BILLY TALENT: 10 ESSENTIAL RIFFS

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Hey everyone! Back again with another video in my new “10 Essential Riffs” series! This time aI rip through the discography of probably my favourite band of the majority of my childhood, Billy Talent! So many memories evoke from these guys music to even count, and I’ve always found Ian D’Sa to be a super underrated and unique guitarist. All the songs were re-recorded/mixed by myself with the exceptions of any of the songs that were on Billy Talent III, as the band actually released official “Guitar Villain” backing tracks which i used in this video! Cheers everyone and let me know what band/guitarist you’d like to see me to do next!:)

[@mikeyc123456]

Great video! Couple of questions about your recording process if you don't mind- did you take a MIDI version of the drums from a tab and give that to Superior Drummer, or what did you pass to Superior Drummer? What did you do for the bass track? Finally, are the guitars double-tracked here or is that just the stereo Line 6 Helix giving that width I'm hearing in the guitar? Really enjoyable to watch, man!

[@the.blues.shaman1116]

We need more bro

[@andretokayuk8100]

My stumpy nubs a bit jealous, but keep it rockin' nice energy...)/* clear video... good headbangers.. need more beer X)/*

[@DizzyDez613]

Ian is a brilliant guitarist. His writing is very unique.

[@klamin_original]

I do think he is brilliant at what he does but I also think if more guitarists would improvise more during their first years of practice, they would more likely become a riff writer like Ian. Cause all he does is playing intuitively when you only have one guitar but still need to play melody and rythm at the same time. It's simple on the one hand if you're familiar with it but not so simple if you've never practiced doing that.

[@remingtonr717]

@@klamin_originalI'm a musician who's struggling to incorporate that amazing lead aspect that Ian puts into his riff writing, any tips on how I can get there, like some sort of practice that will be useful, if there's any scales he often uses that sort of thing. Thanks man, just asking because you seem knowledge about achieving this sort of lead rhythm

[@klamin_original]

@@remingtonr717 playing in dropped D is the first step to success I’d say, the easiest part is playing a dropped power chord with your index finger and then trying to add harmonies and melody with your remaining fingers. I played some easier metalcore in my early days and that’s how I learned to play rhythm and a “kind of” lead at the same time. And that’s going to enable you to play some Billy Talent songs already in my opinion and as far as I remember it. But yeah, try it, dropped D power chords and then add harmonies with your remaining fingers and that will eventually lead you to intuitively figuring out finger sets for different chord targets. As Ian said he doesn’t really know what he’s playing because he’s probably playing with reference points and interval memory so to speak. I can relate to that, you know where important harmonies or notes are and you know the matching fret intervals of harmonies but you wouldn’t actually know the chord or note you’d be playing while playing or coming up with ideas. I never learned any scales although it certainly would’ve been helpful, but you can achieve all this without knowing scales just by knowing your reference points and harmony intervals on your fretboard. But that’s nothing you usually learn in theory, you pick it up while playing around. And sometimes it also helps to just try to play single notes for lead before adding the harmonies later. Sometimes a melody has to come naturally like a singing voice and later you add the choir basically ;) You can also try that with Fallen Leaves, it goes quite well without the harmonies and just a single note melody line. Finding the proper harmonies later is just some finger work but not as demanding as writing a melody with alle the harmonies already included.

[@remingtonr717]

@@klamin_original thanks so much man for the write up, will start playing around with drop d, Iv always stuck around in E/Eb

[@Izzy1782]

I put him in the same category as Intervals, Propaghandi and Mattias Eklund

[@Madjas00]

I first found out about Billy Talent from hearing the song Red Flag on SSX on Tour. They has been such an influential band to me. The riffs are so unique. I can honestly say I've never heard anything like them before. I also absolutely love the vocalist. They are in my top 5 bands of all time for sure.

[@JumpinJackClash]

I remember that game too! I found out about them when my cousin gave me Billy Talent II on CD for my birthday. Love that album. My mind was blown when Red Flag was in an SSX game because I love those games. I just saw them here in St. John’s maybe a couple weeks now. Wicked show! They did an encore and Red Flag was actually the last song they did.

[@wirti94]

I heard them in Burnout Legends :D

[@NichtBenni]

Loved to play this game / gem with my little brother 😁

[@maddawg_8266]

So glad you did Saint-Veronika ! Such an underrated song

[@ashleyeatsmuffins]

100% it's definitely top 5 or 10 (they have too many great songs ha)

[@kaput4291]

100%

[@daniel90550]

never delete this man

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

never will as long as youtube doesnt haha! here to stay!

[@professorkaos62]

Ian D'sa is by far my favorite guitarist, and Billy Talent is my favorite band of all time so this was nice to watch.

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Ian is the man, hes always been a favourite of mine! Glad you enjoyed thanks so much :)

[@VomitRottenn]

Dude Ian's playing is like its own language. He mentioned in an interview that he was in bands before with a lead guitarist and when Billy Talent started they lost their lead player so he compensated by literally playing both at once. I've never seen or heard anyone do it like him.

[@dvscool]

Good job man. We hear the term "underrated" a lot. But in this case, Ian is seriously underrated. All of his stuff is brilliant and unique.

[@msgdob86]

Absolutely-there are tons of extremely well-known people that are called “underrated,” but your use of the word is very appropriate here. 👊🏻

[@realFl1ck]

BT is probably my favourite Canadian bands but we have so many great bands to choose from

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Agreed! Its actually crazy how many bands are from here that slip under the radar elsewhere!

[@BrackyBracket]

Three Days Grace, Saint Asonia, Arkells, Bryan Adams, Rush, Nickelback, Streetheart, Sum 41, April Wine, Theory of a Deadman, The Tragically Hip, Art of Dying, Finger Eleven, Evans Blue, Harem Scarem, Danko Jones, Prism, Gob, Thornley, Big Wreck, Big Sugar, The Tea Party, Default, and The Trews. That's almost 30.

[@nicegli4372]

@@BrackyBracket can’t forget our lady peace !!

[@---oj5bn]

Silverstein !

[@beavcity]

@@BrackyBracket nickelback huh?

[@mathias6423]

I just love the style of the guitarist from Billy Talent , such a unique sound and play-style. Dirty yet very tight and awesome flow =)

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Ian rips mate!!

[@jamiemccoll2720]

Tone is insanely on point

[@mdz4270]

Wow great job, what a tone!!! 💪💪💪

[@darkwingdawg8797]

My head was constantly bopping. Amazing riffs, amazing covers!

[@skinnyd_tk6795]

Ian is such an underrated guitarist. he has flow, he has personality, he sounds funky, and he is rocking it. honestly the perfect mixture. glad billy talent has him

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

he sure is! one of my favs for sure in modern rock

[@STERNWAERTS]

the most unique guitar player in rock history ever, change my mind! great tribute

[@RDbodybuildingreardelt]

Jimmy Hendrix perhaps, but totally diffrent but you said history soo 😉

[@STERNWAERTS]

@@RDbodybuildingreardelt true in a way, but many have "copied" him or just used his style, it's great but approachable. i still don't hear anyone remotely sounding and playing like ian d'sa

[@naverich4603]

I mean, all of those riffs seems too difficult to even learn to play unless you have a lot of experience, I cant even imagine how can someone make that up :D They're just genious

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Yes Ian D’Sa is a monster on guitar his riffs are so unique and distinguishable!

[@void_snw]

Not experience, more dedication. But once you got those down most other things become very reachable. Except for metal. There isn't anything super fast in Billy Talent Songs - but man everything is so fun.

[@connorbayford316]

I find it’s the chords that Ian throws together that now it so hard, so many muted strings and odd shapes can be trouble at first, he’s very unique

[@heyericafox]

Your tone on This Suffering was spot on!!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

thanks tried my best to capture ians tone!

[@Ip2always]

You make it look easy... so many great riffs from BT

[@kazuwa]

Super cool dude 🎸!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks for watching!:)

[@uxtbI]

There are so much more from them. My personal favourite is Where's the line solo. Underrated but good

[@homeboi9794]

Absolutely nailed the tone

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Tried my best thank you!:)

[@mikejervis599]

I am an old guy that has been around since the 80s and I think Ian D'sa is one of the most inventive guitar players I've ever heard. He seems to have an endless bag of cool riffs, plus great tone. Nice job on video!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Couldnt agree more. His style is so distinctive to me at this point, the way he always incorperates chords with melody notes is so unique imo! Thanks for watching Mike!:)

[@Onk3lM0]

I first started listening to Billy Talent back in 2006 when Billy Talent II was released. It fit right into my edgy teenager phase and after a few years I stopped listening to the band since I asociated them with edgy teen music and not something you may enjoy "guilt-free" as an "adult". Now I'm 27 and for the past few years I've re-discovered many of my childhood bands. As a guitarist myself I was blown away by how awesome (and complex) Billy Talent's riffs are and I can say with confidence that they are an amazing band that should never have to bear the stigma of an edgy teeny band.

[@Yuzuki1337]

I agree with this so much! A few years ago when I was in my mid 20's I listened to Rusted from the Rain again, during a very bad period of my life and the song did what nothing and no one else could at the time: Release all those pent up emotions in one big session of crying. Still love the song to this day and nowadays the band is really inspiring me to pick up a guitar and play. Their stuff sounds incredible and looks damn fun to play.

[@TheGspoters]

Brilliant. What a rush coming upon this. Great band, great playing man .🤘🏽

[@TheRumbles13]

Subbed, just re found BT and my soul is thanking me. One of the original guitarists of the 2000s

[@foxhound2891]

Amazing. BT has been my favourite band since their first album dropped. Still one of my most listened to albums to this day.

[@deadpoolxo]

No Pins and Needles? D'sa is a genius riff writer. Good work dude!

[@SuperSuperdude88]

EXCELLENT playing man! wow! soo crisp

[@d_mills9187]

The Dead Can’t Testify riff was slick! Solid stuff man, love it!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Yeah man ive always really enjoyed it as well. Glad you enjoyed though thanks so much, lots more on the way!:)

[@Paul_Abbott_Landsraad_Project]

Pfffttttt, even considering this list would be mindblowing, let alone playing the riffs. Excellent work mate

[@ApCommunityRock]

fck awesome mate !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@_marlon]

Awesome shit! Ian writes such great riffs!

[@axelkruse7415]

Awesome playing man

[@nickeconomos3144]

man you killed it

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

really appreciate that Nick !

[@dinaintipi5703]

Great selection and playing! This band has so many cool riffs and probably my favorite Drop D riffs. Well done 👍✅

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Same here thanks for the kind words! Your great as well stay in touch!:)

[@Matt-ov1ud]

Nice work!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Appreciate the comment man!

[@ipeter6504]

You killed it !

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

thanks so much Peter :)

[@antoineshredz69]

Billy talent for the win!!

[@millerstainable]

Nice work! Would have thought Devil on my Shoulder would have been on this list somewhere

[@franksilva5802]

Awesome, you're rocking it brother. St. Veronica was Amazing. Love Billy talent, you did right on Ian's Amazing Riffs. RESPECT! 🤘

[@dylanware2193]

Awesome job man. Billy talent is my favorite band. Incredibly underrated

[@Adiaf8oros]

What a great video dude.. Thank you. Excellent

[@m0nkstringz]

all their riffs are just so powerful!!! i’m learning covered in cowardice right now and having a blast. love this compilation!

[@YoungYonk]

Fun fact about Covered in Cowardice, it is actually the title track of the Billy Talent II album despite them not having the same titles. If you can’t figure it out I’ll tell you why 😎

[@IronMannara]

Awesome job man

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thank you very much Anthony!!

[@Izzy1782]

Dead Silence has been my fav album of theirs, no doubt

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

underrated

[@SheSoSaavvy]

Favorite band ever since the day try honest played on much music lol

[@timmcnabb2282]

Awesome job!!!

[@chefjack33]

Man you getting some sick tones there, rock on brother!

[@michaelgayutMG]

This is simply awesome, bro.. love the energy , the vibes , the presentation ... Salute !!!!!!!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thank you so much! Stay in touch man!

[@kamaseinc]

Really nice

[@moritzs1528]

Great stuff

[@venturevlogz]

My favourite band I only have an acoustic but I’ll learn it either way! Rock on 🤘

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Hey they are one of mine as well and thank you for the kind words! I got the majority of my tabs roughly from Ulitmate guitar!

[@whitephillip6997]

@@cameronfarrellguitar Ultimate Guitar Tabs is so legit. I bought the premium pass when I was like 12 & there were only one or two pro tabs on the whole thing, but it was a lifetime pass for $25 & it probably was the best purchase I've ever made. I'm learning bass for a bunch of these & even the drums through UGT are accurate sometimes!

[@deemartin777]

Great video 👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thank you kindly!:)

[@suarez5357]

Awesome

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Glad you enjoyed !:)

[@johnjohannesjuan]

Nicely played! This has now become my Billy Talent riff to-do list. Devil on My Shoulder is missing, though.

[@michaeldschutte]

I wish I could like this video more than once

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks so much Michael , appreciate it brother 🤘

[@michaeldschutte]

@@cameronfarrellguitar great playing man. Such an underrated band

[@ludwigvannormayenn8657]

awesome

[@FL0247]

Sick man!

[@proanti4114]

Nice!

[@wildcoastbookings1158]

Smashed it mate!!!!

[@hiphopriffs7775]

Dude this is amazing. I missed Pins and Needles, one of my favourite riffs from my teen days lol anyways keep it up!! edit: just subbed

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks so much man! But you got me there sp true it was actually one of the last cuts i made for this vid! Billy talent ii in particular was hard for me to make cuts for cause almost every song has a really good base riff at least. Thanks for watching!:)

[@MellowJelly]

nice list, pins and needles is absolutely essential though

[@pablomenendezz]

Sickkkk man

[@bowlofrice7214]

I'm trying to learn Try Honestly by ear and by looking at this video, I got there first riff down

[@ghostwriter1440]

The man knows his stuff!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

I tried brother thanks so much!:)

[@m.valeron7832]

Keren banget marn gitar nya bos👍👍

[@matisa2190]

Thanks for the great content

[@damion19967]

Do lessons fr. Billy's my favorite band atm. Need to learn these songs. Pretty much got all the bangers in this list.

[@Adrimetalcore22]

Awesome video my dude! I really love playing the Saint Veronika one. Big hug to you.

[@DanNoz]

best video I've seen in a long time!

[@Onk3lM0]

JESUS CHRIST THAT PART IN SAINT VERONICA SLAPS SO HARRRRD!

[@scaregrow1927]

I love your tone

[@mktdreams]

I will be watching you playing the 🎸 guitar. Really loved it to watch you playing in style🤘

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks so much stay in touch!🤘🏼

[@mktdreams]

@@cameronfarrellguitar Sure👍

[@m.valeron7832]

Keren, mantap banget maen gitar nya👍👍

[@ryanwilson2792]

dude this is awesome billy is the best Canadian band imo there amazing great cover 👏

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Hey thanks man means alot! Yeah so many great bands actually come from canada its great!

[@jtron1991]

How's this not millions of viewz I hope Billy talent sees this It's pretty accurate

[@coastispunk]

Love this so much

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks so much for watching!😊

[@hschenck3394]

Great work

[@djtherunky]

Super Nice 🎸

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Your the best bro!:)

[@elizabethsorrel1478]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼amazing

[@julez2106]

Absolutely sick man, love your version of the riffs and one can see how much you enjoy playing them that's even more awesome! They are my most favorite part of their songs. Your version of this suffering is incredible, nearly as good as the original in my opinion you captured it very well👌🏻I'm just really discovering Billy Talent and am loving it, much love from Germany👍🏼

[@DanVolchok]

Dude so clean

[@Full0Armor4]

Sick guitar, tone, and playing!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thank you so much!:)

[@Full0Armor4]

@@cameronfarrellguitar You're welcome!

[@findyourenergy5962]

He feels it I love it

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Always bro, thank you so much:)

[@findyourenergy5962]

​@@cameronfarrellguitar🔥

[@germandrummer9099]

Respect man! That's awesome!!

[@metalheart3905]

It is good! Good sound cool‼︎

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Glad you think so! thanks bro!:)

[@katedeaux2039]

Awesome!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thank you so much!:)

[@Rbragg427]

Awesome job man, great video!

[@KristianNowak]

Nice

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

thank you, Kristian!:)

[@ChiliPat]

Oh hello random video that shows up at midnight while I'm completely high, reveling in nostalgia

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Live it up

[@rickgreenwood4185]

Wow, really hot Cam!!!👍

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks Rick!:)

[@LivingWithoutWalls]

Dude thank you so much for this

[@haikalthejack]

Nice playing there man !

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks man much appreciated!:)

[@dch3325]

cool sirrr 🔥🤟

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thanks man much appreciated!:)

[@sonicexperiments]

Careful selection of riffs! Great playing!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Tried my best! Lots more on the way stay in touch🤘🏼

[@sonicexperiments]

@@cameronfarrellguitar You are welcome. We will definitely see your new uploads. We believe you would like our effort on cover kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGKknoeAqtV5q6c and on own compsition kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIWtpaOZoJ6taLc

[@joaneckert729]

Well done Cameron 🤗

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Thank you!:)

[@galacticjuicedaddy1305]

Love that guitar tone 🙏

[@TheRumbles13]

Subbed! Much love from Alberta

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Your the best man, salutes from Ontario! Stay in touch man, love your taste!☺️

[@richardhamar444]

Love this dude!!!

[@cameronfarrellguitar]

Glad you enjoyed Rich and thanks! Lots more coming soon!

[@annikaschroder5573]

🔥🔥🔥