Billy Sheehan?

[cogicguy]

I know I am new to the bass. But I was just looking thru google and came across this guy. Wow he does things to this bass that I never seen before. I was just listening to his interview and he claims he doesnt know too many scales or alot about theory. But he feels it all..

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7123164409752792753

[cleveakabig]

I know I am new to the bass. But I was just looking thru google and came across this guy. Wow he does things to this bass that I never seen before. I was just listening to his interview and he claims he doesnt know too many scales or alot about theory. But he feels it all..

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7123164409752792753

Lot of bass player do not know scales,you can pick up on the key of any song this way.When they start to singing.
Start on the D string and slide from the 1 fret to the key you hear them singing in.Then Go to the low octave that the key.
Old Trick

[gtrdave]

Billy's a rock and roll bassist who plays with a lot of flash. To me, a lot of what he plays is just nonsense but he can lay down a groove when he needs to.

[MikeGee]

I don't think this is Billy's best solo work.

[Andrzej]

Never been a fan of his.  I saw him play up close at a Yamaha Bass Clinic that he did at a club in Cardiff, Wales about 10yrs ago.  He was there with Mr.Big's drummer also.  He was trying to show off some slapping and soloing techniques and failed miserably!  He was very messy and his timing was awful to the point where he should have felt embarassed.  I left the club wondering what all the fusss was about.  He didn't really impress me with anything...seemed very ordinary to me.  I'm glad I didn't pay to get in!

[Groovesmith]

Maybe you misunderstood what the interview was saying because I own 1 of his videos and he is talking alot about scales and mode and what not he knows his stuff!  He talks about how when he started with a group Talas they were very musicial almost a free for all thats where he built up stage pressence to be almost a lead instrument.  Now he plays with this crazy guitarist that is just as on point with him in terms of theroy and skill.  So much that he has to video tape his fingers to understand how he did something or to learn something the guy wants he to do their in a group with Dennis Chambers.

[Cherri]

Billy is nice. I have him featured on Ray Lazier Drum DVD.

[Da Man]

Billy's a rock and roll bassist who plays with a lot of flash. To me, a lot of what he plays is just nonsense but he can lay down a groove when he needs to.

That don't seem to be a nice thing to say about someone.  But since you said it, I'll second it.  I went to one of his clinics a few years ago and I came away with the same impression.

Da Man

[Cherri]

That don't seem to be a nice thing to say about someone.  But since you said it, I'll second it.  I went to one of his clinics a few years ago and I came away with the same impression.

Da Man

My area is really slacking with the clinic on the real. I need some substance.

[cogicguy]

Lot of bass player do not know scales,you can pick up on the key of any song this way.When they start to singing.
Start on the D string and slide from the 1 fret to the key you hear them singing in.Then Go to the low octave that the key.
Old Trick

WOW a trick, I need lots of these old tricks and New tricks

[play4zero]

Sheehan is on a video concert with Steve Vai, and he is very good.  And while I don't want to speak ill of him, I can only wonder what condition Mr. Sheehan was in when he did the clinic.  There's also a video of him at a bass day, and he seemed a bit wired.  Perhaps just personality, but folks playing at that level don't have off days where they can't keep time when they're on stage doing very intricate runs with someone like Vai and still keep their jobs.

[elio]

Billy's a rock and roll bassist who plays with a lot of flash. To me, a lot of what he plays is just nonsense but he can lay down a groove when he needs to.

Naw, you can't say that!!!!

Billy's got an amazing tone - he can fill up the low and medium registry whilst playing seemingly normal bass lines. Mr Big (his old band) was a power trio (guitar, bass, drums) but it really sounded like they had two guitar players, that was Billy's doing.

Plus, someone who plays bass with a plectrum stuck on an electric drill can't be that bad (honest!)....