The SBL Podcast
Join Scott Devine and Ian Allison from Scott's Bass Lessons as they explore every aspect of being a bass player, from gear and technique to musicianship and mental health. Whether you're a professional or a hobbyist, this podcast offers insights, tips, and discussions on the music industry's future.
Episodes
220- 10 Things Mike Dirnt Can't Live Without
What does Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt never leave home without?Scott sits down with Mike to uncover the 10 things he can't live without, from always having a bass within reach to the surprisingly personal items that keep him comfortable on the road. Expect great stories, a few unexpected picks, and a peek into the daily life of one of punk rock's most iconic bass players.
219- Fender Just Started a WAR… Are Basses Next?
Fender just lit the gear world on fire.Scott and Ian dive into the backlash surrounding Fender's cease-and-desist letters, why builders across Europe are furious, and what this could mean for some of the most iconic guitar and bass shapes ever made. Is Fender protecting its legacy, or creating a PR nightmare?
218- From Thrash to Funk: Josh Paul Breaks Down Iconic Bass Lines from Infectious Grooves and Suicidal Tendencies
Josh Paul’s bass playing has powered everything from the aggressive energy of Suicidal Tendencies to the deep funk grooves of Infectious Grooves. In this conversation with Ian, he breaks down the lines, tone, and gear behind some of his most recognizable parts, along with the stories and approach that shaped his playing along the way. Turn it up and dig in.
217- The Band the BROKE the Internet: Angine de Poitrine
This band broke the internet… and you’re not ready for who’s behind it. In this episode, we dig into Angine de Poitrine, where one player is somehow covering guitar and bass at the same time, stacking warped microtonal riffs while the drummer drives these unpredictable, high-wire grooves. It’s chaotic, it’s locked in, and it keeps you on edge the whole time. Trust us… the reveal is worth it.
216- This Pedal Made the Internet FURIOUS: The Walrus Mantle
Scott and Ian dive into the story behind the Walrus Audio Mantle DI, the pedal that somehow managed to make the internet furious. Ian shares why he reached out to Walrus to build it, what he was chasing after years of using boxes like the Noble and Jad Freer Capo, and the studio gear that inspired the design. Along the way they get into transformer tone, simple vs overcomplicated pedals, gig relia
215- Mike Dirnt and the INCREDIBLE Bass Lines of Green Day
Ian is joined by Mike Dirnt to break down the bass lines that shaped the sound of Green Day. From “Longview” to “Basket Case,” Mike shares how he builds his parts, what inspired them, and how simple ideas turn into massive, melodic bass lines that drive the song. Tone, attack, feel, and singing while playing — it’s all here.
214- EllenPlaysBass' Favorite Bass Lines
Scott sits down with bassist Ellen Alaverdyan to break down some of her favorite bass lines, from iconic grooves like Money by Pink Floyd to Come On, Come Over and more. Ellen shares what makes these lines stand out, how she learns them, and the practice habits that help her really lock them in and make them feel great.
213 - Joe Dart Breaks Down His Favorite Bass Lines
What makes a bass line stick with you for life? Joe Dart sits down with Scott to talk through some of his all time favorite bass lines and the songs that shaped his playing from day one, digging into influences like Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power, and Red Hot Chili Peppers that still influence him today.
212- Bass Players to Watch in 2026
Ian and Sharon start 2026 by putting the focus on bass players you should be paying attention to right now. No throwbacks, no nostalgia, just ten modern players who are shaping the sound of today. They each bring five picks and talk about what makes these players stand out and why bass is moving in exciting directions.
211- 2025 Bass Gear & Basses in Review – The Best and the Worst
A full year of bass gear, boiled down to what actually ruled and what absolutely missed the mark. Scott and Ian run through the best surprises, the biggest disappointments, and the gear from basses to pedals to the truly questionable ideas of 2025. Hit play, grab your bass, and see how your picks stack up.
210 - The Top 10 Gifts To Get For The Bassist In Your Life
What do bass players actually want for Christmas? Ian and Sharon make it easy (and fun), running through gift ideas by category and taking it all the way from budget friendly to full bougie. In-ears, straps, strings, pedals, amps, gig bags, bass recs, and a few wildcard picks — it’s the ultimate bass player wish list, minus the guesswork.
209 - Danny Sapko and THE TRUTH
What really happens when you post a bass video every day for two years? Scott sits down with Danny Sapko to dig into how he picked up the bass, what pushed him onto YouTube, and the honest truth about what worked and what didn’t. Dive in and see what really powered it!
208 - The LEGENDARY Bass Lines of Nathan East
Here it is — the full, uncut conversation between Scott and the one and only Nathan East. Nathan opens up about the sessions and stories that shaped his career, from laying it down for Barry White and Hubert Laws to hitting the road with Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, and countless others. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recorded bassists in history. Dive in and enjoy.
207 - The Top 10 Funk Bass Lines (According to Reddit)
Scott and Ian take on Reddit’s picks for the Top 10 Funk Bass Lines. From the undeniable classics to a few surprises they’ve never played before, they dig into what makes these lines so iconic—and whether Reddit really nailed it. Tune in and see if your favorites made the cut!Enrollment for our brand new FUNK Accelerator open now! —Sign Up Today
205 - The Legendary Bass Lines of Sean Hurley
Scott catches up with the great Sean Hurley to talk all things bass — from the lines that made him a go-to player to the gear behind his unmistakable tone. They chat about studio life, what it takes to craft a bass part that really sticks, and his time with John Mayer and beyond. Hit play and get the inside scoop from one of the best in the game.
Have Fender Lost Their Minds?
Scott and Ian dive into the new Adrian Younge Jazz Bass from Fender’s Custom Shop. The build is flashy, the details are cool, but the price? Absolutely outrageous compared to other signature models. So who’s this bass really for—or has Fender completely lost the plot?
204 -The Fenders that Failed
Scott and Ian plug in for a wild ride through Fender’s weird and wonderful bass history—from the Bass VI that gave us Patsy Cline’s “tic tac” sound and Beatles chaos, to the world’s first five-string Fender Bass V. It’s all about Fender’s boldest experiments and the players who turned them into classics.
203 - Joe Dart and the INCREDIBLE Bass Lines of Vulfpeck
Scott sits down with the one and only Joe Dart to talk all things Vulfpeck. From the iconic grooves that put the band on the map to the lines that fans can’t stop playing, Joe breaks down the stories, ideas, and moments behind his most loved bass parts.Tune in for some bass wisdom and a closer look at what makes Joe’s lines so addictive.
202 - MXR Bass Synth: The Bass Pedal that BROKE the internet
What happens when you’re not just handed a brand-new bass pedal, but asked to help design the sounds inside it? That’s where Ian found himself with the MXR Synth Pedal. In this episode, he and Sharon finally spill the story—from the first prototype that blew him away, to the sounds he programmed, and why this pedal left every other synth in the dust.
201- We’re Finally Talking About This…
For the past three years, the Blueprint has quietly been helping bass players work through the same hurdles we all face. In this episode, Scott and Ian bring on the coaches who’ve been working one-on-one with students every week to talk about what the program’s really like, the common problems that keep showing up, and how players move past them. If you’ve ever felt stuck on your bass journey, thi
199- Bass Travel NIGHTMARE… what NOT to do!
Ian and Sharon swap travel horror stories and share their biggest lessons from years of touring and bass travel. From packing light to gate check debates, things get real (and occasionally frustrating). Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of what not to do next time you fly.
198- Our biggest bass struggles - the stuff we felt shame about
Ever felt embarrassed about something you couldn’t do on bass? In this episode, Scott and Ian get real about the things that used to make them cringe, from slap bass fails to technique gaps they kept under wraps. What about you? This one’s all about getting real, dropping the shame, and finding your own way forward.
197- Slap Bass Tone (6 Things Everybody Does WRONG)
Think your slap sound is dialed in? Think again. In this episode, Scott and Ian break down six things almost everybody gets wrong when chasing a great slap sound. They dig into the impact of string type, pickup settings, and technique—plus some of the overlooked details that can make or break your setup.Whether you're just getting into slap or trying to fine-tune your sound, this one's w
196- The Legendary Bass Lines of Ready Freddie Washington
Scott sits down with Ready Freddie Washington to talk about the bass lines that changed the game — starting with the iconic groove on Forget Me Nots by Patrice Rushen. From Herbie Hancock to Anita Baker, Freddie breaks down the mindset, the feel, and the moments behind the low end that made history.
195- New Bass Day… all the juicy details
Scott’s got his hands on a brand new Lull Jazz Bass—and this one’s custom. In this episode, he and Ian dive into the juicy details: how the idea came together, what makes a signature bass really special, and all the nerdy gear goodness you’d expect. From pickups to playability, it’s all here.
194-The Darkglass Anagram: Worth the Hype?
Is the Darkglass Anagram really worth the hype? In this episode, Scott and Ian dive into the new analog multi-effects unit and pit it against the ever-popular HX Stomp. Could this be the gear that finally gets Scott to ditch his pedalboard for good? They break down the strengths of each, share their own setups, and ask the big question—which one’s right for you?
Live Q&A - All your questions answered about our biggest program
Check out the Full Stack Bassist program here 👉 https://sbl.link/3FDuEx8In this episode, Scott and Ian host a live Q&A to answer your most important questions about the Academy’s flagship 12-month program. They explain how the course is structured, what kind of time commitment you can expect, and how it’s designed to be flexible around your schedule. Whether you're wondering how to stay o
193 - My new program: everything you need to know
What makes a bassist go from stuck and second-guessing… to confident, creative, and finally sounding like themselves? In this episode, Scott and Ian dive into that exact question—sharing stories from the road, Scott’s health scare, and how it all led to building the Fullstack Bassist program. Whether you’ve been playing for years but still feel behind, or you’re ready to break out of the rut, this
192- I dismissed Pino Palladino (The Truth)
Ever look back and cringe at your early bass choices? Scott and Ian swap stories about the mistakes they made chasing speed and flash — including the time they dismissed players like Pino Palladino, Michael League, and Jonathan Maron as “boring.” They break down how your ear (and your priorities) change over time — and why it matters.
190- The Dark Side of YouTube
Scott and Ian get real about the ups and downs of learning music on YouTube. It’s one of the most powerful tools available to musicians today, but it also comes with some serious pitfalls. From confusing advice to the pressure of chasing views, they break down eight common issues that can affect how we learn and teach online. The good news? When used thoughtfully, YouTube can still be an amazing p
189- I took a lesson from a LEGEND (and was disappointed)
Music theory gets thrown around a lot—but what does it really mean? In this episode, Scott and Ian break down why the term is often too broad to be helpful, sharing stories from their own journeys (including lessons with legends) and how those experiences shaped their view of theory. It’s a practical, no-fluff take on functional harmony that’ll actually stick.
188- OK. Let’s talk about Giacomo Turra… and the bigger questions behind the controversy.
Scott and Ian dive into the recent firestorm around guitarist Giacomo Turra—from miming and monetizing others’ solos to what it really means to be a musician on social media today.But this isn’t just about one creator—it’s about blurred lines, internet fame, and how we define integrity, performance, and progress in the modern music world.Miming?Copying vs. stealing?Monetizing someone else’s solo?L
187- Why MOST bassists are DOOMED :(
Scott and Ian dig into 12 common (and surprisingly relatable) reasons bassists hit a wall—and spoiler: it’s not just about not practicing. This episode gets honest (in a good way), with plenty of insights, laughs, and “wait… that’s me” moments. Even Ian felt called out by a few of these! Which ones resonate with you?
186- Rating 10 GREATEST Bass Lines of ALL TIME (according to WatchMojo)
Scott and Ian take on WatchMojo’s list of the 10 Greatest Bass Lines of All Time—do they live up to the hype or fall flat? From feel and pocket to creativity, tone, and those unforgettable hooks, they’re rating what really makes a bass line legendary (and which ones get a “meh”). If you’ve ever wanted to level up and find out what skills might be holding you back, click here for the bonus quiz!
185 - Rex Brown: The BONECRUSHING bass lines of Pantera
What makes a bass line cut through in a heavy band like Pantera? In this episode, Ian Allison sits down with Rex Brown to find out. Rex walks us through a few of his most iconic lines—including the growling groove of “I’m Broken” and shares what it took to hold down the low end in one of metal’s loudest, heaviest bands. If you’re into classic hard rock riffs, thunderous tone, or just want to hear
184 - Berklee College of Music - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
What really happens when you go to one of the most famous music schools in the world? In this episode, Sharon pulls back the curtain on her time at Berklee College of Music as Scott digs into the highs, the lows, and the stuff you don’t hear in the brochures. From late-night jam sessions to lessons learned side by side with other hungry young musicians, Sharon reflects on how community—not curricu
183 - NEW 5 string arrived. It's INSANE.
Scott’s got a brand new 5-string, and it’s shaking things up. In this episode, he and Ian dig into what makes it so special and why 5-strings deserve way more love. From tone and feel to gig-ready setups, it’s a deep dive into the gear, the playing, and the choices that shape your sound. Whether you’re thinking of switching it up or just curious what all the fuss is about — this one’s worth a list
182 - 5 ICONIC Bass Lines that use EVERY. LAST. FRET.
Ready to stretch out beyond your usual comfort zone? In this episode, Scott and Ian explore five epic bass lines that make full use of the fingerboard. We're talking top to bottom, end to end.Along the way, you’ll pick up tips on fretboard visualization, targeting key notes, and making the entire neck feel like home.These riffs aren't just cool. They're a masterclass in using the wh
181 - Lee Sklar: The Working Bass Player
What’s it like to be one of the most recorded bass players of all time?In this episode, Scott sits down with session legend Leland Sklar, the bassist behind classic records from Carole King, Phil Collins, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Toto, and Diana Ross—just a glimpse into a career that spans over 2,000 albums. Lee shares unforgettable studio stories, his most memorable moments, and the bass lines
180 - BIG changes coming to our YouTube channel
Exciting things are on the way!Scott and Ian sit down to talk about major updates coming to the SBL YouTube channel, including a brand-new series featuring some of the best bassists in the world. With 12 days of back-to-back sessions in Los Angeles, they’re bringing top-tier talent straight to your screen.Who’s involved, and what can you expect? Hit play to find out.
179 - Writing 365 Bass Lines in 1 Year?... INSANITY.
What happens when you commit to writing a brand-new two-bar bass line every single day for a year?In this episode, Scott sits down with Ian Trusheim to talk about his 365-day bass line challenge. From the creative process to the quality of tracks, they dive into what it takes to craft hundreds of unique grooves. Ian breaks down his approach to feel, pushes his creativity to the limit, and shares h
178- Rating the technique of Bass LEGENDS
What makes a bass legend? Is it flawless technique or breaking the rules in just the right way? Today, we’re having a raw, unfiltered conversation about bass technique—what works, what doesn’t, and when “bad” technique actually makes a player great.From Flea’s slap to Geddy Lee’s plucking, Bobby Vega, and more, we’re breaking down the mechanics of legendary players. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled
177- Record your bass (at home) and get a BADASS sound ($100 - $20K)
It’s never been easier to capture pro bass tones at home without waking up the neighbours. Whether you’re taking your first steps into home recording or planning a multi-layered bass masterpiece, in today’s podcast, we break down some essential advice that will help you get the best results possible, whatever your budget. Looking to deck out an affordable home recording setup? Let this be your gui
176- Vintage vs Boutique? Don't throw your money AWAY
There's something about playing a bass guitar that’s older than you that just feels incredible. But just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s great. Mojo aside, do vintage basses really sound better than their new counterparts? In today’s episode, we’re delving into some of these key questions that often come along, namely: is the vintage bass you’re thinking of buying likely to be a bargain or
175- Our Fav Bass FX Pedals (and Preamps) of 2024
2024 was the year of the HX Stomp, Jad Freer’s Capo, Boss being bosses and more effects than we knew what to do with! We seem to say this every year, but there's been so much competition for your cash in 2024, with the bass effects market bigger and better than ever. Of course, we've got our favorites. In today’s podcast you'll find our handpicked selection of the best bass FX money
174- The 6 Basses that DEFINED the 1990s (why Fender is ABSENT)
As the hair-metal spandex of the previous decade met its end, the ‘90s ushered in a new breed of bass guitar. From Ken Smith to Lakland, to Spector to Tobias, basses of the '90s packed a memorable punch to the gut. In today’s podcast, we're running through the bass guitars that defined the decade.
173 - 37 AWESOME gifts for bass players ($1 - $1000)
We get it: bass players are extremely difficult to buy for and everything we want costs a small fortune. Well, you needn’t worry, as we’ve trawled through the Internet to compile a list of bass-friendly gifts that we'd be more than happy to receive ourselves on Christmas day.So, let us extend an olive branch, as we offer up some killer gift ideas that should have real appeal to the bass playe
172- Let’s talk about P Basses (and my Freddie Washington Obsession)
While Leo Fender will be forever revered for his iconic electric guitar designs, without doubt his greatest contribution to the advancement of popular music was unveiled in October 1951 – the first year of the Fender Precision. Today’s podcast is a reminder of why the P-Bass has remained the ‘go-to instrument’ for so many bass players, for so long. What can we possibly say about it that you don’t
171- My Health Scare and the MADNESS that prevailed
If you’ve ever suffered from wrist pain after spending hours perfecting a John Entwistle bass solo, you’ll know that spending extended periods hunched over a bass guitar can cause all kinds of hand and arm problems, back pain, and even nerve damage. In this podcast, we talk through Scott’s recent health scare and share some advice to ensure that your “bass face” is a grimace of ecstasy rather than
170 - Our favorite amps & cabs in 2024
You might have an expensive custom shop bass and all the boutique stompboxes in the world, but you’ll still need a great bass amp to achieve your dream tone. In this video, we’re looking at some of the greatest amps, pedals and cabinets of 2024, handpicked by the SBL team – including tube, solid-state and preamp pedals!Here’s what we think are the best bass guitar amps on the market right now.
169 - Is the Bass Amp FINALLY DEAD?! (In ear monitor takeover?)
Let’s clear this up from the start – we LOVE bass amps, big stacks of speakers coupled with loud, monstrous amplifier heads. We want to feel the air move as we play! But when you’re a gigging bassist, one of the biggest struggles we face is the endless battle with the onstage sound. In this podcast, we’re asking if there’s a future for bass amplifiers?If you had to ditch anything from your signal
168- Why Headless Basses Suck
Headless basses were two a penny in the 1980s and 1990s, and nowadays they tend to look pretty embarrassing. But we like crazy-looking gear, in case you hadn’t noticed! So, whether you love them or loathe them, if you’ve always dreamed of wielding a headless bass, then we urge you to watch today’s video!
167 - Dirk Lance: The ICONIC bass lines of early Incubus
We’ve got some good news for you today. Dirk Lance, a co-founding member of platinum rock band Incubus, is here to break down some of his greatest bass lines. We also asked him about his ’65 Jazz Bass and why he went from a Fender P Bass Special to a Warwick 10-string! It's the ultimate inspiration to pick up your bass this week.
166- Was G&L Leo Fender’s biggest MISTAKE?
After he sold Fender and exited his collaboration with Music Man, Leo Fender founded a brand-new company that would play host to his final electric guitar and bass innovations. Leo called G&L Guitars the best instruments he ever made – the problem was that by the time he formed his new line of instruments, his accomplishments in the music industry were already etched in the history books. Coul
165-Why learning scales is NOT the answer to knowing your fretboard
Finally, a video that dispels some of the myths about achieving bass guitar fretboard mastery - like having to learn ALL of the notes in the Hungarian minor scale! In this episode, Scott and Ian reveal how they solved their fretboard woes, their newfound love for headless basses, and the simple steps you can take to elevate your own bass playing.
164- Anderson .Paak’s Secret Bass Weapon: Kelsey Gonzalez
In today’s video, we asked Kelsey González to name the bass lines that helped define his career with American singer, drummer, and record producer Anderson Paak. You’ll hear nuances to his bass lines you never noticed before – and probably rush home to grab your bass!
163 - The Genius Bass Lines of Tony Franklin
In today’s video, we asked Tony Franklin to dig into the fretless bass lines that helped define his long resume of gigs with artists such as Blue Murder, The Firm, and Whitesnake. We asked him about his time with Kate Bush, the history behind his allegiance to the Fender Precision and why he feels "liberated” playing an unlined fretless bass.
162 - 6-String Basses: Pros and (mostly) CONS?
In this podcast, Ian and Sharon explore the highs and lows of playing a six-string bass, from the extra range it offers to the challenges of controlling those extra strings. They share their favorite models, riffs, and tips for anyone curious about diving into six-string territory. Curious about why they think every bassist should try one? Tune in to find out.
161 - Is Toxicity costing you the gig?
If you’re in any sort of environment that’s become toxic, chances are you’ve been bending and flexing for a while to try to make it work. It’s no different in a band. While the audience might not always see it, the band always feels it. In this video, Sharon and Ian talk through some of the common pitfalls to avoid.
160 - The HIDDEN Genius behind Bob Marley’s Bass Lines (6 ICONIC examples)
Throughout the 1970s until Bob Marley’s last sessions and live shows in late 1980, the bass lines of Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett played a primary role in introducing the sound of reggae’s one-drop rhythm to audiences around the world. His full-bodied bass tone was a signature part of the Wailers sound!From Get Up Stand Up, to One Drop and beyond, in today’s video we’re taking a look at the 6 Aston
159 - The Bassist Behind Blackstar: The Tim Lefebvre Interview
Tim Lefebvre has had a career that Forest Gump would envy. As a bassist, he’s provided the punch for Sting, David Bowie, The Black Crowes, Elvis Costello, Empire of the Sun, Wayne Krantz and Knower.So today we’re diving into the genius of Tim Lefebvre, what makes his bass playing so iconic and how you can bottle a little bit of that magic for yourself – Tim even breaks down a few licks you can try
158 - The Mount Rushmore of SLAP Bass
There are so many cool slap bass players out there, but who are the truly great ones? In this video, we round up some of the best slap bassists to have laid down stone cold grooves and mesmerizing double and triple-slap technique on some of music's biggest and best loved tracks.In this episode:Who invented slap bass?What's the best ever slap bass song?Why Flea's slap style is a grea
157 - Human vs. AI ... is real bass DEAD?!
AI is already here, tempting everyone in music with a previously unimaginable menu of cheat codes. As the potential continues to unfold, Sharon and Ian reveal their newfound love for Logic Pro’s latest AI features.In this episode:Is AI a genuine threat to real bass players?Logic Pro 11 AI Session Players: Love, or Hate?Can AI trigger a scrunched up bass face?Is AI really the future of music?And mu
156 - I was WRONG?!
Some bass players love to double down on a bad idea. And though we once bristled at the notion that there could ever be such a thing as a wrong musical opinion, we’ve since come to accept that there is such a thing. We know because we had one! Scott was colossally wrong about the Fender Precision AND slap bass!In this episode, Scott and Ian reveal their newfound love for Robert Palmer, and the big
155 - The 5 BIG Mistakes I Made on My Journey Of Bass (it was PAINFUL!)
Whether you’re an established bass player looking to add to your library of skills, a total novice picking up the bass for the first time or you're heading back to school and want to take your four-string skills to another level, there are five common mistakes that nearly every bassist will make on their learning journey. In today’s episode Scott walks through some of his own key mistakes (an
154 - Jon Button breaks down his favorite bass lines
In the episode of "The Bass Lines That Made Me," Jon Button shares enlightening reflections on his early experiences as a bass player. Throughout the episode, Jon delves into the profound impact of iconic musicians such as Miles Davis, Weather Report, Marvin Gaye, and Journey, shedding light on the pivotal bass lines that have significantly influenced his musical path.
153 - The 12 Ugliest Basses of ALL TIME
Bass guitars are beautiful and they can make anyone look good, but during its 70-year history there have been a few that are gloriously gaudy or just plain ugly (Precision Bass Lyte, anyone?!) In this episode we’ve set out to name and shame some of the ugliest bass guitars of all time! In this episode:Does Ernie Ball make the world’s ugliest bass guitar?Why aren’t Rickenbacker basses more popular?
152 - Why learning Jazz Bass SUCKS (5 reasons no one talks about)
The hate that some bass players have for jazz can transcend space, time, and the laws of nature. We get it. It can feel like your band mates are speaking another language, and you feel kind of left out. But, with practice, learning some jazz can give you musical superpowers. In this episode, we’re here to reveal why you should take the leap!In this episodeScott’s worst EVER audition story.Why all
151 - Michael League breaks down his FAVORITE bass lines
In today’s video, we asked Michael League to dig into his earliest influences and name the bass lines that helped define his career with four-time Grammy Award Winners Snarky Puppy. There were a few things we agreed on:Bootsy Collins belongs on every top 10 list.Your drummer is your best friend.David Hood is a bass guitar genius.Everything else was up for debate. Well, almost everything…In this ep
150 - The LA Bassist EVERYONE’S talking about
A few months back, we got into the argument that all bass players get into – what are the coolest, grooviest bass lines of all time? After hours of heated debate, we decided to get Nick Campbell to help make that decision for us.In today’s podcast, Nick Campbell reels off the bass lines that shaped his sound. It’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to the worlds of Rocco Prestia, Ray Brown, Jam
149 - Are Short Scale Basses DEAD?!
So which is better – a long-scale or a short-scale bass guitar? If you’ve ever wondered which is the right scale length for you, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the key differences between short-scale and long-scale basses, the pros and cons of each, and we’ll give you a few recommendations of short-scale basses to check out for yourself. In this e
148 - The Undercover BASS ICON of ROCK: The Chris Chaney Interview
Chris Chaney’s contributions to the bass world often go overlooked – but there’s genius in his bass playing if you know where to find it (take his game-changing bass lines with Jane’s Addiction for instance). Today’s interview is the perfect way to introduce yourself to some of his most mind-blowing rock riffs – and find out exactly what makes them true genius.
147 - We Met Adam Clayton from U2 (it was OUTRAGEOUS!)
U2 has officially finished their residency in Las Vegas – the history-making shows saw over 700,000 fans descend on Sin City, from September 2023 through March 2024. In today’s episode, fresh from a weekend trip to Las Vegas, we take a trip inside The Sphere to uncover how Adam Clayton and U2 redefined live music at the city’s new high-tech venue.In this episodeWas U2 at the Sphere worth it?What m
146 - The Sean Hurley Interview: Behind John Mayer's Iconic Bass Lines
The year is 2006 and John Mayer has just recorded a landmark album that will put his new trio on the map. Drummer/producer Steve Jordan had the great idea of bringing Willie Weeks AND Pino Palladino in to play bass on one track, with Pino adding his own accompaniment to Week’s muted 8th note figure. When Sean Hurley landed the bass gig with John Mayer in 2008, he combined both bass lines! So in to
145 - The Dark Side of Boutique Basses
In this episode, we’re sorting through our pick of boutique basses from F Bass, Ken Smith, Olinto, Overwater and more. We’re also going to delve into some of the questions that often come along, namely: why are they so expensive? How are they built? And are they really worth it? The answers are often a matter of opinion, but we shall ponder them nonetheless!In this episodeWhat is a boutique bass?T
144 - Gospel Bass Mastery: The Justin Raines Interview
There’s a TON you can learn from Gospel bass players – and one, in particular, you may have overlooked. Justin Raines could teach you everything you need to know about pocket, songwriting, and epic bass fills. In today’s interview, Scott and Ian sit down with Justin to breakdown his tone, his technique and some of his signature licks, including his astounding bass solo on Nobody by Ne-Yo.
143 - Are These the 5 Most Iconic Basses of all time?
So, what makes a particular bass guitar a classic? While some basses are undoubtedly born great (it’s a testament to Leo Fender that the P-Bass is still one of the most played instruments ever): some achieve greatness over time and some have greatness thrust upon them (Rickenbacker have long enjoyed the star power of Lemmy, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, for example). And so, for your viewing pleasur
142 - The SCARIEST Bass LEGEND of LA? The Nick Campbell Interview
Nick Campbell’s a busy LA session player for all the right reasons - great sound, groove, and awesome vibe. And in today’s new episode of our ‘Behind The Bass Lines’ interview series, Nick’s going to tell you exactly where he took ideas from to create his must-hear bass style – and even show you a few licks you can try out, too.In this episodeTop tips for playing fastAll about combining ferocity a
141 - The ONE thing that TRANSFORMED my bass playing
There’s a reason more people listen to Guns N’ Roses than Victor Wooten, and it’s not because Duff McKagan is better at playing arpeggios! But still, good technique is something that every bassist should add to their skill set, and in this episode, I’m answering all of your questions surrounding our Technique Accelerator. I hope it gives you a little extra time to check out the course – and to fin
140 - Bass ICON for a NEW Generation? The Charles Berthoud Interview
Charles Berthoud’s YouTube channel is loaded with clips of him absolutely ripping. His virtuosic bass chops, epic bass battles and his penchant for killer bass gear has earned him more than 1,750,000 subscribers, making him one of the most visible bass players to come from the social media generation. In this week’s podcast episode, we sit down with Charles and dive deep into some of his favorite
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