Nuno Bettencourt on his original Washburn N4: guitar playing and conversation

"You know, I can't get rid of it! It's like, I've tried to keep that thing at home tour after tour after tour. Just because of what it's been through -- but just every time I pick up another... we've even had it lasered and cloned and get it exact, exact -- the years you've put into it cannot be replaced.
"So you pick it up and just go, Oh -- there it is: it's like fitting another limb onto your body and it just works. With that guitar I never play guitar, it's like it's just another part of my body. It's become that. With a lot of guitars I'm conscious that I'm playing a guitar. With this original one I don't even know I'm playing it. It sits on you and it's just like a pair of shoes or a baseball glove -- the more you use it, the more it forms to your body and becomes a part of you."
Guitarist on Apple Newsstand:
itunes.apple.com/gb/app/guita...
Subscribe to Guitarist:
www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk...

[@leeanucha]

The most natural guitar player of all time. His right hand and left hand's fingers are moving so beautifully

[@yoshiki.g1450]

Nuno, one of the most underrated rock guitarist and he is still in shape. DAMN! I love his style of playing.

[@davidlane147]

His tone is very unforgiving yet he very rarely makes mistakes

[@nicksalvatore5717]

David Lane super raw. No reverb or anything.

[@daw162]

Yeah, it sounds great. You instantly know who it is when you hear it.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

@@daw162 that is so true its like someone singing you can just tell who it is.

[@russfairley]

Very true. He's ultra-accurate and his fingers really massage notes out of that unforgiving tone. That Lawrence pickup is a beast - it's a bit thinner and less bassy than a JB, but it works brilliantly with Nuno's style.

[@BillDerBerg]

sounds like sh_t here

[@jontypiper9881]

I've had the privilege of meeting Nuno twice and can say what an absolutely top guy.

[@lipeguitars]

This is one of the coolest guitars ever made !

[@elefsidi]

The N4 & the Musicman Majesty are my favourite guitars.

[@frankjodouin720]

This dude is TOO GOOD. I'd love to meet this guy and learn from him he's just otherworldly and that Washburn is fucking crazy. Just WoW👏

[@LRO1986]

I used to talk to someone that went to guitar clinic that he was playing at, and they told me that he was very fun and polite.

[@goneflying140]

I have been a Luthier for 34 years. I just had one of these in the shop for a setup, and I was blown away by the build quality and tone of this guitar. Now I will have to get one LOL. The neck is the perfect shape for shred/metal. It is really fast, but not paper thin like a Jackson or Ibanez. Easy access to the upper frets with the Stephens cutaway. That neck joint is as solid or more solid than a standard 4 bolt too!! Amazing tone!!! It just rocks. The neck pickup is like transparent buttercream with zero muddiness. The bridge is full shred with no bommy bottom end. I got the action so low on the guitar that the customer asked me to raise it slightly before he took it because it felt too low. Even then, there were no buzzes or fret outs while doing double step bends. Great guitar. I can see why they command the prices they are getting.

[@lipeguitars]

Do not mistake Nuno's sense of humor with arrogance ,in fact he is very humble down to earth guy.

[@JendrixHimi]

what like his friend Rhianna ?

[@theonlyredspecial]

Fascinating to listen to him. He clearly has a Unique bond with the instrument.

[@demetrisgeorghiou1551]

I got an N1 I am waiting to see it I know its not an N4 but I really like it it is beautiful my one is in black. Rock on for ever Nuno u r a great guitarist

[@adrianmoore8840]

Nuno is easily one of the best ever fact I'm saying no more on the matter

[@lifeson241]

If he's that good where is he????

[@MiniForklift]

lifeson241 Touring with Rihanna for the last few years I believe.

[@guidobottazzo]

lifeson241 playing with King of Khaos these days..

[@MiniForklift]

Thanks man, will have to check that out!

[@rolteus3706]

Adrian Moore he's like a wild animal on that thing

[@MariaANeves]

Great Musician, Beautiful Person. A huge Hug from across the Ocean ✨ 🌊🌍🎸🌿🌞❤️

[@zepp3lin]

Sorry Nuno & Washburn, that's the reason I didn't buy that Overprice N4 because no matter what I use, it will sound like me..........

[@dylanlbdb]

Best comment here 😂

[@camcahill]

This is very true but I bought one and man he is so right the guitar manifests it’s self into you like you and that guitar are bonded. I tell you what I probably won’t ever buy a guitar without that cutaway again. The N4 completely changed my mind on how I think of the guitar and what I look for in one and I can personally say it’s the best guitars I’ve played ever. And you are right they are over priced they could be cheaper I don’t believe it’s a 3,000 dollar guitar no guitars should be that much in my opinion

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

Love this guy's style

[@uplaywithfire7564]

Gotta love those bill Lawrence pick ups!

[@andridarni]

Eventho some say hes underated but he is a very successful guitar player...he successfully set his own image/appearance..and of course his own playing style..including guitar sound..and If someone mention washburn...1st guitar player would be in your mind is Nuno Battencourt..

[@stevehogan8829]

Gotta love that relationship with his guitar. That's the way it should be. The guitar is what he has made it through playing.

[@k1mbr01]

1:40 - What in the fret job is he doing with right hand technique? He's got the palm mute going on, but the little up strokes? That's a total Nuno signature technique. He has a certain feel, class and inventiveness about him that sets him apart from so many other rock guitar players.

[@frozencons]

Good eye, man. I didn't catch that until I read your comment. He plays an open string with an upstroke then hammers on a note on the same string THEN he hammers on a note on the next string up (up towards the sky, not up in pitch) without actually picking that string. The muting makes it hard to distinguish between picked and hammered notes, especially if he's picking lightly and hammering heavily. Watch him play "Midnight Express," he uses this technique a lot in that song. REALLY cool stuff!

[@k1mbr01]

frozencons Yes, exactly. I first noticed this on Peacemaker Die solo when III Sides first came out. I get to actually meet him in January so maybe I'll pick his brain about it if I get a chance.

[@franciscofonseca7236]

I'm not sure but I think it's called muted legato...

[@vig237]

Washburn produces very cool and probably the most underrated guitars. I have one and it's awesome...

[@MattFoleysGhost]

Christ. I remember when I was a wee lad and there would be photos of vintage axes of the classic rock gods with that gorgeous worn patina and the N4 had just come out brand spanking new. Now, 20 years later Nunos looks like the classics of yesteryear.

[@LRO1986]

I love this.

[@adamxlr2010hotmail]

beast of a guitar player

[@ethanharris5358]

Found one at Guitar Center, not an N4 but it was amazing. The feel, the sound, AHH IM IN LOVE!

[@crosswalklarry]

Ethan Harris So what you basically are saying is you played a different guitar. Relevant. 😉

[@UnstopFooL]

The only one virtuoso who can play virtuoso things with the guitar hanging on the balls,he have damn long hands ;)

[@spider7venstring]

Nuno, the underrated guitar hero.

[@klauswhitedreamer]

... the famous Nuno's Wasburn N4 ... :) ... I remember the Extreme' Pornografitti album and those 90's fine years for hard rock and heavy metal ...

[@industriemusic1]

Nuno Is the Man!

[@endezeichengrimm]

Superbadass! I wish they still made Hardtail models of these. I hope the new Ola Englund models at least hit the retail stores

[@vanshipman]

A guitars beauty is always a major bonus for me, but far from a deal breaker, if it sounds good and plays good, that's the important part. I haven't played one of these, but I have a feeling I'd love it.

[@halbertking2683]

I used to work at Cambridge Music and play in a blues band with The Late Great Jimmy T. Mouradian.You,Nuno,used to come in there.I knew Pat Badger , and Your singers brother ,Mark.Do you miss Jimmy like I do.When Jimmy passed I heard it took 3 hours at the wake to get through the line to talk to the family. I got my Indian name from Jimmy .It's " Cockroach",and you know what? I love it.

[@msmm.2871]

Grande Nuno !

[@Hoscitt]

Well that's the first time I've seen anyone play with thumb UNDER the neck!

[@user-xv4ph8dd5p]

Nuno is a guitar hero in my life.

[@drivers1959]

kick ass guitarist / musician..it runs in the Bettencourt House of musicians family

[@marcomontelongo1024]

I'm not that into strat bodied guitars but I like that one. I seen another vid where he was talking bout the N4 and I was impressed.

[@theandiller]

Holy shit that guy‘s in shape!

[@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888]

Bot.

[@Blackeyedbeaver]

I totally get where Nuno is coming from. I have a Heritage gold-top I bought in '89 at 16. I've played it so much, thousands and (tens of?) thousands of hours that the lower 9 or 10 frets have dimpled under the strings where I finger the notes. Every time I pick it up, my playing just seems to increase by 5%. I can always feel the difference as soon as I lay my hands on the neck. I also had Heritage try to duplicate it although as a semi-hollow due to my back issues as I'm an old fart now. Close, but just not the same. Some guitars are just magical. Always wanted to get my paws on an N4...but, to my knowledge, they don't offer a hard tail option and I personally detest whammy bars.

[@bigleemac]

God damn hes good.

[@jdwhoa]

I need some of those picks with rihanna on them!

[@einarabelc5]

Did you see how he puts his thumb down?

[@steve1969pierce]

he also kind of taps the strings with the pad of his finger rather than the tip,,, like he is tapping a rhythm...

[@davidebernardini536]

I think it's because he wears his guitar so low that if he didn't put his thumb there he wouldn't have enough reach with his fingers

[@Boylieboyle]

@@steve1969pierce very good point - some people call it a "percussive" style because he uses a lot of left-hand tapping smoothly integrated with other techniques. See his Midnight Express for a whole lotta left-hand. cool

[@Boylieboyle]

@Vito B I agree, I think classical style would be thumb at the back of the fretboard (mind you I'm no John Williams)

[@Boylieboyle]

@Vito B I see it now. Yeah it's like a kind of a fulcrum or something for those rapid hammer-ons maybe.

[@Macsk8ing]

Nuno is an alien

[@NancyRodriguez-ip5rj]

Nuno! I want you to finish the song from the "Riff in Peace" video @ 8:50. Please. Please. Please

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

cool : )

[@EisOfSpades7]

Can anyone tell me what riff he is playing?

[@lindalvaartesa9595]

Lindo lindo lindo lindo lindo lindo lindo lindo lindo

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I have played N4s a few times. They feel awesome and sound wonderful. Sadly I can't afford one...I'm miserable about this because they feel home to me.

[@josephjester4917]

Learn to save up for one. ;)

[@user-nr8sk2sp5h]

❤

[@TheAkd89]

Dry Signal No Effects No BS Just Straight up Tone.. EXTRAVAGANT

[@Billkwando]

You don't consider distortion an effect?

[@TheAkd89]

In terms of effects I mean modulation… delay/Reverb

[@corndog1868]

Search for Come on, Come on by Rock Candy. Also the singer (Jose Anes) had a band B4 Rockcandy called Sinful with Nuno Bettencourt on guitar B4 Extreme! you can find it here on KZbin. Search for Sinful Demo Album 1985. Enjoy!!!!

[@mattolsson8816]

So which pickup is it in the bridge position the L500L By Wilde or By Bill Lawrence USA? Or is it the L500XL by Wilde or Bill Lawrence?

[@alexcotte4828]

Does anybody knows what song he's playing in the background? I'd like to know to be able to work on it as soon as possible, 'cause this riff is soooooooo epic

[@k1mbr01]

It's a variation of the guitar solo he does live.

[@Boylieboyle]

It's the riff from the "hidden" track at the end of Waiting For The Punchline. Good luck lol

[@k1mbr01]

Oh dude that is it. Nice catch.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

One of my fave looking axes along with the Gibson M-III superstrat, peavey V-type, Jackson soloist or my custom usa Ibanez C-310 u reverse headstock. I must own a N4 before I'm too fucked to play...lol...

[@DMSProduktions]

Nice axe Nuno, HOW'S Suze going? She's back with the Baby Animals!

[@kenshin5150]

Man.... I wish i can afford that in 90's

[@ivana1984100]

Oh oh his sexy voice 😊

[@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888]

Bot. Reported.

[@GazMoz78]

The Floyd is back routed but he also has a D-tuner? How does that work then? Anyone got any ideas?.... Awesome player btw

[@ChadVanHalen5150]

He carved out extra behind the D-Tuna which goes beyond the only flaw of the D-Tuna and that is lack of pulling up on the Floyd

[@TheSammyreynolds]

He's basically got it adjusted down into the route so it won't pull up.

[@GazMoz78]

Yeah I figured he must've eliminated the upward pull otherwise it would just go out of tune when he dropped the low E.

[@akilkalel]

Wait a sec, how does he use the D-tuna (see at 0:40) if he has a floating bridge (see at 0:38)?

[@AmundBlixAaeng]

He's not using the trem floating anymore.

[@akilkalel]

Cool thanks for your answer :)

[@robertlouisstevenson8305]

Can he use the detuner with the Floyd Rose? Or is it blocked? I wonder...

[@mickenilsson]

On the guitars that have a D-tuna the trem is blocked, not on the others.

[@meyerloquendo2288]

Como se calibra el alma de esta guitarra?? :''c

[@Slicklickz]

I have a black 1991,supposedly there were only 6 black ones made in 91.

[@burnsZY85]

Can someone tell me what kind of floyd rose is on this guitar?

[@dcsdccsydc7272]

original

[@mrremoved1398]

There was Rihanna guitar picks! Love them both

[@camcahill]

What ever happened too the god save us he markerd on the sec cut way maybe he changed necks??

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Washburn is good, but the only model like this one that ever tempted me was the double neck.

[@KBK286]

Haunted by is Guitar ...As all of Us°)!:

[@deyran8312]

名機n4

[@71GA]

I am also scared of refretting my ESP Horizon nt2... :(

[@iptranslations1987]

don't be afraid coz its a crap guitar

[@einarabelc5]

Is he with Riahnna?

[@froople]

Nah, he was her touring Guitarist for a few years.

[@TMoody]

I just picked up an N1 for $120.

[@shawnchaudry2126]

Amazing guitar and guitarist. I have an n4 davies from 1990 that I’m looking to sell. Wanting to find a buyer who can appreciate it.

[@jamesbradley264]

oh? how much we talking here?

[@Fixepedia]

Dude, a Davie's??? That's really rare. . It's been said that Nuno thought he had all of the Davie's 😉 I've got a N4 going on 25 years. . I'm never selling it, not even if Nuno himself wanted to buy it . . 😁😁😁😁

[@Vap0rvic]

Is the a beginner guitar

[@kingofthekawaiipotatos8496]

Learn some fucking english will ya?

[@Vap0rvic]

king ofthekawaiipotatos it was a typo

[@Qoooba95]

why does it have to be so expensive??

[@chadwilliams3423]

I'm selling mine on ebay right now. It's a 1993 model. pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=321490251558&alt=web

[@sonamdorjee6607]

So this is Nuno's "Trigger" like Willys.

[@robertbevanvonkopp7155]

Stephan Davies invented the cutaway neck joint from Seattle the first few were made in Seattle

[@swaroov9236]

Wtf rihannas picture on the guitar

[@josephjester4917]

I think he played on some of her stuff...

[@franciscofonseca7236]

That's because he toured with her

[@POLLOTROM]

Anyone with a N2 neck for sale?

[@POLLOTROM]

two years later... yes I got one. Thank you everybody!

[@genocidic]

bizzare comment

[@user-sq6vq2mt7u]

아따 쥑인다

[@Thedesertguy75]

nuno is so good its retarded, i dont think we all know how good he really is.....he plays so many styles and has since the late 80's.

[@BillDerBerg]

that guitar was nowhere near the Pornograffiti album. Try a Steinberger GM2T owned by Michael Wagener instead

[@harmonyandmore]

Nuno rocks! Check out my guitar videos! Thanks!

[@er1cmaurer]

Extremely cool, but way overpriced. You don't have the cost of finishing/polishing, No tone wiring. Make it $1500 out the door and you'll sell them like hot cakes.

[@marviosantos]

You do understand there is no way to mass produce these guitars right? Because of the unique neck/body joint, the body has to be fitted to the neck, one by one. How do I know this? I had one made for me, because I'm a big dude and the "real" N4 looks like a Uke on me :) I bought the wood for the body and ask the Luthier to start making it, he told me no way, he needed the neck to make the body, and then proceeded to explain why.

[@er1cmaurer]

The body has to be fitted to the neck for most guitars, like the Les Paul. They mass produce those. Maybe i'm missing something here. There is that same neck joint on the $800 N4 model (forget what it's called).

[@leftpastsaturn67]

+eric maurer - no, you aren't missing anything... it's as mass produced as any other kind of neck joint, just a different kind of joint is all.

[@WhiskeyYum]

He really is great but I've seen videos of him on stage of him yawning and stuff like that during a solo. Seems little too arrogant for my taste. Still a fan tho

[@mickenilsson]

It's for laughs...

[@RAaaa777]

you mean the overrated?

[@TristanBanks]

Great player. Not a great guitar.

[@bobolsen8067]

Nuno is a great player but that guitar sucks.Horrible pickups and Floyd Rose=tone killer.

[@TheLegendOf43]

yeah he personally picked those features to make it sound shittier and be harder to play, genius

[@nicksalvatore5717]

How is a Floyd a tone killer

[@shaindaman13]

What a horrible guitar.

[@alexcotte4828]

Does anybody knows what song he's playing in the background? I'd like to know to be able to work on it as soon as possible, 'cause this riff is soooooooo epic

[@evalex71]

+Alex Cotte There is a version of this with him just playing the riff, not talking, and it includes the tab too

[@brianlafev4127]

Ronin 77 where?

[@daniel_el_kaffee4031]

@@evalex71 Do you happen to have a link to that somewhere? I'd love to see that.

[@evalex71]

@@daniel_el_kaffee4031 Here you go my brother: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZjFhmeFaMyhjqc

[@daniel_el_kaffee4031]

@@evalex71 Thank you mate :D