HOW TO PLAY 5 VERSIONS OF THE CUSS CUSS RIDDIM

[@donstrumental1]

Download your free Backing Tracks and PDFs here. www.reggaebasshub.com/cuss-cuss

[@kateberry3871]

These are such satisfying basslines to play, and you explain them so clearly even a total beginner like me can get to grips with them. Many thanks to you, Don.

[@matthewvazquez2785]

1-of-1, your channel has been my favorite finds over the last few years on youtube. Thank you for all the time and knowledge that you share

[@DW-oj6yu]

The way Robbie comes in one beat later than Flabba has such a huge impact on feel. Both are excellent, but what a difference one beat of space can make.

[@drawingdownthestars]

Drum Song riddim. I'm obsessed. So simple and so fun to play yet has so much depth. Great almost western feel. Quintessential Jackie Mittoo. Another great would be Tribal war. When the riddim rides the low end on repeat you feel it in your bones.

[@sethbrown8912]

I dreamed of being a reggae bassist. This channel is so much fun for me. It is DEEP. I just love the reggae bass. When I first tried to play along with reggae, I realized how the simple sounding things are not simple they are just fitting in the right space and time. Your analysis is fantastic. Much praise to you.I especially appreciate the respect that you have for all those that came before you.

[@konstantinosntinas8139]

Thanks so much for your work brother ✌🙂 Such a blessing to be able to learn from you despite being so far. Apart from the genuine and deep knowledge that you share, you teach very methodically and you also immerse your viewers in reggae culture like no one else. The best ! Greetings from Greece.

[@gjhazelaar883]

Big up Donstrumental!! Nice work man, great to see proper education material on the back bone of the music we all love; the reggae bass. Great job showing the youths the roots from the times of cassettes, who remembers reeling the tape back in again with a pencil? For the ones looking for more riddems, I suggest Burning Spears enigmatic classic Wadada.. Bless up!

[@donstrumental1]

Also the technique of putting the tape around a hot glass of water to get the creases out after being chewed in the cassette player. I also learnt to splice a cassette back together with tape. One day i will demonstrate how to make a delay with only a cassette and cassette player.

[@gjhazelaar883]

@@donstrumental1 Cassete tape veterans, Haha! Keep up the good work brethren!

[@alu2get]

@@donstrumental1brooooo….we’re counting it on you! The DELAYYYYYYY

[@rastanz]

Great stuff Don. The golden era of vinyl, cassette and VHS tape, what fun memories. Love your Cuss Cuss take.

[@micahlocilento5809]

Some favourite foundation riddims: throw me corn, lecturer, babatunde/created by the father, stealing, bobby Babylon, darker shade of black… to name a few

[@JLeppert]

Mix Tapes were, in my humble opinion, the height of music. Every second was important because it was so finite. There were no duds or mediocre songs on a mixtape. Everything had to be perfect. Great breakdown of Cuss Cuss.

[@sethbrown8912]

Oh you hit the nail on the head. There can be no wasted tracks on a mixtape. 😅

[@donstrumental1]

open.spotify.com/playlist/6WZLpC8aKm5QvWJ9oBHM5S?si=3f67f4df70e64705

[@arkystarch]

🎶🎶🎶

[@dizzyness2937]

some fav classic riddims: answer, rougher yet, afrikan beat, entertainment, taxi, conversation, prison oval, lecturer, hi fashion... goes on and on

[@guilhemalandry7869]

Great suggestions!

[@arkystarch]

tempo riddim, real rock are some of the riddims that I started with

[@martinheath5947]

Thank you KZbin algo riddim! Excellent lesson 😊

[@strakashagnasty]

I really enjoy your conversation and content. I watch then over n over.. coming back again and again months apart. Each time I hope a little more n more soaks in…

[@denislocs141]

YES KING the last bassline sound good like how it drop down🔥🔥

[@stephanvonwiller8164]

Love your lessons. I didn't like reggae that much, but now since I discovered your channel, I am digging it. Thanks a lot!

[@arkystarch]

Don, I enjoyed playing your version of the cuss-cuss riddim and the Robbie shakespear was most tricky but very helpful in improving and picking up my bassskil again! So cheers! Your a master and great teacher, bless up

[@lukas_bass_83]

Hello there. I'm watching all your videos and they are very helpful in learning how to play reggae bass lines. You are excellent at explaining us all this. I am subscribed. Greetings from Argentina. Lucas.

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

I go to the library and check out cds of roots reggae. I play them on my dj double cd player and listen to two cds over and over again almost daily to learn bass lines.

[@peeniewalli]

(for those under 30 y old ) Top explained why.cassette-tapes where so valueble !! I still have them.

[@thomarnold27]

Thank you Sir. Just picked up my first bass just over a week ago and found your channel. First reggae riddim i ever heard as a 13 yo boy had me hooked and changed how I listen to music forever. Looking forward to the journey recreating the infectious grooves with your help 🤙

[@guilhemalandry7869]

Another phenomenal lesson Maestro. Once again I learn and grow. Thank you. We need more genuine and accurate content like this. Please keep it coming. As for my Riddim suggestions I’d say Cassava Piece, Movie Star and Baltimore. But there are so many more!

[@LeeRichardson808]

Thank you for the history lesson on the cuss cuss riddim. That last baseline was wicked!

[@danielhawley882]

I love the bass videos. Keep up the good work. Rock your bones Clinton Fearon riddim.

[@fransvanoostrom591]

Love your deep dives into reggae-bass. Thanks!

[@samsonwoods5448]

Just found yo channel RASTA MAN DON, Thanks!!!!!!!

[@Paraslider_]

So many memories with tape casette and classic stereo portables and walkman!! Same 8-10 songs all the day, yes Sir! 😂 Thank you for inspiration Don! 🎸🎼🕺💃

[@ndill1597]

Abyssinians- Declaration of Rights Thanks Don for your contribution! This is great stuff

[@MusicEnthuZone]

Great advice listening to short playlists. I too grew up making tapes. I still remember my favourite ones. That bass sound is so smooth btw.

[@BadBadChad]

Great lesson. So informative. Love your straight forward teaching style.

[@hepburndavis]

Flabba Holt and The Late Style Scott, Roots Radics Rhythm section, dangerous.

[@RAUCH_Davka]

Bobby Babylon riddim is my personal favorite ❤Love Jackie Mittoo - “One Step Beyond”

[@trevorkanyowa261]

This is my Number 1 Reggae Bass Channel. Big up!!

[@donstrumental1]

Thank You

[@baoagikeitshokile9696]

Bless up. Thanks for the great reggae bass content. Keep up the good work. I love how you're putting out videos regularly.

[@danvieiranjos]

old times with tape but so good, I listened to many songs on my Walkman, good times.

[@unsafeaccount8516]

Fantastic stuff again, thanks a lot! Please make more riddim based videos, very nice to see and experience how these basslines evolved!

[@donstrumental1]

I will for sure

[@abrahamromanmolinos9274]

Loved all the versions of the bassline, I think Robbie Shakespeare's my favourite. But what I loved the most about this video IS one sentence, that you have said before: " This is my favourite chord progression, one chord: D minor" hahah

[@donstrumental1]

I know musicians can get a bit muso sometimes and love to talk about diminished and augmented chords. I love a one chord riddim. Major or Minor.

[@abrahamromanmolinos9274]

@@donstrumental1 I'm with you on that

[@almateenyazid]

Twinkle Brothers... Faith can Move Mountains!

[@TheRadiator223]

one of my favorits, Love Me Girl Riddim/General Riddim

[@patiencezero1025]

one of my favorites is the dance hall track… “No, No, No” by Dawn Penn

[@bassiehd]

Very cool Don! To show the youth and upcoming bassists an example of how the riddims evolve over time, it's a great thing you do. When you mentioned the names of the Wailers (very clever btw), I thought of the "Hypocrites" riddim and how it's evolved to be quite different from. the original bassline. Also "Shank I Shek." I could name quite a few other riddims to which this applies. But generally the bassline stays recognizably the same over the different eras of rocksteady and reggae, even when the trends in drumming change, from one-drop to "flyers" a la Santa Davis to steppers to rockers etc. Anyhow, keep up the great work! I'll be checking back each time you release a new video!

[@Diaaze]

I had a feeling there was a new video out. came here and BINGO!

[@rasamerlock4042]

So nice I have to comment twice . Artie Bella riddim is one of the must know, skylarking inna the mix too though; so many champion stone riddims though . Raspex maximum King Don.

[@klisher]

Init strange how stuff we grew up with, you got to explain what it was and how it worked when at the time we thought it was amazin. 🤣

[@davidjc-KDW]

I can't remember in which recent video you mentioned voting for a ridden to cover, but I'lll go here. I vote for the Roots and Culture riddim, which I first heard through Mikey Dread's track.

[@Markyboogie]

Greetings Don! thank you again, 1️⃣Love your channel ! Reggae Music Lesson!💥and Reggae History Lesson!💥

[@espeluciao2874]

Wow! you're on a roll! another video. Great!

[@AntoineVideoLibrary]

Thanks for the lesson. I didn’t know about the Cuss Cuss rhythm. Very interesting!

[@rasamerlock4042]

Big ups Don!!!!

[@Dubtronic1000]

Riddim Up, some of my favs include. Ali Baba, Shu Be Du, Marcus Garvey, S90 Skank & many more....

[@oswalddwyer9697]

Love what you do me Idren, much thanks all the time.

[@tbaier101]

You touched on the Stalag riddim in a previous video - still my favorite. Love how you demonstrate that one-drop difference between Flabba and Robbie. I had never specifically thought about that but as soon as I heard you play both I thought "Of course!!" Thank you, as usual.

[@donstrumental1]

Amazing What a difference dropping one 16th note can make.

[@tbaier101]

@@donstrumental1 props to both men, both amazing in their own right, but Robbie wins here for me. Gives himself just enough space to shift the rhythm ever so slightly as he pleases. There's a reason why I never tire of his playing.

[@donstrumental1]

Sammy Dread and Toyan are both on the same version of this riddim. Sammy Dread's Album is credited as Roots Radics, Toyan's is credited as Sly and Robbie. When you have been listening to the two bass players for years, you know its Robbie.

[@olilob575]

Thank you Don for the awesome lessons. An other good tune to play along to is Rubba Dunza on King Tubby's King of Dub.

[@donstrumental1]

Thank You. Rubba Dunza is Horace Andy's Money Money Money

[@ThomasHope73]

Wow, such a great lesson in every way! Nice one! 👍👍

[@SamsonBenji]

Love your channel - forward ever, Bassie!

[@siliconcarne2598]

Love your channel - quality content as usual. Cuss Cuss is one of my favorite rhythms, especially the versions on Massive B got stuck in my head. Burro Banton's "Tek A Set" for those who remember - massively heavy. Some favorites on top of my head where I would love to see some coverage: My Conversation, Queen Majesty, Java, Curly Locks, Fisherman, Police & Thieves, Worries in the Dance... I guess this list could go on forever and ever...! :D

[@donstrumental1]

The list is good for the newbies, some gems there 👊🏾

[@greenglobal5385]

I love it. Great job. Thank you for sharing!

[@StratsRUs]

One song at a time.Great channel !

[@MichaelBruceTaos]

Aswad - Bammie Blow. One of my favorites.

[@lorenzobrun2045]

Jeeez bruv ..the cassette...the good old times with my best friend the sony walkman.....Bet they even dont know it had two sides Btw I love your videos

[@rainbowslushy223]

i like the flabba holt one . i'd use that as the main bassline then switch up to yours for a fat drum and bass switch up

[@bandatratata]

such a nice vocalization with members of di Wailers

[@jonasbogaerts3742]

Brilliant, as always. Quick side note. Its been some times now i'm thinking about writing to sbl saying : "guys, there's no proper reggae courses here, except those rare (but brilliant) Danny Mo seminars, you should check this guy, Donstrumental, he's amazing, i would love to see him here!" And here i am, listening to Danny's last seminar about family man, and what a good surprise to realise you where there, and that he said he'll check you up! Man i wish you get a seat there and have the opportunity to work with them 😀.

[@donstrumental1]

Thank you Jonas. I don't think I play enough notes to qualify for SBL.🤣

[@jonasbogaerts3742]

🤣🤣

[@sethbrown8912]

​@@donstrumental1They will be knocking on your door one day soon.

[@voltagemusicprochannel8440]

Truly appreciate the lesson great work

[@patkelly8309]

For me Horace's version has a much darker vibe. Love your version Don. Big up. Hold these vibes sir.

[@donstrumental1]

At that point I had been touring wit Horace for 11 years, just being a bit cheeky and seeing what I could get away with.

[@s3hooligan]

Sling ting riddim , bookshelf riddim, rummors, stalog riddem🔥

[@Simbosan]

Makes me think of Soul Scorcher, not sure if it's the exact cuss cuss riddim but I've got it stuck in my head now. Usually takes days to move on

[@donstrumental1]

Same Riddim.

[@mikaso]

Thanks so much Don! Recommending YT channel "DJ Algoriddim", for tons of great riddim mixes, i.e. medleys of the most foundational versions of each riddim.

[@Duincyberkonijn]

Thanks again Don, sometimes it was a struggle to wind up these's cassettes . 😁😁

[@thisisme7644]

Yes my yute! tanks fi di lessons. mi caan figa out the bassline fi Mikey Spice (I am I said song) plus the bassline fi Columbus Riddim..

[@donstrumental1]

I had the pleasure of playing for Mikey Spice around 20 years ago. He is an amazing bass player himself. My latest video called the The Ultimate Reggae Pattern features the same pattern as “I Am I Said”. I am almost certain I have this line written out. Send me an email to [e-mail] I am going to put my school teacher hat on and tell you to learn your major scale. This would answer the question to both songs.

[@aaronteague8050]

Many thanks for educating me.

[@dubjedi3108]

Love your version but i personally would use it as flavour to compliment tthe original line so that it sounds sweeter when you do occasionally play it. Love that you got a 2 thumbs up from the Skipper😊

[@hepburndavis]

Robbie Shakespeare’s treatment is classic Sly & Robbie where he dropped out the first nots and left the drum take the emphasis. Cool.

[@donstrumental1]

Reggae Science👊🏾

[@fergalh11]

Wicked video Brudda!

[@bredda_marcus]

Love this!

[@trevorblair5552]

Hi Don, Prophecy by Fabian and Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing use to shell down the dance in my sound system days! 😊🙏🏿

[@minopiccolomini4440]

Hi Don , thank you for these wonderful in depth videos and reggae bass lessons. I’m a 57 year old and have just started learning the bass your lessons have really given me hope to become a reggae bass player , I hope to see more of your lessons . Will you be doing anymore early Ska bass lessons which I love also . Keep the Riddim alive brother . Greetings from Australia 🙏

[@donstrumental1]

Many have asked so i will have to answer to the call.

[@minopiccolomini4440]

@@donstrumental1 thank you don . 🙏

[@peeniewalli]

Riddim that i can think of is that Rainford Hugh's /Lee Perry's Black Ark era...."Two in One " and many other Dubtracks by f.e. king Tubby

[@Angedelmor]

Hello just discovered your channel randomly, alway wanted to play reggae on bass, but never know where to start, thanks a lot for the lesson :)

[@skabuoy]

I started with a bass without really knowing how to play (I had learned a bass line during some 'workshop' type of moment). I started with playing my Reggae records, and the more intricate the bass lines were (remember, I couldn't play at all back then), the quicker I put aside the record. I finally found a record I could (partially) play along with pretty quick, and built from there.

[@donstrumental1]

Exodus Bob Marley is a good stating place. Starts with Natural Mystic which is a nice simple bass line.

[@Angedelmor]

I'll will try that, thanks à lot !

[@daddymilo7423]

Thanks for your work 👍

[@davidjc-KDW]

BTW: I saw you (I believe) on a Dub Vender video too.. You run the record label as well I believe. I'm a permanent beginner bass player, but love your channel all the same.

[@donstrumental1]

Yes, you saw me dropping off the copies of 2 vinyl records that have just come back in stock. can you send me an email to [e-mail] I think we need to talk about your permanent beginner status 😀

[@benhedley1574]

Nice one. Apart from Cuss Cuss, my 10 song playlist would be something like this: Afrikan Beat Baltimore Drum Song Fever Full Up Heavenless (Kutchie) Hot Milk Night Nurse Real Rock Stalag

[@MG-vo7is]

Excellent!

[@TerryVibes]

Nice song fam! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Zerpersande]

Ahhh, transferring music from LPs to cassettes. Kept the LPs in great condition for when the cassette player ‘got hungry’.

[@Kajikat951]

Best channel, thx!

[@AxeMan808]

I still listen mostly to *albums*. And if not, I try to listen to a group of singles by a given artist, a la a Greatest Hits album.

[@Animetixx]

Thank you brotha!

[@juanparedes4053]

bonjour don j aime beaucoup alpha blondy l album jerusalem par exemple salutation et merci pour tes videos

[@garcitodelascuerdas6417]

Check out the bass on 'False Prophets' by Marcus Gad and Tribe. Really excellent roots reggea band.

[@donstrumental1]

The bass work on both Marcus Gad albums is amazing. Very creative, which is rare in modern reggae recordings.

[@hepburndavis]

TDK CrO2 90 minute was the best for those who could afford it. Those of us others settled for The TDK Normal.

[@hepburndavis]

One of the most iconic bassline is “Shank-I-Sheck.”

[@TheGoblin800]

🙏🏿 Herman chin loy - jah jah dub , dont know the name of the riddim same bassline here, Joe gibbs - chapter three... Thx Don, and great take on the cus cus

[@donstrumental1]

Cassava Piece Augustus Pablo kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OtaYduYpufbdksi=DLmDp-kuYW0SA2mG

[@RawfodoG0515]

Can you compile a list of the best reggae bass lines for us to listen to please 👍

[@donstrumental1]

There is a Playlist pinned to the top of the comments.

[@royalemuzikproductionz]

The wailing souls act of affection is one of my favourite bline. I don’t know the Riddim name though 😅.

[@donstrumental1]

I guess it would be called Act Of Affection Riddim. I don’t recall there being a Riddim with that bass line before Wailing Souls. Toyan has a track on that Riddim called “Pope Paul in the corner” on the How The West Was Won LP.

[@jeremydarrow]

Another great video, Don! Do you have a Spotify playlist of essential listening?

[@donstrumental1]

Just pinned a Playlist at top of comments👍🏾

[@jeremydarrow]

@@donstrumental1 Thank you!

[@BlackMarketYoga]

Are you finger nails hitting the strings at all on the plucking hand? I did watch the "Fat Reggae Tone?" episode again just now. I am playing a schecter baron bass with the bass lines stingray type pick up. Thanks for the awesome new episode.

[@donstrumental1]

No nails. Sometimes they may over grow but if I can help it, my nails are so short that there is no chance of them hitting the strings.

[@chukaachike4566]

You are simply wonderful Don, but which bass riddim is the background riddim for this video and which artists have used them?

[@donstrumental1]

It’s one of my Riddims I produced for Morgan Heritage. The version playing in the background is the original instrumental before extra instruments were added. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r32XlWuPd9SIg6Msi=gqKA3EhKFOQpm0PJ

[@chukaachike4566]

Thanks a great deal Don. I don't joke with bassline in reggae. Can you break down the bassline in Junior Delgado's "armed robbery" You are doing an amazing work. Nuff respect

[@donstrumental1]

@@chukaachike4566 Can you play it? You need help with it?