The Slap Bass Secrets of Michael Manring

If you know who Michael Manring is the chances are you’re probably a huge fan, OR you were so freaked out when you first heard him play that you made a mental note to avoid him at all costs! For those who fall into the latter category you may wish to hide behind the nearest sofa…
In this week’s video I sit down with Michael to find out more about his mesmerising take on slap bass (and discover what planet he is really from!)
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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[@foxtowercommunications]

His genius exceeded only by humility.

[@TeeCeeBee]

He's such a likable, diplomatic person. He was a protege of Pastorius back in the 80s. He's got some great stories about Jaco.

[@alvarobassworld2550]

Link bro? It would be cool to see MM taking about Pastorius

[@TeeCeeBee]

@@alvarobassworld2550 he discusses Jaco in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJKuY3qLbtWapdU

[@alexsf4248]

@@alvarobassworld2550 in one of the two interviews on KZbin Make Weird Music he goes into great details about him in NY studying with Jaco

[@kongandbasses8732]

I like the concept of "not even notes, but different sounds" in his rhytmic work.

[@taknothing4896]

I've always liked trying to see what sounds I could squeeze out of my bass, but when I ran across Michael Manring it was just... this guy is insane.

[@metemercan1147]

6:58 - when your slap technique ascends to the point of sounding like you never even learned how to do it in the first place

[@Markusewitz]

I was in a workshop with Michael this year in Germany. What an incredibly talented, nice and humble guy :-) !

[@iamalpharius9483]

Thanks Scott Michael is my absolute favorite bassist. His skills are on par with ANY of the greatest bassists in history and he us CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED. Hes an applied theory MACHINE and he has innovated so much. His ZON Hyperbass is almost something out of the Hogwarts Music Department. His sheer force of will is contained within a beautiful humility that makes him such a wonderful human being.

[@DiogoBaeder]

"he us CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED" - YES!!!!!

[@iamalpharius9483]

@@DiogoBaeder lol. I just caught that. Well played. 😂

[@DiogoBaeder]

@@iamalpharius9483 OK, now I just caught that, because my previous comment was not a joke, I do love that guy playing, and didn't realize the comment could be taken as a joke :D

[@iamalpharius9483]

@@DiogoBaeder lmao. Yeah. Double spelling errors. Funny. I Actually replyed to a different comment on here by accident. I met Michael years ago and he is simply amazing. I would say confidently that he is among the greatest to ever play.

[@davidblack7257]

I've been a HUGE fan of Michael Manring since seeing something in a bass player magazine back in the early 90's. Thonk was such a difficult album to find, but when I got it, I was floored/mindblown...definitely not of this world, and he's such a knowledgeable and awesome bass player and more importantly, an equally awesome human being.

[@williamwhren4275]

I have met Michael at Gerald Veasley's Bass Bootcamp about 12 years ago. He showed us his stretching exercises. It changed everything for me. I have arthritis. I have been doing these stretching warm ups since then. It helps . I have had a chance to see Michael again at another Bootcamp a year ago. I thanked him profusely. he is a Great Bass Player and a Great person. He added at least 10 years onto my Bass career.

[@Terrible_Peril]

William Whren details on the stretches, please? Cheers

[@delepiane]

I join the request!

[@HVACKABOOM]

Please yes arthritis is trying to rule my right hand....

[@justforgame179]

I join too, if you have a link or any details

[@eddieperez9565]

Hes like the Michael Hedges of bass guitar..

[@8ulls3y3]

Thonk literally destroyed my vision of the instrument, dropped me into a chasm of depression and then eventually opened my mind. Thank you mr. Manring!

[@Astronometric]

Saw Manring many times live and it’s always an experience.

[@peterveres2942]

Everything he does looks so effortless. Love listening to him.

[@adityatyagi4009]

Michael Manring is the most insane bassist I've ever seen and heard!

[@Redwan_Shishko]

I love Michael!! He's a wizard of bass 😍

[@LordEradicus]

Back in '94, I had followed a number of different bass players and had picked up a few of their techniques. But I then picked up Manring's Thonk album and was simply blown away. That's still true today. And he makes his magic look so incredibly easy...

[@anointed01]

Michael Manring is unique, no other bass player can do what he does. Awesome!!!!

[@timzylka6050]

Fantastic...a little glimpse into the workings of Michael's technique. Without a doubt my favorite bassist and a really wonderful person as well! Thanks Scott!

[@christianshipley7472]

Love watching guys like him that have mastered their instrument, something I've strived for, for nearly 40 years.

[@rmp5s]

7:00 - Hope he got that bass' consent...lol

[@pizzicato16]

So underrated. He's also one of the best fretless players out there, bar none.

[@randallclark2407]

Completely speechless myself. A little shock and awe mixed with mind boggling excellence.

[@6lillium]

And the part about him that is BEST....his "slow"playing is infinitely more emotive than most musicians on any instrument....check out his Windham Hill days.....he was the " house" bassist for a reason....

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Those were great days, with Windham Hill.

[@alexsf4248]

I like to affirm: “Paganini, Bottesini, Hendrix, Manring”. Michael created a new musical language for the Bass. This is a rare moment. He was given the baton from Jaco, I imagine that a new generation virtuoso will take the baton into uncharted realms. 🙏🎶

[@humblegeorge]

Thank God its December my jaw hit the floor and no flys got in !

[@rustythoughts]

For all that amazing skill he seems such a lovely humble person. I remember seeing him playing in London about 12 years ago, pub type jazz/blues venue in Islington, people absolutely rammed in beyond capacity. He really played a phenomenal show, thunderous applause, and he was blushing at the applause. Amazing gig...

[@karlsangree4679]

Had the joy of seeing Michael doing a concert in Philly around the time of the release of his Soliloquy album. It was a tiny little venue and I sat right beside the stage. The man is a legend.

[@devinebass]

That must have been an incredible show!!

[@dspmusik81]

“Excuse me, Mr. Manring?” -Scott

[@Danalmagrodrumsnbass]

That man is a rhythmic mad scientist. Amazing!

[@tonytaurus3676]

I'll never forget the first time I saw The Enormous Room. I didn't know if I was more impressed with his playing or with his bass. Four d-tuners, an independent bridge d-tuner, a line-out for each string, a pickup for each string, pickups in the body and headstock, fretless 3 octave range. And he uses all of it.

[@HawkEye40]

Agree. And with tons of feel and musicality 😊

[@Basstank]

Man, I love this guy...i sadly don't know him personally, but I know he must be such an adorable person. I was very into Primus back in the days when his first album "thonk" came out...and it blew me totally away. His huge range of ideas and sounds was (.. and still is..) so inspiring to me. So all I can say is : Thank you for the music and keep up your amazing work, Mr. Manring! ❤️👍

[@conorkeane4665]

I remember a year ago Scott released a video about Michael and a lot of the videos of this one is the same as the previous!!! The difference is people in this section really acknowledge him for who he is... One of the greatest musicians of our time and not another (overrated musician) ... Michael Manring is one of my favorite bassists of all time and deserves his rep!!!

[@IRuinEvrything]

I got into Man-thing in the late 90s. Even briefly met him in 99 at NAMM. THONK completely changed my view of the bass forever. I also met and photographed his student, Trip Wamsley that year, and he and I have stayed in contact. Also a ridiculous alien bass master.

[@dork742]

Saw him with Michael Hedges during the Windham Hill days. Pure magic from both of them.

[@HVACKABOOM]

What a great guy and how limitless it can be for a talented genius. WOW!

[@regimiro4888]

When you play a drum solo on the bass

[@TheSwagSociety]

Bass ASMR

[@Chuckcoral]

No words to express how lucky we are to have Michael Manring in our lifetime, musical genius and by far the best bass player in the world, his musical vision should be shared by every musician on earth, he is still learning, still working, his humility is just another of his virtues.

[@chopboard]

Michael's playing is inspiring! Watching this, he has now rekindled my liking for bass again. Planning to use my bass again n spice it up with these interesting techniques n ideas. 👍

[@jerdure]

Both are so humble being given the context, this is really amazing. Thanks for sharing this !

[@mujari]

selene by him is my favorite song

[@matthewsweet5232]

I've loved MM's approach and elevation of bass for years. Another excellent installment of "go forth and discover" from Mr. Manring.

[@jhsams1977]

Saw Michael at the Elbow Room in Chicago. Mind blown

[@Bassuhmatari]

Genius! One of a kind.

[@samboliah3691]

Some band member's have a friend who also play's bass, and is always saying, "Never forget, bass is half percussion." This guy went way beyond anything I've considered, that is amazing.

[@gonnfishy2987]

I’m really enjoying your random slap technique vids through the years (they never get put in my feed chronologically). They are always useful for practice inspiration. I now know how far you and the Fbass go

[@devinebass]

That's awesome dude! Thankyou for your support!

[@alowlypawn]

I’m more and more taking his approach - never considering myself as having a style or being complete, but always open to mastering different approaches and then trying to use them when appropriate.

[@stevecrumpton9643]

One of the most enjoyable interviews that I've seen you do, Scott. It was obvious that you were floored by Michael. Respect from one of your longtime fans in New Jersey.

[@mitchjoel]

I had not seen this... just a total joy to watch. The smiles and laughing say it all :)

[@JBKeyz88]

I was amazed when he played the clave . Wow!! Time to practice!!

[@ghostownaproach]

His "Welcoming" is my all time favorite Windam Hill tune. So good!

[@ronniecraft3895]

this was wild, so good taking the bass to a new level for me !!!!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

I met Mike Manring many years ago at one of his performances. Really nice guy, let me try out his ZON bass. I ended up buying a ZON a few years later. Thanks for posting this.

[@gemballa-op8gy]

the most insane technique in my opinion is to be able to proyect your hands' rythm sense into the instrument, like what you'd do when you tap your foot freely or tap your fingers in a table, but doing it to the instrument

[@MyName-ez9lv]

Man you are so talented at getting the best secrets out of the masters.

[@cliftontorrence839]

WOW ! Manring! Scott, ask him about his dad's comment about "It's not like you could play two of them".

[@martinheath5947]

Hit me with your rhythm stick. Hit me. Hit me! Ace interview. Good fun!

[@Dandroid61]

I discovered Manring just before the release of Thonk. In my opinion, one of the best bass albums of all time. Seriously. Tough to beat. In fact I was so influenced, I ordered my own fretless Zon. Best bass I've ever heard/played...even in my hands! Manring is a legend in our time. Check out his music. Thanks Scott! Now to work on my clave...

[@bshind]

It was fun to hear Michael play old school funk at 7:30.

[@gnoccialpesto]

A friend introduced me to Mr Manring's music sometime in the 90's. "Bad hair day" blew me away, I still can't play it ;)

[@scalabriniroberto]

WOW! MM is the Doctor Manhattan of bass: he's a god and he can do whatever he wants with it.

[@theelmagoo]

That dude is crazy!! Amazing!

[@agustinconti5461]

He is a true master and total, deep innovator. Check out his many solo albums, full of musical gems presented with impecable sound, groove and taste.

[@brucesmith9144]

Had a chance to meet Michael in person. Nice guy in addition to being a great bassist.

[@AndreDeFunKt]

Very unique, great musician!

[@diegobanjocontrabajo]

he is the best! amazing player with great ideas

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

These are videos that I just watch in awe and admire. These are special players, one offs! Virtually impossible to replicate. I just celebrate these Cats, and move on. 😎

[@MrHSkywalker]

Or do like me, watch these videos during lunch brakes and spend the rest of the day thinking "oh man as soon as I get home I have to try this". Then you'll get home, try the new thing and be like "nope, time to bed".

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

@@MrHSkywalker 😆😆😆

[@jackzango427]

Yes he's the greatest Mike Manring in the world and I bet if he could tell you he would say go and be the best you you can be.

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

Way cool....I call it POPCORN PERCUSSION 🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶😎👍🏽

[@robertcurrie8510]

Very enjoyable!

[@johnnyb357]

He's amazing. I just smashed all of my basses.

[@joshuajf3954]

What did we learn? The bass is a set of drums in disguise.

[@klinkepeter]

to explore your instrument

[@williamwhren4275]

One other thing... When we saw him play .. We did ask, "What planet are you from ?" He just thinks different and that is a wonderful thing.

[@drumsnbass]

Ill never have his talent, but I do have one of those basses on order!

[@neiltunstall6912]

So funny watching Scott's mouth drop open 🤣 Manring is incredibly musical as well as being a technical genius

[@jonathonvillella1614]

I do need to learn this

[@tevetaga2144]

Awesome technique!!

[@gringochucha]

I highly recommend his work (with Testament's Alex Skolnick and Primus's Tim Alexander) on the two Attention Deficit albums -- some very intense and creative fusion going on there.

[@johncbeer]

He's the best example of making it all about the craft, not the money.

[@quentincroisez8061]

INCREDIIIIIBBBLLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@5ex7hean1mal8]

Thank youuuu

[@wademiyataki9221]

So talented

[@stereoroid]

I don't know if MM's piece "Geometry" is online, but if you're in to tapping, it's definitely something you should try.

[@johnmoser2689]

Killer right hand creativity

[@tamicolyar9593]

one of the brightest people!

[@cello4Jesus]

This absolutely sick. My brain is oozing out of my ears.

[@jamo2006]

What a fucking legend. I got the album Thonk when it came out - instaFan. What an absolute virtuoso.

[@sansocie]

Taste. He is wonderful!

[@stefankamphausen6524]

Hey Scott. If you're in contact with Michael, maybe you can find out what became of Paul Hinklin? They coooerated on the last Sad Happy record, if I'm not mistaken. That'd be awesome. One of the most interesting bass players and sounds (to my hears) just gone without a trace.

[@mopdigglyderg4827]

A great player and a very humble soul.

[@JDAfrica]

I got a fever, and the only prescription is ... more clave.

[@brotherem1]

Wooooow....this guy is wow

[@62kun10]

Omg how did i not see this?? I wana b in this train!

[@tokyodream88]

Scott,,please make video about Tetsuo Sakurai, Ikuo from Abingdon Boys School and Tetsuya from Lar'c en Ciel

[@ethanlocke3604]

He’s so freaking good

[@guyjackson2530]

if you could do a video about heads and cabs also explaining ohms watts and wire gauge that would be amazing, preferably for beginners thanks

[@Guppusmaximus]

I'm so happy to see that this brilliant innovator is starting to get the credit he deserves from the KZbin Universe. "Thonk" was an absolute mind-blower when I first heard it back in '94 and is timeless to this day.IMHO, the two "structured improv" albums he did with Skolnick & Alexander (Attention Deficit) paved the way for the current "Fusion" trios. I still cherish the only time I got to see him live with David Cullen & Mark Walker. What a night of face-melting Jazz "Rock". My words do absolutely no justice for such a genius musician. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rouQlJhqh7F4qMk

[@gonnfishy2987]

THIS VIDEO Geez what did you do to me? Just spent an hour grooving percussively on my FRETLESS. Xx so valuable. Ideas. Repertoire. FLATWOUND BLISTERS. WTF??! 😅

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@gonnfishy2987]

@@devinebass 😱🌎☄️🔥🤣

[@FernandoHernandez-mk5vf]

Cool video

[@janosmarothy5409]

For those wondering, around 5:15 he means to say _pellizco_ and the double ll has a y sound so it sounds like "pe-yis-co", not "pe-lis-co" ...but what _I'm_ wondering is where that fits into Latin or flamenco stroke patterns, because searching around, I'm coming up emptyhanded right now :-/ maybe it's just one of those regional or oral things and hasn't been codified/formalized yet?

[@shaolinzendragon4737]

Nice 👍🏿

[@johnmoser2689]

Charles Berthaud has a bunch of awesome bass videos and is really good at that incorporation of the detuner trickery if you haven't seen him check him out it would be super cool for you guys to get together