson turned me on to this guy about a month ago. Apparently Billy's been tearing it up for several years but somehow I missed it. Now I'm all about Billy Strings. Thanks Michael for showcasing this awesomely talented guy.
You just revolutionized my way of thinking about string band, thinking of different instruments as drums... brilliant thankyou, truly grateful.
I've never really played bluegrass but decided to learn this song and solo, and it is about the most difficult tune I've ever tackled. I still can only play his solo cleanly at about 90% speed lol. It blows my mind that Billy can just rip a blazing fast solo like this totally improvising. When I'm improvising I typically hear what I want to play in my head before I play it, but this is so dang fast I have no clue how billy is able to hear this in his head and play it on the spot. Flatpicking is no joke at all, and absolutely every single genre of guitarist out there can learn a TON just by learning stuff like this. If you can pick every single note of a solo like this, you will DEFINITELY become a better player in any style out there. Billy's the real deal.
The one with him on the couch was better because he had to play everything.
That one with him on the couch was from several years ago when he couldn't play worth a damn, too
@@guitardudebanjoman lol playing like he did in that old video he couldn't play worth a damn? Lol dude I started playing 3 weeks ago, come watch me play the intro to nothing else matters on my acoustic...I'll show you someone who can't play worth a damn lol
Totally agree. I'd have preferred he reviewed that one.
@@MrMinima86 hey man we all started somewhere. Keep at it and you'll be playing that solo in no time (:
That wook watching him is still standing flat footed as hell in that same spot with his jaw on the floor.
Billy is a good friend of mine... Kind of a little brother adopted into my family. I just loved seeing a good guitar player struggle with his guitar playing! 😆 I knew the first time I seen him play he was speical. He was unreal as a kid. He really took off at 16, 17, 18. He's played this song in my living room a million times! 😆 Also yes he was a metal head and was in a metal band when he was a kid. Doc Watson was his favorite blue grass player and who he looked up to. Him and his dad... His dad gave him the love for blue grass.
will forget be amazed at how easy michael picks up every single lick and just does it with ease it’s absolutely mesmerizing
"Forgot how he got down there". Had me rolling man! Watching you get as close as you do to he sound has me amazed. Granted I'm just a drummer who likes to dabble in the ol 6 string......... y'all are nuts!!!
Love Billy Strings stuff. Thanks Michael for taking us along for the breakdown. Dude your facials and reactions are just a good as Billy's while your in mid breakdown and wanting to jam at same time. LMAO throughly enjoyed entire video.😜
I had a metalhead friend try to tell me he was going to move to nashville and work as a studio musician because country was so much easier. I told him I LOVE metal but you're insane, Nashville is the lions den of musicians.
I've seen some dang good musicians playing on the streets in Nashville
Well if it's those pop country genre, I couldn't see why he wouldn't manage. In my country Sweden there were a bunch of metalheads in the 2000s who started making radio pop because it seemed easier and they became the most successful pop writer in the world (most Grammys or whatever)
He's got the perfect bluegrass voice, too. Love to hear it.
So when Billy busts into the solo I just can not believe the feeling of awe it brings to my stomach! He is so AMAZING and he is such a showman too! My fave is him and his boys covering Believe from Cher, it's so good!
Not only is Billy strings playing that guitar like no one else he also is singing at the same time. I couldn't even attempt what this man does it's amazing the guy is just amazing
I agree Turmoil & Tinfoil would be more interesting for this kind of thing.
So glad he opened for Umphrey’s in Asheville. So good
Those shows were awesome. I thought the roof was gonna come off night two
The one with him sitting around with his friends is the best
Michael, it's so much fun to watch you watching this video and know you're enjoying it as much as the rest of us. Thanks for your commentary and astute observations. Subscribed!
The joy you get from the joy he has in the music is fun to see. Thanks to you both.
When I watch Billy my grin is just as big as yours.
I love your enthusiasm. Your excitement is contagious and relatable as I get “giddy” when I hear impressive music.
I’m a new subscriber to your channel and I look forward to following you!
Hey a bit of Billy's history. I am friends with his father Terry Barber who is a fanominal flat picker. Billy was literally raised in the blue grass scene and Terry was his mentor. Billy began flat picking at about 5 yrs old and was playing complete songs with his dad by age 6yrs old. As a teenager Billy began to explore heavy metal and was in some metal bands but he never really left his flat picking roots behind. Then as a young adult he went back to what he knows moved to Nashville and the rest is history.
Dusty Cobb i heard his mothers water broke when they were having a picking session at their house?
Dude. I want to hear this story.
From Rolling Stone:
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/billy-strings-bluegrass-must-see-774144/
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country-lists/10-new-country-artists-you-need-to-know-august-2017-204157/billy-strings-2-204833/
“I grew up playing bluegrass with my dad. That’s how I cut my teeth when I was a little kid, and how I learned how to play music. But I learned how to perform when I was in a metal band, and that energy stuck with me,” Strings tells Rolling Stone. “There’s a lot of speed in both [bluegrass and metal]. When I think of Earl Scruggs on banjo, or some really fast bluegrass banjo, you can almost relate that to really fast metal or Slayer or something. It makes me feel almost the same thing - it’s fucking speedy.”
Sounds Like: The head-banging speed of a thrash metal band channeled through flat-picked guitar and mandolin, with a touch of end-of-the-world psychedelia
He Says: “There’s a similarity [between metal and bluegrass], not so much as far as the actual licks you’re playing but just the sound of it. Fast banjo music, you could compare that to Slayer. It’s just fast and hard and driving like that; it makes your heart race. I took some stuff with me from the metal band I was in and I couldn’t let go of a few things. We jumped all over the stage and kicked each other and spit on people in the audience. I don’t do that at my shows now, but I almost can’t help but move around like that. There’s so much energy there. When you go to a metal show and everyone’s jumping around and jumping off stage - man, there’s something really special going on there.”
When I saw that guy playing on the couch I was straight up amazed. Dude has skills.
Michael, I have watched so many videos over the years of different people playing music, covering songs, reacting to songs, tutorials etc. But I have never seen ANYONE truly enjoy and soak up every note of everything you hear. You make watching so fun!! Sometimes you look like a kid at Christmas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do. KEEP IT UP!!!!
This is such God given talent, I'm glad Bluegrass is in such great hands with artist like Billy!!
More like lots of hard work, practice, and patience
I've never played bluegrass...but I think I might just start.
If you like this, .357 String Band is a great way to keep up your enthusiasm.
Bluegrass is super fun to play. Makes ya smile.
Check out Trampled By Turtles. A lot of their songs are really simple for beginners in bluegrass
Bluegrass is fucking fun dude
Come on in. The water's fine!
Absolute best version of this song is with Don Julin in the woods with just the 3 pieces. Guitar, mandolin, and bass just melting the strings.
Agreed!
Watching a musician try to figure this out brings a smile to my face. I appreciate music but can appreciate even more when a pro is trying to figure it out. Brings it to a new level.
Pretty sharp run down of the song there dude. Loving the humility. Respect!