Ernie Ball String Theory ft. Tim Henson of Polyphia

“Guitar playing to me is more of a means to an end, the end being the creation of music. The guitar is a tool to execute my ideas and bring them to life." In this episode, we speak with Polyphia's Tim Henson about his approach to the guitar as a vehicle for expression and songwriting.
Tim Henson relies on Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom electric guitar strings. You can find them here: ernieb.al/sthb
Tim also uses Ernie Ball Clear & Silver Nylon Classical strings which you can find here: ernieb.al/ClearSilver
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players. Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
#TimHenson #Polyphia #StringTheory

[@ggaarreenn]

I love that he “practiced with the intention of becoming the best guitar player on Earth” and it shows.

[@dbelliottisbond]

But right before that he said to become the best you sell your soul...subliminal messaging or am I schizophrenic?

[@tylertissington6027]

@@tj32408 your quite ignorant if you dont think tim henson is one of the greatest guitar players in the world

[@melodica5407]

Still sucks at improvising anyway

[@keesketsers5866]

@@melodica5407 : Only thing I'm really good at.....but I'll trade my talent with his any day :))

[@fortuneneverfavoredme1165]

Not as long as I exist

[@CHRISHERIA]

Tim is a legend 🔥🤘🏾

[@none76ui]

Timmy's brother!

[@finnjohnson756]

Bro you guys r literally my favourite two KZbinrs ❤

[@blakasmurf]

Boomer bends! 🤣

[@Androidsniper1]

Yo Chris, btw I’m y’all’s biggest fans, rn I’m trying to buy the weight vest and Tim’s guitar, I’m 16 and hugely inspired by y’all. Also, if you know where Tim gets his “stage armor” the thing on his guitar ? Thanks y’all, heave a great day!

[@carliniguitar]

Well done Ernie Ball marketing department!!! Loved hearing Tim talk about his story and his music. Great visuals too. Tim spends just a short time talking about Ernie Ball in the middle of the video, but does not bombard us with attempts to sell. He gets the point across, but doesn't turn the video into an in-your-face sales pitch. THIS is GREAT marketing. I don't know what those clowns at Liberty Mutual and other dinosaur companies are thinking, wasting our time with their trashcan boring ass commercials, but if all marketing departments put their efforts into giving us GOOD content of substance, stuff we care about, their message would be far more effective and would stick with us. Thanks Ernie Ball!

[@HighOnYouDroneBoy]

My thoughts exactly mate!! :)

[@fromulus]

Liberty mutual commercials are hilarious, nearly all auto insurance commercials have been since geico introduced the cavemen to the world. It's insurance, how on earth should they market it to you to make it any better than what it is?

[@larrycallaway2987]

I just like the emu ;)

[@n.j.crawler]

That’s what the entire series is.

[@UnfilteredWP]

Fuck yeah

[@khangngo971]

I’m so glad Tim Henson and Polyphia in general are getting more recognition in the guitar community, they deserve it!!💯

[@ThorsShadow]

They have always gotten a lot of recognition from the guitar community. It's the more non-nerdy music guys, who are starting to pay more recognition to Polyphia now.

[@chaytoninsthere8445]

I love seeing Tim just growing as person in general. not even as in music, he has always been a fucking pioneer in what he and Polyphia does, but seeing him engaged, having the best band in the world of guitar, and just working on himself is just really inspiring. so proud of him and the gang. I will be here for all of it.

[@taliawilliams774]

Amen i could not agree to this more

[@Compton3clipsed]

I think he's about to have the best selling signature guitar in a long time too, if the presales for the TOD10N are any indication, and with the cheaper model too, that's twice the success since he convinced them to bring it back.

[@lx4302]

"having the best band in the world of guitar" calm down buddy

[@NotEntirelyThere]

@@lx4302 OK let’s hear you’re extremely correct subjective take

[@Compton3clipsed]

@lx What 4 guys working together to make music currently, do you think are better than them? Genuinely curious because I don't see anyone who isn't much older and not making new music, or someone who is an older legend but still creating stuff like J Mascis, who is just a completely different experience and sound.

[@serenitatis2191]

never heard polyphia and didn't know who Tim was prior to watching this, but you can definitely sense his passion, skill, and the effort he's put in. well deserved string theory

[@TheCreamsoda9]

Oh god, look them up, you’re in for a treat. GOAT is of course an all time fave. Ego death and Playing God are the stars of 2022 for sure. One of my faves is Bad. Enjoy!

[@fromulus]

It's shocking to find anyone that has still never heard them. By now you probably know, they're something special.

[@thefourthwritedjentleman3643]

I hope you have been discovering Polyphia all day my man lol

[@jwallaby7895]

2:20 Damn! I have a feeling Jack Black would blush! He definitely was influential. His level of music appreciation probably impacted many musical geniuses.

[@DavidNwokoye]

Probably one of the best string theory interviews

[@Justin-ax]

David were you thinking of Michio Kakus String theory

[@kobe6614]

Ooh this one’s great but check out Robin finck’ string theory-one of my fav vids

[@_theartofmalice]

ur hilarious🤣😆

[@SaintKines]

My favorite thing about the Polyphia guys is that they proved to me and others that guitar still has plenty of life, creativity and surprise left in it. I've played for over 20 years and I know other guys who have played for as long or longer. We all were pretty bored with guitar at one point and it's always guys like Tim who come along and show you that you just need to put your own unique stamp on your playing when you get to that point. On top of all that, I think guitar really needed Tim and his band. Guitar needed someone closer to the younger generation to update the guitar and make it cool to modern music fans. I don't think anyone has done a better job of birthing the newest batch of shredders. You have to appreciate and respect that if nothing else.

[@QactisX]

I think Tosin Abasi deserves some recognition, perhaps he is a generation older though

[@SaintKines]

@@QactisX Tosin is an alien. He might scare more people out of playing than inspire. Even though he seems like the nicest guy. He may be the greatest living guitar player.

[@loganmason5784]

@@QactisX Like what was said above my comment, I feel like Tosin is more likely to scare people away because his technique and ability is just so in your face. Tim at least has Scott to help balance things out, whereas Tosin is just an unapologetic beast.

[@QactisX]

@@loganmason5784 that's fine with me. Not all great guitarists are popular. Look at Shawn Lane, Impelliteri, German Schauss there's just so many

[@ke_neil_we]

@@loganmason5784 😂😂😂😂💯

[@chrisbarnes22]

I'm not much of a fan of Polyphia, their music doesn't do it for me, but I respect how incredibly talented they all are and enjoy hearing them talk about guitar and music. I don't understand all the hate they get. They're inspiring a whole new generation to pick up guitars.

[@CoconutJewce]

I'm 26 and got a guitar because of guitarists like Tim (and Mario Camarena, Ichika, et al). They're definitely making guitar cool again, even if their music is rather esoteric and niche.

[@Laughing_Individual]

Just a bunch of armchair critics stuck in the past that refuse to admit that music is evolving and they've been left behind. At the end of the day Tim and his group are the ones laughing all the way to bank.

[@MrFlynny94]

@@CoconutJewce I see the esoteric/niche influence as a positive tbh. Feels deeper than most mainstream music to me.

[@MrElvean1203]

No wonder Steve loved their band. New era of musicians

[@PapaMikey]

sometimes, when you play “spanish style/flamenco” it reminds so much about the great paco de lucia and that’s so beautiful

[@PrinceZirconium]

This is probably the best interview with Tim of all time; and I think I've seen them all. I don't think anyone has been able to get him to open up and reflect on himself as much as you guys have. Great job Ernie Ball. Going buy some of your strings right now.

[@lomarsweed6604]

Rick Beato says hi

[@julmessier]

I love how he always uses "we" and never "I". Just shows that he doesn't want to be bigger than the band.

[@thiendipham828]

Perfecto. Thank you for invite him, Ernie Ball!!

[@MetalGearShredding]

Tim is one of the guitarists in the world

[@DirtyMikeACTUAL13]

Fact. Tim is one of the guitarists in the world.

[@dezt]

I’m also one of the guitarists in the World as well some friends that I have, a lot of people here.

[@MetalGearShredding]

@@DirtyMikeACTUAL13 not only that, but he is also one of the guitarists that ever lived!

[@IsitReallyrealreally]

facts

[@johnscott2076]

I would like to like, but there are 69 likes, so…..

[@8eight104]

Tim is one of the best guitarists today, and certainly one of the most influential.

[@christopher-miles]

LOL! i only just heard of him last week on youtube.

[@chrisbauman2562]

Certainly puts you to sleep

[@8eight104]

Dusty ahh haters in the replies. Young people are vibing to gentle surf rock revival today, and their chops are scary good.

[@maseefweiner5872]

A shame the strings are shit

[@Juan2Steezy]

@@chrisbauman2562 🤡

[@defaultusername4410]

I just learned that Tim is like 30 years old. Blew my mind. Amazing guitar player, cool band, but dang he just seems like a teenager still, not a couple years younger than me.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

He sure acts like one.

[@noelmathur8967]

Fr, he still looks 19

[@freezingjazzy]

He's half-chinese iirc. He got that "Asian don't Age" gene in him lmao.

[@nfrankiksa4596]

He wears make-up too

[@_thanakin]

@@freezingjazzy "Asian don't rasin"

[@bolillo5013]

This video has really made me realize how relatable Tim is on a musical level. From contrasting music tastes and having a drive for music, it hits home.

[@vhcxhbvg]

I bought this string set and OMG, I can play TEN seconds of their songs now instead of 5.

[@xXxIMMORTALxXx]

🤣🤣 a month has past since you left this comment. 30 seconds by now??

[@Roadrunner_KZSK]

11:05 that hit me hard. As an artist, doesn't matter what you do, being proud of the work you've just made is truly ecstatic feeling.

[@BenBancoffOfficial]

This man recently proposed/ got engaged to his girlfriend. So hearing and seeing him discuss his life origin of his dreams, just makes me so proud of where he is now

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

I really wish I could jam with people this passionate. He summarizes the creative process exactly how I feel. Just excutes on another level lol

[@JordanAF808]

Tim Henson continually surprises and inspires me with how honest he is about his music, he really is putting his whole soul into it

[@mx_cage6931]

More like sold his soul

[@RogerSullivanNOLA]

Originality is the name of the game. You don't forget it when you hear this dude play, because it sounds like no one else you ever heard.

[@someguywithaphone5921]

40oz was my first "introduction to Polyphia". I knew right then that I'd be a fan for life. Like Primus, I just knew "yup, this has zero suck in it".

[@someguywithaphone5921]

@ernie_ball1 this is 100% a scam. You should not be dishonest just because you are poor. Get a job, hippie.

[@jcappucino]

It’s the precision of his finger movements that sets Tim apart from players that cover his songs.

[@DTHAW]

Imagine seeing Tim on stage at youth playing Hillsong and Elevation riffs 😂😅😂

[@jmeloart22]

That’s be insane😂😂😂

[@JesusL0vesY0u]

I think that'd be cool to see what he could do with the songs cuz I'd love to see him find God.

[@jmeloart22]

@@JesusL0vesY0u me too bro, me too

[@Androidsniper1]

I currently play for my church’s youth band and leading worship this upcoming Sunday, so this gives hope to me as a Christian guitarist who seeks to be the best guitarist ever.

[@KP_Tunes]

Tika tika tika tika tika tika....brrrriiiing....brrrriiing....brrrring (lead line) tika tika tika tika tika tika

[@Yopp_]

His vision of music so interesting love this guy

[@Alex-ru6bm]

Tim is truly such an inspiration to young guitarists like myself, what an incredible, well rounded musician.💚

[@brandongullion6353]

I bought Tim's custom Music Man off him shortly after their collaboration with Ibanez started. It is dope to see him reference that guitar here lol.

[@ChadwickRider]

Tim makes very difficult techniques look easy ... the amount of work and time it takes to achieve what him and other progressive players are doing is often understated.

[@1bigboi_629]

I bet his dad is so proud of how far he's come

[@telluric3340]

only took him doing so much weed he had to drop out of college 😊

[@isaimuro9378]

Tim has been my biggest influence for playing guitar and watching videos of him talking about how he started and shit has really helped me want to put more time into this and I originally got into guitar because of Pierce The Veil but finding Polyphia was opening a new door for me and I can't wait to see how far I can take this. Thank you Tim

[@michaelfrey7621]

W comment

[@MetronomeSenpai]

Same. Looking forward to hear your music!!

[@svorecruit9239]

Closest thing to a studio tour well get for now 🥳

[@nikkibotts6239]

Thank You for this interview. Hearing him talk about his music was fascinating.

[@JaketheDawg222]

I love that little bit at the end telling us what gauges Tim uses for strings (imo Skinny tops/ Heavy bottoms are peak)

[@yd4723]

I bought a ticket two times and never went to the show. I do not like big crowds and all that stuff. Like he said, music is such an intimate thing. I play guitar since i’m a little kid and I could watch over and over again the process of their products. All by myself watching pure genius. That’s what they are all about for me. Great content like always.

[@tygrbyt3684]

The gigs are pretty intimate themselves, trust me bro you'll really enjoy yourself =]

[@SDREHXC]

Sounds like you’re trying to cope about being too anxious to go to a concert lol just go and hang out near the back or sides and vibe dude.

[@dronepro7316]

I got tickets for this year! Can’t wait

[@michaelsnydermusic]

These videos are fantastic. Whomever lights/films them is amazing.

[@ryanzeigler9763]

that awkward part where Tim is like 'remember when we used to play your guitars?' hahahahahah savage

[@doom1509]

I love this guy. It's funny how his story on how he aspired to become who is he is today could of come across in a totally different way if someone else had said it. His words are genuine. He dreams big, and he scores big. But everyone here needs to understand one fundamental thing that each of us can do on our own: he probably practices in his sleep. Consistency is the most important fundamental of conditioning. Regardless of your discipline. If you stick at it with the intention of improving and with proper effort, you will succeed. The first time I heard GOAT... I was like... I will never be able to play this.... come 1 year later, I can play the whole thing.. I took a solid approach (sectioned, slowed) and fit in practicing whenever I could. There was no magic trick. Anyways, enough about me. Congrats Tim.. you are making it big and I am excited to be able and watch the journey alongside. 🤘

[@ch1no.15]

tim inspired me to buy my first guitar and i wanna say it’s sometime i don’t regret from the first 8 months i’ve played i found out i rlly had potential and it’s something i truly love.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

A very nice informative presentation. I think the one thing about Tim Hensen is his straight forward honesty about his attitude of looking forward and not getting stuck into one idea..moving forward. Bravo for him and Polyphia...keep going and don't look back....

[@fajararif8391]

Can we appreciate how cool the light production on this video? I'm so amazed!

[@nakimzai]

Nice being able to know a lil history about Tim and Polyphia, aswell as Ernie ball strings! Thanks ernie!

[@kingkhi20]

Im around Tim’s age. Been playing off/on for about 10 years. Tim attained his 10k hours plus over time 💯 I get inspired to master what my guitar playing means to me. Im going back to scales, techniques and metronome to unlock the “zone” of playing he access. I need to control my hands so they now where to go and train my sense of feel for music to enter the “zone” Polyhia has flawless demonstrated

[@400_billion_suns]

Great decision on featuring Tim! He’s a legend already in the making and one of the visionaries of guitar for the future.

[@LCAyoutube]

love to see this. this interview with Tim is super interesting and is also shot beautifully.

[@monstrr5596]

tim is such a god man. p.s. - congrats to him and his fiancé.

[@RaWbLee]

How can ya not love Tim? The guy seems super cool and comes up with really amazing music.

[@shanewarman2825]

You gotta give it to this dude, we all love playing and we got our style, very inspiring way to express you and your bands creativity. Thank You

[@v1kt0u5]

Great video. Now please release that playthroughs! 🙏

[@belleybutton4335]

Been listening to Polyphia since Renaissance dropped. I'm glad in the last 4 years they've been getting bigger and bigger

[@Rusted_Empire]

He is very well-spoken... This is a fantastic interview.

[@rhythmicstu]

Must be the weed 😂

[@Rusted_Empire]

probably

[@colleenm9188]

Thank you for this video. Tim Henson shares so much about his philosophy, his creative process, and his willingness to be vulnerable in his pursuit of his art. This interview is meaningful for all creators, anyone who is trying to express themselves through an artistic instrument, including painting, singing, acting. I just discovered Polyphia. (I know, I've been under a rock.) What amazing artists.

[@johnmchakeres]

This is the most amazing thing I have seen. THANK GOD there is another guitarist like this. Son.... make sure to move around the genres. Do not focus on what you can do, but focus on what you can offer to others; how you can be of service!!!!

[@kennwan9917]

As a similar age we had a lot of the same influences. It's cool to see that he's now an influence for the next generation. So much stuff is down to tech production now a days, I bet kids minds are blown when first discovering polyphia.

[@DuffTV2]

lol Jack Black & Tenacious D being major influences on him following his rock star dream makes me love this dude even more

[@rawtruth78]

It just crazy how easy he makes some of those compositions look. Definitely inspiring.

[@whophead6837]

I wished for a long time that Tosin would do a personal interview like this.

[@theshapeexists]

I met this whole band at a meet and greet after their set. Tim was 24 at the time. Absolutely mind blowing that a bunch of kids in their 20s play at that level. They are so cool and thankful for their fans. They'll talk about whatever. Super chill and nerd out on gear.

[@PinyataSpirit]

wow he played GOAT even better than the album version 🤯

[@michelebergman4336]

I love how calm he is

[@JimDewdGuitars]

Tim is who I aspire to be on guitar! A true visionary! 🙌🔥

[@sigurjonoligunnarsson2165]

Tim made me revisit the classical guitar after years of nonstop death metal.

[@ProphetofGermaine]

This man is inspiring my self care arc

[@juandgomez8267]

That studio is FIRE

[@Silver_Witch77]

I love polyphia, i had only started listening to them this year but im so in llove with their music, im so glad my friend showed them to me.

[@rawLmaobigDImEs]

I'll follow these bros anywhere FR. I love the classic EP just as much as the next guy and I wish some of those days could come back but I'm still EXTREMELY impressed and more importantly inspired every release

[@alexdotdash7731]

What Tim and Polyphia is doing is incredible. It has not only been amazing seeing the band evolve, but Tim in particular, being the frontman. The collabs and sponsors and following they have done and built is just awesome to see.

[@Lovell93]

I try not to look at any of them as the front man. Scottie is equally as skilled as Tim. I feel like he doesn't get the recognition he should. Love Tim, don't get me wrong, but I feel like Scottie should be just as recognized.

[@alexdotdash7731]

@@Lovell93 Yes I agree. I’m glad he got his own signature guitar from Ibanez too though!!

[@akin.kilic.]

We need these covers released as seperate videos on their own!

[@Mossy5150]

Tim and Scotty have created a genre IMO, that's truly genius level intellect

[@threatball]

I was disinterested playing guitar for a while, been playing 19 years going in and out of different genres. Their latest release really inspired me to try new things

[@fromulus]

They inspired me to learn that I don't have enough time these days to learn their songs. Wish they were around when I was in my teens and 20s.

[@micahmontgomery4840]

Great String Theory interview! One with Scott LePage would be just as awesome.

[@knowledge8920]

Yes!!

[@rhompbus]

I been waiting on this so long

[@EtherDotterMatterBitter]

the ending was sick. That tone is magical

[@YUNGDE]

gave me goosebumps

[@SkunkPunch73]

That’s what you gotta love about Tim and the band, they’ve never gotten stuck into any category of music. In this way they’re free to reach down into themselves and bring out whatever they’re feeling without being looked at by the so called fans and critics who love to take a ground breaking group like them and destroy them for selling out or the normal typical crap that so many others have to deal with theses days. May they forever continue just as they are free to touch any spiritual body that their music hits and it hits hard🫵😘👍

[@Guitarshredder559]

He played like my 2 favorite songs from them. Thank you. 🙏

[@lukadoderovic3490]

What's the first song?

[@bradyguerin5525]

@@lukadoderovic3490 neurotica

[@lukadoderovic3490]

@@bradyguerin5525 Ty 😊

[@politikaskontekstom]

what is the last song?

[@kaijajaugilas754]

so glad to see that they finally got Tim on

[@rymydy]

Haven't been this hyped for a string theory video since Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance

[@IsiahJames0027]

Glad to see the next gen of rockers coming up!

[@ratsalad1]

Love the metalwork on Tim's guitar. I can tell it's super heavy, but shit it looks good

[@seanwixom6420]

Bro Tim is a huge inspiration in my guitar playing

[@joechesney3128]

This is a very well edited video

[@lreyay]

I grew up listening to Joe Satriani and wanting to become the greatest guitarist in the world. That goal eventually shifted to ‘greatest guitarist at my college’, which then had to shift to ‘greatest guitarist in my household’ which I am proud to say I have accomplished. Respect to Tim for accomplishing his goal too tho

[@ifoundthistoday]

dang Tim's playing is so clean

[@marcoschoeman7147]

Well dude! You are well on your way to becoming the best! Love your stuff man

[@kertaspaper94]

That whammy bar flick towards the end of Neurotica is just *chef's kiss*

[@MrJesusHKrist]

You may ask yourself who this young punk kid covered in tattoo's... Is he even old enough to play...??? Yes & he's pushing boundaries & a generational talent. His practice regiment is paying off he's becoming one of the best guitar players to ever pick one up. Tim Henson is something special now to see if he can translate all that talent into amazing songs because most prodigy and geniuses can't write a damn good song you'd hear on the radio. Polyphia is one band that may be able to do it though they are alreadry close but it's not yet complete IMO needs a Maynard James Keenan type figure on vocals who can let the music speak and not try and steal the spotlight. This kid is a once in a generation type player

[@redchannel8610]

Hope they/she/it reads your comment, simp.

[@elvisd3947]

@@redchannel8610 Did your Ben Shapiro video already end or why are you here wasting your time reading comments of people who enjoy a band you hate? How sad is your life bro ...

[@nephilymbass1]

Always enjoy hearing what they come up with. I’m an old guy now. Will be 42 this year. Nu metal was the biggest thing going back in my teens. And they’d probably think it’s an odd comparison. But to me they have that groove that some Nu metal bands had that so many bands have lacked over the last two decades.

[@arinthium4018]

5:05 and 6:20 my favorite parts, the way the chords are strummed, adjusted with the additional hammer ons

[@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf]

He's amazing and I'm so glad I got to see Polyphia last month! I admire him so much.

[@_ryannnnnnnn_]

That lick at 1:41

[@salownsu123]

No wonder he's this good. His influence is the band that made the best song in the world.

[@Tyelkormoko]

Nailed the marketing on this video. It's not on the nose "buy this product", it has an excellent interview and music aspect to it. Enjoyed it a lot

[@texomarc]

Super cool video! Thanks for sharing this.

[@fromulus]

Tim's awesome. Brilliant guitarist, kind person. Can't ask for more than that.

[@flips220]

Scotty is the Barrichello to Tim's Schumacher.

[@zombie4stomper394]

I gotta say you damn sure one of the GOATS man

[@ralphieralph9176]

its the mentality..like everything else in life..Jim Root was asked if he felt like he has achieved everything and Jim responds something like " I could be the best guitar-player on earth and still not feel like I´ve achieved everything..there´s not enough time.."