Sound Advice: Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) - Turn A Good Guitar Riff Into A Great One

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  • čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
  • On this episode of Sound Advice, Bill Kelliher, guitarist of heavy metal band Mastodon (@mastodon), shares some tips on how to turn a good guitar riff into a great one.
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Komentáře • 180

  • @dabu73
    @dabu73 Před 2 měsíci +34

    I used to live around the corner from him. He had a garage sale once about 20 years ago and sold me a classical guitar for $5! I still play it all the time. Mastodon rules!

  • @deadharvest29
    @deadharvest29 Před 2 měsíci +238

    This is such fantastic insight. One key point he made that every guitar player needs to understand: “ you don’t need to be a great guitar player to write a great song.” Technical guitar wizardry is cool and all, but a great memorable riff and song is so much better.

    • @swarthygiant1463
      @swarthygiant1463 Před 2 měsíci +7

      And Mastadon proves they aren’t mutually exclusive haha
      End of the day sweeping across the neck is just chords with extra steps

    • @TheOfficialCaseMade
      @TheOfficialCaseMade Před 2 měsíci +7

      Exactly why I can listen to a shred virtuoso once or twice and say "wow" and never listen to them again... And also why I can listen to Black Sabbath a thousand times and say "wow" and listen to them a thousand more times.

    • @deadharvest29
      @deadharvest29 Před 2 měsíci

      @@TheOfficialCaseMade Exactly right. The only shredder I can make an exception for (when I’m
      in the mood) is George Lynch. For some reason his playing strikes me as more soulful. But yeah, Iommi all day (and Kelliher)!

    • @jamesfetcho6315
      @jamesfetcho6315 Před 22 dny

      Problem is that many don't realize is.....there is so much more to Guitar Wizarding than shredding, but non Guitar players, and beginners don't recognize, or really notice it.

  • @svelle37
    @svelle37 Před 2 měsíci +31

    If Mastodon is ever playing in your area, I highly (!) recommend looking into booking lessons with Bill. It was not cheap, but it was such a fantastic experience that it was well worth it. The only other guy who signed up for it in my city didn't show, so I had one hour with Bill, talking riffs, albums, sobriety, and even jamming Oblivion together, which was probably one of the best moments of my guitar-playing life so far.

  • @doric_historic
    @doric_historic Před 2 měsíci +75

    Bill has the ability to mess with the notes inbetween the notes...

    • @doric_historic
      @doric_historic Před 2 měsíci +10

      ...with the use of great guitar strings of course.

  • @wesleytrott6397
    @wesleytrott6397 Před 2 měsíci +53

    I love his approach to riff writing. You can tell he has really developed his craft over his life-long journey as a musician. There is genuine intent behind the choices he makes in his riff writing. It's not just meandering, lifeless noodling on guitar. Everything is well thought out. And well explained too! Great stuff from Bill.

  • @flprmn9448
    @flprmn9448 Před 2 měsíci +27

    This brought tears to my eyes. Lost my mom to cancer and I love playing Mastodon riffs. Thank you so much for your music and words, Bill! Love you like a younger brother would do.

  • @bradleywhitaker6936
    @bradleywhitaker6936 Před 2 měsíci +10

    I dont really even listen to Mastodon very much at all, although I love everything I have heard from them.
    However, every time I see a video of Bill explaining his writing process, I try to listen to every single word he says, and apply everything I learn from his advice.
    The guy just seems to have a formula that works.

  • @Weloz92
    @Weloz92 Před 2 měsíci +20

    He's a sick player and a guitar riff genius! Him and Brent are definitely a most favourite guitar duo for me.

  • @acledfloyd
    @acledfloyd Před 2 měsíci +53

    I love playing Tread Lightly and turns out I’ve been playing it wrong. I’m glad you made this video

    • @daddarioandco
      @daddarioandco  Před 2 měsíci +14

      We're glad we were able to help in your playing!

    • @zeblackcat9398
      @zeblackcat9398 Před 2 měsíci +2

      SAME HERE LOL Every video I see with Bill or Brent playing teaches me something new, every damn time lol

  • @emilybalcerak7861
    @emilybalcerak7861 Před 2 měsíci +29

    Bill is unreal. So glad to see this come up in my feed

  • @alcoholica1986
    @alcoholica1986 Před 2 měsíci +11

    I feel like i should have paid money for this great insight

  • @Igornopolis
    @Igornopolis Před 2 měsíci +9

    Incredible riff guy, Bill. Fuck yeah..

  • @Ryan_Q3L
    @Ryan_Q3L Před 2 měsíci +4

    Amazing guitarist and such a humble dude.

  • @andritti
    @andritti Před 2 měsíci +3

    Tio Bill is the MAN!!! The Riff Master🙏 Thank you brother for this wisdom shared

  • @JDubzDrumz
    @JDubzDrumz Před 2 měsíci +21

    Line 6 hx stomp into ik multimedia studio monitors. Whoa smart portable setup.

    • @maynardburger
      @maynardburger Před 2 měsíci +1

      Even if not portable, still a perfectly nice little home setup for everyday playing/practicing.

  • @horrorshowbass
    @horrorshowbass Před 2 měsíci +8

    If Alex Lifeson played metal

  • @jasonpitts8395
    @jasonpitts8395 Před 2 měsíci +34

    Bill is the riff God 🤘

  • @PowDJoke
    @PowDJoke Před 2 měsíci +3

    Mastodon’s level of songwriting and riffing, in terms of complexity and boldness, is exactly what I’m pursuing as a musician. Thanks a lot for these advices. I would LOVE to get more of that kind of videos from Bill, I’d even pay for it. Such great musicians.

  • @muffevans5667
    @muffevans5667 Před 2 měsíci +23

    Over the last 20 years or so Bill has become my favourite player, he's got it all.

    • @MegaLaban12345
      @MegaLaban12345 Před 2 měsíci

      Aint never heard him sweep pick or play an emotional lead

    • @2morrowillcome
      @2morrowillcome Před 2 měsíci

      I feel the same way, he has quickly become one of my absolute top guitar heroes. Such a humble guy, but a face melting riff machine. ❤ Bill

  • @ChikaNeca
    @ChikaNeca Před 2 měsíci +5

    I've always fancied B.Hinds more because I thought he is the main guitar writer in the band but lately I realised that most of my favourite mastadon riffs and licks are written by Bill. Sorry Bill, i appreciate you more now.

  • @keithsuhr6275
    @keithsuhr6275 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thoughtful and does a great job explaining something so abstract and intimate.

  • @chrismason3283
    @chrismason3283 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thanks Bill and D’Addario, that was some great advice and insight

  • @marko1843
    @marko1843 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thank You Sir for sharing the story and the great advice on upriffing (my fun new term). I am experiencing similar mom health issues and it is stressful to say the least. As a relatively new player, about 3 years now, the help on adding to the good riff was something I needed to hear, and hear, to understand the next step for me. I so appreciate that important thread. Thank You! I hope in some way you are able receive the thanks and appreciation from the comments. You have in nearly eight minutes taught me how to get to the next level with playing. And mostly, I hope your mom is doing well. Thank You once again.

  • @KanoKnife
    @KanoKnife Před 2 měsíci +44

    Hope his mother is better, what a way to express his pain.

    • @aaronhiggs
      @aaronhiggs Před 2 měsíci +27

      His mom passed back in 2017.

    • @user-bf6gz8ej4o
      @user-bf6gz8ej4o Před 2 měsíci +1

      His mother actually was the inspiration for Emperor of the Sand. I suggest watching the documentary.
      The whole concept album is a metaphor of a person being diagnosed with cancer, suffering and than ultimately dying but in a super interesting desert setting!

  • @doanfiat
    @doanfiat Před 2 měsíci +6

    Thank you Bill!

  • @benblankenship9704
    @benblankenship9704 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great video and insights! Thanks!

  • @philiptromp231
    @philiptromp231 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Awesome demonstration! 🤙❤️

  • @indominion
    @indominion Před 2 měsíci +5

    I just dip my fret fingers in butter and then everything slides into place. Doesn't hurt to strap a biscuit or two to your kneecaps for the running knee slide

  • @Goldstein_955
    @Goldstein_955 Před měsícem

    So inspiring! thanks

  • @PineGap_Band
    @PineGap_Band Před 2 měsíci +9

    Great masterclass Bill🙏

  • @michageick1717
    @michageick1717 Před měsícem +1

    Thanks to Bill an DÁddario Strings and Manuel Ali for this guitar

  • @ConorQuinlan-jb6ri
    @ConorQuinlan-jb6ri Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for giving us your gift @BillKelliher and also letting us you know about personal shit you were going through during the writing of "OMRTS". I've loved you guys since Remission. Keep going 🤘

  • @Mar33322
    @Mar33322 Před dnem

    Fantastic guy and guitar player. Mastodon is one of the only metal bands that can hang with the older metal giants. They have their own sound and its one amazing wall of sonic bliss.

  • @randomguitarnote8887
    @randomguitarnote8887 Před 2 měsíci

    Very inspiring, thanks.

  • @frankunodostres473
    @frankunodostres473 Před 2 měsíci

    fascinating and very inspiring insight

  • @dougiemonday
    @dougiemonday Před 2 měsíci +3

    I love it when you make videos, bro you gotta do more

  • @clintj
    @clintj Před 2 měsíci

    Love this type of stuff. And Tread Lightly is a killer opener.

  • @rustycage-
    @rustycage- Před 2 měsíci +4

    Masterclass!

  • @AniWilhelm95
    @AniWilhelm95 Před měsícem

    I’m sorry for your loss Brother. Been a fan my whole life, since 2005..28 now! ❤ you man

  • @GuitarSoloReactions
    @GuitarSoloReactions Před 2 měsíci +1

    Love Bill, great riff and song writer.

  • @reub1565
    @reub1565 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks to Bill for sharing some of his approaches to riffage!

  • @timguitar862
    @timguitar862 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Cant wait to see Mastodon in LA!!!!

  • @LPManic
    @LPManic Před 2 měsíci +1

    Never listened to Mastodon but love this video. Fantastic insights. Learnt a lot.

    • @GabeHelma
      @GabeHelma Před 2 měsíci +1

      Check them out they have some great material

  • @jeremiahalexander5513
    @jeremiahalexander5513 Před 2 měsíci

    I recently hit a wall with my songwriting. This video was extremely helpful in helping me to reframe my approach and really take my time to make something great!

  • @JJgeetarisst
    @JJgeetarisst Před 2 měsíci +3

    Love Bill

  • @anthonycarr9118
    @anthonycarr9118 Před 2 měsíci

    Great stuff,1 thing I’ve learnt that even a really dull riff will fit in nicely with another and make it great

  • @nunocrames4787
    @nunocrames4787 Před 2 měsíci

    Great lesson. And we would love some presets from that hx stomp

  • @karterestill
    @karterestill Před 2 měsíci

    I love what he says about "Putting it away" I totally do this and Just wrote a full since with a riff I had from last year😂 but it finally all came to me! Absolutely aolid advice. Never make it forced😊

  • @SteveMcT
    @SteveMcT Před 2 měsíci +1

    Hands down, my favorite guitar player

  • @Axenicsecond
    @Axenicsecond Před 2 měsíci +5

    Ashes of Leviathan coming up soon!

  • @eighteen-naked-cowboys
    @eighteen-naked-cowboys Před 2 měsíci +7

    bill is the modern day riff lord. the roots remain verse riff and the SOLO RIFF ♥️♥️

  • @GozMaster
    @GozMaster Před 2 měsíci +1

    ❤ Bill is my hero. Best step dad ever.

  • @Angelrat666
    @Angelrat666 Před 2 měsíci

    05:05 damn never thought about that. Have to check that out. 😮

  • @basileus8038
    @basileus8038 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Never really listened to Mastedon… but this video is gold. Will check them out now. Also going to go into a CZcams rabbit hole to see if Bill has other videos

    • @pieflies
      @pieflies Před 2 měsíci +1

      Even if you don’t immediately like the first few songs you hear give them another go.
      I avoided them for years I assume because of whatever couple of songs I heard first but then I heard something I liked and dig deeper and I really love a lot of their stuff now.
      They still have stuff I don’t really like but heaps I do.

    • @jeffreyhanc1711
      @jeffreyhanc1711 Před 2 měsíci +2

      “Crack the Skye” is arguably the greatest prog-metal record of the century. Just brilliant. And the endless variety of killer riffs…(chef’s kiss)

  • @diverinblack
    @diverinblack Před měsícem

    Fantástico!

  • @juliansilva528
    @juliansilva528 Před 2 měsíci +2

    In the 90s, I always started crazy and took away notes until I got to the very bones of the riff, And also a LOT of rehearsal, I fed from the whole band.

  • @guitar_mileage
    @guitar_mileage Před 2 měsíci

    Loved it. Roots Remain is a masterpiece. Bill is definitely one of the best guitarists!🤘🎸

  • @brunomantovaneli6076
    @brunomantovaneli6076 Před 2 měsíci +9

    "The roots do remain. I checked it". Brent Hinds

  • @user-jh7ki9sn5h
    @user-jh7ki9sn5h Před 2 měsíci +1

    In my opinion its about contrast as well as tension and release. Like mayb write a shitty riff to put in a song with your killer riff so it seems all the more killer when u play it. Love mastadon

  • @tompoynton
    @tompoynton Před 2 měsíci +2

    Rocking the IK Micro monitors 👌

  • @joshuavaughan8510
    @joshuavaughan8510 Před 2 měsíci

    Amazing. I can see a correlation in the lyrics over the Roots Remain getting better getting/worse riff

  • @StonyBlazestation
    @StonyBlazestation Před 2 měsíci +1

    Bill is such a great writer and I know Mastodon is super popular, but I still feel like he doesn't get enough credit as a riff machine 🤘🏻

  • @Mak_Trvln_SLP
    @Mak_Trvln_SLP Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great video. Always enjoy his perspective on writing. Anyone know what guitar brand that is?

    • @dragonjackson76
      @dragonjackson76 Před měsícem +1

      It’s a Manuel Ali guitars from germany 🤘

  • @abcdefghijkl5408
    @abcdefghijkl5408 Před měsícem

    I love that some person is likely on their computer in the hotel room next door and just hears perfect mastodon through the wall😂

  • @egorsozonov7425
    @egorsozonov7425 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Love D’Addario and love Mastodon. This is so tasty!

  • @MrPhilTeer
    @MrPhilTeer Před 2 měsíci +4

    I would Love to know The Helix preset for that Sound. ❤

  • @touron119
    @touron119 Před 2 měsíci

    riff master!!

  • @lucasnunes2453
    @lucasnunes2453 Před 2 měsíci

    Masterclass

  • @chaz02cs
    @chaz02cs Před 23 dny

    My favourite player of all time ❤️‍🔥

  • @DallasGunther
    @DallasGunther Před 2 měsíci

    Nice shirt man.

  • @Abrahamhamham
    @Abrahamhamham Před 2 měsíci

    5:26 just turn the brightness down just a bit and it could easily be on Mayhem's Ordo Ad Chao album

  • @tarkenton3895
    @tarkenton3895 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Anyone know what brand the guitar is? Loving the different take on an RD shape

  • @Woozy.0
    @Woozy.0 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Master Bill

  • @a4syth2654
    @a4syth2654 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Can we get this helix preset PLEASE!?

  • @mdeerocks6792
    @mdeerocks6792 Před 2 měsíci

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @evanward4303
    @evanward4303 Před 2 měsíci

    Listening on iLoud monitors to Bill jam on iLoud monitors

  • @bhbuzzco7719
    @bhbuzzco7719 Před 2 měsíci +2

    What kind of guitar is that? Is that just a ESP custom shop? I dont recognize the headstock. Is he endorsing another brand? I feel out of the loop lol

    • @michageick1717
      @michageick1717 Před měsícem +1

      This guitar is from my friend and custom builder Manuel Ali from Manuel Ali guitars Germany

  • @cdnpunk2270
    @cdnpunk2270 Před 2 měsíci

    Custom Streamer? next model?
    ?

  • @vdverteder0
    @vdverteder0 Před 2 měsíci

    facts

  • @alexwood8555
    @alexwood8555 Před 2 měsíci

    Greatest god damn rock album of the 2010's

  • @smallfaucet
    @smallfaucet Před 2 měsíci +1

    Okay. SO more notes. Got it.

  • @horrorshowbass
    @horrorshowbass Před 2 měsíci

    😊😊

  • @greenhandgeezer
    @greenhandgeezer Před 2 měsíci

    Dude I couldn’t agree more. I got riffs all day. I’m totally a less than average guitarist 😅

  • @LuckyPkerz
    @LuckyPkerz Před 2 měsíci

    Dude's like 50 years old with a norwood 1, crazy

  • @cloverthecatpizza7878
    @cloverthecatpizza7878 Před 2 měsíci

    God that’s such a good fucking riff

  • @nathanielstickler7223
    @nathanielstickler7223 Před 2 měsíci

    What riff is at the very beginning of this video? What song?

    • @ryanorion547
      @ryanorion547 Před 2 měsíci

      Have you tried watching the full video?

  • @theolajide
    @theolajide Před 2 měsíci

    that's a cool lookin axe anyone know who makes it

  • @murphyia1980
    @murphyia1980 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Top guy 🙌

  • @feno8983
    @feno8983 Před 2 měsíci +1

    What guitar is it? RD is the most appealing body shape to me so i regularly scout on everything that resembles it.

    • @feno8983
      @feno8983 Před 2 měsíci +2

      oh, just found it, its Manuel Ali Underdog.

    • @michageick1717
      @michageick1717 Před měsícem

      @@feno8983 thats right

  • @muzickman76
    @muzickman76 Před 2 měsíci

    Please can someone give the correct pronunciation of the string maker as I have said it multiple ways for years too 😂

  • @Lennoxandjon
    @Lennoxandjon Před 2 měsíci +2

    What guitar is he playing here? Looks sick!

  • @DiogoJordan
    @DiogoJordan Před 2 měsíci +1

    This guy listened to Bathory :)

    • @DiogoJordan
      @DiogoJordan Před 2 měsíci

      The 2nd riff reminds me of Blood and Iron. Same chord movement, different voicings.

  • @vicarelli
    @vicarelli Před 2 měsíci

    Thank You Bill, I've been a D'addario dealer for 25 years and I'm still not sure how to pronounce it. I'm looking at you John Camp...

  • @jeffpierce71
    @jeffpierce71 Před 2 měsíci +1

    All hail Lord Butterslax

  • @hampusingvarsson3946
    @hampusingvarsson3946 Před 2 měsíci

    Name of the guitar please!

    • @michageick1717
      @michageick1717 Před měsícem

      Manuel Ali Underdog custom, using DÁddario Strings

  • @vinopit
    @vinopit Před 2 měsíci

    this would sound great overdriven with not so much distortion

  • @kaneo67
    @kaneo67 Před 2 měsíci

    What brand of guitar is that?
    Looks like a shecter maybe

  • @GrouVa
    @GrouVa Před 2 měsíci +6

    Which is the brand of the this guitar?

    • @MashaT22
      @MashaT22 Před 2 měsíci +1

      That’s a Mayonnes from Poland, I believe. I’m not too familiar with their models, but I have seen that same M on some of their guitars and basses. I have heard that they’re incredible instruments from the reviews I’ve seen and read. They sell worldwide for the most part if you check their site or Reverb. Hope this helps!

    • @irfanmyg
      @irfanmyg Před 2 měsíci +3

      It’s not a mayones, 80% sure. The mayones M is different

    • @BentAnat666
      @BentAnat666 Před 2 měsíci

      @@irfanmyg agree... not a Mayones... No idea what it is, but I want one

    • @irfanmyg
      @irfanmyg Před 2 měsíci

      @@BentAnat666 oooh absolutely

    • @daddarioandco
      @daddarioandco  Před 2 měsíci +4

      @@irfanmyg It's a Manuel Ali Underdog!

  • @darrenjones8184
    @darrenjones8184 Před měsícem

    That's a cool guitar. Who makes that?

  • @Mezzier
    @Mezzier Před 2 měsíci +1

    What's that guitar ? any info ? the brand, shape ?

    • @danieldavidmccabe
      @danieldavidmccabe Před 2 měsíci

      Also interested in this

    • @stevemc75
      @stevemc75 Před 2 měsíci +1

      It’s a Manuel Ali Underdog

    • @naturalianoss
      @naturalianoss Před 2 měsíci

      it is a Motherfuccker you can see the "M" on the headstock great guitars indeed

    • @imonahorse
      @imonahorse Před 2 měsíci

      @@stevemc75fuck yes