Greatest Bass Line Ever? 'I Wish' Stevie Wonder (Ep. 10)

“Stevie Wonder called and said, “I need you to come back in - I’ve got this bad song.”
'I Wish' is up there with 'Sir Duke' in terms of sheer funkability, but how did Nate Watts come up with the irresistible bass line? And is it really one of the greatest of all time?
In today’s video, you’ll learn how to play one of Stevie's most iconic songs. Plus, you'll get all of the tab and notation so you can understand every note.
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===
Video Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
00:20 - We Played it WRONG
00:58 - The Intro
01:21 - The Feel
02:36 - Bass Line Breakdown
04:25 - Dialling it in!
04:46 - The Ghost Notes
06:38 - Scott’s approach
07:40 - The B Section
08:37 - The Post Chorus
11:21 - THE SQUIGGLE
13:08 - Effects
14:27 - Summary
===
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[@KillerFridge]

Ian's addition to the channel is probably the best business and creative choice you guys have made in forever

[@lairizzle]

I agree. Great energy and he shreds the gnar so hard. Amazing tone always.

[@MrDevilsSwing]

Definitely! He brings in a whole new level.

[@Aliveinloma]

Agreed, taking nothing away from Scott. Ian breaks stuff down a bit easier to understand. And then there is the enthusiasm!

[@KhrisRoyal]

This is another example on why understand gospel music is so important to playing the American songbook.

[@jimibeamon7316]

Yessir!!!!!

[@Arycke]

Gospel and jazz have been intertwined since jazz was developing e.g. Louis Armstrong comes to mind. But I looked at the top contributors who contributed the most to the Great American Songbook during the, mostly agreed upon, arbitrary, main timeframe (1920 to 1960 approximately) to of the compositions being created, and their association with gospel music/how much gospel music they were a part of. Tin Pan Alley, broadway, film, etc. where a large portion of them come from. Not really gospel inspired that I personally can tell. Yes, a large portion of musicians who played on those changes/songs/contrafacts thereof, lots of African American jazz musicians, were deeply rooted in gospel, but it is/was a stylistic choice, not a necessary component, to play over those standards, in my opinion. Any concrete examples/input would be appreciated, as I would like to learn more or find out more, please. Thank you.

[@sephiroth7818]

If you can get down Jazz and Gospel, you can play anything.

[@DiscoHank]

In that same time period, this and 2 hits from P Funk, “Flashlight” and “One Nation” had major gospel feels on the bass lines.

[@mikerobinson9030]

​@@sephiroth7818the history of Black American music 🎶 goes on this order. The call and response Field Holla - Spirituals, Gospel, Blues, & then Jazz. It basically all started in the Black Church

[@kubbykool7983]

When that bass line came across the radio, I wanted the entire planet to be quiet! Songs in the Key of Life is my favorite album of all time, and "I Wish" is my favorite cut from that masterpiece. 👌🏾

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@fretlessman71]

Please don't take this the wrong way... this was a LOT better than I expected it to be!

[@minioner5080]

Anything Ian touches is golden,his face is a joy to see when he’s playing

[@mistad309]

Do I Do baseline is absolutely amazing. Nathan Watts cut loose on that track 👌🏾

[@devinebass]

That line is RIDICULOUS! 🔥🔥🔥

[@sramredd9856]

I'm glad there is no pick shaming like in other bass channels. I primarily play with a pick and I usually feel ostracized because of the slappers that say playing with a pick is a sin and you're not a real bass player. That's why I like this channel so much. I learn and don't feel like I'm doing something wrong. Thanks Scott and Ian.

[@IanMartinAllison]

❤❤

[@mosijahi3096]

Why do you use a pic?

[@benhancock6253]

@@mosijahi3096probably just likes the sound man

[@TommyFalleri]

Nathan Watts underrated legend!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@garrettlowell7637]

This is one of my daily go to practice songs to build/maintain stamina. Thanks for breaking down that little solo section.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@benjaminleimkuhler6812]

I love the Wal Ian. Named after Ian Waller you know. Such a beautiful bass.

[@Henri111]

I love your guys style of teaching. So thorough but you keep it fun, great attitudes. Keep up the good work my dudes.

[@devinebass]

Cheers! 🧡🧡🧡

[@mgr_1138]

"As I'm in the squiggle, my eyes move to the next target" - I think I need this as some kind of motivational poster style

[@audibletapehiss3764]

The layers of swing vs straight in this track are fascinating. As a drummer, I was shocked to find (after playing it in a band for 6 months) that the hihat does not, in fact, swing! I was playing it like Superstition and it's almost impossible for me to not do that now. Alas, I'm just about ready to take it on as a bass player now.

[@lawrencehutchinson2320]

I don't understand what you mean here - the hi-hat swings hard, you can even see it on the waveform if you EQ it up

[@audibletapehiss3764]

@@lawrencehutchinson2320 I would say the hi hat drifts in and out between a slightly noticeable swing and totally straight, but definitely does not swing hard. My best *guess* is that it's basically a syncopated 16th note pattern played with two hands. (possibly by Stevie himself). If you swing it, and play it with one hand, it will be consistent like jazz time. If you start playing it with 2 hands like this ... | R&RL Sn&RL R&RL Sn&RL :| (rests noted as &) ...it starts sounding pretty straight. You can hear this clear as day at 1:12. The waveform simply shows it being all over the place. Just because it isn't close to the grid, doesn't mean that it's swinging. The basic, fundamental groove of this song is straight. Like Ian says, there are accents and highlights that are swinging, and that gives the whole thing a very organic feel that "breathes" with it's own unique kind of a lilt. That's what I'm trying to say. It's a hybrid of straight and swing elements, and the hat is holding it down for the most part as straight. But, like I said, that's just my best guess, based on 35 years being as mediocre as a "pro" can be.

[@lawrencehutchinson2320]

@@audibletapehiss3764 I guess it depends what you count as 'hard'. It's not like school jazz band swing, which would just be really cheesy. But for funk this is pretty heavily swung. There are a lot of different swing feels, as the various 'swing' patterns on old 80s drum machines would attest. It's not just random sloppiness

[@audibletapehiss3764]

​@@lawrencehutchinson2320 If "random sloppiness" is what you took away from my comment, then have a nice day.

[@lawrencehutchinson2320]

@@audibletapehiss3764 ah well, in fairness you said 'all over the place'! No offence meant - I was just saying it's more of a deliberate feel than what I quoted implied to me :) I do know where you're coming from as it took me a long time to 'get' the swung 16ths of funk tracks like this as its own distinct type of swing, and embarrassingly it was playing with a friend's Linn drum machine when the penny finally dropped. Anyway what I'm trying to say is if for argument's sake you set up an actually straight hat line on a sequencer, then accents or not it will not sound very close to the feel of the track. But a Linn or similar would be able to get you fairly close, of course without the ebb and flow that real musicians impart. FWIW Mandrill are a band that swings the funk hard in this manner, well worth spending time on. It's really different from jazz swing but it's still nowhere near straight

[@colleenpatterson5928]

I observed this way of playing I Wish a long time ago. The issue is, when you're playing it with your local cover band, often there isnt enough of that groove part happening from other instruments. As the bass player you feel like you want to add in that "feel" part.

[@meremortal5789]

Exactly right, and people move to it.

[@Chris_Davis_music]

Ian's comment about Looking Where to Go Next while playing the thing you're playing (12:00) - this should be heard by all musicians everywhere all the time!

[@efibass]

My favorite teachers giving us once again all this knowledge, combined with their amazing energy , spreading all the light they have inside!.. I could watch you guys for hours!!

[@theendisnigh4497]

Stevie wonder is the greatest musical talent that ever lived. 25 and I grew up on him still haven’t found an artist on his level and I listen to all genres

[@Genetaylormusic]

Agreed. He's the ULTIMATE

[@HarryVarthakourisOfficial]

💯

[@TheMusicalSchizo]

Thanks, gents - Always loved this line and always marveled at how straight and almost robotic the core of it is and how much everything around it swings like a mofo. Also, noticing the M3 2MR41H shirt again...I hope you got to go to Atlanta and see the reunion, Ian - I saw the Friday show and it was OUTSTANDING! Or maybe you're going to Chicago...either way, if you love the band, you should see the show. It's really excellent.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

Best KZbin channel, hands down. I was kind of hesitant when Ian Martin Allison joined in such a pronounced way….. But he’s been such a benefit to this already amazing channel. The whole game elevated, and we ALL benefit. Great job, gentlemen. You run the classiest music channel on KZbin.

[@devinebass]

Thanks so much for that!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@chriswilliams1096]

I agree. The interplay between you both makes the video much more entertaining. It's not just the different musical perspectives but also the warmth of the friendship. Keep it going, guys!

[@Jay-kk2rd]

Omg. I sucked as a high school “bass player” but watching you guys gives me so much pleasure because I hear and see the joy while you describe the intricacies that I hear and have enjoyed for so long. Keep it up guys.

[@Heathaze813]

That walking line is so cool how it intertwines with the melody. Its like there are 3 or 4 songs going on at once and they just groove together.

[@matthewellwood979]

No idea how we go the timing but I learnt how play this three days ago. I now know I have to relearn a bunch. Thank you for all the help and inspiration Scott and Ian!

[@prettyboy1970]

When I first heard this song as a 10 year old kid around 1980 I was totally blown away by it. And I certainly never would have imagined years later I would be able to whip out a hand-held computer/phone/camera/electronic mail device/music library/video game player and watch someone teach me how to play it.

[@mlaurenc]

Great video! Love how you guys get right into every detail, whether super simple or deeply complex. The points you make about "layers" and knowing where to use those embellishments are really well taken, and important to remember in different group contexts. If you've got a keyboardist like Stevie and big band you may need to keep it REALLY simple, but if you are in a guitar trio or quartet setting with less ambitious musicians, you may need to add in a little more to keep that feel of the original

[@andrewpappas9311]

I remember playing this song with my high school jazz band, this has always been one of my favourite Stevie Wonder song and that bass line is just so good and a lot of fun to play as well

[@MikeGuerr]

This is great to see/hear you guys playing this straight as well as putting your own spin on it. When I play this in a band I also use a pick and play with swing as well (also a bit of improv in the B section and break). The use of an octave up sounds great! Looking forward to trying that myself. Thanks for another interesting and inspirational video!

[@MrWilson-WithaPbass]

..with the Humbuckers and the pick is the way , Holy cow that sounds good .

[@IanMartinAllison]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@davidzakrajsek5983]

Love it guys!!!! Great break down of a classic

[@allgems]

Nice breakdown of a great Song. I've always focused on the feel of the main Bass parts but after watching this I want to nail down those upper register slides and fills throughout the song. Thanks Scott

[@MrKiwiJack]

Another great vid. You guys work so well together. Always quality. Thanks.

[@dantofoz11]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and i can't tell you how much I am enjoying your stuff. I'm 47, and from 16 to 35, I was obsessed with my bass, played in heaps of bands and it was my life. But I fell out of love - hard - sold my vintage StingRay, and haven't touched a bass in over a decade. But watching you both lay down the groove has really stoked the fire.

[@devinebass]

🙌🏻🧡🔥

[@raymondcollins4665]

You dudes are wicked….Stevie …Nathan. I think Nathan tuning down is one of those Gospel traits. Great video👊🏾

[@devinebass]

Agreed! Andrew Gouche actually talks about that in an interview Scott did with him years back!

[@danielyap4067]

If you think of this as a walking bass like in like a jazz standard, the bass is there to keep time whilst the others provide the swing.

[@billcummens3938]

Yeah I agree with the rest of the world, you guys are just having war too much fun. It's so great!!

[@mauthemouth]

Love the videos of you two monsters! so fun to watch how much you enjoy playing. The moment i can afford the sbl membership i'm in, believe me. Been wanting to be your student for so long, love from Mexico!

[@philippemelkonian6485]

You guys make a great team. It rocks !

[@JT-hx6nt]

Well done you two, so much fun to watch and learn!!

[@devinebass]

Cheers!!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@517JET]

Scott, thanks for all you do to make us better bass players!

[@bluedawg2641]

Thanks! This has been one of our tunes lately. Very helpful.

[@jeremyarmstrong274]

Great video guys Yoli it out so simply, it’s easy to understand. Thank you.

[@m16gunslinger77]

This is one of my favorite songs we cover. I taught myself this bassline by ear and was missing some of the runs because in some cases the bass in the mix disappears behind the piano/synth. One thing I noticed is if you don't have a synth/keys player, then if the bass isn't swung it doesn't feel the same. I've always played it slightly swung with the ghost notes Ian mentioned. Great break down and commentary guys, LOVE this song.

[@robertoepiscopo6558]

Ian your tone is killing! (No offence Scott, your is gorgeous, but when Ian plays my brain buzzes!!)

[@lltoolbox]

Off topic but...WOW...that Wal! Every time I hear it, I want it.

[@devinebass]

They do sounds awesome, and sooo unique!

[@DoctorQuackenbush]

One of my favorite tracks! Thank, guys

[@kacperdziuba852]

Guys! You are awesome! Love to watch and learn! 🤘

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@jaycianfrini77]

Great video! One of the first bass lines I ever remember coming from my parents record player. I was playing a gig in Ottawa back in 2000 and we were in a hotel hanging in the bar when my band and I started talking to these guys that were also there playing a gig. Turns out Nate Watts was one of the band members. After a few too many drinks and a lot of great stories, we went up to his room and he pulled out his beautiful 5 string (Cant remember what it was) and taught me that line as well as most of Sir Duke. It was a magical moment that I will never forget . He was, and I'm sure still is, a gem of a soul On a side note: Been a huge fan of the channel for many years and a member of SBL. Was wondering if you guys would ever do a video on Paul Jackson? He is my favorite bass player of all time and I've always felt he doesn't get the love and attention he deserves. His lines in "Sly" are so nasty and also his work with Eddie Henderson, notably "Return to the Source" is so insanely good and nasty. There two bass tracks (the other is Patrice Rushen) but its killer! Keep up the great work gents!

[@devinebass]

That must have been so fun, the man himself showing you those lines!! Maybe we will do a vid on Paul in the future!

[@wackjob7]

Yay! I was playing it right since I was 20. Now, if I am jamming on it without a killer keyboard or horn section, then I will fill it in a bit deeper but still in the pocket.. It's actually hard not to, but such a great bass line, was written that way on purpose. Just sit back and lock it in the pocket ya'll.

[@JC-zf6sx]

Sounds great with the pick. And that vibrato Ian does in the intro!!!

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@kevinharris7722]

Great video fellas. I was close (but no cigar!), and definitely missing some of those funky riffs and lines. Hey Scott, you guys must be great friends, I thought Ian was your twin brother. Cheers!

[@SteveWeltman]

Thank you! This was amazing! Is there a way I can give you 5 thumbs up on the video? I LOVE Stevie Wonder's music, just for the joy of the music, how he arranges and produces. What you've done is highlight the bass part that was (to my relatively initiated ear) really complex. Now that I see it broken down, it's still complex but at least understandable. It was so cool the way it sounded with just the touch of octavizer, reverb and 'spring' (?) that IMA put on his bass. This is such a cool piece of music.

[@r3ality1]

Great vid! I loved hearing Ian and Scott's different approaches to the ghost notes. (I'm in Ian's camp...). Deep dive FTW! And Ian... that Wal is so amazeballs... at least in your hands! :P

[@IanMartinAllison]

It was in yours too!

[@ramonurchipia]

I really like this kind of videos, thanks!

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@nijrem]

The bassline that made me pick up the bass many years ago! ❤

[@devinebass]

Now that is a great introduction to playing bass!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@tedblumstein6772]

You had me playing this song all the way through in less than a half hour. Called my 'mates and told them to learn what they can. Just need to find a horn section...

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Nate Watts is so underrated

[@devinebass]

Definitely. This line and Do I Do are right up there with the best!

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

"Do I Do" is sick! I'll add "Sir Duke" to his best basslines!

[@PatrickChannonInPost]

Guys the content you're putting out right now is next level, gotta say it

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@amandamarinovich6164]

This was awesome 😂 I was wondering if you guys could discuss Bridget Kearney's playing (on Lake Street Dive and a bunch of other stuff). She plays upright which I just think would be cool. Ideally get her on to talk bass 🤞 another suggestion is the bassline on Slow Motion by Phox

[@Syncop8rNZ]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@kyleetie5608]

Center of the funk bass universe! Killed it guys!

[@shlomital5845]

you guys are amazing❤ thank u

[@keepgrindingup7661]

That song and bass line are impossibly funky

[@paulmaxey73]

Dream team 👍great insight into a great tune.

[@paulwright6121]

I'm amazed! I've been playing it correctly all these years!

[@feedthechunk9836]

This one is a LOT of fun to play. I love playing it.

[@jonlavigne3270]

I tried arranging this for solo acoustic guitar and vocal. It turned out interesting but I haven’t nailed it well enough yet. Also, I love that Wal bass. Love it.

[@PedroRodriguez-bw6fb]

Ah man this was awesome the intro I've playing right it's everything else after that that I've been playing wrong lol thanks for the break down I would like to see how you guys would break down sir duke and master blaster from Stevie can't help it there are amazing basslines in his music

[@devinebass]

Both are awesome lines, maybe we'll look at those in the future!!

[@Bass.Player]

One of the best songs on the planet.🎸

[@pmdinaz]

That playthrough at 5:47 got me in the feels!

[@pacoruizserrano]

Love this bass line!

[@edfarmer2613]

Love it Guys....Well done

[@imadmob]

those snatch notes at the beginning of the video 💥💥

[@IgorMuller]

I had a funny experience with Steveie's Superstition. My client (and a friend) worked with me to record a cover of that song, and he was playing bass with his left hand on a Rhodes. And he was all over it - syncopating, swinging etc. I was like - my friend, there is no such thing in base, in Superstition the bass is straight like a highway, playing short quarters almost all the time. He was almost furious, until we closesly listened to it on a proper sound system. It was over 10 years ago we are still joking about that. Truth is bass almost always should be rock solid to provide, well, base for everything else.

[@Fari-100]

Y'all probably haven't really been in an African American church 😂 (I don't know, Ian might have 😅) but that feel you guys are talking about, to me, is coming straight outta church, shout style, bass. Little bit of juke joint blues, even ragtime.. it's all in there 😂 🔥

[@VellosThemis]

Guys, I stumbled upon an incredible coincidence! I was randomly studying this song, and at the exact same time, this video was uploaded! These days, I've been thinking about to start my journey with the online lessons, so I take this as a sign that I should go for it!

[@IanMartinAllison]

Amazing!

[@mauromantovani5937]

I'm new SBL member for two weeks now. I can tell you definetly go for it, there's a TON on great comtent on the platform. One of the best music education services on the net for me. Not exagerating. Great value. You won't regret it.

[@stevbay17]

Great breakdown guys, I'm taking this to my band as we cover this track and I can bring some more authenticity to it.

[@devinebass]

Awesome, enjoy and have fun with it!!

[@cm4n63]

8:12 that last A natural is something that so many covers miss in the bass line :(

[@maxeaton15]

name a more iconic teaching duo than scott and ian.. i'll wait

[@BradYaeger]

I was in a recording session once and I wanted the song to really swing so i kept telling everybody "Swing it more!" but all I got was a mess. The drummer at the time was actually not a real drummer (his words) so he said he'd call his buddy who was and had him come sit in. He listened to what we had, then said "Ok then you want me to play this.." and proceeded to play the straightest 4/4 possible. I said "No , I want it to swing and its not!" And he said something I never forgot . "If everything swings, then nothing swings". Obvious in hindsight but taught me it's all about the relationships between the parts and everybody knowing their roles within the song that make it great .

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@jbonillaguitar]

funny, I've been playing it right all along. I spent a whole afternoon lifting it 2 years ago. I love playing that bass line, so simple yet so great.

[@jlr8451]

My all time favorite song!

[@dfreeman120]

First heard this on the giant monitors at Crystal Sound on Vine St Hollywood while standing in back of Stevie Wonder ❤

[@brianpark8758]

Nice Bass a Wal. They sound and playing amazingly great.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@geranajestic4904]

Great video. I would like to see an analysis from Lakeside - Fantastic Voyage. I love this song!

[@juniorsimmons6174]

Church!!!!!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊 We have that from Mr. Gene hitting Bass in church on Sunday. You factor that into your description!

[@billyjay1]

You guys are awesome players!!!

[@NozmoKing]

That Wal bass sounds so good

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@catweazel2584]

You guys are amazing!!!!!!

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@juanhayes2411]

Wonderful

[@Chubbydippin]

Music would never be what and where it is without the contributions from greats like Bach, Beethoven and......Stevie Wonder!!!! Just to name a few of the pillars my ears have "wonderously" benefited from.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@rickstacy7459]

Great... love it!🍻

[@OlandoMcCall]

I was just messaging Paul @pdbass about the same thing. I noticed it on the song by the crusaders "street life". The drums are swinging like no ones business but the bass. No swing at all just very straight forward.

[@bustedfender]

Man, that Wal sounds like the bass in my head sounds.

[@IanMartinAllison]

Love this thing!

[@Nicksonian]

I’ll tell you what it is…PURE GENIUS!

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@ronallen2458]

Joy personified.

[@lakanbass]

Only recently I did a cover on this song. So connected! 😂 Best bass channel in the world! ❤

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@morumotto931]

In terms of effects it sounds great to put some overdrive on it, especially in the "post chorus" section and for the squiggles.

[@kevongordon2675]

Came for the tutorial but stayed because the intro jam just grabbed me by the ear

[@TheAndrzejjj]

great video thanks

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@JohnHancotte]

I've always played it up an octave with a sub-octave effect for the doubling sound. Maybe I should try it with the octave up as you suggested. And yes, the pick does seem to make sense for the extra ghost and swing notes and feel. I never use reverb but that's a cool effect when used judiciously. So many rooms where my corporate band plays are hugely ambient and cavernous, so reverb on bass is never considered - except that opening of For The Love of Money, right? Nate Watts brought the stank on this one!

[@rodrigomoreira153]

Great video. An interesting one to break down would be Buena by Morphine.