Stuff Mastodon Does

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unclebeneller
Hey kids! Its time for a BRAND NEW series with Uncle Ben, Stuff Bands Do! On this debut episode, we're going to be talking about stuff Mastodon does. I've been enchanted by the works of Brent, Bill, Troy, and Brann for many years now, going back to the first time i saw the music video for March of the Fire Ants off their Remission album. Since then, i've learned and transcribed as many of their songs as humanly possible.
In this video, you're going to learn about their tunings, tricks, and tendencies of what makes their music tick. We will be talking riffs from all their records, including Crack the Skye, Blood Mountain, and Leviathan. Their use of hybrid picking, harmony, open strings, double picking, and more will get you sounding like the next Francis Bubbletrousers in no time flat.
Grab an ax and get into it.
What band's stuff do you want to know about?
gear:
Gibson Les Paul
Seymour Duncan JB Custom
Suhr Shiba Drive Reloaded Mini
Kemper Profiler
Amp Factory JCM800 profile
Fender Jazz 5
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder pickups
Darkglass Neural DSP B7K plugin
Superior Drummer 3
Yuengling Lager
Canned Ferret Blood

[@DeanLamb]

Ok, but like holy shit every single riff in this video is amazing. What a great band.

[@boarderking133]

Would def like to see some mastodon on Dean attempts to learn!

[@Ghostcodm99]

@Dean Lamb would love to see an indirect request for some Mastodon. Much love to you, your band and your channel bro.

[@bmjames]

They're good riffs Brent

[@brandonaitchison3747]

Love that people of your calibur still respect the awesomeness of mastodon. Stoked to hear your new record too man!

[@mapinguarimonster]

Call Brent to appear on your show. It would be more than amazing

[@GentlemanBystander]

"The gain turned up VERY high" >broil/450 I almost spit water on my screen.

[@YouLikeBosch]

What tuning is this, Brent? Lowlier A.

[@NitroAuto77]

Lowlier than thou

[@BigTony-bf5jr]

@@NitroAuto77 lol

[@aidendamien]

This guy is talented and Hilarious.

[@Xsheaffer]

Ben really plays comprehensively, always impressed by his range of abilities.

[@Fireguy65]

We LOVEEEEE Uncle Ben. Way more than our creepy stepdad who only lets us play in e standard

[@Maxbev14]

"Lowlier"

[@Moleskineman]

@Mike Hfuhruhurr a lot even more lowlier

[@JensLarsen]

You should make a "Stuff Mastodon't" as well! 🙂

[@BenEller]

Jens Larsen ha! I like it!

[@PhobosDDeimos]

What is this, the late 80s? xD

[@1rgorman]

Jens Larsen 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@fredriksvard2603]

Memorable music?

[@Magmetal1]

Jens Larsen - hvad fanden laver du her? :D

[@BugOperator]

“I recommend using an old school, British tube amp.” **uses exact opposite**

[@broed731]

the kemper is modeling one bro

[@madtownluthier3325]

@@broed731 He stopped listening after the word "Kemper"

[@ExploitTheVibe369]

What he means is that the Kemper is new school and it's solid state... it's obvious that he's using the profile but it's not an old school, British tube amp.

[@SYCZ]

Can I get away with tube and virtual amp? Like a line 6 pod?

[@humanbeing2420]

6S6Y6C6Z6 No. Never.

[@XDlosDominicans]

“I recommend using an OLD SCHOOL BRITISH tube amp.” *Uses GERMAN NEW SCHOOL amplifier* Legend

[@patrickszopinski6551]

"That does not contain tubes."

[@MackZZilla]

The grown up version of "pepsi in a coca-cola glass"

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Nope....Chinese.

[@mattf9096]

The guitars can basically do whatever they want....we know we're all there for Brann.

[@CreamAle]

🍻

[@AdrianGamingLP]

@@CreamAle HOLY SHIT It's Brann Dailor. Love you man! Stay safe and healthy!

[@arhainofulthuan]

@@CreamAle I, for one, welcome our new drummer overlord!

[@shillian4770]

@@arhainofulthuan NEW??????? buahgauhauahauhauah this man was in the old testament

[@doodlebob3758]

@@CreamAle I just want to say, as a fan, record some of your King Diamond-esque high vocals. In some capacity, even if it's not played live. You're way too good at it to not incorporate that in some tasteful way.

[@MoonlapseVertigo]

Stuff Opeth does pls!

[@terroristpie]

I second that!

[@nicingram1719]

Fuck yer

[@kevinscott3315]

One they do is write killer songs.

[@roywilliams7883]

Still waiting

[@geofre44]

Please!

[@bobbylucas2914]

Blood and thunder sound easy to play especially for beginners, when I first started I cried into my pillow for a month

[@drsipp407]

It is actually a relatively easy song compared to literally any of their other songs. Still really hard though

[@actualturtle2421]

Yeah it's definitely more tricky than it sounds because of the string hopping.

[@StankFernatra]

1:31 "I recommend starting off with all of the EQ control settings set at noon..." *looks at wristwatch and laments* "... Aww, but I wanted to play now-!"

[@Obsequie]

The Patrick Swayze screen saver kept me watching.

[@jayt7178]

Obsequie I literally scrolled down to the comments to see if anyone else noticed. Lol so fucking perfect.

[@metasolo1222]

Ditto

[@Chrispotter365]

Yeah the swayz was real.

[@hercflyer]

I did the same. Hysterical!

[@sethwakeman9031]

U Swayze bro?

[@jdarmis87]

So much sass with the play button pose

[@botarc]

Well, I know Gintoki would love Mastodon..

[@daLauraborealis]

😂😂 I wasn't expecting that the first time he did it.

[@WaylonMorley]

Draw him like one of your French gorls

[@Madaytona]

i cant decide what part i like more... the deadpan delivery? the word "lowlier"? the various patrick swayze pics? the batman shower curtain? i lol'ed out loud.

[@DaPoopIsInDaPudding]

You laughed out louded out loud

[@Madaytona]

@@DaPoopIsInDaPudding i stand by my comment lol

[@Glottis]

This video is fantastic because it not only points how how many amazing riffs Mastodon has pulled off over the years, but it's hilarious and informative. Nice work.

[@naderzein2435]

You should do the same for Gojira.

[@PhobosDDeimos]

Second that!

[@lukas6550]

Yea definitly

[@jvbrandaom]

*pinch harmonic intensifies*

[@Rastasskate2]

Open Chugs *V* *I* *G* *O* *R* *O* *U* *S* *L* *Y*

[@aarongibson585]

Things Gojira does: never suck.

[@Giantshredder]

Mastodon is good at Mastodoning.

[@orelaroki]

Trendkiller omg yesss

[@BenEller]

I would say that they’re the best at it

[@MyBrotherTheWoIf]

Mastodizing?

[@casperado666]

Mastodroning?

[@addicted2tone349]

Mastobaiting

[@dinklebamp]

I find it literally impossible to watch this video and when he does drop A tuning and plays the intro to mother puncher to jump immediately to spotify and listen to the whole thing. That riff is a goddamn monster.

[@emrolas5407]

Thank you! Now I finally know the name of the Song!

[@dale8809]

Mastodon Yuengling and Patrick Swayze. Finally somebody on KZbin got it right

[@sethwakeman9031]

U Swayze bro?

[@Darkaileron]

That moment in every kid's life where you accidentally run into your uncle on the crapper -- and he has life lessons for you.

[@Dread_Naught_But_The_Dark]

Why the fuck did I decide to scroll thru the comments and see yours PRECISELY at 4:34

[@cpottervlog8122]

I almost woke my wife up from laughing when I saw you on the toilet. This is a series I'll be watching religiously. You're right when you say Mastodon rocks

[@linoleum1979]

The oven, the toilet... Classic Uncle Ben.

[@guitarnerd4091]

“To make friends and influence others”; probably the best thing I’ve heard you say.

[@BenEller]

Don’t forget to SHARE this video if you liked it! I hope you all enjoyed learning about Stuff Mastodon Does! What other bands’ stuff do you want to know about? Ghost? Metallica? Megadeth? Maroon 5? Pantera? Avenged Sevenfold?

[@BrandonofRedemption]

Ben Eller yes please!!!

[@JoshTheCyborg]

Pantera definitely!

[@KaldDodeGitarist]

Stuff Opeth does ;)

[@alienatedconsumer1241]

Metallica & Pantera

[@CouncilsCritters]

Ghost, A7X and Pantera

[@DownInFlames85]

First video I've watched of yours & I must say you won me over instantly. Mastodon does indeed rock, one of my favorite bands. The sense of humor in this vid is awesome as well.

[@metabel]

"...even more lowlier". You're awesome man!

[@cascadesequence7307]

Damn dude, you really nailed their tone. It's inch-perfect.

[@rileypaterson7117]

Definitely

[@JoshTheCyborg]

This 5 minutes and 50 seconds were almost as good as the first time I heard Oblivion. (A song that's 5 minutes and 50 seconds)

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

I just saw Uncle Ben deconstruct a Mastodon riff whilst taking a poo. Life is all downhill from here. Might as well check out. **BANG** Sidenote: Michael Keaton is the best Batman of all time, ever, forever and ever, until the heat-death of the universe.

[@anders671]

About Keaton: words of truth and wisdom.

[@ricardorodrigues3508]

Death of universe is a cool name for a band

[@MDMetalManiac]

I'm rooting for The Big Crunch! Fuck you

[@AB-vn2jc]

ProgHead777 Adam West is best

[@Father.Osiris]

Your tone is so spot on it's insane. If I heard your track and the original I wouldn't be able to tell you which one is which. Excellent job!

[@DustinHarms]

Dude. This is so legit. Your tones are so legit. Your playing style is so legit. You are fantastic. Glad I stumbled upon this.

[@jpag92]

What about things that Dream Theater does, like slowing down the rotational speed of earth

[@italianchewy]

Holy shit. Thank you for reminding me of that amazing video.

[@kishannair3667]

@@italianchewy can you link it bro?

[@italianchewy]

@@kishannair3667 I think this is it kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZWoaoJ4ptV-i6M

[@hansmatheson5976]

Yeah I’d love to see a lesson on how to activate Petrucci’s “World Domination” mode.

[@GeddyRC]

Kishan Nair it’s by adam02, probably easy to find using that name. “John petrucci psycho exercises” iirc I have no idea how I remembered all of those details after not seeing or thinking about it for 10 years lol

[@Sxionix]

a gojira video in this style would be fantastic.

[@joe99173122]

You wish was granted! It's in the works, apparently! (can't wait)

[@westong6819]

Ayyyy

[@mattkennedy9308]

There is if anyone reading this hasn't seen it.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

@@mattkennedy9308 and it is so good I assumed it was the first one and this was made based on its awesomeness.

[@JaxonBurn]

Dude this is the best video of yours I’ve ever seen. You cracked me up constantly, and the information was super accurate and useful. Cheers.

[@tattoostormin557]

This video is magical, so is your delivery between riff demonstrations.

[@danielnelson424]

Whenever I saw you mention turning the gain up with a cut to a toaster oven knob I immediately cracked a chuckle and liked the video.

[@rrparker12]

Been watching a while but this is my favorite so far. Educational and the flat delivery is hilarious. The flat delivery actually seems more you. And the pose with the trophy. Classic.

[@flekkzo]

Captain Biggles Him and Ola Englund deadpan wars. Make it so!

[@jamesdalian8774]

Ben's guitar insight is only surpassed by his comedy genius!!

[@phadrus]

Great info and entertaining. I agree, would love to see more of these.

[@NS-gx2if]

Well done! Mastodon keeps us guitar nerds busy with every album. Best band in recent decades!

[@lanceross3633]

Freaking hilarious Uncle Ben,from the deadpan delivery ,the Swayze in the background to the Batman shower curtain. And of course your excellent breakdown of the music!!

[@cablecabe]

This is love letter about one of my favorite bands. Thank you so much for this video ❤️

[@alexbryden2282]

Loved the video! the humor is right up my alley, while I was chuckling at you on the toilet, I was sipping a 16oz yeungleung when you pulled yours out, intensifying the lulz. perfect dude

[@Superjet113]

Very entertaining and educational at the same time Uncle Ben... Actually I was busting a gut through the whole thing... loved it man!

[@almightyantichrist]

Mastodon, Swayze, and a toaster oven in the same vid! Pure genius Ben.

[@ariromano4614]

You have to continue this series! IT ROCKS!

[@sonofhud1971]

I absolutely love Mastadon. I saw them first at Download and been a massive fan ever since. Awesome video as always Ben lad 😜👍🔥🎸

[@thebubonicj]

Hey! We're both on the can with a beer! Nice.

[@jbasti227]

This may have just become my favorite video

[@bensharpe1916]

Absolutely great video. Well done sir.

[@asdrofllmao]

Just discovered your videos. This was both super entertaining (you have great presence!) and also gave me a few solid ideas for my own playing. Thank you, Ben.

[@jeffreydavis5506]

Dude your awesome! Love the serious "lowleyness". 🤘

[@Opranius]

This is pure gold!

[@cheftekard7165]

That was a superb video. Start to finish

[@Charlyfromthenuclearcity]

I thing you've just made the perfect YT video on music : - great and precise info - great examples - great editing and timing - fun You're good !

[@MarkArandjus]

'Mastotone' :D

[@Lioanimals1977]

Hi uncle. This is one of your best videos. Ciao.

[@booon15]

you really nailed the tones so well. Greatier job my man!

[@TheRickyjrae]

Thank you Uncle, loved that!

[@PhobosDDeimos]

Uncle Ben, never stop doing these xD

[@leolapulga6784]

another thing I've noticed is adding an acoustic track under even distorted parts. The percussive and other tonal qualities this adds have always stood out to me!

[@ickebins6948]

Coming back every week... its a MASTERPIECE!

[@RickyPantera69]

Mastodon being my favorite band, this instantly became my favorite YT video. Subbed! I love your approach to the video and your attitude. Pretty funny and informational stuff.

[@PWalden762]

Mastodon really does fucking rock. Thanks for the video, inspiring as always man

[@DesSherwoodGuitarTuition]

Haha! Well researched and funny as hell! When it got to you sitting on the pot I thought "what the hell is he going to do next??!!" I lol-ed many times. Thank you Uncle Ben;-))

[@troix666]

More of this!! Love this series. 🤘🏼

[@OferHolan]

Love your videos Ben keep em coming!

[@KaoswareMetal]

Great new series Ben !!!!!!!! Love the 2:50 part, you got my laughing out loud!

[@CorvusOscen]

First time here! This is great!!!

[@harrisonhalicki2527]

please continue this series!

[@leonm.burroughs4807]

I love this channel so much. So informative :)

[@boarderking133]

Stuff car bomb does! Stuff gojira does! Stuff baroness does!

[@xZer0eZx]

Dylan Howard Car Bomb is amazing. Super tight live too

[@MDMetalManiac]

I honestly thought you were talking about an actual car bomb

[@Max_Payn3]

Stuff car bomb does would be amazing considering how few people know of them

[@Megamarv]

Now that's the best The Walking Dead "Eugene" impersonation I've seen so far.

[@florianchristen6215]

hey I saw your or this video(s) for the first time and I am really amazed, that ppl like me and you still exist! keep up your good work and I am really looking forward to binge ur channel. cheerio my dude and keep rockin

[@NickyCairo]

Awesome video man. Thanks. Really useful stuff

[@Oilid]

I listened to none of what you said while posing next to your trophy... This was too mesmerizing! Nice vid and nice axe!!!!

[@ManiacalThrasher]

Oilid you are everywhere damnit hahahhaha

[@Oilid]

Lars Darrell 😉👍

[@ManiacalThrasher]

Oilid i see you on Ola’s, here, the new gibson lineup, m=win, fluffs rig rundown,... dayum dude hahhaha

[@Oilid]

Lars Darrell Only on good channels! 😉👍 It's nice you noticed me. ☺️ I'm a guitar nerd starting my channel, don't hesitate to take a look and leave a comment if you wish bro! 🤓👍

[@ManiacalThrasher]

Oilid i saw the words pantera and domination, you have a new subscriber now

[@AlexofEdenRazed]

*takes notes furiously* ILL BE RICH! RICH!!

[@estcstsrfr]

I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this but I’m glad I clicked! Nice video man 🤘🏻

[@DAPLANExDAPLANE]

I'm listening, learning and laughing. One of your best Ben!

[@proletariatbourgeoisie9929]

Uncle Ben, I think I speak for everybody when I say we need more videos like this about more artists. Opeth, Devin Townsend, Death and Meshuggah are a few suggestions this humble viewer was able to conjure up for you xD

[@oisinmcphillips2090]

4:34 oh......oh my

[@AniWilhelm95]

I love it man!! Your lucky I wish I could play these songs! Appreciate your life man

[@JonoB23]

For this video alone, I am subscribing. Excellent stuff!

[@thebubonicj]

Holy shit! Do a lesson for the Pendulous Skin intro!

[@zelicanth1927]

the part he plays is the one part almost every tab gets wrong, so it would be nice.

[@thebubonicj]

Zelicanth I know, right

[@MErickson11]

Yes please.

[@M4RCi92]

First time seeing this guy, I fucking love his kind of humor. Subbed!

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I hope you've seen the Gojira one

[@olavolavson5302]

Sometimes youtube feels devoid of channels to discover, which can actually entertain. Sometimes, the algorithm seemingly randomly spits out a pearl like this. Thank you for existing.

[@nikr21]

Very accurate and instructive! Thanks!

[@peterghoulferatu3555]

This is gold

[@RC32Smiths01]

I'm already enjoying this new series! Always loved the comedic and education combination! Maybe you should do Dream Theater next! You could also possibly do this for individual guitarists ;)

[@adolpholiverbush2]

I very much enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@MrHealthinspector]

GREAT video! love it!!!

[@jadinwemette8251]

I really enjoy the waynes world style monotone

[@Crysta1Pisto1]

Now we need a bladecatcher cover. Fucking incredible song

[@e.l.2734]

Lol awesome! I love how the tone of the video also gives out a similar vibe to Mastodon's official apparitions.

[@benachurch]

This is my favourite uncle Ben video of all time!!! Mastodon rocks.. 🤘🏻🇦🇺🤘🏻

[@DragonCrestPC]

Just saw mastodon in san diego a few nights ago, one of my favs!

[@ATthemusician]

DragonCrestPC I met them on this current tour, it was awesome. Brent dropped his pick and I snatched it :p got a few LPs signed too, my 3rd press of remission, blood mountain and call of the Mastodon. Also got a dope holographic poster that's signed.

[@theairsoftcurmudgeon8579]

Awesome show! Bill was really getting some on the last two songs!

[@Ouski]

Andrew Teller Damn lucky. At least I caught Brann's drumstick at the end of the show that I saw lol.

[@jesusrocknroller6805]

4:44 ist a very good idea - I'll get a beer now too - Good health! (Btw.: Vid is VERY well done, respect!)

[@koopsjunta]

Very clever. Bravo, sir!

[@erreip_]

Subscribed! Laughed learned, had a good time. Playing it ultra straight kills me. It's so funny,. Well done