Steven said him Duff practiced alot to Camo. Steven said if you listen to Rocket Queen then listen to Word Up you can hear how much Camo's back line influenced them.
I have been a GNR fan since 87 . I always considered Duff to be a decent player . I think that is because Axl’s voice and Slash’s guitar playing stole every song . They were very dominant and prominent. So here I am 37 years later , playing bass in a new band that does GNR covers . I thought it would be easy . So now I’m focusing solely on the bass parts . It’s not so easy . My respect for Duff has changed dramatically!!!! I now consider him to be one of the greatest rock bassists of all time . And yes - he is up there with Squire , Lee , Entwistle . Totally different styles !! But since GNR are more Rock and Roll then any of those bands like Yes , Rush and The Who , we’ll that makes Duff my all time favorite bass player now . I’m only speaking from experience of the ones I’ve seen play . I’m sure there are others out there just as great . Like Flea . I have never seen RHCP . Flea is just on another level . I don’t think that’s a bass he’s playing . Haha On my bucket list - seeing the RHCP .
Duff is the perfect example of straight forward and powerful bass lines...without any fluff. Duff never went crazy with his bass lines..yet they were the icing on the cake of every song he played. One of my all time favorite bassists! Killer bass lines and I agree...criminally underrated!
@@DiscreetHobo I really haven't found a Duff bass line that wasn't fun. Sweet Child O' Mine is really fun to play. You Could Be Mine is another good one.
I just listen to Guns 'n Roses Songs because of Duff McKagan's Bass lines. He is one of the reasons I pick and play the bass guitar myself. Thank you so much for this video ❤
Such a great video. A lot of what is discussed in this video is what made the original GNR lineup the greatest band in the world. Everyone understood their part and played within the music. Guys like Duff and Steven will never make the “top whatever” lists because they didn’t compromise the integrity of the GNR sound or a particular song to showcase their personal skills and talent. Conversely you have guys like Travis Barker who may as well be in a different room playing a different song than the rest of Blink182. Number one rule in making music is harmony.
Been saying for decades that Duff is one of the best rock n roll bassists of all time. He plays with the rhythm when needed & injects cool little melodies all over the place in so many songs.
If you guys like Duff McKagan you should check out his first book. He's not also a great bassist (the reason I started playing bass) but also an amazing storyteller.
He also played with Jane's Addiction, Hollywood Vampires and The Living, ECT. You are absolutely correct, he is one of the top hard rock bassist. Thank you so much for making this video.
It is major pentatonic R 2 3 5 6. The color tones are the 2 (9) and 6. It is how they lead into chord functionality. Cord functionality is a whole thing for bassists.
Came here from the Joe Dart video and absolutely love your breakdowns. Way beyond just how to replicate the greats, which there are 100x examples of. Actually gives me some ways to write and inject some essence of the masters into my amateur playing!
I just love with how much admiration is your dog looking at you.... I am sure you're his or her hero. :) Also. Duff also likes to include the perfect 4th when a 4 chord is being played (which normally would ask for a lydian sound) and that way he is kinda implying a mixolydian element, which btw is a key element of rock music. Example: Including an F over a C major chord in a song in the key of G major (Or D mixolydian) which is what he does in Sweet Child. :) I also don't think Duff gets enough credit for how FUNKY he is... He sometimes plays a note that jumps out in volume, which I think he is playing by doing a pop with his finger but may be wrong with that technique.. I wonder how he does that..
I'm a huge duff fan for more than thirty years now. Although I became a guitarist he is one of my favorite musicians of all time. Best bass sound in rock.
One of my best friends got that blonde Spectre neck through back in the early 90’s for a steal. It was fretless, and he had frets put in it. Cause metal. It was and is to this day the single best playing and best sounding bass I’ve ever played. The backside of the body was curved and fit your hip oh so perfectly. Ither basses have played very, very, very well. But that bass made you feel like a pro in just a few seconds. I’ve played basses set up for huge rock stars and none has come close to that Spectre
Duff has always been one of my favorite bass players. I’ve always loved his tone it works and cuts through the mix and love it when he takes the melody part of the songs, he ain’t flashy but gets it done and looks cool doing it. The first Velvet Revolver album is as good of a hard rock album as there is. It’d be cool if GNR actually did some of the VR songs live they would probably work better with Axl’s voice since his lower register is still there. Yeah Duff is a great bass player, he and David Elefson are two of my favorite bassist. I play guitar and I love how they found a unique tone that’s always audible with heavy guitars .
@@Woozy.0 that’s cool man, I saw Velvet Revolver on the tour for Contraband and they were awesome, I think they played the whole debut album a couple STP songs and then they did an encore the house lights were off and then you heard Duff’s into to Its So Easy and when the rest of the band kicked in the lights came back on and I thought the roof was going to come off the place. It was a smaller auditorium in Birmingham Alabama and early in the tour before they all relapsed. Scott was incredibly thin but sounded amazing. That was a great concert they did a couple other GNR tunes but the crowd reaction to its so easy we thought it would be the closest thing we’d ever see to GNR at the time. They were loud too so loud we were on the barricade in front of Dave Kushner (spelling?)
@@Woozy.0 yeah it was an awesome concert and overall my favorite of the few I’ve attended. I think I bought 7 tickets for around 300 we bought seats because there was an older couple that we hung out with. I saw half the floor wide open in the intermission after the opening band I think there was only one smaller local ish band that opened. Anyway we were in the seats and I saw a beer stand in the corner of the floor and said I’m going to get a beer if anyone wants one ? Someone said yeah bring me one back I said I won’t be back I’m buying my beer down there on the floor GA so 5 of us went down and made our way to the barricade. I would’ve tried to get to Slash’s side of the stage but I was just thinking get as close as we could before it starts. I saw Avenged Sevenfold on the Hail To the King tour with Adrenaline Mob and Hellyeah. It was a Wednesday night in Huntsville and the floor was half empty the whole show . Hellyeah brought it like the place was packed and were the better band on that night at least. AX7 sounded great but they didn’t really have much energy it was almost like watching a sound check but with Pyro just not as much energy as I was expecting. The crowd participated in Bat County, Nightmare . They played Little Piece of Heaven and that was rare at the time. Probably the best sounding concert I’ve ever been to was Nickelback in early 2006 . I know it’s not cool to like them and I’m not into them, but Chevelle was with them. If you ever get a chance to see Nickelback and enjoy a great hard rock show. Go I promise you’ll have fun and get your money’s worth.
Such a kick ass vid !! I have been a GNR fan since I heard Axl scream out “ you’re in the jungle baby …. Your gonna die “!! Haha Yup - ever since 1987 actually while I was in the US Navy sailing in the Gulf . I’m a rock bass player too . Been trying to play since 1980 . I’m ok . Not the best . But I hold my own . I always thought of Duff as a decent bass player . All these years that is what I thought . I’m currently in a new band and we do GNR covers . Holy crap !! Now I think that Duff is hands down one of the greatest Rock bassists Ever !!! Side note : I used to wear my bass slung low but these days it’s Tuff on my fretting hand , and my shoulder . I don’t look as cool as I used to . Damn I’m sad . As I always say : “ getting old sucks ….. But Not getting older can suck even worse “. Rock on everyone 🤠🙏♥️
Great video !!! Absolutely agree this guy is sooo underrated... but then, being a bassist and in a band with such a guitarist as Slash and an ego as Axel didn't gave much room to shine... but then again that's the essence of a bassist and he's done it perfectly... I've been an amateur bassist myself for over 20 years (ouch, that hurts) and very fun to see I've been instinctively using those same tricks without being conscious. Thanks and keep on it !!!
Cool. Your explanation on Duff's melodic lines which go along very well with the vocal guitar's melody is awesome. That's a team work that should be there in a band.
When i was a kid I could not identify bass on metal and rock songs or any kind of music I was listening untill I got Appetite and heard Duff playing. Even worst a kid told me Duff just standed there doing noting. 😂. I sugested to play GNR with no bass and tell me what he think. Great video 👍
Thanks so much Luke. Duff is my favorite bassist and I have to play his stuff (Duff's stuff?) every day. Thanks for showing him some love. Hope all is well with you. The hair style is on point also.
Haha! I'm getting to the point where I either need to get a haircut or commit to growing some epic long locks. Still haven't decided. But glad I could cover your favorite bassist @John Wilkerson - he's an absolute legend.
@15:16 “the rug that ties the room together” whether that was an intentional or unintentional Big Lebowski reference I loved it. Great video but then again you consistently deliver the goods. Those who don’t realize Duff is a great bassist, likely aren’t bassists.
Luke, this was really great! I was going to skip this one because I am not really a GNR fan, but I did grow up on punk. It goes to show that there is something to learn from every bass player. You did a really great job breaking down Duff's style, tone and common themes in his playing, and with some really good examples that were fun to play along to. I hope you continue this and explore other bassists. This would make a great series. And, as I was playing along to the intro to Sweet Child O' Mine, I realized what I had learned from your previous lessons - that whole line is built around the root, 3rd and 5th. I like that you also included the chords with the tabs, so players can see how the chords and notes relate to each other. And I loved the Jameson riff! It really showed how different styles can change a song. Also, loved your Axl voice, and of course, Arnie! My dog does the same to me while I'm playing. And I liked your analogy of "the rug" that ties the whole room together. All in all, a really great video and lesson. A lot to unpack and a lot to learn from Duff. Thanks!
If you’re a punk rock fan, then Guns ‘n Roses still has something for you. Not just obvious punk tracks like Get in the Ring, but punk is just such a prevalent force in their music. Guns really were the perfect amalgamation of every genre adjacent to rock, from punk to to glam to metal, all in one package.
Thanks so much @Thomas Fioriglio - I really appreciate it and I'm so glad you got something out of this one! And of course Arnie is always the *real* star of the show. Lol
Totally @TheTribalist - GNR had a real punk streak. Their album The Spaghetti Incident (which Duff had a heavy hand in crafting and sings lead on a few songs) is basically all punk covers. It's definitely not as well-known as Appetite for Destruction or the Illusion albums, but there's some cool stuff on them for sure.
@@thetribalist6923 For me the only band that is the bearer of inheritance of Sex Pistols' essence, point and energy was Guns n' Roses. Not just that. Compare intro from It's So Easy and intro of Liar (Sex Pistols) and you can hear the influences too.
@@ivanbajovic3476 awesome point and I think they were a direct line to old school punk instead of the hardcore and emocore that punk became in the 80s.
There is one rock bass player who has been playing since the 80's in Japan. His name is Tetsuya from the band L'Arc En Ciel. His playing style is the same as Duff's, except that Tetsu plays lines outside of guitar riffs. Duff, mostly he just follows Slash's guitar riffs and sometimes that alone is pretty cool.
See also one of his pre-Guns bands 10 Minute Warning. Seattle band, there's actually 2 era's , 80's then late 90's . Not sure if he played bass or just regular guitar in that band though , but it's great stuff. Can find it all here on RUclips
Thnx a LOT Luke! Duff is one of my pick-playing heroes. Multi-instrumental talented as well and that shows clearly in his melodic lines. Really creative musician and still keeping track of his doings! Great video! Oh, and I’m gonna steal your “Duff-in-a-Box” ‘cause it cracked me up so hard hahaha!
This is an absolutely incredible lesson Luke and so well-explained - great job! I do a session about Duff with my undergrads (I'm a mega fan) and I will *definitely* direct the right over to this video. One of my favourites techniques is when he pops the Min 7th on the Live Era version of "You're Crazy" - the tone is just *so* slithery! Awesome!
Although admittedly I don't listen to GNR (Slash and Axl always rubbed me the wrong way), I always thought McKagan seemed like a really cool guy. He comes across as really cool and down to Earth in the interviews I've seen about him. No arrogance, conceit or attitude from him. I have my own bass heroes that I think are some of the most melodic bass players to my ears, such as (in no particular order): Mark Burgess - The Chameleons Thierry Sobezyk - Asylum Party Peter Hook - Joy Division, New Order Steven Severin - Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Glove Aimee Mann - 'Til Tuesday Brown Mark - Prince & The Revolution Simon Gallup - The Cure, Fools Dance Frank Maudsley - A Flock Of Seagulls Johnette Napolitano - Concrete Blonde Tim Butler - The Psychedelic Furs, Love Spit Love Benjamin Orr - The Cars David J - Bauhaus, Love & Rockets Tony Butler - Big Country Ashkelon Sain - Blade Fetish, Trance To The Sun, Trance To The Moon Anka Wolbert - Clan Of Xymox Carlos D. - Interpol John Talyor - Duran Duran, The Power Station Paul Raven - Killing Joke Patrck Fitzpatrick - Kitchens Of Distinction Andy Rourke - The Smiths Curt Smith - Tears For Fears Steve Kilbey - The Church Jamie Stewart - The Cult, Death Cult Dan K. Brown - The Fixx Laurence 'Loz' Elliot - The March Violets Pete Farndon - The Pretenders Craig Adams - The Sisters Of Mercy Adam Clayton - U2 just to name a very few...
Come on,you cant claim new Rose.Captain sensible giving us a peek at his talents before moving on to guitar.One of the most underrated guitarists on rock
I’ve always said of my favourite bands. Guns n roses is what happens when hard rock is melody focused. From bass to lead vocals and every guitar the focus is on melody. Acdc is what happens when hard rock is focused on rhythm and timing. Not one single note out of place to long to slow anywhere.
New to your channel. Great video I’ve always loved Duff’s basslines he’s not on my top bass player list but he’s definitely a great bassist and has inspired so many!!
Nah, Led Zeppelins Communication Breakdown was recorded just a month later and that was far more influential. The Ramones were heavily influenced by Page's strumming there on that song. Helter Skelter was obsolete a couple of months after it came out because Zeppelin were the new direction rock moved in.
You've just blown my mind that counter melody at the start of sweet child of mine is bass I thought it was slash on the overdub. How many years have I heard that and not noticed, I think you may have a point with this video and the overlooked aspect
James Jamerson Style Welcome To The Jungle!!!! Mix it with the original Baseline!!! straight fire!🔥! LUKE You're a bad man a bad bad man you are!! Thanks.
Well...unsurprisingly, Fender capitalized on Duff by recreating his traditional model with the actual Fender Precision Duff Signature Bass, now made in Mexico (his original was called Jazz Bass Special - even though it was in fact a PJ pickup bass, and made in Japan). This recreation is not bad. But as you said, many different PJ basses can do the Duff, more so with fresh roundwound strings. I personally recommend Yamaha PJ basses, which have some personality and can be quite trebly and Duff-like, or if you are really crazy about his tone plus you can afford Fenders, go with the Duff Signature recreation, or the American Performer PJ or similar. Now, Jazz Basses could potentially do Duff but I can't compare JB models. Potentially a Jazz Bass could do it because it is also trebly and covers a lot of Duff's tone, can sound very similar.
Duff's playing and style are the only reason I listen to GNR. Michael also played in a group with another really underrated bassist John Taylor ( of Duran Duran / Powerstation ) called Neurotic Outsiders.
Who else do you think would be in the running for the title of ‘Most Melodic Rock Bassist’?
Trevor Bolder 💪🏻
Billy Gould from Faith No More??
Robert DeLeo
Justin bivona
Phil lesh - in a way and amongst other things
Izzy, Steven, and Duff made up one of the best rhythm sections on rock history
I can't imagine how good GNR could have been if Izzy was able to stay with the band
As much as I love Izzy, I truly believe Fortus is better.
The whole band is fire, but the trio just rocking out with other amazing musicians would be just as fire.
The bass on Rocket Queen is incredible. Duff is so incredibly talented.
I agree...Rocket Queen is great! 🚀
Steven said him Duff practiced alot to Camo. Steven said if you listen to Rocket Queen then listen to Word Up you can hear how much Camo's back line influenced them.
The line itself is relatively simple, the application is so f'ing HARD.
Thank you very much for this. He has created some of the most influential bass lines I've ever heard... Criminally underrated is correct! Spot-on
Glad you agree @CharlieMortan!
I have been a GNR fan since 87 .
I always considered Duff to be a decent player .
I think that is because Axl’s voice and Slash’s guitar playing stole every song .
They were very dominant and prominent.
So here I am 37 years later , playing bass in a new band that does GNR covers .
I thought it would be easy .
So now I’m focusing solely on the bass parts .
It’s not so easy .
My respect for Duff has changed dramatically!!!!
I now consider him to be one of the greatest rock bassists of all time .
And yes - he is up there with Squire , Lee , Entwistle .
Totally different styles !!
But since GNR are more Rock and Roll then any of those bands like Yes , Rush and The Who , we’ll that makes Duff my all time favorite bass player now .
I’m only speaking from experience of the ones I’ve seen play .
I’m sure there are others out there just as great .
Like Flea .
I have never seen RHCP .
Flea is just on another level .
I don’t think that’s a bass he’s playing .
Haha
On my bucket list - seeing the RHCP .
Yeah man that Sweet Child bass line is outstanding. Duff is a talented musician in general.
Woah-oo--oh, sweet child bass-liieine!
Duff is the perfect example of straight forward and powerful bass lines...without any fluff. Duff never went crazy with his bass lines..yet they were the icing on the cake of every song he played. One of my all time favorite bassists! Killer bass lines and I agree...criminally underrated!
I still play through Sweet child o Mine. That Bass line is just so killer. Just full of impact but no fluff. So much fun
@@DiscreetHobo I really haven't found a Duff bass line that wasn't fun.
Sweet Child O' Mine is really fun to play. You Could Be Mine is another good one.
@@DiscreetHobo Yes! Overlooked far too often.
Duff is musically gifted and a multi instrumentalist. He is my favorite GnR member ever since.
I just listen to Guns 'n Roses Songs because of Duff McKagan's Bass lines. He is one of the reasons I pick and play the bass guitar myself. Thank you so much for this video ❤
So glad you liked it @Kyomeimei!
Thanks for this! Duff was the first bassist that made me interested in bass lines at all. He's still one of my favorite to listen to.
He's an inspiration to so many @Professor Kitchen for sure.
Such a great video. A lot of what is discussed in this video is what made the original GNR lineup the greatest band in the world. Everyone understood their part and played within the music. Guys like Duff and Steven will never make the “top whatever” lists because they didn’t compromise the integrity of the GNR sound or a particular song to showcase their personal skills and talent. Conversely you have guys like Travis Barker who may as well be in a different room playing a different song than the rest of Blink182. Number one rule in making music is harmony.
Been saying for decades that Duff is one of the best rock n roll bassists of all time. He plays with the rhythm when needed & injects cool little melodies all over the place in so many songs.
Curtis Smith of tears for fears, perhaps the most underrated bassist. His songs are brilliant and his bass lines are so much fun to play.
Wow. Thanks Luke. I love this lesson. Three generations of my family love this band. Can’t wait to play these bass lines with my son and grandsons.
So glad you're into this one @Ruth Kearin! Rock on with the whole family!
If you guys like Duff McKagan you should check out his first book. He's not also a great bassist (the reason I started playing bass) but also an amazing storyteller.
He also played with Jane's Addiction, Hollywood Vampires and The Living, ECT.
You are absolutely correct, he is one of the top hard rock bassist.
Thank you so much for making this video.
His biography is awesome too.
Love his playing man. He always makes the song better.
Couldn't agree more @Darvin Clement
Love it! Duff is the reason I started playing bass.
That's a great reason to start @gr8avocado
Duff is the reason a lot of bassists exist...
It is major pentatonic R 2 3 5 6. The color tones are the 2 (9) and 6. It is how they lead into chord functionality. Cord functionality is a whole thing for bassists.
Came here from the Joe Dart video and absolutely love your breakdowns. Way beyond just how to replicate the greats, which there are 100x examples of. Actually gives me some ways to write and inject some essence of the masters into my amateur playing!
He’s the reason I started playing bass and I had the pleasure of meeting him to tell him that really chill guy nice guy gave me some useful advice
That's so cool @Ant c! What advice did he give you? And did you act on it somehow?
Absolutely GREAT.. Love Duff's playing..
I just love with how much admiration is your dog looking at you.... I am sure you're his or her hero. :)
Also.
Duff also likes to include the perfect 4th when a 4 chord is being played (which normally would ask for a lydian sound) and that way he is kinda implying a mixolydian element, which btw is a key element of rock music.
Example: Including an F over a C major chord in a song in the key of G major (Or D mixolydian) which is what he does in Sweet Child. :)
I also don't think Duff gets enough credit for how FUNKY he is... He sometimes plays a note that jumps out in volume, which I think he is playing by doing a pop with his finger but may be wrong with that technique.. I wonder how he does that..
Never paid attention till I got rocksmith. Hes very underrated
I'm a huge duff fan for more than thirty years now. Although I became a guitarist he is one of my favorite musicians of all time. Best bass sound in rock.
Agreed @The666horg. His tone is truly epic!
Great video, I have always liked Duff McKagan and I think he's an underrated bass player, one of the great rock bass players
Totally agree @Martin Wilhelmsson
He’s okay. Rex Brown is a far superior bass player imo.
I'd say John Paul Jones is the most melodic rock bassist. So funky as well.
True dat
You cant even hear his bass
Truth
Ramble On.
@@danielsonlisik534 You must be deaf or something.
Agreed. He's a keyboard guy too, just like Rush's Geddy Lee... Multi-instrumentalists see and hear things differently.
One of my best friends got that blonde Spectre neck through back in the early 90’s for a steal. It was fretless, and he had frets put in it. Cause metal. It was and is to this day the single best playing and best sounding bass I’ve ever played. The backside of the body was curved and fit your hip oh so perfectly. Ither basses have played very, very, very well. But that bass made you feel like a pro in just a few seconds. I’ve played basses set up for huge rock stars and none has come close to that Spectre
Way underrated bassist and great background vocalist
Duff has always been one of my favorite bass players. I’ve always loved his tone it works and cuts through the mix and love it when he takes the melody part of the songs, he ain’t flashy but gets it done and looks cool doing it.
The first Velvet Revolver album is as good of a hard rock album as there is. It’d be cool if GNR actually did some of the VR songs live they would probably work better with Axl’s voice since his lower register is still there. Yeah Duff is a great bass player, he and David Elefson are two of my favorite bassist. I play guitar and I love how they found a unique tone that’s always audible with heavy guitars .
They do Slither now
@@Woozy.0 that’s cool man, I saw Velvet Revolver on the tour for Contraband and they were awesome, I think they played the whole debut album a couple STP songs and then they did an encore the house lights were off and then you heard Duff’s into to Its So Easy and when the rest of the band kicked in the lights came back on and I thought the roof was going to come off the place. It was a smaller auditorium in Birmingham Alabama and early in the tour before they all relapsed. Scott was incredibly thin but sounded amazing. That was a great concert they did a couple other GNR tunes but the crowd reaction to its so easy we thought it would be the closest thing we’d ever see to GNR at the time. They were loud too so loud we were on the barricade in front of Dave Kushner (spelling?)
@@brandonjackson5865 Holy Christ, I would shell out some Hefty bills to have been at that show. I love Its so Easy and VR really deserves more love
@@Woozy.0 yeah it was an awesome concert and overall my favorite of the few I’ve attended. I think I bought 7 tickets for around 300 we bought seats because there was an older couple that we hung out with. I saw half the floor wide open in the intermission after the opening band I think there was only one smaller local ish band that opened. Anyway we were in the seats and I saw a beer stand in the corner of the floor and said I’m going to get a beer if anyone wants one ? Someone said yeah bring me one back I said I won’t be back I’m buying my beer down there on the floor GA so 5 of us went down and made our way to the barricade. I would’ve tried to get to Slash’s side of the stage but I was just thinking get as close as we could before it starts.
I saw Avenged Sevenfold on the Hail To the King tour with Adrenaline Mob and Hellyeah. It was a Wednesday night in Huntsville and the floor was half empty the whole show . Hellyeah brought it like the place was packed and were the better band on that night at least. AX7 sounded great but they didn’t really have much energy it was almost like watching a sound check but with Pyro just not as much energy as I was expecting. The crowd participated in Bat County, Nightmare . They played Little Piece of Heaven and that was rare at the time. Probably the best sounding concert I’ve ever been to was Nickelback in early 2006 . I know it’s not cool to like them and I’m not into them, but Chevelle was with them. If you ever get a chance to see Nickelback and enjoy a great hard rock show. Go I promise you’ll have fun and get your money’s worth.
Such a kick ass vid !!
I have been a GNR fan since I heard Axl scream out “ you’re in the jungle baby …. Your gonna die “!!
Haha
Yup - ever since 1987 actually while I was in the US Navy sailing in the Gulf .
I’m a rock bass player too .
Been trying to play since 1980 .
I’m ok .
Not the best . But I hold my own .
I always thought of Duff as a decent bass player .
All these years that is what I thought .
I’m currently in a new band and we do GNR covers .
Holy crap !!
Now I think that Duff is hands down one of the greatest Rock bassists Ever !!!
Side note :
I used to wear my bass slung low but these days it’s Tuff on my fretting hand , and my shoulder .
I don’t look as cool as I used to .
Damn I’m sad .
As I always say :
“ getting old sucks ….. But Not getting older can suck even worse “.
Rock on everyone 🤠🙏♥️
Great video !!! Absolutely agree this guy is sooo underrated... but then, being a bassist and in a band with such a guitarist as Slash and an ego as Axel didn't gave much room to shine... but then again that's the essence of a bassist and he's done it perfectly... I've been an amateur bassist myself for over 20 years (ouch, that hurts) and very fun to see I've been instinctively using those same tricks without being conscious. Thanks and keep on it !!!
Cool. Your explanation on Duff's melodic lines which go along very well with the vocal guitar's melody is awesome. That's a team work that should be there in a band.
The bass line behind the guitar intro for Sweet Child O Mine, is so recognizable and iconic 🤘
When i was a kid I could not identify bass on metal and rock songs or any kind of music I was listening untill I got Appetite and heard Duff playing. Even worst a kid told me Duff just standed there doing noting. 😂. I sugested to play GNR with no bass and tell me what he think. Great video 👍
Thanks so much Luke. Duff is my favorite bassist and I have to play his stuff (Duff's stuff?) every day. Thanks for showing him some love.
Hope all is well with you. The hair style is on point also.
Haha! I'm getting to the point where I either need to get a haircut or commit to growing some epic long locks. Still haven't decided.
But glad I could cover your favorite bassist @John Wilkerson - he's an absolute legend.
@@BecomeABassist
Grow it out! Was great that the pup made a guest appearance
I’ll take Eric Avery of Jane’s Addiction. His bass lines carry whole songs are are instantly memorable. Peter Hook is a close second
Thanks for this very interesting video ! I really love Duff !
@15:16 “the rug that ties the room together” whether that was an intentional or unintentional Big Lebowski reference I loved it. Great video but then again you consistently deliver the goods. Those who don’t realize Duff is a great bassist, likely aren’t bassists.
Oh it was definitely intentional @Bass On The Mark. This dude abides.
Duffs basslines are always fun to play 🤙 and always sound awesome
Luke, this was really great! I was going to skip this one because I am not really a GNR fan, but I did grow up on punk. It goes to show that there is something to learn from every bass player. You did a really great job breaking down Duff's style, tone and common themes in his playing, and with some really good examples that were fun to play along to. I hope you continue this and explore other bassists. This would make a great series. And, as I was playing along to the intro to Sweet Child O' Mine, I realized what I had learned from your previous lessons - that whole line is built around the root, 3rd and 5th. I like that you also included the chords with the tabs, so players can see how the chords and notes relate to each other.
And I loved the Jameson riff! It really showed how different styles can change a song. Also, loved your Axl voice, and of course, Arnie! My dog does the same to me while I'm playing. And I liked your analogy of "the rug" that ties the whole room together. All in all, a really great video and lesson. A lot to unpack and a lot to learn from Duff. Thanks!
If you’re a punk rock fan, then Guns ‘n Roses still has something for you. Not just obvious punk tracks like Get in the Ring, but punk is just such a prevalent force in their music. Guns really were the perfect amalgamation of every genre adjacent to rock, from punk to to glam to metal, all in one package.
Thanks so much @Thomas Fioriglio - I really appreciate it and I'm so glad you got something out of this one! And of course Arnie is always the *real* star of the show. Lol
Totally @TheTribalist - GNR had a real punk streak. Their album The Spaghetti Incident (which Duff had a heavy hand in crafting and sings lead on a few songs) is basically all punk covers. It's definitely not as well-known as Appetite for Destruction or the Illusion albums, but there's some cool stuff on them for sure.
@@thetribalist6923 For me the only band that is the bearer of inheritance of Sex Pistols' essence, point and energy was Guns n' Roses. Not just that. Compare intro from It's So Easy and intro of Liar (Sex Pistols) and you can hear the influences too.
@@ivanbajovic3476 awesome point and I think they were a direct line to old school punk instead of the hardcore and emocore that punk became in the 80s.
Wow! What a great video and a great homage to a great bassist. Thank you. Subbed.
Truly underrated bassist and a very smart guy
my fave thing about duff is his ability to write a million different licks over the repetition of 3 chord songs
Very well put together. If you haven’t already a similar vid on Lemmy’s playing style would be great.
There is one rock bass player who has been playing since the 80's in Japan.
His name is Tetsuya from the band L'Arc En Ciel. His playing style is the same as Duff's, except that Tetsu plays lines outside of guitar riffs. Duff, mostly he just follows Slash's guitar riffs and sometimes that alone is pretty cool.
Nice - I don't know that bass player. Thanks for the recommendation @Randy Balan.
Great call Randy, love the bass from the visual kei era
See also one of his pre-Guns bands 10 Minute Warning. Seattle band, there's actually 2 era's , 80's then late 90's . Not sure if he played bass or just regular guitar in that band though , but it's great stuff. Can find it all here on RUclips
I've been saying he's been an underrated bass player for decades.
Thnx a LOT Luke! Duff is one of my pick-playing heroes. Multi-instrumental talented as well and that shows clearly in his melodic lines. Really creative musician and still keeping track of his doings! Great video! Oh, and I’m gonna steal your “Duff-in-a-Box” ‘cause it cracked me up so hard hahaha!
Haha! Steal it @Pat Netherlander - it's totally worth stealing.
The intro to 'Locomotive' is a great example
Thanks again loved the lesson
And I have to agree Duff doesn't get enough ctedit
You're very welcome @Tommy Massey - psyched you liked it.
You're an awesome teacher, congrats!
Really cool video. I've never really appreciated Duff until now.
Another to check out is Jim Hilburn from The Angels (Angel City in the US). Super melodic and driving....
One of my favorite bass tones. Huge Duff fan.
Thank you so much for this video!
This is an absolutely incredible lesson Luke and so well-explained - great job! I do a session about Duff with my undergrads (I'm a mega fan) and I will *definitely* direct the right over to this video.
One of my favourites techniques is when he pops the Min 7th on the Live Era version of "You're Crazy" - the tone is just *so* slithery!
Awesome!
That's a super high compliment @Freddie Draper - I'd be honored if you shared it with your undergrads! Thanks so much!
Duff is a Legend
Although admittedly I don't listen to GNR (Slash and Axl always rubbed me the wrong way), I always thought McKagan seemed like a really cool guy. He comes across as really cool and down to Earth in the interviews I've seen about him. No arrogance, conceit or attitude from him.
I have my own bass heroes that I think are some of the most melodic bass players to my ears, such as (in no particular order):
Mark Burgess - The Chameleons
Thierry Sobezyk - Asylum Party
Peter Hook - Joy Division, New Order
Steven Severin - Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Glove
Aimee Mann - 'Til Tuesday
Brown Mark - Prince & The Revolution
Simon Gallup - The Cure, Fools Dance
Frank Maudsley - A Flock Of Seagulls
Johnette Napolitano - Concrete Blonde
Tim Butler - The Psychedelic Furs, Love Spit Love
Benjamin Orr - The Cars
David J - Bauhaus, Love & Rockets
Tony Butler - Big Country
Ashkelon Sain - Blade Fetish, Trance To The Sun, Trance To The Moon
Anka Wolbert - Clan Of Xymox
Carlos D. - Interpol
John Talyor - Duran Duran, The Power Station
Paul Raven - Killing Joke
Patrck Fitzpatrick - Kitchens Of Distinction
Andy Rourke - The Smiths
Curt Smith - Tears For Fears
Steve Kilbey - The Church
Jamie Stewart - The Cult, Death Cult
Dan K. Brown - The Fixx
Laurence 'Loz' Elliot - The March Violets
Pete Farndon - The Pretenders
Craig Adams - The Sisters Of Mercy
Adam Clayton - U2
just to name a very few...
Holy *** sweet child of mine is totally Niel Diamond at heart!
Come on,you cant claim new Rose.Captain sensible giving us a peek at his talents before moving on to guitar.One of the most underrated guitarists on rock
He uses a lot of half-steps like B and C and E and F like in Paradise City. Brilliant, smart Bass Guitarist. Great channel!
Thank you for breaking that down!
Glad you liked it @Galvin Ferguson
I LOVE THE SOUND OF YOUR BASS....!!!
That's the spector. Awesome basses. Own one myself.
I’ve always said of my favourite bands. Guns n roses is what happens when hard rock is melody focused. From bass to lead vocals and every guitar the focus is on melody. Acdc is what happens when hard rock is focused on rhythm and timing. Not one single note out of place to long to slow anywhere.
Great video
You’ve earned a subscriber! Great video. Duff didn’t write new rose though. That’s a Damned song they covered
You Could Be Mine is my favorite bass line
Man, this is the best bass channel!!! Here we find information and fun, which ate the best ways to persist learning anything... thanks lot 😊
Thanks so much @Daniel Sobrosa. That's an incredible compliment and I really appreciate it.
You can hear the man playing behind those walls of guitar, like having fun you know
Fantastic video! Thank you.
Glad you were into it @Grizelda!
Duff is way underrated!
New to your channel. Great video I’ve always loved Duff’s basslines he’s not on my top bass player list but he’s definitely a great bassist and has inspired so many!!
Absolutely @Jeremy Piquette! Out of interest, who _would_ be on your top bass player list?
I'm my opinion Duffs bass tone is the best ever!
The big Lebowski reference. Approved!
This dude also abides @matt haward!
Duff has cool bass tone as well
Rocket Queen was always fun to play.
As long as we’re on it HELTER SKELTER is probably one of the most influential proto-Punk recordings of the Sixties
Nah, Led Zeppelins Communication Breakdown was recorded just a month later and that was far more influential. The Ramones were heavily influenced by Page's strumming there on that song.
Helter Skelter was obsolete a couple of months after it came out because Zeppelin were the new direction rock moved in.
The most influential protopunk song of the sixties in my opinion is I wanna be your dog by the stooges
I love duff and your bass it looks like a papaya
That Jamerson version is Tight, Tight, Tight!
You've just blown my mind that counter melody at the start of sweet child of mine is bass I thought it was slash on the overdub. How many years have I heard that and not noticed, I think you may have a point with this video and the overlooked aspect
For sure @Reprobate Mind - I'm sure a lot of people don't realize that's a bass because they generally don't hear bass playing melodically like that.
James Jamerson Style Welcome To The Jungle!!!! Mix it with the original Baseline!!! straight fire!🔥! LUKE You're a bad man a bad bad man you are!! Thanks.
Lol - that part was kind of my favorite.
Dude your dog 🥰🥰🥰!!
*Selfliss* He makes a melodic blanket that steels no thunder from the front 2 (singer&guitarist), it BOOSTS THEIR VOICE & GUITAR PLAYING 10 Fold!
My band is covering "Sweet Child" and now I know what I was missing - I need to kick in my chorus pedal! Thanks for the tip!
Definitely! After you try it next, let us all know how it went. I'd love to hear about it.
Duff's the secret sauce in the GnR feast
doggy loves the bass!
New Rose is originally by the Damned. Top notch.
Easily the most underrated bassist of that era
My only favorite member of GN'R
I'd like to see something on Jason Newstead or Oliver Riedel. Oli's bass on Seemann is awesome.
the cover of the tha damneds new rose . Is probably a tribute to Duffs punk roots
Well...unsurprisingly, Fender capitalized on Duff by recreating his traditional model with the actual Fender Precision Duff Signature Bass, now made in Mexico (his original was called Jazz Bass Special - even though it was in fact a PJ pickup bass, and made in Japan). This recreation is not bad. But as you said, many different PJ basses can do the Duff, more so with fresh roundwound strings. I personally recommend Yamaha PJ basses, which have some personality and can be quite trebly and Duff-like, or if you are really crazy about his tone plus you can afford Fenders, go with the Duff Signature recreation, or the American Performer PJ or similar. Now, Jazz Basses could potentially do Duff but I can't compare JB models. Potentially a Jazz Bass could do it because it is also trebly and covers a lot of Duff's tone, can sound very similar.
thx!
I was only wondering last night about which picks Duff uses. Just so happens I've got one of those yellow Dunlops sitting unused in my gig bag
Woah! What are the chances?!? That's awesome @Mark Navas
Duff plays guitar as well and He is quite good, I wonder if his bass playing are kind of a "hybrid" style
GnR would not be the band they were if not for Duff. Solid as fvck, and the perfect backing for Slash's guitar.
Duff's playing and style are the only reason I listen to GNR.
Michael also played in a group with another really underrated bassist John Taylor ( of Duran Duran / Powerstation ) called Neurotic Outsiders.
Luke, please do review on Gary Thain.
Yeah, I think the same... He is a cool bass player.