6 Bass Tone Fixes (Beginners, Stop Sounding Like a Newb)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz....
You might not even KNOW that your bass tone sucks right now - but you’ll have it fixed by the end of this lesson.
When I was a beginner, I didn’t really even know what bass tone was. I was so focused on learning technique, theory, and playing songs, that I would have had no idea if my tone was any good or not.
In this video, I’m gonna teach you all the stuff I wish someone had taught me in my first year of playing.
First of all, what is tone? I’ll give you a simple functional definition, plus show you some examples of different tones so you can hear for yourself.
Then it’s on to our 6 Bass Tone Fixes. But first I had to throw in Fix #0, because SO many beginners make this mistake with their tuning…
Fixes #1 and #2 are about what you do with your plucking hand, which is where tone starts. (a great bassist can make even crappy gear sound good because they know what to do with their hands)
In Fixes #3 thru 6, I’ll walk you through the gear basics you need to know to fix your bass guitar tone. (and I’ll skip all the stuff you DON’T need to know right now) Once you get your strings, pickups, bass knobs, and amp EQ dialed, you’ll have seriously legit tone on your side.
Now that you’ve got that killer tone, click subscribe so I can help you more with your bass playing: yeah.bassbuzz....
#basstone #basseq #beginnerbasslessons

[@BassBuzz]

PICK PLAYERS SUCK? Hell no. There are tons of amazing bassists who I love who use picks - Paul McCartney, Sting, Tim Lefebvre, Matt Freeman, Bobby Vega, Carol Kaye, Justin Chancellor, to name a few (KZbin em!). I actually cover this point in my Myths video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpmTaKF8rdOHY7c I also agree with all the comments that make the point that tone is completely subjective and totally dependent on what it is you’re trying to achieve. My goal with this video was to help >>beginners

[@ElijahAlbuquerque-MusicStudio]

Thank you! I'm a 15 year old intermediate guitarist. I just got a bass for my KZbin cover videos. Loved the tips!

[@radiozelaza]

Sting hasn't played with a pick since 1994

[@deanroddey2881]

Chris Squire of course.

[@user-fo3yt1jq6n]

Carlos D. though

[@romaincanerot2618]

Really cool video! You explain very well (I'm french and I don't even need subtitles!). Could you do an advanced video for EQ? 😁 🎛️ Thanks you very much!

[@basscasey1]

As someone who's played bass for over 20 years, I appreciate that you use entry-level gear in your instructions. For newer players it can be discouraging when the people trying to teach them are playing $3k bass on 4x10 200watt stack (or more) while the student is playing a $200 Squire on 1x10 50watt combo.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Casey! That's why I'm giving the Squier so much love in the vids (plus I like playing it), there's no reason someone can't get a working setup for $300 or less and start bassing it up.

[@aaronyoung8491]

The name on a headstock does not make a good instrument. Seen plenty of great musicians gig with cheap equipment and no one but maybe one gear snob knew the difference. My number one is it must stay in tune. Seen expensive guitars that couldn’t do that.

[@basscasey1]

@@aaronyoung8491 coughGibsoncough

[@basscasey1]

@@BassBuzz my first bass (circa 96) was a MIM Squire P bass. Still have it and still love it!

[@Truthbearsartlessness]

This is a great point. As a guitarist, I’m always wondering why the heck my guitars so much thinner to peoples’ vintage strats les pauls

[@HummingHermano]

"How often to change your strings" Me: *looks inside wallet* "I'll go with old strings."

[@mbrady2329]

"...As soon as the rust starts to damage my fingers and the fretboard." ;-)

[@AztecWarrior707]

why do old bass strings(not rusty) sound good? i roll the tone down a little when i put fresh strings to emulate the old strings sound LOL

[@JRut99]

They really are not expensive though.

[@Dankster-yo8xv]

@@JRut99 well most of us don't have jobs right now and bass strings are about $15

[@Wynorrific]

@@Dankster-yo8xv my sets average $35/set because I use Ernie Ball cobalts with .110 for the lowest string on my 4 string, I use cobalts on my 5 string and then my 2 six strings get D'Addarios, one gets EXL 165-6 and the other gets EXL 170-6 plus my acoustic bass gets faltwound cobalts. All are around $35

[@fahriddrums4959]

1:22 "Here is two recordings and tell me which one sounds worse" -Uh ok * Plays the recordings * - I think #1 sounds worse "It was #2, right?" -Oh...

[@VaherPL]

Same ^^

[@TheShredFaster]

sometimes if instruments are just a little out of tune, it can sound thicker so you arnt necessarily wrong. in this case i think it was too out of tune to sound good, but its all subjective right?

[@DreyzieArt]

I think I'm tone deaf because both sounded the same to me lol

[@anisnej10]

Chris Sims you definitely are then lol

[@habdman]

I got it as soon as i heard the phasing in the notes, that never fails to me

[@cadywelp235]

Him: "Hear the difference?" Me: "No"

[@ILoveSoonkyu]

me

[@Subaruwrxhiv]

Same

[@ПавелСимаков-ж6й]

Agreed

[@justinTime077]

Novice *filth*

[@Subaruwrxhiv]

@@justinTime077 lol

[@kylec2761]

Another tip for noobs is, you can’t tell what your tone should be until it’s in a MIX. The sound you love coming from your amp at home probably isn’t what sounds best with your band. Try to make a good rehearsal recording. This truer for bass than for any other instrument.

[@castlehill6717]

Kyle C I am just going to save people ALOT of time. If you are a beginner and are planning on playing in a band, save yourself some time and money and get yourself a Fender Jazz Bass or Precision Bass. Don’t do what I did 16 years go and get a “cool looking” Ibanez or “insert brand here”, and wonder why your tone doesn’t sound like the records until you play a Fender Jazz bass two years later that blows your mind at how good it sounds because “you thought fender basses were so cliche and wanted to be different”. Yea, that was basically me. Do yourself a favor and honestly just buy a Jazz Bass. You can find some good sounding Fender Squire Jazz basses if you know what to look for. Put some round wound strings and go at it.

[@crackedfingerz]

@@castlehill6717 Was it an Ibanez Soundgear bass? I hate those. Why are they so damn popular?

[@xanhteps8667]

That's why I'm here.. I thought it would be easy to mix in the bass to my songs. .. On a budget...with old improper equipment..

[@xanhteps8667]

@@crackedfingerz cheap, active electronics, pretty good quality control make them hard to pass up. They don't sound like they are made of wood though I know what you mean..

[@enricocasonato2222]

Wiser suggestion about tone! I spent so many days trying to tweak knobs, blend pickups, setting pedal only to discover the tone I loved didn't match the band's mix 😣 it takes time away from rehearsals but for a bass damn if that's important!

[@DrakeBergman]

I'm a guitar player that's been playing for going on 15 years, and stumbled upon your channel a few days ago and have to say that you do this thing right. I love your approach and humor and look forward to clicking on the next video every time one ends. Flawless lessons for a dummy guitarist learning bass fundamentals too!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Drake!

[@jeffknaus7202]

Right??! As we would say back in the day... This act kicks ass!

[@samuelstacey2309]

I’ve been playing guitar just on 20 years now and sold an old les Paul last year to buy a Flying V and have money left to buy a cheap used bass and a decent bass amp that I wouldn’t grow out of. Ended up with a squire precision which is great and only cost about 150 bucks so was able to spend a little more on the amp, bought a new fender rumble 40. Haven’t really gotten around to playing much over the last year but your channel has really inspired me to make time. Just wanted to thank you! P.S heaps of people act like ‘if you can play guitar you can play bass!’ Although already having music theory knowledge and muscle memory that allow me to jump right in, I must say it’s a little harder than some people would think. As a guitarist I was very much a blues rock player where as a lot of the bass playing that inspires me is pop, disco and RnB. So I am having to work at it fairly hard, especially because you’re laying down the groove on bass and I’m really having to learn the fundamentals and structure of music I don’t know as well to truly play in a way that I’m happy with. Does anyone have any advice for a guitarist trying to learn bass? Thanks again!

[@aquarius5264]

put down the guitar and pick up a bass

[@MatDuck4130]

Thanks for explaining flat / round wound and using PICTURES.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Matthew! I had to take those pictures myself, I couldn't find a single article on the internet clearly showing the difference.

[@TheGhostGuitars]

@@BassBuzz "A single (GOOD) picture is worth a 1000 words." Excellent choices of pics too. In the beginning, I had to buy a set of each types to figure out visually/audibly the differences. Btw, I'm mostly flatwounds with short scales and roundwounds with full scale basses. Altho I have found there ARE a few cases where reversing string type works better. Currently am experimenting with mixed strings on a single bass.

[@johndurgin9006]

It looked like the you were using coated flat wounds (maybe DRs?). Doesn't that dull the sound even more? Just wondering - I actually like that tone.

[@0000song0000]

The fact it is the same time I see a pic of flatwounds (I play guitar since 2003, and moved to bass some years ago but they never carry flats in any store cause the cheapest set is 45 bucks so no one buys it *in my country)

[@iblindsamurai2677]

This video was the entire reason I switched to flats, and I really don’t ever want to change my p bass back to rounds.

[@Gongasoso]

Tip number 7: get a fuzz pedal. Tip number 8: get an octaver pedal. Tip number 9: fire your guitar player and become the Royal Blood of acid rock.

[@AgilDogsVideo]

Hell yeah !!!

[@numberneinlarge9965]

Gongasoso Why get an octave when you can embrace the bass, like OM or Death From Above 1979?

[@sebee13]

Do not.

[@Gongasoso]

@@sebee13 Come over'ere 'nd stop meh, wee laddeh!

[@sebee13]

@@Gongasoso My problem is that I take things to serious.

[@Rook9696]

and the sound guy is probably taking a break during the bass solo. that sounded personal

[@BassBuzz]

Bass players forgive... BUT WE NEVER FORGET.😡

[@shannonrhoads7099]

@@BassBuzz Well, the sound guy will also try to make everything you play sound like a P with old strings anyway, and flatten your sound as far as possible. After all, the guitarist has to have all that room for his distorted hammer-ons, power chords and tremolo runs. He'll also be on break whenever you are tuning, checking your levels or generally near the stage...

[@akos5063]

@@shannonrhoads7099 dont forget the guitarist needs room for his oversized ego-

[@shannonrhoads7099]

@@akos5063 There's usually a separate semi for that in the tour caravan XD

[@akos5063]

@@shannonrhoads7099 oh yeah

[@NitronicZombie]

"Know your knobs" Oh god, my first bass was a Yamaha RBX-374 that had 4-knobs and two active humbuckers. I had no idea what anything did and I went from having five months of practice to playing in a punk band still not knowing what any of the knobs did. My tone sounded like garbage because I never messed with the knobs and instead of slapping the strings I was more or less punching them with my knuckle. Eventually I traded it for a Jazz bass with a broken tuning peg.

[@KeyIssues]

Just found your channel! Bought my first bass this week and plan to use your videos to help me get started. Hope you keep posting regularly :)

[@BassBuzz]

Congrats on your new bass dude! More videos to come. :)

[@nikhilsatay2852]

gongrats bro

[@alecmullaney7957]

How goes it?

[@ruslana5350]

Same!!

[@Rick-pi9zn]

just tune your bass every time you play it

[@j3tt436]

dodo dodo lol i don’t know how anyone could play without tuning first

[@alexdattel2757]

@@j3tt436 I got a really good bass that is almost never out of tune when I'm not moving it (due to temperature/humidity changes) so when I don't record something it's usually fine to play it without tuning first. If it's out of tune I'll usually hear that pretty fast.

[@j3tt436]

Alex Dattel mine are stable. It’s just I have ocd about checking the tuning and action constantly lol

[@no-ff8gm]

Tune mine once a month without flaw

[@ChienJaune01]

Just to be sure, I tune my instrument before each and every note. Twice.

[@Quonchon]

Don't forget, what may sound shitty on its own might sound good in a mix

[@sampokemppainen3041]

Almost always the case if there's not really expensive pro equipment.

[@TorTheWeirdo]

As someone that grew up playing in concert and marching bands I didn’t even know ppl could play an instrument without tuning. That’s literally step number one 🙃

[@briandickinson4699]

I never used a distortion pedal when I was younger. Now I always have a bit of distortion in my tone. It really helps the bass cut through the mix.

[@leegreer4994]

Boss distortion is the bomb! Highly recommend using one

[@Frankthegb]

Compression is what you should be using to cut through the mix. Disto only sounds good with certain genres

[@briandickinson4699]

I also use compression but that alone is not enough to cut the mix. Compression alone isn't enough.

[@jaribu2758]

Those 3 year old strings sounded surprisingly good. For me, string life is the time between when new strings are broken in and when they die.

[@dumbr2098]

*puts on extreme distortion* "That sounds awful! Get some tone!" ... Just one name. Cliff.

[@MrZombs123]

I thought you were gonna say Lemmy.. O_o

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

Yeah Cliff! Get some tone!

[@notoriusdrifter40]

I love cliff more than lemmy

[@leepat]

good stuff mate! it's as hard for non-beginners to explain all this clearly (as it is so "self-evident") as it is for beginners to imagine it (as it is so "secondary"). keep up the good work!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Lee!

[@dirankoroghlian4202]

I've been playing for more than 50yrs, starting at 7 years old with classical piano/music lessons for almost 8yrs. At 15yrs of age I picked up the guitar and I gravitated to the bass. I have played with friends just Jamming and I've played with working bands for the 70's and 80's. I have also done sound reimbursement from being able roadie to running the board. What a great and wonderful time of my life from CBGB's to the Rat Cellars of Stoney Brook college , I wouldn't trade it for anything. Anyway, I can appreciate your tutorial video ( only saw this one ) but most of it was Your Opinion and not what others might think. To Each Thier Own. That's what makes a variety of different types of music. Keep up the good work.

[@bigpoppasmurf]

I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Been a musician for years but just jumped into bass thinking it was like guitar... lol, I was so damn wrong. Your videos def helped me on the right track to better playing and sound . Thank you again

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome! :)

[@jameso87]

I just found your channel and I really love what you do/how you go about doing it. No nonsense, no ego, easy-to-follow lessons that make the transition from guitar to bass incredibly comfortable and a lot less frustrating for someone like me. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into your videos and your dedication to keeping them coming. Cheers.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying, I'll keep them coming. :)

[@warlok9]

I was always taught to change one string at a time by luthiers to avoid totally releasing the neck tension unnecessarily. Still do it to this day.

[@roberthudson4440]

At some point, at least you are gonna need to measure the neck radius, which means all the strings would have to be removed

[@LH-zv2zq]

Another hit video from you. You put it all together in a very digestible way. Beginners like myself need the true down to basics. Great job Josh.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks LH!

[@musenw8834]

The first time i touched a bass, which was about six years ago, i was struggling to find my grip and had no knowledge whatsoever about the knobs at all. And after watching this video, I'd say that's the biggest tone fix I picked up. Now I'm in the clear about what the knobs on my bass do. Big thanks!

[@billyrouse4813]

As much as these fixes are great, here's another great tip: switch where you pick between the bridge and neck to change your tone, or even use a pick. Ultimately use guidelines to get a good start, then throw them out and do what feels natural. Most bassists will say only play with the drummer, specifically the kick drum. I play off of everything as a bassist. Also, if you're switching to bass from guitar, you might find it way easier to get a tone that's uniquely you by using a pick. I liked using Dunlop 1mm nylon picks, so my tone cut more.

[@BassBuzz]

Which bass tone fix helped you the most?

[@D3afSquad]

Fix 1. lol to your skits.

[@JonoNJD7]

The plucking technique when comparing across to away from the string!

[@gregcooper296]

the plucking technique was insightfull

[@sleepy4x]

To get a P Bass, because I do not have to mess much with knobs and pickups.

[@MrTyphoontyphoon]

comp !

[@luke211286]

I think mids are very important even to beginners. They dictate whether the bassists can get through the mix or not. At live settings, I tend to crank up my mids to full. I have to sacrifice my desired tone just so I don't get drowned by my bandmates.

[@carlkorfmacher3399]

It took me a long time to figure this out: your tone sounds totally different in your basement when you are sitting 3 feet away compared to when you are at a gig when the audience is 30 feet away or more. In fact, while you are playing a gig, if your amp is behind you, it will sound boomy with too much bottom, but if you walk out 20 feet is sounds pretty good and if you walk out 40 feet it sounds even better. Most amps are biased toward more bottom end, I think for this reason. The bottom end dies out rapidly from the amp to about 10 feet and then it sounds much better.

[@soakedbearrd]

I must say, as a COMPLETE beginner, I’ve watched about three of your videos and I’ve learned so much in them, thank you for that. Subscribed after the second video and I’m glad I did.

[@BassBuzz]

Glad I could help! :)

[@MichaelJ023]

Excellent info! One item I would add related to the tone knob on passive basses and amp settings is to set your volume and tone knobs to 7 on your bass, then setup your amp tone and volume. Now you can make your bass brighter or darker during your live performance instead of just darker, and also increase or decrease volume depending on the song.

[@IceyFlame500]

"Just the bridge pickup is too thin" [Jaco Pastorius enters the chat]

[@BassBuzz]

Ha. That's why I said "too thin for a lot of bass playing". Obviously Jaco's tone was magnificent and anyone who questions that should be stoned to death. BUT, that is not the right tone for a lot of stuff that working bass players have to play. But yes, if you're covering The Chicken, roll to the bridge, of course. Also, this video is targeted towards beginners, who might not have the ear to catch their bridge pickup is thin and then compensate on the amp EQ end to make it work. Obviously if you have the ear to make pickup decisions based on the music, then ignore my beginner advice. 😎

[@goldeneggthatneverhatched4252]

**Lemmy entered the chat**

[@caseyryback6932]

If you can play like Jaco or Lemmy, you probably don't need advice on how to tweak your sound :-). But it probably is true that settings with the Neck-pickup involved probably fit for more songs than single-bridge-pickup-settings. Could You agree with that?

[@IceyFlame500]

@@caseyryback6932 Hahaha yes lol

[@ardyjan035]

@@caseyryback6932 "play like Lemmy" as if he was a some kind of genius of the bass... Surprise, but he wasn't. He was a guitarist who was handed a bass. With his bass EQ turned down and trebles turned up, he played just like guitars. There is no bass in most Motorhead songs. He was just a rock n roll vocalist playing simple lines on his (bass) guitar.

[@gargoile001]

I saw a couple of bass youtubers and You, mister, are one of my favourites.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks gargoyle! You're my favorite creepy statue to see on pillars of buildings. 😈

[@boseifrit5480]

Davie504

[@Daiceto]

Flatwound strings gave me an eargasm I think.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

They're great just make sure your style of music allows it to be that dark. If you're playing in a rock band with 2 electric guitars you might just get absolutely buried. Which actually can be ok if that's what you're going for, just bottom line know the tradeoff for the darker sound. I will agree though, for that particular phrase he played to demonstrate, the flats sounded better.

[@NoName-md6fd]

Yeah, they do have that effect :) Slap doesn't work on them though.

[@bromixsr]

I use flats on my Hofner violin bass, and love the way it sounds. It's nicefor jazzy type songs, and Beatles songs (of course.) Plus the fact that it is a semi-hollow body just put 'em on and pretend you are a giant playing upright.

[@danielestrada8932]

Sometimes I like how they sound

[@JEG69]

i use fingerstyle , i play punk,grunge.metal doom sounds and never had a problem with flats. just gotta know how to use them

[@DarksideBallerina]

Thank you for the videos, I've been playing bass for literally a week and I need all the help I can get!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome! Congrats on starting bass. :)

[@samlelowitch]

It should be mentioned that new strings ought to be stretched a lot after installation but before playing. It helps with tuning stability.

[@jacquesstrapp3219]

Quite right. You're bloody well right.

[@thirtycrows]

This is the worst thing I did as a beginner. Try without. You might have to re-tune after a few songs but your strings will sound better for a longer time.

[@musenw8834]

In a way yes, by letting them adjust after restringing the bass for a few hours, then intermittent/interval tuning in between to let them settle. but another thing to note is knocking your guitar (unintentionally) against hard surfaces can cause vibrations that can loosen your tuning, quite subtly, and temperature changes can also cause some minor shifts. nevertheless, tuning your bass regularly before you play it will keep these issues at bay.

[@samlelowitch]

@@musenw8834 At a minimum, I tune every time I pick up my bass.

[@musenw8834]

@@samlelowitch Same here.

[@matthewn8100]

Hey man, love your videos and teaching style. Teachers like you are what this country needs, highly informative and constantly entarnaining! Thank you!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Matthew!

[@javiercorre]

No. 7 mute the strings your not playing, it's a basic technique that gets you a better and cleaner sound.

[@nicolaskim7779]

With which hands do you mute with?

[@calciferblack2409]

@@nicolaskim7779 Both. Personally, I recommend using your left hand to mute the strings higher (pitched) from wherever you're currently playing. You can use your thumb to mute those thicker strings while you're playing the thinner ones. If your hands are big enough, you can also sorta wrap your left hand around and use your thumb to mute the E (or B) string. Look up the floating thumb technique to learn more about muting with your plucking hand's thumb. Or look up videos on muting in general; there's tons of them. :)

[@alistair5309]

@@calciferblack2409 how do I mute the higher strings that I've just played? such the G string

[@blindjustice8718]

@@alistair5309 Explore different finger positions (which finger you are using and which fret you are playing the note on). For the higher notes,, you can often play the same note in three (or more) positions on the neck. You may be accustomed to using your index finger to fret a given position and by shifting to your middle or ring finger, allow yourself to mute with the index finger after the "pull off." Or, you are using your ring finger. By shifting to index or middle allows you to muffle the string with a quick, light squeeze of the ring finger.

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

@@alistair5309 Mute the higher strings with the fingers of the LEFT hand, that you're using to fret on a lower string. Instead of "reaching over" the string, you lay your finger(s) ACROSS the higher strings, just enough to stop them from ringing. Muting the LOWER strings I find more challenging. Methods vary, you _can_ use your left hand thumb to mute the E string, but it's not recommended because, technically, it should be on the back of the neck. You can also mute lower strings with your palm if you play with a pick. For the most part, though, bassists mute with the non-plucking fingers of their plucking hand, i.e. thumb, ring finger and pinkie. Experiment around and find something comfortable. Just make sure you never, ever, leave a string unmuted and ringing. It will destroy the sound of the whole band. Seriously. It's as important as fretting notes cleanly. Good luck, you will find your own way as long as you stay aware of the potential problem.

[@bwhog]

The main point here wrt tone is "know what does what." Also take some time to experiment and hear how your instrument's tone controls interact with the amp tone controls. Once you understand that, then you can start to fine tune it. For the beginner playing with a group, probably your best bet is bridge pickup and your tone knob(s) down to minimum. (Rule #1 of playing with a group: Don't try to outshine the lead guitarist. You won't work much.) However, bass tone is a very subjective thing and depends a good deal on what you're playing with. Do you want to feel the bass more than hear it? Then see my remark about tone knobs. That's what you'll hear on a lot of classic rock. Do you want to hear your fingers/pick ala Iron Maiden? Is your bass a major component of the arrangement and needs to be heard on its own ala Rush? Are you simply octave-down weight for the guitar as in the case of a lot of metal music? Gotta answer all that to know what direction to go. Also remember that a bass with active pickups can be a very different animal than one with passive pickups. When in doubt, you can't really go wrong with a P bass. It is perhaps the most preferred bass of recording artists, producers, and engineers everywhere.

[@mikeslovak5589]

Fix#2: cut your nails Me who almost doesn't even have nails due to old habits: *I N T E R E S T I N G*

[@jeffknaus7202]

Perhaps a predisposition towards Chronic Anxiety vectors one onto The Path to Becoming a Great Bass Player... it correlates... OR perhaps it’s the comorbid ADHD and the meds we take to treat it that are truly to be blamed. 😆

[@jeffknaus7202]

I like the fact that he REALLY knows his shit.

[@der_vur]

Loved the moment when he throws away the pick APPROVED

[@gcvrsa]

You should immediately tune your instrument every single time you pick it up to play. If you are playing a gig, then you should check your tuning when you initially set up, immediately before you start your set, and in-between songs as often as you possibly can without bogging down the flow of your set.

[@brucesmith9144]

Halfwound strings can sound cool. I swapped the flats off my fretless J-bass with halfwounds and got a little more high end tone which was pleasing.

[@ThomasLuongo]

Halfwounds are awesome! Been using them since the 80's. Allows you to roll up the highs without getting too much string noise so you can get a nice, clear tone when arpeggiating and chording.

[@bro-rm5xo]

Him: Cut your nails !! Me who's also a fingerstyle guitarist: 🤫

[@Bmont1491]

Ikr not happening

[@markawitize194]

Yah u don't really need to cut it just control your pluck properly

[@lupusyonderboy272]

Steve Harris would disagree!

[@ej22_gc86]

It’s not like you need to play softly all the time also, is it?

[@djjonnytravieso4681]

I’m a nail player. So is Geddy Lee. I guess Rush didn’t get the memo.

[@4eversonic]

Great video. When I first started out on bass, I blasted the tone and volume pups in my J bass not knowing any better. Finally figured out that picking, finger plucking, position of volume and tone knobs all made a huge difference.

[@classicgamer3538]

It's funny to listen to all of this via mobile phone while you barely notice the difference in sounds😂

[@Senastra1]

Thank you so much ! I have been playing for almost a year and this has been so helpful especially with getting the right tome from my amp .👍🏻

[@BassBuzz]

Glad to help! 😊

[@nomuujinbatmunkh9457]

This channel gives me lot of confidence to play bass :)) now i'm better than my past

[@StagnantExistance]

When you were explaining about the different types of strings, I think you should have mentioned, that the strings are made of either stainless steel strings or nickel (there are some other types as well, but these are the most commonly used ones). Stainless steel strings will give you a brighter, aggressive sound, while nickels sound warmer and more mellow. As for the two pick-up configuration, it is worth nothing that running both pick-ups at full volume, will result in a rather dull tone, because they will cancel out some of each others' frequencies (mostly mids). So I would suggest having the neck pick-up at full volume and then dial in the necessary amount of volume from the bridge pick-up, until you reach the desired level of brightness in your tone. The blend knob is certainly easier to use, but it does not allow you two dial the same wide range of sounds as the two individual volume knobs. Another thing to keep in mind, when setting up the tone of your bass, is how it will sit in the band mix. What sound good soloed, does not necessarily sound good in the mix. Keep the videos coming !

[@senormedia]

I was given a set of copper strings once. They sounded glorious - for about a week.

[@igorkevorkian16]

As a guitar player for decades who recently decided to pick up bass I appreciate this vid. I don't need an explanation of bass anatomy, notes on the fretboard or how to hold it. What I do need is practical tips on the technical differences of fingerstyle bass vs picking guitar strings. Picking up the bass gives me a new respect for better bass players I've jammed with over the years.

[@rrm2305]

Some good advice for beginners what made it for me you showed the amp set up which makes a big difference so many people start beginner bass lessons showing all the parts of the bass and how to pluck or pick it and right through the lessons they never show an amp set up. I love the how to play lessons where they show all the notes to play and never show the amp settings. A beginner has no idea about drive compression gain etc which makes a big difference to what you are playing

[@rrm2305]

@@ynofkhgyu8668 I thought a sentence always began with a capital letter. I bow to your superior grammar.

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

I usually do smaller gigs and don't need more than my b100 combo, but one feature it has that's a godsend is the frequency notch, which lets you dial out the "evil room resonance frequency" whatever it happens to be.

[@Steel_the_Free]

I've been wanting to play the bass guitar ever since I started playing it 60 years ago. For me your lessons for beginners are invaluable. Thanks.

[@BassBuzz]

Glad I can help!

[@hotvodka7641]

Lol wtf does this even mean

[@ElijahAlbuquerque-MusicStudio]

Thank you! I'm an intermediate guitarist. I just got a bass for my KZbin cover videos. Loved the tips!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Elijah, hope it helps!

[@WeaponXMusic94]

When he throws the pick... Davie504: wise choice (What's up slappers! You can also check my epic battle video with Davie504, i already uploaded 2 weeks ago) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4utqWeIqqekmq8

[@vvan3711]

69 likes lmao

[@luke9947]

VVan epic

[@somnia268]

*OMG*

[@RicoHerwig]

I was just about to call the police. Then he threw it.

[@WeaponXMusic94]

@@vvan3711 What's up slappers! You can also check my epic battle video with Davie504, i already uploaded 2 weeks ago

[@Francois15031967]

Learning your pickups also means: find the right height for each side of each pickup to have the same output volume on each string.

[@Francois15031967]

@ghost mall I don't mean poles height. I mean pickup height, for which (as usually for the nut) there's no such thing as factory setting.

[@aeefefaffrrf3931]

I didn’t know that new strings sounds faster. Thank you a lot

[@mattiarambelli4411]

that flatwound tone "colour" is great!

[@kirb.e1262]

Awesome video. Been playing guitar for years but I’m trying to switch over to bass and i learned some helpful stuff from this vid👍

[@BassBuzz]

Yes, come to the dark side! :) Glad to help.

[@ArthurAllen0915]

Love your prestation in all your videos, and your ability to convey the lesson in a unique and fun way. Rock On

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Arthur!

[@jewelsjulieshelmire7148]

This video was very good and has a lot of great information. I started playing electric bass guitar July 2021 the first time in my life and bought an acoustic bass guitar 2 months ago. I love it. My boyfriend has played guitar, electric bass and banjo for many years. We go to music jams every week. I was on stage with him after I started playing the electric bass 5 weeks prior to that. It was awesome and scary at the same time.

[@Keumiii]

As a beginner bass player, I really thank you for making it simple and understandable. I guess i’ll wait for a tutorial on mid tone for amps. Subbed!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Shiro!

[@lrowlands53]

I play electric bass, double bass and nylon string guitar so I need to preserve my nails. Nails will shred on electric bass so I evolved my use of Alaska Picks - one each on middle and index fingers. I have to EQ for the clicking, but they are a great compromise in my world - can't slap and pop with them though.

[@jeffpattison6321]

It was nice to know that I was already doing all those things. I guess it helped to be a guitar player and recording engineer before taking up bass a year ago.

[@BassBuzz]

Yep! Engineers know bass tone better than most bass players.

[@vigorouslethargy]

I like how I used "Sunshine of your love" as one of my beginning practice songs, and it's the first riff you played.

[@TheDrsalvation]

how old were those old strings? I usually notice a huge difference between my old and new strings (usually because I change them every year before recording lmao), but even tho I did notice the difference, it didn't sound so different.

[@BassBuzz]

A few years old, but I didn't think the difference was super dramatic either. I guess I didn't have enough barbecue sauce on my hands while I was playing the old strings...

[@BramBergs]

I've disregarded all of these and bought myself a pick.

[@BassBuzz]

Nothing wrong with a pick in the right context Bram! Most of these fixes still apply.

[@BramBergs]

@@BassBuzz I know, just kidding :)

[@jonasdufty9339]

the nail one sounded a lot better to me than the other one. ia little nail is awesome on the bass

[@solanyne5966]

With those flatwounds you really had that James Jamerson sound there.

[@analogaudiorules1724]

Thats the best profile picture ever.

[@randomserb761]

13:33 "It's kind of like lighting a blanket off the bass." Beautiful!

[@mckaigg]

love this! Great video not only for beginners but for those who have been playing for some time just to revisit the fundamentals. For myself, EQ has been dependent on the room and the ensemble. I've played some venues where there is such a huge natural "boost" in the low end that I've had to turn the bass knob all the way down. Sounded like crap onstage but when I got a recording from the room the balance in the band was perfect. A GOOD sound tech can advise when you are playing in their house.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mike! Yeah, tuning the bass sound to a room is an art form for sure. Never a dull moment with live sound. :)

[@jamiee172]

Tune it every day?! Everytime I pick one up I tune it!

[@jdjk7]

The two things that have really improved my tone lately are: a) sometimes, you need to turn the Bass knob down and turn the volume up. b) you can almost always boost some mid frequency to be more present. On my Ampeg amp, what I tend to do is engage the Ultra Low (mid cut at 500Hz) but then boost the 200Hz-300Hz range. This results in a tone that is more evened-out than a mid scooped tone but has a little more nuance than if I did nothing.

[@NickiTedesco]

FINAL COUNTDOWN! OMG I love your channel! I’m dying over here!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Nicki!

[@raydecampos7327]

Best bass video I’ve ever seen!! Love the explanation of Jazz tones. I’ve look all over KZbin for that specific subject and this by far is truly the best. You have a new subscriber. Thank you!! 😊

[@Gator_Bait_Motorsports]

I'm not a newb, been playing for 35 years, but I love your channel. It is interesting and keeps your attention to the subject at hand.....and I find it entertaining as well. I recommend beginners to your channel as a great place to start. Keep up the good work. Maybe some day I'll be as good as Josh newb!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Rod!

[@wayneanderson2866]

Great info! 👍🏼 I agree on a lot of it being subjective & depending on what sound you are trying to go for. I think that someone can be an overly picky tone nerd(as with any instrument) that you take the fun out of playing all together. Don’t let someone else’s opinion stop you from playing what you love. As you play more & more- you’ll discover what you like & don’t like on tones. I try to remember that 90% or more of the people listening to you play will not care or remember what you sounded like at all. Have fun & absorb knowledge from other musicians but DO NOT let someone else’s opinion stop you from playing & growing. 🤘🏼

[@dhruvchandra6049]

Thanks for being informative and genuinely fun!

[@BassBuzz]

You're wlcome Dhruv!

[@annafromhsm]

when he sang “its the final cOuNtdOwn” i did the instrumental

[@BassBuzz]

How could you not?

[@JellyfishButterGaming]

Thank you bass sensei I'm so glad you are here to help ❤️

[@ALICE_bass]

Been playing bass for a year and the brand of strings that I've landed on are Ernie Ball strings and they have that perfect zing to them that are perfect for me,I have also been using these tone fixes for 5 months and they have helped me improve. Thank you, Bass Buzz!

[@thomasfioriglio]

Nice set of tips. I loved the one of cutting your nails. I learned to play with a pick back in my teens and since picking up the bass again, have been learning to play with my fingers. I keep finding that my middle finger gets a different tone than my pointer. I can play much smoother and get an even tone when I play with just my pointer, like Jamerson. I have difficulty keeping a steady rhythm and consistent tone with two fingers. I keep practicing and know it will improve, but then go back to the pick or just one finger plucking. Is this a common issue? PS, since I started playing again, there is so many great stuff online. I tried several and came across yours. You are by far, the most engaging and personable. I wish these vids were around when I was a teen just starting out. Keep up the great work.

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Thomas, I think it's always a struggle for pick players to adjust to fingers. It seems to take a lot of work (which is why I recommend people start with fingers, whether they also learn pick or not). Make sure you're not making fingernail contact with the middle finger, and just keep working the rhythm stuff, it'll come. And thanks for the kind words!

[@plinkbottle]

There was a time when bass players hated the sound of new strings because they were too "tinny", yes the sound of slap. It took a bit of playing to wear them in.

[@montano944]

Thank you. Just picked up a 70's lawsuit Castilla bass. I'd like some flat wounds on it at some point and see how it changes the sound.. But the biggest thing I learned was finding the sweet spots on my amp's EQ.. I do think I'd been disturbing my neighbors with all the boom and slap 😅 Fun fun.

[@eyeofbass]

Unfortunately had to figure a few of these out on my own (e.g., slightly pulling up on the strings, and adjusting fingertip angle to avoid nail-strikes). If one chases the sound and tone, they’ll eventually figure out what’s right and wrong (for them), but great to have guidance, so appreciated. 👍

[@mistervision4431]

i am self teaching myself and i learned to pluck across and not away by myself didnt mean to but it helps and does sound better

[@nedryerson988]

Other than the out of tune tone, I kind of liked all the tones. I didn't really hear any bad sounds. I wish my bass sounded half as good as yours. (even the ones that you said sounded bad)

[@BassBuzz]

Good tone is in the eye of the beholder, ultimately... but if you're trying to fit into a specific context, there are usually established tone guidelines that are worth knowing, even if you want to deviate.

[@Scottzen]

@@BassBuzzwhere would I find these established tone guidelines for specific contexts? Thanks so much -- awesome tutorial. Been learning for 3 years, playing in a band for one and am getting to the point where I am noticing these important nuances.

[@ephemerals]

flatwounds all the way for the styles i play - and theyre so much more comfortable :) i also have flats on my guitar lol

[@twontonamo]

I personally love leaving my strings on for a while. Love when they get a tad darker :)

[@SH-fm5eu]

Pulling across instead of plucking. I have been playing guitar for 40 years and took up the bass a couple weeks ago. I can play stuff right off but I'm newbing it up big time. Your vids are super helpful.

[@technomancermagus8357]

I bought your course and while I'm only on M1 L4, It's been super fun. This video helped me solve one of my problems, my fingernails were catching the strings, but only sometimes and it was driving me crazy that I couldn't get the same sound every time and I was sure I was plucking the same way. Clipped them, and problem solved.

[@rodneyhenson]

OMG, you are such a DORK! Totally endearing and I am totally hooked and committed to spend my Corona virus lock down month to learn bass from you!!! I'm committed and really excited. BTW I am a guitar player, and love how you mimic those out of groove guitar show offs!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Sounds good Rodney! Glad you enjoy the dorkdom. :)

[@HobbesTamThanh]

Loved hearing “Pow!”, the song that made me want to play bass, during the Strings section 💪

[@PurrbotArt]

Love how he still responds to new comments from people asking for advice when this video was released over 2 years ago

[@BassBuzz]

I even respond to comments about how I respond to comments! 😜

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

You are the first bass player I have come across who actually recommends using old strings. I find the usual mantra to change your strings regularly a bit dogmatic, too. If you are into heavy slapping stlyes, then yes, there is no replacement for fresh strings once in a while. Otherwise, don't change a running system if it sounds fine.

[@wingracer1614]

I know it's a year later but you clearly haven't been talking to many bassists. They are notorious for using strings forever. So much so that it's a meme. I'm one of them. I HATE the sound of my bass with new strings. It takes about a week for them to settle down and sound right again. Unfortunately after about a year the G string goes just completely dead and I have to change them.

[@ChienJaune01]

"So dial the lows back in, until it feels like there's an earthquake. Then leave it there." (I fixed it)

[@timkohn7770]

That's what bass is all about Chien!!!!

[@SolidGeordieMGS]

Then tell your neighbor's to go fuck themselves

[@henryfreeman7748]

@@SolidGeordieMGS my hero😅

[@schipbreukeling3]

@@SolidGeordieMGS 😂

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I don't really like how BRAND NEW strings sound generally. I like to play them for a day and then go do a gig because after you get that initial super brightness out of them, they sound more consistent, and they feel better too.

[@SuperEvilmonkey88]

djjazzyjeff123 Totally agree. Out of the package new strings regardless of bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, etc... are WAY too bright. You can halfa**ed rush the process to keep them from detuning if in hurry before a gig... pull them straight up of the board, stretching them out... tune, stretch, tune stretch, rinse and repeat until they hold. But nothing sounds like a set that has some sweat and natural finger oils on them. THAT my friend is where some of that "tone" comes in. What's funny is this guy compares 2 p-bass models... claiming they're the same, but flat vs round... Yeah dude... let's not take into account one is a maple board and one is some type of rosewood... because ya know THAT would never ever have an effect on tone.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Me as well. Gigging player here. If you're popping and pinging on stage, it's obvious even to people with no musical background. If you don't play with fresh strings say, every 8 hours, you're better off sticking with what you play normally - for me, I'll go two years or more. Heretical!

[@meowthew-ou812]

Nail clippers should come with every bass. Nobody talks about how much more you're going to clip if you play bass. This is the first acknowledgement I've heard on YT :)

[@BassBuzz]

Ha yes, they need to be added to Squier Starter Packs ASAP.

[@meowthew-ou812]

@@BassBuzz Yes! :)

[@batty.b]

I'm so glad you just focused on the treble and bass knobs because my amp doesn't even have a mid knob and everyone else mentioned it like it was super important. Made me feel like Id never be good just because I've got the wrong amp. And thanks for mentioning the two knob one pickup setup, again everyone acts like you *need* two, which sucks when you've only got one.

[@rolandvitai2212]

Jazz bass, both pickups and tone on full Amp: bass: 5 midbass:7 midtreble: 7-8 treble: 6-7 I use picks.

[@ThatBassistK]

HH or J: vol maxed and slightly rolled to neck, tone rolled all the way off. P: vol maxed, tone rolled all the way off. EQ: (average 4 band) Bass 6, Low-mid 7, Hi-mid 4-5, Treble 2-4. (Full 7 band gets pretty complicated with specific Hz values.) I also play with mainly flats or tapes, a fretwrap and sometimes a foam mute... No matter what I'm playing it's generally as closely resembling Jamerson's tone as the piece will allow.

[@rolandvitai2212]

@@ThatBassistK wow i bet you're that sick jazz or motown bassist. Am I right?

[@ThatBassistK]

@@rolandvitai2212 Funk and Soul are what I love but I play a little of everything. I have basses set up around brighter tones that I use when I have to but... That warm, rich, gooey tone is where my heart is.