has anyone ever noticed how bassists in general are such nice guys compared to guitarists????:D less of a cocky attitude and everything... billy sheehan is amazing ...most of us hope to be as good as him one day
lmao i love the gag, what key is it in? "diminshed 4th!!"
i'd love to get my theory together, it's so perplexing sometimes. i know basic scales and chords ect, but i'm severly deficent at the deeper stuff. it's something im unhappy with. working on it
very similar to BB Kings guitar playing and thinking around 4:35-4:50. Doesn't exactly know what it is they are doing; and don't really think about it in a theory kind of way, but it all sounds so good! Perhaps they would sound or play differently if they studied all that theory stuff and wouldnt sound like themselves bcuz it wouldnt be natural anymore while thinking about all that crazy theory while playing!lol. I like the way billy thinks. Makes me want to just start playin w/out thinkin agin
I have a hard job in bands getting people to try to play by heart and not by mind too much, but here is, the legend Billy Sheehan...admitting that he doesn't think theory...made my day.
Proof, that professionals DON'T always use masterful theory and proof that you don't need to.
i've learned so much music theory, and i actually admit myself that it hasnt helped my playing one bit. Unless i have to play scales, in which case i defer to theory, but other than that, i play from the soul.
I dig him because his style is so different and he "connects" with people, unlike the stereotypical "rock star." I still like the sound of the Fender Jazz bass better but have the utmost respect for this guy's amazing talent and humbleness.
very true to himself!! he is a real musician! iv been studying his styles for a year, however, when im improving myself he's just getting better and better through the years!!!
Gifted from God, surely and truely. I saw him in the first time in 1972 and it was hard to grasp how far ahead of anything that I'd ever seen or heard. He was and is leaps and bounds ahead of anthing anyone had done before or has done since.
Billy is a god and for good reason. He learned all he knows the hard way and put his heart, sweat, and soul into it all, and is still humble and witty about it. He still has it and how!
Hey, Used to go see ya at The Peirce Arrow in West Seneca & Peek in the cellar windows to watch ya's practice. (I was under age then lol)... Remember Jimmy Zeams??? I think he teaches percussion now.
Very unorthodox playing, I love it. You will find that more self taught musicians are the most unique, theres some things you cant learn in school - rock on billy!
This guy is so different from so many arrogant musicians I know and have seen. He is honest and unguarded and just knowing that a guy like that, who plays with Steve Vai, can admit what he doesn't know is inspiring. The tip about learning the modes of the G all the way down the neck (funnyguy1321 I am talking to you here) is an awesome tip and one that can really be used to create some really great bass lines/ melodies/ etc...
lol This reminds me of myself. I don't know ANYthing about that technical stuff, I just play by ear. But it's not a bad thing to know the technical stuff, it's just as bassman704 says: you don't **need** to know scales to be an awesome player
It helps, though. It's really all a matter of preference, and I can't disagree with you that a lot of self-taught musicians can be just as amazing as the most highly trained jazz musician.
Not saying that Billy is a bad bass player. but i have to disagree about that u dont need to know scales. Well u dont have to. But it helps a whole crap load when you do know your key signatures and modes.
He says he practiced his ass off on major and minor scales. Almost all other scales are built off those 2 scales with certain notes flatted or sharped. Because of that all scales can be learned by ear without knowing what you are doing.
6:17 - Billy Sheehans secret to success
mitsugishi315 1 year ago 2
Having had the opportunity to speak with Billy on a few occasions, he's probably one of the nicest, most genuine people you could meet.
Billy did make me laugh in this interview, I don't think I would categorize Mr. Big as "Basic Rock". I think they were a few steps above that. :)
daveygz 1 year ago
He really is a cool guy!
When Steve Vai talks about some Phrygian Scale on the commentary track on a DVD, Sheehan replies:
I have a beer in the phrygian!
Gnocchi 1 year ago 2
has anyone ever noticed how bassists in general are such nice guys compared to guitarists????:D less of a cocky attitude and everything... billy sheehan is amazing ...most of us hope to be as good as him one day
kIwiZaLegEND 2 years ago 7
he actually spelled his name like nobody's ever heard of him! one of the worlds best bassist and yet so humble! Incredible!
MrShakespeare90 2 years ago
Billy Sheehan, thank you for being so humble and cool!
surfco 2 years ago 7
lmao i love the gag, what key is it in? "diminshed 4th!!"
i'd love to get my theory together, it's so perplexing sometimes. i know basic scales and chords ect, but i'm severly deficent at the deeper stuff. it's something im unhappy with. working on it
retard198fun 3 years ago 6
yes. i understand where u are coming from. i'm have the same problem right now...
justmybass 2 years ago 3
very similar to BB Kings guitar playing and thinking around 4:35-4:50. Doesn't exactly know what it is they are doing; and don't really think about it in a theory kind of way, but it all sounds so good! Perhaps they would sound or play differently if they studied all that theory stuff and wouldnt sound like themselves bcuz it wouldnt be natural anymore while thinking about all that crazy theory while playing!lol. I like the way billy thinks. Makes me want to just start playin w/out thinkin agin
alissazagaris 3 years ago
"OMG THATS THE SAME AS THAT!!!"
lmao, that made my day xD
billy sheehan, u are awesome! :D
acdc11491 3 years ago 9
Music theory is just there to help explain what we play.
fossum08 3 years ago 8
I love how he admits to not thinking theory.
I have a hard job in bands getting people to try to play by heart and not by mind too much, but here is, the legend Billy Sheehan...admitting that he doesn't think theory...made my day.
Proof, that professionals DON'T always use masterful theory and proof that you don't need to.
Thank you Sheehan, you tha man man. :)
KongoXIIV 3 years ago 4
i've learned so much music theory, and i actually admit myself that it hasnt helped my playing one bit. Unless i have to play scales, in which case i defer to theory, but other than that, i play from the soul.
s22ad 3 years ago 4
He talks about chords and key all the time...even if you don't use it you should know it, to expand your knowledge. my 2c..
bararistheman 3 years ago 6
exactly, he doesnt mean he doesnt know chords, scales etc, everyone should know them. He means he doesnt know the more in depth terms.
MusicManStingray1989 3 years ago
theory can help, but so can a great ear....
joechucas 3 years ago 5
He actually knows a lot of theory by instinct but he doesn't understand the academics of it. To play you don't have to "understand" theory.
tbcass 3 years ago 5
its amazing how he can do these things just by ear.
great musician.
Azgoltzolxith 3 years ago
I dig him because his style is so different and he "connects" with people, unlike the stereotypical "rock star." I still like the sound of the Fender Jazz bass better but have the utmost respect for this guy's amazing talent and humbleness.
stentmanfrank 4 years ago
billy sheehan: Proof that having vast amounts of knowledge in music theory is not required at all to be an amazing musician.
spectre1324 4 years ago 2
Play first ~Think later~l:o:l, That's exactly the way I always did it~
Billy is a true natural Bass player~
The Real Deal~ Power to Ya!
rhythmsync 4 years ago 2
At least Billy knows where he is, I don't even know where i am! I never learned music!
Rasscoco 4 years ago
Amazingly talented combined with humbleness, a true inspiration to all musicians. Rock icon.
stentmanfrank 4 years ago 33
RIGHT ON MAN GOOD WORK!!
josephcarini 4 years ago
He is proof what hard work and dedication can get you.
ShredHed8817 4 years ago 19
very true to himself!! he is a real musician! iv been studying his styles for a year, however, when im improving myself he's just getting better and better through the years!!!
muzikanru 4 years ago 4
Billy is very humble about his playing. Some bassists would never admit their flaws. Very inspirational too.
OTTOEMEZZO8 4 years ago 12
true dude... he admits why he doesn't use 5 or 6's...
diaphanoux 4 years ago 5
billy sheehan is so good i wish i have some of his skills
jolosan321 4 years ago 3
Gifted from God, surely and truely. I saw him in the first time in 1972 and it was hard to grasp how far ahead of anything that I'd ever seen or heard. He was and is leaps and bounds ahead of anthing anyone had done before or has done since.
Bytorsdog 4 years ago 5
Billy = best bassist ever
pyrodude8 4 years ago 2
he is amazing
Regards
Mierzej 4 years ago 2
i love this guys point of view on playing....he respects knowledge, but still rips not knowing everything there is to know
fawsta 4 years ago 2
Bass God:)) nice person
inamra114 4 years ago 4
Billy is a god and for good reason. He learned all he knows the hard way and put his heart, sweat, and soul into it all, and is still humble and witty about it. He still has it and how!
KamenRiderNecro 4 years ago
Hey, Used to go see ya at The Peirce Arrow in West Seneca & Peek in the cellar windows to watch ya's practice. (I was under age then lol)... Remember Jimmy Zeams??? I think he teaches percussion now.
jeffjdm1 4 years ago
one can learn a lot from Billy. What a fantastic person. Always loved watching interviews with him.
jeffreycollins 4 years ago
Very unorthodox playing, I love it. You will find that more self taught musicians are the most unique, theres some things you cant learn in school - rock on billy!
MrReese1985 4 years ago
bass is horribly amplified imo, but he's sick and i love his outlook
lazer59882 4 years ago
This guy is a true inspiration. I mean some people die over the "right techniques" and stuff like that but he just plays. He is seriously amazing.
jySarang 4 years ago
This guy is so different from so many arrogant musicians I know and have seen. He is honest and unguarded and just knowing that a guy like that, who plays with Steve Vai, can admit what he doesn't know is inspiring. The tip about learning the modes of the G all the way down the neck (funnyguy1321 I am talking to you here) is an awesome tip and one that can really be used to create some really great bass lines/ melodies/ etc...
meade1111 4 years ago
what an inspiring person.
pavolk 5 years ago
lol This reminds me of myself. I don't know ANYthing about that technical stuff, I just play by ear. But it's not a bad thing to know the technical stuff, it's just as bassman704 says: you don't **need** to know scales to be an awesome player
Northax 5 years ago
Billy Sheehan is just proof that you dont need to know scales and all that jazz to be an awsome bass player.
bassman0704 5 years ago
It helps, though. It's really all a matter of preference, and I can't disagree with you that a lot of self-taught musicians can be just as amazing as the most highly trained jazz musician.
Muaguana 5 years ago
Not saying that Billy is a bad bass player. but i have to disagree about that u dont need to know scales. Well u dont have to. But it helps a whole crap load when you do know your key signatures and modes.
funnyguy1321 5 years ago
He says he practiced his ass off on major and minor scales. Almost all other scales are built off those 2 scales with certain notes flatted or sharped. Because of that all scales can be learned by ear without knowing what you are doing.
tbcass 4 years ago
True, but Billy wouldn't disagree with you on that one.
Flemmingdoerken 4 years ago
this guy is badass i like the way he thinks
187Ryan187 5 years ago
What he says towards the end of this video is so effin funny.
sljuka 5 years ago
This guy is the man.
sljuka 5 years ago
you wish!! in ur dreams Billy Sheehan is the best! Bass player!!! Steve Vai and Joe Satriani are the best elc guitar playerS!!!!!!!
raff2112 5 years ago
i can teach him the scales;-)
myung89 5 years ago
wow
TheBassPlayer10 5 years ago
GOD! i would love it if he could give me bass lessons!
MetalzooM 5 years ago
Hay que matarlo... "I don't really know what scale it is"
hfmedrano 5 years ago
nicest guy around
sixthgatebass 5 years ago
billy kicks serious arse
vaiwannabe 5 years ago
thanks for this.
orgone 5 years ago