If BILLIE JEAN Was The Hardest Song In The World

I turned BILLIE JEAN into a funky BASS solo! Remember to TAP like and subscribe for more bass videos!! Sign up to my newsletter and get a free song: newsletter.charlesberthoud.com
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Original Song: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Special thanks to Zachary Brunetti, AhLun, Sugabeat, Colin Heberling, Timothy Gabrielson, Sid Stenersen, Turpid, David Geschke, Dario Cimmino, James Ansell, Rob Nack, Michael Forrester, 949 Designs, slatibartfast24 and all my other Patrons and members!

[@CharlesBerthoud]

If ______ was the hardest song in the world 👇🏻

[@brak3174]

Bohemian rhapsody

[@prestonh.4436]

Thunderstruck!!!

[@kriddikulous]

Pour some sugar on me by def Leppard!

[@rattocaster_fgc3186]

The chain (Fleetwood mac)

[@swag_rat]

Come as u are

[@delorianwhiteman3504]

This is how I feel looking at normal sheet music

[@davidsmart8594]

Psst...that's not the sheet music to what he played.

[@SmithArrangements0601]

What do you mean normal sheet music? Looks normal to me

[@francispopham7105]

This is how I feel looking at normal sheet.

[@sagnikpaul1811]

This is how I feel looking at shit music.

[@MidLifeCrimper]

The devils alphabet 😈

[@iblong9505]

Sleeping with your bass is totally normal - I sleep with my new surfboards. But who sleeps in a collared shirt? That's just weird.

[@clark.949]

I do sleep with a collared shirt and my bass bro. Problem?

[@nemisisarcher8213]

@@clark.949 Weirdo lol

[@DominusFeles]

My thoughts exactly!

[@willplaymusic1]

Lol I didn't even notice

[@balajiedlyngdoh8366]

I do, as a matter of fact sometimes I even sleep with my jeans on

[@reluctantapologist]

I could listen to Tappy Jean for the rest of my life. I think it might be the most beautiful 10 seconds of music ever recorded. 🤯 And now I will figure out how to put it on repeat for 10 hours. Wow.

[@paulogorman6993]

Can we have a full tappy version? ❤

[@elizabethcanterbury1507]

STUNNING SOUND!!

[@educat1on166]

i had no idea it was possible to play that well on a bass, you really pushed it to the limit, this is awesome

[@MichaelWinter-ss6lx]

Thats the reason why one can study bass as main instrument, but guitar and piano only go as secondary.

[@LisztChopinandTheDuke]

You can do so much with the piano because you keep learning new stuff all the time. Piano is a main instrument.

[@vikingmetaldragon]

5. Tappy Jean is phenomenal. Its the dreamy sound that most enthusiasts of melodic/symphonic death/black metal bands would be proud to have in a song. I've heard very few sections quite as good.

[@bobina321]

Exactly what I was thinking. That would fit beautifully in a metal song

[@frostnettenes]

So nailed it.

[@MatiasMoritz]

Check out Steve Di Giorgio

[@vikingmetaldragon]

@@MatiasMoritz Know of him from Death and Quo Vadis, but nothing else. I see he has a huge résumé across many bands. Anything specific you are referring to? Personal/solo material perhaps?

[@yourbookladykatie]

Tappy Jean is perfect for my ASMR

[@j0shua50]

The little ping note at 2:41 is the greatest bass note ever played.

[@Silvergrooves42]

How does he do it?! How does he remain contrived?!

[@seriousmonkey5654]

Gotta agree with that. There's been no other in the history of the universe like that note. We are blessed.

[@j0shua50]

@@Silvergrooves42 I believe that he's bending the string beyond the fretboard. So the string is coming in contact with different part of the fretboard.... But he just does it so damn fast, and in key... Blows my mind no matter how often I re-watch it.

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

@@j0shua50 what he did (if i saw what i think i saw) is that he held the highest string at the very last fret with his right thumb and played with a pinkie just as he was to move his left hand back up the fret board so if we exclude the insanity of playing on strings where they are connected to pegs, that's the highest note you could possibly play on that guitar in tune aka the note no one except Charles ever plays

[@dr.k.vogel.]

Good spot, sir!

[@DarthBanus]

Tappy jean 1:26 - 1:42 🤯 absolutely beautiful.

[@JonniVanPlatoni]

No matter how many times I am surprised and delighted by Charles' playing I come back and he manages to do it all over again. No "getting used" to what Charles achieves - the tank appears bottomless.

[@azas118]

At this point, you can basically play any song as the hardest song ever

[@sesclaytpoop8525]

"He can"? He *must*. Or we will revolt

[@vorbisek]

@@sesclaytpoop8525 Sad, but true. Now, we expect nothing less thant that. We are so spoiled by Charles the PRO.

[@theoteddy9665]

please!

[@myprettyselena]

I just saw this for the first time. I dropped my jaw open, dropped the microphone and went for a cold beer absolutely bewildered. I've been a guitar player for over 50 years and I've never encountered a bass player this good.

[@matdeeskbkn]

If someone want to learn to play bass, make sure to achieve higher level than this guy or better don' t start anymore.

[@UnderPeruvianSky]

I knew pro bass players, not even close to this guy. I don't even know if many are anyway imo.

[@h2o1969]

Yeah, that was how I felt too.

[@tishab4097]

Omg this guy is unbelievable 😳

[@UnderPeruvianSky]

I grew up around pro bassist, famous

[@loganbrown9716]

That tappy jean part was the part that blew me away the most because of how you made a classical music piece and a improvised synchronization of Michael's dance moves with the capability formalizations of the base and fused them into one pinnical luminescence of infinite scope of essence that elevated the originality of the songs message to a whole new level that raises the universal enigmatic connection bar between human capabilities and the inner visual premonition of how music resonates and reflects off of the soul of human intricacies of the human body and how music itself can be utilized as another form of people wide language socialization in multiple adaptations that could be innovated, improvised and insinuated just like in a normal conversation with another person except you have more time to make the person and the other listeners more comprehensive of what your trying to implicate. You expressed how music can truly be innovated and a way to inspire others who want to make their own music. Good music never dies it can only evolve and spread growth to new great songs and music ideas off of the foundation of music that stands the test of time no matter how old it is.

[@clivehorridge]

I was thinking exactly those words… 🤣🇷🇴

[@phutureproof]

dont wear a scarf inside ok pal

[@Grevlen1]

You took that too a new level of explanation.

[@WaltherSuk]

Some punctuation would be nice.

[@Timberwolf69]

@@WaltherSuk There is the exact amount of punctuation this sentence needs. It takes some talent to turn a single sentence into a wall of text, in my opinion.

[@Bloodshed_Silence]

Number five tho… I would pay to listen to a full version of just that tapping. Holy shit man that was amazing. And I thought upright was cool lol

[@sw6188]

Wicked eh!

[@kristoffliftoff9316]

Hell yes Charles! You liked my suggestion and a week later you came through. You rock my dude!

[@CharlesBerthoud]

A lot of other people liked it too, thanks for the suggestion! Hope it lived up to your expectations!

[@kristoffliftoff9316]

@@CharlesBerthoud you blew them out of the water. One thing I will admit though your only mistake was you forgot to add “😂” about 2:41 other than that flawless!

[@ThiagoHenrique-kl1ku]

I used your video in class today as I was teaching the 4th grade about sounds, pitch and instruments. They loved it and asked for more. Keep up the great work, man!!! Hats off!!!

[@zimgaming1397]

Your student must be very happy

[@mrbencker1074]

and that's a good teacher

[@guitartrav4299]

Teacher of the year 🤘

[@studebaker60]

Can't teach without U-Tube? askin for a friend

[@strumminronin]

I had a school teacher that struggled with the L & R microphone socket on a boombox and her mono microphone. Needless to say nothing much came out of that stint of Year 8/9 school music class. If anything, it was to keep my mouth shut. Never try to help someone who sees themselves as infallible and "holier than thou". Once upon a time I had wanted to be a sound engineer.

[@RiverElias]

The hits like at 1:19 is what made it for me and then of course the following breakdown. This is unreal talent.

[@tony89718]

He needs to be in band with other unreal talent.

[@tedbogan6099]

RiverGibbs are you still single?

[@Xaviallin1]

That little run at 2:43-2:47 is just unmatched. Straight 🔥

[@Silentassassins229]

Michael Jackson would be proud

[@vincentgiordano7510]

it would be great if Prince played this in Michaels's face

[@mrdjr6544]

@Felipe Gomes Silly bugger.

[@xooperz]

@Felipe Gomes yes because in this video the only melody was the bass line of Billie Jean

[@xooperz]

@Felipe Gomes yes, and he transposed MJ's song to bass. He didn't come up with the melody. Who the fuck shat in your cereal?

[@surfdigby]

If anyone uses Twitter, they should send a link to Jermaine Jackson, who's a great bass player himself.

[@bayezidahsan7309]

Tappy jean was seriously something out of heaven! I want an expanded version NOW!!

[@user-ip3im5tm2y]

Extended*

[@ToothIess]

@@user-ip3im5tm2y no.... Expanded. We need the biggest Tappy jean we can get.

[@DekkarJr]

yeah this guy is the best at tapping. He's got that Joe Satriani/Steve Vai style double and triple tapping going on

[@koharumi1]

Sleeping with your bass, ok? Not too unusual. But sleeping in a collared shirt? That is just weird. And even in Billie's jeans too! How could you!

[@jaimehernandez9147]

Yeahhh plis make a ultrasound versión

[@tesial]

I just can't get that Tappy Jean part out my head. Never heard anything like that before, its just absolutely phenomenal ❤

[@ontrackwithike1857]

Bro, every time I hear the Tappy Jean (1:25), I want to replay it over and over. PLEASE make a full video of Tappy Jean!

[@LucasKingPiano]

Awesome, I loved Michael Slapson!

[@penguinking3931]

Hello verified person

[@evgheniibizdiga4524]

Wice choice.

[@lb7625]

Hi,please accept Jesus as your Lord with your mouth and believe He died and rose again in your heart,turn away from swearing,over eating,lying,selfish ambitions,lust,movies,video games,hate,gossip,secular music,drugs,smoking,drinking,love of money and stuff,pride,,idolatry(obsesions,addictions,unhealthy connection to something or someone...), and all that kind of stuff,dedicate yourself to God fully,obey Him and trust in Him and Jesus

[@penguinking3931]

@@lb7625 damn, that's a lot of stuff I gotta do for God. Do you do them?

[@joshua2400]

looool Christ Jesus bless you all

[@DegonTheMighty]

It's never a bad day when Charles has an upload. You're the reason I practice every day, man, please don't ever stop playing that bass!

[@andyLS4]

Charles - you are the finest bass player on KZbin! You build layers of music with one instrument that most people can't even hear in a full song. I salute you!

[@pennywise4843]

Tappy Jean was so tasty it ruined my appetite.

[@shmupful]

That Tappy Jean at 1:25 gave me goosebumps

[@gevzoran4698]

I love it that you always put so much thought into your compositions, instead of just playing fast and impressive slappage you also combine it with beautiful music and thats not something every musician can do

[@cravarc]

And makes the impossible look easy.

[@BrunoCoelho]

Tappy Jean is a whole vibe!

[@seniorgoat7379]

If Billie Jean was the hardest song to play it would be a thriller

[@teacon7]

I had no idea the bass guitar had this range. Very impressive

[@saarthakchowdhury1475]

This man has got serious talents

[@oscarbautista4156]

I would be pretty sure he is the best modern day bassist in the world

[@willplaymusic1]

Ikr, he said in one of his videos that he used to practice 8 hours a day

[@CernanCDenga]

@Saarthak Chowdhury You think? 😀

[@livergen]

Well crap, I always loved the sound of a good bass player, but this has me rethinking what I loved in the first place, This is beyond engagement material. Absolutely beautiful brother, your fluid jamming style is on a completely different altitude in outer space, you killed it. Thank you for sharing your gift for all to enjoy.

[@travismcdowell954]

Tappy Jean is one of the greatest things I've ever heard. I would love to hear it on the 12-string bass.

[@graybeardsage]

Love how the "funny noise" gets slipped in 😂

[@dannydanix8698]

I just love Billie Jean in that slapping thick bass. You're awesome dude.

[@npg192]

I have tried to play guitar for 30 years and well... I'm ok. After watching this I have been able to confirm I'm not a natural by any means. That was deadly and well beyond anything I could produce after a time span of playing that is close to this blokes whole life span ha ha. Bloody excellent doesn't cut it! masterful... well done!!!

[@ahoward3503]

If you recorded an album of covers, I'd buy it without a second thought

[@pandejo2466]

Me too 😩

[@palopinto4065]

Me too!!!!

[@jahbay]

Amen 🙏

[@davidebasinger2997]

Here too!!!

[@redshou6474]

Уеs that'll be great. Please think about Spotify and Apple music

[@highoctanegames]

My favorite bassline probably ever and this was the best one of "If_____ was the hardest song" in my personal opinion

[@Mbartel500]

There are no words in the English language that can describe the degree of talent this young man has.

[@simontay4851]

In _any_ language!

[@oldskool1977]

I could never play nor even read sheet music, yet went on to build a very successful career in playing guitar & vocals in my band for years, ALL BY EAR!!!

[@john_smith_john]

what, are you threatened by this guy so you're bragging as if any of us care at all about you?

[@MoLatif]

Tappy Jean was phenomenal - such a melodic surprise!

[@artlythere6014]

These tapping interludes in his tunes/covers are the max. Love them. They're so beautiful harmonically.

[@maggsvamp]

I'd like to hear the entire song as Tappy Jean :D

[@NJ-vj5rr]

Me too Can anybody suggest something like tappy Jean

[@boston_nsca]

Same

[@milostio3990]

Me third please, can't find anything

[@progfox]

@@NJ-vj5rr this is the closest thing i can think off the top of my head kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHacoGOhiZZkjtk

[@runnirangeen9157]

Where's the petition for this, goddamn we need Tappy Jean

[@timothykalio157]

That tappy Jean part No.5 was so melodic🎶🎶🎼🎵

[@FF7cloud2023]

I absolutely love Charles! I watch his videos for inspiration and he cheers me up when he plays just by the tone that he produces. Love you Charles.

[@the_bassiah]

I swear if Charles posts ONE more of these videos I'm gonna... Watch and enjoy it 👍

[@willplaymusic1]

At first I thought you said you would read more and I was so confused

[@muineeguh7011]

69 likes. Nice

[@ztazon]

@Mu Xu that’s where it should stop, always

[@the_bassiah]

@@muineeguh7011 ah darn I missed it

[@Mr.B.88]

Beautiful! especially the tapping (1:26)...

[@davehale26]

I wanted Tappy Jean to just keep going. Bloody lovely.

[@mytradingjournal123]

1:26 Tappy Jean is amazing!

[@nolake]

What to say… I’ve watched that video three times in a row and I think this is the most spectacular bass guitar sequence I’ve heard in my life. I know that no one cares but I have to say it. Really, fantastic performance, goosebumps and chills. I’ve been to a million concerts and I’ve never seen that. Spectacular. I rarely comment but now I had to. You already are a legend.

[@pSynrg303]

Agreed and there's not a week goes by whereby Charles doesn't lose me yet another pair of socks. Yes, we care, it's why we are here! 👍

[@natcheosound]

@@pSynrg303 couldnt agree more, i shouted the first time i heard it, god level, just infinitely amazing.

[@ranzo159]

I agree

[@divebobber]

Agree. He's got to be one of the world's best.

[@espvp]

I genuinely agree with these statements about Charles... But seeing all these nice comments on his videos lately makes me wonder... Is this some kind of meme now?

[@artlythere6014]

"Tappy Jean" rocked. Super rendition.

[@IHateThisHandleSystem]

Damn dude, the more of your videos I watch, the more impressed I become. This was amazing.

[@user-ul6cc1uv5m]

Шедевр! Вспомнил свои школьные годы и военное училище. Тоже играл на бас гитаре. Многие приёмы знаю. Но парнишка играет - высший пилотаж.

[@drowseeem]

"When you remember to play the actual song" Lmao

[@joey3777]

If you added the 2:41 note on purpose, which I think you did, you are the God of bass and a blasphemy at the same time! Amazing musicality can be seen here despite of the impressive performance and technique exhibited. This what makes you special. Keep it up!

[@infield_band]

How's that sound even possible like HOW 😂

[@tollevkvendbo]

@@infield_band you bend the string around the neck, produces quite the sound😂 You can probably see it if you slow down idk but I've done it while playing around once

[@NaVaRoNe1987]

@@tollevkvendbo Haha you're absolutely right I just watched it in slow motion 😂

[@PizzaHutCEO]

@@tollevkvendbo I have to say, putting it in .25 speed is somehow even more impressive

[@Ilurk247]

@@infield_band He pulled the bottom string below the neck to create that boink sound :D

[@BeefcakeKARS]

I remember Michael could just sing like a bass if he wanted to, in fact, the iconic bass line of Billie jeans was him huming the bass line one day and was like "why not"

[@haraldgrnvold5518]

Tappy segment was velvet!

[@Borgelini]

Pure gold. Despite knowing by now how ridiculously talented you are I get just as amazed everytime. I'm fairly certain I won't come across a better bassist during my lifetime, not kidding.

[@alphagt62]

And he’s so young!

[@mandag34]

Liked, favorited, put on repeat, playing as loud as I can, disturbing neighbours and commented!!!!!

[@jubileeosorio5321]

And let the 30 sec ads run without hitting skip

[@loganbrown9716]

My favorite parts were the tappy jean, the slap parts 1 and 2 of the bass guitar technique. Especially that ending was sick.

[@richardruiz6972]

i had no idea that you could do this with a bass.. I am so glad I found this channel

[@haykal2robot]

Tappy Jean is my favorite part! So smooth to the ear!

[@billstreb1044]

Your creativity, talent and precision is without equal!

[@nicolayu.kotomanoff4358]

5 TAPPY JEAN👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️ it was amazing!!!👍👍👍🎵🎵🎵

[@garymclaughlin7270]

Best bass player I have ever heard. Way inside he is so precisely elegant and smooth

[@dataternater78]

Tappy Jean was something else, I’d love to hear that be expanded more

[@B2BRestaurantReviews]

Man that was close on the countdown clock you barely “beat it” 😉

[@tonyamenta335]

I’m not sure how many times I can listen the this son but let the countdown begin. Well over a 100 at this point. Been listening to Bruce since I can remember and never heard a cover like this. Absolutely amazing.

[@jarekluberek8123]

OMG, the instruments almost sings. Amazing.

[@ThegoldengodTrini]

That tapping part gave me chills. Super epic !

[@metzli5797]

Slapping the base is funky, but your tapping is always so crisp. Such a pleasing sound regardless of the track.

[@rommelbillman2872]

As a musician myself all I can say is you rock buddy. What an amazing gift you have. I’ve never heard a base song like that.

[@martinvalovic6908]

's * \

[@nauronka]

1:25 insta-goosebumps, well played!

[@user-ow5dv7xp8p]

Шикарно!

[@aimeetheisen-corn8681]

I am a classically trained flute player, I've played for over 30 years...Amazing job..Billie Jean threw me for a loop when I learned how to play it a few years ago, and I thought Rachmaninoff was hard...I love listening to you play...

[@geralr]

Based on the fact that Charles is liking every comment, I can assume that he didn’t die after the three minutes were up. Good to know that you’re still with us.

[@willplaymusic1]

Lol

[@donwheeler1208]

He liked everyone except yours 😁😂🤣

[@geralr]

@@donwheeler1208 haha yeah I feel left out

[@grumpyoldwizard]

This brought me joy. Thank you!

[@bermudaguy5003]

Very impressive bass guitar playing! Loved your talent & video! Thanks!

[@YannMetalhead]

It never tires me to watch a master showing his mastery.

[@Lambretta_G]

Good thing u were sleeping with that bass bro. I think i will start doing it also just to be safe

[@CharlesBerthoud]

That's the secret to practising 40 hours a day

[@skeletonkiss1112]

@Kyan Miller actually practising is a verb within Australian and british english whereas practicing is the noun. Charles is british so he didn't spell it wrong he used the verb "practising"

[@heatherhanlon2799]

@@CharlesBerthoud did...you just make a twoset reference?

[@rumpledxkn]

@@skeletonkiss1112 I fuckin love a good call-out reversal!

[@andrewbuchan2232]

British English uses “practising,” whereas American English uses “practicing.”

[@yokithegamer1554]

THIS SOUNDS AMAZING!!! Im crying... 🤗

[@Sparisland]

Tappy Jean is absolutely killer.

[@charyenne]

1:46 love this percussive note

[@antonnym214]

Phenomenal. It looks like magic to me. As far as I can tell, you could be the best bassist on the planet. Is it possible you are an extraterrestrial? Unbelievable stuff. ALSO, those numbered remarks like "Slappy Jean", "Michael Slapson" and "Slapocalypse". Those are funny! All good wishes.

[@Keepitreal260]

Oh my! What in the world did I just watch. Dude played that bass with the same emotion.

[@quintenwelvaadt2090]

1:32 THE LITTLE SLIDE

[@americafirst5760]

This is probably my favorite performance of yours. It highlights your incredible skills and your creativity. This is the kind of performance that I save to a playlist so I can play it often.

[@1bassman9]

Words cannot express what I have just witnessed ! Your skills, dexterity, and command that you possess of the neck of that bass guitar is incredible !

[@boBsGOODdaze]

He's alright. 🥱 Besides I'm pretty sure he showed the tabs for Stairway to Heaven anyway. 😉 ~boB

[@tracycrispino3446]

I subscribed a week ago and I’m glad I did. You can tour with any band in the world and make them happy you are with them. Key players are hard to find and you will make anyone you play with better! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us!!!

[@loganbrown9716]

I could see you playing this in a huge crowd live and the ending would make the crowd scream in adornment and love with the performance

[@Nico_Aslanidis]

I really love the "hardest song in the world" series! It drives me everytime one step closer to give up on trying to learn to play the bass, but your performances are phaenomenal! I stand in awe! Huge fan here! :)

[@jeddpires]

Ngl, I just go here just to see him flex his bass guitar skills

[@shrek_428]

This man is the Eddie Van Halen of the bass guitar!

[@Meteotrance]

You mean the new Jaco Pastorius, but since Eddy was good at tapping seems leggit...

[@beyhancagritrock3189]

Ok, I just loved that! How can anyone improve on that song, but I would love to hear THIS on the dance floor! Thank you so much, and keep up the great work!

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

Jaw dropped...now stunned in silence...Wow...!!!

[@ShredmasterScott]

only PRO BASSists can cheat death muhaha

[@6407no5]

Yo u here

[@vvitchedits3908]

Lol reply to my insta stories

[@kigamusic9900]

SHRED WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

[@darthvader4339]

@@kigamusic9900 He’s a musician, all musicians must have each other’s backs no matter what instrument you play, even if it’s the kazoo or theremin.

[@kigamusic9900]

@@darthvader4339 I suppose you have a point. Except those with anime pfps. Those musicians must be cast away.

[@MrLiffeloffe]

I think a bass cover of "The hall of the mountain king" would be interesting to see 👍

[@r2deeznutz101]

That was amazing. Was waiting for you to do this in a long time. THANK YOU

[@johnabney3530]

Now that was just downright excellent, how creative!👏🏆

[@gibsonguy5240]

This guy NEVER ceases to amaze me WOW! KILLING IT!

[@Inquisitor48]

Tapping on bass just sounds so magically beautiful. Amazing job

[@primazzo1]

Impressive! I love this version, so unique and impossible to walk away. Thanks for your content.