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."
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.
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)
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....
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--8J4rrN3tgs.html The jam in the van version is pretty dam solid. Honestly the whole JIV performance is great.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
@@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
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)
@@matthewgrubb318it left the big stages for more than a Decade that’s for sure. Old Crowe was about the only band that got decent non bluegrass centered festival exposure. My dad grew me up on Alisson Krauss and Union Station and Old Crowe but even when I was real young we almost never had opportunities to see them. They were either states away or Old Crowe was playing in a 21+ establishment.
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!
To me, the most impressive thing about Billy‘a pickin is that it just looks so natural! It’s like he’s not even thinking about it! It just flows out of him!!!!
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!!!!
Same thing, metal head from Tulsa then moved to Tahlequah Oklahoma. Befriended Bobby and Thomas Trapp and took several trips to the flat picking contests in Winfield Kansas. Changed my life.
I love this channel, you just keep reacting to my favorite artists haha. As soon as i get a new computer i plan on subscribing to guitargate. With that said, i really think you should check out the one man jam band Keller Williams. Maybe something from his jam in the van sessions? Thanks for all the great content!
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.
Interesting technical breakdown of the best tune I have heard in a long-long time...these guys are rockin!! I did'nt think I liked bluegrass until I listened to Billy Strings.
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.”
As long as you’re reacting to one of the young guns of bluegrass, you should try another one. Look up Billy Strings’ friend Molly Tuttle. She does an amazing cover of White Freightliner Blues, in fact you can find a video of them playing it together.
Man avid percussionist and still metal head herei just wanna say wow and thanks for running through that song like you did very informative and your super talented keep up the great work 🎸
Billy was a kid raised on blugrass and then got into metal for a while but went back to bluegrass. I'm sure he still likes metal and plenty of other genres as well, but his dad raised him on blugrass.
I have listened to music for almost 50 years, bluegrass, Jam band, grunge, rock, heavy metal and I have never seen someone play like Billy strings! I don't think There's a name that could suit him any better, he is absolutely incredible on anything with strings
I just discovered your channel (hooray for YT algorithm) and this video is great! I learned so much: the 1, 4, 5 structure of the rhythm, the bass doing root/5th, the whole band acting like a drum kit, how the 7th and the minor 3rd are being used - it's all so informative. Thank you!
Years of hard work and commitment to the guitar. Doing nothing but building his expertise, some would call that trading your soul , I just call it hard work and commitment a lot of people just don’t have.
Love Billy Strings, he's carrying the torch Tony Rice had for years in my opinion. And that's a nice Moose shirt you got there. You know what rhymes with Moose? .......Goose! Bwhahahahaha, I know, I know, I'll be patient.
The video of him playing this in a basement with the dude high as hell smoking a cigarette that isn't even lit, is way better than this version. Just saying.
@@caldwell20066 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VFEZOjtrwls.html got you my dude^ and a version focusing in on the infamous unlit green shirt dude. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vc-iiqwyWyc.html
He pretty much turns his guitar into a banjo. Dude, this is frickin AWESOME! Country shredders!!! John 5 is into this kinda guitar too. This takes such coordination it’s insane. And actually you gotta have a good musical ear or solid foundational music theory to write this stuff.
I appreciate you talking a little theory in there and breaking down this stuff. I have always been just a strummer to accompany my voice but now I’ve been listening to a lot of Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle and it’s inspired me to try to learn some flatpicking techniques.
