Riff Lords: Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle

[@SlipknotAstronaut]

Give this man the Les Paul signature he rightfully deserves

[@a22fc]

Is that a standard LP he is using?

[@SlipknotAstronaut]

@@a22fcmost likely

[@christian_silo]

finally, my '01 Cinnamon Burst will be worth $5,000

[@christian_silo]

@@a22fc its a '91 Classic

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

My understanding is that Gibson tried and they could never get the headstock break right. For those who don't know, Billy's LP has a headstock break that was repaired badly, incorrect, or wrong. Basically they couldn't get the string pull, break angle, etc. correct for a signature. It's a shame because he would be one of those guitarists where I would have to begrudgingly buy another guitar.

[@RobbDizzl]

Those first two APC records are phenomenal. These riffs are haunting, powerful and so pretty at the same time.

[@crowkiller0668]

I strongly urge you to give “Eat the Elephant” a chance. I hated that sound & most of the songs when I first heard it. Fast forward a few years later and it’s literally my favorite album of theirs! Please go back and let the record unfold for you!

[@TC-lk2ev]

@@crowkiller0668 That album is so bad it almost made me not like the first two albums. Almost...

[@crowkiller0668]

@@TC-lk2ev Really? I would say to try it again. I didn’t like it at first, but it definitely grew on me.

[@TC-lk2ev]

@@crowkiller0668 Yeah, i thought it was pretty terrible. The opening song was bad, even the disillusioned and stuff which was decent was ruined by some average lyrics, and then theres "so long." That song is just terrible. I remember some of the songs on the back half were decent though. Feathers i think it was.

[@LateButGreat]

It's a matter of taste, after all. I love it, not as much as the others, but I easily get in the mood and enjoy it full-length.

[@davidguthrie3739]

My favorite guitarists aren’t the virtuosos. They’re the songwriters who speak through their guitars with their own unique voice.They’re great musicians.

[@georgemartinez9084]

This man says he doesn't consider him self as a great guitarist. Humble man.

[@dieselthumbs82]

Nice to see people are still humble and others still appreciate it.

[@sun6moon9]

And he's not. He's actually pretty limited. But he is quite the genius in the way he uses those limitations, and creates pretty cool and tastefull sonic and musical composition. So no he is NOT a Great guitarrist, but a good artist.

[@georgemartinez9084]

@@sun6moon9 Just out of curiosity, who do you consider a great guitarist?

[@sun6moon9]

I am the best guitar player in the room, when i am jamming by myself. Although a few people like my playing, i know it is very limited, although i play for 20 years, and is the only instrument i am classically trained on, and in my opinion i am Not even a Guitarist. But an interesting musician that also plays guitar. A guitarist is someone that has focused his self on the study and development of the instrument he has chosen. A great guitarrist is someone like Holdsworth, Govan, Vai, and all those cats that have the chops to play any music you throw at them. And all those are even greater because they all developed their own unique style. Guitar players that make cool riffs, songs etc are a different bread. These are actually focused on the study and development of a song, sonic aethestics, overall impression, arrangement, composition. None is better than the other. Just 2 different breeds. And i love The Perfect Circle, since Mer de Noms came out. But also like Holdsworth, and pick between the 2 depending on the mood.

[@georgemartinez9084]

@@sun6moon9 Are you or the other GUITARIST limited?

[@PatyM00N]

Howerdel is a musical genius. 🖤🙌

[@franniefromvenice]

Thirteenth Step was the literal soundtrack to my high school years, not a day went by when my iPod wasn't blasting that album into my ears 🖤 to this day it's one of my all-time favourite albums ever

[@namelesstemple]

Me too my friend. Me too.

[@XxLIVRAxX]

Exact same experience, I still got my Ipod Nano Silver on one of my drawers, Mer de Noms and Thirteenth Step helped me get through my teens and early 20s in the 2000s and helped build my inner world.

[@dwellersplayhouse710]

I had the same experience but with the first album. haha. Rock on man

[@Extrapua]

​@@XxLIVRAxXme too

[@bradmeeks407]

Me too. They were amazing to see live last weekend!!

[@caseyb2309]

I love that he said he is more like a character in a play than a great guitar player. His style reflects that.

[@mikedelo6785]

He's a beautiful example of being an artist, a musician that plays an instrument as a medium to express Art, not an empty athlete of the instrument...much admiration an respect.

[@MrGunwitch]

Well said.

[@mattalwayslearning2184]

@@MrGunwitch🤘🏻

[@buzzy-ears]

"I don't think of myself as an accomplished guitar player" says one of my favorite guitar players

[@joaolucianodinizcosta4095]

Indeed!! This guy is astonishing!!!

[@shayneswenson]

I absolutely love that they left the gaffs and wonky notes/noise. Refreshingly organic and REAL as opposed to the hyper polished and edited BS 💩 from so many other channels doing this sort of thing.

[@phoffidelrio]

agree with you.

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

The Hollow lead riffs have always some of my favorite riffs ever. They just sound so damn magical and cascading.

[@gregchapdelaine4889]

Ooof. That slide section in Judith made my hair stand on end. This man has such talent as both a songwriter and player. Thank you, Gibson!

[@Domn879]

What a dude, what a player.

[@monikavitcheva5815]

Billy's guitar playing has a transformative effect, transporting the listener to another world.

[@pythonxz]

Billy and Adam Jones truly show that they just love music. It's more about transporting listeners to a place, like you said.

[@mikealarcon6151]

Billy is amazing. That slide scene is gonna live rent free for my entire life.

[@boatymcboatface4865]

The cascading, ethereal riff on The Hollow's chorus still blows my mind. Such a great tune, and phenomenal songwriting!

[@blackspring3207]

absolutely transcendent

[@sebprovision]

Man Judith goes haaaard! Billy is a killer guitarist

[@ryemill7787]

His strumming hand has more style than an Italian fashion show.

[@trevor-ck7jk]

His sound and riffs/leads are very original. A million notes are not needed to make music amazing APC is one band I still listen to daily.

[@paoloantonio1531]

I loved Mer de Noms, Thirteen Step and Emotive, those 3 records were just so rich. Maynard, Billy, Josh Freese, James... I am glad Gibson is giving guitar players such as Billy the attention they deserve.

[@Shawn_B.]

That “Judith” riff will always be my favorite A Perfect Circle riff of all time.

[@sarahdell4042]

What a treat. 3 libras is such a beautifully written piece.

[@robthompson8285]

A Perfect Circle was the soundtrack for my twenties. I love Billy's band.

[@JamesDGardner]

He’s a genius. I love his music and his playing.

[@Cirrus-z2d]

Absolutely beautiful. Howerdel and Maynard are such a heavenly combo.

[@doctoribanez]

I love riff lords and could watch these videos all day. I appreciate that he took the time to do this.

[@RobertVitello-x1t]

Ok, so maybe he's not the greatest guitar player in the world, but he brings a unique style to the table. I know of no one who continually plays single and double stops throughout a song, dragging the listener along with him. I love it.

[@gregoryporter5526]

Doesn't his completely original and unique approach to playing the guitar qualify him as a "great" ?

[@MrGunwitch]

Saw them live 20 years ago, was epic.

[@YoungMasterpiece]

Those first 2 records man… Never saw him open like this. The thing that got me from the start into A Perfect Circle was the beauty in those guitars and how they talk to the other instruments and how they communicate making magical atmosphere… and here it is, Billy is breaking down magic. I believe this music will be amazing even (at least) decades from now.

[@Cmikul25g]

The most under recognized guitar player ever, truly a artist

[@juliotiusanen4259]

APC was the soundtrack of my teenage years. 3 libras was the first sing I learned to play on guitar and I still play it to this day. What a beautiful song.

[@Louie_Ponce_Motography]

Truly a class act and amazing musician. Stay humble, brother.

[@stealingtomorrowband]

Freaking awesome..... I was jamming A Perfect Circle at work today and then get home and see this.... Awesomeness Billy is such a fantastic underrated guitarist ..

[@brainiac.computer]

Even though APC is part of the “alternative rock” category, I’m often taken aback when people mention not knowing them well. Even though I enjoy bands like Foo Fighters and other mainstream groups, there was something that drew me closer to APC. Whether it was Maynard’s lyricism or Billy’s approach as a songwriter/lead guitarist, I can’t really explain it. I’ll be seeing them play with Pusifer and Primus next week, which I’m excited about.

[@ronnywilson2112]

I love how Billy plays the guitar, his compositions are catchy and structured, he usually adds many small details that enhance the songs. A Perfect Circle became one of my all-time favorite bands since the 2000s. I also love his solo works like Ashes Divide. It took me a while to realize that he tuned in C#, until I discovered it in interviews in some issues of Guitar World and Guitar One magazines from 2000. I was also very happy to discover in other interviews from other guitar magazines that many of my favorite bands have also influenced him like Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Cure, Black Sabbath, Rush, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Love & Rockets, Joy Division, New Order, Depeche Mode, Devo, Talk Talk, Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Massive Attack, etc. He also cited his early inspirations as a teenager on the guitar: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Ace Frehley and Randy Rhoads.

[@anthonynelson1699]

To this day APC has the best hard rock guitar tone in my opinion. Love all of their music.

[@denverrandy7143]

Wow,the plucking with reverb up the scale on hollow is beautiful!!!

[@ShashikaGunathilake]

He's the soul of APC

[@Daphie_the_Duck]

What an incredible guitarist and songwriter. So meticulous and full of small, little details. Shows how much he cares about his songs. Truly a genius.

[@UltraMegaSeaMonkey]

I see A Perfect Circle, I click

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@a22fc]

👍🏼 yup

[@WendigoSotomonte]

Bet you love geometry😂

[@kjohansen4088]

Absolutely

[@morrislindroth7910]

I am a Drummer and I 100% agree.. ..cause here i am watchin Billy on a Guitar channel!! 😂 I love Guitar but cannot play but a few simple chords.. although- I got your backing beats Guitarists!!! 😎🤙

[@rogerreynolds5822]

Billy & Co. were magnificent in The Woodlands, TX this past weekend.

[@patrickd8770]

It’s amazing how many hours i spent in high school trying to learn these songs. I know this is easier learning like this but 20 odd years later there’s some satisfaction knowing i got (a lot of ) it right. These guys rule. Listing to mer now

[@JL-FBGM]

...His riffs are so haunting and absolutely beautiful, Billy is my favorite guitar player ever. I mean his #1 has been busted a dozen times and held together with wood glue...absolute legend.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I really appreciated him showing how to play some of these riffs clean because these are they types of riffs that could sound different without the gain.

[@Sou1J]

Would love an ICONS episode for Billy as well that would be amazing

[@danr6175]

Billy‘s playing is so unique. Love it!

[@jonnyvanwyk1862]

I absolutely love how he writes these amazing song, THank you for inspiring so many of us to be more in touch with music

[@hobonickel840]

The most creative people are always so very humble

[@narvaezcm]

Listening to A Perfect Circle for the first time while playing Silent Hill for the first time, the year was 2000 🥲

[@Ervinabrahamian]

Those were the days

[@xeroinfinity]

The first time I heard the APC Mer de Noms album was at the 2001, St Patric day show in Indy. It was also the first time seeing a band play at that venue, i was apprehensive. Best concert I'd been to in 6-7 years! It was very moving, I needed that, thank you Billy!

[@ghostiesvomit]

3 libras was the first song i learned on guitar when i picked it up. i love that song so much, i asked my music teacher if i could perform it for our annual high school guitar performance. i’m so happy i picked 3 libras to showcase to everyone. people should be exposed to how amazing a perfect circle is!!

[@JMTrucking1417]

Dude, lol, dont b so hard on yourself.

[@SaintJames14]

He gets it. You don't need to be extremely technically proficient, you need to be a character and use the guitar to push plot. God damn this dude is dope.

[@gregoryporter5526]

You're goddamn right!

[@jongibson6522]

What a treat to get these lessons from Billy - a talented songwriter and guitar player. These songs hold a special place in my heart, so thank you Billy and Gibson!

[@jonnyfavors7585]

I gotta say billy really shows u just how simple it is instructions wise on each song. Hell, I've already learned 3 libras just by watching where his finger chord placements were. Hes very good!

[@DarkDalr]

This is one of the greatest videos I’ve seen in KZbin in a while, love Billy’s work, I could watch him breakdown every single APC song

[@griffithberserk9615]

My favorite band. ❤❤❤❤

[@WendigoSotomonte]

Can you recommend some songs or a couole of almbums ?

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Mer De Noms 13th Step 2 of the best albums ever, their first 2.

[@FakawiNZ]

Imagine if his heroes revealed the secrets like this, gold for a budding guitarist!

[@stephenbonshire5678]

Each and every song is so unique and so Perfect Circle. His song writing is so odd but on point!!! 🤘😎🤘

[@AHOY_MATEY]

Billys song writing on APCs first two albums blew my mind. Especially when I was learning to play guitar around the same time... Its because of his brilliant chugging riffs and layered melody's that I was inspired to keep learning and playing. For that I am grateful beyond words.

[@johnoneil651]

so humble and able to clearly describe his thought process

[@TThomas-si7yn]

Billy, you have nothing to worry about. The fact that you're so immediately humble, despite your talent, is commendable. And, I love A Perfect Circle. Awesome work, and best wishes. --- wow...so melodic; and the use of distortion works so well.

[@robertdavidtingstrom118]

i just saw him play at the Hollywood bowl for Maynard's birthday Bash!

[@CreativeColosseum]

God I love his leads. My band Linger was fortunate enough to open for Ashes Divide once upon a time and he was super kind.

[@dabullnice]

So creative and atmospheric, as he said. I love that he’s so in touch with what he’s doing. So generous, showing us how to play these songs. Rad!

[@Weewoop3]

Watching this after sessanta. So amazing

[@noveltycrusade]

Possibly the most successful guitar tech in the music business...also an amazing riff writer ❤ legend ❤

[@ctrlartdel]

One of the best song writers ever!!!

[@andrewscott1387]

His touch and style blow me away all the small nuances that make billy sound like billy and even at half speed sounds exactly the same and people including me drool over how skilled and what an amazing talent he has and he absolutely has, but the reason he and all the other musicians you love are where they are is dedication and practice practice and more practice but you have to love anything you do to want to practice enough to achieve your goals but they show if you want it really want it you can make it happen but absolutely love his playing.

[@glom_gazingo]

This is very cool.. I remember seeing APC opening for NIN on the fragility tour 2.0 in Denver + Phoenix.. What amazing shows! Mer De Noms in its entirety.. Sounded just like the record, impeccable. Master musicians, Thanks, Billy.

[@mattalwayslearning2184]

That Denver show is my all time sore spot in missing concerts. All time. I’ll never get past it.

[@ZenHellephant]

Billy is one of my favorite guitar players ever. It felt like so much changed in music when APC hit it big. Underrated, but extremely appreciated.

[@iaing2030]

Gibson TV you guys are killing it with these episodes. That was awesome Billy is such a great musician.

[@D3ADCLUTCH99]

Ever since I started playing guitar a little over a year ago, I’ve focused on APC almost exclusively and you just can’t replicate this man’s playing style. Legend 🤘🏼

[@michaelmanningly8984]

If there is such a nomenclature as an intuitive guitarist , this man could be it .

[@Tkivo]

Love his approach to guitar playing. Great blend of technicality and evoking emotions with unique melodies.

[@Unanythang]

Such a phenomenal human and musician. We are truly blessed yo have monda like these around still.

[@bradleygray2511]

Thank you Billy for the great guitar work and sharing with us

[@YourFearIsReal]

Guitarists like Adam Jones, Billy Howerdell, Troy Van Leuwen (players that aren't necessarily the most virtuosic) are who inspire me the most. The dynamics Billy uses with the slice, the reverb and delay giving it feel and atmosphere that millions of notes will never get you. And all the subtle nuances that are there that take hundreds of listens to truly appreciate. Truly an immense, humble talent Billy is 😎

[@dawidpruski]

My guitar Hero! 🤘🏻

[@lifeattractslife]

Thank you Gibson for making this. Was SOO nostalgic to hear one of my favourite guitarists break down his iconic parts. Rock on!

[@sanjsurativideo]

I've always loved the groove of "Outsider" so brutally dynamic 🤘

[@arbiehill68]

Billy does it all so well. My favorite video for sheer breathtaking chills is Judith. Damn! Billy backing up Maynard on vocals, powerful as hell. On those certain days it has to be the headphones and Judith. Then tinnitus :(

[@ronaldlatwis8714]

He is an excellent guitar player and a super chill dude! Got a chance to see them once in Chicago and they rocked the place sound just like the alblum 😊

[@haleybarfield6556]

Billy deserves all the most magical things the universe has to give. Such a pure soul 🖤

[@jorgevanpeeters9008]

Seems like Tom Anderson pickups? Big magnets. Great vid!thx!

[@guillejs1507]

What a beautiful sound. This dude has really creative ideas, and knows how to use pedals in a very original way

[@candycane7307]

i dont play guitar at all i love APC and the sound the melodies have always intrigued me this whole interview and watching, listening to him play is even more mesmerizing i watch on repeat while i work lol his voice the guitar just work well with my mind i could listen this over and over forever lol for real.

[@Gslice-ok4ck]

I can hear all of the song in my head as he plays, seriously underrated musicians.

[@TheSaintedOne]

Billy is so graceful.

[@ctrlartdel]

I could never figure out the lead part for the first song thank you so much!

[@ctrlartdel]

The Hollow

[@The_real_JulieKelsea]

I was at APC Hollywood Bowl 04/20/24 5th row center. When I returned from BR I was walked right by the stage. Billy was playing guitar all sexy right by my head! It was surreal. 😮 I had that look like seriously? 😳 Best show! Now I’m spoiled being that close

[@Jim-Robbins]

I love that string skipping bit in “The Hollow”. I wasn’t sure what he was doing there.

[@amos660]

You were BORN a guitar player, dude.

[@soundcanheal]

For some reason every Fall Season i go back to APC . . .so good !

[@mattalwayslearning2184]

Yes, dude! I’m seasonal with my music, as well.

[@TheSchwanze]

Criminally underrated player, great to see Gibson giving him this technical stage!

[@TiintedDreemS__ChadOlmstead]

Ive always loved his APC guitar tone. His Les Paul neck tone is probably my favourite

[@kjohansen4088]

The hollow is such a confusing and beautiful melody. I love it so much

[@clarknichols]

billy is terribly underrated

[@terri-b7492]

By who exactly,.,.,.,.,.,

[@whyismyeyetwitching]

@@terri-b7492 you beat me to it.

[@terri-b7492]

@@whyismyeyetwitching Sorry lol

[@grunge90s62]

Awesome Riff Lords, he is one of the greatest Gods of the guitar 👌✌️🎶🎸🤟

[@7sevens]

The half speed playing illustrates his beautiful control over the instrument

[@BlytheEliz]

Love you, Billy and APC! Thank you for the beautiful and otherworldly tunes ❤