Geddy Lee Explains His Right-Hand Picking Technique | Fender

[@fender]

Want to see more from Fender? SUBSCRIBE and hit the BELL ICON to stay up to date on new videos from us!

[@lchisholm5957]

Fender is nice I've played'em but too expensive $800 to 3 and 4 G's. I can get a $400 Ibanez n it sounds just as good..

[@noahroangoldwing]

It is because of this guy, this legend, that I really want to learn to play a bass guitar. My cerebral palsy will not stop me.

[@jessicastephen7094]

Go for it! all my respect to you 🎸🎸🎸

[@Ryan5259m8]

I've been playing for two years, the key is to have fun and never give up! Good luck man!

[@steelersnorth2914]

Celticsorcerer 1 Great attitude and determination.

[@Hevvvyyy]

King

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

My son was injured in the Army and suffered a TBI which left his right side with very diminished fine motor skill and some partial paralysis. He sold all his basses and amps because he felt he just couldn't play anymore. But this last Christmas he came to visit and he picked up my bass, which is a Squire Bronco short scale bass and just started noodling around. All the sudden he figures out a way to play with his disabilities and he was inspired to get another bass. The reason I mention this story is that you CAN play with any disability. You just have to find the style and technique the work. The music is inside you, not inside the instrument. Check out a short scale bass. You will find it's much less intimidating to play than a full scale.

[@u000jeg]

"You want to look at the neck with less mystery as you get older". Classic!

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Burned into memory!

[@jeremycleary2115]

I heard that from him as I scrolled upon this comment.

[@adamziolkowski2549]

@@jeremycleary2115 likewise

[@dstarling61]

Idk I’m 63 and there’s still a lot of mystery there.

[@liammcooper]

couldn't have said it better myself

[@marcoapdias]

So Geddy influenced Les that influenced Geddy back again. That's BASSCEPTION! 😃

[@craigmanning2439]

Great Story. Saw Primus open for RUSH on the 1994 CounterParts tour.

[@davidtimms3201]

Geddy giving compliments to the guy he inspired the most. Such a class act.

[@medmac2112]

It’s the circle of BASS!

[@darthcreepio]

😆 perfect

[@darthcreepio]

@@craigmanning2439 that must have been an awesome show!

[@CarnorJast1138]

Saw Rush in 1980, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 1990, 92, 94, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015! Love this band. One of my all-time favorites!

[@123spleege]

I'm tied with Jeff Beck. 6 times each. I have never seen any band 14 times however. But Rush is much much more than just a band. I know, I preaching to the choir! haha

[@jopisano67]

123spleege. Rush has been the most polished band in the last 35 years. Each member is a perfectionist which can be explained they never steer away from their studio music when playing live.. Very hard to find 3 guys who have that much dedication, talent and skill wrapped up in one. Neil's drumming is superb to remember all the changes in every song they play live.

[@bobbyvoltage7171]

CarnorJast1138 The best band in the galaxy...and some really nice guys to boot.

CarnorJast1138 - With all the times you've seen RUSH, you should be the President of an official RUSH fan club.

[@3rdstone1]

That's bloody awesome! I was glad to be able to see them here in my country twice in 2007 an 2011 (I think they played here once in the early 70s as well..)..

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Geddy is the reason I play bass. I love his style so much.

[@fender]

Geddy truly is a genius!

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Oh yes he is. I has his Fender signature 2001 Japan model. the best bass I ever play. I truly love that jazz bass.

[@GodRock369]

A Farewell to Kings (1977) started it all off for me..

[@davidcarney1827]

Me too

[@headly21]

@@GodRock369 Me too. Cygnus X-1, specifically.

[@TheKille22]

For as long as I have followed Les Claypool and Primus (for about 10 years now) Les is always going on about how he loves Geddy Lee and how he is a huge influence on him. Just imagine how it would feel that one of your influences says that you have influenced his style of playing...

[@YManCyberDude]

+TheKille22 … The big similarity I see between them is how they bring the bass up front. In Primus it's the main instrument. With Rush it's a 3 piece of equals changing & rotating out the leads. I haven't seen the bass showcased in that manner anywhere else in rock…

[@TheKille22]

The guys are gods. :-)

[@Zestyclose-Big3127]

+YManCyberDude Chris Squire?

[@YManCyberDude]

Kerstkrans Ya-Mian … Good call … Yes is another fav of mine behind Rush … Chris' bass was often put out front way more than most but still not quite as much as done by Rush in my opinion … Sure hated to hear of his recent passing … RIP …

[@lisaharrison1031]

They are really close friends “beyond the lighted stage”! Les owns a winery in northern Ca. & Ged is a wine “afficianado”. I’d love to sit and drink a bottle of wine with them. Rush are my Gods!!

[@neckarsulme]

How cool is Geddy Lee?

[@reidkennally6346]

Unmeasuraabley

[@winchesterzombii9986]

+neckarsulme Seriously

[@PJyrstinkangas]

All the cool.

[@MaxxwellPalone]

Yes

neckarsulme - Geddy is cooler than an iceberg.

[@07foxmulder]

I've never been a fan of Rush but I respect them and their influence on rock and pop-culture. Lee seems like such a modest, down to earth guy. He's the type of person you want to have a coffee with and listen to stories of his.

[@jamesbond9873]

07foxmulder did you say you’re not a rush fan?

[@blaker007705]

07foxmulder well is is Canadian after all...lol, humble, polite and down to earth....rock on brother!

[@AyoGrog]

@@jamesbond9873 who cares bruh?

[@richardyeates5331]

@@AyoGrog lo o

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

Unbelievable musicians .The angelic triumvirate .

[@markdaniels7174]

The man who inspired tens of thousands to pick up the bass... including me. Many Rush songs talk about maintaining personal and artistic integrity, and the guys in Rush really walk their talk. It's about having integrity. Great role models.

[@wyvern4588]

Same here, started with Animate.

[@321mzzz123]

steve harris was the first, geddy was right after. but for steve harris geddy lee was a big thing, so I got inspired by geddy lee before I knew who that was and not realizing that. god works in very mysterious ways but in the end you look back and it looks very cool :)

[@brian037515]

Such a humble man. I think that is what all Rush fans love most about the trio. They are intelligent, gifted, outstanding guys.

[@cmonster67]

Like no other...

[@alphagt62]

Other bands go to practice, but Rush goes to perfect.

[@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970]

He's A New World Man...

[@1stclassmedia]

Exactly, and they have infinite respect for their fans base too. I hear of stories where they will spend ages talking with fans without ever feeling that “you should never meet your hero” vibe. Amazing, honest professionals

[@xyz9610]

rush touring with primus.... a dream comes true.

[@bobthebrickbuilder1876]

Eric Johnson even opened for them on that tour. Imagine seeing Cliffs of Dover (when it was new) and then seeing Rush. To me, that's like confectionary sugar on top of a dream lol.

[@aidanfogleman2060]

I remember hearing a while back that Rush once opened for Blue Öyster Cult, which is a show I would've killed to go to

[@dahliafiend]

I was there. My first concert. Arco Arena in Sacramento. Rush with Primus. It rocked.

[@bernieturnelli7232]

I got to see Primus open for Rush at Nassau Colliseum. Primus was being booed the whole time! I was like the only one cheering them on. Then someone lazy douche behind me told me to sit because he couldn't see. Still not sure what his weight issues had to do with me.

[@annettereynolds1995]

I saw them on that tour. It was epic.

[@davidk.7806]

Geddy is such a great bass player and the fact that he can sing while playing these complicated parts is amazing.

[@WalterBenkel]

And he also plays keyboards.

[@rolz71]

@@WalterBenkel With his feet!

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

I have sooo much RESPECT for this guy....

[@devx0319]

TheTRUTH me as well I met him my favourite singer of my favourite band If you wanna watch me met this amazing man go to my channel to see the video

[@alexanderlyon]

Geddy was my first favorite bass player when I Started playing in my teens. I’m now 50 and I just got up his fender jazz model. I’m getting back into bass again and it’s so great to see so many cool interviews with him, like this. He’s such a huge influence on so many bass players.

[@davidmohr1920]

Geddy is the true master of the bass man if you can play Rush you can play anything :-)

[@brucefetter]

He's a true master at his craft. Shame they couldn't at least plug it in an amp.

[@ErnestLemmingway]

..craft?

[@ericf5027]

Does that word make your butt hurt?

[@ErnestLemmingway]

just a little

[@marventos8104]

@@ericf5027 dayum

[@beatricebergonzi5863]

Dear Fender, I want to thank you sincerely. Nothing compares to starting the day at 6:00 am with a good cup of coffee and a video starring amazing Geddy Lee talking about his playing technique. And, of course, awesome Bass. Keep up the good work!

[@HBSuccess]

6 am is inhumane :-) Rockers - esp progressive rockers should be able to wake at 10 - start at noon.

[@holdencaustic]

+Tioga Fretworks The Crack of 11:30!

[@jonathan401]

For me, Geddy's playing has always been more of a melodic than a rhythmic thing, though he's superb at both.

[@user-zt2wc3uh1l]

+jonathan401 , I can see there was a period where this style started to develop and be used more. Up till the early 80s, not too much funky stuff. Listen to Snakes and Arrows....he does this all the time.

[@kylestallings9684]

+Clinton De Young Turning point was definitely RTB or Counterparts, especially on songs like Leave that Thing Alone, you hear that rythmic funky style more

[@mbr7156]

and don't forget pete entwhistle

[@quiterisque9261]

The whole band is playing melody when it comes to Rush lol. Even the drums are melodic!

[@NicklasNylander87]

How I wish he would make a full dvd of lessons

[@prestachuck2867]

Back in the late 1980’s and early 90’s I was playing bass with a prog rock band that played only original material. I too had never used a flatpick. One night the guitarist asked me if I would use a pick for one particular song that he wanted to take into the studio. While woodshedding the song at home, I experimented with picks of various sizes and thicknesses, but it never felt or sounded right to me, then I just started using the finger flicking technique that Geddy demonstrated here. I had seen a mariachi guitarist doing that before, so I thought I’d try on the bass. It was perfect for that song and sounded great in the mix on that demo. Even though some other local bass players and a few books said that I should NEVER strike the string with my finger in that direction, it just felt natural and sounded right to me. Later that year, I went to see RUSH and was totally shocked to see Geddy doing the same thing! I felt vindicated. 😄 Even though I play mostly blues and blues-rock these days, I still bring that technique out every now and then when I feel that it adds to the song, especially on the rare occasion that I get a solo.

[@patricksellers4355]

Just am so blown away by how instinctive he plays. My favorite band for over 30 years. I always center on his playing on every song he jams on. My absolute favorite bass player. Keep it playing even though Rush is over.

[@hemispheres789]

Geddy is a true legend. A master of the bass, and a very humble and interesting man

[@Moss-qe9uf]

It's touching the way he talks so fondly about Les Claypool

[@infraviolet]

This guy is the reason I picked up bass. I even learned the technique he's explaining here.

[@JaySmith-vb7qt]

Such a humble guy from such a badass band

[@SLURM187]

Hearing Getty Lee talk is a gift. The dude is so smart and level headed.

[@1stclassmedia]

Hi from Scotland, Geddy has long been my hero, like all of Rush showing and playing their music with respect for their fans. He is the epitome of professional musicianship and is an example to all experienced and new bass players. Believe in your ability and never stop learning (or collecting as I tell my wife)

[@63mckenzie]

I once heard a guy saying you should know your guitar as well as you know your lover's body. Can't think of a better way of expressing it!

[@Sanson101]

Innovator, humble, unique... Mr.Geddy Lee...please make a tutorial...I beg

[@jiffyware]

Sanson101 ... Dude ... this video was the tutorial.

[@Sanson101]

jiffyware sort of.......seems I can´t get enough of this gentleman talking about bass guitar playing... that is " my problem" !!

[@kevingrover4015]

One of the most under rated bass players on the planet and one very talented dude.

[@holdencaustic]

One of the long standing giants of the instrument! Love this guy!

[@Mabase]

My bass idol

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Geddy opened my eyes to playing cool licks and singing, and not thinking to much while i'm doing both things at the same time !!! thank you Geddy for everything !!!

[@andresgonzales3013]

A true aficionado at his craft. A genius.

[@joeq.public281]

It's almost as though he does not realize how significant in music history he is.

[@yyzeta]

Every once in a while I come back to this video to reaffirm my perception upon Geddy’s technique. I happened to have a hard time trying to figure out his playing. It had to be live when I was standing not too far from the fence and I could see his technique properly. And I was like “this guy is a monster of his instrument”. You can se how he jams around Alex’s solo during working for the Time Machine Tour and the bass is like a locomotive. Insane. He’s just too humble.

[@F3502000]

Incredible talent! RUSH was a huge part of my younger years. Jammed them all the time, some of the best rock tunes ever written were by them.

[@t18amgr]

All of Rush were first class gentlmen. Hear we have Geddy displaying it. Bless.

[@bobthebrickbuilder1876]

Personally, Counterparts (the album released after Rush toured with Primus) is one of my favorites of the modern Rush albums and Geddy's bass work on that album is fresh, revitalized and certainly benefits from Claypool's influence on Geddy. I don't mean that he sounds like Claypool, no, but there's a new pep in Geddy's step on that album, rhythm-wise, that is impossible to not notice. I've been a Rush fan for 23 years, been playing guitar (left handed) for 18 years and Rush songs were among the songs that I first learned. I recently started playing bass (right handed, and, yes, I can play "good", both ways) and, again, I went to Rush to cut my teeth. I started playing all the classics, along with tabs, and at first I struggled (obviously, Geddy's lines are no joke sometimes) but now, a couple years later, I'm playing every day and am getting quite competent on the instrument (and as a right handed player, though I'm nowhere near my left handed ability). I owe Geddy, Neil and Alex more than a bit of gratitude for 20+ years of vast influence.

[@sethwelling7801]

The sign of a great musician is to grow and change, and to be humble

[@johnlohman8311]

He is the master that we all look up too when it come to bass. I love it he is still humble to learn something new from others

[@jackflash5659]

Canadians are so friggin down to earth and modest.

[@johndarcey]

What an absolutely beautiful man. I’ve heard Les Claypool speak about Geddy, but this is the first time I’ve heard Geddy speak about Les. Just beautiful.

[@paulflanagan5395]

Always loved his style of playing his instruments & vocals. Been singing & performing your good works since I was a teenager

[@Stanseng]

I love this guy and his band mates. Good guy and good for rock and roll.

[@andrewt248]

I can clearly hear Geddy's influence in Les' playing.

[@chazzlucas6395]

?????

[@chazzlucas6395]

@Shallex Well for starters the way that most women say that the size of a man's penis doesn't matter or how people (in the United States) in the year 1913 could have aloud an idea like the federal reserve to come into being : ( Oh you are talking about my ???? Ged is not a slapper

[@Logan912]

@@chazzlucas6395 Les doesn’t slap as much as people say depending on the song. He mostly does flamenco strumming and sometimes does fingertapping. The main thing though is how Les constructs his bass lines, and you can hear influence from a lot of different bassists of different genres.

[@ericbrintonmusic]

Post 2000s geddy is my absolute bass influence. Both his flamenco style and his Fender Jazz.

[@leopardcubpupkryky6940]

Influencing the bass player that influenced you to play bass to begin with........Les must be so proud.......and Geddy too.

[@bobbymoore3159]

Mr GEDDY LEE I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR MUSIC FOR YEARS AND STILL. THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS OF MUSIC. BOBBY MOORE.

[@rushrunner7]

Geddy is such a humble masterpiece.

[@AaronKaiMCDNLD]

this guy emulated the sound of slap and pick without doing the slap thumb and using an actual pick. absolute legend

[@ryanholt9884]

This is FANTASTIC!!! Great job!

[@TheHermit72]

Because of Rush i love playing my jazz vintage modified, Geddy Lee is my favorite bass player

[@GreekDude]

Very interesting. Geddy is one of those people that can just sit there and talk and be so captivating. Amazing person, amazing musician. And considering how Geddy plays, I do believe the most effective way to emulate that tone is to use a pick.

[@TheXtremeDrums]

Greek Dude true, I do think that a pick is way to go to emulate his playing (unless you want to learn his​ specific Technic that is very unorthodox and might not be as useful to a random player as it is to geddy)

[@JTW_Music]

If we're being honest, the best way to emulate that particular technique is to use the fingernail, just as Geddy does. There is so much wonderful stuff happening in their music, shortcuts simply don't do it justice. If we are to learn their methods, let's do it properly.

Greek Dude - Using picks for bass guitar is for a guitar player on bass. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden never uses a pick, & his fingers are like a machine.

[@danman6669]

Not necessarily. There are many bassists who use picks. It just depends on how they want to play the instrument.

[@3rdstone1]

I love playing bass with the fingers, there's a certain feeling that I can't describe about it. But there are a few times when I feel that a pick is needed, and it usually feels like a shortcoming at first (duh, bad right hand technique..), but as soon as I start grooving in that particular song with the pick it's just as natural as if I would playing with my fingers. What's serves the song is of course the most important, not the right hand technique. But of course Mr. Lee never had to think about that, he just grooves with his bloody hands and it always sounds awesome, lol.

[@AsMaineTheOrijinalGeisha]

I just got my fender jazz bass guitar today, and I’m teaching myself to play, I’m a newbie! ☺️

[@InsomniacRocker]

Pretty cool to hear him to talk about Les Claypool like this. Two of my favorite bassists for sure.

[@jackkitchen737]

I remember seeing my favorite band, RUSH, on the Counterparts tour in March of 1994. Primus opened for them, and sounded pretty good. I only knew one song by them at that time, thanks to Beavis and Butthead lol....it was My Name is Mud. But I discovered more of their songs and enjoyed their style. And for Geddy Lee to say that he was influenced by Les Claypool, that is really cool.

[@empire0]

Rush and Primus together, I wonder how many kids went out and bought bass guitars the day after seeing that. 2 of my all time fav bands

[@lebheidenstrm5392]

One master complimenting another. Rare and delightful.

[@justinkline1294]

Holy shit this is wild!!! Les Claypool is the only reason why I started listening to Rush, because of Geddy Lee's influence on him. To hear that it has come back around so that Claypool has so directly influenced him just blows my mind.

[@Jedward108]

A great artist and a fine gentleman.

[@wiisalute]

I started learning the bass last year and I'm still new to it. But being indoors all day and not working is the perfect opportunity to practice and have fun with it. I'm trying to learn how to play like Geezer Butler. I've been practicing War Pigs and its sounding really good 🎸

[@hermanhelmich]

The man brings soul and groove to Rush’s music Luckily

[@SteveKercherMusic]

This is great. I was actually teaching this style to one of my students the other day. I'm a Classically trained guitarist so I use a lot of the Classical finger technique in my bass playing, as well as Flamenco.

[@gratefuldude7828]

Geddy is king! And the whole reason I began playing bass 40 years ago. ✌🌍🎵

[@salehmoosavi1021]

Geddy the great , the best bass player ever

[@fredcowles3299]

Getting better and better at it, it’s a awesome technique!

[@DBH1962]

Thanks for putting the subtitles over his right hand!

[@Howdy699]

Such an awesome guy. Cool to hear him talk about his playing

[@jayumble8390]

2:18 - 2:32 man this is what it's all about. Yeah Geddy, we all continue to refine our understanding of the neck. I know exactly what you mean. This constant evolution of understanding never ends. At 67 I'm constantly evolving! Music is infinite. If it wasn't, I'd get bored and rather work in a baker's shop.

[@Kross-x1]

Geddy you are awesome! Love you man!

[@Tmac327]

What an amazing person! Really cool to see a more personal side! He is such an amazing talent too! LOVE his music!

[@Long_Tail_of_Finance]

flamenco approach, that's exactly what I had thought all these years. Nice to actually here him say it.

[@doublestrokeroll]

I saw them on that tour. Roll the Bones I believe. Primus opening for them. Fantastic shows from both bands.

[@Boleskinebeatz]

How inspiring that someone who was a virtuoso 4 decades ago is still adding tools to his arsenal and still trying to grow as a musician.

[@sharinglungs3226]

I can definitely see Les and Geddy being friends and getting along almost instantly.

[@ckmoore101]

I like how he mentioned it as a tool. That is the secret sauce. We spend a bulk of our learning an instrument (or discipline, like martial arts), in just learning the basic building blocks, IE, tools, that we need. We first learn how to use the tools. Only then, can we use those tools to create. Before I started learning martial arts ( Ryukyu Kempo), I always thought, as I imagined most people did, that the goal was getting black belt. But my teacher explained early on, that all the black belt meant, was was you have been taught all the tools necessary to truly learn. True progression in the art, _started_ with getting your black belt. Because only then do you have the tools necessary. Also being a struggling guitarist (new bassist), I know it directly relates, and Geddy points it out clearly.

[@kevinkershaw2403]

He is the one man (with notable mention also to Chris Squire R.I.P) that inspired me to play bass - and so much in later years that I too swapped from Rickenbacker to Fender Jazz.

[@MarshmellowJello]

Fun fact: if you listen to Primus's song John the Fisherman on their live album Suck On This, they play YYZ by Rush as the intro and then it shifts into John the Fisherman

[@bradwilliams633]

seen them13 times...Geddy made me want to play Bass

[@zachreh]

Please Fender please, do the same video for Steve Harris. Please

[@mridhoyoga2557]

zachreh hell yeah!!! nice idea.....

[@jiffyware]

zachreh ... Steve Harris is just triplets. 3 finger right hand technique. There ya go, no video needed.

[@zachreh]

he actually only uses 2 fingers lol

[@jiffyware]

Now that I look into this further maybe you are correct. All these years I thought he was playing with 3, but it is plausible that he is playing with 2. I just tried this out on my bass and it's no problem playing with 2 but it's a little easier with 3. Actually I also tried it with 1 finger and that works also but you would need to do an up/down stroke. Then I tried to slap the Trooper and that just didn't work without totally cramping my hand. So the conclusion of this message is to just play the song however you want to play it afterall Steve Harris plays other people's songs with his own style. As long as you are having fun and it sounds close enough then don't worry about a video tutorial. Explore your own talents. Peace.

[@zachreh]

check out some of my iron maiden covers on my channel i got his 2 finger technique down, all im saying is that it would be cool if fender interviewed him just like they did for mr lee on this video

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

I am pretty certain we may never have 3 men who are so humble but so great, just one of the reasons I am a proud fan of RUSH, sad we may never hear any new material but I really do not feel we have heard the last of these guys . . . . I really don't because their creativity must come out , sure they may have slowed but they aint dead and for these guys it has always been about the music. Not to say they did not need the bread too but always cared about their product and their brand and it is distinctive

[@joedimaggio6261]

I'm not much of a Rush fan but it's very hard not to like these guys. They seem to be very honest and humble.

[@uribebautistarodrigo9347]

That inspiration between Geddy and Les, wow

[@Joetime90]

Much love to Uncle Geddy! Red Barchetta was the song that got me hooked. Never looked away from Rush and the Geddster since. I have a 2006/2007 model Geddy Lee Jazz bass and I love it. Just wish there was a short scale Jazz Bass for my 5'6" self haha.

[@AJGaming-dy7uj]

RUSH!!!! Best of the Best!!!

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

Heading the live version of “Marathon” from “A Show of Hands”….. changed my life. I couldn’t believe how cool a bass could sound. That was it.

[@dreambrother1240]

Happy Birthday Geddy!!

[@darkdave25]

What a lovely, modest guy!

[@ryanbrownnew]

Still evolving and reinventing after all these years while their contemporaries have either bit the dust or been reduced to the nostalgia tours.

[@stevebrownrocks6376]

Greatest bass player ever!

[@timcolledge6813]

I saw Rush at Wembley Arena and thought that Geddy Lee was phenomenal!! So too were Alex Leifson and Neil Peart !! 👍👍

[@TheBhannah]

this is EPIC !

[@only_visiting]

Absolute legend

[@doublestrokeroll]

Les is an absolute phenomenon on the bass.

[@frankmiller7721]

RUSH is the greatest band ever. I my mind anyway. Lots of rocking songs.

[@Chris-yj2di]

The nicest guy in rock.

[@devx0319]

Chris it’s true I met him this year if you wanna see the video it’s on my channel Rush rules

[@Krazy_Shorts]

I love this man.

[@veloxriders220]

Absolute genius