Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In - The 5th Dimension - Bass Cover - Request

Hello :)
This is the requested transcription I've done of the 5th Dimension song "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In". This song was originally written for the 1967 musical "Hair". The 5th Dimension released it as a single in 1969. The bass player on this track was Joe Osborn.
You can find this transcription at Muzento when you sign up with an Advanced Lesson Plan.
I had to do something that I don't think I've done before in a video. I didn't play this from beginning to end in one take. I recorded each song separately. For whatever reason, I just couldn't get a good take from beginning to end. I'm going to blame it on the way I practiced the song. I didn't really practice the first song (Aquarius) that much and spent all of my time on the 2nd song.
I had to use a different technique in this song. I usually play the interval of a 4th with my 4th finger, but I found using my 3rd and 4th sounded cleaner.
I think this bass line in this song would qualify as a "Boogaloo" style bass. It's very tricky (it kind of kicked my butt...darn hippie music...haha, just kidding) You really have to have your reading chops up and be super focused to get through this one. It's a tough song.
I'm pretty sure Joe Osborn would've played it a little different every time. If I was playing this in a live situation, I would probably just pick a few of the rhythms and slightly vary it here and there. I don't think I'd have the courage to vary it as much Joe Osborn did!
Good luck reading through this one. I hope you enjoy it and have fun with it :)
Don't forget to "like" and "subscribe" and thanks for watching.
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Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.

[@tpslowbie]

I LOVE how hard Osborn digs in after the transition. The bass and vocals make this song.

[@BassCovers]

Me too, he really helped take the song to the next level.

[@davebrau]

And all producer Bone Howe directed Joe Osborne and drummer Hal Blaine to do was, “do more..” in the second half. In 1971 this track, at 7-years old, inspired me to want to become a bass player.

[@THEbadlnb]

Best cover of one of my favorite Bass lines. I never get tired of hearing it. Joe Osborn is smiling down on you. Cheers!

[@BassCovers]

That's very kind of you. Thank you :)

[@cogwap359]

Stunning! Thanks for the cover. A song I keep coming back to for the bass groove. Bookmarked.

[@BassCovers]

Thanks a lot!

[@JR-zv6qm]

This is Mr. Osborn's masterpiece. Great cover of a virtuosic piece of bass playing. Thanks for the upload.

[@BassCovers]

One of many masterpieces for Mr. Osborn....my pleasure. Thanks!

[@GreetingCommittee]

Good stuff. Have to say I admire the patience and attention to detail in going note for note on sections where the original seems like it was somewhat improvised around a theme, like the 'Sunshine' section here. Also love to see the chords shown on a tab. It's such an important resource for players wanting to improve to see not only what was played but to also have the context of why it may have been played given the chords.

[@BassCovers]

Hi, thanks very much for the comment. Improvised type sections (which I think the one you mention was) have a couple of challenges. One is transcribing what they played, and the other is trying to capture the improvised feel after rehearsing it so much. I like the challenge though :) Thanks for noticing and the appreciation...cheers! :)

[@elbmw]

Ah the late great Joe Osborn knocked this one out in 69. Fun fact for those that dont know he also discovered and produced The Carpenters, along with his fellow 'Wrecking Crew' late great drummer Hal Blaine.

[@BassCovers]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't know that, but I immediately thought of a video I saw on YT where Joe is in the studio with Richard Carpenter (Rich sounds a little "tipsy"). Thanks!

[@destructospin90]

Man, that's pretty good. I feel like the bass for that song (especially for Let the Sunshine In) doesn't get talked about that much. It's just so good. :)

[@BassCovers]

Ya, it's a really good line he came up with in the 2nd half. Mr. Joe Osborn :)

[@scottbubb2946]

Man, I love this one. When I play along with it my friends are like, "What are you? A hippy?" And I say, "No, I just like the bass parts..." And they say, "Whatever, Jerry Garcia." Ha, he, he!😂 I'm just kidding, I don't have any friends.

[@BassCovers]

haha...that's funny...thanks :)

[@MrAlanCBrown]

Many years ago I heard this song as a child and loved that chord change from low to high over the counter melody 1:10. Later I learnt that the instrument that made that inspired change was a bass guitar! At the age of 9 yo I took up the bass for this very song. Cheesy I know but that bass line still gets me emotional! I shall visit this again thanks to this lesson! Al age 65

[@BassCovers]

Hi Alan, thank you for the message. I don't think it was cheesy at all. It's amazing how music can transport us and create emotional connections! I'm really glad you enjoyed this :) Thanks for letting me know ;)

[@andreiter]

You are now officially part of the "Wrecking Crew" 🙂

[@BassCovers]

haha...thanks :) Do I get a T-Shirt? :P

[@JP4drumsFarrell]

It is so out its in. KILLER!!!!

[@ashavocado4610]

One of my fav bass lines. And so well played x

[@BassCovers]

Thanks very much!

[@user-en5vw6fd8j]

Two dislocated fingers later and I've almost gotten the hang of it lol What a transcription! I admit the transition between the two songs is tricky, but what a great cover. Thanks a lot!

[@BassCovers]

haha...yes, it is a pretty demanding part he came up with. I like that you stuck with it and almost got it down ;) Thanks for the comment and keep it up!

[@makemontanamyhome]

So inspirational to hear such a highly skilled and talented professional recreate such an iconic bass line. Well done Sir!!!😃❤❤❤

[@BassCovers]

Thank you very much. What a nice comment...thank you :)

[@jayconstantine5928]

As someone who can't play a note on a guitar. . . This is Amazing!

[@BassCovers]

Thank you :)

[@Bamainjc]

Nice cover. The sunshine breakdown is amazing bass work

[@BassCovers]

Thank you Gary :)

[@marklongshore4860]

Thanks, Greg, for the transcription. I have not used a pick since I played guitar in high school, but Mr. Osborn always used a pick; as you know he never learned finger playing since he was a guitar player. I found an old guitar pick in a jewelry box, and for the first time in 50 years I played using a pick and it is going very well on Joe Osborn transcriptions including The Carpenters.

[@BassCovers]

I find that using a pick makes the song easier to play sometimes. Especially if there's alternate picking going on. Have fun with your new found discovery :)

[@colinsmith3990]

Greg, it's so brilliant that you share your talents with us mere mortals....tabs, notation, technique. Thanks again

[@BassCovers]

Thank you very much :) It's my pleasure :)

[@matteodipietro9536]

Thanks a lot for sharing! Great song, very well played!

[@BassCovers]

My pleasure, thanks for listening...cheers!

[@markmatavideos]

This is among the top best things I've seen in youtube! ❤❤❤

[@BassCovers]

haha...thanks :)

[@tortolita633]

Some very funky fills from Joe Osborn on this. Very Tasteful. Note for note perfect. That tempo change is always killer. That picking hand is brilliant. That's not nuthin'. If you don't love this, well...

[@BassCovers]

Thanks very much. It took a bit of work to learn this one, but I'm glad I did. This style of bass is fun to play...thank you :)

[@michaelc6522]

@@BassCovers I thought it was James Jamerson that played bass on the song. thank for doing it you did a great job.

[@davidosborn146]

@@michaelc6522 Joe Osborn did this and the entire fifth dimension catalog up to 1975.

[@michaelc6522]

@@davidosborn146 Thanks David I caught my mistake after iI wrote it.

[@CBRSIXPACK]

Nothing like Joe Osborne from 40 years ago +. THAT is good, YOUR version gets all the ticks from me ,well done ,excellent work.

[@BassCovers]

Thank you very much. Mr. Osborn was a master of the instrument. It's a pleasure to learn anything from him...thanks!

[@ZPX945]

This totally awesome Greg!!!!!

[@BassCovers]

cheers Clarke!

[@marklongshore4860]

I have been studying Joe Osborn a lot lately.

[@BassCovers]

He's a good one to study for sure!

[@georgehockaday7584]

That is incredible, not sure that my 62 year old hands will ever bee that fast.

[@BassCovers]

haha, you might be surprised what some consistent and focused practice will do. Take your time and have fun with it...thanks! :)

[@jackcoast1]

Wow! Savage - I love bass cover videos and clearly this is top notch with the sheet music with tab and incredible talent

[@BassCovers]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that...thanks :)

[@bwbond007]

Very nice! You can skip your gym workout for today after that one! 😆

[@BassCovers]

haha...for sure. Every time I got to the end I'd be huffing and puffing. Not only does playing the part give you a workout, but I think the energy of the song adds to it. Thanks!

[@33grinder33]

This is the second tab I’ve looked up today and it’s yours, I’ve subscribed 👍🏼 thanks for tabbing it out, well played.

[@BassCovers]

Welcome aboard and double thanks! :)

[@robertwoodruff4296]

Just watched Fingerprint File, now this. Not enough superlatives. Those two songs are why I picked up the bass. You play what I dream of!

[@BassCovers]

Hey Robert, thanks for the comment. Keep up the practicing and you'll be playing this too ;)

[@Smyliemyles]

Absolutely fantastic cover of a very hard song. Thanks for sharing!

[@BassCovers]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked it...thanks!

[@RonaldoSicurella]

Masterful Sir. Maestro!

[@BassCovers]

awww...thank you very much :)

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome song! Awesome bassline! This song makes me me look forward to summer, a few more months to go. 🙂

[@BassCovers]

haha...just a few more months to go...hang in there :)

[@timrhodes5263]

great job man!!

[@BassCovers]

Thanks very much :)

[@christinamichelle8790]

Wow! That B part-- amazing!!

[@BassCovers]

and to think he "improvised" that on the spot!? Thanks :)

[@romwaiswain4615]

WHOOOOOO!!!!!

[@BassCovers]

:)

[@norbertoburgosrosales1951]

Quite amazing, Mr. Greg.

[@BassCovers]

Thank you Norberto :)

[@robertklein6693]

I have great memories of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In since I saw the original musical "Hair" on Broadway when I was 12 years old. Fantastic job Greg with "Let the Sunshine In." It's pretty hairy (pardon the pun)! I'm looking forwarding to trying this one.

[@BassCovers]

haha...nice pun ;) I'm sending you a private message. I'd like to learn more about you seeing the original musical. Cool! :)

[@mimiDchi]

This looks fun! We shall see... Thanks!

[@BassCovers]

I'm sure you're going to enjoy it :)

[@erwartungstk]

Thank you very much for this. To me it's quite difficult to properly hear bass lines in these old records, you just solved several doubts i had with this tune. =)

[@BassCovers]

cool...have fun with it :)

[@eduardolopes1324]

Very Gold... Congradulations

[@BassCovers]

Thank you :)

[@zezezuma-rh9ej]

Best bass ever🇧🇷SP

[@BassCovers]

cheers!

[@davidmfass]

OMG, isn't "Let the Sunshine In" just the funkiest bassline ever? I've loved it since I was a kid, and now I can (try to) learn it! Who is Joe Osborn? Shouldn't he win a Nobel Prize for this bass line or something?

[@BassCovers]

haha, Nobel Prize for a bass line. I'm with ya! :)

[@guitardaniel15]

Niiiiiice!

[@BassCovers]

thanks! :)

[@johncarden5761]

Awesome job especially with a pick. Let the Sunshine In is one of my all time favorite bass songs. Are you reading that or did you memorize it or a combination?

[@BassCovers]

Hi John, thanks for the comment. It's a combination of memorizing and reading it. When I made the video I had the sheet music in front of me, but after practicing it so many times I'm sure some of the parts were memorized ;) Thanks!

[@hobbayne]

I think it was Joe Osbourne who played on this.

[@tbirdtim]

Don’t have to wonder. It totally was Joe Osborn!

[@BassCovers]

Yes it was

[@joeb2588]

Un fu**ing believable, that's all i can say.

[@BassCovers]

cheers!

[@valolliver]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@BassCovers]

Thank you :)

[@frankbreen4206]

Haha, first half lulled me into a false sense of security, then hit my ass kicked by the second half

[@BassCovers]

hehe... :)

[@unknownkingdom]

really? i feel the beginning is harder with a lot more changes. The second part has a lot more notes but just around four chords and the changes are easy to anticipate and ad lib around. If you are trying to play the second part note for note though I can see why it would be more challenging.

[@YippeeSkippie426]

Quick quiz: Did you roll off the bridge pickup like Joe did with his '60 stack pole Jazz all the time? ;-)

[@BassCovers]

nope, I didn't. Both pickups up full blast :)

[@paulnicolosi4792]

Joe Osborn!

[@BassCovers]

A legend!

[@user-bt7yh7bj3s]

Sounds amazing. With what base did he played it? Also jazz bass?

[@BassCovers]

Thanks very much. I think Joe Oborn used a Precision bass?

[@JerryEnevoldsen-zk6xh]

Amazing ! If you ever decide to move to South Carolina let me know, I need lessons !

[@BassCovers]

haha...thanks, I sure will :) I've heard it's beautiful country over there. Ya know, the internet works pretty well for lessons too ;)

[@JerryEnevoldsen-zk6xh]

Do you offer on-line lessons ?

[@BassCovers]

Hey Jerry, I sure do :) Please contact me through one of the sites in the video description and we can set something up. Be warned though...I'll make you work ;)

[@logifax]

That's a nice cover. Have you by any chance had time to look into Ed Motta's - Entre e ouca?

[@rz6354]

"Let The Sunshine In" part from 2:20 👍

[@BassCovers]

Thanks :)

[@erwartungstk]

btw: it's pick played or fingers? i sweared there were fingers...

[@tbirdtim]

Joe Osborn was the bass player on this recording. He always played with a puck. Flat wounds. Fender Jazz bass.

[@bparsons663]

Been looking for a tab for this, so helpful Greg. Would L O V E to see an attempt at Jerry Garcia Band’s cover off “Tangled Up In Blue” by Bob Dylan, John does some funky and fast stuff, cheers!

[@BassCovers]

I'm glad you find it helpful :) I'll check out your request...thanks!

[@HonchoHundo]

I just got a pair of new balance sneakers to wear while I play this 🫶

[@BassCovers]

haha, okay. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm sure you'll cool while playing this ;) Have fun!

[@javijazzbass]

Va en 4/4 perdón x la errata...se me fue el dedo...

[@blackisblack22]

I have an honest question. I've seen most of the bass players here on KZbin apply the technique that you use at the beginning of moving your hand to pluck adjacent strings instead of holding down both strings and reducing stress on the wrist, why is that?

[@EclecticHillbilly]

If I understand what you are asking (if you're talking about the left hand), it's for the attack. You cut the note off and make it more punchy. Try it both ways and I think you'll see what I'm saying.

[@blackisblack22]

@@EclecticHillbilly But original musicians never do that, they sometimes use the whole hand on the fingerboard.

[@BassCovers]

I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you're asking? Which hand are you referring to?

[@blackisblack22]

@@BassCovers Left one.

[@BassCovers]

@@blackisblack22 It's a personal preference. What ever feels best and gets the best sound. Just be open to change if it needs it...that's it. Thanks :)

[@ro-melgrant1292]

hey man I've been watching your vids for a while now and I've been dabbling in Japanese songs/bands and I found a nice band named Cassiopeia no vocals just the instruments singing proud could you do a tab vid on their song domino line

[@BassCovers]

Thanks for the request. I like the song, but it's a little long. Unfortunately, I've got other requests that would come before this one...thanks though :)

[@joeb2588]

Do you take requests? For a fee?

[@BassCovers]

Yes I do! If get money for it, I like to think of it as a sign of appreciation :)

[@joeb2588]

@BassCovers how is it done? Do you have a website?

[@BassCovers]

I do! Please see the Description section in each one of my videos for the different options...thanks!

[@joeb2588]

Ok, I'll look. There's a song from rock band Cinderella called "Through the Rain". Came out in 1994. I'd love to see that done.

[@joeb2588]

​@BassCovers so request a song, is it the patreon or PayPal link. The PayPal link doesn't go anywhere. Or can I go to your site to see how much it would cost? I need to ask my daughter, this technology stuff gets me confused!

[@ziggy_zagged]

The Wilbur Basscomb (Hair movie soundtrack) version much better. Wilbur is an UFO

[@BassCovers]

It's much funkier for sure. haha...yes, he is :)

[@javierlozada4903]

BONITO APORTE HERMANO MUY BUEN CLASICO DE SIEMPRE. BENDICIONES.....PODRAS COMPARTIR LA PARTITURA DE DON´T WORRY BABY VERSION DE LORRY MORGAN GRACIAS DE ANTEMANO

[@BassCovers]

I'll check it out...thanks!