7 Reasons Flea is Awesome (with Bass Lesson Tips)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz....
Flea - awesome or overrated? Here’s my take, including a bunch of tips on how to play like the man himself. (sock not included)
Whether you’re just a fan of music, or looking to improve your bass game, this video will give you 7 reasons why I think Flea is awesome including tips you can use to emulate his signature style so you can sound as kickass as he does.
First we’ll break down what makes his signature slap style so badass, and I’ll give you a cheat code for coming up with your own Flea-style slap lines. If you’ve got basic slap skills and you can count “one and two and three and four and,” you’ve got the gig.
Flea haters often complain that he doesn’t play ‘clean’ enough. So we’ll explore his punk influence, and how that background creates the fiery sound of the Chili Peppers. (that wouldn’t be the same if Flea played super clean and virtuosically)
And Flea isn’t a one-trick pony - he shows his versatility on his many recordings with other artists, including Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Alanis Morissette, Joshua Redman, Atoms For Peace, Young MC, and many others. I’ll play you some of my favorites.
Flea contributes a lot of important melody to RHCP and the other artists he plays with too. I’ll give you another Flea bass lesson tidbit where I break down how he supports the guitar while adding melodic motion in the chorus of Can’t Stop. That’ll also show you that Flea does know some music theory, and why that might help you too.
But all that melody doesn’t keep him from being a solid rhythm section player. The rhythm of his bass lines is strongly linked to the drum parts. I’ll show you how his slaps and pops groove with the kick and snare of the drum kit, and how to start approaching bass rhythms the same way.
Flea brings classic funk history to a more pop and rock audience. He’s very open about how much he draws from Larry Graham, Bootsy, Louis Johnson, George Porter Jr. and more. I’ll show you a fun demo where I play bass lines from those great bassists, followed by Flea bass lines that share similarities.
I’ll finish up by showing you how Flea keeps it real. While other artists have sold out and bland-ified their sound over the years, Flea and RHCP keep bringing the fire. While Flea has changed his sound over years to add more melody and nuance, you can still hear him beating the crap out of his bass, from the first record to the last.
Do you like things that don’t suck? Me too. Subscribe to BassBuzz to see some more of them - yeah.bassbuzz....
#fleabasslesson #redhotchilipeppers

[@BassBuzz]

Wanna start slapping like Flea? (is that even a question?) Get started with the basics in my new idiot-proof slap video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enO4qqippL9koc0

[@yourchefcock7495]

BassBuzz i play guitar for like 10 years and... I wanna learn bass so bad after is listened to the first 3 albums from the rhcp

[@yourchefcock7495]

Do you have tips? Because idk if a bass will kill my amp

[@BassBuzz]

It won't kill your amp, but it won't sound great, basses need bass amps!

[@goblincruncher9936]

Is this the wrong link? It sends me to the blues box video

[@Tezzy_01]

@@goblincruncher9936 same

[@loyalkingshound7369]

flea is honestly one of the reasons i started playing bass

[@waterboxes4773]

same

[@trentpiche4095]

Same

[@endgame]

same

[@MrKredski]

Same here. I was so much into him that I've learned like 80% of BSSM bass lines, after I listened to the album.

[@banzaibomb4980]

Same

[@julianh.1820]

Reason number 8: When you see him live, he always gives 100% on a gig!

[@BassBuzz]

Reason number 9: Still rocking the shirtless look at age 56.

[@otahime5799]

i saw him live and i can die now

[@PrettyLittleDitty2089]

I strongly agreee. Just saw them again just a week ago. KILLING BASS SO HARD ON EVERY SHOWS @ 56.

[@Calebos261]

I saw him in the late 90’s and the gratitude he and the rest of the band showed to the crowd was unparalleled from any other band/group/artist I’ve ever seen. He truly loves his fans and he gives it all for them

[@steveh2456]

Reason number 10 : why? cuz he is flea

[@sethsargent8937]

Flea is not overrated. Flea is Flea. He’s original and plays what he feels. I don’t consider him the best bass player but he is my favorite bass player!

[@enricoandrini4453]

i share 100%, flea is flea. not the most technic bassist of all time but he has his amazing style

[@flash001USA]

Your remark pretty much nailed it.

[@getsideways7257]

Indeed. He lives the bass. Music is not about being perfectly technical, it's much more important to make the instrument speak for you. Music is art, and it's only art when it activates certain parts of the audience's brain, pretty much opening a window into another world.

[@gaborraczjr.5764]

Seth Sargent plays what he Fleas!!

[@getsideways7257]

@William Sessions Thanks!

[@prohibitedbeatz]

I’m not a huge fan but, as far as I know, Flea has never done anything BUT elevate “bass awareness” among mainstream listeners and spread messages of kindness and love. A very humble individual who has more than earned his due.

[@christopherjamesthorburn1792]

@@carnmarth334 how so?

[@MoodyWatters]

Quite so.

[@christopherjamesthorburn1792]

@@MoodyWatters that wasn't an answer. Bass awareness sounds like something I could get behind. I Don't know why it would be seen as a negative??

[@sibelka1994]

THIS. as a pre-teen i couldn't even differentiate the bass from guitar as i listened to music until i discovered RHCP, and i was like "what is this magnificent instrument"

[@Shane-iy6xf]

It's not just about his playing of his instrument, it's his energy and stage presence that anyone who has anything negative to say about him could never pull off lol!

[@BassBuzz]

Totally! Haters don't have tube sock level commitment. :)

[@arthursebba2570]

If you're a bassist and think flea is overrated, try to change your instrument..

[@albaal7035]

why

[@fabriziodigirolamo7742]

Why?Perché lui con il basso emoziona...tu no. E se si parla di lui spesso come bassista vuol dire che con la sua povera tecnica riesce a catturare l attenzione e a dare piacere.Tu no. Quindi lui è Flea e tu nn sei nessuno. .

[@MarcoLLucas]

why is that? I never liked rhcp nor flea, but he is what he is, and I see that and respect... but I am not quitting bass any time soon... You have to respect others opinion bro!

[@johnmsaberdoabpsych4415]

I see 3 morons..

[@malcolmkinsella261]

@@johnmsaberdoabpsych4415 I see an rhcp fan who pissed hisself over people not liking the same band as him

[@Duckeezilla]

4:52 Ah, but Flea DID come from a jazz background, it's at the very core of him, musically 😉. His Dad was a jazz pianist and Flea played jazz trumpet with his Dad's band at a young age. He was supposedly a natural and could have pursued it seriously. Also worth mentioning he studied music at USC.

[@l-wook]

Fraggle no kidding! I was wondering why I always thought he was an educated jazz musician but being told he had no music theory in this vid???

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Fraggle, that's true, but personally, after learning ~40 or so Flea lines for this video (on top of the ones I already knew), I don't hear or see much jazz influence in his actual bass playing. Others may disagree, but I don't see any recurring harmonic or rhythmic patterns that scream "jazz," more of the punk and funk influence. And yeah, that's so cool he went back to school after a majorly successful career. Props.

[@lazyi6356]

The energy he brought INTO his punk playing came from love of bop era jazz (i.e. Dizzy, Bird, Max Roach, etc). That music has furious intensity and that's WHY he was drawn to punk. He actually mentioned this in the Punk documentary (the Iggy Pop/John Varvatos).

[@ek4021]

@@BassBuzz Its all in the note choices. You just played a solo in the video that has kind of bebop influence there.

[@broscup]

Here played with the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic Orchestra. I'm sure he had some theory knowledge. He has gone on to study as someone else mentioned.

[@marctestarossa]

Reason #8 : He made soooo many people I know wanting to learn and play bass !

[@laurentsaint-martin9711]

Yes, he definitely converted me.,

[@NicolaosKomaros]

...and we didn't mention that he is an educated, intelligent man who knows and loves art, he's not some dumb idiot. Which makes him a diamond.

[@perseus2362]

Absolutely brilliant. Flea is the grandfather of punkfunk fusion and always sets the bar for the energy for a live performance. I would not have wanted to be a member of any band who RHCP opened for back in the day. The people who are saying Flea is overrated are very mistaken and it's a perfect example of the Dunning-Kruger effect. Is Flea the best? No. Did he influence and shape modern bass playing, absolutely. So is he overrated, hell no.

[@emreakdeniz5930]

Flea makes the crowd sing a bass line, thats practically impossible to achieve. Btw great video and please please please do one for Colin Greenwood, love his work.

[@vsauce_johnny2516]

Metallica Orion does this too. It’s awesome.

[@mau5097]

joe dart bruh

[@IMPgamer590]

Seven nation army

[@purpleclouds2240]

@@mau5097 next stop Dean Town

[@deadlikefredheadroblox3218]

Paul McCartney on Come Together?

[@daniB5000]

Flea's style and energy have been the biggest influences on my bass playing. I just love this guy. Anybody who thinks he's overrated has an extremely bad taste in music xD Seriously, I think he's super awesome!

[@SuperBrictson]

I rather people say RHCP are not that awesome but Flea? He's the reason that band works!!!

[@BassBuzz]

What do you think - is Flea awesome or overrated? 🎸🌶🤷‍♂️

[@august5048]

FLEA IS AWESOME

[@meespeeters826]

Definitely AWESOME!!!!

[@stefaneduard8169]

He is SICK

[@stefaneduard8169]

I love his playing style

[@felipefernandes9053]

Simply awesome... If he wasn't, Stanley Clarke wouldn't invite him to play on the same stage as Marcus Miller and other big one guys...

[@dooddood5828]

Actually flea has a lot of jazz influences. He started as a trumpet player, playing only jazz. And you can see it also in some basslines like "mommy where's daddy". He also knew a lot of music theory because of his studies as a jazz trumpet player as a kid, and also in 2010 he graduated at conservatory as a pianist.

[@altheagray103]

Flea is awesome. This endorsement coming from a 57 yr old Black Woman who cannot play any instruments but knows what sounds good 👍

[@goodtogo2876]

what has being black have to do with it? lol

[@rinokumura5972]

is that just your way of farming likes? no one cares abt the colour of ur skin

[@robertp457]

"who cannot play any instruments", yet...I started playing Bass 4 months ago at age 44. Buy a bass, amp, cable...learn a song, any song and suddenly you are a bassist.

[@OllieWales]

@@rinokumura5972 Calm down. She's just demonstrating that she isn't the average demographic of somebody who fanboys Flea

[@dee8263]

I love this comment 😀

[@mrbungle7586]

Flea is awesome and was known as a bass player b4 the RHCP'S made it big. I disagree with these purest wanks with their trash talk about technique etc. Flea has a huge catalogue of instantly recognisable bass lines and has inspired thousands of people to take up the bass over nearly 30 years. MM etc are all awesome players obviously but a lot of people who aren't necessarily bass fans know Flea and his bass lines but have never heard of MM or VW etc. Fleas ability to come up with so many foot tapping, body shaking grooves combined with his OWN unique sound and technique makes him 1 of the best of all time. His brought so much attention to bass and enjoyment to millions of people and that's what music is about, not having your head stuck up your ass and putting people down because of technique. Doubt half the clowns who post those negative comments can even play themselves. Great vid, cheers.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Grunter! I agree, maybe there's some jealousy floating around that Flea has become so successful and touched so many people even though he probably couldn't play Classical Thump.

[@theomc1488]

Agreeded

[@mrbungle7586]

@@BassBuzz Hey Josh, thx for your reply and I think you are spot on with the jealously aspect. Also the sad sacks who bag Flea always mention MM, VW etc. One dude who I'm a huge fan of and doesn't seem to get mentioned enough is the awesome Victor Bailey who is unfortunately no longer with us, but his music and inspiration will always be there.

[@realitybites629]

steve vai said it best when he said something like he can play stuff that a player like billie joe armstrong can't play but he cant play like billie joe. Elitists will look down at people who cant do what they can do, the simple stuff that captivates the "casuals".

[@ferox965]

Flea deserves all the credit he gets. Just wish RHCP would get some attitude again...

[@riskromer9773]

in a sentence, Flea's got a STYLE. Most people will never develop one.

[@applefarminc5716]

Ponyponypony Pony ok “pony”

[@guyfauks2576]

@@carnmarth334 he plays bass He nice He slaps Whats nice about you

[@deanroddey2881]

@@carnmarth334 Which I guess is why all of us know who he is and why there are lots of videos about how how good he is, and no one here knows you.

[@vdhaze6604]

He played trumpet in highschool and was a self described “jazz geek” So I’d say his theory knowledge is pretty decent, he was also into jazz way before punk rock or funk..

[@EricNeuls]

Yea he came from a whole family of jazz musicians! I believe his dad was a big jazz trumpet player as well.

[@Pedroleum100]

@@EricNeuls - His step-dad was.

[@Peterw3160]

In my (25 years of) experience, trumpet and sax players (and other single-note instrument musicians) don’t really understand jazz as deeply as jazz pianists and jazz guitar players, who are always needing to account for all the notes in a chord. Trumpet/sax players are always adding up intervals in their heads when you ask them a theory question.

[@squirlmy]

@@Peterw3160 well, that's a comment that came out of nowhere! Srsly, comments about Flea's music background and you're going to troll jazz trumpet and sax players? Safe to say if you trolled this on a video that was actually about brass section instruments in jazz, the comment would be downvoted into oblivion, although you might inspire thoughtful reactions. Here it's just [meh]. This is from my (25 years of) experience posting on the internet!!!

[@darcu8205]

@One O One not a memorable performance though

[@majicogarcia8417]

I actually think hes underrated. There are musicians with superior technical skill who can slap faster or come up with more complicated solos (Marcus Miller Victor Wooten, etc), but in the framework of a complete band (where it counts the most) Flea is one of the absolute best of all time.

[@spiky73]

A former boyfriend of mine was into Van Halen. He thought Eddie Van Halen was the best guitar player of all times.. Honestly, I couldn't connect with their music. They were technically brilliant musicians, no doubt about that. But their music never transported any feelings, making it sound lame to me...

[@Isuckatvideogames210]

Flea is the reason why I've been a chili peppers fan since I was a kid. Also he is a jazz musician at heart. His first instrument was trumpet 👍 all cuz of his step dad

[@aramanon]

Not clean? Anti theory? He can do anything, is jazz trained, and has Love and Love tattooed on his knuckles. Just a wonderful wonderful player

[@splitnag5150]

This is why I came to the comments. Flea actually use to bullshit a lot. Said his idol was Sid Vicious at one point. I don't know if he was kidding but Sid, literally, didn't even know how to play bass

[@DNoelProductions]

This is fantastic. I'm 6 months in to learning bass, so I'm a long way from this level. But I appreciate what makes every individual musician so unique and great

[@Kipcammy]

Damn i just started playing 6 months ago too! :) i cant play nearly as well as i'd like tho :P

[@JasonRennie]

@@Kipcammy I started ~6 months ago too. I can play the F# major scale as well as in that clip. 'course, he kicks my ass on everything else :)

[@ferox965]

Love the craft and never stop. Cheers.

[@Juststartingout768]

Flea did come from a jazzy background. He was originally a trumpet player

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

You do realize that a trumpet is capable of playing more than jazz, right?

[@Juststartingout768]

@@Igaveyoumyfakename Of course, but then I never suggested otherwise. I said Flea came from a jazz background and played trumpet as an instrument. I have no idea where you read that trumpets can only play jazz

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

@@Juststartingout768: The only person confused about what you said and what you inferred is YOU.

[@Juststartingout768]

@@Igaveyoumyfakename you’re talking shit. He was trained in jazz and specialized in trumpet. You made up the rest.

[@squirlmy]

@@Igaveyoumyfakename I was going to say that about your comment, but you beat me to it! Those who live in glass houses... figure out how to take some criticism graciously.

[@gavin0428]

For a guy who plays bass and loves Flea... You seriously look like John Frusciante

[@TheFlyingClutchman]

Legit this is the first vid I've watched on this channel and at first I was like 'is this a young Frusciante or his son or something?' lol

[@chrisskywalker6079]

Absolutely...😄

[@twikie258]

True

[@brandonfleming7118]

I've always thought that.

[@RewForPlay]

After watching your Bass Myths video I decided that the first song I would play would be Otherside, I practiced with a Guitar, till Christmas when I finally got my own bass, and surprisingly worked up. So safe to say Flea has been my main reference in my bass learning process.

[@val13c59]

On popular rock music, I’ve always considered Flea, Robert Trujillo, and Cliff Burton to be bass gods. And in pop music John Taylor of Duran Duran, yes people I said Duran Duran my guilty pleasure.

[@darkestfearspodcast]

John Taylor is an amazing bassist.

[@larry6686st]

Hell yeah! Duran Duran!

[@nexus7034]

I’d add Billy Gould and Les Claypool in there as well.

[@amara_the_god2145]

John Taylor was the bassist who inspired me! It’s cool to see another Duran Duran fan!!!!!

[@revlo1557]

You just blew my mind! I had no idea Flea played bass in the Bust a Move song. Classic!

[@ferox965]

Also he is playing on You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette.

[@jasondankenbring1710]

He's in the video with his crazy ass stuffed animal pants. He's kinda hard to miss, lol.

[@jasondankenbring1710]

@@ferox965 Oh yeah, I had (thankfully) forgotten about her, lol. He's in that video too, isn't he?

[@bldallas]

You are an incredible player! How you can so quickly go from song to song, basic to full version, etc. is just amazing. And you are a natural teacher as well. Thanks for all you do. I really get a lot out of you videos and enjoy them all the way thru.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Bryan!

[@loriscecilianaglescastello6149]

Wowwww Alanis Morissette "you oughta know" is flea??? No wonder why I always loved the bass on that song and stuck in my head for years

[@matevizhanyo7604]

Chris Wolstenholme (from Muse) said: "I’m not a huge Chili Peppers fan, but Flea is one of these guys who’s technically very good, but he still plays with emotion and so much feeling, and a real sense of harmony and melody." So Flea not overrated. :) By the way...(... :D ...)...: I saw you made a same topic video about Steve Harris. Who's the next? Chris Wolstenholme? John Deacon? Paul McCartney? ;)

[@Bosdavid]

How about Chris Squire?

[@lobotomyscam1051]

@@Bosdavid Lemmy!

[@Endodont]

Flea and Frusciante... jesus... Living Legends!

[@danclarke6698]

Just subscribed because of this video. Flea brings so many people to the Bass--me included. People should be praising him for that!

[@hammerhead8125]

Flea is amazing! I first wanted to pick up a bass because of him. The argument of theory knowledge vs. playing intuitively is very silly. Music should always be played intuitively and with emotion. Music theory knowledge should only enhance ones ability to do so! Good vid, thanks!

[@dingushussey4100]

Flea, in my opinion was the man who brought the funk to metal and punk, in the same way Geoge Clinton to the psychedelic to soul and funk. I first got into the Chili Peppers in my skate days, they were all but unknown in the UK at the time the Uplift Mofo Party Plan came out, I was in Slam City in London and saw the album, and realised the only way i was going to hear them was to buy it, I don't think I listened to another album for about a month, and then I started rammining it down anyone's throats who would enter my den. There was then a really long break, due to the deeath of Hillel Slovack, which meant the band disappeared from the radar in the UK. Then, in my first year at art college, Mother's Milk was realeased, I bought it immediately, and then began my crusade to turn my class into Pepper freaks. in the winter of 89 me and a friend saw the Peppers at the Astoria (now deceased) in London, a club that held 1100 people, the stage had a neon pain mural and black lights, nothing more, the band appeared painted in neon bodypaint head to foot, and played the whole gig in just black-light, like a moving audio mural, the gig blew my mind. Until the release of californication. I saw them about 14-15 times. The reason the Chili Peppers became so important in my life was the Bass, it was like when i was 11-12 and first heard Ritchie Blackmore, I had never heard anything that brought everything i wanted to music in one go before, I was a child of punk who migtrated to rock and metal and in my mid-teens would get into arguments about how rock musicians were superior with everyone until a friend started making me listen to people like Jimi Hendrix, and Geoge Clinton and explained thast there was another world. Then along came my perfect hybrid, over the years as they have matured my interest has waned a little, but my love of Flea will never change, he may not be technically the best ever, but he brings so much more than profficiency: energy, soul, passion, love, imagination, spirit, desire, punk and above all fun. I had been playing bass with a pick for about 3 or 4 years when i first heard Flea, and although i had heard the jazzfunk masters, I had a very bad quality Precision copy, this was long before buying on Ebay was an option and most instruments in my town had all been bought and sold many times amongst the town musicians, finally I got a early 1970's Yamaha jazz bass which i slapped until i wore the frets off. Over the following 30 years everything i have ever found out about Flea just makes him more important to me and the world of music and art, he is a genuine unique genius, and so is Chad, I understand the love people have for John Fruschante, but Flea and Chad are the heart and soul of the Chili Peppers for me, and the pleasure I get when i hear Higher Ground or Backwoods or Magic Johnson will always make my soul rise. I guess I give him "Awesome", but for anyone to regard him as over-rated, in my opinion is being petulent and maybe a bit young, many incredible bass players have come along since the Chili Peppers first funked up the punk, and I really believe the vast majority were turned on by Flea at some point.

[@DorotaGabal]

There were very few bands I've fell in love with in the first couple of beats, but RHCP are it. Sure, they weren't underground when I did, as I first got to hear them probably on MTV or VH1, but it was him on Otherside. The bass there grabbed my heart and ran away with it. Have been a fan since then. I know I had most of their LPs at one point, though whether they're stored at my mom's or dad's I don't know. Freaky Styley, Uplift Mofo Party Plan, One Hot Minute, Mother's Milk, Californication, By the Way... I think I had these...

[@jasonmiller4080]

Even if you don’t like Flea’s music or his style, you can’t deny that he’s an incredible bassist that is super creative. +1 for Awesome

[@justinnardine8564]

Flea slaps you until you love him.

[@lloydland]

Justin Nardine Who doesn’t like a good spanking...I mean, slapping.

[@justinnardine8564]

Matt Lloyd that’s why I’m here!

[@jaebassist]

Anyone who says he's overrated is saying so out of jealousy. Dude's a genius. Source: I've been a bass player for 14 years.

[@ferox965]

True. Bassist for 25 years here.

[@slig4656]

I agree. Bassist for around 3 hours here

[@Black182heart]

People saying other are overrated are jealous and idiots. Why? Because everyone has different taste. Art cannot be ranked at all. For me Flea is the best bassist. But its not necessary that Flea has to be the best bassist for you too.

[@juannpablo01]

Since a young age i adored rhcp and i never knew what it was..now i know i had a subconscious obsession with bass guitar and specifically with the way flea plays it. Ive always dreamt of playing the bass and i think the time has finally come, i cant live any longer without this kind of punk rock flavour in my life..

[@jeffdill2]

Unquestionably awesome. So glad you mentioned You Oughta Know - one of my favorite bass grooves that Flea ever wrote.

[@juancaceres1058]

I listened to the intro like literally 10 times. Flea is awesome and you just made it clear from the beginning.

[@binglecheese123]

I don’t think he is overrated because of his variety. He can go from aggressive punk/funk (Like Nobody Weird Like Me), to slow material (like Californication and Under The Bridge). Also him able to write bass lines for other artists and fits their songs very well.

[@Gaius__]

I finally figured out why I've always liked Alanis Morissette's _You Oughta Know_ ... coz, Flea. 😁 Didn't know he played bass on that track.

[@DerAykac]

Or you secretely allways knew that she is god.

[@treylem3]

Same here, I didn't know until relatively recently, and I thought, 'ahhh, no wonder'....

[@gringochucha]

People love to hate on musicians in famous bands just to feel superior, because THEY are so special and THEY know all the jazz fusion guys you've never heard of. So yeah, both Stanley Clarke (just to name one out of many) and Flea are excellent bass players. Let's just embrace all genres and get on with our lives, people ; )

[@r1d246]

I can't agree with you more, I'm tired of that kind of people, oh look at me I need attention I'm special, I know musicians most people don't, I'm better than you

[@joseignaciodiazl]

the arguments i always fight with people to stand for flea, you've just put'em in technical words, nice!

[@levilee207]

The argument of the only reason for Flea's fame is his being in a successful band is one I always thought of as very elitist and ass backwards. Yes, you have verifiably talented and godlike bassists like Wooten or Jaco, who constantly pushed the boundaries of the instrument, but it's another talent altogether to inject raw talent, technique, and skill into music more suited for reaching the masses. They're two different roles. Flea never gets too technical or esoteric in his playing, but it's because he doesn't _need_ to. That's not RHCP's style. Not only is he a fantastic bassist, he's the _only_ bassist for RHCP. Nobody else could do Flea better than Flea. Flea doesn't need to be an aficionado. And it's important to recognize a bassist's ability to play with others. Arguably, a bassist that gels well with his band is worth a ton more than a bassist who forgoes cooperation and communication for technique and flair.

[@LyhtYeers]

John Frusciante pushed a 'less is more' idealism in The RHCP and it shows. It fits that band so perfectly.

[@Big-guy1981]

Well the band is famous because they have Flea. Frusciante and Smith are good but they are not at Flea's level.

[@squirlmy]

I completely agree. But I'm not sure what you mean by "aficionado". I'm guessing you mean he doesn't need to be a particularly good technical player? I've always heard the word in terms of being a fan of something. Like a jazz aficionado. Or someone being a fan, like someone could be an aficionado of Flea, or RHCP.

[@entombedthrower443]

Couldn't have said it better myself, Much applause 👍🏻

[@lobotomyscam1051]

It's the same with guitarists: More technical = more of a chance they can't write a great song. Malmsteen sucks!

[@identifikator4]

Can't wait to see this chanel becoming more popular as it deserves! I love getting a notfication for a new video from you! Keep slappin

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Michael!

[@bak1386]

Flea is the the epitome of bass to me. Coming up with those bass lines is not an easy thing to do. For sure 1 of my biggest inspirations to play bass

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

Look up Victor Wooten.

[@fourbeatmusic]

Flea is one of the funkiest and more musical players in rock and rock history. Incredible video essay @BassBuzz!

[@TheOrangization]

These videos are so fun to watch and enjoyable. And I always feel like I'm learning useful stuff. Would you consider talking about Robert DeLeo from the Stone Temple Pilots? He's one interesting guy, for sure

[@Libanass]

I fell in love with bass 15 years ago because of Flea, and he inspired me a lot, I should never forget that.. There are days where I deviated from Flea and went into crazy techniques, and since I was young and stupid, I might have said some bad words about Flea in the past as well, I simply had no rights to do that! I just matured enough to realize why Flea is such an important musician in his kind, and that techniques do not matter to everybody.. Flea is and has always been authentic to his style and that's what makes him amazing My favorite bassist and human is Victor Wooten since at least 10 years now, but do I still think he's a better bassist than Flea? No, I think he's different and they are both incomparable, comparing any bassist would not be fair at all.. Thank you for this video

[@dkg3748]

Frusciante knows theory well and Flea learned to read music and I’d think at least some theory playing the trumpet. Frusciante said Flea couldn’t sight read music for bass but that they could communicate when writing by saying things like “it’s a dotted 8th note.”

[@jackward6726]

That beautiful bass melody from hard to concentrate is enough for me. He's a genius!

[@yigitcengil2465]

My love for music has started when i was a child. But until high school i couldn't quite tell what i loved about music so much. (It was the bass) When i was a sophomore i listened to Suck My Kiss(After 5+ years) and i noticed what the bass was doing. I said to myself:'' I want to do this my entire life.'' Granted I'm not the huge RHCP fanboy that i was back in the day. But Flea will always have a special place in my heart.

[@crowjay91]

I have thought of Flea as nothing short of amazing. Flea and Les Ckaypool are just couple of my favorite bass players.

[@doubledragtap]

Wow, excellent video, Josh. Those diagrams are really awesome, and the way you're presenting these recent videos are really inspiring. Keep it up! Congrats to everyone involved in making them.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you! :)

[@electrolabile]

Flea is a great bass player and he’s also super humble considering how famous he is. Great video btw.

[@perryjerry6066]

Flea is the greatest... I'm a guitarist and I would count him to one of my Idols, Flea and John are just iconic

[@treylem3]

Excellent instruction and breakdowns. I find your style of teaching/explaining very helpful. Much thanks

[@ryanmcgarry2058]

Been playing the bass off and on for 20 years. This is the best way I have ever heard slap explained as far as playing the octave above and making stuff sound "better than it is." Excellent job. I just picked up the bass again after sitting it down after having a kid amd your videos have brought me back up to speed

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Ryan! Glad you're back on the bass. :)

[@honchiejake]

Great vid. Flea was steeped in jazz first. He evolved into his style from his experience. Read his new book. "Acid for the Children". It's amazing.

[@MountainBikeMusings]

Flea does have a jazz background as well (trumpet).

[@BassBuzz]

Definitely, although I don't hear much of the jazz influence in his bass playing, personally. But that could be because Chili Peppers harmony isn't jazz harmony, so there isn't room for Flea to show off his sick altered dominant licks. 🤓

[@bakomusha]

Hey also teaches trumpet between albums and tours.

[@placeducinema]

Flea is spectacular. Those guys can rock a stadium with one singer, one drummer, one bass player and one guitar player all doing everything at once. Metallica has 4 guys too, but they rely on heavy and have one guy on double duty (James sings and plays rythm guitar). There's a jam video of Flea and Chad by themselves, and they need no one else to fill the room. Flea's bass style is self-sufficient.

[@tolstoy21]

The thing about artists like flea is that they somehow are able to communicate their unique, individual selves through their music so that when you hear them play you're not just hearing some cool riff . . . it's more like hearing the voice of an old friend you have come to know intimately over the years. They haven't just been playing notes, they have been telling you the story of themselves which, in a way, also feels like your own story. This sort of honesty, this connection with the listener, with fans, is what makes the greatest artists great. This transcends technical competency and is impossible to manufacture or imitate.

[@freebyrdwins]

Soul to squeeze ending lines, the most beautiful bass line ever.

[@bigrobbyd.6805]

Flea is a killer bassist. He may not be the best, but he is an original with a distinct sound. When I hear Flea play, I know it's him playing.

[@wandylim9779]

For me he is awesome, and i always want to play like him or better. Him and John Frusciante's play influences greatly on how i play the bass.

[@Juilen7]

So good to hear someone playing old rhcp bass lines

[@theRealBrianHunley]

First time I heard him play, "if you want me to stay" by sly and the family stone, made me want to play bass. He's also great in suburbia!

[@rockfree2639]

There are a lot of videos over KZbin where Flea plays different genres of music and he's great at creating psyhedelic sound with loops and improvisation. His talent feels great in his Helen Burns song. A true brilliant. Such a great musician with everyday growing overboards skills!

[@supersam1914]

Flea is a legend of the instrument along with all the other greats Jaco Marcus Louis Victor Larry etc .

[@psychichorse]

Being an amazing musician in general is not just about raw talent with your instrument, it's what you bring to the table for your band and what makes you unique with that instrument. Sure, there might be bassists out there who more technically skilled than Flea, or McCartney, or Entwistle, but these guys elevate their respective bands to new heights and have unmistakable styles that make them stand out.

[@peerpaulin8486]

Your first sentence bears the complete truth. I probably never will be a fan of RHCP nor do I consider Fleas style as something I would like to be able to play. But nevertheless I can realize that his understanding of his role and his distinctive playing skills making him a world class musician.

[@matthewslodowy9025]

One of the greatest comments you make here, is that if you want to play like Flea, don't listen to Flea. Instead, listen to the stuff Flea listened to - Graham, Sly Stone, P-Funk, etc.

[@africanhistory]

They will put him on Wiki for slap bass over Larry, that is why he is overrated. No bad on him.

[@swoozyduzzytgottaloveit2966]

I've said the same about Hendrix for folks who wanna play more like him.

[@freemandiaz5123]

@11:25 I'm a sound man who can't play any instruments. Bass is my favorite and your explanation of kick ‐snare made so much sense to me.

[@darrylpowell8247]

Flea is a bass stud! His bass lines are orchestrated journeys. Like a hellacious cardio workout. 👊🏾

[@iknowyouarebutwhatami]

Another great video. I cant believe people DON'T like Flea!!! Crazy

[@albaal7035]

Not everyone can like the same things you do. Just sayin ;)

[@iknowyouarebutwhatami]

@@albaal7035 I get that but come on. Need to soul search if u ain't diggin Flea

[@nemesiszer0708]

Well I think you can like something and still think it’s overrated.

[@sorbeteletelier31]

I respect flea but i dont like rhcp. Im more of Mike Patton, specially Mr Bungle

[@ferox965]

Love Flea...haven't loved the Chili Peppers in decades though...

[@douglashammann1987]

Bro hell yes! I have a Sterling StingRay too! I love the tone I get for a $300 bass!

[@LiquidVooDooBones]

For me there is: -playing technically bass, 289 slaps in a second with one million other sounds - playing a bass guitar in a band, doing your job in a perfect way so people feel energy I prefer second, and in that terms, Flea actually one of the greatest in the history

[@upliftmofo]

Flea is also important for shining light on bassists and beeing a very well known bass player. He has inspired and still inspires people to this day to pick up the bass guitar!

[@TheTruKman]

Awesome Stone cold bush solo! Flea is a genius and without him we wouldn't have this huge youtube generation trying to improve on his technique. Les and Robert are up there as well!

[@xiaoyu88]

Ive waited for "You Oughta Know" so much. Actually when I first heard it I was like "NO WAY ITS JUST HIM" went on and checked and BOOM YEAH I FCKIN KNEW IT. He's the reason I started playing. So thank you flea

[@squirlmy]

I don't know what you're talking about. Dave Navarro also played on the song so it wasn't "just him". Were you excited because you "fckin knew" it wasn't just him? Maybe you should stay away from the caps key and figure out what you are trying to say.

[@damopichler3046]

i would like to add one point, which, I think, makes flea great. He's not one of this "Real bass players only use fingerstyle" or "I only use picks" guys, instead he uses many different styles of playing, which is rare in rock/pop-music in my opinion: Fingerstyle, Slapping and he uses also picks. He adapts not only his playing but also his technique to the sound which fits perfect to the music.

[@SuperBrictson]

You forgot to mention a couple of reasons: *The addition of mute notes after slaps (see Around The World), interesting the slapping/popping examples though *Four String Chords (Flea likes his bass to sound high like Californication Guitar Solo & The Zephyr Song Chorus) *Variety not only the tricks but in the bassline itself (Even Cliff Burton made the same rhythm section from verse 1 to verse 2, Flea is more creative sounding different in verses, choruses, bridges, guitar solos, intros and outros)

[@heytheremr2]

I can’t help but binge your videos. I was learning bass in my teenage years but then stopped. You have been inspiring me to pick it up again and help me learn music theory

[@bandicoot5412]

Guitar player me since 1966! Beatle Stones territory! Got me a bass at 71, and was blasted when I knew the first four notes, now I'm hualing ass. Flea is an artist and does you when he does it, come on! Trumpet Tooo! Jazz heart and sonic soul art.

[@arknark]

I'm glad you used a lot of the older albums as references. A lot of these kids don't know how hardcore and funky this band was back in the day

[@nickgordon8909]

The fact you know it’s Flea playing within about 5 seconds of hearing the baseline has to count for a lot too. His baselines are innovative and he pioneered his unique playing style..

[@panameraboomin7925]

although he’s not Jocko or even Pino he still has such an outrageous feel for the bass, sloppiness aside. He plays with a lot of emotion and that can never be taught no matter how tight or technical your playing is. Music theory can be taught, feel is just something you’re born with, it just happens. That’s why I feel like flea could’ve played any instrument the same way he plays the bass. He’s not a bass player, he’s an artist. He chooses the bass to express himself. I doubt he’s even playing to show off his skills. Seems like he genuinely does it for his love of music which I can always respect whether that’s Corey Feldman or flea. Lol

[@Bewar3them00n]

Flea wears his heart on his sleeve, his passion shines through in everything he does. You should read his autobiography “Acid for the children” Not a massive Chillies fan, but love his bass playing

[@ajchristian0178]

Good book eh..

[@dambrooks7578]

Yes Flea is what led me into playing bass who when I saw him live on the One Hot Minute tour, not the reason I began learning bass, he came out wearing a baggy pair of Y fronts that fell down before the end of the third song and naked he remained for the whole set. Brilliant show with possibly the last great guitarist they had.

[@juanpabloaraujoarraga9398]

He Is awesome. Always been. People dont understand it. His influences determine His sounds. Obviously punk rock funk doesnt sound clean maybe but the music it's what Is imprortant. He Is the most responsive or one of the most responsive player to the music. AND thats very valuable

[@bwolohan18]

Another thing that makes him and the chilis so unique. They're all playing completely different melodies, rhythm etc. What other bands do this? So many examples. "All around the world" Californian" "apache rose", '"sir psycho", breaking the girl" ."tell me baby", "snow"and probably 99% off they're stuff. He's also one of few bass player that can play without using the route note on the down beat which is always stupidly thought not to do to learning bass players. There are no rules in music. If it sounds great, It's great and I think that would be Flea's philosophy if he was asked. Great vid. Love the bass by. Have they change u the MM logo? I must look it up as I bought mine in 97

[@flash001USA]

Flea is a rock solid bass player and he's a perfect fit for the Chili Peppers. The reality is there are a lot of great world-class bass and guitar players out there who are technically leaps and bounds and much better than the majority or players you see in most signed bands and KZbin is proof positive they exist. With that said people should understand that it's not about how good you are but how you sound with whatever project you're involved with. My favorite bass players from my era would be Led Zeppelin's bass player John Paul Jones because of his technical edge and his abstract approach to his chops and The Lemon Song is a fine example of his abilities. My second favorite bass player would be Paul McCartney who is very underrated. Paul McCart is totally different from John Paul Jones. Paul McCartney is not that technical but when you listen to what he put to The Beatles recordings his medley arrangements are second to none. I consider myself very lucky to have learned from the best pre KZbin rock musicians out there when I started playing and now with KZbin it just opened up the floodgates even for an older guy like me. Being the best is only a perception. If you move people emotionally when they hear you then that's all that counts.

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Flash001usa Excellent, excellent post!

[@julissaperales6766]

Well said, those are my favorite bassists as well. Especially JPJ

[@animalgeo]

Paul is not an underrated bass player at all

[@ItamarMedeiros]

“Oughta Know” is probably one of the simplest bass lines, and yet so groovy!

[@sethnicholls7861]

I'm 43 years old now and honestly have to say my 10th grade year in high school Christmas Eve I've got the flea improv VHS tape with him and River Phoenix and it changed my life! I've been a fan ever since, so God bless the man we know as Flea!!!! His dexterity and originality not to mention his unbelievably beautiful melodies he's capable of there's no way anyone that considers themselves a intermediate to advanced bass player by now can say that he sucks. I think it's hilarious people hate on him because they can't play like him.

[@mihaimangir]

OMFG that bass solo at the start was just amazing

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mihai! Stole it straight from Flea. :)

[@mihaimangir]

@@BassBuzz On Thursday will be my birthday and I want to buy an ibanez gsr320 fadeburst bass.Could you please give me an advice if is it good or not, but at the same time I don't want it to be very expensive

[@TorTheWeirdo]

The only thing I didn’t like about this video was the assumption that Flea doesn’t/didn’t know music theory. Other than that it’s a pretty cool video. He’s definitely a great bassist that deserves all his props.

[@InventorZahran]

Reason 1: He can really SLAPP the BASS!

[@RyanTaegan]

But does he *slapp* like on these videos?

[@benveomurcekadam]

flea is one of the reasons i started playing bass in 1999. thx for the another great video my lovely man!

[@user-3554hdy]

Thank you sooooo much for your work, Bass Buzz. You inspire me to continue playing and improving my bass skils. I wouldn't have known about Flea if you hadn't talked about him👏🏻 you guys are so talanted😂