Billy Sheehan Names “Wrong Approach” to Using Bass Gear, Explains How He Really Practices
According to Billy Sheehan, no piece of gear can replace proper technical skills. While he’s also open to other approaches to musical expression, admitting that there have been game changers who did the exact opposite, the Mr. Big bass legend says that this has worked best for him.
During our chat, Sheehan discussed his stripped-down approach to practicing and why it really works for him.
“I practice a lot with no amp so I can get everything I need to get off the bass,” he offered. “Then, when the amp comes in, suddenly you have these enhanced harmonic reproductions and so much more.”
While this isn’t what he believes everyone should do, Billy highlights some of the benefits that he noticed with such an approach. While he’s not against having great amps and pedals and whatever else, in his experience, none of that will work unless you know how to attack the bass the right way. Sheehan added:
“But if you’re not getting it with your hands on the bass, trying to get the amp or gear or a pedal to do it is, in my humble opinion, the wrong approach.”
“Though, there are probably some people that do it and have a wonderful time and are much more successful than I am,” he also added with a laugh. Kudos to Billy for being so open to different ways of expression. Saying that he tried “not to dismiss anything,” the bassist offered:
“Because how many musicians do you know that came and did a complete left turn into something completely different than everybody else did, and BANG — they had incredible success with it.”
“So I never tried to dismiss a way that I might think is wrong, but this is the way that’s worked for me.”
Discussing his practice routing preferences, Billy also recalled hilarious attempts on social media to call him out on supposedly “wrong technique.” That’s an odd thing to say to one of the most famous bass virtuosos, who’s been widely known for impeccable performing skills. He added:
“And a lot of people tell me the things that I do are wrong or incorrect or I shouldn’t do it. I remember showing my calluses on social media — ‘Wrong technique!’ [Laguhs] It’s like, ‘Oh, bro, so far, it’s worked for me. My bills are paid.'”
Check out Part 1 of this interview.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
