Riff Lords: Nick Hexum of 311

[@gibsonguitar]

What's the "best" 311 song in your oinion? ▶Shop Gibson ES Guitars like Nick is using HERE: bit.ly/4bmiAu0 ▶Nick is playing a MESA/Boogie Badlander amplifier: bit.ly/3VMT4bx

[@EdwinRiveraBajistaElOcio]

I like "Loco" and "Come Original"

[@mjordan8432]

Daisy cutter or maybe Hive🐝🐝

[@nozrep]

My favorite is Evolution and Salsa probably but dunno about best per se, haha. I am not a musician. And it is subjective to each fan’s opinion which is a good thing. But I have a bit of musical technique knowledge from a long time ago. I think It would be super interesting to find out which song of their catalog is the most technically difficult from the guitar stand point. Maybe there’s an interview of Mahoney out there somewhere explaining a complicated riff or solo he did? Maybe Gibson TV could get Mahoney in here too? That’d be cool! Also what might be the most complicated drum sequence Chad ever came up with? Might be different songs.

[@lauroonetoo]

Let the cards fall is really technical

[@joey3118]

Way too hard to answer. So many great songs. But IMO the 1st 2 albums (Music and Grassroots) are off the charts.

[@daltonhola2897]

311 is THE GREATEST BAND still around in my opinion! Grew up listening to their jams thanks to my late sister Lesley and now that she's gone there's a whole lotta love and sadness when listening to them... I'll find myself trying to hold it all together when singing along. This past weekend I got to see 311 live for the first time and I was so nervous to sing along during the show in case I'd just breakdown but it was THE BEST concert experience I have ever had! I felt like my sister was there headbanging with me the entire time. I love and miss you Les! Also, Happy Birthday!! ❤️

[@magicman12b]

311 is such an amazing band. They are even better live, full of energy and outstanding performers. They will not disappoint

[@taylorfarr6]

This is true. I just saw them!

[@BroDude0]

SA attempting to shake his rump ruins the entire act.

[@rogueprince1341]

I've seen them like 5 times. I've only seen Tool more 7 times.

[@ScottBunney-z4g]

Saw them in Dallas 2007 with Ziggy Marley. Great show!

[@DirtleTilbury]

"Stay positive and love your life." Love it.

[@nckhed]

As sweet of a sentiment as that sounds, loving one's life is about the most vain and narcissistic thing any human can do.

[@Unity1975]

@@nckhed Ummmm...huh?

[@OrangeChrome]

@@nckhed I can think of something more vain and narcissistic. Kappa

[@cuteasxtreme]

@@nckhed I suppose it’s more practical and better off for everyone if we all hate our lives then????

[@mcclane8812]

Between him and Mahoney, they’re the most overlooked guitar players of the past 3 decades. Complete masters of their crafts ever changing their sounds yet sticking to their roots. Incredible talents

[@brockterry5840]

311 was such a breath of fresh air at the end of my high school days as grunge started to sadly fade.

[@jakedixon9615]

Class of 96

[@nocturnalferalguitarist]

Nick is a master at creating good vibes with his music. I really enjoyed this

[@dinetteset]

Nick Hexum can still get it 🥰🔥💙

[@savalisadkins4709]

When he was playing "Down" how many of y'all shuted "Chill!" at the end of the riff?

[@jlooper09]

Yes! And of course, on Creatures, waiting for that exact moment to shout "Watch it now!"

[@savalisadkins4709]

@@jlooper09 hells yeah, My 311 Fam thinks alike.

[@sym9266]

LOL

[@hipsterdoofas329]

And then lit up a joint...

[@A.J.1656]

I was waiting for my chance to yell "HEY!" during Freeze Time. Lol

[@Horaknophobia]

I appreciate how articulate Nick is when explaining the origin of each riff as well as the theory and rhythm associated with the performance. Righteous!

[@limasenar7522]

I love when Nick (and pretty much all the other boys) go into "geek mode" with gears and whatever they're passionate about. Makes me realize how far they've gone and yet many of their characters remain the same. Love 'em for life.

[@CJTravismizzou]

Love hearing Nick's shout out to The Urge during the backstory of Beautiful Disaster. #PTMFUS

[@Justin_311]

Yes. Great band. Phunk Junkeez. Shootyz Groove. 2 Skinnee Js

[@captainshiner42]

As a St. Louisan, I'm with ya on that one.

[@rlong2555]

Two of my favorite bands to see live

[@mfbm83]

Nick 🔥🔥🔥🎸🎶🎵you are the best. Thanks you 👏👏👏311 = good vibes and amazing music. God bless U xoxo 💋💋💋from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@whendoweeat]

What a trip. This was an incredible video if nothing else than capturing a keeper of the faith in Nick Hexum. Like so many others in the chat, I grew up with 311 and still listen to them. I almost broke an ankle at one of their shows in the pit. They are as much a part of me as they are a part of you. Thank you, Gibson, for bringing in Nick to just BS about these riffs and his thoughts behind him. This was a very welcome surprise.

[@sym9266]

Nick's lookin like a ripped Abe Lincoln these days! ❤️311🎵

[@A.J.1656]

Lol

[@ComradeStiv]

Pardon?

[@MikeBikesForMS]

You assume Abe was frail?

[@BEEFTEEF4]

The whole band is very in shape. A breath of fresh air in a world of land whales. Love 311.

[@justwondering1967]

Dude’s always been a specimen.

[@blazethewise12]

Love all the music 311 has put out over the years, especially cool to hear the inspiration and influences behind the riffs !

[@rlbigfish]

Came for the off-beats. Stayed for the syncopation.

[@prism_sight5982]

Yes, absolutely. 🙌

[@markwrenn5965]

I also came

[@paulleo0420]

You made a funny.

[@naypalm311]

Off beat bare ass

[@lovemo_dee]

I love hearing these kinds of breakdowns from the artists. Gives us fans a peek inside the process. I've always wondered what makes some of my favorite 311 songs so damn good 🔥.

[@aaronfrazier524]

As a bass player that plays LOTS of 311 songs, it was very interesting to see how the guitar riffs are broken down. My favorite band ever!

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@AousZee]

Chills, hope to see 311 again in the future. Absolutely amazing live.

[@bryanlewis9575]

Awesome session with an incredible artist! Really enjoyed this. Thanks Nick and Gibson!

[@Hammersmashed68]

Underrated band with some incredible guitar work

[@SuperJiggawhat]

I grew up listening to 311.

[@Patinhiselement198]

Such a great band with lots of dynamics.

[@BrandonMobley614]

I love hearing 311 on the radio, but they're a live band for sure. Their live album from 1997 is a masterpiece top to bottom. Would have been an incredible show to attend, although at that time, I was a toddler.

[@joshuaadammagic54]

Today seems like a good day to watch this ! 🎶

[@adamabels2419]

Super cool video. Last show I went to before the pandemic was 311 day in Vegas and by the time I got home, the world had shut down. Hell of a gear shift. Can’t wait to see them again and live music in general.

[@Crescent_Audio]

This was an unexpected surprise. Awesome! Down was the very first song I ever learned on guitar. 311 for life!

[@lordbeebus9842]

Good to see this. 311 is so overlooked. They have some really good stuff and nick is a good dude.

[@SaiyanPoy]

I wanna see more of these! Love 311 riffs. They’re fun to play

[@jcrm05]

311 is the definition of good energy. Love this and l've always admired Nick Hexum, such a simple, creative and effective musician.

[@jimywho1original]

This is my favourite thing ever posted to KZbin.com

[@kingsecho3351]

311 is a band that is a masterclass in using dynamics

[@MiltonGeorges]

Woooo 311! Nice one, Gibson!

[@michaelshearer3559]

That '61 es-330 sounds beautiful. Also digging the mini walnut. Very nice guitars!

[@jeff7764]

Flowing is my favorite 311 song

[@ej1_drew]

brilliant! i love 311 so much - nick is so good at guitar and tim is also amazing how lucky that every member of this band is passionate about their craft.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

That 1961 ES 330 (the one with the single coil pickup in the middle) when he plays “My Heart Sings” has THE clean tone I’ve been looking for. Wow. Anyone who knows of a less expensive guitar with a similar sound please reply! Thanks

[@jamesivan2877]

Omg. Love this!

[@SuperWave86]

Amazing guitar tutorial! 🎸 ur an amazing musician! Thx for all this

[@inverted311]

Been an avid fan now for 26 years, since I was 12-13 years old.... One of the reasons I feel that I am just noticing on the band’s longevity is that you have a rockstar in front of the guitar, but a normal guy behind it that anyone could have a normal conversation with. Before if needed and or after you get over that opinion...🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🤙🤙 Hope that guitar ends up in a museum one day!

[@MaddoxMelton]

Awesome!

[@dasthewitchboy]

All mixed up still gets me to this day

[@chadhiggins7171]

This guy is literally a god to me. Not just his guitar playing but vocally, he's one of my favorites of all time.

[@popskustom7382]

Any plans for a Hexum signature? I need one!!!

[@MaddoxMelton]

I think there hinting on it!

[@popskustom7382]

@@MaddoxMelton I hope so. I have a Tim Mahoney PRS hanging on my 311 wall. It needs a friend

[@enjoyesk8978]

@@popskustom7382 awesome! I want one but I can’t find any. Should of pulled the trigger when they came out.

[@popskustom7382]

@@enjoyesk8978 I got it a few years ago on reverb for like 500 bucks. They get listed every once in awhile but are overpriced.

[@goldenjav2954]

@@popskustom7382 right on. Do not let Tim be alone for much longer. He misses Nick

[@madmikemike]

Holy shit Nick! I would love to take lessons from you. Hearing your thought process and break down of the riff is so easy to understand for many I’m sure. I’m all for awesome memorial melodies, you are full of them my friend. No need to overcomplicate music

[@bryanj386]

Nick is an extremely intelligent musician/guitar player who’s spent an insane amount of time on his craft. As a younger guitar player, I had a teacher very much like Nick, and regret now that I’m older that I didn’t take advantage of him. I was more “I just want to shred, don’t care about the theory stuff,” and that’s one of my biggest regrets as a player.

[@audiogarden1]

311 isn't really technical stuff but they're whole discography is full of legendary riffing. One of the best live bands out there.

[@KoolMada]

Not sure what isn't "technical" about 311's playing. lol

[@philiom7724]

Hmmm...lots of their music is extremely technical bud.

[@Facemelter5000]

Instant excitement!

[@wrzkace1]

very cool !!

[@mikeabney2527]

Would love to see him do the song random

[@philiom7724]

I could watch Nick make breakfast and I would be thoroughly entertained.

[@Twobarpsi]

Here for the Down lesson!!

[@Mwingreen]

Those pickups sound amazing

[@corfudreamscapes5369]

“I’ll be here a while…” 😍

[@Norseman311]

Nick is smooth

[@hc3550]

dont know their stuff, but I guess I have no choice but to listen to their entire discography now.

[@robertd279]

Saw them at Grant Street Dancehall in Lafayette, LA in 99 or 2000. Capacity might have been 300. I don't know who owns or ran Grant street to get the big names they do but it was an amazing show being that close up.

[@f5garage401]

Hey PRS do this with Tim!!!!!!!!!

[@dpspender5253]

Nice

[@jmason61]

311 always got kinda slammed by the hipster indie rock snobs but they were/are fantastic...& they carved out a sound that makes them instantly recognizable BRAVO

[@CaptainKirkDiggler]

It's childish but Nick's the ONLY dude with hair plugs that looks good! 311 just make ya happy. Nauseatingly positive... underrated band, amazing musicians, outstanding harmonies and TIGHT live.

[@BoobieMatthews]

I never comment but that was great

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching Ian!

[@mwm48]

I. Love. Plain.

[@pm2007est]

Like everything 311 does I 💭 thought it was going to be cool, but had no idea it was going to be this cool.

[@ariannaspaceninja311]

❤️

[@spacemanuniverse6578]

I adore Gibson guitars, especially the Les Paul, it is the most beautiful guitar in the universe, without a doubt Gibson is the best in guitars of everything to everything

[@naypalm311]

Plain is my jam

[@peachmelba1000]

"I'm Nick Hexum, Ed O'Brian's long lost twin bother."

[@lindseypage7902]

i started playing when i was 8

[@bryonkidder6199]

Still waiting for the Charlie Starr Signature Series guitar and some luv from Gibson for one of their best players....

[@jeremysiron9622]

Well, just found out I’ve been playing “down” wrong for a whole life…. Nobody ever noticed though, but I didn’t add the little subtleties that he threw in there when he changed it the second time around.

[@ComradeStiv]

Nice .. caught some things I've been mishearing since like forever (he says slightly horrified). Weird he hardly mentions Tim at all. I always assumed Tim had a large part in creating riffs/motifs/voicings, but maybe not? I heard tunes are a very collaborative group effort, so never got why it's usually only Nick and SA on the credits. Any insiders hanging about feel free to enlighten.

[@JM-rl1jj]

Tim barely writes any music for 311, that's why. It's mostly Nick and Chad.

[@StupidEarthlings]

"You'll be sitting there eating popcorn." (Laughs). Not sure why that was so funny to me. Like if Nick could do anything in the entire world with one free hand (other than strumming guitar), it would be ...eating popcorn. God I love ya Nick. Balloon for you. 🎈 (you can hold it in your free hand. )

[@lrh411]

5:19 "Chill!"

[@laurisaarinen1126]

Nick strumming his audio spaghetti 👽

[@samclemmons5373]

He’s Nick Hexum, the one who knows about thiiiings.

[@Secopsco]

I feel Tim should at least be sitting on a beanbag in the background...

[@Jllyrol311]

I guess Nick did write most of the riffs, whether or not Tim played them on the album (or plays them live). I'm sure the fact that Nick plays Gibson's didn't factor into the decision in any way/shape/form.

[@0826man]

Prs artist

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Tim writes a lot of the guitar riffs. But he’s a Paul Reed Smith Artist. So no way he’d be on here.

[@johnjonestheman]

@@michaelsnydermusic No he doesn't... he's a great guitarist, and I am one of his biggest fans, but- if you write riffs, you're co-writing the song, period- and he has empirically very few songwriting credits along the way in their 30+ year career... he's a great player, but not a riff-writer or songwriter, and that's okay!

[@michaelsnydermusic]

@@johnjonestheman dude, I didn’t say he wasn’t. I love Hex too.

[@roscoep.soultrain5775]

Anyone saying the Nix Hex isnt a riff lord must not have been alive in the 90's. Dude is still a class act.

[@captainshiner42]

Facts.

[@chortleboy]

Saw 311 at Red Rocks on 96 been a fan ever since

[@InebriHATED]

Nix Hex is a boss. 311 an amazing band as well. Been a fan ever since the mid 90s. Visit was on a snowboard vid I was watchin🤘🏻

[@Jmilillo]

Dude knows a ton of music theory too.

[@TheUlesifah82]

Total freakin stud, the From Chaos album saved my mentality when I was in my 20’s

[@upgrayedd9732]

I know I'm in the minority but Soundsystem is my favorite 311 album and "Freeze Time" is a helluva an opener.

[@gottabtru1]

Underrated comment. I second this!

[@Crescent_Audio]

SoundSystem is one of the best 311 albums there is, it’s a banger from start to finish.

[@1TYSL]

Can’t nobody do it like 311. They put the work in and earned the right to say it on this album.

[@RYXPfan]

I'm a big fan of Soundsystem as well. Definitely a solid album.

[@dangeerraaron]

Great Album!!!

[@drewg3087]

Dude is so underrated and amazing style and feel. Has definitely wrote some bangers.

[@Wilrizen48]

73, here and I’ve been a huge fan of 311 for many years. My three stepsons turned me on to these guys. Love all their music. This video was absolutely amazing. Nick is such a great writer and guitarist. Stay positive and love your life. Peace

[@gibsonguitar]

thanks for watching Tim!

[@Wilrizen48]

@@gibsonguitar thanks for the great video.

[@rebeccaurban2106]

❤❤

[@SpartanPridePod]

Nick could easily do about three more episodes of this

[@Justin_311]

I would listen to all 300 plus riffs! Go 311!

[@erichan6985]

A whole series we need

[@WesAndersonMusic]

311 is the reason I started playing guitar at 10 years old in 1996. I've always stuck with it, and now I have the same artist rep at PRS as their other guitarist Tim and even collaborated with their bassist P-Nut on a song of mine!

[@enjoyesk8978]

Nice!

[@enjoyesk8978]

Subbed bro! Good stuff!!!

[@WesAndersonMusic]

@@enjoyesk8978 thank you 🙌

[@tylermrhandon]

That’s awesome man, I’ve found 311 through my guitar teacher and they’ve been a huge influence on me the past few years

[@WesAndersonMusic]

@@tylermrhandon right on! keep jamming

[@wonicles]

Totally out of left field for me. 311 was pretty huge for me in the 1990's, and this video left me with a huge smile.

[@enjoyesk8978]

Have you check out their latest efforts? If not I highly recommend it bro

[@H1LTO]

They're still killin it man. Check out Stereolithic, Mosaic, and Voyager if you haven't heard their newer albums

[@briansuniqueguitars]

Such a good choice Gibson. I’ve been a huge 311 fan my entire life and I was excited to think others would learn about 311 from this, however I didn’t think I would learn so much myself.

[@ryanpattison2099]

No idea who the bloke is nor have I listened to his band... super nice guy and a hell of a player.. going to check out 311 now thanks for sharing!

[@gregchapdelaine4889]

What a delightful surprise! I’ve loved 311 since the early 90s but haven’t listened for a bit. Great to see this and what a nice guy and a great teacher.

[@markwrenn5965]

I wish I could watch breakdowns for every song on every instrument.

[@mattashley3076]

if they had that as a feature in their new app i'd be down (no pun intended)

[@markwrenn5965]

@@mattashley3076 email them that idea STAT

[@Heyitsallgoodman]

The session with Christian James Hand. Change your life

[@ZeroFourTwentyFive]

Love me some 311! Some of the best riffs and grooves ever. 311 fan for 26 years now. Enjoyed seeing the break down of the riffs 👊🏼

[@luciferjones8103]

The first 311 album is a must for any guitar player. Play along with it and you'll be on beat for the rest of your life.

[@nickheadlee1027]

This is so true lol learning 311 songs adds so much groove to your developing play style. Sexton plays a roll in that as well!

[@et0363]

I honestly thought most of these riffs were Mahoney’s. Now I have an even higher respect for ol’ Hexballs

[@sometimelater]

chad & nick write 311 music.

[@peterharding1422]

No Nick is quite the lead guitarist extraordinaire. . .he is one of the best riff masters of our time.

[@et0363]

@@peterharding1422 honestly I never paid too much attention to their writing credits of their songs. I see it now - much respect. Nick’s a song writing genius

[@peterharding1422]

@@et0363 & Regarding Chad, drummers kill it with riff writing they attack the guitar parts with a percussionists' precisional syncopation

[@arfslmnsyh]

Love how he customized almost all of his trussrod cover with 'Hexum'.

[@ZachGood]

One of my favorite things to do on Friday afternoons in college was plug in my amp and play along to a 311 playlist while drinking brews. Some of the best times of my life.

[@paulyskudder8071]

This is life telling you to listen to their track (311) Friday Afternoon and get back into it homie! Best band ever. Still. New stuff is some of their greatest.

[@SillyGoose2024]

And nowadays?

[@laurisaarinen1126]

Friday afternoons... 😄

[@ZachGood]

@@SillyGoose2024 Nowadays my Friday evenings are vegan ice cream and college basketball. Haven't drank in 7 years and haven't played my guitar for even longer than that. I'm okay with that, though. Time changes and requires evolution.

[@9StickNate]

I’ve resparked my interest in 311. I haven’t listened to them in a while. I started to learn the guitar about 2 months ago and wanted to learn “Down”. I underestimated the song. Their guitar work is such an interesting mix of funk/jazz/metal/blues.

[@zacharyforeal]

I was a preteen when I picked up guitar.. I used 311 to teach myself. This was a time before everyone having internet. You have so many tools to help you along your way. Use them. Try to learn something new about playing or your instrument each day. keep rocking on and best of luck.

[@jlongi9742]

The evolution of 311 has been a blessing.

[@KipArmadillo]

1st 311 show - 1997 in Mansfield, MA. Most recent show - 2018 in Tempe, AZ. In all that time, they haven't lost a step or missed a beat.

[@adamspilsbury4536]

New Year’s Eve? Best way to bring in a new year ever!!!

[@KipArmadillo]

@@adamspilsbury4536 Yes sir! Drove out from L.A., solo, for the show.

[@JayKlizzy]

Yoooo that 97 Mansfield was my first show too! Many good times there throughout the years.

[@KipArmadillo]

@@JayKlizzy Believe the venue was still called Great Woods at that time. And De La Soul opened. First of too many incredible shows to count!

[@H1LTO]

@@KipArmadillo I've done plenty of shows solo 👊

[@springer90]

Hexum has definitely gotten better on the guitar over the years!

[@enjoyesk8978]

Definitely! He continues to learn and take lessons.

[@Revoltmetal420]

I just love playing 311 riffs, my first complete song I ever learned was the riff Lord jam Brodels.🤘😁🤘🎸Thanks for this awesome guitar lesson Nick you rock dude🍺

[@brendanrobinson9395]

Nick & Tim are a great guitar duo, still going after all these years, still positive and Nick still rocking the Gibson! ✌🏼

[@goldenjav2954]

311 is one of my favorite bands and always has been ever since I heard "Down" for the 1st time when I was in high school as a freshman back in 1996. After I heard "Down", I went out and bought all of their albums on CD. Later on in life, 7 concerts total. Their live show is one of the best in the world, and I was blessed enough to see them play at Red Rocks 3 times. Love you guys, and never stop making music 311!