"Girls on Film" Bass Tutorial with John Taylor

Welcome to John Taylor’s STONE LOVE BASS ODYSSEY, a bass tutorial through some of your favourite Duran Duran tracks. Each episode, which airs Wednesdays at 11am PST on the band's instagram channel (@duranduran) will be followed by a live Instagram live chat with a series of special guests . Enjoy the odyssey!
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[@russellward4624]

"Id been playing the bass for weeks, maybe even months" lol line of the year.

[@emprabrea]

Same with Nick who had very little experience with his keyboard before starting the band! They were so talented even at a young age

[@Shauny90]

I love that even after all these years and the million times playing it he stills gets into it and loves what he does! True passion

[@injanhoi1]

The happiest people in the world do what they love doing. It doesn't matter what it is.

[@sharonisaac445]

Absolutely 💯

[@champagnemami8448]

No literally I love it

[@TheDoug625]

I've noticed over the years, real musicians like and respect Duran Duran no matter what genre of music they're in.

[@PepeAtreides-s3b]

Facts..I grew up listening to punk and metal…Duran Duran was 🔥 The bassist from Kajagoogoo is a bad ass as well as

[@malcolmolding2804]

John has given us some of the most memorable bass lines. In my book he’s a bass legend.

[@tyronshaw2092]

every now and then I'll binge some 80s pop I haven't listened to in years and now that I have a (slightly more) refined ear I've come to appreciate a lot of the musicianship I just didn't notice back then. back then I never saw much beyond the image, but damn some of those bands could *play*

[@mistad309]

When you hear the concept of how Duran Duran wrote their songs you appreciate them more 👌🏾

[@greenbrush5687]

John Taylor is a criminally underrated bassist. He can play with a pick, fingers, and pop. And if I am being honest, he looks cool as hell doing it!

[@echobravo4494]

Future me: In 40 years you will be laying on your couch whilst watching a video tutorial of John Taylor explaining how the song Girls on Film came about 10 year old me: Nice

[@spiritualcramp8000]

facts :D

[@bakurasplanet4502]

....and on your phone. Believe it or not.

[@jeearr7082]

🤣🤣🤣

[@indigojones8]

Esatto! Plus, I'm sitting here at 4 am in Italy (being from the US) reliving how important these songs were for me, and remembering so many great memories with dear friends. I got to these videos again after listening to Japan's Mick Karns and I have DD to thank for turning me on to Japan. Mick and John were/are both incredible bass players and I love that he still finds so much passion and joy in playing these iconic songs.

[@nataliacanavesio9416]

I can"t belive it, John at his home playing the bass and talking to us... It"s a dream come true 35 years later

[@iamalpharius9483]

John, you are one of the most NECESSARY bassists in Rock and Pop. You have inspired so very many. I'm one.

[@mylynnj3792]

The bass lines for Girls on Film, Rio, Planet earth and many others would not be the same without it. I Love all the night versions. John please keep the videos of the process coming!

[@lunalouhoo]

I just love John....and is it weird that I just adore that he has all those books in the background? A man with a mind...a lovely thing.

[@AEYRivera]

This one of the best "story behind the song" series' I have ever seen. John is a great storyteller, on top of being one of the very best bass players in any genre. Very interesting and so much fun. One of my favorite bands.

[@Littlebit1031]

If you haven’t yet, read his book. Or better yet get the audio book version and let him tell you the whole story which brings it even more to life!

[@danettelambert4284]

♥️♥️♥️ 36 yrs later and he is still my number 1 crush of all time goodness

[@Mikki220]

John Taylor had to be a natural talent. His Duran Duran bass lines were so amazing and he was just learning. What?

[@erinfraise6154]

Right? He'd only been playing like three years when he did RIO!

[@Sketchylemons]

It was meant to be

[@nonbiz1520]

Rio is a great bass line.

[@thepsychicalliance]

@@nonbiz1520 it's actually crazy. I just sat down with it, and it's easy as pie, but the way it's played and the nuance of the groove is just so tasteful and punchy that even a skilled bassist wouldn't necessarily be able to come up with something better to fit the song. He's got an absolutely killer sense of rhythm and really gets what a song needs. I also think that it's down to his relative inexperience at the time that he doesn't overplay and strangle the rhythm and feel of the song.

[@nonbiz1520]

@@thepsychicalliance It’s a rhythmic baseline, jazz like.

[@opwave79]

Omg this is a GEM! A history lesson and bass jam at the same time. John is THE MAN.

[@AbirTarafdar]

Everything about this is cool AF.

[@memekendall3197]

ikr, soo cool! 😄

[@ThorntonValiant]

Oh yes

[@HOMERTINKLE]

Isn’t it, though ? I love Duran Duran, and this is fantastic !!

[@oswjim]

this series is just fantastic ... as with his book, John is such a fantastic story teller ... it was about time the world truly appreciate whatta great bass player he is -- that great this is I don't even mind it's filmed in portrait mode

[@Alpha_7227]

Totally agreeits fantastic how he is breaking down how they formuulated and constructed these songs.

[@iainholmes2735]

Totally agree. Intelligent, interesting and enthusiastic chap. And a great bass player. What is it with Birmingham and great musicians?

[@stuartrimell6889]

Get his book or audio book.brilliant

[@deepakrama]

Always loved the way your snappy bass lines drove each song. Rio is still my favorite.

[@mattma96]

"Rio", "Night Boat" & "New Religion".......

[@lisamelroy2855]

@@mattma96 Yes to all three! Now that he's done Rio, I hope New Religion is next!

[@carolloveskiwis]

John, it's all about da bass. And always will be.

[@simonharbuckle3931]

John's fingers are so funky, he had to register them as "lethal weapons." Listen to John's isolated bass tracks (when & where you can find them). There's a lot going on that get's slightly covered over in the mix. Fear not, once you've heard them isolated, you'll magically hear all those bass nuances in the mix. Cracking good vid John!

[@mattma96]

Ghost notes~~~~~~~

[@celestinocamicia]

WARNING - bass nerd comment 😂 Here’s something really interesting to note about John’s trademark ghost-notes: instead of plucking the same string twice with alternating index and middle fingers, he uses the next string up for the ghost note and plucks both with the index. That’s the real secret ingredient, it may not seem like a lot at first, but it does make a difference and to incorporate and perform it in such copious and rapid-fire amounts in a bassline is no easy feat!

[@lizziedavis1859]

Just brought my 18yr old lad his first bass guitar. Coming tomorrow. Xx

[@erinfraise6154]

My 19 year old niece is a bass player. I turned her onto Duran, of course, and those ghost notes are the plague of her existence! LOL I will pass this onto her.

[@andrewc662]

Interesting, I'm a beginner and didn't even notice. It does kind of make sense. Thanks.

[@dh1474]

Well spotted!

[@bassrabbit9]

Wow! Thanks!!

[@SabikOv]

Love John's smile when he's playing. Love these videos, the stories and you're still handsome AF, thanks John!

[@billybull6149]

We love Duran Duran!!!! 🎶🎵🎼🎸🎶🎼🎵🎸 We are here 2020!!!!🇬🇷

[@memekendall3197]

and for decades to come. DD forever! 😁💙

[@ReekingGallant]

Wow, such a joy to hear an artist talk about his craft. I'm not a musician, but I am a long time DD fan from the 80s.

[@Cru16saders]

One of the most respected bass players in the world!

[@johnunderwood3132]

Dude , I can hear you play bass all friggin day. It is so bad ass

[@enricopascucci4802]

His fun and passion while explaining how they created all these songs are quite contagious.

[@John_Sharrock]

So glad i got to experience the 80's from start to finish...There'll never be another decade like it.Thanks John..For all the great memories.

[@mattma96]

Yeah~ The EIGHTIES is just so unique.

[@xo_brie]

i loved watching this and i love how john would smile every time he’d play ❤️

[@tacticalrockette]

briella nicole ohhhhh yeah!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@cornflakegirl1718]

He's GORGEOUS.

[@sergioalimo]

Beautiful Stingray for your golden fingers. Your syncopated lines and your groove must be an inspiration for all the bass players

[@buildfinancialmuscle8091]

I love these stories about the early DD songs. They freely admit they were in their infancy as seasoned musicians, yet produced so many timeless classics. John's bass was funky and had a great sense of timing right from the start. Nick would come up with some of those relatively simple yet massively catchy musical concepts and they build a masterpiece around it. They were such an awesome melting pot of influences and musical styles.

[@ericjanssen7536]

I still love to see, after all these years, the joy and passion in your play. Brilliant

[@pern1044]

John Taylor this is long over due. You're my favorite bass player and I'm sure others too. You should have done this long ago. Better late than never. You're an amazing bass player. Thank you.

[@mixythedog]

Love how this badass is rocking the MPC 60, true musician jammin on the OG drum sampler!!

[@anniechristien]

Fantastic bassline! John is an outstandig bass player, influenced by one of the greatest and funkiest: Bernard Edwards. This Odyssey is pure joy.

[@FunkyDPL]

I believe John's playing the StingRay that Edwards played on all those Chic records and bequeathed to him after his passing.

[@kennethflores7075]

Best bass player ever! Play that fooking bass John, Play that fooking bass John, Play that fooking bass John!!! A shout out to the my man John Taylor!! 🤟🎸🎶

[@troypol343]

Funny, I just listened to "You make me feel mighty real" song yesterday. As a Duran Duran fan since 1984 and a musician myself, I appreciate John Taylor doing these videos.

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

That looks to be an original Music Man bass, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's the actual bass he used on the recording. Good gravy, that bass sounds amazing.

[@DiesalAZ]

Ladies and Gentleman "The Bass God" John Taylor. I didn't give him that nickname he earned it. #DuranDuran4ever

[@dadasha]

Shut the hell up!

[@matthewlukeman7092]

The coolest dude living today.

[@deycrazyedith]

Best bass player ever. 💗

[@thevoid99]

top 25-30 for me. my 5 favorites are peter hook (joy division/new order), simon gallup (the cure), mike mills (r.e.m.), bootsy collins (parliament-funkadelic), and the late bernard edwards of chic.

[@EmiliaG.Haurie]

@@thevoid99 who asked you? Get out of my dream please! And yes, Parliament Funkadelic is AWESOME!

[@chucksmash1]

@@EmiliaG.Haurie Well said..! Lol.

[@Jammie122]

Love Love John Taylor - he definitely has some brotha in him

[@markattwell5813]

For me John Taylor is in the top ten best bass players ever - master bass player!

[@ntom5579]

"PLAY THAT F-ING BASS, JOHN!" 🎵🤘🏻❤😁 🎸

[@deathcheatersguild4266]

As a Drummer 🥁, I have always loved the funky and popy sounds 🎶 John has gotten out of his Electric Bass 🎸! 🤙🏻

[@davidparada1307]

I don't what was better: John's tutorial or the scenes from the Girls on Film night version video. That video.....

[@t8283287]

It's a close call......35 years ago I would have said the video would hold my interest...but now I am watching Mr. Taylor slack jawed with appreciation and it revitalises my interest in the song.

[@jeppyfrost]

John is simply amazing! Love hearing the stories how songs from Duran Duran came to be. Keep them coming John! DURAN DURAN FOR LIFE!

[@thenewjerseyconstitutional1767]

Thoroughly enjoying these tutorials Mr. Taylor, always fascinated with the history and creation of a song.

[@RUS3KE]

one of the best bass lines of the 80s🤩

[@Sinnerswing]

I wish-back in the day that I had more appreciation for John’s bass playing because he is such a good player.

[@rio8859]

It’s so awesome to watch John talk about the evolution of how some of my favorite Duran Duran songs came together. It’s also a joy to see how much pleasure he truly gets out of playing. Truly one of the greatest bands to come out of the 80’s! Thanks for sharing this.

[@keepdufunk]

Nothing better than learning one of your favorite bass lines when it's being taught by the master who created it! Cheers John....

[@carlathedestructor2454]

It's interesting to hear how the song evolved. Bass is sexy as hell and I love watching a professional like John play the shit out of it.

[@marypoppins123]

I can remember when I had your posters up on my bedroom wall 🥰 now it’s 2020, I’m a mother of 3 young adults, watching you on my iPad while I’m snuggled up in bed and you still look gorgeous. 😉 awesome videos

[@marypoppins123]

Kali Southpaw yes. I had a crush on John. Most of my friends either liked Simon or Roger 😉 Those definitely were the days, the fashion, the music, the hair and the freedom of expression pre internet, Facebook, Instagram or social media. Just records, cassettes and music mags. I miss those days. My children always say they wished they were a teenager back then as the music today is crap and individuality is a dying concept 🤣

[@chucksmash1]

@@marypoppins123 Extremely well said..!!! The 80's were the absolute best!!!!

[@mattma96]

@Kali Southpaw Yeah~ Sad, but true.

[@mattma96]

@@marypoppins123 Do you still remember those badges of British bands such as : Japan, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Culture Club.......

[@CabingirlWI]

Same here! 😆

[@RikBiel71]

It’s an absolute joy watching and listening to John get his groove on . Lifetime classics

[@Hard-Boiled-Bollock]

You came up with the bass line from GOF when you'd been playing for a few months???. Whaaatt??!!

[@rdefabri]

Totally underrated bass player...I'm a rock guy, and always thought JT could match chops with anyone (including Geddy Lee). Big fan of his work and the rest of the band! Love these videos!!

[@windk100]

What a well-spoken and excellent teacher - providing a holistic perspective (song construction, instrumentation, etc.). Thanks for the songs and inspiration, John!

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

John is so underrated!

[@JoelMSimental]

Im in awe! I was looking for ways of playing this and it takes the true master John Taylor to finally do this for future generations. Thank you sir!! Look forward for more and thanks for taking the time to do this video with so much gusto!! Forever a fan!!

[@migy5031]

JT is so underrated as a bass player and vocalist. DD are so underrated in their influence as musicians.

[@oaktowndimond668]

John is not underrated. He's well respected amongst his peers.

[@samueltractorton2088]

Kickass, Mr. Taylor makes it look easy.

[@lour9348]

Saw John in concert with both DD and Power Station and can attest to his bass skills :)

[@kalani1987]

Hey John, can you talk abt some bass lines you did in the Power Station? Many funky grooves there

[@michaelfisher7759]

Everyone should have a friend like John...👌

[@Di5585]

The only man who can get me to listen to disco.

[@JayB-JayB]

Duran Duran has graciously given the world some of the most incredibly colourful music. Centuries from now they will be remembered as we remember Vaughn Williams, Mozart, and Debussy

[@nicolassanhueza1804]

Duran Duran forever !!!

[@janicemorales6547]

How wonderful and fun! I don’t play bass but I’ve been Duran Duran since the early days of MTV. I recently have come to really appreciate John Taylor’s musical talents .

[@binayakshahmusic]

Wow. John Taylor. Grew up listening to his music back in the 80’s. An absolute delight. Feels really good seeing him again after so many years. Cheers John.

[@toddvanwinkle7777]

How much did we all love the 80's??? Love Johns passion for these epic tunes!!!

[@ZeldaFitz]

I wasn’t a DD fan back in the day, however, John seems like a real good bloke. I’m really enjoying these tutorials.

[@juxtarepublic6106]

In my 50's these days..... still love Duran Duran's music...... keep these coming John.... it's awesome to get a glimpse of how you guys developed part of the soundtrack to the 80's.....

[@JonWhiteCreatives]

My band did a punk rock version of this song in the mid 90s. Still one of my faves from Duran Duran!

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

One of the FIRST song's I ever taped off the radio :)) I couldn't afford to buy records so taped instead , good memories of Duran Duran

[@ultrablue2]

John, thank you SO MUCH for these vids! As my favorite band, and you being my favorite bass player, I am really interested in hearing how my most-loved songs were created. I’ve always thought of listening to Duran music was like being immersed in all these different sounds that mix together, but all have their own specific directions. I always listened to the bass lines; starting out listening to disco, then things like Blondie, then right the Duran, the bass always spoke to me. But just as easily, you could follow Nicks Keyboards, or Andy’s guitar, or Roger’s beats, or Simon’s lyrics, and listen to a different trip. Thank you so much for creating the music of my youth, that stays with me today- such a wonderful gift!

[@raindrops21_9]

YESSSSSSS! The night version of GoF is INSANE!!! Thank you John I've been waiting 30+ years to hear you break down your iconic bass lines.

[@Sherrysugar41976]

It is always a joy watching John play bass. Loving these tutorials and interviews afterwards. ❤👏😊

[@garettbauer373]

I wish I could take lessons with John. I'm into blues, rock, and metal. But I've always loved John's playing. Guitar Center instructors really don't have the knowledge needed to get you past basics.

[@musicianonamission8435]

He's worth however many millions of dollars he's made and so much more. ❤

[@brendangeraghty8865]

A master class in bass playing, on Bernard Edwards' Musicman Stingray bass to boot! I've come across so many people who thought the bass parts on DD records were played by a (very good) studio musician. Sorry. Uh-Uh, John F'ing Taylor, buddy. One of the most naturally gifted bass players around.

[@antoniotorres3936]

Thank you Mr Taylor, this is one of my favorite songs.

[@shannonryder7]

Had to hear you play today.just got back from a friend's funeral. Only music I needed was to listen to Duran Duran!! Thank you for your music it gets me in a teenager mind @#@# the world . Lol Your music always put me in a happy mood. Always love you & the rest.

[@pizzagogo6151]

My favourite song ever:)😱😂 fantastic John, even though I was aware of some its history, truly amazing to hear you go through it’s evolution musically, especially its relationship to the night version.thanks so much!

[@JerryCalvert-x9u]

Darn, I was so hoping he would explore the solo part. Thats the best part of the whole song!

[@marciahelenasilvamarciahea7437]

This is Fantastic John Taylor! Love too much good musics ( including others Bands; Singers ) but Duran Duran is one of my favourite Band 💚💙💛 Thank you so much! Greetings from Brazil! Here in Brazil we apreciatte you! 💚💙💛

[@mikekeaney5506]

What a great chance to get "under the hood" and see what makes the song (and the rhythm section!) so special.

[@sandraduranie1975]

Love love love since my 6 years old. Thank you dear John!! 💗💗💗💗💗🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@CarlosGarcia-yg9je]

John is the reason I ever picked up a bass.

[@tube_trance]

Absolutely LOVE this! PLEASE do more of these, deconstructing and giving the back story on the Duran catalogue of GREAT MUSIC, and PLEASE share more about your specific bass talents! So many musicians (and fans) admire you as a bassist -- your creativity, skill, and style. THANK YOU for this video, and hope to see more. Continued good health & happiness, JT!

[@nonbiz1520]

I absolutely love seeing what created my sixth grade year. I’m 49 now, still love you John!

[@MonicaMarianno]

Loving It! May I ask for "lonely in your nightmare" Bass lines class? Amazing Johnny!

[@Alessandro.Bartoloni1971]

Atmosfera travolgente! Anni '80 per sempre!

[@michaelcampbell4503]

Coolest bassline ever. JT this is a great series!

[@tacticalrockette]

This was fun! Thanks John! God I can't wait to see you guys again! Its been too long. You guys have my heart FOREVER, always have, always will. ❤️😘

[@dickyboyryw]

I wanna know what that t shirt says?.. Lol. But I do. More importantly, though, where did he get it? But an original "Wild Boy" like John wearing it REALLY makes it scream:"Cool!!" On a musical note, isn't it bizzare, in a way, that those 6 keys for the G. O. F. song were so simple. But they've echoed through the last few decades as loudly as ever. * Great stuff*

[@woksrandomchannel]

These guys played this song over 40 years and still sounds so fresh.

[@Hotchip71]

This is so brilliant!! It has lifted my spirits... such a good story teller and obviously totally knows his shizzle and still gets joy from it! Right just off to have a DD session...

[@Krankschaftband]

So refreshing to see a musician without a computer.. last of the breed methinks :)

[@unimaxer]

Please keep these videos coming! Love seeing how you play them and insights behind playing them.