7 Reasons Thundercat is Funkin' Awesome (+Lesson Tips)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz.com/thundercat
Thundercat is one of the most popular bassists in the world, and possibly elsewhere...so what’s his secret?
THUNDERCAT BASS CHORDS PDF - www.bassbuzz.com/go/thunderca...
THUNDERCAT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST - open.spotify.com/playlist/4Fi...
Fix your flying fretting fingers - • 5 Levels of Bass Finge...
Normally things like bass solos, bass chords and effect pedals are a foolproof way to make band leaders and audiences cringe.. and often for good reason.
But Thundercat is a musician first, and a bass player second. (and a cat daddy third, I guess?)
He redefines what it means to be a bass player and finds a happy medium between what's appropriate and what's overkill. He doesn’t just shred for flash - he fully supports the music and fills up the sonic space to make the song better.
So what planet did his creativity come from? How did a man named Stephen Lee Bruner use his love of comics to create his alter ego of Thundercat and fuel a bass revolution?
In this video, I explore the story of how he uses thunderously fast chops, wubby effects and colorful chords to reach the pinnacle of bass kool-kat-ism. Thundercat hoooooooooooo!!!
You read all the way through this video description… you must really like bass lessons. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one - yeah.bassbuzz.com/subscribe
#Thundercat #BassBuzz #MeowMeow

[@BassBuzz]

What’s your favorite Thundercat bass line? 🎸

[@arkram_68]

Funny Thing and Them Changes I really haven't tried to listen to more of his stuff but ik he's a f*ckin legend

[@willjones8801]

tokyo

[@NAGATASMOKEY-qv1pr]

Definitely funny thing

[@JaQba91]

Them changes - deep song, isn’t it.

[@brianmiller1077]

Oh, Sheit, it's X because it's the first one I heard and it nearly cause an accident

[@treetheoak8313]

Thunder cat is a dude that wanted to be a 1 man band but only wanted to master 1 instrument. He's crazy talented

[@rafavera2537]

Los otros integrantes también lo hacen genial también, sobre todo el tipo del teclado 👌🏼

[@jeremymcpherson2716]

Specially, since that instrument is used for trailer one Man band is the bass guitar. I have a theory…. Light double pluck for bass Hard ass pluck to imitate the snare And fatty mcslappys on open E to replicate kick drum!

[@kahwigulum]

i think it's safe to say that a six-string bass is like the dotted half note of bass. It's at least one and half more bass than a four-string.

[@aquarius5264]

well he chose the right instrument, a 6 string bass with active EQ is probably the most versatile instrument, from both a tone and instrumental perspective.

[@thomassteckle]

The lonely bass

[@swarthygiant1463]

I think it’s worth pointing out thundercat isn’t really famous because he’s a bassist. That’s why musicians love him but the general public love him for being an amazing songwriter, performer, and generally classy trendy guy, who also happens to be a bassist. If he did all that badass 6 string stuff in ableton he’d still be blowing tiktok to pieces like he is now

[@isaacgal836]

Lol i only like thundercat for his bass..i hate his song writing and singing 😂😂

[@lemonfridge4192]

what?

[@jeremymcpherson2716]

Well he shouldn’t have turned his stage name into his cartoon cat-heroes group name….becoming cheetarah ruined his musical identity

[@thex6992]

​@@isaacgal836I mean you can still listen to his old stuff when he was in the band suicidal tendencies

[@alejandroramirez4470]

Can't pin point when I first heard of him but slap fatigue makes me a fan of his style. I feel like his playing isn't just trying to be in the pocket. Definitely great melodic lines.

[@justyouraveragehumanbeing7411]

ngl, bass should definitely be balanced. Too much slap ruins the slap, unless you add something to make it special

[@scottbubb2946]

I can remember the first time I heard him and it's kind of a funny story. I was in rehab at the time and the guy I roomed with and I got to be pretty good friends. He was a few years younger than me and, if we had met under different circumstance, we never would have talked to each other. There was one TV for everybody to watch in the main room. So, like, 20 guys, one TV. He and I got to talking about music, but I don't know if I'd told him I was a bass player... I don't think I did. He had a Mac Miller tattoo on his neck and, obviously, was a big fan. I told him I had never heard of Mac Miller , and so began the trouble. 😂 He played me the Tiny Desk show with Miller and Thundercat. I was like, "Wait a minute. Who the hell is that bass player?" 🌩🐺 Long story short, we had everyone else in there at our throats because we played it constantly.

[@neworecneps]

Thundercat is why i started learning bass last year at the ripe old age of 38

[@RichardHoogstad]

Those 18 minutes passed by really fast. Great video and kind mind blown that Thundercat hardly uses any slap. Favorite bass line: Lava lamp but the live version from the tiny desk concert.

[@BassBuzz]

Love that too! It's been stuck in my head for days after finishing this video. :)

[@spirit.1999]

I want to learn to play bass because of Thundercat and I don't like how bass slaps sound so he's the perfect role model.

[@jhc82681]

"Look at me!!! blaaaahhhh, I'm on KZbin!!!" I lost it right there. You're the man Josh. I fully appreciate how non-narcissistic and down to earth you are as a KZbinr. I wish more of them were like you. Keep it up brother.

[@tianxiangw]

ngl Thundercat was the reason I bought my first-ever bass guitar, and coming across the B2B course was why I started to take this instrument seriously 1 year after I bought it. Thank you, Josh, for continuously providing such amazingly high-quality content!

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

I had the opportunity to see Stephen Bruner live when he was the bassist for Suicidal Tendencies. It was before anyone knew who he was, before he became Thundercat. I approached him a bit stressed, shook his hand and all I could ask was if he knew Victor Wooten, and he said, "Yes, he's my friend".

[@alejandroramirez4470]

People in bands usually are the most humble before they get recognition. Love small punk shows when band members get in the crowd or meet before and after with fans.

[@chasmcorpse]

i met thundercat when i was 15 (almost 2 years ago lol) and i will admit, i was a bit annoying but he was so kind and welcoming. very much the reason i have passion for music now.

[@thex6992]

​@@alejandroramirez4470Its mostly the bands that play aggressive / dark music that have amazing, kind and sweet band members. Of course there are some exceptions but for example one of my favorite bands of all time gojira used to play technical death metal and they're still super humble and amazing guys even though they're really big in their genre, they really care for our planet and nature and did several donations to save the Amazon etc and even brought tribal people from there I think on stage. People who are in contact with their (negative) emotions will always be more down to earth and have a lot of love to give because they let the pain out as art instead on other people because they don't know how to deal with their feelingd. Everyone should give as much love and empathy as they can, we need more of it in this world. I'm glad most of my idols seem to be real people who are empathetic and grounded in reality and not greedy and selfish like many famous stars. If you share love you'll get it back some way, you have a rich soul.

[@nomannic1]

I love how you are a genuine fan of Thundercat, not only of his music but his personality and individuality! Awesome video!

[@matevizhanyo7604]

It's clear that the main reason you made this video is because you're a big fan... And I can't blame you for that. Great work again! Thank you!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Máté!

[@haldern501]

even though he's a pretty household name these days I still feel like Thundercat is one of the most underrated figures in modern music. A shocking amount of people who know him from his solo work/THAT Mac Miller tiny desk concert would have no idea that he used to be in a thrash metal band and also played bass, sang & co-produced one of the most important hip-hop albums of all time. not only is he a ridiculous bass player, he's also one of the most versatile musicians in the 'mainstream' scene. the life of a bassist 😢

[@fatsuperfly]

We needed Thundercat! I’m a metal guy, but love my rock and especially funk old school bass Motown. We need a new music hero, lots of guitars guys, but bass and kinda in the modern scene, the image and sound he is a rockstar. Ha! Love this guy.

[@mohamedyasinarakkal5130]

1:48 why he can't slap bass 4:57 sounds ok 5:03 Cool transition 5:09 that’s insane. Must take a lot of practice. 5:27 Octave Up Effect 13:56 My Favourite

[@unchangedimage1603]

I do love that you always coordinate your t-shirt to reflect the artist/band you are focusing on.

[@JPBass022]

You should do a video on Justin Chancellor from the band TOOL. You might have to buy every single pedal ever made though lol.

[@ranveernair1809]

Absolutely love your channel... Inspired me to start playing bass... Used to play guitar... Thanks! 😃

[@MaybeABass07]

Always a good day when a new Bass Buzz video drops!!. I think a joe dart analysis would be a great video idea. Rock on 🤟

[@girlygirllocssoul]

This was SOOOO excellent! Thank you for showcasing Thundercat. He is an incredible bassist!

[@ElMatador613]

I first saw/heard Thundercat live when he opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and I have been HOOKED listening to his music since then. Super talented individual and he deserves every bit of success that comes his way

[@richw.6296]

I’m a guitarist, but I love the bass. My uncle was a bassist, but he could also excel at guitar. I wish he were still here for us to dive into Thundercat.

[@irish9268]

crazy that ashton kutcher is teaching me bass

[@elizabethromero6710]

It definitely inspires me to continue on the bassist's path. Excellent content, I really enjoyed this video! ❤

[@BassBuzz]

Good to hear Elizabeth!

[@snazzy_tomato6790]

This definitely helped me contextualize bass in a way I hadn't thought of before

[@kahwigulum]

I know it's piano and classical at that, but Glenn Gould sings (well, hums) the melodies while playing Bach and it's the greatest thing ever. Singing while playing even sub-vocally is a great way to internalize the melody and rhythm and play what you want. It's also a great way to improvise or otherwise improve your technique. If you can play what you hear in your head then you've mastered music theory and can throw out all those boring manuals your music teacher demands you study.

[@investfluent4143]

Thundercat was in the ST army?! What?!?! Mind blown!

[@Canon85mm]

New video on BassBuzz! What an awesome Saturday! =)

[@Noodle-Segootal]

As a 6 string player we need more 6 from Josh!

[@danielpalmersofficial]

My favourite bass line is definitely “Them Changes”, because why not?? ✌️☺️

[@zubrhero5270]

I tell you a good, cheap option for multi-effects... especially if you have something to combo it _with._ Line-6 did a multi-effects combo amp (a few generations old now, so even cheaper) where you could install an app on your phone/tablet, and change all the pedal/cabinet settings, with presets and memory banks to save customs.

[@2pigsTV]

This channel has taught me so much about bass and continues to teach me. Very thankful for your videos, Bass lord Josh

[@joannalewis5279]

I love your breakdowns

[@lordoftheelements2112]

You absolutely rocked that six string bass, and the Thundercat bass lines! ❤

[@battlekat4]

Pretty cool that Thundecat inspired me to want to play the Bass. And bass buzz channel was one of the first places I started my self taught journey . 😊

[@kurkumopo]

You shuld make videos more often! I find this content informative and stimulating!

[@ThatIsSomePig]

Hearing that one of my favorite bass players also has a slap allergy definitely made me feel better about mine lol. Also cool fun fact about the cat name.

[@johnnyharperscoutstable5386]

Hot dang. A new video! Was listening to your playlist for 8 hours last night while sleeping. Rad bro!🐸🍺🔪🔥

[@SamsterTH]

I appreciate this video!! Always great learning more about the same Bassists who inspired me to pick up this instrument in the first place :)

[@grizelda4526]

This really is your best video ever. Inspiring and informative and genuine and cool

[@kevinneal2575]

Fantastic breakdown. Thanks for giving clarity to the subject.

[@brayanjavier2452]

Just bought your beginner to badass course and it's amazing! Keep up the good work Josh! You're keeping me on track and I'm finding it so enjoyable to play bass, never had any experience playing any instrument but with your course it's so easy. You rock!

[@maybedean]

My love for thundercat came from his work with Flying Lotus! Did anybody notice the "mmmhmmm" - "for love (I come your friend)" crossover? Those songs got me into George Duke!!! Gah, I'm obsessed haha

[@diegom3339]

Thanks for the superusefull chords tab! Can't wait to try them

[@TheGiftOf_Gabe]

I love thundercat and bass buzz even more now! Awesome video!

[@bassonthemark8191]

I really enjoyed that, absolutely fantastic content. Thank you.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mark!

[@zanzibarforever]

Been a fan of him for a years, he's the frank zappa of bass imo

[@diegom3339]

That Zoom B1 on is amazing. Super fun stuff. Great video, like allways, Josh!

[@GalenWillettMusic]

Check the B1Xon! It’s MORE

[@cameronlouis3185]

Excellent informative video. Learned a lot, thank you. Love the Diablo reference!!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Stay a while and listen!

[@mark_reviews-reddit]

I feel like this video was made for me. I love it!

[@HAMMERSMASHD]

I appreciate your videos, I'm a guitarist of like 18yrs but a bassist for 5 or so you've helped me since the beginning. Also I got to see Thundercat last September I think. Live he plays with just a keyboardist and drummer. I didn't look up any live footage beforehand and was blown away by how hard the shredded as a 3 piece, extremely talented musicians. They upped the tempo on almost all songs and got jazzy with it. Super impressive show

[@indigosnow_]

He's so amazing! Awesome video

[@davidreidy5750]

Ran into Thundercats music a few yrs ago by accident and immediately fell in love with it.Big fan.🗽🛸

[@mircomeniconi]

Very nice and informative video. Thanks

[@tracksuitdandy8887]

This is a furiously good channel

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks mate!

[@kalletheowner]

Great video! I love the analogy about patting your head and rubbing your stomach when you are talking about singing whilst playing bass. I usually use the exact same analogy. I also LOVE thundercat!

[@XxIsmaelxX4510]

Love your content man! I'm a little over halfway done with your B2BA course and It kinda bums me out that it will eventually end. Thanks for being my bass teacher.

[@BassBuzz]

Glad you're digging the course!

[@bassmanjoseph]

Josh bro you’ve carried me throughout my 7 months of bass playing and taught me all that I know today but I have to ask a huge favor, please help me and my 2 friends ross and wyatt get metallica to Cape Town as we are huge fans of them and would love to see them live. Please we need all the help we can get

[@theanarchistcook]

I just learned about Thundercat! Them Changes just lives in my brain now. I would love to see one of these about John Deacon.

[@alexanderbrunner5658]

Very interesting and inspirational.

[@georgeskate1111]

Quite inspirational video man gj

[@ElChadinotunes]

Awesome vid! Working on the chords right now! Love me some Thundercat :)

[@KralicekB]

Very complex video! Thanks

[@beyond7408]

Great video!

[@EpicBassTime_]

Thanks for uploading Josh ❤️🙏

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks for watching Yves!

[@EpicBassTime_]

@@BassBuzz if BassBuzz has a million fans I am one of them. If BassBuzz has one fan I am that fan. If BassBuzz has no fans, I’m no longer on this earth

[@preston_kearney]

Love him ive seen him 2 times live hopefully a third this year

[@6sixxdance]

This was really fun to watch I learned things too !

[@mackmccord3743]

So dope The Boss ME 50B was my first pedal. Bought it from sam Ash. Played that one til it died. Bought a second one from my friend Evan Rainey. Spilled some juice on it at church and bought another one off of Craig's List. It was simple. But it worked. Eye used that more than my Zoom B9.1ut. Great video! 🔥🕶️💜

[@nicolasgiliberti1942]

This video made me start practicing bass again. no joke, pure genius.

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

You should see the clips of Thundercat and his brother on drums. Its literal magic.

[@chezchezchezchez]

Nice vid!

[@johnnyharperscoutstable5386]

Didn’t know bout thundercat till I seen you do that blind cover song🐸🍺🔪🔥

[@stillwaitingforblackmetalr2503]

Bro, seeing the "flashbacks" to your older videos, and damn! You're looking good!

[@davidreidy5750]

Some of the hose fills are just mental I can listen all day,well any song with a funky ass bass groove to it ♥️🗽🛸

[@VoidMaker407]

Great vid man

[@mashasings]

I’m not a bassist, not even a musician really. I can only sing a little. But this video is weirdly super easy to comprehend and really entertaining. Thanks a lot!

[@kinooo___]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@christopherkinchen1709]

Earned yourself a sub, keep it up!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Christopher!

[@billlee6908]

Loved this vid ❤️

[@dannymars]

Great video 👍🏻

[@maniacguitar]

Very good video my bass brotha!

[@This_Fretless_Guy]

⚡️🐱 is my hero. Such a genius on bass and so a funny, authentic guy. There really are people with super powers and Stephen is a real superhero❤️‍🔥

[@tlucario14]

Bro. I've been listening/analyzing Thundercat and his collabs since I was in high school in 2012. You REALLY did your home work and you ACTUALLY know about his musical whereabouts. Bro, props and thank you. Everything I've had in my brain in a video, with playlists, and PDFs. P.S. Listen to his BBC trio with Austin Peralta, Gene Coye, and Flying Lotus. Iconic Thundercat grooves.

[@jaydeeee_]

Do u know what the song or video is at 14:02

[@pacodapuppet6989]

The part about singing the bass line is a great tip!

[@martyg374]

good job!

[@Turtlpwr]

Your tone is fantastic btw

[@PedroKrebs]

Amazing video

[@labib3x]

❤😮 Thundercat is one of the best, I hope he continues his otherworldly endeavors

[@ongo9152]

thank you!

[@LAUTA96]

Amazing video, greetings form a bassits from argentina!!!

[@lalacabrito]

I'm not a bass player...man, I don't even play anything but this video had so much lessons to it! I loved it, bro!

[@residentalien818]

you should do a video on robert sledge of ben folds five :)) also awesome video, the one before this got me listening to thundercat and i do not regret it one bit

[@xerxes1972]

good stuff

[@brianmiller1077]

Thundercat's meeting with Narduwar - you can see the inner geek coming out of him. Plus that parka he has in that video is the best.

[@chaosopher23]

I recently heard a plucked upright bass sent through a lot of sustain and a moderate enough distortion to make it sound awesome. Avant-garde jazz of the dark cabaret variety has a lot to offer. But the way I discovered how to play chords on bass is to play all the notes at the same time. This keeps them all in phase. 2nds & 7ths are a bit off-sounding, so these intervals, I play a short time apart so the higher note dominates the sound. I play an acoustic-electric 4-string and a p-bass.

[@TaxEvader420]

Please Josh you gotta do one on Jason Newsted, he's so underrated!

[@brunoandrade6683]

You remind me of Tim Commerford from Audioslave ahahaha. Thanks for your videos, you're an amazing player and teacher, every single video I've watch from u, it gets even funnier and stimulates me.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Bruno!

[@jefferyharden9829]

11:15 don’t forget, “I made be covered in cat hair, but I still smell good”

[@Isaqueibra]

Incrível seu vídeo 📹

[@regislourenso]

Rockin' out that new haircut, I see. Looking sharp, Josh!

[@teotirn1]

Great video! Could you do a video on Dallon Weekes one day, because i feel like his playing style is worth covering