Billy Gibbons Player Study

Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top can be described as having a blues influenced style that frequently uses Pentatonic scales, but always with a swagger and boogie that became known as the signature ZZ Top sound.

Key playing points;

• Blues and Pentatonic scales with rhythmic syncopation
• melodic solos with frequent use of double stop licks
• mastery of creating drama and intensity with just a few notes!

Billy Gibbons player study - Interactive TAB

Billy Gibbons on 'Guitar Moves'

Here's a video from the excellent YouTube series 'Guitar Moves' where the man himself talks about his influences and techniques! Billy plays without a pick here, which isn't my forte - but is certainly something to attempt if you want to really nail his style.

An embedded YouTube video is missing from here because you have video cookies disabled.Cookie SettingsEnable video Cookies

'Sound like Billy Gibbons' on Andertons TV

Here's a coupe of great videos on the top gear to use to sound like Billy Gibbons, both BY busting the bank and WITHOUT busting the bank.

But remember - tone come from the fingers more than it does the gear! Don't believe me? Re-watch the Guitar Moves video where Billy uses a Fender Telecaster through a fender amp, but still sounds like Billy Gibbons! ;)

An embedded YouTube video is missing from here because you have video cookies disabled.Cookie SettingsEnable video Cookies

An embedded YouTube video is missing from here because you have video cookies disabled.Cookie SettingsEnable video Cookies