How to play like James Jamerson | Motown, Marvin Gaye, Funk Brothers | Thomann
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- Julia explains how to make your bass playing sound more like the legendary Motown Session Bassist James Jamerson. Including playing tips, a short guide how to make a foam mute out of a sponge and of course some tasty playing from Julia! What is your favourite James Jamerson Bassline? Let us know in the comments!
Gear used: bit.ly/2WK1XFF
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/xuad
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Intro
0:41 playing with one finger instead of two
1:22 play a lot of open strings
1:48 His Gear: P Bass, flatwounds & foam mute
1:59 how to make a foam mute out of a kitchen sponge
2:22 playing with foam mute
2:42 James Jamersons general approach to basslines
3:21 playing song | Ain't That Peculiar by Marvin Gaye
4:20 conclusions
4:43 Julia's favourite James Jamerson bassline
5:15 what's your favourite James Jamerson bassline?
5:23 thanks for watching & please subscribe
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As a 69 year old guy in the USA who has been playing bass guitar for 56 years, I have to compliment this young lady for doing a great job playing and narrating this video. Great job Julia.
She is a true cat respectable honest very intelligent and she knows her music two thumbs up to this lady I would love to just Jam one song with her why can't all musicians just be like this smooth as silk and just let the music do the talking she is a breath of fresh air
Julia, such a pleasure to listen to you. Have you ever played/ disected Tower of Power's bassist, Rocko Prestia's lines. He's my favorite.
@@rcjr.7725 She lets the music do the talking, but she's also really good at doing the talking. Her accent is so cute, Chames Chamerson.
@@tomohara640 That would be a great video! He and Jamerson are my heroes.
Have you come across Norman Watt Roy? He played with Ian Dury, among others.
“I Was Made To Love Her” his use of chromaticism is absolutely brilliant in that song. His playing is so busy but every note is perfectly placed. He was the heart and soul of Motown Records.
I just wanted to like this comment twice!
Amen. You know what one of the best things about living in North Carolina is, it's close to South Carolina and Charleston where
James was born 👍👍🎶🎶
I make it a habit to tell people or more like cashiers many don't have a clue when I'm talking about LOL
Whoever played bass on " wish " by Steve Wander was on fire ... At the end , the bassist starts doing outrageous stuff ... My favorite part of any recording is at the fade . The player has no inhibitions a by the end of a song .
@@mrkdemeritt No doubt, but don't forget to brag on all the cats from North Carolina, like John Coltrane, George Clinton, Thelonious Monk, Earl Scruggs, Max Roach, Link Wray, Charlie Daniels, James Taylor, Doc Watson, and Maceo Parker, just to name a few. And the many ladies too, like Roberta Flack, Etta Baker, Tori Amos, and on and on.
According to his biography, when asked why he never changed the strings on his Precision Bass, James Jamerson answered this: "The dirt keeps the funk."
Of course that was a joke. The real reason being that he uses flatwounds. You don't need to change flatwounds as they don't damage.
True, but actually it was "the gunk keeps the funk"
Carol Kaye had a similar reply... She says when the strings needed to be changed, she's just trade her p-bass in for a new one...
@@mhlevy Haha
@@GamerDude779 if you really want to be a stickler, I believe it was “the *JUNK keep the funk”, according to James Jamerson Jr.
An important reason these bass lines are so good is that they sit in arrangements that leave room for bass fills and the types of lines he liked to construct. Setting up an excellent groove requires alert, sympathetic ears among all players. So, hats off to all of the funk brothers.
Yes, you can have the space and still not be able to play the way He did. There is a reason why the motown legends gave him the space to freely create cause they knew He WAS A LEGEND AT IT. They knew He was SPECIAL.
”What’s happening brother” have the coolest bass sequence in my opinion.
Apparently jamerson played the whole what's going on session laying on his back blind drunk!
@@michaelx9079 Now that is pretty epic
Very much under-rated track Erik ...!
My 2nd favourite, after "Save The Children"
I've spent the last few weeks finally learning this song on bass (it's always been my favorite from the album). It is never taking me this long to figure out how to play a song. I would set aside an hour or so a day to work on it and there are a few bars (like literally one bar at a time) that took me over two hours to figure out and perfect. I can play it straight through now, note for note. It's a super short song to listen to but, when you're playing it, it's even shorter.
“Darling Dear” is my favorite Jameson line. That and “I Second That Emotion” or “My Heart Is Like A Clock” all super super good
He didn’t play on that track. It’s Wilton Felder who was nominally a saxophone player.
Darling Dear may be one of the greatest bass performances ever captured on tape.
Yes I agree, but for clarity, I am talking about the Jackson Five version rather than the original version by Smokey and the Miracles. Is that the one you're referring to?
Ain’t no mountain high enough is my favorite, I also absolutely love “Darling Dear” by the Jackson 5. Jamerson goes crazy!!!
Yes! Darling Dear is an absolutely underrated J-5 classic!
So smooth as always... “Bernadette”
Hey Julia, just wanted to say thanks for the education I'm getting from your videos! The enthusiasm you bring for the music is contagious. 😊
My favorite Jamerson bass line is 'Reflections'. The way it interweaves with the vocal line is amazing.
Wow, thank you for keeping the memory of James alive. So great to see the respect and appreciate your video so much.
This is just awesome, Julie! Great Job!
Julia! You're amongst the best. And your smile when you're 'in the Zone' is just so lovely. And inspiring - Way to go👍🏆
My favorite is. Darling Dear. By the Jackson 5.
Always enjoy and learn from your videos!
"What's Happening Brother" from What's Going On is my favourite James Jamerson bass line, followed closely by "For Once In My Life". Your enthusiasm is infectious, keep up the good work!
My favorite is “What’s Going On,” as many others have said.
That whole song evokes so much power and beauty and pain.
For me the bass in 'What's happenin brother' is just just pure genius
Great video, well done 🙌🏽
👏👏👏👏
There so many of his, but, it's hard to argue with you bro. 👌🏼
Hi, love your show, I was a sideman bass player on the road with some of Motown stars back in the day. Thanks, Julia for playing some of James's songs! They sound as good as they did back in the day on West Grand Blvd in Detroit!
I love this lady and I love James Jamerson the Motown scene influenced me More Than Words will say thank you
Bernadette
I remember being knocked out by the bass line when I first heard it. And I still think that Jamerson's bass 'melody' is more memorable than the vocal melody.
My personal favorite is "Reflections" by The Supremes.
Great job explaining James Jamerson's technique and tone. Extremely well done.
Thank you.
Great calm and detailed explanation with demonstration!
Just found this video...............loved every minute of it!! I have several favorite James Jamerson Basslines - Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself, Tempations - Get Ready, Martha & The Vandellas - Heat Wave. He was an amazing man!! I grew up listening to Motown loving every tune. What an era that was!!
Not only are you an excellent bassist but your knowledge of, and passion for, Funk and Soul music is second to none (I'd love to hear the story behind that some day). Keep up the good work.
Love your videos! I always learn something. I think you are a killer player with a very humble attitude. Keep on putting these great vids out.
Just picked the bass back up haven't played in 19 years. My life is now complete thanks!! New sub for sure
"Darling Dear" is not only my favourite Jamerson bassline , but my favourite of all time. Absolute masterpiece, best song i have ever learnt to play.
Great playing and those squires sound great my favorite James Jamerson bass line is heard it through the grapevine
All the songs with Steve Wonder! Incredible grooves!!
Simply a perfect short video, thank you! ❤
Hi Julia. I play guitar, pretty much exclusively for many years...a bit of drums and have been listening to you for a while. You've given me a much better appreciation for the bass. Thank you.
Great lesson💙🎶🙌🏽
My favorite bass line of Mr Jamerson is „Darling Dear”.
Best for You, Julia. Respect for Your playing and teaching skills. It’s fantastic🔥🌸
Thanks a lot Patryk! // Cheers, Julia
Loved watching you play the bass line for "Ain't That Peculiar". I'm actually enamored with "What's Going On" and "That's The Way Love Is".
LOVE JJ’s lines... the BEST!
I don't play bass I just love music, and I love you for bringing these funky bass lines and giving us history on some of these bass players. I never knew all that about James Jamison. Keep up the good work. I am now a subscriber. Thumbs Up and the Bell.
Everyone has mentioned my favorites, I love "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, " so melodic, his lines are like counterpoint melodies made up on the fly. Like Hendrix and Jaco, there was music before and then after James Jamerson. Like them, he changed everything and showed just what could be done on their instrument.
I was made to love her - Stevie Wonder - a classic
James Jamerson makes it so great ! Period .
Ultimate JJamerson song is For once in my life. Playing the melody and with all the fill-ins. Take another listen.
Hey Julia .. I am so glad for you that you have the regular gig at Thomann .. your infectious smile & cheerful attitude puts a smile on my face & you are a Gr8 Player too .. I like the No nonsense approach .. I wonder if you have heard of the Film " Standing in the Shadows " ? It is about the Funk Bros' & there are lots of gr8 music plus interesting stories .. .. Basically they were a bunch of Jazz musicians who all knew each other well & could turn anything into a groove .. it was as easy as falling down stairs for them many sessions .. They were basically in a little cellar / basement working for daily rates & glad to get the call .. Today is 21. 12 20 winter solstice here in Forest of Dean England so happy holidays if you read this & stay safe stay strong Bye .
This is awesome my favorite "Ain't That Peculiar"
Excellent job! Caused me to pull out my trusty P-Bass with the flats and throw a piece of foam back under the strings!!! I could listen to anythimg Jameson plays. Always been a hook player and appreciate your positive spin on it. Thanks 😊
Finally stumbled upon my favorite! Classic Jamerson; not too much or too little; just right!!! (Spinners; It's a Shame) ruclips.net/video/5r3V0kEMuj8/видео.html
James Jamerson is it! His bass lines are exquisite: You Keep Me Hanging On, Bernadette, What’s Going On, Shotgun, Reach Out, I’ll Be There, How Sweet It Is, I Was Made To Love Her, For Once In My Life, I Heard It Through The Grape Vine (2 versions), Love Child, Heat Wave, Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing, Which Of Us Is The Fool, Stop In The Name Of Love, & on & on & on. Forever James Jamerson, You’ll never be forgotten! You’re an awesome bass player, Miss Julia Hofer. Thank you, for being YOU!🙌🏻🙌🏻🍎
"Bernadette!" Thats one of my all time fav bass lines.
Here here, Bernadette
That is so so true!
The whole what's going on album from beginning to end is what changed my life when I was about 16
Me too, at 16.
Yeah, shining moment of hope, optimism, realism and open-eyes, and then the Empire struck back
Thank Julia for this video highlighting my favorite bass player
I enjoy your work and I have learned some good information. Thank you
Great stuff, Julia.
I can't help myself. I think James really liked The Four Tops, he always seemed to play something special for them. "What's going on" is also a huge favorite, the legend behind the recording of it, is also very entertaining.
that legend is about the song "whats happening brother"! which is why is the most unhinged line on bass history..., the line on "whats going on" was written by David Van De Pitte, arranger on that record and fellow bassist of James when he played at the Detroit Orchestra, James only played what was on the chart if David wrote it because he had so much respect for him. much love!
As soon as I start the bass line, people start to dance, young and old alike. We play it and go right into Same Old Song another great bass line. They all are! James Jamerson and Duck Dunn are the reason I wanted to play bass guitar starting in high school.
"What's Happening Brother?" from What's Going On? is my favourite, but I also really love "For Once In My Life". Thanks for a great video!
"My Girl" first JJ bass line I learnt and stays with me ever since. Simple and effective, and makes the song work.
Thank you Julia! Jamerson also plays on the Diana Ross version of “Ain’t no mountain...” “Darling dear” is also fantastic. Also worth mentioning that Mr Jamerson used “La Bella” deep talking heavy flats, which he never changed. There is a book and cd available “Standing in the shadows of Motown” which is very informative, not just on JJ, but the funk brothers too
Duck Dunn used La Bella heavy flats as well. I got 'em on my P-bass and they deliver the goods.
Julia, you play very well, and better than most demonstration videos on You Tube.
He played notes where he felt like, so each line may differ from the previous, however, they were identical and consistent each time he played that particular song. Bernadette and Reach Out I’ll Be There are classic Jamerson baselines.
Great video - James Jamerson is my all time favourite!
I’ve been a bassist since 1964. I love your channel because you seem to love the old soul music like I do.
My favorite bass line is the original Grape vine by Gladys knight. Keep it up Julia. Btw you have a great smile. That always helps on stage.
Absolutely Funkman.....It's brilliant.
My favorite Jamerson bass line is always "What's Going On". Very melodic with great flow. Also, he recorded it in one take while being drunk and laying on his back on the floor with the chart being held in front of him.
Fun fact: Jamerson's basses had the original pickup cover which he rested his pinkie and ring finger on for stability and he always plucked in the same position just forward of the cover using a floating thumb technique to assist with muting the lower strings. A P bass originally came with a piece of foam attached to the underside of the bridge cover pressing on the strings from above. Nice playing :) Bass line from Love Is Here And Now You're Gone is a thing of beauty worth learning.
I put the bridge cover on all my P Basses with foam attached. Sounds great!
The 'magic sponge' was a key part of my bass playing kit. Loved a bass with a bridge cover so I could stuff a washing up sponge in there. Great sound, great tone, great technnique - love your work.
speaking of bass line following the singer i think that "darling dear" with the jacksons is a very good example of james's genuis :)
ty julia !
What I don't get is how or why anyone would dislike this video, great info, great demo.
I’d have to say “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, especially after hearing the story about how Jamerson recorded it.
Yeah.....he did that song drunk, laying on his back on the floor with his bass.....and in one take.....freaking unreal.....
Great playing. Love it
A lovely video, thank you. Clear and informative 👍
Great demo. Another highlight of his 'hook' tone was that you can hear his fingertip right at the top of the attack. If you try to mimic the sponge just by rolling off the tone, you'll lose that fingertip tap. Compressors also help to mimic the sponge. Recordings were tone and volume on full into a DI.
I've always loved the bass line from Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On".
'FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE,I CAN'T HELP MYSELF,WHAT'S GOING ON...to name a few, but you do it better than me.bravo Julia!I enjoy learning from you.
Love these videos with this presenter! She is great and the topics are really interesting
Favorite bass line by James Jameson? “What’s Going On?”
Couldn't agree more
Stevie Wonder’s “I was made to love her”.
Gladys Knight - Ain't no sun since you've been gone
Darling dear
There are so many great James Jamerson Motown Bass lines, it's impossible for me to select just one. Jamerson's PBass surging through his Ampeg B15, pumped the lifeblood of the Funk Brothers throughout the body that is, the Motown sound. The electric bass was a relatively new invention (circa 1952) when Motown hit its musical stride in the early 60s. He utilized it as more of a bass guitar than an electrified double bass. This meant that he played many more melodic riffs than one or two note harmonic chord outlines. That style of electric bass is what we have since heard from every record company, from the east to the west coast; and all over the world. The bass was never destined just to be an accompanying voice in the background of an ensemble. Thanks to Jamerson, his style, and the many who were directly or indirectly influenced by him, it is arguably the most important voice in recorded music.🎸
Currently learning 'What's Going On'. Super fun song to play on my Squier CV 70's P Bass. Just need to get a sponge.
My admiration is the beginning of "Reflections" by the Supremes. I love the interplay between the bass and guitar. Soooo cool.
I enjoy the obvious, which is that YOU enjoy playing the bass. That is very inspiring!
Thank you!
❤️❤️❤️😸😸😸👈🏽
My favorite James Jamerson bass lines are, "For Once In My Life," and "I Was Made To Love Her," by Stevie Wonder!!! And, "Darling Dear," by The Jackson Five!!! He absolutely killed it!!!!!!
Hey, I love "Darling Dear", great song! // Cheers, Julia
I was made to love her was actually carol kaye on bass, killer line though. Quincy jones produced that one and brought a different crew. Similar muted tone, but played with a flat pick!
Had not heard Darling Dear before. Not sure how I missed that one, but wow, what a gem!
@@Tony-tt5mn Nope! That fat tone is unmistakable. Definitely Jamerson!
@Luigi ruclips.net/video/ynuptADU0JE/видео.html
excellent video.
I watch you playing with Marcus Miller yesterday. funky lady, I love it.
Julia's happy spirit is contagious.
I’m a huge Jamerson and Motown fan. Great video with nice playing. Thanks heaps! 👍
To find out more about James Jamerson, get a hold of “Standing in the shadows of Motown”, a book and CD about the “Funk Brothers”
Only music instruction book ever to be made into a stage production and then a major motion picture with follow-up tour.
A lot of Jamerson's fan doesn’t seem to know this song. He is simply THE GOAT.
ruclips.net/video/GoKqxpNougs/видео.html
I just noticed that on my tablet. Looks very interesting
I can't pick a favorite James Jamerson line I'm sorry I love them all way too much and you do a great job God bless
An extremely meaningful video. Thumbs up!
It was a treat watching this.
The Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are : James goes through like 4 shifted grooves in this song. The bass really carries this song. One my favorite Jackson tunes. Not heard by most.
Such a great song. It's actually from Michaels 1972 solo album "Got To Be There".
What I think gets a little deeper than that, is the Jackson 5ive’s rendition of “never had a dream come true” from the ABC album
@@PirahnaheadDetroit I'll check it out.
My favorite bass lines are : "Bernadette" , "Darling dear", "what's going on", "What's happening brother", "Reach out" and "I was made to love her".
Ps : you are an awesome bass player!!! Hope you will do a special video for another symbol of bass : CAROL KAYE 👍😎😎😎
Julia, you are the best. Love your playing
Great video - thanks!
And for making the connection between upright bassplaying, jazz and using the indexfinger only. Reminds me of Jerry Scheff, one of my all time favourites on the electric bass.
Best bass line of all times:
"What's going on" by Marvin Gay
Great video Julia! Love all Jamerson basslines but if I had to pick I'd go with 'Darling Dear'. Amazing lines.
Hey Sean, I also like Darling Dear a lot. It is really hard to choose a favorite bass line ;) // Cheers, Julia
A great Bass player, with eccentricities in his style. When I was younger and he was alive, he was always referred by McCartney and others stating their influences as "Jamie Jamerson" which fit his humorous playful style. He was the Boss of the Bass! Combination of Chops and Cool. Thank you!
Very good videos you make Julia!
Darling dear by the Jackson 5, great bassline by James Jameson! And I was made to love her by Stevie Wonder.
My favorites are Darling Dear and What's Happenin' Brother.
great job! Jamerson was always in the pocket and you found it perfectly
Good!!Genial to put this for making new sounds.¡Thanks,Julia!
Wow, that sponge trick is awesome!
A lot more consistent than muting with your right hand but you're not able to let a note ring out if you want to. I put a narrow piece of plastic packing foam under the strings next to the nut
@@dontall71 Next to the nut? That's interesting, I am curious how you do that. Doesn't that interfere with your open notes?
Darling Dear, This Old Heart of Mine, but above all How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone. Pure genius.
All the songs he played on are Sooper-KILLER! I love that there,are many faves bt us all!
All his playing is great on all!
Love you Julia. I love the bass line to marvin gayes 'what's going on'
I love Julia.. She’s such an amazing bassist. ❤️🤘🏻
Good stuff, and ayye, it was nice to hear "Ain't that peculiar." Been awhile.
There's just way too many for me to choose a favorite - many have been mentioned here. One of his lesser known but superb bass lines is from 'It's A Shame' by the Spinners. Pure sweetness!
Yeah! That's the one i keep going back to!! That song has an amazing vocal track and killer bass groove. Stevie Wonder co-wrote and produced it! Good pick!!!
@@stuartmoore6310 Fun Fact: G. C. Cameron sang both leads, the emotional pleading falsetto tenor contrasting with the baritone which near the end of the song becomes an emotional raspy gospel like shouty baritone. I thought the leads were done by 2 different singers until recently.
Oh man, not only does she play great bass, she'll steal your heart. Good job !!
I absolutely loved this