Choosing the right bass? (here's how a session player does it)
Музыка
So when I started out working as a pro bass player, I had zero idea of what kinda gear I should be turning up with at the studio for a pro session.
I was "winging it" as you might say ;)
Sometimes the producer would love the vibe of my bass, and sometimes not...
On one occasion (when I turned up with my fancy pants custom 5 string - looked awesome by the way) I was tracking the bass and the engineer simply pulled off a cheap P bass copy from the wall and handed me that to play...
I wasn't upset. Not one bit... it was actually an amazing experience and I learned something that's stuck with me for life.
But check it out...
If you're a top session bass player you can't just rock up to the studio with your P bass in tow and everything will be fine...
No. Way!
Here's where this lesson comes in...
I was lucky enough to get session legend, Sean Hurley (bassist for John Mayer, Annie Lennox, Robin Thicke, Ringo Star and heaps more) to come into the studio and spill the beans!
In this lesson you're going to learn:
- Exactly which basses he takes to every session (I think you'll be surprised at how prepared he is!)
- How chooses if he's going to use round wounds or flat wounds
- How he chooses whether to use a 5 string or a 4 string
- What's his 'go to' studio amp
- And heaps more
Quick side note: knowing this info earlier on in my career as a bass player would have been a game changer for me!
Seriously, from someone who's walked the path of learning this stuff by trial and error (me), this is golden info for any bassist, so grab it with both hands.
As always, see you in the shed...
Scott :)
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Пікірлер: 195
I wasn't the only one who thought this was gonna be about buying a bass, right?
@nicheronnie3860
5 жыл бұрын
DasPikachu lol same this is why i clicked
@beatrocka5
4 жыл бұрын
Naw, I didn't. Right what I was thinking!
Special guest was kitty! So cute!
Sean is my all time fav bass player. The chops he has is at the top and a great person to boot!
Michael League!
@devinebass
5 жыл бұрын
You got it :)
@haha-ju3pj
5 жыл бұрын
hype
@oldgittarist
4 жыл бұрын
@@haha-ju3pj Funny I thought it was David Ryan Harris playing a Squier through an old solid-state Fender amp who had the sound that made it!
4 minutes in and I already love this guy!
already know this is gonna be a great video !!!
Scott, there were so many ways to go with your music career. And this path of yours has created a space in which you just get to hang out with, and consume the knowledge of a who's who of fantastic bassists. Nice life, and I'm super stoked that it's working out for you! #notJealousAtAllReally
@devinebass
5 жыл бұрын
Ahhh cheers Brian! Yeah, feels good to be able to nerd out about all things bass 24/7 :)
I've played mostly fender p's and j's,and i recently bought a fender precision 5string to get both the sound that fits into the mix and the extra low-end i need!!!! Best decision I've ever made!!!
“I don’t lie tuning down so I’ll bring a separate 5 string bass.” I totally respect that.
Well, Marcus Miller worked as a session bassist for over 25 years, so according to him the go to bass that every studio had back in day was the Fender Jazz Bass. The Jazz best is the most versatile bass according to him.
@shepherd8203
2 жыл бұрын
Correct but he plays a different style, mainly Jazz plus slapping. P bass not the best for that.
@profile2047
Жыл бұрын
Yep. It all depends. Regardless of what anyone says. Things come, go, change, nothing absolute it seems.
Great tips! Thanks Scott
The special guest was the cat, man. What a star!
Suppa cool vid! Thanx a lot Scott and cheers from Brazil 🇧🇷
These tips are applicable to any professional setting not only bass playing
Great Video , thanks Scott!
Shawn on Hofner!!! 😊 gotta see him use it. Totally awesome!
Loved this very helpful
Mike just came out of nowhere! Mind = Blown
The song at the end is so cool. PLEASE upload it in its entire length!!! Or tell me where to buy the recorded version.
@clearision
5 жыл бұрын
david ryan harris - yesterday shutting down
Thanks Scott.
Loved it!
mike's "yes" killed me at the end XD
Choose the bass that has good playability, all of its strings in good shape irrespective of how many there are, (for me personally, it's five or six ) a charged battery if applicable, and no mechanical shorts, pops, or buzzes, when you start the groove. Then get down there with it man! Since I have never been a session or professional recording bassist, I've gotten by pretty well over the forty years or so that I have enjoyed playing the electric bass, by following these simple, rather unassuming guidelines. 😁
Michael is a beast...snarky puppy rocks!!..
I love P Basses. But if I meet with new people, session whatever I choose my sadowsky 4 string with P/J Pickups. Active, passive P or J bass - that's all no problem and sounds authentic Has the cat become your friend? I do really like that... Thank you very, very much for your videos - gives us all an new approach or impuls for the bass ..
About damn time you got the League on!
I always had to pick something to correspomd to a certain job, until I bought my Dingwall! It has 3 P-style sounding humbuckers that make this bass so very versitile. When I record, I just need one bass and it works for everything 👍
I would love to by that same mute kit for my Fender bass!
Great video Scott
@EomerPaulStaMaria
5 жыл бұрын
I commented before i watch the vid hahahahah
Thx for this
What do you guys think about PJ basses? Im really starting to dig them and it has all the benefits of the normal pbasses
If you have the time to experiment, on a session (which I know it might not always be the case) you can actually come up with some interesting stuff. I remember I once heavily detuned a regular 4-string even I had NO notes below the low E. I could have played everything in regular tuning. But the cavernous sound of floppy strings (struck with some heavy picking, too) was EXACTLY what the song needed. But I know that most of the times you have to be ready and FAST, so being able to toy around with tunings, setups and weird stuff is not gonna happen very often.
awesome
My mouth literally went like :-O at the end
I think a jazz bass with a maple neck is the most versatile bass out there for the home musician composing in logic pro. I have owned several p basses and do not think they are all that great if you are after modern tone or just soloing and patterning out a tune. I like the range you can get from a good jazz.
@kurtownsj00
5 жыл бұрын
That was my very first bass! A kind fellow sold it to me for very cheap to get me started, I later found out it was made in '94, and I liked everything about it except for the weight...but I was in highschool then, so it'd probably be fine now. :D
@Deep42Thought
5 жыл бұрын
look he plays pop and country! do you play pop and country? ) in studio to earn money?
5 жыл бұрын
I agree my a) bass is a jb maple and b) a pbass with flats, c) 5 string bass.
@contrastprinciple4389
5 жыл бұрын
@@Deep42Thought Not at all, but I do have a lot of respect for people that eat off of their instruments. They have true soul in the game. I am strictly a garage musician and abide by the bb king creed, "Play what you like." For my limited skill, the jazz bass really suits me for what tones I can accomplish. I have also found that the gibson firebird is a great guitar to pick up if you already have or like jazz bass.
Looks like I need more basses!!! Also Scott, I've been practicing fast parts lately (Panic Attack by Dream Theater, also using working on 3 fingers for plucking) but I'm having issues with gaining speed in the pre-guitar solo/guitar solo bass line. I have noticed that playing softer with my right hand increases the accuracy and speed a ton. Any tips on working on light(er) finger picking for us dig-monsters out there?
Where could i get that bridge muter? Cant find it on amazon
What bass is that 5 string one?
Hey Scott, glad to see that you could exchange the necks of your pBasses... No trouble ajusting? Cheers
neck H, bridge H, 3way coil split switch x2. This combination can use all variations.
Micheal League?? Please tell me that you are going to do a lesson with him pleeeease! by the way very interesting video, I've got some useful tips.
I wish my bass wasn't broken, I would have signed up a long time ago if it wasn't. These videos are fantastic either way and I'll keep torturing myself and watching them lol.
That kitty needs some love.
I am old and have played a long time, and I used to play professionally. Plus, I went to a conservatory, for whatever all of that is worth (not a lot, probably, I am a computer engineer now lol) and here is my list for buying basses in a music shop: * Play the same shit on all of the basses, and make sure you play all over the neck [0]. * Play the bass with the volume off or no amp, see how it sounds and resonates acoustically * If the store is too loud for that (which is a bad scenario to buy gear), then feel the bass vibrating instead or put your ear against it * Make sure the amp is basically flat (eq in the middle, no effects, etc) * Don't try to compare dissimilar things like the feel of playing a bass with flats to one with roundwounds, etc. [0] Don't play to impress the store, if you are looking to buy a bass, see how low, long notes sound, see how high, short notes sound, muted notes, chords, slapping, tapping, etc... Open strings, etc. Listen and feel. Ask yourself: Does it feel good to play it? Does it sound good? Do you feel inspired to play things or write basslines, does it make you feel creative? Does it look cool and make you feel something? If it's old/vintage or used: Does the truss rod turn freely both ways? how much fret life is left? whats original and whats not? Did anyone modify the instrument or route into the wood?
I would love to see Stefan Lessard from the Dave Matthews Band on here.
What is the white relic-ed bass you're holding at the end of the video? I can't quite read the headstock
Would've been nice if y'all broke down exactly what each vibe is vs the equivalent bass. The 5-string on standby makes sense, though. I doubt I'll ever be a session musician, but still would like to add one and possibly a tenor tuned 5-string as well over a 6-string.
WHEN IN PINO COMING TO THE SBL STUDIO!?!?
@alisterfolson
5 жыл бұрын
IKR?
it's Michael League from Snarky Puppy. Anybody going to the Ground Up festival in Miami?
@contrastprinciple4389
5 жыл бұрын
Loves me some snarky puppy, did not know, thanks for the post.
I would say, if one could afford it, take a Wal. They are very versatile. I’ve heard Wals used in a plethora of genres. But, if you are a poor musician, forget it. 😂 For me, as a guitarist, I have multiple guitars all that produce different tones. (Jackson for metal, Gibson for that full, round sound, Telecaster for a twangy/glassy sound, Yamaha SA50 for that hollow-body sound). If I were going to audition, I would take the guitar that produces tones appropriate for the genre of a band/artist.
I love the cat tail...... :)
Michael league is in the house 🤘
@devinebass
5 жыл бұрын
Ha - he certainly is ;)
The best bass for a session is the bass that you feel that’s the best for it
The calico cat 🐱!!
What bridge is that on his bass?
Guys, I remember Scott had a video several years ago, where he showed us how to play "The Way" by Meshell Ndegeocello. It was a video lesson for a slap bass. Now I can't find it anywhere on his channel and I just completely forgot how this video was called. Maybe there's someone who know what I am talking about and could provide a link? Would appreciate it very much!
how is the p-bass of doom now a molloon?
@devinebass
5 жыл бұрын
Ha - didn't think anyone would notice... just trying some stuff out. I'll make a vid about it soon ;)
@ludovicdhonow3398
5 жыл бұрын
@@devinebass hi dear.. Can i have any link where do you buy your gloves please? Kimd regards and thanks
@Jamvan3k
5 жыл бұрын
@@devinebass But, but, the painted headstock?!?!?
@muffntheB
5 жыл бұрын
lol, i was staring at the head stock the whole time, i new something wasn't rite, didn't click till i read your comment
Can someone explain what pickup looking thing off to the side of the strings near the base of the neck is? I've seen those on a bunch of basses, and I'm curious what they're used for.
@rodshop5897
5 жыл бұрын
If you mean on Sean's bass, I think you're spotting the black "tug bar" on the treble side near where the neck is bolted on. It looks like a mini Jazz pickup turned sideways next to the strings. It's just a block of black plastic screwed down to give an anchor point for the fingers of players when they play using a thumb-pluck style. Sting tended to use that style of plucking a lot. If that's not what you mean, then I guess I'm not sure what you're seeing.
@bignerd1323
5 жыл бұрын
@@rodshop5897 that's exactly what I was asking about. Thank you!
Ssnarkp puppy session will be awesome
what kind of bridge is on Sean's P bass?
@bertbregdenz2756
5 жыл бұрын
muting system included ℹ kind regards from berlin 👋
What tune are they playing?
Mmmm that killer groovy line in a little jam with friends. What's better than that?
Holy Shnikeez!!!
Scott, my mentor told me to sell eight of my ten basses and concentrate on the feel of my core instruments so that my hands and mind would learn to flow consistently with my tools. Advice for you?
@SandorGonzalez
4 жыл бұрын
I heard Marcus Miller saying the same while on stage with Michael League. Look the video up here on KZread
Edward Norton plays very well
👍😎
Need a video with League ASAP
Yeah it suck. experienced it too, when i tune down the E string.
can someone please tell me what those little black things on p-basses below the first string is??
@andywlasniewski6810
5 жыл бұрын
Finger/Thumb rest
cat - most appreciated
Omfg Mike!
Are those P basses passive
I want to know what that MUTE is that Sean Hurley has installed on that P bass. I could use one of those!...
A mollon neck on Fender P bass of doom?
Nice to have 5 bass ready in a car, but if you have to take subway I take a small Ukulele bass..
Michael League from Snarky Puppy......... OMG!!!
7:05 I did, but I would also super enjoy it if you would pet that cat
Tabby cat guest star!
Another great video, Scott. Nice interview. This is great insight if you are a pro session player... But I'd imagine most of us on here are not. So for someone who's going to play in bars for years, record albums that sell less than 1000 copies and have a day job... Then driving a car full of different basses around for every situation is not an option! And to be fair, pretty much no one other than the extreme of nerdy musicians are going to care if a great song has flat wound strings or is played on a jazz or precision. Unless you are a clinical, pro session player with a wardrobe full of black shirts and old backstage passes... What bass you play doesn't matter, as long as you play it. Just an alternative opinion, that's all.
@rodshop5897
5 жыл бұрын
Shaky, I think you have hit on a truth. If you enjoy what you play, and are having fun, then just keep smiling! From what I've seen, I think Scott agrees.
@squirelova1815
Жыл бұрын
In other words, just get a bloody P Bass and be done with it. For me anyway.
1:39 is that the special guest by your door?
Hi Guys, If you are anything like me and prefer the low notes try tuning the 4 string bass like a 5 string and let go of the G string. No pun intended. I have two basses and have done exactly that. If the tune calls for the higher notes then I shoot for the 5 string. The tendency for the G string to get in the way when not needed is more enormous than the B string for my sloppy technique style of playing. Busted up left hand/fingers.
@gilbertspader7974
5 жыл бұрын
And you don't have to buy another bass. With its more expensive strings. And its own set of tuning problems.
At 748 the cat also showed up
Mike!!!!!!!!
That cat though....
Jazz basses are versatile sure, but a good P-bass will just effortlessly sit well in most mixes.
I spotted the kitty, was that the surprise?
Is the special guest The Gnome outside your front door
Michael Leage!
I wanna know what that song is. That shit is HOT!
I put a Like for the cat at the end of the video. She likes you...
Snarky puppy!!
What if you own only one Bass guitar? 🤔
@SanNjig
5 жыл бұрын
Make sure it is a pbass
@ilpatongi
5 жыл бұрын
SanDanV Basically
@BlackRootsUNLIMITED
5 жыл бұрын
@@SanNjig so no work for we who have no P Bass 😅 Let me try make my Status Graphite sound like one 😉😉
@NamikazeKyuuga
5 жыл бұрын
@@BlackRootsUNLIMITED No man, don't listen to these types of advice. Every bass can rock it, you don't need a specific type of bass unless you're a top tier professional who does music for OTHERS as a living. If you're learning or even if you have your own band, play whatever the hell you want, just make sure it's comfortable in your hands.
@BlackRootsUNLIMITED
5 жыл бұрын
@@NamikazeKyuuga Word! ✊🏿
P Bass for the Win again.
@devinebass
Жыл бұрын
🧡🧡🧡
Is Michael going to join u in a video soon?
my squier vintage modified jaguar(which i put seymour duncan quarter pounds in) is so versatile.... unfortunately i haven't had a chance to do sessions and record with it but i feel it sits really well in a variety of styles that i seldom need another bass.
I thought it was going to be George, but it was a different Puppy.
Bring Micheal league back !
Paul mccartney + chandler bing
I love how he is rocking the Joe Dart head bob!
Ask Herbie Flowers!