How To Play Reggae Bass like Robbie Shakespeare

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  • Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
  • In this tutorial we dive into the style of the bass legend Robbie Shakespeare who along with long time drumming partner Sly Dunbar have taken reggae to places it had never ventured before.
    If you found this tutorial helpful and would like to support the channel feel free to buy me a coffee.
    ko-fi.com/dons...
    Pdf and backing tracks available to download
    drive.google.c...

Комментарии • 556

  • @Tiago-lq6hn
    @Tiago-lq6hn 2 года назад +6

    RIP Robbie! Master!

  • @onlyjoetee
    @onlyjoetee 3 года назад +207

    ALL bass players should study reggae no matter what kind of music they play..

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +17

      Totally agree!!! Definitely makes me play differently when I play other styles of music.

    • @RyanakaRhino18
      @RyanakaRhino18 3 года назад +4

      Amen to that!

    • @ZachKopkaZake
      @ZachKopkaZake 3 года назад +6

      Yeah drums too

    • @andreidoanca4262
      @andreidoanca4262 3 года назад +7

      totally! I listen to a lot of heavy metal music...but damn...I must say that learning raggae does open another door to grooving and songwriting

    • @lawrencenjawe1935
      @lawrencenjawe1935 3 года назад +1

      The bass line to Shine Eye Gal from the Showcase LP (1979) is deeper and heavier.

  • @charleswettish8701
    @charleswettish8701 Год назад +12

    I've been a guitar and bass player for 44 years.
    I'm recording an original light-rock/reggae song, and when I play a bass line, it always goes towards light rock (because my reggae bass game is weak), but I want the bass to be real reggae.
    I don't think I have ever found a music instruction RUclips channel so perfectly inline with what I need to learn, right now!
    Thank you!

  • @rofea
    @rofea 3 года назад +46

    As a bassplayer of 30 years it is great to have someone go into detail on dub bass lines. Keep it up!

  • @harryblue9502
    @harryblue9502 3 года назад +10

    Sir you are an absolute Gentleman and scholar--- Reggae Bass 🔊is deceptively easy on first hearing then you put the cans on & there's a whole orchestra going on there.
    Your method of breaking it down and giving us great Reggae Roadmaps is just superb
    Thanks
    Harry Blue x

  • @reggaevibesmeditation6857
    @reggaevibesmeditation6857 2 года назад +9

    Fly away home to Zion Robbie, what a legend, his rock solid basslines and slides will live on forever. Thanks for the music you left us with.

  • @paolonovaro187
    @paolonovaro187 Месяц назад

    I miss and love Basspeare. Humble greatest basso player

  • @justiciavalentena6778
    @justiciavalentena6778 3 года назад +46

    I’m half Jamaican and Mexican, I grew up listening to a lot of reggae (through my dad) and the bass always spoke to my soul, to make the long story short, I recently got an acoustic bass and you really helped me get in touch with my roots so I love and thank you for that 🙏 keep up the amazing content 🙌

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +10

      Welcome to the revolution👊🏾

    • @original_rob_a_dub
      @original_rob_a_dub 3 года назад +2

      Como se llama tu papá? conozco varios músicos de Jamaica que viven en México :) he tocado con algunos!

    • @shiningstar4181
      @shiningstar4181 3 года назад +1

      Bass is what speaks to the soul

  • @lm089
    @lm089 4 месяца назад

    still one of my favourites from all of your tutorials: looping 11:30 til 13:00, over and over... 🤩

  • @OTOss8
    @OTOss8 3 года назад +14

    That groove... it gets in your soul. I can *feel* that you *feel* it. It's a cosmic vibration travelling from you to me. I already have a job but I'm even more convinced I want to be a reggae bass player when I grow up.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +4

      Well... You can always have 2 jobs🤣

    • @OTOss8
      @OTOss8 3 года назад +2

      @@donstrumental8905 You make a good point. For a first bass, do you feel like it's better to try to find something used, or purchase something new but priced modestly? By the way, thank you for the videos, they really speak to me.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +5

      @@OTOss8 ruclips.net/video/mw1URTKHwjg/видео.html this is a great bass for a first bass, you wouldn’t need another. Probably around $250

  • @01taira
    @01taira 3 месяца назад

    Thanks for the great lesson, sir. With this bass line, I can keep myself grooving for hours. So much fun.

  • @paolozak3014
    @paolozak3014 3 года назад +6

    Robbie Shakespeare is fantastic, his bass playin' is downright irresistible

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +1

      Agreed!!!

    • @BRR949
      @BRR949 3 года назад

      Robbie and Sly are one of the most irresistible rhythm sections in music for me. 😀

  • @rossco420
    @rossco420 2 года назад +2

    What a bassline Robbie really was a true reggae bass legend, and there’s no one better to teach these basslines to us reggae lovers than Don , imho best reggae channel on RUclips, 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇳thanks Don 🇨🇬

  • @electrondady1475
    @electrondady1475 2 года назад

    thanks for the lesson. i grew up playing rock and roll and rhythm and blues. when i heard reggae bass i was flabbergasted.

  • @richwarth
    @richwarth 3 года назад +27

    Big ups Don, Them style ya. The way you combine classic bassology w/ music theory & creativity - The professor, to the max! Bless, Richie

  • @johnryadsahib4351
    @johnryadsahib4351 3 года назад +11

    As a guitarist I follow your lessons for bass tracking exercises and it’s made a huge difference in my playing

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +8

      Thinking outside the box. Guitarist can use the content here too. I like that👍🏾

  • @AxeMan808
    @AxeMan808 2 года назад

    I really appreciate your giving details on assembling the pieces and then PLAYIN' the damn thing.

  • @otterchen
    @otterchen 3 года назад +22

    You are a very good teacher, helping me to play the way i'd ever wanted to play

  • @FC-xc3zy
    @FC-xc3zy 3 года назад +4

    Best reggae bass
    teacher I have watched

  • @orange_dt
    @orange_dt 3 года назад +1

    Pfffft. The world doesn't deserve Donstrumental -Give thanks!
    (10/10)

  • @alecbauserman6621
    @alecbauserman6621 3 года назад +5

    Hey @Donstrumental Im a long time reggae listener and now learning to play the drums. I really appreciate the hard work you put in to these videos, they are very well made and you are an excellent teacher. Big up brother! Keep em coming

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      Thank you. If you would like the tracks without drums to play along drop an email to donstrumental@gmail.com

  • @MrToonfish
    @MrToonfish 2 года назад +2

    Robbie left us alone, all reggae bass lovers are now sad, I'm pretty sure. RIP Robbie, hope he's in peace with his jazz bass. Another genius has passed away.

  • @kijekuyo9494
    @kijekuyo9494 3 года назад +1

    To me, this is the right way to approach music. Explore the spirit of whatever moves us, but keep it a creative venture.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      Thank you, I was amazed at the amount of people that want an alternative to speed bass playing.

    • @kijekuyo9494
      @kijekuyo9494 3 года назад +1

      @@donstrumental8905 I'm collecting a band for playing what's referred to as "world beat" music, and reggae plays a big part of the "world sound." It's amazing that a music form from a minority population on tiny little island of 2,000,000 inhabitants can influence music from places as widespread as the US, South Africa, Turkey, Spain, and Israel.

  • @Neil-qf6df
    @Neil-qf6df Месяц назад

    You and reggae bass are a partnership, i wish i was half as good as you Don.

  • @nireekshanreddyvnr6890
    @nireekshanreddyvnr6890 3 месяца назад

    Very nice Reggae lines and also your pedagogic style is amazing.

  • @andreidoanca4262
    @andreidoanca4262 3 года назад +4

    mate! I love these lessons. Coming from a background of heavy metal this opens doors to rythm, songwriting and grooving! I can't thank you enough

  • @alunbelton8426
    @alunbelton8426 3 года назад +2

    An amazing 13 minute master class on Robbie Basspeare and reggae bass in general! There's so much advice and rock solid playing here. Thanks for making the effort to put this video together.

  • @lennoxlindsay7282
    @lennoxlindsay7282 3 года назад +4

    Thank you so much. I've started bass guitar 8 months ago and I'm trying to be regular in my practice. Your lesson is very clearly explained and very inspiring. The sound of your bass is just pure unadulterated reggae..... it is perfect

  • @ethanlocke3604
    @ethanlocke3604 3 года назад +1

    100% right in your description of his playing as “attitude”. That captures his feel so well

  • @YawpMusic
    @YawpMusic 3 года назад +1

    I really appreciate that you use standard notation as well as the TAB. Thanks for that.

  • @djsandy303
    @djsandy303 3 года назад +1

    every lesson i learn so much

  • @Veronica_needssleep
    @Veronica_needssleep 2 года назад

    Rest in peace you giant, your music will live forever

  • @danheke3168
    @danheke3168 Год назад

    Totally awesome 👌. Thankyou. I love how you break it all down and the process you use to bring it up to full speed. I've been playing bass for 50 years and am always learning. Love these " Master classes "🎸🎼

  • @Duincyberkonijn
    @Duincyberkonijn 3 года назад +2

    Ya man....this is the real Reggae sound. I'l love it and i like the way you teach. Keep up.....greetings from Holland.

  • @wardnick4268
    @wardnick4268 3 года назад +1

    Don, you did it again!
    Clear explanation, sublime examples, positive vibes.
    Don't stop giving these great tips.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      Thanks Nick, glad you’re finding the videos useful.

  • @robertgoldbornatyout
    @robertgoldbornatyout 3 года назад +2

    Excellent Sir thankyou, what a fantastic teacher you make it look so easy,

  • @davidecomitogianni733
    @davidecomitogianni733 3 года назад +1

    Very good..., 🙏💚💛❤️blessing..

  • @Rastamonroj
    @Rastamonroj 3 года назад +1

    Good stuff...I dig the exercises of making your own bass lines...Enjoy the coffee

  • @ngolinyirenda6421
    @ngolinyirenda6421 Год назад

    I actually dig this Donstrumental Riddim more and more !!!

  • @masaizamuya4477
    @masaizamuya4477 3 года назад +1

    Jah...bless... ONE LOVE
    One Mama Africa....
    Umoja na Amani...
    Great job my brother...
    Keep it up....

  • @Tocar_Tocando
    @Tocar_Tocando 3 года назад +1

    Hi Don, thank u so much for share all that great bass lines!

  • @whene30wb
    @whene30wb 2 года назад

    Fantastic thanks brother!! R.i.p Robbie, always remember your awsome bassline as a child and always beasslines in my blood! Blessings to all🙌🙏✝️💟

  • @original_rob_a_dub
    @original_rob_a_dub 3 года назад +2

    Maximum respect from Mexico!! You're a great bassie

  • @jonkocan92
    @jonkocan92 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for the video. It feels like i have played reggae for many years, your backing tracks gives me so much confidence. Thanks Jah bless

  • @laurieharper1526
    @laurieharper1526 3 года назад

    I love the subtlety in that way of playing. Thank you for such a clear and helpful demonstration.

  • @mikeduvall9374
    @mikeduvall9374 2 года назад

    I really admire your teaching skills.

  • @TheYjmfan
    @TheYjmfan 3 года назад

    I love playing this sort of reggae Robbie Shakespeare is one of my favourites just learnt this thank you.👍👏🏻

  • @thepiperofsimms9974
    @thepiperofsimms9974 3 года назад +1

    I saw Bob ! Thank you for these funky cool lines. Damn that's good. Yuma, AZ.

  • @ngolinyirenda6421
    @ngolinyirenda6421 3 года назад +2

    I swear I keep listening to this to here that Jazz Bass rumble and roar ! Trademark !

  • @rdesutter76
    @rdesutter76 2 года назад

    Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Right on time. quality video. Well thought out and awesome lesson.

  • @ignasioestebangonzalez5046
    @ignasioestebangonzalez5046 3 года назад +2

    Love this raggae explanations... years ago when i started playing raggae coming from rock it took ages to even get to black uhuru and sly and robbie.... great groove man! love listening to your classes

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      Sly and Robbie’s attitude is Rock, which I originally had in the video but edited out👊🏾

  • @analoguewings
    @analoguewings 2 года назад +1

    RIP Robbie 🇯🇲

  • @MonsieurVersatile
    @MonsieurVersatile 2 года назад +1

    Thanks so much for letting us download these backing tracks and score etc. Really enlightening!

  • @mamba691
    @mamba691 3 года назад +1

    Wow! Love the way you breakdown and connect the baselines. Never looked at the simplicity of this concept before. Awesome bro 🙏🏿

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +1

      I know a lot of bass players find it difficult to come up with something original when asked to create a baseline. Instead of straining your brain to search for something new, just take one tiny concept that already exist and develop that. Eventually the creation process will come naturally. Works for any genre of music.

  • @mildnuke8845
    @mildnuke8845 3 года назад +1

    How come i only got to know you now?
    Great teaching. Love the groove. Hope to learn more from you.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +1

      Plenty more for you brother.

    • @mildnuke8845
      @mildnuke8845 3 года назад

      @@donstrumental8905 thank you. Been playing bass since high school, but whenever i want to play the reggae style, i always find it hard. Like, i love the feeling, but i can't interpret it in my play.

  • @brownin329
    @brownin329 2 года назад

    Wow I wish I had seen this earlier. RIP Robbie Shakespeare! Long live Sly & Robbie!

  • @danturba
    @danturba 3 года назад

    I like what you’re doing sharing the music , please listen to shine eye girl again ..bless

  • @gwen3829
    @gwen3829 3 года назад +2

    Terrific lesson, thank you!

  • @BassLessonsOnline
    @BassLessonsOnline 3 года назад +1

    Yes! Simply brilliant combinations. Subconsciously (and often consciously) my improvised grooves are based on something I already know. Great teaching, Don. Thanks.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      my goal when playing reggae is to see if i can avoid any improvisation at all. I listened to a lot of soul and funk growing up so it was a challenge switching hats to play reggae.

    • @BassLessonsOnline
      @BassLessonsOnline 3 года назад

      @@donstrumental8905 Wow, that's a new insight for me. Thanks, Don, I will now start to create non-improvised reggae bass lines. I just checked out a couple more of your tutorial videos ... and they are extremely helpful.

  • @lorenzobrun2045
    @lorenzobrun2045 5 месяцев назад

    Hi mate
    I find your videos very Well done and so useful.
    If I was still living in the UK I would be knocking at your door every day a any hour
    Cheers bud

  • @sotocasf
    @sotocasf 3 года назад

    Man, I just love your channel. This is a lesson not just about groove, but for what the BASS is made for, an enveloping percussive machine. Thanks, and keep with te videos

  • @grubbster77
    @grubbster77 2 года назад

    I'm fairly new to bass and have been trying to learn on and off for over a year now. Your video has inspired me to make a concerted effort over the Christmas break and to fit the flat-wounds that I bought ages ago, I think they'll make things a bit easier for me to learn the reggae groove. Many thanks for making these fantastic videos.

  • @mikedeleeuw4873
    @mikedeleeuw4873 2 года назад

    Thanks, very inspiring. Have been listening and playing Robbie Dub for decades, but never heard it so clearly. I'm done, into my bass-dungeon for another sizzling' session.

  • @novadhd
    @novadhd 3 года назад +1

    Loved how you are keeping it simple for us newbies out there. Nice bass too.

  • @reggaebass1857
    @reggaebass1857 3 года назад +1

    Superb lesson don, I find your videos and way of teaching inspirational to my playing, big thanks, riddim up ☝️

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Tony, my mission is better reggae basslines in a world of reggae lite. Everyone likes the old stuff, that has to change👊🏾

  • @petewatson5319
    @petewatson5319 3 года назад +2

    Another great vid Don, thanks so much for your time. The tabs are a real help as well and I’m enjoying keeping an eye on the actual sheet music. Top player/tutor, Cheers.

  • @bassiehd
    @bassiehd 3 года назад +1

    Taking the riddim from one bassline and inserting it in another bassline is a great idea! I try to hear the bassline as a fundamental African "drum" which riddim defines the music both rhythmically and harmonically. Great lesson, very informative without getting too 'technical.' Robbie does tend to use his thumb instead of fingers to pick tho, not sure if that adds more "meat" to the pluck but sure is effective for Robbie!

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад +2

      I had my eureka moment when I worked out that if you focus on the rhythm and not the notes you will never be short of ideas. Robbie uses thumb and fingers, he also doesn’t play anywhere near the neck like text book reggae says you should.

  • @PedroSilvaMusic
    @PedroSilvaMusic 3 года назад +1

    Love your channel and your playing. Thank you

  • @Diaaze
    @Diaaze 3 года назад +1

    yes yes yes! i pressed like before even watching it. I swear I was hoping the next video would be on Robbie Shakespeare. Thank you!!!

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      Thank you. Guess who’s next!!!

    • @Diaaze
      @Diaaze 3 года назад

      @@donstrumental8905 I think you already revealed it in one of the comments. Family Man

  • @danielarmstrong8503
    @danielarmstrong8503 3 года назад +1

    Love your style of teaching dude.

  • @philipcho1438
    @philipcho1438 3 года назад +3

    you are the best

  • @steveward6185
    @steveward6185 3 года назад +1

    Really great work. Thanks for breaking it down and for showcasing your excellent playing.

  • @jff-b3363
    @jff-b3363 3 года назад +8

    Thanks for the great vid Don.
    I'd love to hear more from your background into music? what made you pickup a bass in the first place? why a bass?
    A top 10 of your favorite bassline would also be amazing.
    Keep it up !

  • @martinlesso8088
    @martinlesso8088 3 года назад +1

    Don your bass sounds amazing!! Thank you for sharing !

  • @Antaranch
    @Antaranch 3 года назад +1

    My good sir, you are awesome.

  • @rastanz
    @rastanz 3 года назад +1

    Your video's are very well made, first of all your bass playing compliments the tone on your bass which has a nice phat reggae sound, secondly you explain things so clearly and simply with out trying to come off as sounding too technical. Robbie has a huge influence on my bass playing.
    Thanks for sharing.

  • @Be_Musical
    @Be_Musical 3 года назад +1

    Some great teaching here. Your videos are really well made and your instructions super clear. I am not only learning to groove but also how to create a good bass line. You are the coolest guy on youtube man.

  • @margerysingleton7970
    @margerysingleton7970 3 года назад +2

    Reggae lover here! That was excellent! Sadly, I only play bass (cello and piano) in my dreams at night! Haven't learned yet!

  • @gratefulila9980
    @gratefulila9980 3 года назад +2

    Many thanks to the musician for sharing with the people.
    True blessing I
    Robbie has been one of my biggest influences, he's solid heavy and creative. Love all the Black Uhuru

  • @jahking1617
    @jahking1617 3 года назад +1

    Many thanks for the great quality !!!
    Real Roots music 👍👌

  • @onlyjoetee
    @onlyjoetee 3 года назад +1

    Lovely jazz bass ....

  • @RenatoLeiteBass
    @RenatoLeiteBass 3 года назад +1

    All bass players needs to know this

  • @RaggaDruida
    @RaggaDruida 3 года назад +1

    amazing work man! keep it up! I'm already exited about Family Man's & Shiah Coore's episodes!

  • @andrewgreen5986
    @andrewgreen5986 3 года назад +1

    Fabulous

  •  3 года назад +1

    very cool !!!!! i think I can do it , im gonna try and show you soon !!!!!

  • @BRR949
    @BRR949 3 года назад +1

    I haven't played bass in about 6 months. It makes me feel kind of nervous every time I think of picking it up and playing a few songs. I really want to play some reggae vibes though, I think this channel will help me to get back into it again.

  • @mikaso
    @mikaso 3 года назад +1

    That was wicked cool. Thanks and praises from Sweden!

  • @bustan44
    @bustan44 3 года назад +2

    Wow just discoved the materials on the drive, amazing. Thanks man! I'll def buy you a coffee soon.

  • @BONGOGO100
    @BONGOGO100 3 года назад +1

    Another great video from Sir Don 👍👍

  • @BaseOfThePillar23
    @BaseOfThePillar23 3 года назад +1

    Great lesson! Looking forward to more!

  • @RyanakaRhino18
    @RyanakaRhino18 3 года назад +1

    Very Inspiring!

  • @Pyramidtone
    @Pyramidtone 3 года назад +1

    I used to often wake up thinking about Robbie, visualizing what it took to get so deep. That tough sound with the groove-bounce. Legendary roots. When Joe Higgs and the Wailing Souls teamed up as Attaras for "Brimstone & Fire," they couldn't've picked a better rhythm section. Robbie? Or on "Temptation" by the Itals - there's no question. "Lift Up Your Conscience" by Israel Vibration, Robbie again. Tough riddim, consistently.

    • @donstrumental8905
      @donstrumental8905  3 года назад

      It's all Robbie's personality. How he looks is how he sounds👊🏾

  • @ogerhuntress2220
    @ogerhuntress2220 3 года назад +1

    Really cool video! I'm hoping you will do more lessons like this. It really helps me to get new inspiration .

  • @MyronDoolittle
    @MyronDoolittle 2 года назад

    Robbie was the best of the best. Thank you for such great and clear instruction. Your videos are very helpful.

  • @magnus17985
    @magnus17985 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for another great tutorial! I’m so grateful that I found your channel.

  • @mraggrovator
    @mraggrovator 3 года назад +1

    Brilliant teaching method

  • @tayo6882
    @tayo6882 3 года назад +1

    Thanks a lot! I found the notation very helpful, the bass, though, sounded a bit quiet sometimes for my taste.

  • @vanguardcycle
    @vanguardcycle 3 года назад

    Riddim' up! So glad I found your channel.

  • @franknellyproducer
    @franknellyproducer 3 года назад +1

    Very good, as always. Thanks

  • @justinbell3640
    @justinbell3640 3 года назад

    Have me wanting to put on that record, I have not heard in years, Big influence on me growing up, Much Love and thank you, Sir for this ✌ ❤ 🔊 🎶