Awesome Billy Gibbons Tricks: Hybrid Picking

[@johnsturdivant1924]

Why in the hell would someone give this a thumbs down. This is billy gibbons all the way.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! Thanks. I’ve never really understood thumbs down in guitar videos etc. but people are going to hate no matter what.

[@virtualguitars]

@@JeffMcErlain JB calls them "trolls." There will always be haters. Great playing, Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Virtual Guitars ha! Yeah. There are lots of them. Unhappy people trying spreading their unhappiness.

[@keriwilliams8980]

Ever heard of "jealous"? I am. Thank you sooo much! Billy makes complicated sound simple. Lots of embellishments/nuances to his playing

[@larryfoster2227]

Mine never shows the thumbs down. Crazy that anyone would give this a thumbs down. Great playing brother!

[@akaopiewilliams9407]

My favorite guitarist Billy Gibbons and my favorite TrueFire instructor Jeff McErlaine. What’s not to like? Jeff’s TrueFire course Play in the Style of Billy Gibbons was first TrueFire course I bought. It is EXCELLENT! I have 18 of Jeff’s TrueFire courses and they are all extremely well developed and practical courses. No, this is not a paid ad I am just a big fan of Jeff’s teaching AND playing...

[@jamesthompson8965]

I'm a latecomer to Jeff but Billy G was one of first generation of my "guitar heroes". I recently just bought the Billy G course for same reason. I'm loving both Jeff's guitar playing, knowledge and great attitude :)

[@WarrenAndrews-w5x]

Thank you so much I really want to play like Billy gibbons . You are my no. 1 brother!😊

[@57stratkat]

I have the Truefire All-Access pass and I spend the vast majority of my time on Jeff's lessons. WHat an awesome teacher and player. Much thanks, Jeff, for sharing your storehouse of knowledge and technique.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!!!

[@FenderTeleDeluxe]

Can’t understand the thumbs down, either. Jeff plays from-the-heart, straight forward blues/rock. To his credit, he doesn’t come on here and pretend he’s Warren Dimartini, George Lynch, Vito Bratta, or any other 80’s shredder (note: not a knock on those guys...personally, I love their playing!). Point is, Jeff’s not flaunting his guitar collection, pedals, amps, etc., and/or trying to get us to drop hundreds of bucks on virtual lessons. He’s simply sharing his love of music that matters. Keep doing what you do, Jeff...I’m a fan!👍

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@buaiblue]

Love your vibe and playing man... I learned more here in this video, than hours and hours of "others", and I really enjoyed your attitude and approach. 10/10 -

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you. Much appreciated and thank you for letting me know. Means a lot!!

[@buaiblue]

@@JeffMcErlain - Most welcome :)

[@WarrenAndrews-w5x]

So helpful thanks from Warren 😎

[@romanslegion7771]

This is very cool. Billy is a Legend & for good cause!!

[@MrGtrzan007]

thanx jeff i just bought my first course from you !!! i feel that you're terrific teacher and thanx again !!!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@timothyplonk2982]

Awesome video. Nailed the Gibbons' tone and feel,picking as well.🎸👍🎸

[@runesvendsen2270]

Sounds Great ! Fantastic performance here !

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@swoopdog54]

Wow! Great Billy Gibbons style stuff. Wonderful nuanced chops!

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@guythompson2187]

Saw up close at the Grand Old Opry a few weeks ago and was blown away. So many pro musicians in the crowd in awe of his solos. Starting to put in some time now to learn a few.

[@mcpappysgolden]

Gibbons really has been underrated throughout his career. Excellent player.

[@mikebingham7189]

Well done and helpful. I really like this sound. In the 70’s I was learning and playing an aggressive, edgy fingerpicking acoustic blues stuff with some slide. All I did was buy Delta and big city blues stuff and listen over and over. I had a huge library. Had to sell most of it during some hard times.

[@ultrakool]

4:12 Reverend Willie himself says, "Never be afraid to make a mistake". Good job, Jeff. You have captured the essence..

[@marcpreschia]

Incredible discovery for me - Thanks a lot

[@scottratell3705]

Great video, thanks! I believe Rev Billy calls pinch harmonics ‘squank’...

Great playing and som great Gibbons/Grissom vibes 👍🙏

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks!!

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

Gonna be studying them hands no matter how long it takes love the backing track too sweet!

[@johanstromvall4417]

Great backing track in the background. Awsome played💯

[@mitchilito99]

OMG, the secrets are out! Best BG video of all time. Thanks so much, Jeff!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! Excellent!

[@MarkDeanGarner]

Been working thru your Bily G course for months, and probably will for months to come. Love the hybrid picking stuff. (Actually love it all.)

[@jamesteddy1379]

Is your Les Paul a custom shop 58 or 59 or a production model, just curious man looks nice !

[@jamesteddy1379]

Watching the 2020 Billy Gibbons tricks vidio.

[@MrBluesgtr68]

That tone is just righteous !!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@chrislestermusic]

Reminded me of David Grissom in the intro. Cut from the same cloth. Sounds great!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks and yeah for sure. Also, David is one of my good friends and favorite players. He’s a Billy fan too.

[@LA-zc9rg]

Sweet ! Nice playin’ & tone.

[@SweetPicklenation]

Great tone and licks!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks!!

[@markroylance1584]

Taste and tone in abundance! Jeff, you're a star.... Loved your recent lesson about Clapton tone and licks and that '52 gold top was sensational.... Not bad for a guitar whose bridge is supposedly unplayable..... Maybe it's not the equipment that's important... More the player.... Think that Buk chap said same thing....

[@JeffMcErlain]

Well thank you ! I will say that is a replacement bridge. The originals are truly unplayable.

[@terencestephenmoss2159]

Love the big up about the overdrive Billy Gibbons uses for his modern day blues...great advice..guitar lesson and knowledge 👌 great 👍 guitar 🎸 sounds 👌 🔥

[@dmartin1955]

If this guy's teaching, I'm learning. Billy is the best.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@hearpalhere]

Huge thumbs up Jeff! Thanks for a great lesson on one of the all time greats!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks!

[@EasyHeat]

I've been revisiting the first few ZZ Top albums since last year, and was really saddened hearing of Dusty's passing last week. I've ben wanting to get into hybrid picking for some time, but just assumed it wasn't in the cards for my 30+ years of self taught playing. This lesson seriously helped inspire me to stick with it and devote the time needed to eventually begin pulling it off! Thanks soo much Jeff! Just hit "like & subscribe", and rang that bell for you amigo!

[@SeanJepson7]

Intro is absolutely fantastic.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@c3vette47]

Love it.. Billy Gibbons NAILED! This is epic.

[@arifq123]

Very nice lesson.

[@jas641]

Very interesting! It sounds good! Thank you! Billy is the King!

[@delray420]

Yes, this is great stuff man I love this, will sub and look at your courses. Saw them live with six encors New Years' Eve 79-80 Alt,Ga.What an experience that was. Your right about the first few records, Billy took those licks to another level, Just like David Grissom has, I like how you teach.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you !!!!

[@davidhoward8951]

I really love the tone you're getting out of a guitar I used to play on Marshalls a lot but I think Fender sound good too and I know Billy Gibbons used to play on a practice amp it was a fender he had his Memphis Tennessee Strings & things where they built him a guitar looks the shape of Texas I used the pickup pay required you're doing a great job man I love the way your guitar sounds break it down little bit

[@steveflynn8311]

played for 40 years, last 20 mostly finger picking country blues. geting back into electrics in a big way of late. come to the realization that tres hombres and zztop first are my sargeant peppers and white album. if I can spend the rest of days getting half of what played in that intro down, I would die a happy man ;) sign me up and take my money..

[@KeithGrommes]

Thank you for posting this video. I've been taking a deep dive for quite some time on BFG's tone and style. You nailed it! I'm a huge fan of BFG!

[@patricelecanu6150]

you are a guitar hero ! la creme de la creme !! kiss from France my friend !!!!!!!

[@lightsjohnson8253]

Rhythm is what it's all about. Thank you.

[@azizaziz7007]

love the opening track

[@TCoulter1]

Amazing! You captured it. ...and David G also.

[@tubedude4859]

can,t wait to try it on my tele

[@jamescarlucci9867]

Love this channel..im learning a lot.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you for letting me know!!!! Happy you are here!

[@1724nine]

Holy smokes!! You’re almost more Billy Gibbons than BFG. HIMSELF 🔥

[@imannonymous7707]

That's some bad ass tone man ..... I always love me some zz top ....great lesson

[@satchrules101]

Excellent playing Jeff!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@satchrules101]

@@JeffMcErlain Hi, jeff , I was wondering what would a good course for keeping in time with lead playing and rhythm... i struggle with counting and keeping in time . Thanks

[@awittypilot8961]

GEEZ that was fun!!! I'm going to work on this style. I don't give a rat's about shreddin...this I can do! Rock on brother

[@tomfoolery2082]

Tht rig sounds really good .Iv got 100 questions but I'll spare u today .

[@AdkRanchLife]

What are you using to get that distorted tube sound? Similar to Warren !!

[@swamification]

Really loving your Billy Gibbons course on TrueFire. Can’t wait to check out David Grissom’s courses after your Billy course. Thanks for that recommendation! 🙏

[@stevesolo16]

So chill...nationwide!

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌

[@chucklee2995]

Gary rossington, 1 of lynyrd skynyrd's 3 guitarists was a very flaunt and fluid hybrid picker, love that sound and tone, amazing man you're awesome, I watched you on many videos wasn't' you a studio musician at one point,

[@trevorclarey3336]

It is a great sound.

[@garenmcvay2695]

Some great playing man!

[@gavmegs]

Sorry I missed the live stream coz 4 am in oz is a tad early but really enjoyed it as always . 🇦🇺

[@jdez10]

You're the only one that can give Billy a run for his money. Damn!!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! Thank you. Quite a compliment!

[@joachimlachmann3487]

Great sound. By the way, Rockpalast was 1980 on german tv. Me and my friends were flashed, although it was middle of the night. Never heard something like this before. Im a fan ever since.

[@jorgesilva5004]

I wasn’t full aware of how massive is the tone you could achieve with hybrid picking. Great video, great sound quality, great content and ideas to explore, i love your playing as always. I really like your tone in particular when you play your LPs with your two rock amp. Did you use any pedal in front of your two rock in this recording? Best

[@williamstover5497]

Tone is sooo good

[@timemerson2691]

In my opinion there hasn’t been a more influential player since Hendrix. You can hear his licks everywhere from country to alt rock. Boogie children.

[@hogrotten6897]

Jimmie Hendrix said Rory Gallagher was the greatest player on the earth. He said it on my a talk show when asked " Hows it feel to be the world 's greatest guitarists" Jimmie said " I don't know ask Rory" David letterman show maybe... Been awhile

[@jualonso.27]

This is just GREAT! Thank you!

[@JeffMcErlain]

You are welcome!

[@danieldebiaze9379]

Thats the first time I watch your great videos ;-) Im glad I did find you! Thanks 4 all those tricks and style. I keep my own style but tpok a few ideas from your playing ! Great giant this Mister Billy Gibbons ! 😁👍😍🎸🎶

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for checking it out!!

[@daveycrockett9447]

Your tone is amazing!!! What rig are you running to get that amazing tone

[@TheCrappyGuitarist]

New to your page... absolutely love it!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge 💜

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you and you are welcome!

[@paulmoore7768]

Thank you, this has been awesome.

[@davefletcher9393]

great stuff man, your a cool cat with great examples and style, very cool

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@williamstamper4495]

Thanks Jeff

[@JeffMcErlain]

You’re welcome!

[@cliffbogen]

Man o Man That tone!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏

[@gergemall]

Cool stuff.. thanks.

[@1973wildcatman]

I guess I’ve just always taken his amazing playing for granted -

[@thomasadams675]

Jeff, What pickups? And if I may, are you using modern pots? The old Centralab ones have been testing what’s supposed to be a 500K pot reading 440K up to 460K and some may be accurate. Is there a supplier who recreates lower K value pots to make our pickups sound a bit more at home? Seems everyone wants to use either “better metal” or nylon saddles, or?? Because in my mind, perhaps the tolerances were not as good as we believe or the pots just age lower in value. I believe this is part of the source of our guitars sounding shrill with 500K pots of any brand. Also, Astron, Sprague bumblebees black beauties will drift from .022 to .33 or higher or lower. They “Drift”. Does the custom shop alter their pots and select caps that match what vintage new and vintage now sounds like???🎉❤😮 Tom Adams 11:11®️🎸🎶🎶⚡️

[@glennmartin4043]

Lots of tasty licks there. Awesome tone man...love it

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks!

[@raymondsanchez808]

Love playing brother! Man, that is one heck of a nice shirt heh what brand or kind is it?

[@fredfloyd68]

Yeah good job...Hey get on Heard it on the X,El diablo.... 1980 rockpalast concert he was on fire...Theres an ending lick thats awesome and hard to do would you know it?Jam on...

[@rgilbert8]

nice! thanks for that tip.Do you think that he ever used an octave or in the earlier recordings to do that sort of thing.They just released that new pick up that is supposed to do the same thing. that which was created by the great Dusty Hill.

[@emilioalonso6011]

Masterclass

[@treeorbs479]

Where can I find your Billy gibbons course?

[@jeffkokosinski1784]

Jeff great tone sweet pickin brother

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻

[@terencestephenmoss2159]

Absolutely 💯 love 💘 cheap sunglasses 🕶 😎 👌

[@billspruce8368]

I missed it live this afternoon, Jeff... catching up... and working on Cream... me and my short attention span.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha I know the feeling!

[@justinkase9483]

Billy Gibbons and Duane Allman are the hardest players to "sound like", in my opinion...yet you nailed Billy here! Thanks for this. Got any plans for Duane? Or Peter Green? Maybe 'So Many Rodes' and/or other Bluesbreakers stuff from PG?

[@azizaziz7007]

how can you get the tabs to the opening track

[@PhilipMurrayDesign]

Sounding fantastic as usual Jeff -- great tutorial - thanks! That tone is awesome - what set up [amp settings / pedals] were you using?

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks! Two Rock Bloomfield drive and a Klon. I know... not exactly a budget rig. Lol

[@PhilipMurrayDesign]

@@JeffMcErlain Thanks Jeff, that whole solo your played at the start was just awesome!!! - would you have any tips on getting close to that tone at home with standard gear? small 5W tube amp + humbucking guitar + overdrive pedal + EQ pedal? cheers, Phil

[@javatar1900]

fantastic

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@gergemall]

Excellente

[@mickeystanic4750]

What amp/speaker, pedal are you using. Killer sound.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Two rock Bloomfield drive. That’s the UA ox with the green back cab.

[@kbroomall]

So sick man - killer!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@guitarmaui45]

Really helpful. Thanks

[@davidnoble1058]

Fantastic.

[@jeffro.]

Hey, Jeff! I just happened to run across this Livestream. Really good stuff! I know I'd had you flagged as someone I wanted to follow, but for whatever reason, I haven't seen any of your videos lately, and frankly I forgot about ya, if you can believe it! IDK. Anyway, I've been trying to get the Billy G technique down lately, I guess that's why you came up. Sorry, it's hard to type on my phone right now, my "black panther" kitten just got in my lap and insists on head butting my chin. He loves rubbin' his face in my beard, lol 👍👍 Ok, I'm back for a quick edit. His twin sister, (the other "black panther") got in my lap, too, so it's a good thing I've got 2 hands, lol. I petted & loved 'em both up real good, she doesn't always stay for long, then she jumped down to play & he followed. So, what I was gonna say is that I've noticed lots o' ppl that I'm 'scribed to just don't show up in my feed! I think YT is pulling a fast one, instead feeding me crap to "try," but mostly I'm just not interested! I have the ones I'm 'scribed to, and those are the ones I wanna see. Piss off, YT "algorithm!" Anyway, this is for you, JM: 👍👍👍 🤪 👌 >>"Jeffro" (as me friends call ma.)

[@JeffMcErlain]

Oh cool thanks!! Man the YT algorithm is a crazy mystery. Makes me insane. Glad you found me again!!!

[@alexbostelle287]

....answers the age old question what shall I play to start a righteous jam

[@TS-nb9ko]

Dam this is good stuff thanks

[@swamification]

Only 1 minute in and OMG!!!

[@j.6657]

Awesome, Gotta love ZZ Top

[@JeffMcErlain]

👊💥

[@cecilwhitt9019]

Big Question...love your playing and all...the bomb. The question is this when I go to a Billy Gibbons thing and their is obviously a beat, but he always seems to be playing behind that...like lazy. Of course it's not...but damn that really works for that genre and for me and wakes up the soul. Any comment on that would be appreciated, C.

[@JeffMcErlain]

His time and feel are really amazing. As you said, super laid back. It’s difficult to get but I highly recommend jamming with the records and try to play along. Then learn some specific solos and really try to match them feel wise.

[@davidreineke1758]

I know I'm coming into this late but I think it's worth noting Billy's setup. He plays a set of 7-36 strings with low action which requires a real light touch to keep from rattling all over the place. Watch his videos , he hardly moves either hand when playing. That and using a swing type of feel contributes to his sound and tone I think.