When it comes to legendary bass players, Billy Sheehan is often at the top of the list. Known for his aggressive playing style, lightning-fast runs, and virtuosic approach, Sheehan has redefined what it means to be a bass guitarist. For those looking to take their bass playing to the next level, there’s a lot to learn from his techniques.
The Two-Handed Tapping Technique
One of Sheehan’s standout techniques is his use of two-handed tapping. This method allows for extremely fast playing and a fuller sound, as both hands are used to “tap” notes on the fretboard, creating a piano-like effect. To steal this move:
- Start Simple: Begin by tapping out basic scales or arpeggios. Use your fretting hand to play one part of the scale and your picking hand to tap higher notes.
- Work on Precision: Sheehan’s two-handed tapping is all about precision. Make sure each note rings out clearly, and practice slowly to build accuracy before speeding up.
- Experiment: Incorporate tapping into your solos or riffs to add complexity and a unique sonic texture.
Advanced Harmonics
Sheehan’s mastery of harmonics gives his bass lines an almost ethereal quality. He frequently uses both natural and artificial harmonics to add layers of sound and bring out higher overtones. Here’s how you can incorporate harmonics into your playing:
- Natural Harmonics: Lightly touch the string at specific frets (typically the 5th, 7th, or 12th) and pluck the string to produce bell-like tones.
- Artificial Harmonics: By lightly touching a string with your thumb or finger while plucking it, you can create harmonics anywhere on the fretboard. Practice finding the sweet spots to achieve clear, ringing notes.
Blend with Your Playing: Use harmonics in between regular notes or as accents to create dynamic bass lines that stand out.
Aggressive Fingerstyle Playing
Sheehan is known for his powerful fingerstyle technique, often playing with the speed and intensity of a pick. To emulate his aggressive fingerstyle:
- Strengthen Your Fingers: Build up strength by practicing fast, repetitive runs using just your fingers. Focus on getting consistent volume and attack with each note.
- Alternate Picking: Use your index and middle fingers in an alternating motion to pick out notes quickly and efficiently, similar to how a guitarist would use a pick.
Powerful Presence: Incorporate slides, bends, and vibrato to give your playing more presence and character, just like Sheehan.
Experiment with Your Tone
Sheehan’s tone is instantly recognizable—punchy, bright, and full of attack. He achieves this by using a bi-amped rig, where his signal is split into two: one channel for the clean, low-end bass sound and another for the distorted, guitar-like high end. While replicating his exact setup may require some gear investment, you can still work on developing a unique tone by experimenting with:
- Amp Settings: Adjust your amp’s EQ to emphasize both the low-end thump and the midrange growl.
- Pedals: Try adding overdrive, compression, or chorus pedals to shape your tone. A touch of distortion can help you achieve that gritty, rock-ready sound.
Pickups: If your bass has multiple pickups, experiment with blending them to find the perfect balance for your playing style.
Conclusion
Stealing Billy Sheehan’s bass techniques can push your playing to new heights, from the rapid-fire tapping to the powerful fingerstyle and harmonic embellishments. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, integrating Sheehan’s signature moves into your practice routine will help you develop a more dynamic and engaging sound.
At Studio 72, we’re dedicated to helping bassists of all levels unlock their full potential. Our expert instructors can guide you through the process and help you master the art of bass guitar. Contact us today at Studio 72 to schedule your lesson and start your journey toward becoming a bass legend.
