3 Steps to Killer Bass Fills (for Beginners)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz.com/fills
Creating bass fills doesn’t have to be that hard - here’s a simple 3 step process you can use without mega chops or theory skills.
Extended Jam Tracks:
Major - soundcloud.com/bass_buzz/beginner-bass-fills-major-playalong
Minor - soundcloud.com/bass_buzz/beginner-bass-fills-minor-playalong
Step 1 is to pick a rhythm. Because even if the notes in your fill are garbage, if you really sell the rhythm, it’ll still kinda work. I’ll explain where fills usually go in a song, how long they can last, and how to come up with a rhythm to fill the space.
Also Phil Collins will appear randomly. Be warned.
Step 2 is to pick a shape. Bass shapes are the simplest way to pick notes for a fill or bass line, so we’ll walk through 3 different shapes you can use on different types of chords.
I explain bass shapes fully in this video if you want to dig in more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onKwg6SCg9Rpr80
Step 3 is to stick the rhythm and the shape together. I’ll show you how to do that, and we’ll try a bunch of different fills together, so by the end of the video you’re ready to create your own bass fills, no problem.
Pretty awesome, right? Click here to subscribe so you don’t miss more awesomeness: yeah.bassbuzz.com/subscribe
#beginnerbasslessons #bassfills #bassPhils

[@BassBuzz]

What’s your favorite bass fill of all time? 🎸 Timestamps for this lesson: 0:31 - Pick A Rhythm 1:58 - Rhythm Demo 3:07 - Pick A Shape 3:30 - Root Fifth Octave 5:24 - Major Triangle Shape 6:06 - Minor Triangle Shape 6:49 - Root Fifth Octave Play-along 8:40 - Major Play-along 9:19 - Minor Play-along

[@romanlopina5120]

Can you do a part 2 of some of those more complicated fills? Loved the video but want to get more in depth.

[@Lakshdeepsinha]

Some Phil Lesh breakdowns?

[@GrungeGarden]

The one in Liar by Queen by John Deacon!

[@MrPunkrockkid69]

Probably RHCP - Around the World

[@hannahwalker7221]

BassBuzz “Killing Floor” blues style

[@swagman2861]

Weird notes with good rhythm is basically jazz

[@seans.youtube]

... I hear Jaco ;)

[@birdmin3281]

nah nah, good notes with good rythm my man

[@harry_mair]

Is it bad that I thought that was the best fill

[@cookie0329]

Some of it sounded like Snarky Puppy

[@ConnorR.mp3]

i just hear prog metal

[@maks886]

Problems for beginner bass players: exist BassBuzz: SHAPES

[@TheHeck69]

I like shapes but idk. Idk the notes. I have no clue what he means when he says ok kids go on the b note then your going to go onto the f and then c#. If he said ok go from the 4th fret on the A string to the 7th fret on the d string to the 5th fret on the e string.

[@F.Castle]

@@TheHeck69 He has a video about the money notes, that could help you out.

[@danielangulo3720]

@@TheHeck69 The sooner you learn the notes on the fretboard, the better. Little by little it becomes innate and you don't have to think about it.

[@TheHeck69]

@@F.Castle oh yush. I shall check it out.

[@TheHeck69]

@Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication okie dokie. Much appreciated

[@etyramone2000]

Your channel is definitely very useful, with a great sense of humor but before anything, I really love how you explain all with clear and easy to understand schematics. Thank you for that, never change a thing

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Ety!

[@etyramone2000]

@@BassBuzz My pleasure ! I know music isn't about reading but for visual learners like me, that makes a HUGE difference. 🙏

[@fernisplant]

I vibe with Noob Josh. The homies love Noob Josh.

[@leiladekwatro3147]

Bro the homies *are* noob josh

[@MatteoAntonyMistretta]

Thank you Josh, you're a true fill-anthropist!

[@BassBuzz]

HAHA thanks Matteo. :P

[@jordyntaylor5968]

Did somebody say Phil? * proceeds to listen to in the air tonight while watching Dr Phil bash pedestrians *

[@goodsprings5271]

Hilarious

[@julianstarkey1215]

You’ve inspired me to play bass thanks a lot

[@BassBuzz]

That's awesome Julian!

[@TheHeck69]

Nice.

[@pavese1379]

I was worried to buy a bass and regret it wishing I had bought a guitar instead, but it's been 1 year since I bought my bass and I haven't regretted it even a bit

[@sandipbiswas766]

@@pavese1379 Great!! I wanted to play the bass because not many people wants to do so. Everyone wants a guitar generally. Who's your inspiration btw?

[@firstnamelastname956]

This guy? Really? Lol

[@jwal1992]

If y’all want to binge on bass fills, you should research 1) Turn arounds 2) 2-5-1’s 3) Leading tones Thanks for the videos! Cheers!

[@jimdiskin3760]

can you name some popular songs w the 2-5-1 going on? i am just now encountering this progression ...

[@jwal1992]

@@jimdiskin3760 Like top 40 songs? Not 100% sure, 2-5-1’s are most common in jazz tunes from the early 20th century (Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, etc.). Some good songs to start with though are Autumn Leaves, Take the A Train, and All The Things You are. Very good analysis videos of all those songs on KZbin. Hope this helps!

[@pasqq7]

I love you Josh, your explanations are so clear and complete, and your professionalism in the descriptions show how great you are as an artist

[@collinr4911]

I’ve been playing bass for a couple years now. I’ve taught myself how to read and sight read sheet music for bass. But this video, this is so good. Thank you so much for your hard work on this channel!

[@tbHiRow]

Honestly probably one of the most easy to follow and understand bass fill videos I’ve ever watched! Thank you!

[@mattmorgan8226]

Thank you so much for your "shapes" teachings. I've been playing for 42 years and my slap technique is so advanced everyone assumes I know a bunch of theory, but I just think in shapes. You've given me a name for what I do and given me a bunch of new ideas. Thanks so much.

[@Krispy1011]

I'm a beginner to moderate amateur guitar player and watching bass videos like this great bass video has really given me some material to work with and given me some great playing ideas etc... thx!

[@danieljonsantillan5597]

BassBuzz > Scott's Bass Lessons

[@boomerbassmeme]

Old guy that started playing bass in the 70s, stopped playing for a long time and picked it back up. Josh has nuggets of wisdom that are valuable for all levels of bass players and a wonderful presentation style! Glad you are around to help teach the next generation!

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Your tutorials are brilliant. Taking bass instructional videos to a new higher level of production. Thank you 😊

[@tchimejosh5333]

Your contents are amazingly created.. The humour here and there takes the pressure away.. Gut gemacht 👌🏾

[@barisgym01]

I haven't commented on any of your videos so far, Josh, but I feel I need to tell you: you are the most amazing bass teacher on youtube. I started playing bass half a year ago, and I improved my skills to a whole new level, thanks to your fantastic explanations and teaching. Thank you for all your lessons mate! Cheers from Hungary!🤙

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you so much!

[@na_dann_mal_los]

Thanx a lot. As an advanced bassplayer with some exprience on stage I really like your videos. Clearly structured, motivating, straight effort and a well balanced learning-curve. Like! :) Best regards from Germany.

[@debajitpalchoudhury1571]

I am a guitar player and because of your KZbin teaching , now i can play bass parts of my songs. And I love Bass , it recovers me from monotonous guitar playing.

[@PunkRockLifer]

This is great, thanks! I was trying to learn some Motown songs by ear and since I now know these triangle shapes I’ve been able to figure them out so much easier! 🙏🙌🏻✊🏻

[@tdeverea]

You are a very effective teacher! Thank you for posting these creative and insightful lessons. I have struggled to progress on bass for years and I learn so much from your videos. Great communication style! Also love the bass fill / bass Phil reference at the end!!

[@aaadrian.2]

What's Phil full name or what band is he from?

[@popcornchickenful]

Really glad I finally picked up a bass. Always wanted one since a kid and spent my whole paycheck on a squire and rumble amp bundle and roughed it out for that week.. your videos make it so much easier and made that struggle for a week worth it. Thank you bro

[@BassBuzz]

Congrats on your bass!

[@denizardfonsecamoraes1827]

Helping us a lot! Thank you so much! Those triangle shapes for Major and Minor chords were the best!

[@rnr-js6gk]

Been playing about 15 years always pick up something useful from your videos...great teaching

[@wildcroissant]

Bass fills - does compute. Dang, this cannot be simpler. I just picked up bass again after almost 15 years since last time I played it (apparently it's not a bicycle, and you can forget how to play it), and BassBuzz videos help me A LOT to get back on track. Thanks Josh!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Paweł!

[@3cardmonty602]

You’re one of the best teachers on KZbin. I primarily play guitar, but you’ve got me hooked on the Bass for the last week. Thanks Josh.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@thefrates23]

You know what I love about this channel, they heavily use easily accessible basses like Squier. When I was a broke teenager in high-school half the people on KZbin would tell me that I needed a fender if I wanted to be good and taken seriously and for a long time I stuck to that mindset but as an adult I've learned that squier classic vibes are often times better than fenders basic player series. It's inspiring for those who can't afford fenders to see a phenomenal bassist and teacher using a bass they could easily aquire

[@jamiespeirs885]

Brilliant Josh, I'm just going onto Module 8 of Beginer to Badass on Bass Buzz. Six weeks ago I would not have known what you were talking about, now I understood everything. Just amazing. I'm just getting tae grips with syncopation. This fit's right in. thanks Josh.

[@hannahwalker7221]

Jamie Speirs I’m a B2B graduate! (Nov-Dec 30 days) and I can’t say enough good about the class! Go get ‘em!

[@dingobabies9824]

As a brand new bassist, your videos are making the journey incredibly easier and fun. Thank you good sir!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@iduncanw]

Love your videos Josh, always educational and entertaining. Makes learning so much easier when you're having fun 🤘😎

[@bassdrummer9849]

Awesome video, well explained. Definitely gonna use that in my practice routine!

[@TargetHHH101]

Im really glad this came up in my suggestions, Ive been playing guitar for almost 15 years and I just got my 1st bass a few days ago. Just subbed.

[@adamvandor3172]

Man, you succeeded to make. an 11min long video from what I couldn´t skip a second. Very clear, full of useful infos, interesting graphics and so on. Thank you!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Adam!

[@royaiken1811]

Thanks. Great tips to grasps the concept of gills.

[@TotallyKyle99]

coming up on my first year of playin this man has helped so much, thank you for your work

[@wannaride54]

This was a great video! I will watch it again, I've been struggling with figuring out how to come up with fills! Thanks!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Stephanie!

[@the13thfox46]

My favorite bass line is "Hysteria" by Muse. Absolutely love it. Thank you for this, super easy understanding without knowing music theory and all that. awesome video

[@Ta21961]

Aside from being very informative your videos are really fun to watch! Thanks for sharing!

[@doxx2427]

You are by far one of the best bass teachers on KZbin. Your break down and explanation make it easy to understand. Subscribed!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@lukebraun2715]

Thanks for the vid really expands on a subject that is never really explained in detail

[@markbass354]

Josh I've played bass for 50 years , I'm losing dexterity in my hands at 63 , so a pick it is my friend , take care , stay safe , God Bless.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mark, you too, hope you're doing well!

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

Hello again, Mark. Question: Do you ever get cramps in your hand between the index and thumb when using a pick? I assume you used to be a finger player in the past (how long since you switched?). I'm 48 and have been playing for 35 years and my hand will cramp up sometimes when using a pick, thus I play fingerstyle...(plus Davie says it's illegal). If I ever have dexterity issues I would be screwed! Thanks and stay safe

[@MJTbreww]

I see your comments on heaps of videos I watch too! You have great taste, hopefully I’ll be playing bass for as long as you!

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@bassclefconnoisseur..... The answer to your issue with cramps is.... you are Mineral deficient, like about 97 percent of the US population.... go to a "Health Food" Store (but NOT someplace like "GNC" or whatever) or go On-Line and search for Concentrace Minerals (from Great Salt, Utah).... it's approximately $24.00 for an 8oz. bottle.... it will do you wonders for your finger cramps and Many other "issues" that you may not even be aware of. I use to get leg & hand/finger cramps, about 28 years ago... someone else told me about the minerals. I have not had Any cramping at all now in almost 28 years.... since I started putting Concentrace Minerals in all my drinking water, Daily. Here is the direct link to that particular product on the Mfgr's website in Utah....www.traceminerals.com/product/concentrace-trace-mineral-drop - their showing the "suggested mfgr's retail price" at $34.97 for the 8oz bottle, but it's always cheaper in the Health Food stores. Also, if you go on-line to this link... www.vitacost.com/trace-minerals-research-trace-mineral-drops-concentrace-8-fl-oz-4 - you can get the same Concentrace "Trace Mineral Drops" in the 8oz bottle for $22.88. I know it sounds a little bit spendy, but it will do wonders for you.... I take a full measured Teaspoon mixed in with my drinking water... about 3/4ths of a gallon, every day. They have many different products with minerals.... "Trace Mineral Drops" is the one you need.

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

@@Romans--bo7br Thanks brother! I will definitely check out the links. Very kind of you to reply with such detail...and I'm sure you are 100% correct. I am a flooring journeyman so I'm working with my hands everyday and never really have any problems except when I try to hold a pick for extended periods...so I don't (unless the song calls for it but don't tell Davie 504). I started out playing with a pick but quickly went to fingerstyle, etc., and that was decades ago! Thanks again and stay safe out there!

[@danielroos5426]

I like your vids bro. Always easy to understand and not all the jazz fluff that other KZbin dudes post. Been playing for over 40 years and I still learn from you young guys...I'm 65

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Daniel!

[@alexniederhauser8562]

I’m beginner enough still, and originally a drummer, so I love your “percussive” fill theme mentality 👍

[@noahandriamihaja]

Many thanks Josh, I bought a bass two weeks ago. I don't have the time or money to pay for lessons but your videos have really helped me progress thanks to you. I now know how to play Crazy Train and I'm starting to write and improvise my basslines so this video really helped me

[@scottscattergood8400]

Solid advice, a Bela Fleck tshirt, and some Phil Lesh love!! Home run! I'll be back!

[@14chstr]

Thanks for this. The Gm triangle fill is awesome.

[@conorm8]

This is a good video. Simplified yet complex enough to teach what has to be thought.

[@sv3527]

Dude... allways awesome. Humor, down to earth teaching, sympathie, tempo, simply all there is. Also banana!

[@elleteegee9522]

Thanks from Europe, I love the extended jam tracks after the clear teaching :-D

[@Paulman50]

Thanks millions, this is where I'm up to and every one else on utube expects I've been playing for 20 years.

[@nolano8279]

I've been binging youre videos and its been motivating me a lot to play a lot more than I used to

[@theamazingt4r468]

You are relatable, funny and not condescending so thank you! You have been an immense help to this beginner. ❤

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Anmar!

[@reynaldoherrera8908]

dude i appreciate you so much brother i learned a lot of stuff from you i’m a guitarist trying to learn bass God bless you

[@garrettlowell7637]

Thanks for this vid. I have been playing shapes “accidentally” for a long time. This gives me a good explanation and a focused approach with which to experiment.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Garrett!

[@noahscofield]

Ayyyeee Josh! coming out with another video. I missed you master tips for all my bass problems. Keep grooving man!

[@Enoskjp]

I like trying to play the transition melodies by ear, as a bass beginner, it gives more ideas of what I should play, and it is also fun to find out how to play 'em 😅

[@SuperXVG]

Picking up my bass again and these are helpful! Subbed 👍 Thanks!

[@eliesapellidofalso9799]

This has been one of my favorites lessons and references to other useful videos, thank you so much and keep it up!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Elies!

[@MJTbreww]

I’m very happy to know that I’ve been doing this already with no knowledge of theory, I’ve just been doing it all by ear. I just called it using a box shape haha. Trying to move it around a little

[@mikeychido6937]

Most underrated bass tip/lessons channel, I'm loving this content.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mikey!

[@alexandrafisher3614]

Pretty fabulous. I am a music teacher and I am LOVING learning fills from you... Thank you for posting your videos.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Alexandra!

[@alessandrosilveira9009]

I bought your course and I can tell that it is amazing! It is helping me a lot!

[@ebx100]

I learn more from your videos than anywhere else. You are a gifted bass teacher!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@erichaller9822]

Solid. Simple. Easy to follow. Thanks dude.

[@thereseclairecreates]

I love your video style! I love the little skits and funny stuff! I’m learning a lot and also getting amused.

[@brightmpunga4252]

I'd love to own a bass guitar one day and learn how to play it like you do.. You've inspired me a lot.. I'm from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

[@RTPGCO]

Very nice lesson... very useful... You explain thing so nice and easy make bass learning a breeze.

[@BassBuzz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kalaputs]

Love your videos! Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@EmilK48]

The best bass lessons ever :) Thanks to you I can play what I want, not only what I learned from Gutar Pro or YT. You're great :)

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Emil!

[@rolandoamado1459]

Awesome tips, man! Thank you so w!!

[@E_man2002]

yo! tis helped so much the triangle effect is effective

[@alonso9812]

Your videos are amazing, easy to understand and funny, I have learned a lot even without a bass lol (hope get my fist bass in a few weeks :P) You deserve more and thanks you BassBuzz 🤜💥🤛

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Rubén, hope your bass comes soon!

[@toad0720]

Seriously considering buying your Bassbuzz education pack dude. Sense of humor is key.

[@etyramone2000]

Same here. And if I say that although I am not a native english speaker, that means a lot ! Just wondering if the digital version consists of streaming or if we can download all content for offline watching

[@hannahwalker7221]

toad0720 I’m a graduate of the class. Do it! It’s worth Every. Single. Penny.

[@etyramone2000]

@@hannahwalker7221 Really ? How cool ! Does it works like a kind of «school career» ?

[@hannahwalker7221]

Ety Ramone I don’t know what that is, but in Beginner to Badass Josh shows you how to put your gear on, and immediately starts you playing actual bass lines! When you are finished with the course you can consider yourself Intermediate and ready to be an asset to any jam session! I love it!

[@niluseneviratne9828]

Yeah, it was his personality and how easily he breaks things down that got me. Definitely buying it too

[@aktivervorruhestand8801]

Thanx!! One of the best short and effective lesson (video)

[@michelleonbass5238]

Super helpful... also a huge thanks for the free play alongs... You rock Josh

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Michelle!

[@stephensimon5013]

Dude been dabbleing in guitar a bit just got a bass so stoked so much more fun in my opinion and just to let you know your the best on here your vids help me so much more then any one els and the fact you don’t scream like and subscribe I will like and subscribe your the man!

[@mRazYTchannel]

Thanks! Your channel helps me a lot in theories , hope i can buy someday my 1st bass guitar 😊

[@Li0n729]

The guy made me buy the bass and it's worth it. Plus he's not a boring teacher. Thanks Josh. 👍🏻

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Ryan!

[@jamesmurphysimp4806]

I'm a guitar player, and i decided to buy a bass and start to learn because of you! Thanks 👍

[@jmixOff]

Thank you sir you are now my new mentor 🙂❤️☝️💪

[@grooping]

Very well done. Great vid.

[@beckym8245]

Perfect beginner lesson. Thanks!

[@killjoyturtle8363]

Noob Josh is my anxiety telling me bass is hard and scary every time I don't know what to do. I love your content! You're helping the new music scene more than you know!h

[@SuperMiracle9]

It's such a beautiful lesson. Thanks~! so useful!

[@jamesavakian7761]

This is the best video, you put your lessons in easy terms!

[@ashleyyorkie8867]

Love you’re style, defo subscribing 😊👍👏

[@katherinecaldwell3753]

Thanks for all the great videos!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you Katherine! :)

[@lorcanfitzpatrick6019]

This is just what I needed thanks for making so many great videos to help learning bass players :)

[@BassBuzz]

Happy to help!

[@edquilaianardeeczar742]

Thank youu for this video, it really helps and adds confindence!! Power!

[@animulovers3881]

Thanks for the clear explaination

[@Sausagey2]

Weird notes and good rhythm sounds like jazz and I love it

[@svartsjokolade]

Great video as usual! :) Since you mentioned "Bass Phil", Leland Sklar recently posted a video of him playing the bass parts of "In the Air Tonight". Never realised how awesome those lines are!

[@alanelkins6472]

You Have Excellent Videos, Thank You!

[@gokayacar3379]

This is one of the best bass channel on youtube imo. I love this channel

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Gökay!

[@TypOPositiv]

wow! Bass made easy! thanks! love your channel!

[@ryandirkse4374]

The way u teach. Thank you!!!

[@FaintREVENGE]

Awesome Vid! You have these points where you get super silly about things, but then you present it in a way that makes it completely reasonable. I like the contrast there. I've definitely just been winging fills and half the time it works out well, the other half it shows that I don't know anything. Lastly, major plus for the ending bass phil.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Zach!

[@francescofalcone4423]

Woah! Yu're so helpful!! Freankin' awesome and enjoyable!!! Thank you so much Josh, for real!!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you Francesco!

[@mattgarrido41]

This is awesome! I was just watching your fills videos on your other channel!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Matt!