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

On this episode of Sound Advice, Bill Kelliher, guitarist of heavy metal band Mastodon (@mastodon), shares some tips on how to turn a good guitar riff into a great one.
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[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@flprmn9448]

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]

❤

[@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.

[@Weloz92]

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

[@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

[@JDubzDrumz]

Line 6 hx stomp into ik multimedia studio monitors. Whoa smart portable setup.

[@maynardburger]

Even if not portable, still a perfectly nice little home setup for everyday playing/practicing.

[@emilybalcerak7861]

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

[@alcoholica1986]

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

[@andritti]

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

[@daddarioandco]

❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jasonpitts8395]

Bill is the riff God 🤘

[@daddarioandco]

Yes he is!

[@PowDJoke]

I do agree, sir.

[@benblankenship9704]

Great video and insights! Thanks!

[@Goldstein_955]

So inspiring! thanks

[@Igornopolis]

Incredible riff guy, Bill. Fuck yeah..

[@horrorshowbass]

If Alex Lifeson played metal

[@philiptromp231]

Awesome demonstration! 🤙❤️

[@keithsuhr6275]

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

[@doanfiat]

Thank you Bill!

[@PineGap_Band]

Great masterclass Bill🙏

[@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

[@michageick1717]

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

[@chrismason3283]

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

[@randomguitarnote8887]

Very inspiring, thanks.

[@frankunodostres473]

fascinating and very inspiring insight

[@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!

[@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.

[@eighteen-naked-cowboys]

bill is the modern day riff lord. the roots remain verse riff and the SOLO RIFF ♥️♥️

[@rustycage-]

Masterclass!

[@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 🤘

[@dougiemonday]

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

[@daddarioandco]

We agree!

[@JJgeetarisst]

Love Bill

[@timguitar862]

Cant wait to see Mastodon in LA!!!!

[@clintj]

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

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Love Bill, great riff and song writer.

[@LPManic]

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

[@GabeHelma]

Check them out they have some great material

[@reub1565]

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

[@AniWilhelm95]

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

[@GozMaster]

❤ Bill is my hero. Best step dad ever.

[@user-jh7ki9sn5h]

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

[@SteveMcT]

Hands down, my favorite guitar player

[@diverinblack]

Fantástico!

[@anthonycarr9118]

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

[@nunocrames4787]

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

[@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😊

[@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.

[@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)

[@tompoynton]

Rocking the IK Micro monitors 👌

[@guitar_mileage]

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

[@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 🤘🏻

[@joshuavaughan8510]

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

[@Angelrat666]

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

[@Axenicsecond]

Ashes of Leviathan coming up soon!

[@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😂

[@egorsozonov7425]

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

[@daddarioandco]

❤❤❤

[@chaz02cs]

My favourite player of all time ❤️‍🔥

[@lucasnunes2453]

Masterclass

[@touron119]

riff master!!

[@DallasGunther]

Nice shirt man.

[@Mak_Trvln_SLP]

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

[@dragonjackson76]

It’s a Manuel Ali guitars from germany 🤘

[@MrPhilTeer]

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

[@brunomantovaneli6076]

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

[@GODHATESADOPTION]

Dirty b

[@Abrahamhamham]

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

[@Woozy.0]

Master Bill

[@tarkenton3895]

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

[@michageick1717]

it is from Manuel Ali Germany

[@evanward4303]

Listening on iLoud monitors to Bill jam on iLoud monitors

[@alexwood8555]

Greatest god damn rock album of the 2010's

[@smallfaucet]

Okay. SO more notes. Got it.

[@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

[@vdverteder0]

facts

[@greenhandgeezer]

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

[@a4syth2654]

Can we get this helix preset PLEASE!?

[@Lennoxandjon]

What guitar is he playing here? Looks sick!

[@lunaticscaleband]

same question

[@Lennoxandjon]

@@lunaticscaleband Manuel Ali Underdog

[@cloverthecatpizza7878]

God that’s such a good fucking riff

[@LuckyPkerz]

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

[@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

[@murphyia1980]

Top guy 🙌

[@daddarioandco]

🙌

[@mdeerocks6792]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cdnpunk2270]

Custom Streamer? next model? ?

[@darrenjones8184]

That's a cool guitar. Who makes that?

[@jeffpierce71]

All hail Lord Butterslax

[@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!

[@DiogoJordan]

This guy listened to Bathory :)

[@DiogoJordan]

The 2nd riff reminds me of Blood and Iron. Same chord movement, different voicings.

[@vicarelli]

Thank You Bill, I've been a D'addario dealer for 25 years and I'm still not sure how to pronounce it. I'm looking at you John Camp...

[@Mezzier]

What's that guitar ? any info ? the brand, shape ?

[@danieldavidmccabe]

Also interested in this

[@stevemc75]

It’s a Manuel Ali Underdog

[@naturalianoss]

it is a Motherfuccker you can see the "M" on the headstock great guitars indeed

[@imonahorse]

@@stevemc75fuck yes

[@vinopit]

this would sound great overdriven with not so much distortion

[@kaneo67]

What brand of guitar is that? Looks like a shecter maybe

[@michageick1717]

From Manuel Ali in Bad Salzuflen

[@nathanielstickler7223]

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

[@ryanorion547]

Have you tried watching the full video?

[@Axl_Pose]

Bill is the man!

[@theolajide]

that's a cool lookin axe anyone know who makes it

[@horrorshowbass]

😊😊

[@hampusingvarsson3946]

Name of the guitar please!

[@michageick1717]

Manuel Ali Underdog custom, using DÁddario Strings

[@kbgrevolver4563]

So the idea is Sensibilities + Experience + Interpretation + Expression