Riff Lords: Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle Shows You How to Play 3 Libras

Taken from the latest episode of Gibson TV's Riff Lords with Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle, watch as Billy shows you how to play A Perfect Circle riffs including the band's single, 3 Libras and learn about his guitar techniques, tones, and playing style.

"3 Libras" was the second single from A Perfect Circle's debut album Mer de Noms, released in 2000. Watch as Billy breaks down the intro riff in this small excerpt, slowed down for you to follow along and learn.

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.

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.


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