Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring John Myung

String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players. In this episode, Ernie Ball​ artist John Myung discusses his influences, playing bass for Dream Theater, and his Ernie Ball strings.
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
John Myung plays Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky bass strings: www.ernieball.com/guitar-stri...

[@yazkoo]

the guy who made this animation of John Myung's talking is a god of a modern digital graphic animation. The motion of the lips and the face in general is so natural. Great Job!

[@pilebunker420]

something something mass effect andromeda

[@kevinheckeler]

When John speaks, you fucking listen. lol

[@fender68able]

That's right! Even if it's only every few years!!LOL

[@RR-jx7tr]

yazkoo Hahaha lol

[@hedhliwael3677]

i am laughing at work :DDDDDDD

[@yalikejazz4380]

"There's a bass solo in a song called Metropolis where i play...a bass solo" -John Myung

[@mkklmann]

Sounds a lot like hearing myself talk, and I was diagnosed with Asberger's.

[@wesleyzimmerman94]

Well, it is a crazy two handed tapping section that's like a solo inside a solo

[@birkganze2977]

It's too complexe for us. That's why we don't understand.

[@ibnufasya6408]

That's why he never talks. It became a meme

[@samking7902]

"I don't tap very much but there's a tapping solo where I tap." I think that's what he said I can't remember lol

[@EpicFichti]

Holy shit, those strings need to be absolutely amazing if they make John Myung talk

[@michellsevilla3084]

Mr. BingBong 😂😂😂

[@leonardorancati6039]

How Is the intro solo called??? Bruh i wanna learn It

[@hanithehimbo3382]

@@leonardorancati6039 the glass prison

[@romanruiz3141]

I got some a couple days ago, they truly are great under the fingers.

[@jordythebassist]

I used them in the mid 00s and they were horrible, never used them again. For my money I'd take DR or Dean Markleys, but EB may be better quality now.

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

"Music is defining time with emotions, with notes." Thank you, JM.

[@HaireeyHashnan]

beautiful quote

[@cervinho2189]

Also “Practice is time spent with your instrument”

[@chrismorris6356]

No lie, a week ago at the Chicago show, I already purchased the VIP package. I was in line for the photo with the band. I brought my bass similar to the one he's playing only red/maroon and a 5 string. He saw the case and I have to believe he knew what it was. After the photo we started another line for the signature phase. We could have 2 items signed by the band. He was the last to sign it. THEN after he signed it he picked it up and started to play/practice on it. I was kind of freaking out because I forgot about the other item I was getting signed by the band (The Astonishing CD). After he was done he handed it back to me. He did speak to me as well. And the lady taking the photos snapped a photo of John playing my bass. Wonderful gentleman. That meeting made my year. Thanks John.

[@merqury5]

Shit that is incredible! Those guys are just incredibly humble.

[@1-minslomo129]

pls give me a link to the photo

[@biancasouza226]

The relationship between DT and the fanbase is one most strong in the metal/prog.

[@situacionando]

Marvellous! Do you remember what kind of stuff did he play?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

That's awesome brother!!!. Hopefully I'll be getting my borolo bongo very soon!!!

[@kxflory]

The Johns have been slaying prog together for 32 years. That's longer than most marriages.

[@gabrielbarblay8120]

Kyle Flory bromance goals

[@johnathangoldblatt2931]

lol

[@Moskal91]

They were doing it as kids too

[@Moskal91]

@americannovice americannovice he doesent talk

[@iwatchtheanime279]

Yeah.... my parents didnt last 10 years.... its all my fault..

[@hengkyjie5021]

The wait is over!! The end is near!!! Myung talk more than 30 seconds...

[@MrGul]

Enlighten us, what does John Myung say in the Live in Tokyo DVD, besides "Actually feeling kinda spooky"?

[@SpookySkeleton738]

"what's a joke?" -leila ros 2k17

[@BirdRacer]

like "There's a bass solo in a song called Metropolis, where I do a bass solo.."

[@Vulkanzed-117]

Hengky Jie you can thank ernie ball for making the silent man speak.

[@jcborges96]

He TALKS

[@DioStreams]

Jean Borges does he ever talk? (I'm kinda new to John)

[@jcborges96]

+Light Warrior (lightwarrior13) Rarely. If he does, it's for really short amounts of time.

[@jakepark9962]

He talked during his bass lesson dvd most of the time.

[@jcborges96]

+J Venturella because of obvious reasons, like here.

[@leeDs718]

Jean Borges i was waiting for this stupid comment.

[@santiagovanegas3812]

Dude's so Zen.

[@___717.]

I have a sneaking suspicion that he could be a samurai assassin. Think Jin, from Samurai Champloo.

[@Ledones]

He is a awesome person. I met him after the show last year in Sao Paulo. He received a drawing from a little girl and he got really excited. He smiled! All DT guys are amazing, I need to say!

[@xXxglassgowdreamxXx]

INTPguy11 yes

[@1967mdavis]

Have met the guys twice at meet and greets and there are no more humble, genuine musicians around. These guys are ALL phenomenal musicians and none of it has gone to their heads.

[@blandopher]

Mike Davis So true.

[@Muglinnor]

The Glass Prison - Dream Theater Perfect Lines (Flayin') - The Jelly Jam Nature's Girl - The Jelly Jam As I Am - Dream Theater

[@Muglinnor]

I forgot the name of that song, so I didn't add it to the list :p

[@alumnismuyapemri9862]

Awesone dude ... \m/

[@matusmoro955]

theres also halos in hell by the jelly jam

[@POskio66]

FINALLY!! Thank you Ernie Ball for finally producing a proper video/interview of John Myung. This is so F-ing rad!

[@claneemmanuel]

John is a man of focus, commitment, sheer will. Something you know very little about.

[@roguecheddar]

Clane Estremera , the Baba Yaga of the bass.

[@ilpatongi]

Naaah

[@fulgeptic]

This!

[@psyberiusblack]

Rumor has it. He once killed a man with a plectrum.

[@Metzae]

I've been listening to Dream Theater since 1994, and this is far and beyond more than I've ever heard John Myung speak. And even though I don't play a stringed instrument, I'll gladly buy some Ernie Ball strings if only because you got him to speak for several minutes. He is the opposite of a sellout, which makes me appreciate your product even more.

[@lewisjones284]

John Myung has made some beautiful lyrics, for example Dance of Eternity and Erotomania

[@cmvb]

Learning to live

[@levigoodwin3522]

Underrated comment!

[@chegevara8896]

overture, Hell's Kitchen and other beautiful songs!

[@ChrisHinton1967]

The lyrics are great, but his vocals on Stream of Consciousness are the best I've ever heard.

[@atlasisshrugging]

This is the most watched video in the Ernie Ball "String Theory" series. I think that says a lot about John Myung.

[@ChessCat1500]

Yup....who doesn't want to see John myung *TALKING*..??

[@renzorevilla1210]

Yep, unlike him

[@sanchzilla477]

Justin Chancellor's episode is the most watched now, almost 1 mil!

[@rbnh9827]

One of the Greatest bassist of all time. Great job Ernie Ball

[@johnmotherfuckincoltrane1242]

John Myung is the reason I started playing music. Thank you so much John.

[@VICTORPARK31463]

00:00 The Glass Prison - Dream Theater 00:55 Perfect Lines(Flyin') - The Jelly Jam 02:34 Halos In Hell - The Jelly Jam 05:12 Nature's Girl - The Jelly Jam 06:19 As I Am - Dream Theater

[@iagobarros8671]

On 1:00 is also from perfect lines

[@agelessstudio]

i wonder why myung choose this list ...

[@giuseppequaresima6420]

Thank you🙏

[@Tbritt2112]

@@agelessstudio He was preparing for a tour with The Jelly Jam around this time. :)

[@tristanyoung3632]

Ahh, I was wondering what those songs after "The Glass Prison" were. Thank you!

[@groovyryo88]

Comments topic 5% content about string 10% john myung's fan 40% john myung turn into CGI 45% john myung can talk

[@SuperStratosfear]

Pretty sure John just confirmed he identifies as a bass

[@MMAoracle]

SuperStratosfear Did you just assume his gender?

[@GoldFellaTim]

MMAoracle did you just assume his fender?

[@MMAoracle]

Spoonerboy962 lol

[@bolank2374]

SuperStratosfear tol!!!

[@LetsJamMan]

#basslinesmatter

[@codymccormick2613]

It’s pretty amazing how effortlessly he goes from light airy lines to pure metal riffage. No one else could play bass for dream theater.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Facts

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Seeing his fingers move on as I am in the end I can watch over n over

[@jacurururur8848]

maybe if you combined Steve harris and geddy lee

[@scottmartin6594]

Steve Di Gorgio

[@metalheadblues]

He doesn't talk much but his words are thoughtful and calculated

[@Xianpaul0523]

Calm down guys. They have filmed this for straight 3 years. Wait for him to talk. Then they just cut the parts where he talks and puts it together then we have this video.

[@sideparting6845]

Thanks to his android-like inability to age, we can't even see the cuts over such a length of time

[@alanmetalfight]

his voice is so young

[@baphodeath]

of course! he never uses it! hahahahaha

[@rockefeller5248]

That's because he is ... John M(young)

[@Muglinnor]

Rockefeller52 LOL

[@anonymousprime1738]

Because he barely uses it lmao

[@chemarodriguez6699]

Young miung

[@Andrian.Nilsen]

What's the name of the voice-actor?

[@EetFuk8]

That's fucking hilarious :D

[@jeffreyhermosura5152]

Darude - Sandstorm

[@lautaromontoya6690]

mohn jayung.

[@JackstandJohnny]

White people mad that Asians speak better English than they do.

[@Vulkanzed-117]

Andrian his bass guitar

[@Desto13]

I could listen to this man talk all day! Been a fan since 1992. Such a humble talented guy.

[@ShatteredWindowpane]

It's cool seeing John playing the Glass Prison in the intro. According to mike portnoy, he and John developed the riff that he plays in the video way back in 1996 when they were working on Falling Into Infinity. They haven't played the song since 2005, but it looks like JMX still likes it!

[@ShatteredWindowpane]

wcr4 Yup. Since Portnoy left they have left behind a large portion of their discography in favour of concert favorites. I'd rather see The Glass Prison brought back than hearing Breaking All Illusions again!

[@ashutoshgoit9540]

ShatteredWindowpane You could have said On The Backs Of Angels. Breaking All Illusions is a beast of a song. However, The Glass Prison remains unmatched.

[@HOLLOWOXDT1]

that's his most iconic bass intro for sure .

[@ironwolg]

The Glass Prison has a special place in my heart. It’s the first song I ever heard by Dream Theater and inspired me to start my journey as a lead guitarist. I desperately want to see it live in person one day.

[@vara_v]

Probably the longest interview he's ever done in front of cameras...

[@revylokesh1783]

It was taped over the course of 3 months, probably. A few words, here and there, each couple of days...

[@TheSonsofHorusx]

what did they threaten this man with to get him too speak at all, if not this much

[@balinttakacs4529]

well, we cannot say there are no strings attached for sure... :D

[@mesadrums375]

Your name deserves an award

[@ActualCouchPotato]

I'M CRYING. This is perfection .

[@dactorjones2430]

All jokes aside, this video is so full of musical knowledge and John deserves so much credit for his virtuosity and calm wisdom. His thoughts on recording when it’s happening is so smart for anyone writing music. It’s not to be forced, just let it happen when it happens.

[@fraser_cummings]

There is now a John Myung String Theory episode. This is a great episode featuring one of my favourite bass players and the fact that one of my other favourite bass players (Justin Chancellor) has a string theory episode as well, this made my day

[@jplb96]

Same for me. Two incredible and unique bassists.

[@harrystranger]

Loving the profile pic! Saw AB in Sydney a few weeks ago, amazing show!

[@fraser_cummings]

Harry thank you!! Saw them in Glasgow back in December. They're great live!

[@harrystranger]

Fraser Cummings for sure! Always great to run into another fan!

[@hallquiche]

"I should be able to figure it out" 35 years later he is probably the best bass player of all time.

[@mathbrook]

HeHoZy Nice fucking meme

[@dadude7]

HeHoZy Eh? Calm doon.

[@fred8453]

lol. what about Geddy Lee. calm down.

[@andrewbrietbart7396]

JUSTIN CHANCELLOR IS SUPERIOR TO AAAALLALALALALAL

[@gunnar2321]

+Andrew Brietbart again, what about geddy lee. Not to even mention claypool and jaco.

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

JM is like a quiet yet powerful force behind a lot of DT's success. The practice regimen he talks about surely influenced the band from the very start. A lot of the riffs he comes up with are later duplicated on guitar and worked into songs. He's also one of the nicest and most unpretentious musicians you'll ever meet. God bless the man.

[@Phillyfast]

Good God.... the tone and watching his fingers fly when he's playing. Thank you Ernie Ball for giving us this footage and for making JM talk for almost 9 minutes!

[@AliothSenator]

A true professional.

[@vincecarpenter661]

Got to talk to John at asbury Park. Lots of rumors saying how he never spoke. Turns out he was very talkative and included in the conversation, and low key funny. He was incredibly humble and nice and I feel very lucky to have met him.

[@TheSiege703]

“Practicing is just spending time with the instrument” - John...my goodness that was beautiful

[@david-fm3gv]

The dude has a super dark vibe about him. Seems like a perpetually somber character. Would love to really get to know the guy that inspired me to pick up the bass all those years ago.

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

tuna rage He’s very zen, very intelligent and very into playing bass

[@manifestgtr]

Eh, not really...if you listen to the “when dream and day reunite” commentary, you get a glimpse into his private character. Much more chatty, self deprecating and occasionally goofy than his public face. He even has a few funny little outbursts in there.

[@ferox965]

I wouldn't say dark as much as focused and serious.

[@hl6816]

His tone is so amazing. It sounds clear in the low end, yet really powerful. The mids and highs are all accounted for, but in an appropriate manner. Nothing sticks out as being out of place. Also his playing is very consistent.

[@MrColdJin]

Came for the memes. Was not disappoited.

[@robbyatmaja6896]

Eugenio Palombella XD

[@JRSRLN]

What meme?

[@thechickennuggetoffate9139]

0:51 anyone else find it ironic that he found a bass at a FLEA market?

[@zacharydutton4470]

The Chicken Nugget of Fate lol one year later and still funny

[@DelDuio]

Only in a band like DT can someone like Myung be possibly overshadowed. He's like the Alex Lifeson of Dream Theater.

[@NihilisticSnake]

No I believe that honor goes to their pianist.

[@Elchinodiabolero]

This guy might get far if he practices

[@Elchinodiabolero]

obviously dude... I mean, I've never been into Dream Theatre but i shure know who the band members are XD

[@BirdRacer]

Elchinodiabolero he meant talking practice

[@tatebrown4348]

@@Elchinodiabolero Did you just reply to your own comment?

[@Elchinodiabolero]

@@tatebrown4348 no, there was a coment before but I guess it got deleted

[@AngelHernandez-rp5fp]

@@Elchinodiabolero 2 years later and still replied 👍

[@manifestgtr]

I’ve always found John’s detectable Long Island accent funny. No one else in the band (except portnoy maybe) really has that to the same degree. You see John and he looks like he’s spent a decade in the Korean mountains, studying the way of the orb weaver. Then he starts talking and he sounds like an investment banker.

[@adamschaak9527]

"John Myung plays Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Bass 5 strings" *looks at the 6 string bass he played the entire video*

[@Benni1503]

Thats true. I play the same strings but the high C string can only be bought individually

[@Michael_Michaels]

I have waited so long to see such video with Myung!!! Thank you!!!!

[@michaelcrane4765]

I love John as a bassist... he just seems so calm and in the zone when playing.

[@NicolasPare]

"The best time to record something is when it's happening." - John Myung

[@fatboylovepizza]

his voice is just mellow and soft, thank you ernie ball!

[@gregv.4198]

I can't even tell what is more exciting - HIM playing bass , or HIM actually speaking :-)

[@TheSlenderBassist]

he's just so serene in his setting especially when playing bass, the focus is so real💯

[@SanchitKumar89]

I love this guy! So down to earth, and of course a legendary bass player!

[@XiyuYang]

You can tell the amount of dedication this man have committed to music, just by watching how he talk & look at the camera

[@szalame631]

Why is it so relaxing and just cozy listening to him at the end of the video?

[@joshuaworman4022]

would love an entire series of jon just performing these bass lines from all over there discography.

[@davidj.ebacher4745]

Outside the fact that John is rather private, this is a valuable interview; a musician speaking about his love music and for an instrument while letting the instrument "speak" so to speak as well... I always smile at some of those little shades of John Entwistle like licks and runs...👍

[@aedeceaecde5873]

the Enigma machine

[@MojoPenguin]

Hats of to the video edit - and fantastic player :)

[@PoleyB1]

John Myung is in my Top 3 of my fav Bassist. Just AMAZING!! Bongo 6 is on my list of must haves.

[@oldchanel3956]

Long live the never aging legend John Myung!!

[@alumnismuyapemri9862]

We have waited so long for thousands of years to see this. Hail John Myung. Big thanks Ernie Ball \m/

[@Jasonweckard]

I love John's tone.

[@Ayba_Funtube]

Amazing guy, Love Master John Myung !

[@bewe_id9212]

John Myung sounds soo good....😍😍😎

[@leonardomattarmonteiro2824]

So thrilling to hear THE Best BASS Player in Music History saying that he was in awe with the same Albums&,Bands I was in my early adolescence. You're THE GREATEST,SENSEI MYUNG

[@aniketsanyal5586]

Practice...as time spent with one's instrument. Damn. John Myung is a seemingly zen-like speaker to me (when he speaks). What he says here about musical approach could apply to any discipline or aspect of life. Brilliant.

[@onenightstandbaltimore4456]

It EB 23 years for them to get enough footage of him taking to put this 8 min video together. I'm glad they stuck with it!

[@vextierier9938]

Happy birthday John Myung

[@anirudhchandroth5044]

An ideal role model when it comes to bass playing and attitude towards life 🤘

[@mikebrueggman6666]

"Music is defining time with emotions, with notes" -John Myung

[@sarojlama6336]

The living bass prodigy. Master Myung.

[@emmywillow6599]

I might be able to see them in December and I'm sooooo hyped

[@casperolsen8951]

I absolutely love this guy!

[@rafaquiroga5]

I´m I the only one that think that John´s voice is perfect for ASMR? I have hear many John´s interviews and I have always think of that

[@worthless_opinion]

I thought so too!

[@renebriones9581]

You go Jphn!!!! Love your bass lines!!!!!! Regards, Rene , Sarasota, Florida

[@aLr_boosh]

hearing that as i am bassline was awesome at the end! Still one of my favorite bass players ever!

[@Hugo-tf6no]

what an amazing sound

[@marcoferrao]

He was a great inspiration to me, as a bass player and now as an accoustic guitar player also. I see some of the lines I play on the accoustic guitar is actually quit similar to his. Never noticed until today.

[@pwokaren]

This guy is amazing. Great sound !

[@sergiorivas6789]

My main influence on bass. Nice playing

[@shadyburnike264]

One of the GREATS

[@bengosse7217]

This is the best interview that we will ever get out of him.

[@magnusbnordh9624]

Nice that he plays some of Perfect LInes, "abit fast!". Great sounding bass-pedals in that one, and that´s a cool tune.

[@johnstitt2615]

The simmering growl of his bass. 👌🎸😎

[@metalpower18]

The Legend!!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Since the live in Tokyo vhs I have been hooked on John myung. He will always be my bass hero. He's like superman to me and I'm a grown ass man now

[@jeremythornton433]

This is great! I look over my shoulder and see a set of Ernie Ball bass strings still in the package. Gonna have to put them on soon once the set on my bass now are losing tone.

[@randys5568]

John Myung has such a calming voice. Also that bass tone is the sound of heaven and hell combining into one.

[@aedeceaecde5873]

great legend love him the best

[@kyletoy2556]

I actually love how he spends most of the video playing tunes from The Jelly Jam. I love what he does for Dream Theater, but The Jelly Jam is what really solidified him as one of my all time favorites.

[@suspiciousdoge9yand104]

Somebody ought to make a 10 hour version of this. JM speaks!!

[@Msruthi91]

Awesome! My hero John Myung!

[@GalleryBones]

Absolute legend, JM is my hero

[@chrishansenwithdatelinenbc4775]

This whole video was pure ASMR. Especially when Myung was talking.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Way late to this and I’ve said it in other videos of yours but whomever the DP is should get a raise and a movie.

[@fabianocarvalhodebrito776]

I love this guy!

[@sudharsanpaskaran]

Amazing guy

[@klomezanktv8841]

John Myung Dream Theater..one of the best bassist in the world

[@faelforgotten2012]

One of the bests of the world