Riff Lords: Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle

Рет қаралды 136,255

Күн бұрын

Learn to play A Perfect Circle riffs with guitarist and songwriter Billy Howerdel, and learn about his guitar techniques, tones, and playing style.
▶ Get YOUR own Gibson Les Paul here: bit.ly/3U24hFf
Billy Howerdel has been at the forefront of the alt-metal scene since co-founding A Perfect Circle in 1999, influencing a generation with his songwriting and distinctive playing style. Grab your guitar and hit play on this new episode of “Riff Lords” to join Billy as he teaches us some of his favorite songs and guitar techniques.
For more about Billy Howerdel, visit: billyhowerdel.com/
To learn more killer riffs from your favorite artists, download the Gibson App: app.adjust.com/8hulorn
In this episode of “Riff Lords,” watch and learn how Billy Howerdel gets his signature sound using a unique setting on an octave fuzz pedal and learn about his unique approach to tuning guitars in C# and how it was inspired by Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains. Get insights into his songwriting process and learn how to play classic A Perfect Circle tracks, including “The Hollow,” “3 Libras,” “Pet,” “The Outsider,” and “Judith,” including the slide guitar solo. Billy also shares tone tips, including how he uses effects and certain guitar techniques to make each song sound unique. In addition, Billy shows us how to play “Poison Flowers” from his second solo album, “What Normal Was,” and teaches us some of the key guitar techniques that make Billy Howerdel so influential.
These are essential guitar lessons for A Perfect Circle fans from one of the most innovative and unique songwriters in alt-rock.
Chapters:
0:00 Billy Howerdel’s approach to songwriting
0:57 How to Play “The Hollow” - A Perfect Circle - Tuning C# - Guitar Parts A & B
3:45 Half Speed - “The Hollow” Guitar Parts & Tone Settings
15:44 Full Speed Recap
17:39 How to Play “3 Libras” - A Perfect Circle
19:34 Half Speed - “3 Libras” Guitar Parts & Tone Settings
24:44 Full Speed Recap
26:03 How to Play “The Outsider” - A Perfect Circle - Tuning C# / Open B
27:55 Half Speed - “The Outsider” Guitar Parts & Tone Settings
33:15 Full Speed Recap
34:41 How to Play “Poison Flowers” - Billy Howerdel - What Normal Was - Standard tuning
40:18 Half Speed
41:42 Full Speed Recap
43:21 How to Play “Pet” - A Perfect Circle - Tuning C#
46:32 Half Speed - “Pet”
47:30 Full Speed Recap
48:28 How To Play “Judith” - A Perfect Circle - Tuning C#
51:09 Half Speed - “Judith” Guitar Parts & Tone Settings
1:01:20 Full Speed Recap
1:03:27 Billy’s approach to songwriting
#aperfectcircle #gibson
📼 Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ Watch MORE Riff Lords videos: • Riff Lords: Mark Morto...
▶ Sound Like Adam Jones from Tool: • This ONE Adam Jones (T...
▶ Watch ICONS with Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains: • Icons: Jerry Cantrell ...
Find Your local Gibson Dealer: www.gibson.com/en-US
📩 Get Gibson guitar news before ANYONE else: bit.ly/GetGibsonNEWS
📱Follow Us On Social Media For The latest Guitar Gear!
▶ / gibsonguitar
▶ / gibsonguitar
▶ / gibson
🔔 Subscribe To Our Channel: / @gibsonguitar
SHOP GIBSON BRANDS
www.gibson.com/
www.epiphone.com/
www.kramerguitars.com/
www.steinberger.com/
www.krkmusic.com/
www.mesaboogie.com
www.maestroelectronics.com
ABOUT GIBSON BRANDS
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including / @officialepiphone , which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands.

Пікірлер: 480

@SlipknotAstronaut 3 ай бұрын

Give this man the Les Paul signature he rightfully deserves

@a22fc 3 ай бұрын

Is that a standard LP he is using?

@SlipknotAstronaut 3 ай бұрын

@@a22fcmost likely

@christian_silo 3 ай бұрын

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

@christian_silo 3 ай бұрын

@@a22fc its a '91 Classic

@SlimeyGuitarStrings 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

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

@crowkiller0668 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

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

@crowkiller0668 3 ай бұрын

@@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 3 ай бұрын

@@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 3 ай бұрын

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.

@PatyM00N 3 ай бұрын

Howerdel is a musical genius. 🖤🙌

@davidguthrie3739 3 ай бұрын

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.

@caseyb2309 3 ай бұрын

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

@georgemartinez9084 3 ай бұрын

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

@dieselthumbs82 3 ай бұрын

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

@sun6moon9 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

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

@sun6moon9 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

@@sun6moon9 Are you or the other GUITARIST limited?

@franniefromvenice 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

Me too my friend. Me too.

@XxLIVRAxX 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

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

@Extrapua 3 ай бұрын

@@XxLIVRAxXme too

@bradmeeks407 3 ай бұрын

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

@shayneswenson 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

agree with you.

@ryemill7787 3 ай бұрын

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

@gregchapdelaine4889 3 ай бұрын

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!

@buzzy-ears 3 ай бұрын

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

@robthompson8285 Ай бұрын

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

@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd 3 ай бұрын

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

@mikealarcon6151 3 ай бұрын

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

@mikedelo6785 2 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

Well said.

@mattalwayslearning2184 Ай бұрын

@@MrGunwitch🤘🏻

@boatymcboatface4865 3 ай бұрын

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

@Shawn_B. 2 ай бұрын

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

@JamesDGardner 3 ай бұрын

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

@trevor-ck7jk 3 ай бұрын

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.

@Domn879 3 ай бұрын

What a dude, what a player.

@paoloantonio1531 3 ай бұрын

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.

@Cmikul25g 3 ай бұрын

The most under recognized guitar player ever, truly a artist

@sarahdell4042 3 ай бұрын

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

@monikavitcheva5815 3 ай бұрын

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

@pythonxz 2 ай бұрын

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

@sebprovision 3 ай бұрын

Man Judith goes haaaard! Billy is a killer guitarist

@YoungMasterpiece 3 ай бұрын

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.

@robjoyner1167 3 ай бұрын

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.

@juliotiusanen4259 2 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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

@stealingtomorrowband 3 ай бұрын

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 ..

@denverrandy7143 3 ай бұрын

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

@doctoribanez 3 ай бұрын

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

@SlimeyGuitarStrings 3 ай бұрын

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.

@user-rj7hv6bn7x 2 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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

@ronnywilson2112 3 ай бұрын

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.

@UltraMegaSeaMonkey 3 ай бұрын

I see A Perfect Circle, I click

@gibsonguitar 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@a22fc 3 ай бұрын

👍🏼 yup

@WendigoSotomonte 3 ай бұрын

Bet you love geometry😂

@kjohansen4088 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely

@FakawiNZ 3 ай бұрын

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

@patrickd8770 3 ай бұрын

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

@Sou1J 3 ай бұрын

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

@hobonickel840 2 ай бұрын

The most creative people are always so very humble

@JL-th3qh 3 ай бұрын

...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.

@ghostiesvomit 3 ай бұрын

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 3 ай бұрын

Dude, lol, dont b so hard on yourself.

@jonnyvanwyk1862 3 ай бұрын

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

@stephenbonshire5678 3 ай бұрын

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

@Weewoop3 3 ай бұрын

Watching this after sessanta. So amazing

@rogerreynolds5822 3 ай бұрын

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

@jonnyfavors7585 3 ай бұрын

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!

@danr6175 3 ай бұрын

Billy‘s playing is so unique. Love it!

@ShashikaGunathilake 3 ай бұрын

He's the soul of APC

@Jim-Robbins 3 ай бұрын

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

@anthonynelson1699 3 ай бұрын

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

@robertdavidtingstrom118 3 ай бұрын

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

@jongibson6522 3 ай бұрын

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!

@D3ADCLUTCH99 3 ай бұрын

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 🤘🏼

@johnoneil651 Ай бұрын

so humble and able to clearly describe his thought process

@griffithberserk9615 3 ай бұрын

My favorite band. ❤❤❤❤

@WendigoSotomonte 3 ай бұрын

Can you recommend some songs or a couole of almbums ?

@PickupsAreNotTrucks 3 ай бұрын

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

@xeroinfinity 3 ай бұрын

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!

@dabullnice 3 ай бұрын

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!

@brainiac.computer 3 ай бұрын

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.

@russellsidell Ай бұрын

I love guitarists like Billy. Not too flashy, just APPROPRIATE and PERFECT 🫡

@michaelmanningly8984 3 ай бұрын

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

@andrewscott1387 3 ай бұрын

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.

@soundcanheal 3 ай бұрын

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

@mattalwayslearning2184 Ай бұрын

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

@DarkDalr 3 ай бұрын

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

@haleybarfield6556 3 ай бұрын

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

@dawidpruski 3 ай бұрын

My guitar Hero! 🤘🏻

@MrGunwitch 2 ай бұрын

Saw them live 20 years ago, was epic.

@ctrlartdel 3 ай бұрын

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

@ctrlartdel 3 ай бұрын

The Hollow

@guillejs1507 3 ай бұрын

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

@amos660 2 ай бұрын

You were BORN a guitar player, dude.

@iaing2030 3 ай бұрын

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

@justinreynolds3935 3 ай бұрын

The hollow is one of the most awesome examples of guitar layering. This guy is a master Fukin song writer

@noveltycrusade 3 ай бұрын

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

@Tkivo 3 ай бұрын

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

@sanjsurativideo 3 ай бұрын

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

@7sevens 2 ай бұрын

The half speed playing illustrates his beautiful control over the instrument

@Unanythang 9 күн бұрын

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

@The_real_JulieKelsea 2 ай бұрын

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

@ZenHellephant 3 ай бұрын

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.

@bradleygray2511 3 ай бұрын

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

@chadolmstead5482 3 ай бұрын

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

@kjohansen4088 3 ай бұрын

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

@TheSchwanze 3 ай бұрын

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

@arbiehill68 3 ай бұрын

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 :(

@grunge90s62 3 ай бұрын

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

@AHOY_MATEY Ай бұрын

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.

@YourFearIsReal Ай бұрын

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 😎

@TheSaintedOne 3 ай бұрын

Billy is so graceful.

@MM80666 3 ай бұрын

Nice! Just saw him play in Boston the other night! Amazing show!

@drzecelectric4302 3 ай бұрын

Just saw last night!

@MM80666 3 ай бұрын

@@drzecelectric4302One of the best shows I've attended. So good to see Josh up there again!

@darknightcbr2300 3 ай бұрын

Did they play outsider?

@Gslice-ok4ck Ай бұрын

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

@detailsauto 3 ай бұрын

His sound is amazing

@lifeattractslife Ай бұрын

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

@michaelmorales3819 3 ай бұрын

Loving these series!!!!

@rupe82 3 ай бұрын

I love this video format, watching the artist themselves show how the songs are really played.

@a22fc 3 ай бұрын

They need to do more APC tours 😢

@elstifo 3 ай бұрын

A true riff genius. Cool, calm and collected musician.

@glom_gazingo 3 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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

@metasolo1222 2 ай бұрын

Great humility in an incredible artist.

@SaintJames14 2 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

You're goddamn right!