5 things *every* great bass player needs
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- Опубликовано: 19 сен 2024
- Have you ever watched video after video on RUclips of bass players tearing up and down the fingerboard at a gazzilion miles an hour, improvising with ease over any chord sequence…
And meanwhile, you’ve been left feeling slightly bummed out, and in some cases wondering if there’s any point in you even carrying on with your bass playing as you don’t think you’ll ever reach that level… not even if you lived for 1000 years.
Sound familiar?
Well here’s the gag… In this bass lesson I’m actually NOT going to tell you that “if you keep practicing you’ll be blazing up and down the fingerboard in no time”…
But, what I am going to tell you is that it DOESN’T matter… not one bit.
Instead you’re going to learn the 5 things you MUST have to become a great bass player and musician…
And blazing fast technique is NOT one of them.
I’ve also got a super special guest in this video with me. One of the funkiest bass players on the planet.
You know Michael League from Snarky Puppy, right? Well, when Michael isn’t playing bass - he get’s this guy to play bass for him. Nuff said. ;)
And remember, I’d love to hear back from you guys… have you ever felt down about your playing after watching a video of someone else on RUclips? Has it ever got so bad it’s almost made you quit bass? Share your story in the comments under the video.
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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1.Bass
2.Amp
3.talent
4.strings on the bass (unless ur Davie)
5.guitar cord
Hah I get your reference
Scott...I have to say...you're just amazing. I'm a Cellist and recently decided to take up bass guitar again. Your lessons are better than any lessons I've ever had in my life. There's so much information you give us and its so detailed and easy to understand. I never had this kind of enjoyable lessons in Music School! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Wow - great to hear you're enjoying them Emily! :)
Cello, you got a bass!
(For own reference)
1. Good sound
2. Good time
3. Feel
4. Musical knowledge and how to apply it
5. Be cool to hang out with
Playing bass for 35 years. Always play for the song. Listen and you'll be fine.
Just for fun ;-) DO NOT FOLLOW THESE :) :) :) 1 - Buy a compressor pedal - 2 - Turn down your volume so that nobody hears you enough to blame you on timing and blame it on the guitar player when noticed - 3 - Do the bass face (or De Niro Face) at all times and switch on and off your compressor pedal to create dynamics - 4 - Always quote great musicians and ask the drummer "Oh it's in the key of Eb minor, right ?" when the guitar player is drunk already - 5 - Bring beer, every rehearsal
You sir, are clearly a man of genius.
Oh the irony :)
The beer part is fine...lol
O
When playing the wrong notes say:"Oh, it's like that on one of the live albums!"
This is another bit of great advice. Nice video. I do a lot of theatre/events work and the common rule is - Turn up on time, be average, be polite, get re-booked. A lot of bookers don't want someone who overplays, constantly solos and wants to be a superstar. They want someone reliable, friendly and does the job to a decent standard. This will get you consistent work.
1.Rhythm
2.Melody
3.Harmony
4.A cup of coffee
5.SBL notifications
1. a great drummer
2-3. two good-enough guitarists
4. a smart keyboard player
5. a nice singer
keyboard player? you need a beer table that bad?
that's all a keyboard player is to you, huh?
good morning coffee drinkers
Hey Scott, I totally agree with your top five and that you can still be a successful professional bassist without being able to shred like Victor, Jeff Berlin, etc. I would add that it would be helpful to tell that little voice that we all have in our heads that tells us that "we aren't good enough" to shut up. That having been said, we do this because it's fun! There is no room for that little voice. Keep up the stellar work, Scott!
At 1:01-1:02 Rich Brown's bass line doubles the rhythm and inflection of Scott's commentary: "...has recorded one." I see you, video editor. Thanks for the insight, Scott.
Yeah same.
Oh snap Adam Neely's bass lessons!
Great advice and video as usual. I'm a 65 year old lead guitarist that enjoys your videos!
#5... Oh yes!! Just got rid of a singer with a TERRIBLE case of LSD- Lead Singer Disease.. Super gifted vocalist and writer... HUGE whiny crybaby
Number one: you gotta feel itNumber two: do it for the love of itNumber three: get addictedNumber four: jam with othersNumber five: do it alot
I will add a big one to the list: LISTEN. Listen to each instrument the band, the song, the vocals, the melody, everything. You must be part of the whole, not on an island, to be a great bass player. And yeah, being a likable and interesting human being (#5) is a big one!
Uh-oh. I'm in trouble with #5.
I've been playing bass thirty years now and one thing I've learned is #5. If your a good guy to have around most of the other problems go away. If your cool people help you get gigs, help with your sound or sticking points, even get help carrying out that big Ampeg 8x10.
I have been playing bass for about a year now, and your videos have helped me so much
Thank you!! I appreciate the pep talk so much. My take on being an effective band member (In addition to the ones you gave) includes being a reliable team player, willing to accept constructive criticism (and that comes in all kinds of forms), coming prepared to practice sessions. and loving what you do.
In maybe 1974 I saw Jaco playing with Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders at Big Daddy's Lounge in Key West, FL. My jaw was on the floor when I heard those funky grooves and saw him playing above the seventh fret! I immediately went in search of bass lessons! I actually avoid watching RUclips master Gianni Serino because he has the same effect on me!
So i am going to be honest I have been watching your channel for years and you do great stuff but this video is what has finally convinced me to sign up for scotts bass lessons. Keep doing what you do , Loving it !!!!
Hey Scott, great video as usual. Normally I am a guitar guy (loosely speaking), but watching your videos sporadically over the last few years has finally brainwashed me enough to get a bass a couple of months ago. And what a ride it has been. The vibrations you can physically feel are so extreme compared to the guitar that it turns out I didn't fully appreciate groove before. Anyway just wanted to say thanks, and I'm looking forward to your paid content as soon as I can squeeze it into my budget. You converted me.
I love how one of the things was just a simple "Don't be an arse" hahaha much love Scott.
On the professional musician thing, I can't speak specifically to other than to say:
I played what you might call "semi-professional" for about 10 years with pretty much just root 5th lol😂 (and some other notes from time to time 😁)
The band was perfectly content with a bass player that could 1) KEEP TIME, 2) stay in rhythm, and 3) follow the music.
Technicality wasn't a requisite. In fact, playing anything other than the basics tended to throw them off.
The upside is lots of time playing, lots of experience gigging, plus you get to see neat places and meet cool people.
The downside is that there's not much room for growth as a musician doing it that way. So branching out and trying other things, as well as lots of practice at the things you will/might never use in a band, but want to learn to actually GROW as a musician is what I've learned.
Absolutely the best musical advice - What a wise man and a joy to listen to. Good on you Scott.
Best wishes from the other side of the world - Australia - thanks heaps
Ascension by Maxwell is one of my recent favourite bass parts. Thanks for bringing the player
Scott mentions Federico Malaman as one of the technical virtuosos. But, you can find him on Italian TV shows backing up the most 'Cabaret' type singers ... and of course absolutely killing it. :)
Doing what's right for the music is the most important thing. 99% of us, if we're going to be professionals, are going to be 'hired guns.' We work to make the rest sound the best.
All these virtuosos know this. :)
I can't stand when people play instruments and hold themselves back with " I'll never be that good." No, no you won't. Not with that attitude.
I HAAAATE THAT WITH A PASSION !!!!! Or when you compliment someone and they say, "nah man, its all you" Like wth ? say Thanks like a normal person
There's a place for everybody.
I've been close to going big in music, but things happen and it doesn't take off. You go back to a day job, etc.
But here's the difference.
I took off for 20 years. Now I'm coming back, or trying to.
DONT DO THAT. DO NOT STOP!
Take aim and shoot for the mark. Even if you miss, you'll be in the general area at least.
Be willing to do something different, don't be wed to just one type of music.
There's my 2¢ worth.
"The fact that you can do something doesn't mean that you should." I think this applies to all areas of improvisational performance.
Good advice indeed. I know at this late date that I'll never be a bass virtuoso. But I'm still going to play bass anyway for the same reason that I still play basketball even though I'll never be a Michael Jordon. It's fun!
So much affirmation from this video!!!
I thought this would be pbass, pbass, pbass, pbass, and jbass. Scott's favorite key is P.
Love this video, Scott! I think it's very essential for all bass players. Could you do a video on bass amp EQ settings in a live context for a variety of genres? Let me know if you have done this already. Thanks!
Great video, very good questions and great answers
Love these lessons, Scott!
ABOUT BEING GOOD ENOUGH TOM: Ask yourself what do you want to accomplish? Then, get what you need to get it. Compare yourself only to yourself, to make progress. Others will evaluate you in comparison to others. Leave that job to them. If you are trying to become a working professional, get those skills. If you want an Olympic Gold medal for being the best, then put in the work. Keep your goals specific and clear. ALSO, I did not hear this Scott guy ever mention Paul McCarthy or Brian Wilson of Beach Boys as one of the best bass players, and they did well, he he.
Love the lesson Scott! Your enthusiasm is Great!! #5 is so true! Look at Jaco. The greatest bass player ever and towards the end of his life couldn't get a gig. very sad
I think everyone, in one way or another struggles with negative self-speak (that little voice in your head that tells you that you're not good enough). The trick is to turn that voice into a motivator to improve, and not let it demoralize you. When I see some one who is better than me, I get inspired as opposed to discouraged. It's surprising how many people get caught up in the whole stlye over aubstance thing. Not to say that those players don't have the substance to back up their flashy style, but a lot of people have a tendency to pay more attention to the presentation than what is being presented. I know of a lot of players who can blow me out of the water where technique is concerned, but I get more praise on being understated and maintaining the pocket than doing a flashy chops laden fill. The most important thing is serving the song. If you're a soloist then you can let your chops explode all over the fingerboard. If you're not, then just lay down the groove and keep it simple. That will get a lot more gigs than chops alone.
ONE MORE THING: There are many bartenders who attempt to take Mixology to new levels of virtuosity. They care about this stuff far more than the most customer. I think it is similar with bass players who argue endlessly about which strings are the best. A lot of this stuff is great either way. This minutia focus on all potential factors may improve mastery, but you need to look up the 80/20 rule. 80 percent of your results will come from 20 percent of your efforts. So, bass players are chasing the last 20 percent using 80 percent of their efforts. This is also indicative of the Law of Diminishing Returns.
You can add fertilizer to a potted plant, and it will grow better. But if you keep on adding, at some point your plant will achieve less and less additional benefits. Then, if you add too much, the plant will actually decrease in growth and perhaps die. This would be to practice and focus on so much, that you get overwhelmed and give up playing altogether. Just remember why you took up the instrument in the first place--perhaps to have fun, and not to go nuts over it.
Even primates, when meet, will evaluate each other as to who is better in some way. Humans do that too--you cannot escape it. When you meet a person, you evaluate that person and decide in your mind in what ways you are superior and inferior. But, control the process, so it does not control you and your bass playing. Did you ever see really ugly guys with super beautiful women, and ask how they got those women---it was not by focusing being ugly, he he.
Thanks, you are an excellent musician, keep it up with your great lessons and videos!
excellent once again Scott Cheers
cant wait the new courses...
I have a question for you Scott. Do you have a lesson explaining this: As a bass player, if you are playing with a guitarist using a capo, how do you figure out what to play??? Or where to play on the fretboard???
the bass on that maxwell album was AMAZING. i wondered who the bassist was.
Even though Federico is an insanely technical player, I feel like what really makes him shine is his brilliant ear and tasteful melodies.
Dude! Sweet.
Scott, awesome advise! I'm a groove player and I have fun playing. Yeah, I do get disheartned watching you and the rest, but I'm having fun. I did get into pissing contest with a bass player once, and I was wrong. Every one was coming up to me saying this guy is great etc..., and I said he's not that good. It got to back to him. Never again - mistake.
I knew this ass whipping bass palyer (who could blow me away), and he said to me during one of my demonstrations, " thats really cool." He enjoyed watching me and said so. I'll never forget that. I have adopted his philosophy too, enjoy and get better.
Finally, some guys got their niche. I opened for Dire Straits at an amusement park once, and Mark Knopfler met us back stage and he said to my lead guitar player, " You are awesone, you are better than I am", he's rich and famous and it really shocked me. What a cool thing to say. You know guitar players and their ego. I'll never forget that. He found his niche and mad millions, but he enjoyed watching my buddy. Keep playing, have fun, have a good attitude, and you will be well known.
I love this
Great vid Scotty! Onya
Hi! I have a special request, a class about reggae, specially about the way Ryan Newman plays in the band Groundation, I think only you can help me understand his playing. Thx so much for every second you dedicate for us!! Im Allan from Brasil. Take care!
Thank you for another great video Scott. I swear I knew you were gonna mention Pino first at guys that are not virtuosos but are at the top of their game. Funny 😂
Thanks for this vid Scott. I agree with those 5 things you were telling about. With what a guys you are hanging around!!? Greetings from Finland
FOR TOM: Here is how negative self-talk works. You are comparing someone at their very best in their very best situation to your very worst. These super players may not be super players in everything. The problem with negative self-talk is that your amygdala is always listening and serve you without examining your logic. It is that control center of your subconscious that takes over and makes you swerve to avoid an accident. When it takes over, you have no control over it. But it is listening to you and takes your words literally. So be careful what you say to yourself.
jeepers Scott, with your help I've been keeping busy and making dinero- that's Texan-Mex for money ;) - just like to add a #6 - get someone good at taxes! LOL!
nice video, as always
Add Tal Wilkenfeld to that long list of incredible players! Or sing, play bass and keyboards at the same time like Geddy Lee! Being a "great" musician is talent, hard work (practicing), good attitude, and willing to get along. BTW Great tips, Scott; I wish I'd had the likes of you around for my 25 years as a bass player side man! :0) Out of curiosity, how do you hold back a rushing or dragging drummer? That was one of the hardest things for me to do with "sit ins"!
Hey...Scott...you got some dudes following you on the street there! LOL
lol ;)
I'm from Astoria!
Is that bracelet you are wearing made of bass strings?
thats how bass players carry spare strings
Haha :) and it looks awesome as well. Got to make one for myself !
It is :)
Scott's Bass Lessons how did you make it? :o
That last one is the hardest of them all. Even with the knowledge I have, that last one is the most difficult and idk how to fix that. No wonder I can't find gigs
OMG such a narrow bridge !!! Great video Scott!
When John Lennon was asked why he did not play faster he replied in his usual diplomatic fashion, "I'm a musician, not a fucking acrobat."
I'm more little grey Fergie tractor! 😂
Hey love these guys but how about some UK bass love with man's like Julian Crampton and Wiston Blissit please
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Love your videos! I'm over here in the states, in Michigan way up in the woods and I'm wondering where I can get gloves like that... or what they're referred to name wise. I never knew why my hands get shaky till I saw you vid on FD. Used some fingerless gloves which helps but they're a bit warm on these hot summer gigs : 0
Go to amazon
Dude. Love you, love your style, love your channel. But you can cover five things in less than 20 minutes. Seriously.
Great job with recycling them old bass strings ;). Next up from SBL, the exclusive clothing and jewelry line. Possibilities are endless. Just do what Harley Davidson does. I love both Harley Davidson and SBL, this project is gonna be the shizzle.
Scott, what about us want to be gigging musicians who do not have the means to go to music school? I’m young, 18, and more of a jack of all instrumentalist, but I want to progress my bass playing to the point where I can make money off of it. Any tips on using music to my advantage to make my way into the real world?
#6 pocketing - dancing with the drummer,depending on the style of music
Thanks for this video. I used to play when I was a kid up into my early 20s then life happened kids work. But I'm 56 and six years ago I had a heart attack and I can't work my old job but I completely lost my bass chops I would love to get me chops and confidence back and play professionally how can I do this or is it even possible?
Why do you talk so much??
I love your lessons by the way!
Bruh! You were in brooklyn! It would have been great to meet you!
Intro reminds me of Paul Whitehouse i the fast show... Isn't milk brilliant etc
#5 is very true, Not sure why musical type people are Ego driven, Couldn't imagine being on tour with a group that wasn't cool and fun to be with.
Don't you mean "lessons", not "courses"? ;)
Sound √
Timing√
Feel and Dynamics √
Musical knowledge and application there-of √
Be cool √ - bring cold beer ..or a juicy fat blunt ~ Brownies or donuts (but don't whoop them out until everyone is baked like a Thanks Giving ham), you might score extra points, maybe get bonus $ ;)
#6 Good personal hygiene ;)
Could you do a video describing how to work on a rock legend face and look?
You have yours down to a tee.
(seriously great videos tho)
Think of it this way ...Sir Paul McCartney is no Jaco or Victor. Paul as much as he wrote the songs that took hold of everyone's lives for the last fifty years was technically a very simplistic player but that is what was called for in most Beatles songs
I love adam neeely YESSSSS
Did I miss it? when is Adam Neely going to be on here?
What do you hink about acoustic basses?? :)
yo bass man big up
Jimmy Haslip for faculty?
What's the tune at 17:50? Groovy
The first of the five is at 7:50
Scott, how long are you going to be in the US? Some killer bass convergence is coming down in Dallas this weekend...that's short notice, but if you get this and have a sec, PM me on Facebook.
And what is the name of Maxwell's Bassist?
whoa Ruffus Phil looked like older George Harrison for a second (late 90's Harrison)
So I need other people's input, is Rocksmith a good way to learn some bass guitar skills or should I learn from an actual school or teacher? Now I don't have nearly enough money to pay for lessons either
Zach-Attack Rocksmith is nice, but you lack the input of a real person. Adding watching videos of Scott and other great teachers helps a lot. Btw. You could get the feedback at SBL by posting playing videos and getting real feedback even end especially from Scott but also of all other members. That might be really helpful. :) It's not that costy when you see the fee is for a full year. I did that, too and I am happy I did.
Michael Rinus Thanks Michael :)
Zach-Attack you're welcome :) Btw I also own Rocksmith (2014) ;)
Michael Rinus what would your opinion be of learning some tabs for bass?
thanks for lesson scott s good bye bro NICE EASY !!!
Hi Scott, I was wondering why you don't know the word, Virtuoso.
what about this "next level" all the time? :-D
Yea Scott, but the best pros should be able to do those things. Nobody wants 2nd best when there are a million tied for 1st. Your cool tho man!
Hi Scott - What's the glove?
Thanks Army Guy.
where are you from guru?
no way im on vacation in new york right now.
what bass he using??
What's that groove at 15:08?
Seriously funky! ;)
It sure is :)
“All these notes are not the same velocity.” Haha, they’re are actually! 343 m/s at room temperature
Notification squad where you at
Scott I love u but u gotta shorten your videos down. also I would love to see a new kind of segment where u talk about new music to discover