7 Reasons Steve Harris is a Metal. Bass. Legend. (+Lesson Tips)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz.com/uptheirons
What makes Steve Harris a metal bass legend? Here’s my take, plus tips to match his signature style and sound. Up the irons!
Sheet music + bass tab for all the Maiden riffs I played - www.noteflight.com/scores/vie...
Didier Gérôme's lesson on Steve's right hand technique - • How to play like Steve...
We’ll start with one of the fretboard shapes Steve uses most often, which allows him to create cool riff-y bass lines without needing to know theory. (though his lines end up working within theory rules anyway)
I’ll show you how you can easily drop that shape in to create your own Maiden-style bass lines, like Steve does on lines like Number Of The Beast and Phantom Of The Opera.
Steve Harris plucks with his fingers, never using a pick, which sets him apart from a lot of other metal bassists. I’ll give you a couple exercises to start getting your plucking fingers up to Maiden speed.
You’ll need that plucking speed to pull off “the gallop,” Iron Maiden’s most signature rhythm. I’ll break it down for you, and we’ll play some gallops from the comfortable trot of Sign of the Cross, to a breakneck race through Run To The Hills. (that s**t is fast)
Then we’ll dig into Steve’s signature tone. Getting the bass to be audible through the guitars in a metal band is tricky without a pick, so I’ll explain all the tricks Steve is using to make sure we can still hear him.
Last we’ll look at some of the bass chords Steve plays, which range from big thick simple power chords, to quirky melodic triad chords. (like the freaky spooky augmented triads in Rime Of The Ancient Mariner)
As fans of metal bass, we all owe Steve Harris a lot for his contributions to the style. Thanks Steve! Up the irons.
Don’t miss the next player profile - subscribe here: yeah.bassbuzz.com/subscribe
#SteveHarris #UpTheIrons #metalbasslesson

[@Gorlung]

Steve's index finger has run the distance of the equator on Earth

[@Gorlung]

The loneliness of the long distance finger

[@cjcampbell4799]

@@Gorlung the rim of the ancient fingerer

[@cjcampbell4799]

In a foreign field he laid, lonely finger unknown grave, on his dying words he prayed, tell the tale of Steve Harris

[@scottricklaroque7428]

@@Gorlung Loneliness of the Long Distance Finger does sound like a great song name but only musicians would probably get it. lol Great comment.

[@scottricklaroque7428]

@@cjcampbell4799 I think it should be "lonely finger IN an unknown grave", same thing really but just an added nuance. Just my opinion on your great lyric. Up the Irons!!

[@angeltorres4089]

You are a great teacher. Here’s why: 1) you love this 2) you make it fun, and 3) you make it easy to understand. I love your channel.

[@angeltorres4089]

Btw. You may have made me an Iron Maiden fan....

[@guilhermearoeira8900]

@@angeltorres4089 TWO Maiden fans.

[@ricardojmestre]

Three

[@agungandy836]

Four

[@BassBuzz]

Aww thanks Angel! Feels good to hear that, glad I can help!

[@Gorbyrev]

As Scott Ian said, the most heavy metal thing in the world is Steve Harris's right hand.

[@davidcamarda8723]

Steve is a GOD.

[@paolosouza9812]

And Malcolm Young's right hand is the most hard rock thing in the world.

[@lostkiddie]

Peace, Mal

[@KennyJosephNiven]

however his playing is awesome that finger style aint easy but as for not knowing the scales i dont wear it the same with slash on lead guitar they both knrw them all along you dont jut hit thiose notes by random playing

[@peejay6930]

I remember seeing Maiden once when the singer (DiAnno) had a sore throat and couldn't sing (I think they actually had an argument and he refused to go on stage) Steve sang and played the whole set it was absolutely incredible to watch, the guy must have two brains the vocal hardly follows the bass lines..... remarkable COYG (I know😉)

[@BassBuzz]

Wow interesting!

[@guitarjag1]

Well, he did write all the lyrics and when you see videos with him playing he's always singing along even without a microphone...the guy is incredibly talented

[@chris-6116]

Steve is an awesome Bass Player and songwriter but he cant sing 😅.

[@peejay6930]

@@chris-6116 Well, he certainly could in his 20's (there was no Bruce to live up to)

[@jessejordache1869]

Iron Maiden started me playing bass. After I got a wee bit more musically sophisticated than when I started -- maybe two months later -- I was like "Okay, these songs were clearly written by the bass player." Props on seeing them when DiAnno was lead singer. Bruce is my favorite singer, but my favorite songs are from the DiAnno era. And # of the Beast.

[@pachy03]

can we appreciate for a moment that his videos are in dark mode

[@BassBuzz]

BassBuzz: Give Your Spare Pixels A Rest. :P

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@BassBuzz Pixel lives matter :)) I always use dark mode everywhere.

[@luminositymusicbrianpricka6357]

Francesco Calzona Hell Yes!

[@NeutralGravity]

😎👍🏻

[@Michael_Dominic]

:31 seconds called and OW MY EYES.

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

Steve Harris and Cliff Burton are why I play bass. He will always be legend. I saw Iron Maiden last summer, I was in the middle of a health issue where they actually were worried about cancer but for that night I forgot all about it and had an awesome evening with friends seeing a band I grew up with. A couple weeks later I found out, no cancer, so that was good too. :)

[@friendlyinternetman5271]

It is so funny how that ‘harris box’ noodling you did at the beginning sounds like…every iron maiden song at once lol. It really is a defining characteristic of their songwriting

[@jessejordache1869]

Totally. Steve Harris was my childhood icon, and as soon as BassBuzz said "his characteristic chord shape" I was like "root-fourth-fifth-seventh-octave, thankyouverymuch."

[@pjket4229]

what hes playing at the very start is an actual maiden song

[@JdT93_]

When the bassist literally writes the songs you know he's a badass lol love Steve Harris

[@bonescheffel7795]

I actually had the privilege to play "Old Blue" (it's white now...) through Steve's rig a few years ago, while working setup for a Maiden gig. Here's what I took away from that experience: 1-Super low action-probably the lowest action I've ever encountered on a bass. 2-Fresh strings every show (I have the set from the previous show) 3-Really high gain at the front end-this allows "Arry to be very efficient with his right hand. As Nicko says " "e just tickles" the strings. 4-A decent amount of compression-this is within the bass rig, not applied by the FOH engineer (although he may do so). This basically means that every note Steve plays is essentially the same volume-whether it's a "delicate" movement (POTO), or he's hammering chords (many songs post BNW). 5-He's even shorter than I had thought! I'm only 5'8", but when I had the bass on, the pickups basically sat just below my sternum, and my right arm was bent at almost 90 degrees! Definitely not sitting at my hip with a straight right arm!

[@BassBuzz]

Wow, thanks for sharing! Interesting to hear about the compression. I imagine that helps even out the high notes a lot in licks like the Phantom of the Opera lick I used in this video. I found with the relatively minimal compression I was using for recording this video that it was tricky to get that balanced.

[@stevejurado8069]

Wow, your one one lucky dude getting to strap on that blue fender precision bass (ole` blue).. that's a gift from the bass gods . Fricken Epic!!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

John Entwhistle and Gary Willis also use this gain setup, where they play softer with the amp louder. You have more dynamic range that way.

[@jesseturner9865]

Compression makes sense. with the low action any hard playing would be rattly and not punchy.

[@Mickcotton]

Bone Scheffel what do you mean. How tall is he ? Where does the Bass hang on Him ? Thank you 😊

[@tossedpenny]

I'm a 6 string guitar player and I see my boy Steve Harris pop up in my feed and I have to drop everything and check it out. That doesn't happen for just anybody. In a world of prancing unicorns, Steve is a thundering buffalo grudge-humping everything that gets in his way. Mad respect.

[@trevorujjmodom535]

*Six strings bass. Checkmate guitarists! Stronzi

[@trashmann1081]

@@trevorujjmodom535 Goddammit davie504

[@davisbaldwin3835]

“thundering Buffalo”.... fucking poetry!

[@mrcoatsworth429]

Steve is the real deal. In it for the music, not fame or other crap. Just doing what he loves. Awesome video, man!

[@sjsturkie3358]

The Steve impressions are great. "I don't know scales!" lol

[@BassBuzz]

Sorry I couldn’t include riffs from every Maiden album, there are too many for one video! What’s your favorite Maiden song?🤘🏼 (and yes, The Trooper is from Piece of Mind, not Number of the Beast. Oops!)

[@risingstorm679]

Flight of Icarus

[@MrClassicmetal]

Stranger in a Strange Land at the moment.

[@iamhung9384]

Number of the beast

[@theclansman6663]

Hard to choose one song, probably something from Somewhere in Time. Definitely very underrated piece of work.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@theclansman6663 I don't think that S.I.T. was particularly underrated. Was it? 🤔 Maybe by the critics, because most fans have it up there in their top 10 judging by those lists posted online. And it's one of their best selling albums. There are quite a few memorable tracks on that album. In fact, I don't think there are any weak songs on it. The songwriting was top notch, Smith brought his A-game in that regard.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

In 1982 I bought tickets to see .38 Special (I’m a big Southern rock fan) I had great seats second row. The opening act was a band that I had heard of but had never heard. That band was Iron Maiden. The second they hit the stage and opened with “Wrathchild” , my life changed forever. The bass player propped his foot on top of the monitor and played his ass off. Steve Harris is was and always will be my favorite musician.

[@BassBuzz]

Wow! Awesome.

[@cobrasys]

Highly recommend all Southern Rock fans that haven't done so to check out Black Stone Cherry. Listen to Blind Man or Lonely Train as the first pick.

[@HaggenKennedy]

Wow, that's awesome! Just a small detail: they actually opened (following the intro) with Murders in the Rue Morgue, but Wrathchild came immediately after. :-) The Beast on the Road Tour was really incredible.

[@Zorichai]

What a great story man. Thanks for sharing

[@1badsteed]

I love.38 Special, seen the 6 times, including the Marlboro Presents series for military members. I set up the stage and helped set up lights, also was in front of the front row keeping people back. That said, did Maiden blow them off the stage??? So much power and speed and then "Hold On Loosely" speed...

[@nopenope8348]

I would love to hear you talk about Geezer Butler.

[@blackholedays]

Yeah. This^

[@thomasskeren4425]

Not only is Geezer the 10th richest Bassist in the world, he is another fave. Some of the early tunes he just walks all over the place. Would love that.

[@crusheverything4449]

Thomas Skeren - What does his income have to do with anything? I know a local musician who can play literally anything by any bass player.

[@La_sagne]

or john entwistle

[@martinportelance138]

Geezer Butler is as groovy as the white man can get. His earlier work can be considered 'lead bass'.

[@jasoncherry5849]

Rime of the Ancient Mariner is one of my favorites, that song has a lot of power and soul in the bass riff. Love it.

[@n.a31214]

The fact you started the video with one of their most underrated instrumentals, from their absolute best album, made me very happy.

[@cursedcliff7562]

Says there is a reply, and i cant see it lol

[@MrMikey1703]

I’ve idolised Steve since I heard the Killers album when it came out (I was 11). To me he is the greatest Bassist ever. Terrific songwriter as well. Up the Irons!

[@cmalavenda]

i'm 11 and just heard the killers album. Creepy

[@fivestring65ify]

The Ox is the GOAT. John Entwhistle.

[@aaronrichards2051]

Steve Harris is the undisputed king of heavy metal bass.

[@larryfaulkner5705]

Not even close to being the best.

[@stefanchapman7229]

Nope, but still the king of metal bass, long live the king, up the irons 🤟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tadslab1140]

@@larryfaulkner5705 coz there cliff.

[@MasterofOrion]

Cliff Burton?!!!

[@omegaprowler3683]

_Geezer Butler enters the room_

[@christophermitchell2780]

Steve is one of my favorite bassists of all time. Reason number one: Phantom of the Opera. Reason number two: he didn't ever give up and cut through guitars and vocals with his signature sound. He really is a fantastic bass player.

[@iblockpuncheswithmyface1490]

Don't forget reason number; of the beast.

[@82mangini]

Harris is not a fantástic Bass player. He is only good

[@pinkled4429]

​@@82mangini You're not even close to his pinky finger. He's better than all these cringey bass players with their uninspired bass playing. Learn to respect legends while knowing your limited worth

[@82mangini]

​@@pinkled4429Harris is famous but not even close tô The best!!

[@pinkled4429]

@@82mangini famous??? Lmfao you'll rarely hear people talk about him unless you're a metalhead. That too most people dikride Cliff burton. To me Harris is the best. It's all a matter of taste. Complex≠ Better. Plus the things most bassists choose to play with a pick, Harris plays with two fingers

[@Jo-si3ot]

I love how you breakdown the rhythm parts with the visuals. That’s what stumps a lot of us is the rhythms but when you can see it with a slowed down visual it locks it in much faster👍

[@BassBuzz]

Glad it helped!

[@talkingbasslessons]

Nice one Josh!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mark, ditto! If anyone missed Mark's Steve Harris vid, check it out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4i6hJJ_pbuqq8k

[@ajdayton101]

@@BassBuzz Never knew much about Maiden growing up. I was more into pop than metal. However the combo lessons of Mark and Josh have inspired me to at least spend some time digging into the technique and playing style of Steve Harris. I recognize that he is important to the instrument, and metal is my weakest style for sure. Thanks to you both.

[@thereforeayam]

Well lip served, considering 'burned copy' leads to profits for bass player #2 (my unsolicited opinion)

[@2wados416]

@@thereforeayam get over it, he was probably a kid, right in the middle of lime wire era.. People like you are so stupid

[@Cuzzzo]

Thanks

[@matt8663]

I was lucky enough to see Iron Maiden in Las Vegas in 1981, which was the first time the band played in the United States. I stumbled onto this video and I have to say thanks. Very well done from an old metalhead. Great memories.

[@thomasskeren4425]

Oh I'll one up ya. Long Beach Arena, 1985. You can hear me chearing on Live After Death. The LOUDEST sound system at the time, I believe 100,000watts.

[@UltimaRedFireEskimo]

This is honestly one of the best videos I've come across on this site. I've spent the last 12 years studying Steve's style and it's affirming to see you mention all the things I had noticed. Take my subscription

[@victorocampo6970]

Steve Harris is the MAN that put the sound of the bass up front and center along withe the guitars both in studio and live shows. He is the best. So many bass players can learn a lot from him. AND he is a great guy. Thanks for the video!!

[@avega2792]

I’ve watched a handful of your bass videos and really enjoy them. I learned to play bass over 10 years ago, but I only learned enough to play in the my church choir so I never really expanded my bass skills. I really like your teaching style. I don’t know how to read sheet music, but your teaching style allows me to use my current skill set and knowledge of music and bass to learn quickly. Thanks!

[@stevenwright6573]

My first concert, 1984 Fresno, California. Iron Maiden Powerslave tour. Twisted Sister opened up. Badass show. I remember making my way to the front of the crowd, then edging to the right wing. As we got towards the last couple songs, I was standing in front of a giant tapestry with the powerslave print on it. Like 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide. After a minute, I'm like damn this flimsy fabric tapestry is loud. I walk to the edge and peek behind it. Marshall stacks 3 wide 5 high. Lol, my ears rang for 3 days.

[@arryrocks9167]

Really enjoyed this. As a Maiden fan since '83 and 'Arry worshiper, I always appreciate someone who takes the time to explain how he does what he does in layman's terms. Pretty sure I learned more about his technique and style in these 15 minutes than any other upload/tutorial/etc. Thank you for taking the time and now I am off to Didier! Up the Irons.

[@chickoyanin2559]

"Harris Box" makes sense. Big like!

[@Miville]

I had a huge large smile stuck on my face during each and every second of this video. Thank you so much, Josh, I really really enjoyed.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Nicolas! Glad you enjoyed. 😊

[@GrouchoTM]

Been a Maiden fan for a long time! My all time favorite song is Phantom of the opera. It was the sole reason I picked up bass. Steve Harris has always been my biggest idol. You have no idea how much this video will finally put me where I want to be. I'm 52 in July and Been wanting to play again and your video was a huge eye opener and inspiring to do it! Thanks bunches!

[@dakistle]

I just started bass and am immediately drawn to Curtis Mayfield and Rick James, but Maiden bass is more inline with my regular tastes and what I aspire to. This is excellent!

[@ferox965]

As a bassist, my feeling the number one reason why Harris and others are great bassists is this. Just laying down the groove isn't something to aspire to. That should ALREADY be there if you have a bass in your hands. Base level ability. Thing to aspire to is to add power, attitude and passion to that groove. Drive the band. Move things along. A computer can just sit in the pocket. Be more than a rock...be a goddamned asteroid.

[@jeremyrobertson7267]

Everything in playing good is about style and attitude, the way it just sounds so natural as though it is somehow easy or effortless to play. I always get people telling me what a great drummer I am and it's not true at all, I'm definitely not the most technical drummer around and no one takes any notice when I'm trying to play someone else's shit but when I play my own natural style people lose their shit and it is actually super embarrassing for me. Lol. The other week I was at some rehearsal/recording studio for the first time and the old guy who owns it comes and knocks on the door and starts blowing all this smoke up my arse which I've never had it at that kinda level before but it was also the first time I'd played what a other people can hear for almost 20 years and to be honest, I was really starting to doubt myself and feeling like just giving it up so it couldn't have come at a better time really. Apparently I wasn't good enough for the guy I was jamming with for the first time though, I think that was more about my attitude though and he took mad offence when I called him an Incel! Lol. What ever happened to the rock star attitude coz all i seem to encounter these days are snowflakes and none of em want me in their band regardless of my playing ability! Think I'm just gonna have to do my own shit so fuck em all!

[@ferox965]

@@jeremyrobertson7267 It's funny, because in this business, because it deals with creativity it's really easy for people to flip out. What's worked for me is all of the attitude is in the playing/performance itself. Businesswise, I stay strictly professional, almost a bit too cold. I leave the freaking out to other people...waste of energy.

[@jeremyrobertson7267]

ferox965 I don’t really have an attitude, not an arrogant one anyway but I do have a big mouth and a slight case of Asperger’s syndrome! Lol. I used to be just like you when I was kid and would just show up and do what I had to do and wasn’t there to really hang out or anything like that but I was also and am still a bit tyrannical about what I will play. I’m not interested in just filling in for some other drummer unless I can contribute my own part to the band or playing anything I’m not really into just because that shit represents who I am and something that is more than any job or whatever, it’s my life and my passion. I used to play so much that I just felt like a robot or something and it made me walk away from the scene altogether for a very long time. I never stopped playing though and to get all the random offers I get since the internet is very flattering but I always turn em down. I have no clue how they even know who I am or what I do but it seems they do. Kids these days are on a different level now though and I tell em all the time how I’ve played twice as long and only have half their talent but I still get respect from em which is very humbling to me as well. Drummers are so cool in their attitude like that though and always have been, everything just seems to be a dick measuring competition with most guitarists and I really just can’t get along with their egos and bs. I play now coz I wanna, not because someone else is making me’

[@jeremyrobertson7267]

ferox965 what you say about the juxtaposition of creating music and just playing music is true and was a big problem for me I’d never even consider before, I never even thought about playing shows and realised straight away that I don’t like it very much

[@ferox965]

@@jeremyrobertson7267 I hear ya. I'm 43. I won't play with 20 year olds unless it's financially advantageous. Too much displaced energy when that energy should be unleashed on stage. Too young, dumb and fulla...well, you know.

[@janosur]

Mark from TalkingBass puts out a Tool lesson and Josh from BassBuzz here with a Maiden video on the same day. That's awesome!

[@calviajante]

Congratulations on everything about this video. The editing, the topic, the playing, the research, the class itself, everything. I just subscribed to support, people like you deserve to accomplish what they want! Big hug from a fellow bass player and fellow Harris' admirer.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Julius!

[@Gee-no]

This vid is worth the breakdown of the "gallop" in music notation. I had never really thought it abt it that way. Nice.

[@sharklostworld]

I was thinking earlier today that someone should make a video on why Steve Harris is so great, and here we are!

[@BassBuzz]

Ta da!

[@faequeentitania]

Steve Harris is *the* reason I want to learn bass; I will definitely be returning to this video once I master the basics of playing! Really interesting and informative, as is the rest of your channel.

[@THESNEAKERADDICT]

awesome vid, dude is the man

[@martinportelance138]

Best bass teacher I have yet discovered on KZbin. I wished I watched this 30 years ago.

[@Ando2k10]

Having seen them on their most recent tour, I was shocked at how well Steve's bass cut through that wall of guitar, as you mentioned, especially since they have had three guitars since Adrian rejoined the band.

[@mak8836]

Ahhh Powerslave, takes me right back to my teenage years listening to it on cassette and playing on my Amiga.

[@lowend_rydan]

One of the best videos talking about one of my top influences to play the bass, great job!! 🤘🤘

[@RedlightRecordsStudio]

This makes me wish I was a young bass player. Great format, pacing and blend of tutorial content and fan-boy deep trivia

[@hadekephas]

you are a "MUSIC DOCTOR" / "MUSIC SURGEON",, you disect the anatomy of music.. now i'm a follower...

[@archerclems]

DAMN, what got me into music and wanting to learn guitar then bass has always been Maiden, and I didn't learn music theory. No I realize most of my bass lines rely on that Harris box hahaha. Great video man, I came across this channel randomly but I might stay ^^

[@vood00samurai]

My man, I've been watching these kinds of videos for years and your explanation is the best for my learning style. Thanks man

[@keithgabbard4816]

Steve Harris is my all time favorite bass player ever . He is always so professional and always a total gentleman .

[@trance9158]

I love Didier....great video's on Harris whole tech and sound.

[@christschinwon]

Great video. Steve is the master of his own band and as a result always stood out. Not many other old school metal bassists get mentions simply because they were just pinning the rhythm. Cliff Burton had something to say about that. Newstead was low in the mix of AJFA but Cliff was never mixed very loud either. Just enough to hear his genius!

[@theaxlman3321]

This is a wonderful lesson. I’m a massive Harris fan and have been trying to emulate his playing all my life.

[@tiborsallai4449]

Outstanding!!! Makes much more sense. I never really get how he does it. Super cool learning curve here.

[@chrislongshaw]

Only started bass 6 months ago and never noticed the bass in IM songs but just listened again to Powerslave and you’re right, Steve Harris is awesome. Need to listen again to IM back catalogue with new appreciation :-)

[@michelezeus6773]

You deserve a subscribe mate. I have to say, in almost 20 years playing i've never seen anyone playing Steve Harris in the exact way is supposed to be played, like he would. I thought I was the only one!! Great vids, great lesson, well done!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Michele!

[@michelezeus6773]

@@BassBuzz you bet

[@freedomson1]

That was one of the best bass videos I have ever seen. Thanks so much! Very well done!

[@audioartisan]

Steve's the reason I picked up Bass years ago. Thanks for sharing this!

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Lovin the lessons Josh. Your a rock. Thank you for all your efforts.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you J!

[@Darquespells666]

The Trooper is on Piece of Mind c'mon

[@nicorepetto5781]

Id love to see a video on why Lemmy's bass playing works despite breaking most of the rules

[@JB-mv8pb]

Great video ! I always love Iron Maiden and it is Nice to see a good teacher explaining the way Steve plays

[@boczekpl9727]

I love your help im playing bass like 2 months and your tips becuase of you i lerned octaves some chords blues box and now this box and the 5th you helping me alot ❤️

[@BassBuzz]

Glad I could help!😊

[@heavyribassmaiden4924]

Best Steve Harris video on YT!!!! Thanks professor!!!!!

[@gordiannot77]

I appreciated Steve even more after discovering all of his influences♥️

[@new_frontiersman9064]

Wow. Awesome video, techniques and insight on the Metal Bass Master and his style and musicianship. I've been a fan since the 80's got to see him a few times and all I can say about Steve Harris is that the guy is a true legend in every sense of the word. Up the Irons!!!

[@BassBuzz]

🤘

[@RussUlmer]

I really appreciate this breakdown and tutorial of Steve's style of playing. He is without a doubt one of my favorite bassists, and I say that as a lifelong guitarist. He complements the rhythm and melody of a song as any good bassist should.

[@polorat3198]

4:29 was at that concert lol it was so sick how when they opened with aces high they the plane was flying over them and stuff...insane

[@BassBuzz]

Nice!

[@bossnoots8745]

PoloSeanXL same

[@availablelight999]

You have a fantastic attack from note to note. Extremely smooth and rhythmic. You really are on that next level of true musicianship just like Steve 👍

[@garysanders3193]

I am and always will be an avid Harris follower! This guy has been a driving force behind my bass playing. The Trooper made me quit using a pick and somewhat master the 3 finger gallop. Love the man, and always will! Thanks for the video!

[@hugh8861]

Many years ago, I remember reading that Steve Harris said that he never learned how to read music. It's rare, but some of the greatest musicians never learned how to read music.... Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Billy Sheehan, etc.

[@jpjpjp453]

Miles Davis was surprised when he moved to NYC in the 40s that there were more than a few Jazz players on the scene who couldn't read music.

[@hugh8861]

@JP JPJP. I believe that Buddy Rich was self taught and never learned how to read music.

[@crusheverything4449]

It is not rare that professional musicians can’t read music. I’d say, in the rock world, that it’s the norm. Paul McCartney proved it wasn’t necessary fifty some years ago!

[@MrNodebate]

Thanks for showing the gallop - I used to do index-middle-index, which never really worked as clean as it should...😅 Sounds way better now😁 Great video👍

[@Imru_gamer]

i love Iron Maiden from the first album and Steve Harris's bass line and his unique bass gallop is my favorite. this is awesome. he is a genius.

[@caesar_44]

This is one of the best breakdowns of Steve Harris’ technique I’ve seen on KZbin. Thanks!

[@brunomantovaneli6076]

I just watched this whole video and I don't even play bass. Hell, I don't even play any instrument.

[@erikthompson619]

I'm willing to bet that you play one now! I'm also willing to bet WHICH instrument you play :-D

[@Ravach0l_]

This channel really will make me start bass.

[@Painkiller1430]

We don't....we could though.... :)

[@biblybims9868]

Get on the triangle son,easy peasy

[@omg_wtf]

What you waiting for?

[@ittdust]

6:50 I AM IRRRON MAAAN

[@lsu1992]

Bend that E beyond the nut...slow release

[@3rdstone1]

Exactly, a ton of us probably thought the same lol.

[@theannoyinghistorian1812]

Wr-ooooooow

[@trance9158]

Excellent video and lessons. Great link too for Steve's playing technique.

[@trollsandfools]

I really enjoyed this, not because I'm not a bass player but a true Maiden fan. I love Steve's bass line and have always enjoyed his playing. Nice you detailed his style vividly and musically. Thank you! Up the Irons!

[@Gene-XL]

Steve Harris is absolutely incredible! His bass playing is every bit as interesting as Adrian and Dave’s playing

[@ricardobunn34]

Yes, and he also uses compression. Another way to get closer to his sound is using an eq pedal to accent higher frequencies. And the instrument position is very important. I'm thinking about lowering the bass (strap) in order to have my right arm a little more stretched. Thanks for this video, you did a terrific job!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Ricardo!

[@user-eb8mi3xi5f]

I love Steve's playing in Sea of Madness too..It's so vivid and powerful. Somewhere in time is my favorite album along with Powerslave..

[@fredjones9750]

Somewhere in time is your favourite? Really??I couldn't stand it at the time so never really bothered again. I'm going to go and give it another chance based on your recommendation.

[@user-eb8mi3xi5f]

@@fredjones9750 I think it's great album. With a sci-fi mood. They used synth and it sounds futuristic with little bit progressive feeling. My favorite song from it is Stranger In A Strange Land, bass intro and melodic solo are best. Many praised that it's very beautiful solo of Maiden. I was really amazed with the solo part accompanied by bass.

[@hollowjack8711]

Great editing and whole lot of info. 💪🏻

[@Bertanerny]

Great video, really well laid out in every respect. On another note, I was really looking froward to seeing Maiden in Australia, so disappointed they've had to postpone can't wait for the revised tour dates to be announced

[@johannessilver8653]

Great introduction...he is truly unique. And you did clear examples for a novice like me to understand ; )

[@alanburns8362]

This is what I love about bass guitar. You can be doing something "completely wrong" and still sound badass!

[@Man-dl9ml]

Absolutely fantastic video man! Im not even a bassist but a guitarist and Im a massive Steve Harris fan. Hes easily my favorite bass player ever. This video was incredible and really insightful. Love that you used deep cuts and not just the hits. Great video man!

[@squirrel_82]

Just watched them play in Greensboro back in October. You'd never believe these guys are in their 60's. Quite literally the best (and loudest) concert I've ever been to.

[@HavocMusic1759]

My dad and his friends got to meet Steve Harris when Harris threw his wristband at the crowd and he caught it. He went around the back and climbed up onto the rafter and got to see them leaving. I think Dickinson went first, but he pokes his head around the corner, and dashes to the door. Then Steve Harris, which my dad and his friends had already climbed down and were waiting at the door for him. He steps out, and he got Steve to sign his wristband.

[@JTPrime08]

Noice, I play bass and Steve Harris is my favorite bass player. Iron Maiden is my favorite heavy metal band. He’s so awesome. Other than that, cool and UP THE IRONS🤘🏾🔥!!!!!!!!!!!!!:).

[@kipmcbride9910]

Had the pleasure of meeting Steve after a show at the Fox in St. Louis. Very humble person for such a talent. I’ve seen Maiden probably 8 times since the beginning . He is hands down the best in metal.

[@josephjordan2883]

Love this clip so much! Thank you!

[@Metalbass10000]

If your fingers are strong, and you pound through the strings, you can be plenty audible in a mix. I also grow my fingernails on my picking hand. This is for classical guitar playing, which is great for helping your bass playing, and of course for playing the bass. You don't have to grow them very long but you do want to keep them trimmed when they are long

[@keltoibard]

I'm pretty sure Steve has a portrait in his attic that ages for him. Great video!

[@timfarris8412]

awesome explanation on how Steve Harris plays the bass.

[@DanielMorin-lx3xb]

Français: Steve Harris est encore aujourd'hui un de mes bassistes préférés. Quelle technique de jeu et quelle énergie débordante sur scène. Il demeure un des dix meilleurs bassistes au monde. Il influence encore bon nombre de musiciens aujourd'hui.

[@gilbertspader7974]

I saw them them warm up Judas Priest in NY on the Killers tour . When they came out something was wrong with Steves amp and he played the intro to Innocent Exile over and over again till he was happy with it . I played keyboards and sang at that time and never payed any attention to the bass but he was electric. What a show !!! I have seen them 6 times total in all size venues and they are all kill no fill .

[@gerryiannuzzi5122]

I saw them that tour too in Asbury Park convention hall. Tiny place great show. I don’t remember any specific details I do Remember Eddie

[@szunabass]

Congrat for this teaching, very accurate and detailed in all of aspects of his playing. Never thought of that to study this thing this way... :D At my time we don't have net, even not computer, just some copied casettes and later LPs to hear and transcribe all the tricks and riffs. OMG, when we got first a VHS player and first I realized how they play on the Live After Death video!!! And wadda show was that!! I hadn't seen so much sweat before...:D Unfortunately I've studied music theory and other instruments :) so few years later I've left Harris' and the Maiden's brutal effective but so much simple world, and inspired so much other heroes and genres (Geddy Lee, Markus Grosskopf, Sheehan, then Myung, then Anthony Jackson, Patitucci, Asmundsson, Wooten, etc...) that helped me became a pro. But not become a songwriter, a real songwriter. Nowadays I think what made Harris and the others (especially Smith) unique is their songwriting capability, not their technical level. Technique is not a big challenge about Harris and IM, the power and energy what they have for 40 years is the main point... So thx for this summary, liked it!

[@SeanYeomans71]

I wasn't expecting to to learn all that much from this video but the gallop plucking alone was worth the watch. I for sure came from the school of thought that he included his ring finger to pluck with.... Great vid, thanks for putting in the time.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Sean!

[@stevegarcia2157]

Great video, I don't know anything about playing bass, but it was a joy watching you teach and how you use technology to give us a better idea of how bass playing works.

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Grew up with a seventh son of a seventh son poster over my bed from the ages of 3-6 when i started playing bass in 2002 i didnt realize my finger technique was all that unique i have always done it inverse middle index for 2 finger and always did down strokes (towards the bass more aggressive sound) i do use 3 finger for the gallop as its just easier on my arm for endurance but always ring middle index to get 4 strokes i do ring middle index middle so when i go faster it doesnt always sound just like triplets or a gallop.

[@sgt_slobber.7628]

Not only is he a Great Bass player, he’s an excellent composer and lyricist!!!! Also, he made the Triple galloping style his trademark!!!!!! #UTI!!!!!!\M/

[@chadyates5222]

I’m 43 and Steve has always been one of my favorite metal bass players since I got into metal🤘🏻

[@upperhandssoundsystem]

Nice video bro, great work!