Billy Strings Talks Practice - Full Interview

Billy Strings is a Grammy award-winning musician, songwriter and guitar player. His latest album “Me / And / Dad” is out now and you can catch him on tour now through the rest of the year.
Billy talks about his practice process and challenges in his musical journey.
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[@TheNaturalust]

When someone says “you guys sounded great!” , my answer is always “you should have heard what we were tryin’ to play!”

[@MrPDTaylor]

That implies that you actually played what you were trying to play at some point but they weren't there to hear it. A more accurate statement would be " I wish you could hear what we were trying to play"

[@TheNaturalust]

@@MrPDTaylor Well the way I said it implies that we heard what we were trying to get to play in our heads only! 😂 At times, we musicians hear entire songs without a note being played. 😳

[@Rob-fd6si]

Good reply

[@Razorhead19]

Great answer. I felt that. Hahahahaa

[@AnthonyNowell-ly6kw]

I heard that Art Tatum actually said this to a person after one of his shows.

[@UpasakaTX]

So many acclaimed musicians who feel like imposters turn to self destructive activities to distract from it. Billy looked at it with clear eyes & went at it head on. That's courage.

[@TheNaturalust]

Possibly not as clear eyes as you may think. He was raised in the land of meth and weed. Most in his position have had a run with the stuff. It’s great for fast guitar picking until it isn’t.

[@jeremydunn7444]

You’re ridiculous 😊

[@That.Guy.]

In all seriousness does he even need to get better?

[@UpasakaTX]

@@That.Guy. all players want to be better, but I think the simple answer is if he thinks he does, then yes. Seems that he's getting into expanding his understanding of harmonies, which is a bottomless well. There are whole galaxies of dawg music & spacegrass left to explore for him.

[@TheNaturalust]

@@That.Guy. If he loses the will to get better his motivation to play will fade quickly and it will become more of a chore for him to play at all. I’ve seen this happen countless times with players who got as good as they wanted to. Fortunately, the guitar provides a platform where improvement is potentially infinite. Only limited by the length of a persons life and health.,

[@redmosq4197]

How badass is Billy to put himself out there like that?! 👏👏👏

[@dougg1729]

Right because when I was listening to the intro, I was like wow I wonder how Billy is going to react to this guy putting him out like that...but you see as you watch it's alright...........

[@nathantoddjams]

The guy is a true treasure - as a musician and thoughtful humble human being - crazy huh?

[@observer7418]

Gotta love the humility involved in a guy who is a hero to a lot of people admit he doesn't know it all. Keep it real bro

[@sgenetti77]

He thought he knew it all, until he hit a plateau wall, now he learns from his mistakes and practices what he preaches

[@dylanjones3398]

@@sgenetti77 I thought he was trying to pick up all the pizzas?

[@davidglemboski258]

At Christmas time, I restrung my 1969 D-28 Martin, and my one owner 1979 Fender 12 string, as a present to myself,....and they have both sat there since.......After seeing Billy in this interview, he basically told me that I need to pick them up, and practice,......instead of always looking for something else to do.......I'm only 72 years old, but tonight,......I'm going to spend some time with two of my favorite toys,........THANKS, BILLY.....!!!!!1

[@ReneeMilitello]

I would love to hear you!

[@robertbeger4275]

Same here man, only dif is I'm 73. :)

[@ReneeMilitello]

Me too! Record yourself for us!

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

I’m 62 why don’t you adopt me and put me in your will. I’ll take out the garbage.

[@sweetkittiez]

Same here it's easy to get in a rut

[@alro11]

Billy is insightful to realize he wants the training he never got. It’s going to be so fun to see where he goes with his ongoing growth inside and out! He is admired by offering his humility which is a true sign of growth . His self esteem will get stronger and more vibrant as he goes. Love ya Billy❤

[@ellenfalls1330]

Billy has a deep well of creativity that is going to produce amazing results.

[@Rory-co4vm]

I wish chick corea were still alive so they could play. They’d come up with something really amazing. We’ve still got herbie so someone should hook them up

[@cjsmith8319]

I needed to hear this, terribly. It’s so comforting to know that even the masters struggle sometimes. Such humility.

[@bakters]

" *Such humility* " He's got an impostor syndrome. Which is a sign of greatness.

[@stricknine8623]

Every decent guitarist, every good guitarist and every great guitarist have an exaggerated view of their inadequacies in their playing. We all do, that is just an absolute fact.

[@michalknudsen964]

Humbility and always knowing there is more to learn makes greatness

[@franciscostin545]

Yo ass should be humble considering you can’t spell humility correctly 🤣

[@ToobyTwobeards]

Six hours a day helps

[@thebookofcurtis]

I’m going to steal that word “Humbility.”

[@AllHailTheBoognish]

One of the best guitarists on the planet yet so humble. Boy are we lucky to have him. All hail Billy String!!! ALL HAIL THE BOOGNISH!!!

[@tangosucka1142]

All hail the boog

[@fattyjaybird7505]

Stare into the lions eyes and if you taste the candy, youll get to the surprise 😈

[@raiylab]

ween ween ween ween ween ween

[@ThePbird1]

Respect for the honest self evaluation and ambition.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Finally a great musician who is not embarrassed to say he does not know theory or that much about music - so refreshing!

[@MassacrisM]

His humble beginning is what make Billy special. His music is real music. I hope he doesn't get too mainstream and stays true by his roots.

[@tomduckworth8335]

So many guitar players don’t want to admit what they don’t know. He is a brilliant artist and brave soul this should help push guys to get out and learn more.

[@Laudanum9]

This Kid is the real deal , he wears his humanity on the outside , very humble.

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

Love this kid . Seen Billy play a few times now . And he is phenomenal. And love how brutally honest he is ! He’s open and genuine and willing to learn from everyone ! Go Billy

[@sgenetti77]

William Von Stringinhamm is a model of humility as a role model for young people to learn how to play their favorite music on their favorite instrument, which is to say the relative nature of all things renders us all students in all things in life relative to each other, and music is one of those things, there's always more to know, it never stops. 🤘

[@mindypaulson4303]

I’ve been watching this kids videos since they had a few hundred views. Last week I got to my first concert in Nashville. My head is still spinning.

[@chriscox7631]

Amazing!!! He is so humble, not to mention friggin hilarious. I saw him in Worcester 2 nights ago, and that was like a religious experience.

[@Panchito1621]

Billy, Always keep learning, but NEVER get down on yourself. You and the band bring such joy to us. Revel in the incredible talent you have and keep having fun. Theory is interesting, challenging, and enlightening. But playing from the heart and soul, as you do, is a gift. Cheers.

[@rayrayray4116]

How can you not love the guy as a musician and a human being. Totally honest with himself. Love him!!! Gonna see him in Worcester Mass July 29th. Can’t wait!!!!!

[@KyOte13]

People like Billy Strings, are the celebrities that American REALLY needs. A God Given Talent with humility and grace, who Deserves to be where he is.

[@user-jp8lj9hz2m]

Saw him last night in Bridgeport, CT! WOW. WOW. WOW. This level of self-awareness and authenticity are SOOOOO evident in his music. His music is SOOOO damned clear-headed and joyful. … oh, and by the way, he’s learning be bop and Bach to explore and expand. How INSPIRING!!!

[@BanjoSamurai]

I started lessons with a National bluegrass guitar player / teacher after 38 years. It was such a game changer, if you’re young and self taught find someone teaching the music you want to play. You won’t regret it.

[@jamesb5669]

Billy, you ARE the bar man!!! I respect the insight and the fact that you are self aware enough to want to improve and grow. But ease up on yourself, you got this. Thank you for having enough faith in yourself to share your unbelievable gift with the rest of us. You have no idea how much you mean to people out here, you pretty much have helped give me hope and kept me from finding myself in a real dark place. Thank you so much! See you out on the road soon and keep on pickin that '40 D28 thats a elreal beaut!

[@Hairy_eyeball]

The honesty, humility and authenticity of this young man is inspirng. Great to hear someone who has aleady acheived success as a professional musician talk about how much growth there is still to be had if you are willing to put in the work. This interview makes me a bigger fan.

[@Jcozz]

Billy is so completely real, and right on, I have huge respect for him! Thank you

[@loriwise3177]

Always remember Billy. You don’t need to over think it. You are amazing. ❤

[@zosoman69]

Arthel would be very proud to know how humble Billy is & just how much of his playing he has credited to the early learnings of such a great influence...

[@thomasstevens9551]

Wow it's amazing to find out that even someone with his supernatural talents still falls into ruts! It also shows that we're all the same, we're all just human! Gives my hope and motivation in my own playing and motivation for practice! THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING! SO POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE!

[@rambointhewild9438]

Gives me the same hope, I havent felt defeated by listening to billy and now I even feel inspired to chase him in greatness

[@midnighttoker8663]

If you have talent like Billy strings it might...?

[@WhoDeyWorld]

Can't wait to hear the new chops come out of him. So humble and down to earth. An inspiration to all who know his story

[@michaelbattaglia2512]

This is just another example of your humility Billy. You realize that even though are a success, receiving awards, accolades, praise and fame, deep down inside you want to be better and are taking the necessary steps to get there. I applaud you and look forward to your continued success and some new tunes.

[@19tractor52]

I don't ever recall any other SUPERSTAR having the humility to say that he didn't know everything!! I just hope he takes care of himself healthwise....he's a once in a lifetime phenomenon.

[@ernienickels]

Great work Spencer. I remember when you were studying guitar and just starting with your venture. The execution of your vision has been incredible. Love to see Billy expand his already sky-high ceiling. And as y’all touched on, new vocab is great inspiration for writing. Fantastic interview!

[@geoffreynenninger]

What a great interview. So cool to see that someone on his level takes the time to push himself to learn new things, and even more so that he's so open and willing to share his experience.

[@crocodilegrundee4514]

This guy reminds me of Neil Peart of Rush. Considered to be the best Drummer in the world, but he was always humble enough to know he needed to learn from someone else. He took many lessons from many different drummers his entire career. Stay humble Billy!

[@georgedelporto2381]

He is an amazing natural musician and it is so cool that he keeps on growing !!🎼😎🎶

[@fretcraft]

Its funny I just watched a new billy live video the other day and went and told a friend about how I felt he had taken it to a new level. It's so inspiring to see people at this level still dedicating themselves to learning.

[@charliewelch328]

This companies guitar lessons are are going to go through the roof after this interview. This was awesome.

[@iamthebird101]

this a great interview i loved when he said "we're all just trying to keep ourselves above water" really makes me feel like i'm not alone even though music is a hobby for me not a career

[@greghelton5509]

I purchased Sonora almost 3 years ago. After a while life got in the way and I didn’t do anything with it for over two years. I recently got back into it. I am so amazed at how good and thorough and easily digestible this program is. Amazing! Thank you!

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

We’re all thankful to Papa Strings for Billy Step-Dads rock.

[@blakeharvard7513]

Thank you for this interview. Huge fan of Billy. Such a great human.

[@johnholt1027]

This is very powerful. Been here since 1953,Didn’t really start play ,or learning till 50.Last20 Ive larked more and had more fun.still have much more to learn. Billy you are wise to do this ata younger age. Enjoy the trip.Tommy E. Says he is always trying to get better

[@scottkeller8890]

I saw this interview 11 months ago when it released and signed up with Sonora a few weeks later. I'm now 10 months into my mentorship and man it's changed my life.

[@nathantoddjams]

Holy smokes!!! Billy you’re even better than I thought … you are truly a gift from God. Thank you for being so real and so wonderful. God bless you and your wife man!!!!!!!

[@CurlyTop878]

Really excited to see him in concert using his newly learned skills!! Love yeah Billy!

[@aed1127]

Just amazed at his humility and self-awareness he has. He is clearly channeling from something outside himself when he plays. I can’t even begin to imagine how his career will continue to unfold. He will be remembered as a LEGEND.

[@58markmc]

So nice to see that Billy has his head in the right place and has such drive and focus. Wish him all the best and am grateful that he shares his gift with us.

[@PatriciaHirst-v5w]

The fact that learning is part of your journey is awesome! Never too old to learn something new. I’ve followed you since I saw you playing on a street corner in Traverse City. Your growth has been phenomenal. ❤

[@dfavilla2]

High level executives, athletes, ands actors rely on a coach to help them improve. Billy just gave me more incentive to be better. If HE is being coached, I need five coaches. What a dude!!!

[@m6a6t6t2]

"were trying not to drown " no wonder he has a song called taking water !! love you billy

[@Liam1H]

Massive respect for a man who is a phenomenally talented musician but is more interested in growing and improving as a musician and simply not caring how his taking lessons at this point would somehow suggest that he's less of a talent then he is. That's confidence and love for the music. So glad I've lived long enough to be able to enjoy his music and his model.

[@austenrobinson2747]

Hearing him talk about Thile Billy will learn so much from him if they keep in touch regularly. Would love to hear them play a few things together in the near future as Billy progresses.

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

It is so great to hear a talented artist like Billy admit that he needs to know more about his art. Humility wins! Your great Billy. Havagudun and God Bless.

[@robertbeger4275]

The past few years, I've become a huge fan of Billy. It has to be such an empty feeling to be so good, so proficient, so famous and yet be lost in a conversation with other trained musicians. Kudos Man for continuing to learn and improve! Wow! That sounds funny. Billy Strings improving. Kinda reminds me of Neal Peart always learning and working to be even better. I think it would be so easy to just kick back and cruise on what's made you successful but to keep working on it, man that's love.

[@Sean-os2pe]

Yeah like some of the other comments, what a brilliant amazing young man who wants to learn more and wants to increase his knowledge in his craft although he can walk away right now with many bags of money what a great American and a great example for all of us Americans!❤❤❤!

[@bumfitmusic101]

Humble, honest, and real, simply bringing it home...

[@scottblah2147]

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm not anywhere close to a good guitar player, but I seem to constantly work at it. This fits me so well. Again Mr. Strings, thank you for posting this.

[@sarcasticaification]

A True artist. Explore, express, inspire, doubt, learn, improve… A constant cycle. Technique can be taught, and is all well and good, but passion, talent, soul are what separate a technical musician, from an exceptional artist. I’m so glad he found the path to share his art, with a phenomenal group of musicians/artists, and strives to improve, grow, and amaze us on his journey.

[@bsmitty3976]

The most honest interview I’ve ever seen! Love this guy.

[@danieldacosta4350]

What a lovely. honest but most tellingly, incredible guitar player.

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Max humility from a guitar hero to so many! Makes a fan like him even more.

[@Indian_Outlaw_417]

Man, I'd give anything just to know half this much about myself..How humble a man to be an anomaly on his chosen weapon and still has no hesitation to admit that he can still learn from anyone..Billy The Kid is the man 🤘

[@skyjockbill]

Fascinating film. Such interesting metaphors and analogies used to describe the musical process. What a legend Billy is: an absolute genius and acknowledged master, yet humble as a begineer; seemingly zero unhealthy ego.

[@michaelyork423]

This is great to see. Awesome to see a great guitarist want to excel and working with the talent he is I can only wait to see how far it takes him.

[@pearlsbeforeswine60]

It's so heartening to know that even Billy is humble enough to keep learning. I've been picking for over fifty years, and a LOT of my stuff is stuff I figured out in the first five years I played, I'm just better at it now. I don't know theory either, I learned by ear and by watching people and looking at tablature to help me learn chords.

[@chuckrrose]

Very impressive…who knows where this will take him!

[@glmcreationsfilm]

Love love hearing about the guitar practice part where he procrastinates! Amazing how even he avoids practice. I appreciate how he said why avoid doing something fun! Yes, from exercise to music practice, it’s all so much fun… our brains just want us to stay in a state of rest which is avoidence

[@roberta.k4213]

So refreshing to hear as a lower end intermediate player. It gives me hope to move up to at least an Intermediate player!! Besides the theory stuff he mentioned, I understood what he was saying. Seems like a pretty easy going guy as well.

[@Storriesmith]

According to this kid, he didn’t know anything (musically) so he was just great and super talented and now that he’s “learning cool music stuff” he might be even better… Unbelievably awesome!

[@dixienumina519]

Billy is absolutely amazing! Talented beyond!

[@ajcmando]

Hearing Billy Strings say he needs to record a video 20 times gave me so much wind to my sails. I really appreciate his honesty here.

[@Richard.Handley]

Amazing interview! Really enjoyed this. Billy is an amazing dude and an incredible musician, now equipped with a broader palate all thanks to Sonora. So proud of you, Spencer. I'm one proud papa, that's for damn sure.

[@christopherhawthorne5395]

We have so much knowledge at our fingertips. And to have the perspectives on practicing, and learning - from a phenom like Billy and others is really a gift of our time

[@moshemorgenstern9636]

Guitar"geniuses" usually leave me flat. I'm more about the song. But I heard Billy and the boys at Lalapalooza and Good Lord it was simply beautiful.

[@chrisk8376]

What a great interview! Thank you Spencer and thank you Billy for being so candid and offering insight to the Sonora training. It will be exciting to hear how you grow musically in the years to come.

[@heidimckee8492]

I got to tell you, Billy… He wore my heart because you remind me of my son… God rest his soul… I saw you in Portland Maine last year. I think y’all were a bit tired lol but you still fucking kicked ass! Always play with your soul my love you’re amazing.

[@charlie35lc]

Billy, thank you for sharing this with us!!! You’re an inspiration in many ways to those paying attention to truth and heart.

[@mikehayes8079]

So much respect for this young guy. As a musician it would be great to sit and talk with him. So much of what he says is so similar to comments I used to hear from a guy I knew that spent decades in the NY Philharmonic. Continuous improvement.

[@bigpapi2658]

My son played trombone in high school. Marching band and jazz band. He put in so much work with theory. The other trombone players played harmony so his ear is amazing. Today he sings and plays guitar and he talks like a rocket scientist in the studio😂. He works so fast in the studio it amazing to watch.

[@willpolson7457]

I have so much more respect for this man for admitting his shortcomings on the guitar.

[@sheaiek]

Amazing interview to watch as an aspiring musician

[@nutmegtree2208]

Love this so much! Billy's honesty and openness about his musicianship is a beautiful thing. 💙

[@cptntwang]

It’s very enlightening to hear that he feels like I feel in certain situations. Honesty is a really good thing.

[@banjomechanic]

Aw man, this is gold! Billy is so down to earth and self-aware with his playing. I especially agree with recording yourself. I had never done this with guitar (video recording) but had to do it for a public speaking class and oh boy is it humbling to see myself give a speech the first couple of times. I became much more aware of my body language. I think I’ll give it a go with guitar, see how I present as well as hear what I actually sound like, and not how I think I sound. This interview is chock full of really great points on improving a person’s relationship with guitar (or any instrument really). Thanks for posting! 🙏🙏🙏🤘

[@spencertherren6806]

See you guys in Colorado this summer. Can't wait.✌️🇺🇲

[@accousticlee9843]

Hey Billy, Rob is amazing. He’s my mentor as well. World class player and even better teacher. Pop into an office hours one day and play with us!

[@cliftonlinton6796]

I’m a fiddler. Got so much from this video. Thanks for putting it out there Billy. All I try for is to practice 15 minutes a day. Usually I find that I get really absorbed and 45 minutes just flew by. Gotta try some strategies like the metronome and recording myself.

[@wendymac4919]

This is great, thank you. I have been wondering if Billy knows theory, or reads music, bc he's so amazing, as a singer, player and songwriter. This is good insight into his process of practice or writing.

[@DaddyMandM]

Respect Billy for your honesty and eagerness to become a better musician, allthough you are admired by so many grateful fans, listeners an followers. Good luck and have fun❤

[@HumbleDisciples]

Brother, first time Ive seen your channel.. you are top shelf at articulating things in a simple way .. bravo.. you got my respect and a new subscriber.. talking to the dude at the beginning who said you was the ceo if this etc .. i was bout to click away and say f it but ya realed me back in... Bravo man.. ty.. love this video too, love billy strings, etc.. thx man.

[@ericprout]

I love no matter how talented you are everything at the core ultimately is a job and work.

[@pvalaci]

This is gold!

[@elishaking5957]

Escanaba!!! Cant wait to hear this on the new record! Id recognize that opening lick anywhere.

[@chimricholds5503]

I’ve played the guitar off and on for 25 years, but after discovering billy strings, I’ve made it a point to play for an hour or two every day. It’s been a year and half now. I practice blue grass songs and difficult blue grass runs and solos. I feel guilty on days I don’t play, and I always have a guitar pick in my pocket.

[@LuisSolisOregon]

That's so impressive, right on Billy! I can't wait to hear how you use what learn!

[@mikehayes8079]

Amazing young man.

[@gabanjoman]

Growth and Expansion with his hat in his hand 👍

[@DanAshby]

Tremendous interview. Humility is so important.

[@sweetkittiez]

The music world loves you Billy ✌️🤟