Jamerson's Stupidly Simple Exercise (for Killer Bass Lines)

[@BassBuzz]

What’s your favorite James Jamerson bass line? I can’t get enough of “For Once in My Life,” plus trying to play it with one finger like Jamerson did is an insane speed workout.

[@kennet7837]

That one and "Darling Dear" by The Jackson 5.

[@Wombatmetal]

There are so many, I like You Can't Hurry Love.

[@johng9393]

Signed sealed delivered. Wait a minute. Did Bob Babbitt play this track !! Nothing like the real thing

[@allgems]

They're all great! I like Gladys Knight's "Heard it through the Grapevine"

[@mztbass]

Ain't no Mountain High Enough (Diana Ross's version) and What's Going On.

[@BillonBass]

Good lesson! I’d just add one thing. I was actually the touring bassist for The Miracles for some time and actually had Jamerson’s old chair. All of us old timer jazz bassists understood we have the entire chromatic scale available to us at any time over any chord used correctly. But what separated Jamerson indeed was his ability to intertwine his bass line with the melody. His musicality was off the charts. He was also blessed to have drummers like Benny Benjamin and Uriel Jones who gave him the space to play busier bass lines.

[@susancallhutchison7986]

Thank you so much for this insight! And that's an important point about the drummers I hadn't considered.

[@stylesb959]

You should have your own channel

[@Vesper_Songs]

This is awesome and gives me some ideas for writing some new material. Thank you!

[@robertbasone3140]

Thanks for this!

[@TheMangoBayBand]

I can so identify. My band leaders have given me such goofy face when I quietly tell them their favorite drummer is really not all that. It has only recently come to me how to work 'around' a drifting or tempo challenged drummer. I used to just ignore them and focus on my lead looking to support them and completely ignore the folly of the guy with the sticks. Now, I also consider what my wildman friend is doing to his skins while supporting my lead. I once, in my early career, had the pleasure of working with a former Motown drummer in the twilight of his career. He'd layback when I was pushing it and lead on when I was laying back. We had such harmony in our delivery of the rhythms. It was at my beginning and gave me such a great send-off into my musical venture....Thanks Ricky.

[@__tastye]

The amount of work put into one video is so admirable. If only five people care, count me in. Thank you

[@alexandraxxo68]

I'm in. this is great

[@Brother_Dave]

Actually, he said 5 people, and then 20%... So that one person, my friend, is you!

[@d.t.3958]

I'm a carer too 😂

[@paulsherman9144]

Awesome video and part of what makes it so great is your charm and humor. Keep it up.

[@macbird-lt8de]

nice backhand you did there lol

[@TBSSPILOTviews]

I will say BassBuzz is more than one of the best teaching & learning channels on the net. Most of us, from 70 (age) up, lived this as players then, or who became players after “Motown” layed down the “soul & R&B”…Jamersons bass lines and approach just locked you in as a drummer. Some of us that transitioned from drummer to bassist was because of his work. When I took up bass in 68’, all I knew was what I had been hearing, so I ran with it! I decided to take lessons in 75’. Walked in, sat down. Teacher says since you’ve been playing a while, show me where you’re at. I laid out what was up in memory…”Jameson” lines with some structure, and improv melody. He said…”okay”, you don’t need a teacher, and introduced me to Carol Kaye and she will be in next week for work shop class. There were 5 of us, I wanted to learn playing with a pick, and she was the person to talk too, besides being the “Motown” bassist at least between 64’ to 67’ …it also opened my eyes to studio playing. What you are teaching here is good stuff, and accurate “roots” that younger generation guys should explore. The “swing” feel, synchs, root/octave/5ths…is the embodiment of a lot of creative stuff…definitely needs to be in your bag if not already. Your channel teaches with a fun approach and good practical useful playing inputs. I get hit up a lot on my channel for “tabs” teaching questions ect, and I am NOT a teacher, nor have time for that interest…just trying to land gigs by genre familiarity. You got it BassBuzz…I will direct the interested your way! 😎🎸🎶🙏🏼

[@The_paradox_of_Youth]

One of the best teachers I've had the good fortune and pleasure to learn from in my lifetime. I recommend you to guitarists, pianists, and anyone interested in creating music. You've got a real talent for explaining concepts in such a way that the information isn't dumbed down or truncated, while making it easily understood by someone without prior musical knowledge or very little. What's more, you educate without an ego, being condescending, and root your lessons by putting everything in context and if needed exposition; while still being entertaining and compelling. Respect 👊🏼

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks dude!

[@OccamsEraserhead]

Also the cuts and links are very slick. This stuff takes time to get right, so hope OP realises other educators can see the work that's been put in - esp as so few others bother.

[@cconsax]

No matter what key he was playing in, Jamerson always managed to play open strings, most often in the fills. Ya gotta admire that!

[@PepitoMegaChocolato]

He was a double bass player before using electric bass, I think that's where it came from

[@thenoodleking]

Bass teacher in college was adamant about being comfortable doing this instead of just getting stuck in boxed positions.

[@cnrbsmth]

If you look at the Ron Carter approach to double bass you will see how he uses open strings in scale positions way up the neck, when they aren't at all necessary. It's a good little hack as it's a way to keep your intonation in check relative to the open strings. I'm certain Jameson had a similar approach.

[@valesverga9]

That's the one reason why I started playing motown songs, I needed to learn how to use open strings which was hard for me to learn when playing that type of music...

[@teamclarkin4754]

I'm self-taught and use open strings as much as possible...before I'd heard of Mr. Jamerson. I'm a native Detroiter and grew up on Motown so I'm sure it leaked into my style. Thanks, Mr. J!

[@Bassic778]

Jamerson was a GENIUS who transferred his prowess on upright bass and changed the way the electric bass was played, recorded, and mixed, and is EASILY one of the most influential and legendary bassists in history!!! Thank you for another great and informative video!!!

[@MrMcSlack]

Josh, Gotta say you’re by far the best bass instructor on KZbin. Informative, entertaining, humorous, great production, and most importantly, to the point and without any blathering. I look forward to all your videos, but I’m saving this one at the top of my bass favorites. Keep up the good work.

[@charlieb8735]

This content is great. I picked up a good amount of this approach over the years learning stuff from RatM, STP, Zeppelin, Cream, Beatles, Rush and probably more than a few of songs the man himself played. I appreciate getting the history and concept and not just an exercise. After 17 years playing, a lot of covers learned and gigs played it’s a joy to be able to open up YT and have new ways to think about music handed to me

[@setonhillstudios]

Josh is always providing killer content! I'm waiting on the intermediate level for his course! That would be amazing

[@bigbyhastings]

40+ years playing bass and have to say this is one of the best lessons I’ve come across. Nice job. 👍

[@sbagwell98]

Circle of 5ths. Jaco Explained this so well. Also something simple, like keep your THUMB on the back of the neck. Circle of Fifths learn them, memorize it, and a whole new world of music opens to YOU!

[@mizireyes6055]

I bought my bass on a whim and have been learning through your videos. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making music easier to understand

[@lilmelvin11]

Thank you for paying homage to Jamie Jamerson! He had the perfect blend of feel/instinct and melody. I grew up with the Motown sound on the radio as a kid, and even after different journeys with different bands, I always come back to Jamie's Bass lines... Truly a Master. Thank you for explaining and elucidation.

[@jeremiahcillessen7666]

I'm obsessed with Jamerson! What a genius. It's amazing he only used "the hook", index finger, most of the time. Your videos are outstanding. Your teaching style rocks, man. Seriously. Thanks for including the charts for the exercise.

[@andrewtjones2516]

i liked the use of "only 5 people will care and maybe you are 20% of those 5." I wonder how many people got that!

[@muchammadnurwibowowibi4580]

Only 1 😂

[@lewissennet7832]

Your videos have taken me from being a complete beginner without being able to pluck properly to someone who can play and write his own basslines in 2 month. I am currently working on keeping locked in with the drummer, learning the fret notes and working on this exercise now aswell. Thank you. Without you I would be nothing. (sounds like a line from a romance but... Maybe it is)

[@HCivicFg2]

How.... I've been KZbin learning for years and I still feel like I'm stuck a step one...

[@lewissennet7832]

@@HCivicFg2 I started with the basics. Making sure that I understand the instrument (not learning songs, instead learning techniques and theory) and then tried to write basic basslines. I then studied formulas and the such. I will reccomend you deliberately learn with a structure "today I will find videos that help me learn a funk formula - I will then write my own song using this funk formula" and so on. For example if you practice 3 times a week find a 5 minute practice routine video (watch a few and make your own) and then use that. KZbin learning is not easy but I think you need to make it your own.

[@lewissennet7832]

@@HCivicFg2 start with basics. Josh has a few good ordered beginner lessons. Then think "what I want to learn today". Don't forget to learn theory. Theory is important - learn your scales and how songs fit into scales - learn many different scales - the bluestone bass man is good for this- and then just practice

[@richmondoffei4689]

I like your teaching but you talk too much in your videos

[@lewissennet7832]

@@richmondoffei4689 ??

[@fuTuRo-Sonic]

“For once in my life” is a symphony in itself from the absolute biggest influence to my playing. Well done for choosing it and recognising the pure genius of it. Subbed!

[@MS-xf2zd]

I have to thank you, Josh, for MAKING IT FUN and so much more. Your friendliness and camaraderie inspire trust, and the little “CUT to HUMOR” breaks for just long enough after a moment of deep information are exactly what a brain needs in order to stay alert, (not glaze over in overwhelm), REST a moment, REFRESH and properly absorb that information. Superlearning, optimally paced, moving right along and leaving one brightened and encouraged with an appetite for more. I have only once or twice experienced a teacher like you. Perfect content, but most important of all, perfect delivery. Five stars, subscribed, liked and looking forward to more. Again, my deepest thanks for your thoughtful, diligent work.

[@charlescdt6509]

The "Hook" comes from the fact he played with One finger from his upright bass days. Dude was a BEAST.

[@jasfan8247]

And never changed strings.....

[@shanetrimble5179]

@@jasfan8247 lol why in the world would you ever change your strings if you don’t play w a pick. I’m 51 and I think I’ve bought maybe five sets of bass strings lmao

[@jasfan8247]

​@@shanetrimble5179Haha, that's a lot! Sometimes cooking the strings is worth it instead of new after the trouble of taking off.

[@shanetrimble5179]

@@jasfan8247 I have never cooked any ever. I just play them and never change them lol

[@hellaZZZZ]

Next time leave "the fact" out. "Came from his past playing of upright bass". 🙏🏾

[@zombielynx21]

Drawing a line between Jamerson's stuff and Plush is helping me understand my taste better than I did previously. Thanks for wrinkling my brain.

[@TomFrichek]

Unapologetic Professional Jamerson Copycat here. Thank you SO MUCH all of this! 10/10 fricheks

[@bane9832]

Man josh helped me so much trhough these 2 years ive progressed so far, started from not being able to play the first lesson video to playing anesthesia note for note live on stage at a year and a half of playing, no i didnt buy the beginner to badass course the youtube vids are just so good, im now in a band composing my own music and ive already played a bass session for a kinda atmospheric trap kinda single, man music is so fun

[@neillajkiewicz3767]

Killer video! “You’re all I need to get by” was my first Jamerson bass line that I learned. Good use of open strings and syncopation. My favorite bass line has to be “what’s going on”. Thanks Josh

[@scottb5007]

I've always been amazed by Jamerson's playing. Thanks for breaking down his formula!

[@rockcatinc.4814]

I just wanted to say thanks for all these lessons and for giving us materials in a pdf format as well. Your comedic and sincere approach makes these vids fun, resourceful and very entertaining. I have been playing for years, but I am still always learning something from watching you. Thanks again!

[@ServingMyJesus]

Thank you for this lesson. I am a beginner bass player and found this very useful. In fact, the majority of my recent bass lessons are from your videos. I appreciate the fact that you do not bombard your site with contents just for the sake of content.

[@aprilharper2687]

I just started guitar last year and have now picked up a bass and am so in love. Thank you for all your hard work and generosity. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DonSambrook]

My bass journey with Josh has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life - and I've lived a pretty exciting life :)

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Nice video. I might be preaching to the choir, and full disclosure. I am someone who was born with two left ears, but that all changed last year when I bought a piano. I quit learning seventh chords and jazz improv cuz I suck, and haven't learned my triads. I'm studying a lot of baroque, and they use figured bass...which seems to be in your wheelhouse. And James seems to have tapped into something old, that has worked for centuries. My left hand applauds this video, leaving my right hand free to hit the like button.

[@patrickmunkholm4404]

I am self taught and I never could get my head around what I called the "Jamerson Funk" I had most of the ingredients but you put it all together in a way I can grasp. The exercise is worth its weight in funk. Thanks brother man.

[@anklem]

I know Syncopation from my drum exercises. But all the stuff you just have said in this video covers my latest bass lessons, it is all so clear now. Thanks!

[@EpicBassTime_]

Looking forward to this, I love BassBuzz so much we’re so lucky to have so great teachers like this and talking bass ❤️❤️❤️

[@academyofbass]

Really informative lesson. Jamerson is the don of bass players, but there's so little formal detail available from him. Great work Josh

[@CharlieMessing]

Read that book - you won't believe the CD included - all your favorite bass players doing one Jamerson tune each - with the tune in one speaker and bass in the other. [It's possible that by now it's only a download - but you will love it.]

[@academyofbass]

@@CharlieMessing thanks for the steer👍

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

I am the ____ % 59 year old bassist who has been playing since I was 14 who really appreciates this video and the effort you put into making the pdf available. This validates so much of my own approach to playing that I did not know the technical terms for.

[@maestro2033]

I am a singer who just so happens to play the piano and I was looking to tighten up my soul, funk bass hand on the keys and I’m starting bass soon. This is perfect thanks your vids are doing good in the world.

[@pascalbedoire1244]

You are an amazing teacher! I love how you explain everything with help from simple props, effects and edits!! It really helps me focus and understand

[@peosea]

Josh man I wish I had your vids when I started to play bass 30 years ago. You are a Godsend for all new bass players. Great job

[@wmkennard]

Some of his ol drummers probably talked about his style. What a legendary Bass player whose time unfortunately was cut short. Ty great lesson ❤

[@rstuartcpa]

You had me at etude (this writer being a band geek). Background: guitar player who picked up base in college to join a band. I had an edge because I played tuba and sousaphone in high school. First, I played it straight to learn the notes. Then I started with the swing rhythm and it got much easier. After a few repeats, I added a metronome and was amazed by the results. Thanks for sharing.

[@benwilliams8742]

It did take some effort to become fluid with this exercise at tempo and through all the keys *AS WRITTEN* but wow - it has integrated into my playing pretty much immediately! I find myself using this chromatic approach in almost all my lines now, one way or another, subtle to inyoface - and turning stuff I've been doing for years into newly-KILLER BASS LINES, as advertised. Bravo!!

[@marshwetland3808]

Thanks so much for this! I knew about the chromatic walking to root, but now adding in the 5th and your excellent graphic showing how 1, 5, and 1 really dominate and create the framework, I'm pretty sure I can learn to do this and play around all the chord progressions, eventually.

[@UkeofCarl]

I must listen to Jamerson every week. He’s awesome.

[@charleskleesattel6477]

Good list. Anyone of the 17 could be (and should be) a full lesson, but as you present it, it's a great reality check.

[@michaeloberly6129]

This was amazing, Josh. Jamerson was incredible (probably my favorite bass player), but even so, he, like most great musicians I know or know of, clearly had his own sort of personal bag of tricks that he would rely on again and gain. Thanks for putting the spotlight on some of these things.

[@shaunmatthews4601]

As I was watching this lesson, I started hearing John Paul Jones playing “Ramble On” in my head :)

[@charlesdigennaro4981]

James was the man! Loved his use of open string notes in his runs. Great lesson!!!

[@derekseed]

Josh, your videos are among my favourite instructional videos on YT. I love what you are doing. Keep up the great work!

[@Beeef_Supreme]

I haven't gotten that far in the Beginner to BadA** course yet to understand roots and fifths. But I saved this video anyway to help me understand it when I get there. Thanks for this.

[@BassBuzz]

You'll get there in Module 11!

[@StefanGBucher]

Your lessons are so well thought out and presented! This is massively helpful! Thank you!

[@vampangel2754]

SUPER info, Bro! I appreciate this WAY beyond words! TY, TY, TY!!! I have been in love with these Motown bass lines for my ENTIRE life! Mr. Jamerson’s bass lines are extremely catchy & leave you no choice but to be captivated by them as they PUSH the song along and give the listener such a sense of satisfaction with every resolve! They are a quintessential part of the rhythm section without being the least bit overbearing & are no doubt a HUGE contribution to making all these songs timeless, classic, SMASH Hits!!! TY again!!! :-)

[@s.d.d.6063]

For once in my life is just an incredible bassline. It’s my #1 Jamerson’s bassline of the so many incredible basslines he played

[@omg_wtf]

Apparently he just rocked up and played it..dude wasn't even trying. If he played that ten times they'd all be different. Crazy level of mastery

[@louishwu]

When I first started playing bass a friend who is an insane bass player gave me one bit of advice “just listen to heard it through the grapevine, try and play it exactly, and then learn from that one song” it was pretty mind blowing. Thanks for this video

[@HongShingChan]

Welcome back Josh! I picked up your online courses start of the pandemic back in 2020 and thanks to you I found my passion playing bass and it has become one of my fav hobbies. Please keep the videos coming!@

[@terrygoss]

Great vid & lesson. Jamerson is still probably the most 'musical' pop music bassist ever. You can get more technical but you can't get any more dead-on groovy.

[@hshlom]

As a very amateur jazz pianist, I try to play interesting walking bass lines and also use chromaticism while soloing in my right hand. This exercise looks very god and I can't wait to get started with it! Thank you!

[@losriosprofundos2113]

This is one of the best bass lessons I've ever come across. It's a lot to digest, but thorough and well explained.

[@menomossomusic]

Igor’s Chromatic Exercise- Nice! I played through the entire book on KZbin 5 years ago. I think it might be overpromising to say that this exercise will make you sound like Jamerson. The truth is that he was a jazz upright bassist at his core. He took his deep knowledge of American jazz music and brought it to the Fender bass, innovating the way it could be played. In contrast, Ron Carter would not make that transition. Carter was a purist of the double bass while Jamerson took the possibilities of this new instrument and revolutionized both instrument and genre. If Jamerson could describe what he did in that article you bought, I am willing to bet that’s what he would have said.

[@taramilton8695]

My favourite has got to be What's Going On... It's so intrinsic to the song, owns it without getting in the way... it's just beautiful, thank you James!

[@danielpeart6726]

This information is great and all (more than appreciated), but can we appreciate the work that went into this video’s editing? The presentation is so satisfying.

[@MrNathan791]

Jameson was a big influencer on my bass playing also. As a kid back in the 70’s I was really into the Jackson 5ive. Watching Jermaine playing his bass on all of those variety shows back in the day got me interested in playing bass. And the “Darling Dear” song was a big favorite of mine. I thought it was Jermaine playing not just this song, but all of their songs. So finding out several years later was a little disappointing, but it was a good thing too. Anyway I just wanted to share my introduction to Jameson. What great bassist he was. Thanks for the lesson I’ll be checking out your tutorial videos.

[@topfloorstudio2684]

I bought the Standing In The Shadows Of MoTown book because of this vid and it's a great addition to my extensive guitar/bass music book collection. There's not one transposition in *TAB* but that just forces us to not be lazy! I love it!

[@jimjamjul]

Thanks for all the great videos Josh! I really appreciate everything you've done to help my bass progress in rhe past year. From the B2B course and all your youtube videos (including your older stuff on your other channel), it's really made me take off and start on the right foot 😀

[@raynic1173]

I'm no expert, but I found that as long as the chromatic notes are of equal or shorter duration than the scaled notes around them, you can make them work. They are pass thru or fill, in between notes, you just can't land on them and hold them, but you can walk thru them....duration is of real importance here....ciao.

[@ctodd122]

🙏 Thank you Josh! I'm so happy you provided this etude in 12 keys! Just last night I was scouring the interweb for bass etudes. This one looks great!

[@ranch51]

Thank you for the laughs and the awesome bass tips - It’s clear you spent a lot of time putting these videos and resources together, thank you!

[@PolymathomasJohnson]

This was straight a perfect video music education humor knowledge simplified well edited to the point

[@musickf]

I'm glad to finally have a name for my playing style. Lots of my bass influences come from Jazz and Ska, I love walking the bass. I didn't know he was the inventory of the style. That's awesome!

[@theyoungupstarts1243]

Random video on my timeline yet i watched the full 17 hours and 72 seconds of it! I got thrown into playing bass waay back in the 1900’s when we were covering some Ska like The Specials. Easy to fall into that groove and so fun. Never heard of Jameson, but i’m feeling that i got his influence indirectly now. 🤙

[@oinkoink1909]

1. Use the Root 5th and octave for the majority of your notes 2. Chromatic walk up/down to the root note 3. Play syncopated with swing 8ths

[@stevendevries1395]

Excellent theory and composition concepts. So much better than just a transcription or learning to play some notes without understanding why they sound good. Thanks much.

[@leonschuler9410]

just realized what a bless your videos are to my playing. wtf! thanks! and you don't even want my email for the pdfs. I love you

[@captainbeyond165]

Not only is this content great, but it’s so entertaining.

[@thescatman5029]

That "normal straight eighth-notes" at 6:46......That's sounds like an early Motown Can't Help Myself, Nowhere to Run, Going to a Go-Go and Uptight rhythm! Looks like we can get a not-so-normal Jamerson lesson on that, too! (LOL!) Great lesson!

[@bassplayer2011ify]

Ok this blows my mind. Jameson wrote all these bass lines using power chords.

[@RackwitzG]

I have the book he shows here. It's not only an example of what he played but is also a biography.

[@CharlieMessing]

Great book!

[@rynemeese6266]

Thank you for doing all 12 keys in the way you think Jameson would. Epic video mate. Keep up the awesome work

[@michaeloberly6129]

“For once in my Life” might be my favorite as well. Fantastic record, but when I think of it, I always think of the bass part first. “Darling Dear” is great, too, and so many others.

[@AndrewOkus]

I learned this simple things on the bass in 6 months in 11th grade. Then I just started jamming making up my own killer grooves. What was my first pro bass gig when I was 21? Playing in a hick C&W band. But guess who the drummer was? Bobby Herzog: Jaco's first r&b drummer and the writer of " Come On Come Over ". Not much use of Jamerson in a 1-5 band. But I threw it in anyway. They said I played " lead bass ". Oh. Paying your dues then you play the blues. Or maybe just ended up living them ha! Ha!

[@paulk4526]

Jamerson was indeed the GOAT of bassists. Don’t forget the rehearsal of “you’re my everything” featured on the bonus disc from SITSOM. Just Eddie and David working out the vocal trade offs with James soloing. Unreal…

[@simonwaffleman]

I am constantly using chromatic to spice up even things like worship songs. It's a really good thing to do to emphasize certain lyrics - you can hit that chromatic just before something important - the "tension and release."

[@seans.youtube]

I Was Made To Love Her - Stevie Wonder This is the video I have been waiting for you to make... thanks so much!

[@keithmccabe4040]

Appreciate your talent and willingness to share your knowledge. Rock on BassBuzz.

[@kevinneveu9372]

Thanks! Love your mix of humor and instruction. You have bass content creation down. Thank you for all the work you put into these videos.

[@hectorgarza5842]

Great lesson, appreciated, you as usual give an excellent guide to keep us loving this magnificent instrument! May I said, you’re a talented teacher and a generous person. Thank you!

[@Loopspin]

God Bless You Josh ! You give soo much and make it seem easy !!

[@oxouk]

Probably one of the most useful and informative tutorials out there. Also very entertaining as always. Great hair by the way.

[@hopper1]

James Jamerson and Carol Kaye are the two most important bass players that have ever existed.

[@danielmcevoy976]

I agree

[@CharlieMessing]

First helpful video I've seen on Jamerson's work and his influences! Good sense of humor and it hardly gets in the way. Thank you! [Yes, I've read the book - gave it to my son, a bass player (I play guitar) back when the book came with two cassettes - no doubt it comes with a CD now. Great book!]

[@allenhill4578]

this lesson should be compulsory viewing for any aspiring bassist. Thank you.

[@thiagopereira1648]

Josh, you should be wearing a Santa Claus costume! This PDF is simply the best Christmas' gift I've been given in a long time. THANK YOU.

[@tonylaquintano1710]

This is such a great video. I haven’t played since my son was born, 12 years ago ha ha it’s things like this video that want me to really pick up the bass again.

[@eaglepass5170]

Excellent video as always!!! Let me add my voice to the many asking you to release a follow up new bass course to your great Beginner to Badass course!!!

[@ypicard2000]

I was 18, listening to What's Happening Brother by Marvin Gaye and about 1 minute and 9 seconds into the song, I heard a groove that made me realize I had to go buy a bass guitar and learn what this person was doing. James Jamerson is why I play.

[@pavelczyzynski7683]

You're great at introducing new approaches to playing. Rather than using TAB (which nobody likes), how about the method in 'the Real Easy Book' where the notes are marked below the stave as their scale degree numbers 1-7. Its super intuitive and gets people playing fluently way faster.

[@mateusamasu]

One of the best video lesson i ever seen in my life. Thank you.

[@richardrudisill8745]

I learned all the iron maiden songs when i started. ( after practicing speed of course. For hours! ) Steve harris does this alot. Drums on the bass ! Callus work. Good video !

[@jessetimmmiller1870]

Thanks for the video!! Those chromatic notes hit when done properly. Reminds me of "playing out" (of the scale) on, say jazz lead guitar. So long as you begin and land on the "right" notes, the "wrong" ones don't sound bad.

[@jenniplease]

Interestingly, in the Motown transcriptions book the person who learned the exercise from Jamerson, said in the key of C Jamerson played a 6th pedal (on A) instead of the 5th (G) for the second half of the exercise. I think it might even be notated as an A in the book. A colourful variation to the exercise is to use the 6th pedal on the open strings i.e. in keys C, F, Bb. Like an upright player would (i.e. Jamerson)

[@45kellygreen]

Great Lesson Josh, really appreciate the PDF's too!

[@bateman2112]

This was actually the first thing I ever figured out on my own starting out. I got a cheap teach yourself bass book with my first bass. The first thing was a major scale and I was messing around and just sort of found this. I immediately knew the bass was my instrument.