Advanced Bass Soloing made Easy with Gary Willis

[@gallollibre2657]

First time I heard Gary Willis was with Tribal tech. one of my favorite bands. WOW!

[@W.O.P.R]

Gary had a website back in the early 2000’s and responded to my story about my dog Chance and posted it on his website. That was my intimate connection with Gary. Love this man

[@WTHFX]

Getting to have a private lesson with Gary was one of the great honors of my life. Not because I learned so much, which I did, but because I got to meet such a generous and kind grandmaster of his art. Genius is an overused word but I can think of no other that better describes him.

[@AndyGoodstuff]

My dad has the album Illicit by Tribal Tech. I remember being a kid and hearing him listening to mad jazz fusion music on his hi-fi and had no idea what it was until I came back to it as a teenager when I started playing guitar. The Big Wave will always be the absolute definition of that genre in my head. Absolutely incredible musicianship. That was my first time hearing Gary Willis.

[@lt_johnmcclane]

AndyGoodstuff your dad sounds like a cool guy

[@pneumatic00]

You'd enjoy the next 3-4 albums by Tribal Tech just as much.

[@antonchizhov4419]

But the maddest composition from Illicit is definitely "Babylon". You can hear the biblical motive of formation of languages out of a singular one and the motion, dynamics are crazy. The first time I heard this album, was the moment I fell in love with Tribal Tech.

[@daniels4742]

He's such a monster, love his playing, love his tone, love the way he thinks.

[@flynnaugustbassist8523]

Love how this so different from how most people teach jazz soloing. Usually there’s an emphasis on having a complicated knowledge of a million scales and when to use them and, though knowing whole half diminished scales and altered scales and bebop stuff, having just the pentatonic moved around playing different modes of the chords is very refreshing and pretty sounding. Love Gary Willis first heard him in a recording in 1979 with Pat Methany, Lyle Mays and a drummer who I can’t name. I loved his fretless sound and how he swung and accompanied the soloists and how he played his own solos.

[@seangeist9495]

First time I saw Gary Willis was at Bass Day, when it was still in NYC. I believe it was 1998. Of all the phenomenal bassists featured throughout the day (and hanging in the booths), I thought he was the most mind-blowing. He was the most unpredictable; that sound and technique are quite unique. If you're not ready for it, it'll kick your ass! In a very good way. Never forgot that, never will.

[@SimonDelgadoSimusik]

I’ve been also a Gary Willis student, only for a brief period of time while I lived in Barcelona. Huge inspiration, and when he spoke to you, the words he chooses to make you understand are invaluable. In my 40s still my number 1 musical artist.

[@PeacefulThinker1010]

Thank you for the video. I am a keyboard player who attended M.I in the 90's. Mr. Willis is by far my favorite player. I had the pleasure to watch him play live (Tribal Tech) and it was an eye opening experience. After watching Tribal Tech's live concert, my guitar playing friend ripped the G3 poster on the wall in his apartment. Gary Willis, Scott Henderson, Kirk Covington, and Scott Kinsey are way ahead of their time. True visionaries! Please get together and play again!

[@bankovicalexandre7221]

First time I heard Gary Willis it was on Swiss tv. Montreux jazz fest in '86 with W.Shorter. He blew my mind. In '88-'89 he was my instructor at the Musicians's Institute. One day we were supposed to be, as usual half a dozen of students and i was the only one to show up. Gary was kind enough not to walk away fo a coffe with fellow teachers but he gave me a two hours one on one lesson. Best music lesson of my entire life. What a blast being taught by one of the best and nicest musician ever.

[@henrikbay]

in 1987 he was my ear training-teacher at MI in Hollywood. I loved and admired him so much. He made us sing minor 2-5-1's to earn a donut. So cool. He just quit Shorters band at that time to focus om Tribal Tech. Scott Henderson taut at MI at that time, so we heard a lot of Tribal Tech. He never bothered to pronounce my name (which is impossible anyway to Americans. :) Hi Gary :)

[@johnreilly9748]

Scott I purchased a fretless and fretted directly from Gary 1999 and met him in 2000 also took a 2 hour lesson with him! He is a super good guy and of course killer bassist and educator! First became aware of him in the Tribal Tech era. Check him live with Wayne Shorter live for a little different insight into what he has done. Check his solo albums and Triphasic etc.. His voice on the bass is unique and distinguished! Thanks Scott for bringing him to the bass community and all your great work, really enjoy it!

[@mediumvibesonly7974]

Under rated comment:((

[@madhatter7862]

Geez heard Tribal Tech about 10 years ago and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The Alan Holdsworth of bass. Which is a huge compliment. I am doing fretboard accelerator and zoom lessons from a pro, and will probably never understand what is going on with his playing. I still watch his videos from the early 90’s and right hand muting technique. The master!

[@bobpickett2001]

Why would anyone want to make themselves look stupid by giving this a hands down. The 4 that did just exposed themselves as either duffs or, they know nothing about playing an instrument. Thanks Gary Willis and Scott. This is a real eye opener as it comes to soloing.

[@och70]

Gary Willis' right hand technique is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Makes you think about your own playing in a totally different way.

[@sansocie]

Truth

[@zzzyzzzyzzzyxxx]

The first time I heard Gary Willis was at a workshop during a bass conference in Vancouver BC - either in 2000 or 2001. I bought a Willis bass within six months of that and still have it. I remember sitting there slack jawed at his right hand technique.

[@EdLanouettebass]

Studied with Gary in 90-91…. Best bassist going.. great person!!

[@robertore65]

I started to listen at Gary almost 30 years ago, but I brought him and Tribal Tech for a gig in Italy close to my hometown in the first 2000's, that's where I met him. Very original style, lovely fretless tone, great musician.

[@IndigoBass]

Just now was the first time I’ve heard Gary Willis 👀

[@lt_johnmcclane]

Indigo Bass check out his solo album Bent and his work with Tribal Tech

[@ts4gv]

welcome to the ibanez crew :)

[@czarpaul01]

Listen to a nomad from Tribal Tech. You won’t be sorry

[@monkeybusiness673]

@@czarpaul01 Hooo boy. Thanks for that!

[@garysanders3193]

It was back in 1992, when I saw him at a bass clinic in Colorado springs at Grainer Music. I had just started playing bass, and it was incredible! I can't thank my friend Ryan for taking me with him.

[@czarpaul01]

Man heard Gary late 80s, saw him in concert multiple times. Best one was at the Bottom Line in NY. My table was right up against the stage, right in front of him. Heaven! Lol

[@madbuzz90]

First heard Willis back in the 90’s on a compilation CD which, amongst various other artists, had a Tribal Tech tune called ‘Canine’......still one of my all time favourite bass solos, un-fkn-real!

[@AislanSousa]

Gary Wiilis sem duvidas é um dos melhores baixistas do planeta !! Parabéns pelo canal Scott´s.. Saudações aqui do Brasil

[@Mrflippyfloop]

Got into Gary in the late 90’s. I rinsed the ‘ No Sweat ‘ album. Bought a fretless 5 as soon as possible. Back on 4’s now mainly. Gary is a huge influence, my favourite fretless player without doubt. His tone is just phenomenal. I remember learning some of his approach in this video from one of his books, you know, before the internet.

[@SendilSelvan]

Sometimes it is indescribable with words to convey just how indescribable a soul that dwells within certain musicians. With someone like Sri Sri Gary Willis it’s hard to tell whether his soul encapsulates music or vice versa. It is a blessing to be born in this day and age of Internet to listen and learn from the greatest greats of our time. Thank you is a feeble attempt to convey the deepest sense of admiration and adoration 🙏🏽😌❤️

[@trichards109]

Gary Willis is insane! I can’t wait for the Masterclass!

[@mikemorrison281]

I first heard Gary and Covington playing in Houston with Condor at Cody’s in the early 80’s. They were both great then. Saw him with Wayne Shorter 2-3 years later and took he and Tommy Brechtlein to the old Allen Parkway Inn for dinner after the show. Gary is nice, funny, VERY smart, and a monster musician!!!!!!!

[@daverobbins6527]

End of 82' -- I played in a band with Gary - Billy Rogers - and Land Richards -- amazing -

[@devinebass]

That's awesome dude, what a player!

I'm a guitar player, but every thing that Gary Willis does facinates me, i heard a lot of his project, including Tribal Tech, Uncle Moes Space Ranch, Triphasic with Holdsworth and so on. But the first time that i heard him was listening The Big Wave of Tribal Tech, absolutely mind blowing...

[@anthonymcfarland8977]

I first heard The Willis around 2000. A buddy of my had taken lessons from him in Colorado and was introducing me to some of his Tribal Tech albums. He's so good.

[@bryonhankins7374]

I first saw him in the late 80's playing with Hubert Laws in NYC at the Blue Note. Mind blown!!

[@KarlKarsnark]

I'm a guitar guy, but I love watching all the bass gods and how they conceptualize the same, but different instrument.

[@hugocox4995]

Tone is fucking stunning and wealth of knowledge whattttt my lord I mean I’ve had some good jazz teachers but these little tricks and ‘simple ‘ ideas are so genius 🥶😃💪🏽💪🏽🔥

[@bay4west]

This is the first time I've heard of him. 37 year old bass noob, right here. He's awesome!

[@carringtoncarter8302]

My first time hearing Gary Williams was just now! OMG…he is awesome!!!

[@ilovegongsmygongsongs2094]

First time I heard Gary was with Tribal Tech in 1985. as a drummer he quickly became my favorite bass player and to this day still is !

[@fjammusic]

Wow!! That's all I can say!! Thanks Scott and Gary!!

[@leonlau5470]

Brain:"Yeah, I got it" Hand:"Go away"

[@danieledeangelis8406]

Avete rimosso la trascrizione di questi esercizi, un insegnate geloso della propria arte è solo un commerciante!!

[@kevinmitchell8650]

I first heard of Mr. Willis with Tribal Tech. What I desire is the what and how to practice that gets results. Listening is ok. To create is my goal...a true awareness...

[@thiagopinheiromusic]

I've had a chance to play with Gary and how amazing is that guy. Not only a great player but down to earth as a person, great gig it was, one to remember :)

[@WoodenTiger2023]

I started to listen Tribal Tech when I was 15 and I am 47 bass player from then... I was a big fun of Gary already by then. But guess what. I met you here, started to follow you and now I will have my first lesson with Gary tomorrow!

[@chrispestana1738]

Mind Blown! I could never understand how this worked until right this minute. Gonna be a few more before I can do any of it… but I get the concept!

[@pinggang.gue.pegel.banget]

Beside being one of The Greatest Bass Improviser ever, Gary is One of The Greatest Composer ever

[@sonusancti]

Hi. When I first listened to Got Tuh B, I was hooked. Gary had that Jaco vibe with stellar ad libs. Only You Tube made this possible. My playlists are in the thousands now.

[@StevenMorello]

I first heard Gary Willis when my brothers started taking guitar lessons. Their teacher gave them a bunch of CDs to listen to - Dream Theater, Joe Satriani, and Tribal Tech. Dream Theater and Joe Satriani were easy to get as we used to listen to RATM, Hendrix, Led Zepplin, and Gun's N Roses. Tribal Tech took me a month of listening to before I recognised their brilliance. Henderson's lines were so wild and unconventional, the drumming so free with so many accents, but it's only after hearing songs like Slick, Self Defense, and Jalapeno that I started to realise how good Willis was as well. They still are my favourite band in existence. I can't get tired of them. They are so original. If you're a music nerd, you gotta check them out. Everyone is an absolute killer on their instruments. It will change your world if you haven't listened to progressive jazz-fusion.

[@2rkolle]

OMG.. one of the best bass player in world. in my opinion.. listen a lot tribal tech on 90's

[@blakebass1]

Wonderful! I just learned some new concepts, thank you! I also saw Gary with Tribal Tech in Denver several years ago, mind-blowing performance. Hillary Jones was on drums for that show.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@portcherish]

I heard about Gary from your video talking to Oteil Burbridge about putting the root on top. Scott, thank you so much for everything you do , wish I could say more but its beyond words

[@taikicastro9061]

I’m saw him in Barcelona many year ago!!!!!thanks for this interview!!!!!!!!!😊

[@ada8189]

I heard him first in the "best fearless bass ever" video. He plays from within 😣😭😭 oh my God 💕❤

[@Flying_turnip187]

Nice! That was a great lesson. More gary!!

[@Decedo]

Gary is a monster. Actually met Gary at BIT in 89. Learned a lot from him. Most went over my head at the time, but some stuck :D

[@michaelmcdaniel5054]

The great thing about this, is that it helps anchor things back to the idea that music is simple. Always get back to basics, and the idea that you're looking for a big picture. You tend to plateau when you get compartmentalized into the separate ideas you're working on. Playing minor pentatonic on the root, 2nd, and fifth of the actual minor chord instantly simplifies and opens up the landscape. Nice. I liked it.

[@curtisunit]

High school ‘86. Saw Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea. My drummer buddy and I were freaked out. Gary sounded like a freight train. Chick is always great but this was the show that hooked me. Later I almost got a nerf football to the head after the show. It was movin! He was aiming for Scott Henderson and I was in the crosshairs. When I was real young I played in a fusion band with one of Scott’s students and we used to go see them. We opened a couple times. When TT played and things started going into 12th gear we’d be like “aaa there goes the right leg, yep there’s the frown.”Sometimes when the music was just punching us in the face I’d seen him get all happy 😂 for a moment. Later in the 90s I took a lesson at a little shop in LA. There was NO way I was going to be able to do any of that right hand mojo he does. He explained it really well. The Ibanez he was using felt like balsa wood, zero shellac and resonated like an angry bee unplugged. He’s like an encyclopaedia. I learned a ton. After the lesson Gary said that I needed some decent tuners because mine were not so nice. Couple weeks out I got a fat envelope from somewhere in Colorado with WILLIS written in the top left. Out spilled some proper working class tuners. Gary’s a gem.

[@jeradjenkins2110]

I love how every music youtuber asks, “So when you do that, are you thinking of notes?”. And then the answer is always “No.”

[@Belman5]

Just WOW......Garry Willis is such an incredible musician. So advanced.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@mackmilne8155]

First time I heard Gary was one of your videos a few years back. Now I am studying with him at Berklee in Valencia

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

1996 tribal tech Saturn 5 tour, me and my buddy Went to witness the scariest band in earth at the time . Between Scott Henderson and Gary it was mind bending I wish I could afford this course , next year if gigs commence I’ll will definitely do this course

[@rhysbassboy]

First time hearing and seeing Mr Willis, absolute beast, great tone, great player, hella groovy, nice backing track too!! #foreverlearning #SBL #bass

[@DampRabbitVideo]

My first time was about '85 at NAMM. He was in a sound booth playing with guitarist Wayne Johnson and I remember he had two Tobias Basics in ash, one fretted one fretless.

[@jreid641]

The first time I actually met Gary was the first time we brought Tribal Tech in to perform at the college where I teach. Their drummer, Kirk Covington had actually attended our school some years before I got here. They blew everyone away! Gary came back several times while he was living in New Mexico, to do clinics for us. The last time I actually saw him in person was in 2005 when we were both at Gerald Veasley's Bass Boot Camp.

[@devinebass]

Such a dude!

[@jreid641]

@@devinebass While he was living in Santa Fe, we went mountain biking with him a few times. He's a monster on that too. We even took him with us to see Tower of Power over there once. I always wondered what Rocco would have thought if he'd known Willis was in the audience.

[@TitanTrond]

Saw Gary with Tribal Tech at MI in 1993, first row seat, I instantly became a fan.

[@jdubbs9655]

Scott, late to the bonfire on this. Firstly, thank you for sharing this golden moment with us! I really respect Gary and wish the youth restoration technology would cross paths with him and provide some well deserved longevity. He is worthy! Secondly, have you approached Gary on allowing you to capture a FULL library of I.R's from him for educational purposes? Somebody better be veraciously be on a quest to do this from ALL of our legendary players. If all we have is visual and audio archives without tapping into algorithms produced from these ICONS to our craft then we will be doomed to rediscover the advances they made in the past. We have a unique window here to embrace technology and pay respect to our bass heroes to ensure their legacy moves on after their time here has passed. We are builders. Every so often we get to enjoy the level of the creation.

[@ChuloDavidcito]

I heard Gary with Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech) in Rochester NY in 1993. Legendary material and show! I think it was the Face First album material. I couldn't believe the density and perfect execution of the tunes. Trivia: I saw this frumpy guy sitting on stage, and I'm thinking he'd better clear out before the band starts. Turns out it was Scott Kinsey, and it may have been one of his first gigs with them. He turned out to be an incredible player and composer. Gary was stupendous then, and still is!

[@MishMuzic]

First time that I saw Gary was with Phil Upchurch at the Hollywood Bowl in the 80’s. Maybe even earlier. I instantly heard his brilliance.

[@Purpleskyshorizon]

I heard about Gary Willis from YOU Scott many, many years ago when you're channel was only about few years old. Haha! And thank you!

[@MarkoWarko]

This helps with my lead parts immensely on lead guitar

[@Pladderkasse]

Thanks for this, man is a monster. I would like to see a video on Jimmy Johnson (Holdsworth).

[@lownotesinc1962]

I first saw Gary play in LA at The Baked Potato. (1989-ish?) He sat in on the 3rd set (12:00am) with Brandon Field's band. My brain popped! I haven't been the same since. Thank you for sharing this clip with us!

[@cagedoctaves]

Using the three pentatonic minor scales for each key (e.g. Dm, Em and Am for the Key of A minor) is what I call Poor Man's Modes. The same thing can be done for the major keys too (e.g. C, F and G for the Key of C major). Also note that they are the relative majors and minors of one another i.e. C pentatonic major is equivalent to A pentatonic minor; ditto F=Dm and G=Em) the corresponding shapes are also the same in each case.

[@dmisk2010]

First heard Gary on thick in 1999 , I was 16, I found the album in music bizarre in lismore n.s.w came back the following week and bought it , listened to it every day for months along with bass extreams with victor and steve which i found around the same time i was pretty lucky to stumble accross those albums looking back, i was also listening to weather report not knowing who jaco was lol

[@bryanperez4505]

Title should be: Soloing over Porn Music made Easy with Gary Willis :)

[@darrenclark9776]

😂😂😂

[@throwingbacktheapple]

lol take a shot every time he hits the space bar.

[@nfriedman35]

I never “heard” him but I discovered him via Sean Malone. I have no idea if their history connected but I’m sure there was definitely one. Sean played a gw1 for a long time and many of his techniques can be seen on Gary’s amazing bass instructional that had to be from the 80s, techniques also discussed in his instructional book 101 bass tips. Huge fan and he’s a really incredible teacher!

[@jjones7837]

His bass sounds effing Great. Gary's awesome. Thanks for this.

[@DynamicMarketingOTC]

Whoa Man! I don't know what to even say. This is so advanced that i really can't even relate. Woe is me.

[@justinhart8744]

This is the first I’ve ever heard of Gary Willis this video. I’m buying an Ibanez srf706 been playing 6 string bass many years time for fretless…

[@DRAWINGFLIES]

Tribal Techs Face First from '93 was my first time hearing Gary. Was hooked from first time.

[@kneejo-tube]

I played on his bass once, when he was giving a masterclass. His tone really comes from his technique, not his instrument. He's got this high gain, soft touch going on that's hard to copy.

[@kneejo-tube]

I have to add something to this comment from a year ago. Since then I got the GWB205 and played it for half a year. The sound does indeed come from the bass as well. And this bass allows for this particular playing technique very well. It's humbling to have the sound of Gary under my fingers. The bass has a character that I have not heard in other fretless basses. I think I found my dream bass.

[@craigparrish7139]

Man do I love Gary Willis' playing; been a huge fan since 'Spears.'

[@mikeletartaglia5931]

Best teacher ever...I think

[@danielelise7348]

I love the way he looks like your mate's Dad,but is this Bass monster, it's awesome.

[@RockWeller]

Love this lesson! Greetings from Singapore!

[@philipbrown2225]

I saw Gary at least 6x live from the period of 1988-1993. There is none better imo

[@devinebass]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@marcomazotti]

Willis has so much TASTE! Awesome player

[@thepanchotomasellibassicch3202]

HE IS ONE OF THE LAST REMAINING REAL BASSISTS THANKS FOR POSTING

[@ethanlocke3604]

This video is great. I’m a learning jazz player, still in school, and this will definitely help my playing

[@n_phaneuf]

First time I heard him was right now! 🙏 thanks for opening my eyes

[@KevinJohnson-tw9ip]

thanks Scott this rocked. I first heard Gary on a Tribal Tech cassette

[@rodrigodepierola]

"Soloing made easy" and then he shows blazing 32nds, yup, easy peasy lemon squeezy

[@iantruax17]

Rodrigo de Piérola more like difficult difficult lemon difficult 😂

[@shaespringer5824]

@MomoTheBellyDancer so true ..gotta try to start slow and then gradually increase the speed

[@noblehillministerprophet8689]

Dezy cheesy weezy

[@noblehillministerprophet8689]

New English = dictionary ,slimy chimy yummy tummy

[@johngill8851]

yeah pre chill dog

[@ZuraGagnidze]

Gary is just fantastic! 🍷

[@juansecar2]

Back in 1996, the Illicit album by tribal tech, that first track, The Big Wave... blew my mind. Cheers

[@manubassfreak6701]

Man!!! It's simply one of the most interesting videos of yours.. when he gives the tips it seems to be so clear and it's also widely inspiring at the same time. Thanks for posting this amazing short class. Regards from Brazil

[@don4denise]

First time I heard Gary Willis is when a workmate said to me if I like “ Brand X” you will like “ Tribal Tech “ . And I was Hooked 😀

[@wolframeickerestinpeace2562]

I just heard Gary Willis for the first time. Thank you very much. :D

[@Funkybassuk]

I’ve heard Gary Willis before but this was the first time I *HEARD* Gary Willis 🤯

[@fredjacksonjr.4422]

I’m not sure if I’ve ever geared of Gary Willis, but seems like or feels like I’ve heard him my whole life.

[@Partybob1]

“The Un-Merry-Go-Round” on Alan Holdsworth’s Metal Fatigue. I bought it when it was released in 1985. I love it.

[@fabrizio3711]

Me too! The fisrt time I heard gary Willis was on Metal Fatigue in 1985

[@Partybob1]

Same! That album is beastly.

[@mikerla60]

First time hearing Gary, awesome stuff.

[@ApakukiNayacakalou]

First heard of Gary TODAY!!!! LOL! Freakin legend!!