Sound Advice: Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) - Turn A Good Guitar Riff Into A Great One

[@dabu73]

I used to live around the corner from him. He had a garage sale once about 20 years ago and sold me a classical guitar for $5! I still play it all the time. Mastodon rules!

[@otjunior]

Amazing story, you have to try and get it signed

[@geet77777]

where was that? he was with mastodon at the time right? any other cool info about that?

[@samclemmons5373]

@geet77777 He lives in Atlanta and has a family.

[@deadharvest29]

This is such fantastic insight. One key point he made that every guitar player needs to understand: “ you don’t need to be a great guitar player to write a great song.” Technical guitar wizardry is cool and all, but a great memorable riff and song is so much better.

[@swarthygiant1463]

And Mastadon proves they aren’t mutually exclusive haha End of the day sweeping across the neck is just chords with extra steps

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

Exactly why I can listen to a shred virtuoso once or twice and say "wow" and never listen to them again... And also why I can listen to Black Sabbath a thousand times and say "wow" and listen to them a thousand more times.

[@deadharvest29]

@@TheOfficialCaseMade Exactly right. The only shredder I can make an exception for (when I’m in the mood) is George Lynch. For some reason his playing strikes me as more soulful. But yeah, Iommi all day (and Kelliher)!

[@jamesfetcho6315]

Problem is that many don't realize is.....there is so much more to Guitar Wizarding than shredding, but non Guitar players, and beginners don't recognize, or really notice it.

[@dilbophagginz]

I love Mastodon's intricate riffs but what honestly impresses me the most is the structure of how they fit together. They are amazing at coming up with memorable chord progressions and motifs that stick in your brain

[@svelle37]

If Mastodon is ever playing in your area, I highly (!) recommend looking into booking lessons with Bill. It was not cheap, but it was such a fantastic experience that it was well worth it. The only other guy who signed up for it in my city didn't show, so I had one hour with Bill, talking riffs, albums, sobriety, and even jamming Oblivion together, which was probably one of the best moments of my guitar-playing life so far.

[@kietchu2761]

how much was it

[@svelle37]

@@kietchu2761 about 100€

[@svelle37]

@@kietchu2761 thought I had responded earlier this morning. It was about $100.

[@geet77777]

how much did it cost?

[@svelle37]

@@kietchu2761 @geet77777 it was around 100 bucks

[@michageick1717]

Thanks to Bill an DÁddario Strings and Manuel Ali for this guitar

[@wesleytrott6397]

I love his approach to riff writing. You can tell he has really developed his craft over his life-long journey as a musician. There is genuine intent behind the choices he makes in his riff writing. It's not just meandering, lifeless noodling on guitar. Everything is well thought out. And well explained too! Great stuff from Bill.

[@RomanChugz]

This brought tears to my eyes. Lost my mom to cancer and I love playing Mastodon riffs. Thank you so much for your music and words, Bill! Love you like a younger brother would do.

[@daddarioandco]

❤

[@Weloz92]

He's a sick player and a guitar riff genius! Him and Brent are definitely a most favourite guitar duo for me.

[@andritti]

Tio Bill is the MAN!!! The Riff Master🙏 Thank you brother for this wisdom shared

[@daddarioandco]

❤

[@adamcoe]

1:24 an incredibly good example of expanding on an idea but without overplaying...like, he doesn't just noodle or add a bunch of wanks, he adds fullness to the chord, and makes it more interesting to listen to and complex without adding a zillion notes. Sometimes that is indeed the answer, but not always.

[@doric_historic]

Bill has the ability to mess with the notes inbetween the notes...

[@doric_historic]

...with the use of great guitar strings of course.

[@bootgrip6]

Noteworthy

[@bradleywhitaker6936]

I dont really even listen to Mastodon very much at all, although I love everything I have heard from them. However, every time I see a video of Bill explaining his writing process, I try to listen to every single word he says, and apply everything I learn from his advice. The guy just seems to have a formula that works.

[@Ryan_Q3L]

Amazing guitarist and such a humble dude.

[@PowDJoke]

Mastodon’s level of songwriting and riffing, in terms of complexity and boldness, is exactly what I’m pursuing as a musician. Thanks a lot for these advices. I would LOVE to get more of that kind of videos from Bill, I’d even pay for it. Such great musicians.

[@richardsmith9615]

I remember hearing Once More round the sun for the first time, Tread Lightly really hit like a ton of bricks. Absolutely memorable and brilliant Chorus.

[@Mar33322]

Fantastic guy and guitar player. Mastodon is one of the only metal bands that can hang with the older metal giants. They have their own sound and its one amazing wall of sonic bliss.

[@emilybalcerak7861]

Bill is unreal. So glad to see this come up in my feed

[@acledfloyd]

I love playing Tread Lightly and turns out I’ve been playing it wrong. I’m glad you made this video

[@daddarioandco]

We're glad we were able to help in your playing!

[@zeblackcat9398]

SAME HERE LOL Every video I see with Bill or Brent playing teaches me something new, every damn time lol

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

I can't ever decide on my favorite album opener, but Tread Lightly could be it

[@ChikaNeca]

I've always fancied B.Hinds more because I thought he is the main guitar writer in the band but lately I realised that most of my favourite mastadon riffs and licks are written by Bill. Sorry Bill, i appreciate you more now.

[@justinerb3669]

I think maybe Hinds wrote the majority of the early stuff but Bill has taken over a little more. Could be completely wrong tho haha

[@Abrahamhamham]

5:26 just turn the brightness down just a bit and it could easily be on Mayhem's Ordo Ad Chao album

[@alcoholica1986]

I feel like i should have paid money for this great insight

[@marcosflores8188]

Hands down one of my favorite guitarists. I briefly met him at a show years ago. He popped out of a door to take a peak at the crowd. I noticed him, went to shake his hand and got to say a quick hello. He quickly went back through the door when he saw more people walking his direction

[@Igornopolis]

Incredible riff guy, Bill. Fuck yeah..

[@chrismason3283]

Thanks Bill and D’Addario, that was some great advice and insight

[@INDOMINION]

I just dip my fret fingers in butter and then everything slides into place. Doesn't hurt to strap a biscuit or two to your kneecaps for the running knee slide

[@horrorshowbass]

If Alex Lifeson played metal

[@KanoKnife]

Hope his mother is better, what a way to express his pain.

[@aaronhiggs]

His mom passed back in 2017.

[@user-bf6gz8ej4o]

His mother actually was the inspiration for Emperor of the Sand. I suggest watching the documentary. The whole concept album is a metaphor of a person being diagnosed with cancer, suffering and than ultimately dying but in a super interesting desert setting!

[@muffevans5667]

Over the last 20 years or so Bill has become my favourite player, he's got it all.

[@MegaLaban12345]

Aint never heard him sweep pick or play an emotional lead

[@2morrowillcome]

I feel the same way, he has quickly become one of my absolute top guitar heroes. Such a humble guy, but a face melting riff machine. ❤ Bill

[@marko1843]

Thank You Sir for sharing the story and the great advice on upriffing (my fun new term). I am experiencing similar mom health issues and it is stressful to say the least. As a relatively new player, about 3 years now, the help on adding to the good riff was something I needed to hear, and hear, to understand the next step for me. I so appreciate that important thread. Thank You! I hope in some way you are able receive the thanks and appreciation from the comments. You have in nearly eight minutes taught me how to get to the next level with playing. And mostly, I hope your mom is doing well. Thank You once again.

[@reub1565]

Thanks to Bill for sharing some of his approaches to riffage!

[@jasonpitts8395]

Bill is the riff God 🤘

[@daddarioandco]

Yes he is!

[@PowDJoke]

I do agree, sir.

[@JawnCoffee]

In my opinion its about contrast as well as tension and release. Like mayb write a shitty riff to put in a song with your killer riff so it seems all the more killer when u play it. Love mastadon

[@EatingOurPets95]

I’m sorry for your loss Brother. Been a fan my whole life, since 2005..28 now! ❤ you man

[@Liand666]

I love bill style and mark holcomb it really influence my riff work

[@doanfiat]

Thank you Bill!

[@jorbv8]

huge fan since hearing the Leviathan album 5-6 years ago... Bill is the riff master

[@jeremiahalexander5513]

I recently hit a wall with my songwriting. This video was extremely helpful in helping me to reframe my approach and really take my time to make something great!

[@juliansilva528]

In the 90s, I always started crazy and took away notes until I got to the very bones of the riff, And also a LOT of rehearsal, I fed from the whole band.

[@PineGap_Band]

Great masterclass Bill🙏

[@Hunkeykung]

This guys works on another level

[@abcdefghijkl5408]

I love that some person is likely on their computer in the hotel room next door and just hears perfect mastodon through the wall😂

[@karterestill]

I love what he says about "Putting it away" I totally do this and Just wrote a full since with a riff I had from last year😂 but it finally all came to me! Absolutely aolid advice. Never make it forced😊

[@keithsuhr6275]

Thoughtful and does a great job explaining something so abstract and intimate.

[@ConorQuinlan-jb6ri]

Thanks for giving us your gift @BillKelliher and also letting us you know about personal shit you were going through during the writing of "OMRTS". I've loved you guys since Remission. Keep going 🤘

[@nunocrames4787]

Great lesson. And we would love some presets from that hx stomp

[@joshuavaughan8510]

Amazing. I can see a correlation in the lyrics over the Roots Remain getting better getting/worse riff

[@dougiemonday]

I love it when you make videos, bro you gotta do more

[@daddarioandco]

We agree!

[@StonyBlazestation]

Bill is such a great writer and I know Mastodon is super popular, but I still feel like he doesn't get enough credit as a riff machine 🤘🏻

[@benblankenship9704]

Great video and insights! Thanks!

[@LPManic]

Never listened to Mastodon but love this video. Fantastic insights. Learnt a lot.

[@GabeHelma]

Check them out they have some great material

[@philiptromp231]

Awesome demonstration! 🤙❤️

[@Angelrat666]

05:05 damn never thought about that. Have to check that out. 😮

[@matthewvanderford1275]

Thanks Billy

[@valkyrst620]

This man is a genius.

[@SteveMcT]

Hands down, my favorite guitar player

[@mlcalache]

Loved it! Amazing class and meaning behind the riffs!

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Love Bill, great riff and song writer.

[@anthonycarr9118]

Great stuff,1 thing I’ve learnt that even a really dull riff will fit in nicely with another and make it great

[@tarkenton3895]

Anyone know what brand the guitar is? Loving the different take on an RD shape

[@michageick1717]

it is from Manuel Ali Germany

[@basileus8038]

Never really listened to Mastedon… but this video is gold. Will check them out now. Also going to go into a KZbin rabbit hole to see if Bill has other videos

[@pieflies]

Even if you don’t immediately like the first few songs you hear give them another go. I avoided them for years I assume because of whatever couple of songs I heard first but then I heard something I liked and dig deeper and I really love a lot of their stuff now. They still have stuff I don’t really like but heaps I do.

[@jeffreyhanc1711]

“Crack the Skye” is arguably the greatest prog-metal record of the century. Just brilliant. And the endless variety of killer riffs…(chef’s kiss)

[@MrPhilTeer]

I would Love to know The Helix preset for that Sound. ❤

[@Goldstein_955]

So inspiring! thanks

[@stepitupandgo67]

Words and riffs to live by

[@frankunodostres473]

fascinating and very inspiring insight

[@rustycage-]

Masterclass!

[@guitar_mileage]

Loved it. Roots Remain is a masterpiece. Bill is definitely one of the best guitarists!🤘🎸

[@timberfinn]

Love Bill

[@clintj]

Love this type of stuff. And Tread Lightly is a killer opener.

[@GozMaster]

❤ Bill is my hero. Best step dad ever.

[@Axenicsecond]

Ashes of Leviathan coming up soon!

[@tompoynton]

Rocking the IK Micro monitors 👌

[@timguitar862]

Cant wait to see Mastodon in LA!!!!

[@JJgeetarisst]

Love Bill

[@chaz02cs]

My favourite player of all time ❤️‍🔥

[@alexwood8555]

Greatest god damn rock album of the 2010's

[@cloverthecatpizza7878]

God that’s such a good fucking riff

[@bhbuzzco7719]

What kind of guitar is that? Is that just a ESP custom shop? I dont recognize the headstock. Is he endorsing another brand? I feel out of the loop lol

[@michageick1717]

This guitar is from my friend and custom builder Manuel Ali from Manuel Ali guitars Germany

[@randomguitarnote8887]

Very inspiring, thanks.

[@LuckyPkerz]

Dude's like 50 years old with a norwood 1, crazy

[@Mak_Trvln_SLP]

Great video. Always enjoy his perspective on writing. Anyone know what guitar brand that is?

[@freeflowzac]

It’s a Manuel Ali guitars from germany 🤘

[@DallasGunther]

Nice shirt man.

[@egorsozonov7425]

Love D’Addario and love Mastodon. This is so tasty!

[@daddarioandco]

❤❤❤

[@brianbishoff]

what guitar is that?

[@diverinblack]

Fantástico!

[@feno8983]

What guitar is it? RD is the most appealing body shape to me so i regularly scout on everything that resembles it.

[@feno8983]

oh, just found it, its Manuel Ali Underdog.

[@michageick1717]

@@feno8983 thats right

[@GrouVa]

Which is the brand of the this guitar?

[@MashaT22]

That’s a Mayonnes from Poland, I believe. I’m not too familiar with their models, but I have seen that same M on some of their guitars and basses. I have heard that they’re incredible instruments from the reviews I’ve seen and read. They sell worldwide for the most part if you check their site or Reverb. Hope this helps!

[@irfanmyg]

It’s not a mayones, 80% sure. The mayones M is different

[@BentAnat666]

@@irfanmyg agree... not a Mayones... No idea what it is, but I want one

[@irfanmyg]

@@BentAnat666 oooh absolutely

[@daddarioandco]

@@irfanmyg It's a Manuel Ali Underdog!

[@brunomantovaneli6076]

"The roots do remain. I checked it". Brent Hinds

[@GODHATESADOPTION]

Dirty b

[@muzickman76]

Please can someone give the correct pronunciation of the string maker as I have said it multiple ways for years too 😂

[@justinerb3669]

What kind of guitar is he playing?

[@evanward4303]

Listening on iLoud monitors to Bill jam on iLoud monitors

[@Flish15]

Does somone knows what through Bill plays at this video, what amp modeller is that, kemper ?

[@a4syth2654]

Can we get this helix preset PLEASE!?

[@zmongi1]

Rocks

[@Lennoxvrgt]

What guitar is he playing here? Looks sick!

[@lunaticscaleband]

same question

[@Lennoxvrgt]

@@lunaticscaleband Manuel Ali Underdog

[@kbgrevolver4563]

So the idea is Sensibilities + Experience + Interpretation + Expression

[@vdverteder0]

facts

[@cdnpunk2270]

Custom Streamer? next model? ?

[@lucasnunes2453]

Masterclass

[@nathanielstickler7223]

What riff is at the very beginning of this video? What song?

[@Orionsresolve]

Have you tried watching the full video?

[@greenhandgeezer]

Dude I couldn’t agree more. I got riffs all day. I’m totally a less than average guitarist 😅

[@smallfaucet]

Okay. SO more notes. Got it.