The ONE bass line EVERY bass player should know
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- If there was ever a ‘must know’ bass riff, Express Yourself by Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is that riff. It’s unquestionably in-the-pocket and effortlessly funky! It’s also a good example of how ‘less is more’ when it comes to coming up with a really catchy riff. There aren’t too many basslines that single-handedly make you want to move like this 1970s banger!
In this week’s video I give you a crash course in how to master the smooth grooves of bassist Melvin Dunlap.
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
=================================================================
GET MORE BASS TIPS 👇
_________________________________________________________________
🙌 Be the first to know - SUBSCRIBE now → bit.ly/sub-to-...
🔓 Unlock your FREE trial to transform your bass playing → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
ABOUT SCOTT’S BASS LESSONS (SBL)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the largest online bass education platform in the world, with an ever-expanding course library and 40,000+ active members, Scott’s Bass Lessons (SBL) has everything you need to master the bass, all in one place.
Featuring beginner level bass lessons, engaging courses from expert instructors, step-by-step development curricula, direct feedback on your playing, real-time mentorship from A-list bassists and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, SBL is the perfect platform to uplevel your bass playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level bassist.
Try SBL Membership today! → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
RECOMMENDED BASS PLAYLIST
-------------------------------------------------------------
Catch up with SBL Content you’ve missed:
➡️ • SBL Full Video Playlist
#bassguitarlessons #bassforbeginners #easybasslines
LINKS
--------------
Tune in to our Weekly Podcast:
🎧 sblpodcast.buz...
Explore our FREE courses:
🎸 freebasscourses...
Try our FREE GrooveTrainer App:
📱 scottsbassless...
"Sir Duke!" Another one you can't do without smiling!
You've got that right Brandon! Been playing it for about a year (after figuring it out)-- & can't go too many consecutive days without hitting it again! Such a + vibe...
I’ve been trying that this week . Still can’t get it right !
I’m obsessed with Sir Duke! So fun!
I like the idea of this becoming a series. Just a quick tutorial of a nice bassline that if fun to play for intermediate players
"There' s no way you can play it without smiling"
Davie504 when he plays this line: 😐
Camillo Messuri dont mention that hack’s name
Because it has no SLAP
Dead fish face
he's certainly not a hack the man's got skills but he's no Scott Devine, and personally i feel it's disrespectful that i keep seeing him mentioned in Scotts comments. Scott brings us content to learn, Davie just fucks around. Thank you Scott keep it coming
Davie504 has mad skills not only as a bass player but as a producer, editor, and engineer. Anybody who doesn't understand this ..... is just plain ignorant. He has fun on his channel which make people laugh and it's why he's so popular. That being said, I think it's not very cool to mention him on another bass player's channel. It's pretty disrespectful and ungrateful for the content that Scott provides IMO. SO, this will be the last time I mention him here on this channel, and I just want to thank Scott for what he gives us players in the Bass community.
I want you back - Jackson 5
oh no, not again
I love jammn that tune,also the song, Never can day goodbye
It's Not James Jamerson on this one . . . Bass credit to: LA. Saxophonist/Bassist Wilton Felder
That's a TASTY bass line 👌
No
The song that taught me the major scale was Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl.
Damn, I've been playing bass for seven years and I learned how to play this today. Glad to know I'm finally a bass player.
Jaco's "The Chicken". Laid back, fun, and yet another major scale / chord tone position!
You should check out the recording by James brown. I think one of his horn players actually wrote the song
Patrick McKinney yes, pee wee ellis
John Curtis The Chicken is Mixolydian, not Major.
james jamersons whats going on bassline shows how to rock out with lots of notes while still sounding really mature and supporting the rest of the band. Would love to see you break it down in the series
"Ain't no mountain high enough" or "for once in my life" are two of the best bass lines ever!!
@@patchsawyer7960 Agreed - I was about to add 'For once in my life' - concerto for bass guitar.
Pretty much anything by Jamerson, tbh. But yes.
Teadat YEP James Jamerson was that guy during the 70”s he did it all the jackson 5, marvin Gaye, all the Motown studio Bass lines he covered even though I lived in Detroit I met and played behind quite a few I never got to meet him, I was much younger than him and ima pro Bass Playa, not getting off the subject but who remember Mother Waddles or better yet Martha Jean the Queen, if you don’t remember them, you ain’t from Detroit, and I’m looking for Don Was, I’ve adopted the moniker Kennymac, but Don Was, this is Reno Richards from the Fabulous Nigga”s Don Was please contact me on Facebook....Kennymac ...Don Was Let’s Talk Please hit me 🏁👉🏼💰🎸✌🏽
What exactly would be immaturity a underdeveloped bass player? As in some who sucks or is not as good as you think they should be?So your saying that James Jamerson plays experienced right. What dumb ass way to say it
Stevie Wonder's Master Blaster! One my favorites of all time. Our band loves playing this!
I want you back- Jackson 5
Fundamentals, classic and good exercise in my opinion
Played bass for forty (40) Years. Never heard the tune before.😂 Great line. And kinda happy😃!
**0-3-5**
In all seriousness, for basslines you should know there should be one from all types of genres. Teen Town is a good choice
Edit: I’ll add in a suggestion of Vulfpeck’s Disco Ulysses which has a beautiful line. If Scott goes through these comments
MomoTheBellyDancer yeah but I’ve definitely stolen licks from it to put in funky basslines
Scott has done a break down of “Teen Town” before!
I read it as Dean Town
Now that I think of it, was Dean Town a tribute to Teen Town?
@@unclepodger Yes it was! If you take a listen to both of them, you can hear the hihats are really similair.
I see 0-3-5 and instantly remember the Vicarious ending haha
Was so tired of music theory and scales and wanted to make sure I practiced today, and this was just the break I needed. Thanks man :)
It is impossible not to start grooving along to that bass line.
Is it horrible tat i have played bass guitar for 20 years and this is my first bass line I have learn. I feel like a newbie!!! Awesome! Thanks Scott Devine. Jesus love you!!
You're Not wrong at all it's a solid groove lol especially with flatwounds. Glad I caught before sleeping. Definitely gonna practice it when I get up. Thanks Scott!
The Brothers Johnson, "Strawberry Letter 23!!"
sylart57 My buddy Todd does a great version of it:
ruclips.net/video/MgvkT27R6WY/видео.html
That and "Stomp".
Thanks for this Scott. My son's just started playing bass (we're talking three weeks in) and as a guitarist that's had a bass more as an object d'arte for the last 4 years it's made me start to learn to play bass so that I can teach him. I set the bar high last week by teaching myself this from your video and then teaching him. It's more challenging than Green Onions but he's soaking it all up and doing well. Your post couldn't have come at a better time,. Keep up the awesome work, I've been subbed for a few months as a guitarist looking over the fence and enjoying all the stuff you put up
Roundabout by Yes is the bass line everyone should know.
Derek Hosie, one of my absolute all time favorites!!!
Roundabout is a great song and great bass line but I don’t agree that everyone “should/needs” to know it. I think it only lends itself to a particular style of playing, where Express Yourself can be a gateway to so many other styles and genres. Not to mention that I don’t currently have the chops for that one...😂
Fantastic bass line, but to say everyone should know it is like saying every guitarist should know the solo to Dogs by Pink Floyd. Fantastic guitar solo, but really a niche genre that not everybody is interested in playing.
But only if you play it (properly) with a pick, otherwise it sounds lame. (Yeah, I said it!)
yes because heehee funny jojo
I am a bass player and I can say I didn’t know this because I never tried to play it. After seeing this, I tried it and learned it in about ten seconds. Woo hoo I’m a bass player now! 😐
It's not necessarily how hard something is to play it's about how good it sounds. And a lot of people can play stuff but only one guy created it.
Right.
Sometimes it's the material we're interested in. I've played guitar since '77 mostly for fun and there's so many things that I've never explored. 👍
I LOVE this kind of short lesson. It inspires me to practice because it's not overwhelming. Thank you, Scott!
"Glide" bass line from the group "Pleasure" is a must for all bassists to know
Thanks Scott! I was scrolling around looking for fun lines to play today! I started playing bass in 1974, I do a lot of fill ins, & seem to have to learn new material frequently. RUclips bass tutorials save me a lot of time these days! I have several favorite teachers that I subscribe to including yourself. I appreciate the way you play in position and demonstrate proper left hand technique. It drives me crazy to see a bass tutorial where the player uses only their pointer finger to play the majority of the song!
Stevie Wonder’s, I was made to love her, with legendary James Jamerson on bass!!
"Good Times" (Chic) catchy bassline is definitely in this category of must known by every bass player.
Sleep's "Dragonaut"
Definitely the dark horse in this race but so bluesy, hella groovy, and so much fun. Also the FUZZZZZZZZZ
These are the kinds of lessons I get the most out of. Just learning scales and stuff does nothing by itself without any musical context to go with it. Since I play by ear, I walk away not only knowing a new bass line, but also expanding my vocabulary & training my ear.
Good Times, by Bernard Edwards for the group Le Chic.
You mean CHIC? Not le chic.
Thump-thumpa thumpa thumpa thump-thumpa thumpa thumpa thump-thumpa thump thumpa thump thumpa thump thump thump😂 that line specifically made me fall in love with bernies playing
Le Freak ?
ruclips.net/video/aXgSHL7efKg/видео.html
Yes, I agree, it nails down how to play tight super groove with minimalistic amount of notes!
thank you for letting be my self again, If you want to me stay
John Paul Jones' bass line in Ramble on - especially the variations that make it seem like an ad hoc improvisation?
Hey my Bass Player Friend let's not forget The Lemon Song!!! To me the Greatest John Paul Bass Track of all time!
@@bigkahuna5445 absoLOOTely!! And a fair few others too!
10 4 on The MANY, I mean Few others.
There is a bass teacher on YT who breaks down via tabs John Paul Jones bass work.
I love the bass track in Carouselambra.
Strawberry Letter 23. Brothers Johnson. I feel lucky to have the privilege to see Louis Johnson play it in person....
I love seeing lessons like this. Very useful and informational. And the song does bring a smile to my face.
when you notice that 0:27 is actually an Eb loool
Bass line that should be in the series of these videos has to be Nathan Watts' bass line from the song "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder.
Totally. That bass line is the undisputed king of groove, with some amazingly subtle upper-register flourishes that can be quite hard to even notice on first few listens.
I actually first thought of "I wish" when I saw the video
Nathan east?
No, Nathan Watts. Nathan East is a different guy. Obviously. :)
@@zr2700 - No it's Nathan Watts. He has been Stevie Wonder's bass player since his 1976 album "Songs in the Key of Life." He has worked with other artists but he is most famous for being Stevie's musical director since 1994.
My nephew's grandfather Melvin Dunlap came up with that line, real nice guy and legendary player.
Move On Up makes me smile
Groove is in the Heart - Deee-Lite
That's actually 'the birds' by Herbie Hancock....good shout though, I was going to post Chameleon by Herbie
@@citizenbxtr883 Deelite did this with the great Funk Master, Bootsy Collins on the bass.
Hysteria (Muse). Totally different "kind" of bassline for a series like this, but it is fantastic and must know because (1) it totally rocks _AND_ (2) it is awesome for technique exercises. String crossing, metronoming, alternate finger plucking, the lot. I use it for warm up, and often just take pieces of it to practice something, like playing the first 16 note part of the riff on each string, jumping from one to the next ... etc. I've been thinking of doing a "why you should learn Hysteria if you are a bassist" video myself! (You don't have to play it with distortion or at 180bpm to enjoy or benefit either)
Cliff burton bass lines are always played with a smile
Great! Super creative fingering exercise and example of application! Just like it! More pls
King Curtis - Memphis Soul Stew !
I'm going to say the main bassline from Psychokiller, by the underrated Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads.
I was thinking about that and Tina's solo gig hit and couldn't remember how they went.
Let's hear it for Scott doing a compilation of 29 top bass lines you need to know. All fingers and no yap.
David Byrne taught it to her.
You are one of my favourite music teachers on YT. Your ability, delivery and personality are just right. I’ve been in a career which required lots of training and courses for numerous activities and skill sets, so am able to identify good instructors. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
I played bass (a Vox Slimline Clubman) in a band decades ago, just wish that I’d continued to play. Funnily enough, I still remember and can play many of the numbers we used to cover. I’ve always fancied a nice P bass... Mmmm 🤔
Perfect lesson! Thanks a lot! waiting for more such like this
Another One Bites the Dust should be in every bass player's arsenal.
AAAHHHHH! Please no.
I can appreciate you enjoy it but for me, I never liked Queen anyway but that had to be their absolute cheesiest song of all. ...oh, M, G, I was a Sophomore in high school when that was new and everybody played it...😒
Anyway, have a good one.
(And now you know the reason Dougie doesn't play cover for a living...)😣 ... 😊🤘
@@dougarnold7955 I totally get you, but I can definitely understand why someone would mention the song in this discussion. Even if it's a bit cheesy, it's considered to be a legendary bassline. I think it's weird though, it's just Queen kinda mimicking Chic.
Fantometen and not nearly as good sounding as the original imo
Try Milestones - Miles Davis.
That's simple. I agree tho
Deee lite. Groove is in the heart.
That's actually a Herbie Hancock tune. "Bring down the birds "
Knut Halvorsen Now we're talking. The record is Ab but I see Bootsy playing it in A when he's on stage with them.
That really is an absurdly happy bassline.
That Patina on the bass... is gorgeous!
I"ll take you there, by The Staple Singers
Yes. That is one of a few bass lines that I would randomly play to keep my fingers warm while being idle at my school choir band rehearsals.
Great choice, that was the first bass line i ever learned
That's actually based on a 1969 reggae bassline that was first voiced on a song "What Am I To Do" by Tony Scott, and was made a JA/UK hit by the "Harry J Allstars" called "Liquidator" that became a soccer team's anthem, and was the inspiration for the music of the 1972 Staple Singers' hit:
Greatful dead, the other one. Phil kills it in this tune.
These are the best. I learn more here with the quick short lessons with my crazy schedule.
Shake Hands With Beef has such a fantastic groove.
2:23 Stank Face - ACTIVATED.
Hair by Graham Central Station, it's a good line for slap beginners, it's groovy, it's tight, it's perfect!
Can't argue with your choice, but if you love Larry Graham, probably a better (easier) beginner slap bass cut would be what started it all. Sly Stones "Thankyoufalletinmebemyself" or however they spelled it.
i'm stuck in a limbo where I perfected my technique but have ZERO repertoire, so I truly need this to become a series.
im in a similar place right now hahaha
Another great bass line is in the song called "Bob" by Primus! This bass line is so dark, dirty & filthy after I 1st heard it at the age of 16 I asked my guitar teacher how to play it and he told me it wasn't a guitar it was a bass so I immediately bought a bass and switched from guitar to bass. that was 22 year's ago & I've been a happy Bassist ever since & have never even thought of switching back to guitar
Everybody should know Pink Floyd - Money, definetly my favorite bassline
It was the second song I learned to play lol. I still love it!
@@aaronjanusch6090 It was my first song I learned :D
I mean, it’s ok I guess
Has to be the most famous song in 7/8
What about 7 Nation Army? LOL
Man in a Suitcase - The Police
Pretty much all the bass lines for each song on the Zenyatta Mondatta album.
Chic’s ‘Good Times’. Such a cool bass line...
This relic bass is so god damn beautiful ;( good job as always, keep it up:)
How about Tiran Porter's amazing line on the Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It to the Streets"? Talk about a masterclass in using space and timing - the verses are almost impossibly sparse on bass, and the chorus line and fills are just immensely funky. Porter is one of my underrated bass heroes.
Porter doesn't get nearly enough credit. It's a different band if they never had Tiran.
Agreed 1000%. His bass playing "Wheels of Fortune" just kills!
Totally. Great track and Tiran doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Definitely influenced me.
I’ve always found the bass line from “Good Times” by CHIC flouting around in solos, vids, and other stuff occasionally
Brilliant Lesson Scott. Straight to the point. Loved it. Thank you :)
Thanks for the lesson. I've always liked this song and once I started playing bass now I'm always listening to the bassline. This was one song the bass really got my attention.
The baseline everyone should know is higher ground.
Lol I know it
𓇽ꋪꏂꀷ 𒊹ꀍꂦ꓄ ꏳꀍꀤ꒒꒒ꀤ 𒊹ᖘꏂᖘᖘꏂꋪꌚ 𓇽
Stevie Wonder! Awesome bass part!
Green Onions by Booker T and the MGs and Money by Pink Floyd. They always stand the test of time... and they were the first two songs I learned to play. Lol
THIS IS MY FAVORITE BASSLINE! I'm not a bass player, but, I'd love to see Sir Duke or I Want You Back!
Man scott I love your channel you've helped me become not only a better bass player but also a better guitar player, u recently broke my bass and have been practicing with a buddies when we meet but the second I get a new bass I'm signing up for some classes from you man
A should know: Jungle Boogie!!!
Damn right 😂💯💯
I can play the hell out of the rhythm guitar part! ;) (FYI it is literally one chord all the way through panned all the way to the left)
“I’m Your Captain” by Grand Funk Railroad
this is so helpfull .. i absolutely love it ..to use your own words .. cheers
I love the train line you know like an avalanche roaring above your head!!!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
This might sound kind of silly, but I always like the bass to the "Barney Miller" tv sitcom theme.
Not so silly - I've always dug that too.
Great choice, Darren!
So do I
it is after a Carol Kaye bass line..whats not to love about it??!!
Gonna learn this one tomorrow! I also think "The Joker" by Steve Miller is a classic that everyone should know.. :-)
nadine campbell one my firsts. That, Sweet Child O’ Mine, and Moby Dick were probably the first serious bass lines I tackled almost 30 years ago. I still remember struggling with the Joker back then. Still a favorite groove to play. 😎
YES!!! More like this ... PLEASE!
Always one of my favorites to play
Cannibal Corpse "Hammer Smashed Face"
What??? There's a Metalhead watching Scott's bass lessons? I thought I was the only one here that likes the Heavy styles!
...hmm...maybe something from Nervosa...🤔
Cannibal Corpse suck since the mid 90s.
@@dougarnold7955 No, you are not the only one. Scott is an awesome bass player and very good at imparting his skills.
Man, when all the instruments cut out and the bass player is just banging out that killer riff.
First time I heard it a long time ago, I was like "wait.. I can hear the bass... what is this?"
Most shit I was listening to around those times I don't think I ever acknowledged what the bass was doing, because I was obsessed with guitars and the guitarists of the band. Woah, check this guy out, look at how fast and squealy he is. That shit doesn't do it for me anymore, just being squealy and fast, but it still makes me laugh when you (not so much anymore) used to get the people who'd say "you don't listen to that RAR RAR Cannibal Corpse shit do you? It doesn't require any skill to just play fast and shout"... when you're like, dude, I can suggest you a million untalented shouty bands. Pick any CD from that dusty shouty 90's alt-metal rack over there. No, put down the Tomb of the Mutilated CD, I know it looks goofy but... trust me, its good shit.
@@zubrhero5270 it's not that simple Alex webster is one of the best bassist ever especially in metal so not your crap f boy it's not that simple it's not just drilling root notes. And jazz but plz most jazz players can handle playing that fast especially on a six string.
James Jamerson - Reach Out I’ll Be There - The Four Tops
I hate to tell you man but have complicated it. I was almost a teen when the piece came out and the groove never left my head.
I really enjoyed learning this one.
I've been playing Bass for 48 years and never even heard of this song. Should I give back all the money I earned?
Yes
Yes
Guess so
Yeah
Yes for sure!!!😊. Never too late however!
SSLLLAAAAAAYYYERRR!!! Reign in blood
I'm addicted to playing this
That whole Charles Wright album is a masterclass in funk and soul. Think it was James Gadson on drums too.
The Smiths - There's a Light That Never Goes out
Barbarism starts at home, awesome. But there is a light is beautiful.
Heaven knows I'm miserable now is the jam. Andy Rourke is the glue that holds The Smith's together.
Theme from Barney Miller.
yeah!
Polo
Oh, heck yeah! Good call, Joe!
Beat me to it
i was working out the BM bass line just the other day. Damn! i'm showing my age.
I got it. Express yourself.Thanks!
Bass lines that make me smile.....
1)... hit me with your rhythm stick.
2)... dancing in the moonlight.
Every bass player should know “something”.
Mark M That whole tune is Bass Solo over Production and how many bands actually do it?
The Jam - A Town Called Malice
Gorgeous bass
Luv the lesson I just got me a bass guitar and I'm enjoying it
The bass line in the song "fame" by irene cara
The theme of the tv show Barney Miller
George Mickel Seinfeld also
This was fun! Do it again. Thanks!
We need more of these videos!
What about the bass line "Whatever it is, I just can't stop" by Jamiroquai
‘Burning for You’ by Blue Oyster Cult
Confession - I didn't know this song. But .. wow, is it fun to play!
Just learnt the bassline to Express Yourself. Madonna will be so proud of me.