Janek Gwizdala Podcast
A music podcast hosted by bassist Janek Gwizdala, exploring his life and career as a professional bass player. Episodes dive into groove, gear, technique and the artistic evolution of his signature sound. Janek shares stories from his early days as a young musician through to working as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. The show also features conversations with special guests about music, composition and the creative process. It is aimed at bass enthusiasts and musicians looking for insight and inspiration from a working professional.
Episodes
How to Make Simple Bass Chords Sound Beautiful
A student asked me a question in a private lesson yesterday that I don’t think anyone had asked me quite that way before: “How do I listen to your music?”Some of my albums connected with them immediately, but others left them wondering why they had little similarity to previous releases. That question became the starting point for this episode: a conversation about harmony, simplicity, and why I’m
What Should You Actually Practice?
Does inspiration come before the work, or does the work create it?A Jimmy Carr quote I heard while making breakfast this morning set this episode in motion. It reminded me how often musical ideas arrive simply because I’ve sat down and spent time with the instrument.I share what that process looks like right now: working on a Brahms waltz for a potential duet with Daniele Camarda, exploring triadi
How I Choose Bass Pedals
All my pedalboards start with a sound in my head and from there I slowly start to decide what I might need to create all the elements of the board, and where each piece belongs in the signal chain.This week I play through my current setup, from the MXR Vintage Bass Octave, Mantic Hulk, and FMeron at the front of the chain to the HX Stomp, stereo effects, looper, and DI that follow. I explain why I
I Found an Unreleased Album I forgot I Made
With the 10th anniversary of American Elm this year, I recently started contemplating the idea of a remix/remaster with not only some new material that never made it on the first release, but also some video footage since I release no visual representation of the album at the time. While I was digging through hard drives this week on the hunt for all that old material, I came across a duo album I
After 30 Years, I Still Practice This Simple Exercise
If you’re already subscribed to my substack, you’ll have read a little about what’s in today’s episode yesterday already. Go straight to the video if that’s the case, and get stuck into the practice routine I’m sharing today. For those new to the podcast or to my substack….The longer I play music, the more value I find in returning to simple ideas.This episode begins with one major-scale exercise
I Haven’t Practiced in a Month. Here’s How I’m Coming Back
After almost a month of packing, moving, unpacking, and barely touching the bass, I'm finally back in the studio, and my chops definitely aren't where I need them.With a weekend at Birdland with Steve Smith and Vital Information coming up, it would be very easy to panic and spend every available minute working on the music for the gig.Instead, I'm trying something different.I've been going back t
The 3 Skills Every Musician Should Keep Working On
The Three Pillars of My MusicianshipThis feels like a great way to end an era of the podcast. We’re moving this weekend, the studio is being packed up, and this is the final time I’m sitting down in front of the camera here before everything moves to the new house and a completely new studio.It felt appropriate that this episode ended up being about something pretty fundamental: the three pillars
I Discovered a Huge Blind Spot in My Practice
After more than thirty years of playing, practicing, recording, and touring, I still catch myself making this one annoying mistake when it comes to my practice time.The encouraging part is that when I do catch myself doing it, it often leads to the biggest breakthroughs, or at least some semblance of direction to take my process in that feels positive. In this week’s episode I talk about a pattern
This Tiny Pedalboard Replaced My Massive Touring Rig
This week I’m delivering on a promise from the last episode: a complete walkthrough of my new stereo pedalboard.After years of touring with much larger setups, I’ve downsized to a rig that gives me incredible flexibility while still producing the huge ambient sounds I’ve been chasing for years. I break down the entire signal chain, explain why each pedal earned its place, and demonstrate how I bui
The Podcast is Back!
Bass players, coffee drinkers, ladies and gentlemen, the podcast is back! Full disclosure: I used chat gpt to generate the description of the podcast below based on a transcript of the episode. I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole AI thing in general, but I realized it saved me a ton of legwork today with something I’m not particularly good at (writing descriptions of things), and provide
Reclaiming Focus
After years of building one of the most extensive bass pedal collections imaginable, I’ve made a big decision… I’m letting almost all of it go.In this episode, I talk through why I’m selling over 200 pedals, what triggered the shift, and how simplifying my setup is already changing the way I make music. This isn’t just about gear, it’s about creativity, focus, and letting go of the “collector mind
What I’m Building in 2026
The podcast returns to its own channel with a 2026 reset: a clearer lane for each part of my output so the main YouTube channel can stay focused on harmony/theory-based lessons, while the podcast and live/performance content live on their own separate channels. I outline six recording projects I'm aiming to track across the year, share a packed touring schedule (US, Japan, Europe, Asia), and talk
New Fretless Bass!
The latest short run of basses with RKM, in three new colors, is here! Check out all the specs below and use the contact email at the bottom of the description to enquire about ordering one today. We also get into triads on dominants chords and a recap of the comments section of the now infamous Mantle video from a couple of weeks ago. RKM CUSTOM 5JG Collab 2Scale: 33”No. Frets: 24No. Strings: 5Di
$749 For a Bass Preamp?!
We're taking a look into the new Bass DI and preamp from Walrus audio in collaboration with Ian Martin Allison. Spoiler alert... It's a beautiful piece of gear, and the minor meltdowns about the price happening in the comments below the launch video are a little puzzling. For the most part though, the feedback is hugely supportive and positive which is both great, and greatly deserved.Hopefully th
The Ethics of Streaming (And Why it Matters)
Following on from our most recent discussion on the subject, I get a little deeper into the weeds on the state of streaming, the music industry as a whole, and some of the ethical decisions we face when considering how to release our music and share it with the world. I have gone back and forth on the subject for many years, and endeavor to update my thinking on it as and when the information chan
Revealing My 2025 YouTube Revenue
To close out the year I’m counting down my top ten YouTube shorts for 2025 and revealing all the numbers from both 2024 and 2025 for comparison. It won’t buy me any beachfront property, but it’s not all doom and gloom, and it doesn’t signal the end by any stretch of the imagination. Don’t forget, that for the next 24hrs only, the entire store is on a 20% holiday sale, with all discounts added auto
Mike Stern Tour Recap
Looking back on two emotional weeks on the road with Mike Stern's band featuring Dennis Chambers on drums. I'm diving deep into how the new pedalboard held up on tour, how the past creeps into my present sometimes, and what the future holds.More soon, JanekOur year-end holiday sale is now on! Get 20% off storewide with discounts added automatically at checkout: https://janekgwizdala.myshopify.com/
How I'm Getting the Best Clean Tone I've Ever Had
I can’t believe I haven’t utilized this function on any of the pedals or amps I’ve owned. I’ve been getting so deep into the clean signal of my bass lately, especially with the addition of the Wetter Box from GigRig, and this week’s episode of the podcast takes a look at the latest mission to clean up the signal chain even more! More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizda
Chord Melodies For Bass Players
With a rare trio gig tonight that doesn’t have a chordal instrument besides me in the band, I’m re-booting the partition of my brain that gives me access to a ton of harmony, melody, and comping. All on the bass! In this episode we’ll take a look at both an extended range 5-string with a high C string, and a standard 4-string tuning.More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgw
Can One Tiny Pedal Make the Difference?
I just built a brand new pedalboard from scratch and share the signal chain and some of the sounds with you in this episode. We also get into some much more important topics on the subject of our health and mental well-being as musicians. As I mention in the episode, I want to hear from you in the comments, get feedback on what you would like to hear more about, and moving forward it would be grea
Is the Wetter Box The Greatest Pedal Ever?
It’s incredible that a pedal which creates literally no sound at all, can be so sonically life-changing when it comes to my pedalboard and signal chain. The Wetter Box by Gigrig is by no means a new release, and it’s something I wish I’d tried many years ago. Kudos to Dan and the gang (not a sponsor of the podcast) for getting it so right when many others failed.Here are some other videos I mentio
Me and Sean Hurley Subbing for Each Other
What happens when things are kind of crumbling on a session and you need the advice of someone who is close to doing more sessions than any other living bass player? You call Sean Hurley.This is the three part story of how we ended up subbing for each other on gigs we’re pretty well know for doing, and how we approach them in very different but very musical ways. More soon, Janek Get full access t
Would You MIC the Strings of an ELECTRIC BASS?!
I’m always tinkering with new ways to record and find sounds I’ve never produced before. Today I’m experimenting with ways of using a mic to capture more nuance and articulation in my picking hand when I record.The results are pretty startling in terms of how the dynamic range of the instrument is extended. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscr
Was This The Right Move?
It can be tough to admit you’ve made a mistake or done something wrong, not least of all when it involves something you pretend to actually know a little about.In this week’s episode I come clean about a pedal blunder, discover my brain doesn’t work the way I want sometimes, and find comfort in the simple things in life.I also mention in the episode that two pieces of gear are leaving the studio a
The New RKM 5-Strings are FINISHED!
My collaboration with RKM basses is now shipping to the lucky few who were able to grab one in our short run of the instrument. In today’s episode I go into some detail about the venture with RKM, play the bass a ton, and also have a look at some of the challenges we face when using synth pedals as bass players.More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/su
Is This The Greatest Reverb Pedal Ever?
I haven't been this excited about a pedal in a very long time, and thought I would be waiting much longer to get my hands on one. The entire run of 400 sold out instantly a couple of months ago, and I imagine the next run in October will do the same. From its small footprint to the incredible depth of functionality, this reverb is musically very inspiring and I look forward to bringing you more up
I'm Opening a Record Store (Sort of)
We get to some new stereo sounds in the pedalboard and even a short lesson on outlining dominant chords in today’s episode… But first, in a music industry dominated by the internet, streaming, social media, and ten-second clips, I’m trying something a little different.I’ve always had the red light on when I’m playing live. I’ve recorded hundreds of shows over the past two decades, many of them as
Why I Still Practice Like a Beginner
With more than 30 years invested in the process of learning and playing music, I'm still trying to get better and improve my technique. If you’re a fan of cycling like me, you may have heard about Tadej Pogačar and his zone-2 training revelations, as discussed by Peter Attia and Tadej's former coach Inigo San Millan. I've tried to start applying similar concepts to my daily practice routine, and I
Jazz vs AI. Who Wins?
Special guests on this week's episode are my great friends and musical collaborators Justin Vasquez (who you will find on my albums Live at the 55bar, It Only Happens Once, and Found) and Gabriel Santiago who is a phenomenal Brazilian guitarist and composer I've worked with for many years, and appears on "Night Watch" as a vocalist. Check out Gabriel's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ @G
An Influence I Rarely Talk About
In today's episode we get into some Django Reinhardt, the ii-V-I, and a pedal that's been at the top of my wishlist ever since it dropped a few weeks ago and sold out instantly!More soon, JanekNew Book Bundle Available Now! Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The #1 Tool Musicians Overlook
Don't ignore your ears! They're the most important part of the process when it comes to playing, learning, communicating, interacting, and producing music of any kind. The word transcription has some things associated with it that might put you off thinking it's right for you, but in today's episode I'm going to break down some of those barriers and give you an explanation of the term that might h
How I Learn Jazz
Cannonball Adderley is one of my biggest jazz heroes and in this episode we're taking a look into how he's helped me with all aspects of my playing, not just jazz and improvisation. Find and trust a process that works for you, and then get into great habits like consistency, listening, and repetition. I have also found throughout the decades of working on all music, that the less I expect in terms
EVERY Bass Player Needs These Two Pedal Techniques
Even if your pedal doesn't have them built in, I have a fix to get you the sound that "trails" open up on time based effects. And when it comes to some of the hippest pedal sounds for bass, a momentary switch can make all the difference in your performance. We get to both trails and momentary switches in this episode, as well as some tasty pedal combos and a vintage octave pedal you may have never
Secrets of Mastery: Musician Meets Magician
Jason was a full-time touring musician for years, playing hundreds—if not thousands—of shows around the world. Today, he’s recognized as one of the world’s leading card magicians. He was incredibly generous with his time, sitting down with me to explore the fascinating parallels between mastering both music and magic. We met at New York City’s legendary Birdland Jazz Club and went deep into the li
Recreating Iconic Bass Tones with the HX Stomp
Ever wanted to sound just like your bass heroes? We all have those iconic players who shaped the way we hear and play bass. For me, it started with revisiting Voodoo by D'Angelo and getting lost in Pino Palladino’s buttery tone. That led me down the rabbit hole of dialing in his sound—and others—using the HX Stomp. The result? A custom collection of 5 HX Stomp presets inspired by five of the great
Subbing for TONY LEVIN Was Insane
This past week has been one of the bigger musical challenges of my career when I was asked to sub for one of my all-time bass heroes Tony Levin in the band Stick Men. This episode takes a look at the process of learning their show in less than two days, transcribing and charting all the music, and playing 9 note phrases over an 11/4 time signature. It was a real highlight of my year to be trusted
"Jazz Musicians Have It Easy" The Adam Neely Interview
Adam Neely is a bass player, band leader, YouTuber and much more as you're about to find out in this interview. I sat down with him recently in NYC and got into what it takes to be a bass player and artist in 2025 and beyond.We talk touring as a band leader, breaking the YouTube algorithm, and a little nerdy pedal chat thrown in for good measure. This was the first time we were meeting in person,
Top 5 Bass Albums Every Musician Should Hear
This episode of the podcast started life a couple of days ago as a post on my newsletter, and has now become a deeper dive into the inner workings of some of the most legendary bass players we all know and love. You might have heard of these bassists, maybe heard these albums. Perhaps you've even heard these exact songs before! But if you leave with nothing else from this episode, I want you to th
Switching Basses?! How Hard Can It Be...?
You might be a bass player who owns more than one bass, but has had difficulty switching between them. You are not alone! This was me for the longest time. I used to be so tied to one specific instrument that I missed out on a lot of opportunities to play music. I've since shed that security blanket and am sharing the process in today's episode as I highlight how much easier it has become to switc
Me and THUNDERCAT on SBL?!
Playing a Thundercat song on SBL wasn't something I had on my bingo card at the beginning of the year, but that's exactly what happened! I had a blast shooting the video and was (in a very rare instance for me) quite happy with the performance. I think it was a product of being surprised by the material, feeling comfortable around the crew, and just letting it happen. Massive thanks to Sharon for
Did I Just OFFEND 8,641,398 Soundgarden Fans?!
It all started as a very innocent comment about not being a huge Soundgarden fan. Over 200k views and 1k comments in the first week later, and the dumpster fire that YouTube comments can become has been quite an eye-opening ride. The irony is, I don't hate Soundgarden at all. I've even seen them in concert at the old LA Forum and had a great time. The way in which most of the outraged commenters o
When You're Not Ready for Tour...
When life happens and what you actually need to be doing to get ready for recording, performances, or clinics gets put on the back burner, it can feel a little hectic and out of control. I found myself waking up today, the day before leaving for Europe, and feeling very underprepared with my playing. Today’s episode takes a look at the idea I’m using to inject some confidence and stamina back int
How to Get Better Faster
It's not clickbait, it's not a hack, it's not a shortcut, and there is no avoiding the work. This is literally how you get better faster than you’re doing it now. Laser focus on small pieces of information for as much time as you can during your practice sessions, will help give you the freedom to play without thinking when it comes to be onstage.More soon, JanekP.S. There are crazy delays on the
The Illusion of Virtuosity — Giacomo Turra, Content Theft, and the Erosion of Musical Integrity
In this no-holds-barred episode, we (yes, my wife is finally back on an episode!) react to the recent storm surrounding Danny Sapko's exposé of Giacomo Turra, who’s been accused of stealing musical content and passing it off as his own. The controversy triggered widespread conversation across the online music world—drawing in heavyweights like Adam Neely and Rick Beato. But here’s the twist: we do
The Podcast Turns into EPIC "Internet Musician" Rant 😑
We’re into a harmony deep-dive in today’s episode that, towards the end of the epsiode, becomes somewhat of an “internet musician” deep rant. Thankfully I’m not 21 anymore, and I think we pose some important and positive questions before the episode is over. Get in the comments below the YouTube video to chime in with your thoughts. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgw
You’ve NEVER Played Bass Chords Like THIS Before!
Just a quick note to let you know that, besides today’s episode of the podcast dropping, we’re getting really close to being able to announce the London clinic with myself and Ian Martin Allison on June 1st.In today’s episode, I take a crack at sharing my latest harmonic curiosity: Neo-Riemannian Triadic Theory. It’s a bit of a mouthful for something that’s essentially just major and minor triads—
Bass Day Europe Cancelled!
A quick emergency episode of the podcast to let you know that Bass Day Europe has been cancelled a the last-minute, and that Ian Martin Allison and myself are going to try and do something in London together in its place.Comments on the video with suggestions are already pouring in which I really appreciate, but we can’t have too many ideas. So put your thinking caps on and let’s see what the best
The Ultimate Flight Case for Bass Pedalboards – Indestructible?
I've been looking for the perfect touring pedalboard case my entire career, and even though I think I've come pretty close with this latest setup, only time on the road over the next two weeks will tell. We start our tour here at home in LA for four nights, but once we leave for the airport it's 14 flights in 10 days. I'll be sure to report back on all the wins and losses for the board when the to
This Pedal Just Changed Everything
It's incredible what can be staring you in the face for so long, and you just can't see it no matter how hard you look. My discovery this week, of a function on a pedal I've owned for over 5 years, changed the way I'm able to play, to write, and to enjoy music. The pedalboard has now been cannibalized as a result, and is being totally rebuilt before touring starts next week. As a result, some peda
This Bass Just Arrived… and I Didn’t Order It?!
A bass arrived yesterday that I'm holding onto for a friend before I deliver it to him, and I get to share it with you on the channel while It's in my studio. It’s always interesting to see what other builders are doing, and what other people are playing. It’s definitely not my particular flavor, but still a fun and challenging exercise to play a strange instrument and try and sound like yourself
JHS Colorbox 10th Anniversary – The ULTIMATE Bass Weapon?
Today's episode of the podcast takes a quick look into the new "medium" stereo pedalboard build, a dive into the epic 10th anniversary version of the JHS Colorbox, and some lo-fi exploration with the Vibrato Coral from EQ Circuitos.More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Is This The Best Kept Secret In Bass Pedals?
As touring season approaches, another rig build is imminent. I've been working on some sounds and figuring out how I'm going to take this massive stereo image on tour with me for both playing live and recording. With tours in the US and Europe with Vital Information, solo clinics, bass days, and several large recording projects scattered around the world, compact and easy to carry is the name of t
The John Patitucci Interview
I recently hopped on a flight to Boston to meet up with my good friend and bass-hero John Patitucci. We went all the way down the rabbit hole on his entire discography as an artist, his new album Spirit Fall, and so many details of how his career was shaped by Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter, and how it is still taking on new shapes and forms to this day. Be sure to check out tour dates at his WEBSI
This is How I Train My Ears
Whilst sifting through old drives for B-Roll for another video I found this old overhead shot of me working on a Till Brönner transcription from a few years back. Obviously I don’t set up the camera and makes videos like this every time I transcribe something, but I do make a habit of transcribing on a regular basis. As my ear gets stronger, the material I’m transcribing tends to change. It’s quit
How to Update Your Practice Routine
In today's episode I dig into the Wayne Shorter composition Capricorn, take a look at new chord voicings, and explain my process for creating a new challenge in my practice routine. Since the recent video about the dozens of books that got stolen from my porch we've managed to re-stock, so there are 10-Minute Manuals, Scales and Arpeggios, and almost every other book we have in stock right now!Don
TWO New Basses Have Arrived!
As 2025 gets well and truly underway I have so many music-related things to be thankful for and excited about.My latest album, Mystery to Me - 20th Anniversary Edition, is now available for pre-order on vinyl. It’s the first album in 20 years of releasing music as an artist that I’m having pressed to vinyl, and I can’t wait to share it with you.Two beautiful new instruments have just arrived!One i
Dozens of Books Stolen From My House
In this week's episode we get into Winter NAMM 2025, new basses being delivered, huge interview guest announcement, and a crap load of bass books get stolen from my house.We’re also launching merch for the first time in many years. Shop the store for super-soft hoodies, T’s, Baseball shirts, caps, and much more!More soon!Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/sub
A $3,299 Octave Pedal?!?
I’m doing the full price breakdown of the new stereo pedalboard, and the number at the end of the episode is eye-watering. I’m always astonished at the kinds of prices people think they can get away with charging for gear, but as we run through the cost of each pedal on the new board, scouring Reverb.com for current prices, things get a little out of hand…More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek'
New Pedals, New Album, New Website!
I have some new pieces in the pedal library that are going into the new stereo setup. I’m actually most excited about the one pedal that makes no sound at all: The Walrus Audio Stereo Canvas. More on that in the episode!Could it be the solution to a Stereo/Mono all-in-one board that I’ve been looking for? If it is, that board might get even crazier with a stereo loop switcher in the end going out
Stereo Delay on BASS?!
I know that stereo anything is probably not front and center when you're leaving the house for a gig to play bass, but there is a use-case once in a while for delays and reverbs and they sound amazing in stereo!I'm digging the Del-Verb from UAFX, and will soon add the Golden Reverberator to the signal chain to see if I can get where I want to go with ambient soundscapes.Make sure you get in the co
The Secret To a GREAT Bass Tone
Bass tone isn't just in the fingers and the pedals... There's the key ingredient of who you work with, both live and in the studio, and how they capture your sound. In this week’s episode we take a deep dive into my journey as a recording artist and highlight some of the engineers and moments along the way that have helped shape my sound to where it is today.Make sure you take advantage of our fin
What Makes a Bass Boutique?
Boutique is an often misused term for our instrument, and in this episode I'm going to try and get to the bottom of what makes something "boutique" in the bass world, and shed some light on the process of choosing the right bass.As mentioned in the episode I have a couple of pedals available for sale at the website. It’s something I almost never do, and it’s rare for a pedal to be on its way out o
The New Bass | The Verdict is In!
Having played the new bass live and spent some time in the studio with it, the verdict is in! It's always interesting getting to know a new instrument and figure out where it sits in the lineup. I've found some cool use cases for it, and am getting more comfortable with the preamp and controls each day. There are minor details that need adjusting, but the prototype plays incredible well and pretty
I Got a New Bass 😮
The new bass from RKM is here. At least the first prototype is, and I’m really excited to be able to share it with you in this episode of the podcast. Check out the video on YouTube to get a close-up look at this beautiful instrument, and drop a comment below the video with your thoughts on 5-strings, high C tuning, double reversed P pickups, and all the other stuff we’ve included in this build th
Is Rick Beato Wrong? (I Hope So 😢)
It is now my quest, in the most respectful way possible of course, to prove Rick Beato wrong on one of his recent uploads about successful musical output occurring when an artist is in their 20's. I don't actually think Rick is wrong at all, I just hope that I can prove him wrong about me and still make music for the rest of my life that leaves my fulfilled by the process. Watch Rick's video here:
The Dark Truth Behind Gear Videos
Today’s episode isn’t all doom and gloom, although some aspects of our industry do get pretty dark at times. Especially when it comes to the transparency of companies, channels, and gear videos. I’m using an unlikely example to highlight where I’m at in the journey of creating these videos for YouTube, and as part of the episode will be doing a pretty tasty giveaway. Just make sure you leave a com
There's More Time Than You Think...
Time is something we can't buy any more of, and the better we manage it while we're here, the more productive, fulfilling, and happy a life we can lead as musicians. Just remember, always give the day more credit for the amount of time it offers.If you want to be one of the first people to own the new book "The Bassist's Book of Scales and Arpeggios", get your signed pre-sale copy now: Domestic Sh
Bass Octave pedal Shootout
I've been wanting to make this video for quite sometime, if only to satisfy my own curiosity and fill in some gaps in my memory of pedals I haven't used in a while. Welcome to a walk down the memory lane of bass octave pedals, where I started, how I started, what I use now, and why I even had all these pedals out on the desk in the first place. If you want to be one of the first people to own the
Synth Bass Pedals | A New Secret Weapon Everyone Should Try!
I was psyched to dust off a few pedals that have been with me for many years and put them in a signal chain with a pedal that, while not new to the market, is new to me. A friend of mine in Europe who is visiting soon ordered this to my house, so while I wait for him to pick it up I get to put the pedal through its paces and share the results with you. From Stevie Wonder to Nine Inch Nails, the Do
Feeling Insecure About Your Playing?
I think we all have a range of things on the emotional side of music that could benefit from a little TLC. This week's episode of the podcast takes a look at how I tackle a lack of confidence in my playing ahead of a really special gig. Check out the episode, get some ideas for your practice routine, and if you want to be one of the first people to own the new book "The Bassist's Book of Scales an
Is This Crazy?
When you think about it from sound quality alone there is no question that new bass on my first album from 2004, Mystery To Me, will enhance the listening experience in a lot of ways. The real question is: Do I have a moral obligation to leave it the way it is for the 20th anniversary re-mix/re-master edition we're putting out in a couple of months? Get in the comments wherever you’re watching or
Guitar Summit 2024
This week was quite the whirlwind trip to Germany for the 2024 Guitar Summit in Mannheim. I met some amazing people, was treated to a fantastic audience and set of questions at my clinic, and made some awesome new friends.Big announcement coming in a couple of days, so stay tuned for that!More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Episode 300! Mega Q&A To Celebrate
We somehow made it to 300 episodes of the podcast since 2006 or 2007. It's so long ago, I don't actually remember exactly when I hit upload on podbean for the first time. To celebrate, I answered as many questions you all submitted as I could, and it was awesome to hear from you and a challenge to think about the answers. Here's to 300 more! 🎊Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwi
Pedalboard Disaster
We get into the weeds on the latest pedalboard build, and talk about what a disaster these projects can start life as. I'm getting ready to go to Europe to give a clinic on pedals, so this board has a little bit more pressure on it as it'll be heavily scrutinized by the audience. If you end up watching this on YouTube, the video cut out a few minutes in and I didn't notice until about the 10 minut
Is It Possible To Be a Recording Artist in 2024?
I think the short answer to the question is yes! It's totally possible to be a recording artist, but the bigger question is how? As my debut album Mystery To Me turns 20 this year, I have a little bit of experience in this area to share, and today we get into exactly what it means to be a recording artist in 2024 and beyond.I’m very excited to have found the sessions from two decades ago and will
I Played ALL of Ian Martin Allison's HX Stomp Presets
I thought this would be one of the easiest Epsisodes/videos to make. Rock up to my computer, import Ian’s presets, play music, talk, done. The reality was actually quite different. There was real pressure to “get it right” for want of a better phrase. This was meant to be my take on the sounds, my opinion for whatever it’s worth, and just some fun seeing where the presets would take me. But shortl
I Was 30 Years TOO LATE On This...
It is both an amazing feeling to find something new in the learning process, and a kick in the gut when you realize you should have been doing it for 30 years already. I recently started exploring a new approach for learning music that seems to be working better than anything I've tried in the past, allowing me to add vocabulary to my language faster than before, and most importantly embed it deep
HX Stomp Presets Are Finally Here!
Bass players of the world, It is with great joy that I get to share my latest round of HX Stomp presets with you, and I cannot wait to hear what you do with them. With options for everything from film score to funk, there’s a little something for every player. The biggest challenge in putting them together was trying to take myself out of the equation and think about how people from all walks of
Can You Practice Less & Learn More?
Just in case you thought I’d come up with some formula that allows you to spend hardly any time with your instrument and become a monster player… I didn’t. By practicing less I mean practicing less ideas at any given time. There is still no substitute for time spent with the instrument, and as I explain what it is I’m working on in this episode, it might come as a surprise to you as to how basic s
Should We Play Bass in Stereo?
For pedal fans and signal chain nerds, mono vs stereo is going to come up once in a while and it's a tough call to make when you consider the incredible options available today to widen your sound. From reverbs and delays to all kinds of modulation and panning effects, there is an almost infinite library to draw inspiration from. The more real-life questions for gigging musicians are: * Do you rea
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