EBow : I Share ALL of My Secrets!

[@TheGuitologist]

I've been playing and recording with ebow since about 1997 or so. This is the best ebow tutorial I've seen. For those wanting to get into ebow, they should start here. Great job.

[@MadeOnTape]

your string crossing exercise has changed my life...i've used the ebow for years and it never occurred to me to slightly angle the ebow. love your channel!

[@chordsoforion]

Great to hear!

[@xinaesthetic]

I’ve had an eBow since I was a teenager in ‘99 I think. I’d been talking about getting one for a while, and eventually decided I was pretty ready to take the plunge. I was talking about this with a friend of mine, who responded by somewhat anxiously urging me to maybe hold off for a bit, think it through in case I decided against etc. I insisted that I was pretty sure and there was really no point holding off any longer, at which point he had to reveal that he and a few other friends had already brought me one as a birthday present that was supposed to be a surprise. Still always makes me think about my great friends whenever I use it.

[@Urdatorn]

Best friends ever!!

[@laska747]

A great track featuring e-bow is ‘Stand inside your love’ by Smashing Pumpkins. Spine tingling!

[@MStaynor]

Up until this video I didn't even know string switching that fluid was possible! Thank you!

[@BrianMason1000]

Exactly!

[@gillespiewrga]

After decades of playing, my right elbow is a mess and I can't play guitar like I used to. But your video on Ebow has me encouraged that I can play again. Off to dig my ebow out of the music gear junk drawer, get a fresh battery, and study along with your excellent video. Thanks.

[@jfo3000]

For your rt elbow, have you tried triceps exercises like extensions or push-ups? Push-ups keep my elbow pain to a minimum, and my fast picking more consistent.

[@mykhedelic6471]

Got the mid-era red LED version back in the day. A capo, a slide and this thing are about the most amazing "accessories" ever made for the guitar. All hail the eBow.

[@mrz80]

Ooooh, that never even OCCURRED to me. eBow plus slide! (*rummages around in the guitar case*) This is gonna be FUN! :D

[@Proceedtheweedian]

I’ve seen so many aggressive comments towards the ebow in KZbin…people just don’t want to learn, experiment, feel new things. I have one since I saw Sòlstafir live, and my friend: this tutorial is GOLD.

[@James-3000]

10:24 you're blowing my mind, man...how are you not the official spokesman for EBow?

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

ebow have a spokesman? haha. it took me years after i started playing many moons ago to really ever find out what an ebow was. i had no idea that they even existed. if ANYONE was their spokesman it would help, let alone Chords of Orion. hahaha.

[@theoryofthrash]

My new e-bow is arriving tomorrow, perfect timing!

[@andrewpetrie73]

Excellent stuff. Bought an EBow today and searched straight away to see if there was a Chords of Orion video on getting the best out of it!

[@Riso-Musik]

I'm glad I found this video. I've been looking at an ebow for my 12 string as I like weird sounds. Had synths for years but recently got back into my 12 string guitar

[@bobbykbobette7426]

8:37 nice Smashing Pumpkins vibe

[@jeffreyklaproth7794]

GREAT TUTORIAL! I’ve used one occasionally for years. My simple great takeaway from this is to turn down the tone button on your guitar. Huge props to the mother fer that invented this thing lol!

[@andrehammon4155]

Whenever I watch your videos, I feel very inspired by your way of teaching the guitar new sounds. You do it very competently, with a lot of empathy and a feeling for good sound. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Andre Hammon

[@masmachina803]

Thx Bill. The multiple string technique is invaluable!

[@chordsoforion]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theverseshed]

Perfect example of a first class demo - everything explained and demo'd straight away. I'm new to Ebow, so this will be my reference point. Cheers.

[@dbvetter7485]

Great lesson, I remember E-Bow was always a major advertiser in Guitar Player magazine in the 70’s, I always wanted one and finally bought one after 40 years. I really haven’t gotten into learning it yet but will starting next month. I’ll try it on my bass too, see how it works on bass.

[@paulauksztulewicz4803]

Nice Holdsworth! I have the original “chromed plastic” Ebow which came with that handy leather holster for your belt. Side note- my Holdsworth (the one in profile pic), was one of his personal guitars. Miss Allan greatly.

[@Joldrath]

Great once again m8. Such a huge inspiration.

[@jimmeaton4633]

So great to hear detailed guidance without sounding at all condescending or dumbing it down. A lesson to other demo sites. I still have the original eBow which I still use along with the current model. I've been using this device for over twenty years and are still learning, especially after watching this brilliant video.

[@ComfortWithinNoise]

guitarist for 25 years, I use guitar very often in sound design. Just got a bow and this is priceless thank you so much for this knowledge

[@alejulul2379]

ebow with bass and the earthquarker pedal the sea machine is awesome. I like to add a little delay too.

[@Steven-u5w]

Welcome back to this video and watch a few minutes of it or so. I'd be so tempted to try stacked delay. Pedal stack compressors

[@Dazz1806]

Bill, thank you so much for this. You’ve explained the technique so well. I’ve always wanted an Ebow. I think it’s time

[@Xcorgi]

One of the best Ebow tutorials on KZbin! I’ve always loved Stuart Adamson’s guitar 🎸 sound from Big Country so this video inspired me to finally send away for my first Ebow today!

[@dlswint]

I've had my EBow since the late 1980's, and I love it. It's such a versatile accessory, and I always have it nearby when I play.

[@edwardmorton6691]

just got one today. im hooked. excellent tutorial and treasure chest of ideas. thank you.

[@NsteveA]

Thanks for this, Bill! I've had an Ebow for probably 15 years but it's never been a regular tool for me and this video smashes the re-learning curve.

[@sennstrato7281]

I just ordered a e-bow today. Can't wait to get it and your video was very informative and I know I will be coming back to watch it again once I get my e-bow. Thank you.....

[@ronnieroxx13]

I've had an e-bow for about 10 yrs. or more, no clue how to use it...THANK YOU!!!

[@brandontadday6288]

One of the coolest songs I've heard that uses an Ebow is the intro to 'Limbs' by Agalloch. Absolutely blissful.

[@GahMehGrrrr]

Love that carvin too

[@chordsoforion]

I must admit to being rather fond of it. ;-)

[@undersoundproductions1915]

Stuart Adamson big country deserves a mention for his use of ebow especially in the album the crossing. With Bruce Watson.

[@AlekVila]

Nice intro to the Ebow. Thanks!

[@ant1sokolow]

Thanks!. One of your vids 'sold' me a e-bow some times ago, and i really bought (a Joyo as you state it was decent and found one at my local music shop) one a few weeks ago.. I quickly discovered it was very difficult to play! Even making it to ring is difficult at first. I did some progress but tiny and felt discouraged. I think i needed a basic tutorial (and secret sharing oeuf corse..) and perhaps give some more time to the object. With that in mind i plaid it already with much more success within minutes. Thanks again!

[@kolkmeiester]

Thank you for this tutorial! Just got an ebow and am learning this new technique. I’ve learned a lot from your videos and you are very inspiring!

[@danthsmith]

My son bought me one and was slightly ashamed because I gave up straight away. This made it really clear. Sounds great. Thanks

[@roderickmathison5245]

Malcolm Jones, from the Scottish rock band Runrig, uses one quite a lot (for that mystical, Celtic sound, obviously). Supposedly they work (just and no more) with (steel/string) acoustics.

[@ayoungethan]

they really do need a magnetic pickup to interact with to get full power

[@zionsoldier7556]

Sir, my Ebow just arrived, man, this thing is incredible. Just take a little getting used to but this thing is out of this world.

[@CJSkip]

Thanks so much for sharing !!! This is by far the best ebow demonstration/clinic/workshop I've seen!!! Much gratitude!!!

[@Will-fi9xv]

Just got my Ebow today and I can honestly say coming from a metal and worship guitar player this will definitely help with lead guitar on a worship team if you're thinking of trying it out I say do it!

[@RobUttley]

This is very much the most creative tutorial on the EBow that I've seen. Kudos Bill, and thanks for the ideas!

[@williamacuna3996]

A very complete and well done video! Very good!

[@atmafra1971]

Very good and very useful! Bill is always a great source of inspiration, thanks a lot!

[@Docsjeff]

It's got a sort of "middle eastern" tone. Sara Jory is a Pedal Steel Guitar player from the U.k.She used on the E Bow on Hank William's tune "Mansion on the Hill" There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was one of the prettiest things I've ever heard.

[@johnhanover2229]

Excellent tutorial. I just have to work around external and smaller pickups. Ready to experiment with magnets, and magnetic strips to bounce the signal.

[@Dave-ug9bh]

Complete gold info being shared here 👏👏

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!!!

[@juanshaman3177]

Wow, you're such a great teacher and artist, artist and teacher. Thank you!

[@georgetouros6021]

What a timely video! Are you reading my mind? I just got an ebow and loving it. Thanks for this amazing lesson!

[@chordsoforion]

So good to hear!!!

[@georgetouros6021]

@@chordsoforion your channel is always a source of bliss in my day, but also a great resource for tone building and practice. Thank you!

[@henkehakansson2004]

One other thing I've discovered. Vibrato. You can't do as wide vibratos with any of them E-bows without the string choking into the "tunnel walls" of the E-bow since you "bend" the string. You have to retract the e-bow back at the bridge position, all the way, or as far as it will go, but then you'll lose momentum and more often it is weak sustain at the upper harmonic only. Same with doing wide bends on the plain G-string. One can't really "follow" with the E-bow in that direction, or slant or angle it. My tip for vibratos is to use classical finger vibrato ALONG the string, so the pitch goes both up and down, a la Fripp style. May work for some strings but not all.

[@mothersgauri4137]

This is an absolutely fantastic video !! You are an excellent instructor and this is super helpful !!! THANK YOU !

[@petemarron6677]

I remember seeing those in the music store in the 80's,a scetch of jimmy paige on the package with a violin bow. I'm surprised that they're still around.

[@CarcPazu]

Wow, amazing. I really stopped at step one, I need to get back on the saddle.

[@billmiller9145]

That 1st string E was the hardest to reach a consistent sounding. I love it on the low E.

[@scottymac3634]

Great video. The multiple-string stuff was really good. I'm guessing that rolling the tone down makes it sound less clunky. And then when you used the clunk for a percussive effect: kaboom, mind blown! Thanks so much.

[@MrJustinreese]

Thank you for that string switching excercise. I know what I'll be practicing this week.

[@RustHawk82]

5:15 sounds exactly like the intro to Inxs' "Don't Change"! Great vid here and I'm definitely going to pick up the EBow again.

[@SteveHorne]

Looking at the ebow and this was the first video I watched. Very nice presentation and demo of possible sounds! Thanks a lot 🙏

[@GCalvers]

This is so relaxing and informative at the same time.

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks very much!

[@janetkirk6266]

Great comprehensive tutorial.

[@duaneanderson6393]

I too have been using the E-bow since it's initial release . I am an E-BOW fanboy , no question about it. Great advice and demo. I hope you are recovering from the demon virus. peace and harmony Duane

[@chordsoforion]

Thanks Duane. Glad you are a fellow "EBower". and yes, I am getting on pretty well from being sick. Next week should be back with the usual 2 vids.

[@samuelj.rivard]

i just started! its really fun!

[@duaneanderson6393]

@@samuelj.rivard aint it just a droning woot! an E-Bow and a DAW, is more fun than new bubble gum

[@samuelj.rivard]

@@duaneanderson6393 actually i consider my DAW as a huge pedal board horde orde rde de de de... oops forgot that delay was on on on n n n n 😂

[@duaneanderson6393]

@@samuelj.rivard I use reason 11 , for over 2 decades reason has allowed me to do as I pleased configue and fine tune huge amouts of gear in lost'sa way then save the whole in sane mess into a saved preset called a combinator , that me say I agree with you. oh and I can automate just about everything .... 😆 as if ....🤯

[@georgerichardson7728]

Thanks Bill, I was falling into the one string rut with my Ebow, you're rescued me.

[@matthewjones6836]

Nice tutorial, a tip I may inject here is to use palm muting techniques can really help with the dynamics and erroneous noises you may want to minimize.

[@tdrake59]

Just used my Joyo ebow in a worship set last week. It's not something I use alot, but sometimes it's just the right thing.

[@chordsoforion]

Nice!

[@ZigbertD]

One thing I've had to spend a fair amount of time focusing on and practicing when switching strings is to make sure to completely release the currently sounding note and mute the string before the switch. Otherwise, if that string is still vibrating at all, when the rail comes into contact with it, it will produce a very unpleasant buzzy clang sound. Pretty much the antithesis of the ethereal, mystic sound that you might want from an Ebow. It's actually a bit tricky to do quickly and fluidly, and it does take practice.

[@andygardiner4485]

Been 'using' an eBow for years - now I'm going to start 'playing' with one ! Excellent CoO video as usual, many thanks & well done !

[@andygardiner4485]

the 'switching strings' business is a literal game-changer !!!!

[@Suite100Music]

Nice Carvin.

[@perrykline88]

Great video, love to watch Phil Keaggy use the Ebow (40 years+).😀

[@Jonathan01ukk]

Love the e-bow, used one for years. Changed guitars recently, turns out one of the new guitars has a noisy neck p/up so not best for e-bow. The other new guitar is a single coil and is taking some getting used to with the e-bow. But then it took a while to get the old guitar working properly so the trick is to stick with it (miss that old guitar!).

[@metroidmania8833]

Also, I noticed that if you don't have a volume pedal, which I do, but I'm not using it, you can palm mute slightly to get a little better control.

[@ImJEllisAF]

Always good to have an ebow in the arsenal

[@chordsoforion]

That's my general life philosophy. :-)

[@Barflew1]

Excellant lesson Bill..Been watching your channel for a while now..Very well presented and Clean Sound..Just got my 1st Ebow today..We're the same age..Been playing midi guitar since it came out..Had the Fernades and Sustainiac ..Been using the Digitech Freq-Out feedback sustainer for a few years now-on and off...The Ebow has the Best control...Definitely picked up some Tips..Sweep picking with the Ebow..Didn't know That could be done.....Got a 2020 PRS Baritone-last year..1st guitar I picked up to use with the Ebow....Enjoy your Playing...Thanks.....Best Regards....

[@bvs5164]

Thank you Bill, excellently presented.

[@theswissmiss69]

Gonna definitely get this if I ever get good at playing guitar and I wanna play Heroes.

[@burado1974]

Just got one last week. Wanted one for ages. Very cool effect.

[@TheSalinski]

I first heard the ebow listening to Bill Nelson!

[@LautzenheiserFamily]

You seem to have more confidence in me than anyone in my family combined! :)

[@xamxamxamxa]

I love the cello style :)

[@RedCarRecords]

Love the sound at 10:25!

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

Such a cool technique and sound. Thanks for the clinic. I’ll go grab an e-bow today. ☮️

[@user-yh5ln4zw7w]

Great tutorial! Thank you so much!

[@dylpluck]

Thanks, man. This has both taught and inspired me through an almost random click. I've done little more than play around with mine for minutes at a time over the years. Well done.

[@g.koch.]

I love this thing, I use it on my rhythm (darker neck pickup) circuit on my Jazzmaster to control volume and tone 🤩😎

[@michaelmattson3515]

Been using both Ebow’s the Black & Grey ones. Never tried the sweeping trick. That’s cool. I still have the cassette tape that comes with the Ebow instructions from years ago. Thanks again.

[@chordsoforion]

Cool that you have the old cassette! I had one for many years, but it got lost in the shuffle as they say.

[@CedricSatterfield]

Is there anything on it not in the literature that comes with it now? Could you post it somewhere or Google drive link it ? Someone may want it, or to transcribe itto share with others

[@raysaade]

17:50 that's dexterity right there!!

[@ThePunklutz]

I'd never even HEARD of an EBow before tonight. I had been considering covering/parodying Love & Rockets' Holiday on the Moon, and was researching Daniel Ash. He was a user of the EBow, and this video has BLOWN me away. If Ash used an EBow on this song, it fully explains how he performed his melody in the song. Also, I'm a huge fan of cello/double bass, and I feel like if this is possible with a bass guitar, I could do things with it that I don't need extra instruments for. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this video! It was amazing! you have lots of skill and you teach well. Kudos!

[@chordsoforion]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I will say that while the EBow can be used with a bass, it is not designed for the larger string spacing and the heavier strings. It's harder to get strings moving, etc. That being said, do search here on KZbin for "EBow Bass" and you will see a bunch of bassist who have used it successfully.

[@ashha-shamaim5293]

You might want to check out 'Christian Says' by Tones on Tail, in which Daniel's use of the Ebow is very prominent. In fact, he used it on several tracks with ToT. I'm sure he used the Ebow with Bauhaus, too, before that, but off the top of my head I don't remember where.

[@jfo3000]

I'll be trying the Ebow with my DigiTech Drop pedal for a full octave detuning...to get low bass notes.noyes. But per Bill's advice, with smaller guitar strings.

[@peterdenyer3002]

Bill, you just get better and better with your videos, thanks man. I just bought an e-bow as per your demo of several versions.

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

Due to your very inspiring music and this very instructional video, I decided to buy me an Ebow. It will be a challenge to learn to play the guitar in a completely other way, but I enjoy the new sounds I can produce. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@chordsoforion]

While the EBow journey can be a bit of a challenge, it is well worth it!!!

[@stickman55100]

This is an incredibly helpful lesson. Thank you.

[@ludwiglanestudios]

So I heard Nazareth's "Love Hurts" and I'm pretty sure they use an E-Bow on that song, along with a lot of phase shifting and chorus effects.

[@samuelj.rivard]

i just receive my Ebow this afternoon! this guide will be very useful thank you!

[@chordsoforion]

Excellent! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@samuelj.rivard]

@@chordsoforion thank to your video iam progressing really fast! much faster than i expected!

[@wrenchhead6840]

Yea damn…. I was thinking about finally buying one of these and then saw this vid…. Went right to sweetwater and paid out. Excellent demo

[@QuietToproll]

16:38 That’s awesome.

[@edwardjones4572]

Really nice - thank you! I’m glad I discovered your channel.

[@metroidmania8833]

Damn, I thought I'd get some helpful tips on here to do my fretless guitar version of Eleanor Rigby, (which is my first attempt at using the Ebow), and I'm already using multiple strings, unlike, as you say, most people out there using these things. I already have the bass section figured out and some of the cello. It's a MILLION times better with a fretless guitar for orchestration type creation. I think I already figured out most of what you're sharing here. I tried rolling down the tone as well, and it's much better. I also made a rail that pops into the pup rings just beyond the low E because I kept hitting the string with the Ebow without the guide string there, also while playing fretless, which is a totally different animal. I have to compose Eleanor Rigby for a guitar forum contest. I hope these people appreciate the amount of effort going into THIS one! It also helps to have a very good ear when using this thing with a fretless. It's a curse sometimes though, on karaoke night, when I want to stick forks in my ears. 😂

[@chordsoforion]

Have you checked out the official Heet Sound EBow channel? They have a video version of the old instructional cassette, and several other videos including a Bach piece and a little snatch of Elanor Rigby. www.youtube.com/@ebow4119

[@elmeromero6559]

Very good video , thanks a lot

[@frankvaleron]

These are great tips. I've never got past one string melodies but am going to practice these techniques. Percussive stuff is very Michael Brook

[@EdwinDekker71]

Excellent video.

[@Junior-jw1bb]

This was very helpful. Thanks for posting it