Bass ICON for a NEW Generation? The Charles Berthoud Interview (The SBL Podcast Ep. 140)
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Charles Berthoud’s KZread 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 today’s video we sit down with Charles and dive deep into some of his favorite videos, his approach to Victor Wooten’s Classical Thump, and the hidden genius of Cliff Burton.
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Video Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - Tapping Techniques
03:24 - Slapping Techniques
05:08 - Transitioning to Double Thumbing
07:04 - Demonstration of Double Thumbing
09:11 - Classical Thump Technique
10:16 - Mechanics of Double Thumbing
12:37 - Playing with a Pick
14:04 - The Influence of Classical and Jazz Music
15:06 - Parody and Comedy in Music
16:26 - Creating Content on KZread
22:18 - Intonation on Fretless Bass
26:26 - Signature Bass with Schecter
32:49 - Versatility of the Signature Bass
37:37 - Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges
41:58 - Time and Effort in Creating KZread Content
45:42 - Future Live Performances
48:38 - Supporting Charles Berthoud
49:35 - Influence and Inspiration
50:02 - Summary
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CREDITS
Videographer with Charles Berthoud: Kevin Greene
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Пікірлер: 563
Thanks so much for having me! This was a really fun interview 🙌🏻
@jenserjenson4407
3 ай бұрын
thanks for your awesome and inspiring content!
@MauricioLJ
3 ай бұрын
Congratulations Charles, you're such an amazing musician!
@P1kaSans
3 ай бұрын
you rock charles!!🤘❤️
@IanMartinAllison
3 ай бұрын
Charles thanks a million for your energy, enthusiasm and inspiring all of us in the bass community. You’re the best!
@NyxTheScary
3 ай бұрын
You and Evan Brewer showed me that Bass Guitar can do just as much if not more cool stuff than guitarist
One thing that i love from Charles.....he's not just "spitting notes" to show off the technique, he is VERY musical. he puts every note in the right place. It's so fun to see and to hear.
@shookmusic3277
3 ай бұрын
Deliberate
@danepaulstewart8464
3 ай бұрын
EXACTLY!! 👍👍
@actualturtle2421
3 ай бұрын
Yessss he's the only "shred" guy who actually makes me feel something. It's all very singable or it's locked into such a strong groove that it feels like a burst of emotion rather than showing off.
@Marta1Buck
3 ай бұрын
is it arrangement? or composition? I'm not sure what both means but I saw people comment a lot about those when it comes to him.
@Jasonradiation999
2 ай бұрын
@@Marta1Buckarrangements are in compositions!
I’ve known about Charles since he was known as “The Pro” on Davie’s channel. I was just blown away, even then.
@kerrytyk111
3 ай бұрын
Me too
@LonesomeTwin
2 ай бұрын
You and *everybody* else. I was hoping for a couple of remarks on the Davie504 factor.
@danielwitham1791
2 ай бұрын
Yep, same here. The fiver pro 👍
@guascamsb8138
2 ай бұрын
Yeah I was hoping for a question about Davie's influence in Charles' popularity, especially on KZread. Charles was definitely a very accomplished musician before that, but nobody can deny that moment had some impact.
@ckmoore101
2 ай бұрын
I wonder how long it took Davie, to realize Charles was way, way (WAY) out of his league?
Charles is an absolute gentlemen in every sense of the word. Prolific, honest, articulate, funny. Truly an inspiration, both as a person and as a musician.
@devinebass
3 ай бұрын
Absolutely!
@Cloxxki
2 ай бұрын
He makes other musicians seem mid and rude. What an example he sets.
@ginisshit
2 ай бұрын
Perhaps even too perfect as a human being...
@juanwaffle1
2 ай бұрын
Not to mention, a much better looking version of Ed Sheeran.
@jerbear7952
Ай бұрын
I feel like we are watching the guy who is going to finally show us how good a bassist can actually get. He has so much time sti
Stumbled on Charles after he showed up as "Professional" on one of Davey's videos years ago. Been awesome watching him grow by leaps and bounds!
@khaiuschill310
2 ай бұрын
You and many others !!!
I’m 50. And he is an icon for me too.
@PatNetherlander
3 ай бұрын
56 here…
@IJMONTEIRO
3 ай бұрын
52
@gerdbb
2 ай бұрын
Anyone older than 68??? I can tell you, it never stops, finding new inspiration every day! Feel like I'm so blessed living in these times, having watched all this evolution over the years since the 60s.. For me, Charles is certainly one of those who creams the cake! Can't thank you enough Ian and SBL (lifetime member! ;-) for this interview, made my day!!
@EvilSean62
2 ай бұрын
not that this is a competition ... 61 ... but the important thing ... i had to choose between re aquiring my rick and getting something to move me forward ( my wife is all ... forward ? ) ...i really miss my rick ... but i went for a nice ibanez BTB605MS CEM after getting some weird nasty shit in place of the headless i ordered ...!!! so the MS is multi scale ... took me a second ... but then watching this dude ... and the meat ... watching charles ...wow !!!!!!!! he has kept me awake
The best reaction ever from Charles playing was from Davie504 when he was challenging himself to play impossible basslines. Suddenly this guy, the pro, came along and did his thing, Davie basically gasped in awe. It was so funny. He was able to play everything until Charles showed up lol
@zimgaming1397
Ай бұрын
Haha it feels like Charles is a last boss in the game
So many bassists don't realize how freakin' great Charles really is. Good to see SBL highlighting it!
And let's hear it for Ian being one of the best damn interviewers ever.
@SamRoads
2 ай бұрын
Ian's S-tier. Intelligent, funny and focusing on whatever will teach the audience the most.
@AlfimAlves
2 ай бұрын
He glazes Charles way too much, pretty sure Charles is sick of the compliments at this point 😊
@AdamMaddock
Ай бұрын
His encouraging enthusiasm is contagious!
Charles is one of the reasons I now practice my bass every day, amazing player!
@devinebass
3 ай бұрын
🧡🧡🧡
@sigristclan
2 ай бұрын
Same with me @ 55
I stood front and center at a Victor Wooten concert about an arm’s distance from him at times and he made a wrong note. To your point about confidence….he had a funny look on his face and when he came around to that portion of the phrase, he purposely repeated the wrong note again and had some fun with it. I think half the crowd didn’t even know it was a wrong note. So smooth! Great interview and content! Charles is such an amazing player!!! Love his videos!👍
@brianschoner3350
3 ай бұрын
There's an old quote (I heard it attributed to Clapton, but who knows where it originated): "If you hit a wrong note, do it again; then it's no longer a mistake, it's a riff."
@erikmeyer5054
2 ай бұрын
I study classical music but there are also a lot of Jazz musicians at my university. One of them them lately told me: the only difference between a "right" note and a "wrong" note is the confidence you play it with
I’ve been watching Charles since his Fiver gig for Davie. This kid is legitimately the best bass player I’ve ever heard.
I played classical guitar for two years in an academy right until the pandemic hit, and forgot about it. Two years later i discovered Charles and got inspired to pick up the bass; I've fallen in love with it, with the music sphere, I've found my passion.Started a band with one of my friends and performed in our highschool graduation, now we have plenty of gigs booked up, and i think i owe it to Charles. He probably will never know of me, but it was thanks to him, that i feel like I've become me.
in the beginning when Charles said you almost get worse before you get better is completely true, not just for music but anytime you're trying to overcome an obstacle or learn something new.
Charles has to be one of the most intelligent bass players out there. He has a unique way of explaining music to the average layman. Such a great talent...
Quickest click of my life
Dude is a stud. His honesty, humility, and transparency in this interview inspires and encourages. Great job on the interview Ian, your vibe is infectious as well, keep it up!
Charles is such a fantastic bassist and yet an absolute professional and humble bloke. Brilliant !
Charles & Ian, my two favorite bassists together!
I was so glad to hear Charles echoing my own views on "Talent". It is such a flippant word that throws away the tens of thousands of hours of hard work and dedications that people put into their craft. Talent will let you skip a few steps early on, but only blood sweat and tears will get you as good as Charles. Also .. is charles morphing into Conan Obrien?
Now the stars have aligned! C.B. & SBL on the same screen. Thank BOTH of you!
what a great interview! Both bass players are just talking in real time as normal people. Thank you both!
In my own analysis of double thumbing, I found that there are two extreme variations whose differences are best represented between Victor Wooten and Alain Caron. With VW, his mechanics uses the thumb like a plectrum so that the motion that results in plucking the string is one that alternately travels up and down through the string in a plane that is parallel to the strings, the fulcrum primarily being the elbow. What we often see from guitar players using a plectrum and alternate picking is very similar to what we see from VW. AC on the other hand moves at an oblique angle that looks more like a motion of the thumb moving in towards the fingerboard thru the string as the downstroke to rest on the fingerboard, then popping out from resting on the fingerboard and plucking thru the string, which alternating motions is accomplished more by pivoting the forearm and wrist as opposed to rocking the forearm up and down pivoting over the elbow fulcrum. I find the AC variation not only easier to do, but much better produces the slap/pop articulation sound I want out of a double thumbing than the VW. Even though I'm fluent with a plectrum from playing guitar, I felt that the alternating in/out AC variation was more natural for me than the alternating up/down VW one in double thumbing.
RIP Winston.
The more I meet Famous bassists, and Bass players at the top of their craft, the more I see a correlation between humility and who they are. They ooze the personalities of those who have been working at their crafts and know what it took to get there. They have no need to be arrogant or proud, they are just really lovely human beings. I find the team at SBL gives me a laugh late at night when I'm on my Ipad listening to their podcasts and KZread Videos. The fact they have a whole bunch of humble Bass tutors and Bass aficionados says it all. Great interview with Charles. Thankyou all. As a heads up for some more interesting ideas, why not get the lowdown from a few Living Luthiers and how they got to be where they are. they have supplied bases for so many people we love in the bass fraternity. What does it take to become a world class luthier. For Example Check out Roger Sadowsky a living legend, F basses, Schecter, Status, Ken Smith ..... You know the deal. Keep the groove as Victor Wooten said to me once in Perth Western Australia.
Charles is a absolute legend , i stumbled onto him 4-5 years ago and am so glad he is now recieving the recognition he deserves . Is he one of the best in the world? I believe so
Two of my favorite Bassist in one video. Great session.
Charles is amazing
@devinebass
3 ай бұрын
💯💯💯
YES! I have been waiting for and requesting this interview! Thanks SBL and Charles.
Charles is amazing. Period. And a nice guy too. Very humble very smart. I'm a 41 yr old nine year bassist and former drummer. Charles has taught me more than anyone. Thanks Charles.
I don't know Jack about setting up lighting for a video but i love how the lighting in both areas make me feel like I'm relaxing in a pool at night 🚣
Very informative and engaging. The questions you ask really help people learn. And of course he’s just so skilled (as both of you are). Thank you very much for this!
@devinebass
3 ай бұрын
Glad to hear you enjoyed the interview!!
Some human beings are awesome. Charles is one of those. ❤️
@devinebass
3 ай бұрын
🧡🧡🧡
Loved seeing this interview! Have been following Charles for roughly 2 years, and learning under him through his Patreon content, and found Scott’s bass lessons shortly after. Two amazing channels doing gods work to help bassists of the world to progress, learn and spread the positive vibrations these amazing instruments provide to the rest of the world. Thank you Charles, and thank you Scott and Ian, both of your channels pave the road for us to follow
My favourite episode to date. Ian, Scott and Charles make me keep picking up my bass. Great stuff!
What an awesome interview! The three of you have such a positive and “this is my life’s work and it makes me happy every day” vibe. Ian, you’re just such an amazing human. Thanks for another glimpse into what is possible and what makes players want to take something in our heads into the world. Well done!
Thank you for the interview. It is really motivational. ❤
This was a great episode. Thank you all for such great content. Love this bass community. Sending bass love and peace y’all. ❤️✌️
Wonderful interview! I love your questions and your listening! And Charles comes across as a really honest, humble, and gentle fellow. ❤
When are you doing an interview with Nate Navarro? He is amazing as well.
@Boethius4748
2 ай бұрын
I second that! Nate needs to be here as soon as possible!
What a lovely guy Charles is! Frighteningly good, but so humble with it. Really enjoyed that 🙂
First interview I've seen of Charles, been following him since he started on youtube, so inspirational
Charles deserves to be here. Absolutely one of the best!
I had forgotten about him for a while but I'm totally glad you popped up and I love this guy
Charles, you can count one more that you have just very strongly inspired, playing music for some time now, hats off to you, man for such good vibes, content, technique, ideas and overall creativity, you Sir are easily the icon of the new generation of bass
Feeling like playing has to get worse to get better. That's me after 30 years of on and off self-teaching of guitar I've finally sat down and am working through beginner fundamentals. It's painful to unlearn bad habits and it makes me feel like I'm going backward, but there are already areas where I see myself getting better than I was at my peak before.
Proud to live at the same time peroid with such an excellent bassist! Charles inspires me with his technique and musicality and makes me passoinate about playing bass myself ^^ thank you for the interview!
Awesome!! Love this interview, Charles is a beast!!
At 2:19 Such a beautiful tone...like seriously
Great questions, Ian Fantastic interview all the way around! Thank you.
That was one of the best interviews on any topic I have ever watched!! ACE!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for bringing the best bassplayer of the world tô this interview. Charles is the guy
Thanks one & all for a great interview, insights from Charles much appreciated !
@devinebass
2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Thank you Scott and Charles!🙏🏼
One of the best episodes on this channel. Thank you!
@devinebass
2 ай бұрын
Cheers!
I was born in '78. I listened to the big names without any idea of the actual techniques or how to obtain those sounds. I had the chance to have teachers but that did not help much in developing my skills and eventually grew up as a self-taught bassist with no clear direction for improvement. A couple of decades later, the incredible magic of KZread happened with so many wonderful contents such as those from Charles (actually I had discovered Davie504 first :) ) and SBL. At about 40 yo, all of this gifted me with the inspiration to start studying again thinking "Hey! This stuff can be actually done!". As far as my available time allows now (family, job) it's abt 8 years I started again developing my musical skills again with decent result, probably insufficient sleep hours and, most of all, the continuous challenge in doing better and better. Thanks to you and to all of the creators out there sharing their passion and inspiring others with positive and constructive contents, you do make the world a better place!💙
I got lucky to catch onto Charles right as he put his first solo project out. I remeber getting a notification of him playing it live standing in front of just a blank white back drop (paper or sheet i cant remember). The feed got only a handful of comments. Now look at the guy. What an incredible journey its been, and I'm very lucky and blessed to have watched it. Just an amazing talented hard working musician pushing the bass to new boundaries.
Charles is amazing and it feels so good to watch him play so amazingly 👏🏽 👍🏽
What a great interview, Thanks SBL!
@devinebass
3 ай бұрын
Glad you dig it!
I’m glad to hear you guys say that learning double thump hurts at first. Everytime I tried to teach myself, I gave up because… screw that! I’m averse to physical pain! I always assumed I was doing something wrong.
Another great interview ! Thanks a lot for your job.
An excellently managed interview at all levels.
He's a great player. And a great youtuber. Never not blown away!
GenXer here and Charles is in my top 5 of favorite bass players ever. His channel is so fun to watch and try to learn from.
Love his playing so much. Seeing him for the first time on Davie's channel inspired me to pick up my bass again after many years of not playing.
Perfect questions Ian Thank you so much🙏
I absolutely love Charles comment about the teacher at Berkley. Same thing is happening to me now via the teacher SBL paired me with for the Blueprint program. I only wish I'd run across someone like that 30 years ago! Better late than never though.
@alexkidd4144
3 ай бұрын
How much does the blueprint cost? I know it’s admission only, but the cost seems to be elusive on the website.
@tp63us
3 ай бұрын
This is one of the great advantages of the internet. Finding a teacher perfect for you, maybe half a world away.
@zimgaming1397
Ай бұрын
RIP Professor Bassist Grant Stinnet from Berklee University who taught Charles
Charles is amazing. I don't understand how someone can achieve that level having only played for 8 years. Fully dedicated to everything bass is the only way I can think, and tons and tons of hours. Mind blowing.
Charles inspired me to pick up the bass 4 years ago. I love this instrument and play every day. Thanks to SBL too for helping me learn.
thanks for this really inspiring moment.
A great listen! 👌🏻
What a great interview. Incredible bass playing. "High risk intonation moves".....love it :-)
Great interview! Thank you!
Thanks everyone for sharing! Ive been persuing this technique but its just so counter intuitive to the slap and pluck system Ive adopted! Ill never give up!
Great Interview. Love @CharlesBerthoud watch a lot of his videos.
I wish I didn't waste the better part of 25 years as heroin addict going in and out of prison. The last 8 years that I've been sober and playing again my playing has gone through the roof through both Charles and you guys. We played our 1st show about a month ago and the reception i got was amazing about style and the sound I use
Fantastic post!!!!
Charles’ playing is so much fun to listen to and watch… he’s magical, like a unicorn!
Re the pain... as a pretty mediocre bass player, who is nearing 70, the cartilage at the bottom thumb joint in both my hands is pretty much shot. And I am facing the proposition of not being able to play any more. Dammit. Ageing is no fun! Enjoy it while you can, folks!
Love Charles’ stuff. He has a lot of good things for his Patreon subscribers too and his new Bass Camp instruction channel. Can’t believe Ian hadn’t heard of the Omnific. I’d love to see those guys interviewed too.
Such a great interview. so good thanks!
@devinebass
2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
PERFECT INTERVIEW!!
About time 👊👊👊
Dear Mr. Berthoud, you are the 25th wonder of the world my friend! You bring much joy to this world.
Nice one :) I'm not THAT much into Charles' content, but I definitely appreciate the chops and the hard work that he puts in. Good to see what a chill dude he actually is. And yes, that CB-4 is tempting. Great job, everyone, really enjoyed this (also totally here for Sharon's laugh). And since Charles mentioned them, maybe you can get Matt and/or Toby from The Omnific on the Podcast someday (the more different english accents the better)? That would be great.
Don't worry about what I'll think. I love your playing, composition, and entertainment. Thank you for your dedication and effort.
the smoothness and clean tones
Thanks Charles! I've been transitioning from thumb down to thumb up on slap and it sounds horrible. I'm glad to know that others have gone through the same struggle when making that transition.
Great interview, Charles is a paragon of bass!
Since I found Charles my life felt more "in order" , like... Victor , Marcus, Stanley (and a huge never ending etc of many many great incredible performers in no particular order) all felt like they belonged to another generation. We were missing the spot Charles is occupying... speaking for the current status of the electric bass in music and of course as a solo instrument. Loved the instrument, you , and specially Charles. We need to have examples like Charles of how dedication, effort and talent can produce such awesome sounds and experiences !
@andypammenter8528
3 ай бұрын
When CB says "I'm not that proficient" with any technique I suspect that he is playing at a level most mortals can only aspire to 😂
This is a good interview. Thanks guys.
@devinebass
2 ай бұрын
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it!
What a brilliant interview. Both interviewer and interviewee
Incredibly skilled, incredibly musical and very humble and nice!
What an interview! Top tier music content!
@devinebass
Ай бұрын
🧡🧡🧡
This was awesome!
Great influencer, great teacher, great person, great icon. Bass!
I've been playing bass for 58 years, I've never seen a bass player with so much musicality. And feeling and technique. 🙏
my two favorite bass channel!
Fantastic interview. RIP Winston!
Great interview Charlie is awesome hopefully I’ll get to see him live here in the LA area