British guitarist analyses Buckethead's lack of technical difficulties!!! 

I always get the feeling that people won’t really understand this guy until he’s not around anymore. I think he’s a great artist who’s horribly misunderstood and under appreciated.

Buckethead is my hero. When he played my town the show was totally un-advertised (just a sign on one side of the marquee saying Buckethead this weekend) . Maybe 50 people topps (and I bought the entire 6th row). There couldn't have been any money in it for him, and on top of that, it was the 26th night in a row he had played a show in a different town. Anyone else would have got out as quick as they could, and be totally justified. He played for 3 1/2 hrs, danced, ripped it up on bass, and handed out toys and cd's. It is a very rare person who truly cares about his fans that would do such a thing. I hope some day I can shake his hand and tell him just how much he means to me, and my family.

Fun fact about Buckethead,he once auditioned for Ozzy and would have got the gig if he didnt refuse to take the bucket/mask off. He turned down Ozzy, what a legend!

I went to high school with him, his dad was the football coach... he was a practice monster, playing several hours a day at 14yo... he was playing Randy Rhodes note for note back then and was already talking about transcribing paganini ... super laid back humble dude... Never saw any display of ego from that guy, just busted his ass because he loved it... last saw him play (around 86- 87)in a band called the Deli Creeps, which was made up of other guys I hung out with in HS... no bucket, but he would wear that white mask with a blood drop hanging from the nose( I think it was the nose)...

You can tell how effortless it is for him on his face.....

"Writing an instrumental is so difficult for solo guitarists." Buckethead: "Hold my beer." [releases 300 solo albums]

Anyone who plays like that. Can wear anything on their head.

Buckethead is a class act. Don't see how he could possibly care about money, doing tiny shows left and right, putting out 50 million songs a month, and throwing out toys to the fans. Guy just loves to make music, reminds me of Claypool's attitude on steroids. Never met him, but betting he's a really good dude.

Buckethead wears the mask because he once melted his own face during a guitar solo...

Best guitarist in my opinion. The way he's able to put on such an amazing live performance is insane!

Buckethead is criminally underrated

Buckethead auditioned to be Ozzy's lead guitarist. Ozzy loved it and offered him the job but said he'd have to lose the bucket. Buckethead declined.

I know buckethead personally he is extremely shy. Not just on stage but in real life. He is also extremely humble about his skills. He is also one of the most polite musicians I have had the pleasure to work with.

Buckethead is world-class He plays slow He plays technical He plays shit no one is comfortable with and experiments with the craziest sounds. Top 10 Guitarist of all time.

I knew Bucket way back when he was just a 3-piece meal.

I met Buckethead about 25 years ago when he was just beginning to get a name for himself. He was visiting a friend of mine, Jas Obrecht, who was an editor at Guitar Player magazine (and blues guitar historian extraordinaire) and lived in my apartment complex in San Jose, CA. He knew I played jazz guitar and invited me over to meet this new sensational guitar player. I arrived at Jas's apartment and met this tall, lanky kid with a mask and KFC bucket on his head, who was plugged in. At first I thought Jas was pulling a joke on me, so I went along. It took but a few seconds to realize this was no joke. Not only did I instantly recognize a magnificent guitar player, but although he was "in persona" after awhile he did break silence and we talked. I eventually left not only impressed with his playing but also that he (Brian) is an authentically really nice guy. I've been really happy seeing him find success and that he's developed a great following. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving and nicer guy. Although I'm more of a Scofield, Abercrombie, Metheny, Jim Hall, John Stowell, Hedges, Holdsworth type and get bored with most "shredder" players that are 99% technique and 1% musical talent, Buckethead is my favorite shredder since even in his shredding you can still hear his emotions, passion, exploring and reaching. Kinda reminds me of Holdsworth in that regard. He has a great sense of dynamics and tells a story in his playing, as all great musicians do.

He wears the KFC bucket, which is actually re-filled with freshly fried chicken before each show, so that when he ends up in musically uncharted territory, he can just wing it. I know this because I stay abreast of all the tactics guitarists use to gain a leg up on the competition.

"For Mom" is one of my favorites from him, which was played at my wedding. A lot of people write him off as only merely a shredder, but they don't realize he ca write something so beautiful like "For Mom."

When Buckethead shreds he never loses feeling.

I thought this was gonna say "lack of technical ability" or something and I was gonna start raging

My favorite thing about Buckethead is that he doesn't just shred and show off, but actually tried to write beautiful music. Listen to "I love my parents", and it's beautiful

Buckethead is cosmic, stellar. He doesnt play for money. He plays guitar for the love of it. He is the GOAT.

Hes not just a technical player...he has a hook and groove that make him unique...

i love watching your face when you hear something you really like. you break out into a big smile. it’s like you’re trying to hold it back, but can’t. Soothsayer is my favorite Buckethead song. never get tired of hearing it. what a beautiful sound.

Imagine if someone came out on stage and had a mask and weren't that good? You mean like Kiss?

Seen him 3 times, and the guy was always on top of his game, delivering an unforgettable concert.

What rock was I sleeping under?! I jst discovered Buckethead from this video analysis. I have been listening to Buckethead for nearly 10 hours continuous. Oh my gosh, blown away! The Project Little Man Pike is killer! Thanks so much Fil, another great one.

People claim he has no heart...false, just because he's technically perfect, they assume that out of jealousy, I heard stuff in here equally as good as November rain, it's beautiful and captivating, he leaves you yearning for more shredding and then give you just enough. He is absolutely another level.

Yes he’s technical and fast, but what I appreciate most about him is his brilliant phrasing.

Buckethead is just amazing. He is one of them guitarists who is so good that he can just let the guitar speak for himself and you dont even need word's because you can hear what he is feeling from the melodies. Im so glad that i found this amazing artist! Every song that he have made is just an piece of some fine artwork. And hes songs is so inspiring that im really gonna try my best at learning to play guitar that i can some day In the future try to play some of he's songs. He's guitar playing talents are just out of this world!

one of my favorite songs of Buckethead. I enjoy seeing others appreciating him also.

I love the joy on this dude's face when Buckethead shreds! It's truly beautiful in that Ricky Fitts kinda way

Bucketheads ability to overcome his own extreme inhibitions and shyness and be able to share his music with us makes him a musical superhero in my eyes because my life has been greatly enhanced by his musical genius and mastery of the guitar. He also plays a mean bass.

I’m not a shredder guy, and most folks consider him a shredder, which he can do. But he also has some musicality to him, not just fast scales. Obviously the guy has worked his ass of to get where he is. I wish him well!

“No one cared who I was until I put on the mask.”

I was at this show at the Gothic Theater, absolutely amazing. I love seeing Buckethead play live.

What a gorgeous clean tone he has, and articulation to match. Bucket head really has it all, meter like a clock, too, which is not always the case when ripping. I even enjoy hearing only the guitar when he plays.

ive seen this guy a few times. he is by far one of the most enigmatic virtuoso's you'll ever witness. if you ever get the chance to see one of his shows. do it. get as close to the stage as possible and you might even get to press his kill switch.

He’s one of my favorite guitarists ever no doubt. I cannot say express in words much his albums like Colma mean to me. So beautiful, and his ability to play in multiple genres is incredible

I have to thank you because I had never heard this musician. He is astounding and reminds of Lindsey Buckingham in that his songs have such melodic patterns that you can recall. What amazingly long fingers. Easily an octave spread on piano. I can understand wanting to be incognito for other reasons too. Stage fright happens even for those of us who just love playing. I had one experience where I could play but couldn't get my voice to work at all. Reading the thread I see he has become known. But let's allow this man to own the niche he has carved out. His hard work is right there in everything he plays. Thanks Fil! Rock.

Love Buckethead. I play guitar and listen to everyone. But with bucket I can listen to him all day everyday.

Jimi is my hero. Buckethead has my respect. Thanx for the upload.

Tears well up when u see him live. The sound is just so incredibly amazing

Buckethead is freaking solid and serves the song above all else. Most instrumentals by him could make the basis for 3 popular rock songs. And he DOES have chops which you only see when they are called for. Its beautiful music! If you play this for the average person vs satriani or vai and ask them what they prefer, its usually the buckethead song.

Saw him live with Axl and what was the new line up of Guns N Roses at the time almost 20 years ago. He came out with nunchucks. Wizard of a guitar player! Was an incredible show!

Just recently stumbled on your channel. Just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoy your videos. As a veteran guitar player I find your analyses to be extremely insightful, clearly coming from the wisdom of experience.

I just watched a video the other day of Buckethead playing in Tulsa. It was the most I'd ever really watched BH and wow I was very impressed!! Another great analysis Fil. Your insight is very informative and interesting. Thanks man!!

Really appreciate the analysis because it does explain so much to me, and being a non player you help me to understand what it takes to make it to place like this.

Remember, that’s a baritone guitar, so the scale length of the neck is longer than normal, making his technical reach even more impressive. We ❤️ Buckethead!

Awesome analysis!!! I had the privilege to see Buckethead twice where I live in Milwaukee, WI. It was a small venue, (Shank Hall, from Spinal Tap fame), and I brought my 8-year-old son at the time, and he got to sit in one of the chairs that were used as a 'barrier' to the stage. Buckethead seen him and during the intermission came out and gave him an ' Elmo' Sesame Street electronic guitar. It has the most awesome riffs for a toy, and I see why Buckethead liked it and he is so much a fan for young listeners. My son is 23 now and he still has it and we talk about that night as one of the best shows we have seen together, and we went to many shows in those days... (Tool, Sublime, Primus, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett, Tom Morello, etc.) A single parent raising my son at the time, maybe a little spoiled some would say, but not really, enjoying awesome live music together, and Buckethead is a show you need on your bucket list if you're lucky enough!

saw him live, and was the best show ive ever and will ever see

Yes thank you,Fil like somebody said in the comment below he was a student of Paul Gilbert's. Like you said that song does draw you in with the beginning. And again your analysis really helps me understand it even more thank you again

Fil mentions that in Buckethead's playing the influence of Paul Gilbert can be seen/heard. According to Wikipedia, Gilbert was one of Bucket's guitar teachers that he took lessons from. I'm imagining that as "in-person" lessons, but I imagine it could have been from video, not sure.

Buckethead is a musical virtuoso the sheer amount of albums he made is more than enough to cement him as one of the most versatile and iconic guitarist that held the instrument

Watched the entire video thinking that it was gonna be a 10min+ rant of BHead's lack of "technical ability" only to realize that i completely misread the title. Hahaha twas a very entertaining, appreciative, and observant video and i really enjoyes that one

He does it for the right reasons all the way...the combination of all his skillsets (guitarist, showman etc..) his humility and generosity mixed with all the emotions and feelings that he inspires leads to this simple conclusion... -We are witnessing ''grandeur'' at its purest form... 👍👍thumbs up Buckethead..

1.1 MILLION VIEWS FIL. Every one was a blown mind!!!! Thanks 'Guv!!!

I saw 10000000 technical guitarrist of all around the world but what i saw in Buckethead i never see It again in anyone

I like old school guitarists like Jimi, Page, Beck and Clapton but this thing here is jaw dropping he is amazing and I like his image

He played under Paul Gilbert very early on and a guy who recently died called Pebber Brown. He had a channel on here. Super ornery old guy, but clearly rubbed off on buckethead. Most only know Buckethead for soothsayer and Nottingham lace but there's so much more to him than those.

7:05 really astute comments here. Buckethead's creations are very textured... shredding, quiet strumming, distortion, spooky reverb, melt your face then cool it off. his albums are just wonderful and cover many musical spaces and styles. ya BH is super fast shredder but its his ambient, emotional music that really hits you. albums like Electric Tears, Shadows Between The Sky... just tears of joy. he could wear a hundred buckets or masks and you still feel connected to him. hes really letting you in.

I'm 53 and bucket head had a musical theory column in guitar player magazine when I was in my late 20s the bucket hides baldspots s well ,damn I'm fast but this guy's a machine and what's really amazing is he doesn't loose emotional context he actually speeds up to emphasize it

Buckethead is clearly a badass. One specific thing I do appreciate, however, is that he knows when to change it up and not throw too much at one time. He will shred through with some incredible speed, but follow up with some nice blues-influenced licks to bring it back to Earth, so to speak. There's a certain degree of maturity there to keep a balance.

Saw him in Portland years ago with Brian the "Brain" on the drums. Great show.

Fil THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this piece on Buckethead who I feel is one of the most original and talented guitarists EVER. He is a true artist and extremely prolific as well. Although I obviously don't know the man(Brian) behind the mask I've gleaned enough information to know that he is also one of the nicest, most humble and unassuming people you could ever hope to meet(which is evidenced partly in the fact that it is very difficult to find pictures of him without the mask which tells me his people care enough to protect his private life from the media). He writes beautiful, heart-wrenching music for his loved ones. His song "Aunt Suzie" can still bring me to tears. A true artist...my world became a better place when I discovered he existed and I was able to absorb a portion of his soul through his music. I challenge any other rock guitarist to try to touch people as deeply as he can...he is one of a kind and we are blessed to exist in his world.

Bucketheads music isn't about the technical aspects, it's about the feel, the ebb and flow of it.

What a beautiful song he played He’s a genius

When I saw the thumbnail title, it read British guitarist analyses Buckethead's lack of technical... Well the full title was spot on :)

When you cover your face it prevents people from reading your emotions and makes them focus on the music

winner , winner , chicken dinner !

You've got to be the most straightforward critic on RU-vid. What separates you from the rest is you're always RESPECTFUL.

Buckethead gives me chills when I hear him shred.

I'm pretty sure one of the reasons buckethead wears a mask is to deal with his stage fright

Wow, really liked Bucketheads playing. There is something very cool about watching a pro put it all together smashing it. Another great video thanks.👍🏻

I learned quite a bit from this one. Thank you.

Just love the true guitarist smile when Buckethead starts playing like the alien he is.

The way he cradles those bends, and then shreds like a titan!

Brian.....aka buckethead knows no boundaries. Knows no limitations. And with his catalog of music......i dont see a end in sight and nothing (as usual from him) its always going up!!!!!

Buckethead is one the most interesting guitarists I've heard in a LONG time.

Buckethead is badass. Plain and simple and if he ever sees this, thanks for signing my guitar at house of Blues Houston!!!! U da man!!!

That's how you use wah wah...someone tell Hammet.

I love the analytical depth on your videos, and being a rabid Buckethead fan, I love the fact that you really appreciate what a genius composer and technical guitar master that he is.

Man! Buckethead Is My Most Favorite Guitarist Of All Time

Buckethead is a good guitarist, he’s also the most casual dude ever with a funky personality, I love it, it’s just chaotic rock that is played by a dude with a bucket on his head.

I wish I could have seen a Roy Clark, Jerry Reed and Buckethead face melting exhibition.

I’ve watched this guy for years. It’s amazing, he never ages.

I saw bucket live in 2002. The guy is technically superior to anybody I've ever seen. The only people that are possibly better/more technical are some of the classical players.

I kind of hate you for stopping the music and love you for speaking out my thoughts.

Saw at the orange peel in Asheville this year...2nd row...son got to hit the button and he got a toy! Bucket knew Shawn Lane, as did I in Memphis in the 80's, and was influenced by him. Loudest show I've ever been to except AC/DC in 76 on the Let There Be Rock Tour. Have seen Page 4x, Crapton 2x, Shawn Lane 50+,Eric Johnson in 86, Doc Watson, Muddy Waters, Steve Morse plus 100s more and Buckethead is #2 or 3 best ever. Whew

I realize that this is an older video but,I love your shirt!

He was my first concert ever and when he played this I think it might be the only time I was ever rooted to the spot, he is BEYOND good. Probably the best song I've ever seen live

Nice way of explaining the importance of working with dynamics ...that there 'has to be a Journey in there' ...'got to have light and shade'

His Riffs are "Finger Licken Good"...

Speaking of not overplaying, that is why I love Jerry Cantrell so much. Extremely underrated.

Not everybody wants to be famous. There are people that never play out. They get other people to do their songs and use their lyrics. Songs can be sold repeatedly, like 5 times before you hear the song on the radio. People aren't willing to give up their privacy. They like to stay home and get mailbox money. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. There are unknown writers with over 30 top tens. Artists will actually show up at their door and say "I Know Who You Are, Can you help me? I need the hits," "For we are the makers of music and the dreamers of dreams." They create the legends. stars are something the industry makes, exploits, and consumes. Payola, layola, carola, drugola, houseola, there are all kinds of ola going on. You will never understand the game until you stand outside of it. Try to keep your head, you are a container full of ingredients, that is labeled, boxed and sold. Some guys do it just out of habit. They want to see it if they can do it one more time. Look mom no hands. Like a chick born with big tits, a circumstance of birth, freaks of nature. The moment you have a nice ass, someone will show up to exploit it.

..glad you like him.. what cant speak cant lie. Genius..

Buckethead is nothing short of a pure musical genius. He can play anything. John 5 is amazing too. Both are superhuman .

Soothsayer is a beautiful piece of music

The guy is technically brilliant. Probably one of the cleanest technique I've ever heard. The bucket/mask makes you think he's probably a bit nutty, but I've heard an interview with him talking about the guitarists that inspired him and a lot of them are guys I like and he was just a normal guy.

Bucket head has played guitar better than all the other guitarists I've ever heard literal perfection i agree he is very underrated