Geddy Lee's Bass Tone

Using clockface postions from left to right:
Drive: 12 o'clock
Bass: 2
Treble: 2
Presence: 2
Blend: 1
Level: 9
Rotosounds: www.musiciansfriend.com/access...^82226079867-sku^102820000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^51870555867
D'addarios: www.google.com/shopping/produ...
Tech 21 Driver: www.musiciansfriend.com/amplif...
Tech 21 RPM: www.musiciansfriend.com/amplif...
Badass II: www.allparts.com/BB-0335-010-L...

[@dsholt]

This was seriously great.

[@thunderbassistjay5587]

As a bassist myself, I've been watching Geddy's technique evolve from 1977 to now. He certainly is one of a kind. Great explanatory video.

[@alexanderi.stinglakatender6803]

I never comment on KZbin stuff. So this is a major compliment: You really did a spot-on, educational analysis and provided a great and accessible explanation, with reflection on your playing, player's different constraints and abilities, without being patronizing, but also with respect to a player like Geddy Lee without putting him on a superhuman pedastal. You hit it. Great job. I hope you consider teaching kids music. I think you'd be great at it. Your energy, style, and mid-level approach is really amazing. (I teach social sciences professionally, as well as having taught mixology for bar and hotel staff, so allow me to say this, your style of explaining is really great)

[@JarodGrieco]

Alexander Stingl That's really nice of you, Alexander! I'm a music teacher and teacher mostly bass and violin lessons right now...I love it. However I watch this video from a few years ago and I hope I have improved since then haha, hard for me to watch.

[@optimized2112]

Hi Jarod. I'm not a bass player (Neil turned me into a drummer before Geddy got me, lol), but I really dug this vid! I really like how you broke down the sound so that a non-bassist could get it. I hadn't thought about it before, but when you explained the way he aggressively attacks the strings, essentially overplaying the poor instrument, it really made sense with how I've always HEARD his playing. Interesting stuff. I've been a Rush geek since the early '80s, and this was a fun diversion...

[@JarodGrieco]

I really appreciate that, man. Thanks!

[@ScottSimpson]

I can't play bass worth a damn, but at least the next time I pick it up for ten minutes, I'll know about twice as much as I did before. Thanks for the insight, man.

[@JarodGrieco]

Thanks a lot man!

[@nigelsmith3440]

The fastest non-sporting 12 minutes of my life! What a watchable, informative video.....many thanks.

[@VintageMdrummer]

I am so impressed with your delivery of this. You have the perfect attitude and tone for instructional videos. Thank you

[@darxide3382]

That was highly informative and chock full of Geddy Bass awesomeness. Thank you for a great tutorial in an easy to understand, user friendly format. Excellent.

[@lobsterdunski3961]

excellent work.Your enjoyment and enthusiasm for the bass is clear.Your dad's done a good job there!

[@rolandedrummer9723]

7:35 dayum!

[@DontFret2wice]

Great video! You've got the tone right on and your bass playing is amazing!

[@mycheldavis9098]

I actually really like Geddy's bass tone. I don't think it sounds ugly at all. XD

[@trenthogan4212]

I agree I think aggressive is a much better word.

[@jeffbassplays]

Geddy himself even called it the “flamenco” technique

[@terrymiller111]

@@jeffbassplays Because that's what it is. Flamenco guitar was before all this other shit.

[@me_angelo]

Calling it beautiful is way better than "not ugly at all"

[@DanG626]

I gotta say that after watching this video, I totally respect you man. Not only did you nail the tone I was hoping for, but you are well-spoken and articulate when explaining yourself. And your playing is spot-on. Keep it up dude. Two thumbs up!

[@svalchemy]

Watching you break it down at the 8:00 mark, I also realized that Geddy Lee and Flea are moving closer together in a sort of Venn diagram of bass slap. Which I had not considered before.

[@miguevargav7488]

Thank you very much, Jarod! Geddy is my main bass influence and I love Rush. This tips you give are gold. Gracias!

[@samsalerno3384]

Thank you so much for this video! Awesome! It's incredible how much he has evolved over the decades.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Mad respect for the opening riff to this video being Seven Cities of Gold. One of my favorite riffs off of that album!

[@Mozartistic1]

Excellent video, Jarod. You are true and passionate to the music and you're a smokin bass player to boot. From a fellow musician and a huge Rush fan, rock on brother.

[@daniB5000]

Hey man, really enjoyed your tutorial. You had some very helpful tips. Thanks for posting man!! :)

[@brett327]

Listening to your playing makes me smile.

[@Kun2112]

Phenomenal video. In my younger days, I spent years and lots of money on gear looking for the tone of what ever bassist I happened to be into at the time. It wasn't until I was nearly thirty that I learned how much setup, hand position, and articulation affect tone. This video should be mandatory viewing for all new bassists.

[@icenicaow1337]

I've watched this vid far to many times than I'd like to admit but I recently got a MiJ Geddy and in combination with an Ampeg SCR DI and Rotosound Ultramag Strings I can get all the tones, you helped me a fair bit along the way, thank you Jarod.

[@OdysseyMosaic]

I am not a musician, but this was actually very interesting, and entertaining! Thanks for sharing all that you know...makes me appreciate Geddy's playing even more, if that's possible! :-)

[@fanboykc9140]

Dude! So awesome! I'm just discovering Rush and Geddy, but this is a sound I've been wanting to achieve for years and haven't quite got there. You broke everything down perfect. Thank you!

[@scottarena6808]

Great video, Jarod. Nice instruction, and the bass playing pretty awesome... Have a great new year.

[@TedCornish]

2020 anyone and very impressive sound 👍👍

[@earlbrackett6742]

the RPM really nails the richness in Ged's tone, great demo !

[@The_Reality_Filter]

Jarod Grieco Cracking video mate! I now know so much more about Geddy's bass playing than I did 12 minutes ago.

[@necfarm80]

I played bass for about 15 years and put it down for 23 years and picked it up again recently. I've been challenging myself with Geddy Lee stuff. Your playing is freakin awesome.

[@ricka5959]

Thanks Jarod, this video has been super helpful for me!

[@famillebussieres-mainville4831]

Great Tutorial Jarod! A true fan you are!

[@DanielSylvanLake]

When I was 14 I saw Geddy Lee's picture.....didn't even know it was a bass. After 38 years...a kid like you makes me smile......Well done. Thanks for the tips, and HUG your Dad.....

[@riconaka]

one of the best youtubes I've seen! Great Job!

[@jakewildfong2213]

Hey man this is an awesome video. I’ve been playing guitar for about 16 years and I’m picking up bass again and this helped me tons especially cause I’m a huge a rush fan. Geddy and Peart and lifeson are my idols 🤘🏼 keep on rockin bruv.

[@ThePsychicSasquatch]

I think this guy knows what he is talking about.

[@Yami02blue]

Excellent demonstration. I knew he was slapping his strings hard because you can hear the strings hitting the fretboard. What I didn't know was the distortion part. Excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnpantos642]

Wow, thanks so much for that lesson Jarod, that was really helpful, answered a lot of questions! Cheers!

[@JoeyVatavuk]

I’m so glad you started with that song. so under rated.

[@rapturekevin]

Tip of the day... Wash your hands with soap and water before playing and your strings last 3x longer.

[@gearsofhalo2869]

This is true

[@funkybee6506]

I like to play right after I scratch my butt

[@gnarlyvision852]

Funky Bee Helps add a little dirt to the sound.

[@bapt_andthebasses]

Don't be cheap and buy Elixirs

[@absoluteoriginal8091]

Dont play after busting up kush thats for sure lol

[@studemark]

Thanks a bunch for this video. I've watched videos of tours and videos Geddy's playing but have never been able to really figure out what he is doing when he plays. I'm a huge RUSH fan and a bass player as well, and have been trying to get that punchy bright sound that Geddy gets. This has been really, really helpful. Now I just need to get a Jazz Bass. Thanks again!

[@JarodGrieco]

Thanks man, good luck!

[@kramerthenunchuck]

Good video! I wouldn't worry about what these people are saying about finding your own voice. Clearly this video is purely education. It's about what HE does not what YOU do. More power to ya man.

[@wxb200]

Awesome! Geddy Lee is definitely on my list of favorite bassists.

[@jch5150]

Very cool, nice playing. You have Geddy's tone locked down, that's great. I geek out over Alex's gear and tone as a guitar player as myself. Fun stuff!

[@viaggiatorecosmico]

Thank you for posting this video. Great bass playing>>>>>!

[@richardselby1711]

I've always loved Geddys playing, I think your dialed in with what he's doing. NICE!

[@carloslinnett]

Excellent video, really well explained and you've got that technique nailed :-)

[@dissonantoblivion]

I actually started using that aggressive right-hand technique on my own after watching videos of Cliff Burton play... I always thought cliff sounded so muffled though, and I looked up to bassists like Geddy who weren't afraid to cut through the sound of the rest of the band. Very informative video! Gotta build up my speed and get me some bright strings.

[@jasonpopovich8866]

Great video and great playing Jarod!

[@TheChef470]

You have nailed it young man ! Great job !

[@GoddyLee]

Enjoyed so much watching your video. Really fun the part when you say you have a hard time not doing the Geddy-slap technique when you must not. Thanks!

[@antMANscochiey]

Great video, man! You're a phenomenal bassist.

[@SeamyBass]

Cool study of Geddy's sound and playing, excellent!!

[@robertjames5027]

You have changed my outlook on my whole Rig now thank you

[@WillianBerriel]

Hey Man! Fantastic demonstration of our Master Geddy techiniquies. It's cool because you uses two differents JB basses, with differents sting and differents pickups. I like so much of your demonstration of the ways that Geddy play with your right hand. Congratulations.

[@shadowhauntedstygia]

Well done young man....been chasin that sound for 30 years....still remember taking bus to mall to buy Permanent Waves on vinyl...that sound ...THAT SOUND........

[@petefodey]

Wow! I'm 52 years old, have been playing bass for 31 years and always loved Geddy Lee. I'm pretty good but always marveled at lines like the one he does in YYZ. Anyway, you do not look to be very old and your playing is excellent. I hope you make a name for yourself in the music business.

[@JarodGrieco]

Thanks, Peter. I'm studying jazz performance in grad school right now. Hoping to teach high school orchestra while writing my own music!

[@RogierRJDonker]

Jarod Grieco I think you would be a great teacher. Natural charisma and good knowledge. And... the playing is awesome!

[@patitopototo2877]

Great. Teaching does not come easy to everyone, you really nailed it

[@JarodGrieco]

+Jose tomas B. M. Thanks :)

[@teabagsandstinkeyes]

I don't ever leave comments but this was rad to watch... nice clear examples of technique, especially back to back reinforcements of the ta do's vs. the not ta do's...bet you make your dad proud! Keep it up!

[@JarodGrieco]

John P Murphy IV Thank you so much, John! :D

[@Gunkaleh]

Serious talent. Great job. Love the rooster.

[@damiancampbell5668]

Amazing video. For someone so young, you are really talented. Keep up the good work.

[@fedupfaces]

Awsome and very informative video! I've been chasing his sound for several years now! I luv how his bass really stands out in the music and is exactly what I've been looking for! you really delved into his attack on the strings and it was very informative! I might be going all out and really working it now that i have some more detailed direction! Thanks! By the way you play awesome! Keep at it!

[@jostonpowell1346]

Finally someone else who understand how tone works. People spend all this money and still never get it 100%. It will never matter what you buy or do. Everyone will sound different using the same gear. Just depends on different things each person does to play. Even the smallest finger movements make a HUGE difference in tone and the over all sound.

[@lerxst88]

Sounded fantastic! Learned a lot too

[@richardsenne6904]

I really enjoyed the video. It's good to see people working hard to understand one of the very best bass players ever.

[@JarodGrieco]

Thanks Richard, I appreciate it!

[@richardsenne6904]

You are very talented yourself. Keep it up.

[@pryzmcat]

Right on dude. I've been a Rush fan since before you were a twinkle in your daddy's eye, and I never really knew he was doing all of this flamming stuff as much, you helped open it up..thanks , Rush on:)

[@MrTBBiggs]

I'm a drummer and Neil guy but this GL bass tone had me glued for 12:43. Well done

[@RepublicMachineTool]

I'm happy to let me know that you have passed the audition, great job!

[@glennedelschein1885]

Great instruction and commentary on some amazing Bass techniques

[@estebanb7166]

Wow, man. Sounds great. Nice video.

[@solarfly_]

Your playing is great! You got the technique and sound down too, great vid!

[@57precision]

This tutorial is so full of win. Great insight into how he gets that tone!

[@allen764]

Beware major index finger blister when you first get into this. It happens fast.

[@FERNANDOOYARZUN]

Great video, mate! Awesome sound!

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Great job, you make sense and sound awesome!

[@asicerik]

That was seriously awesome. Nice

[@dylanturner3216]

You make Ged look easy. Looking forward to seeing you develop.

[@windk100]

Most helpful and insightful 12 minutes I have spent on KZbin! Thank you for the straight forward explanations and relaxed presentation. "I have to control myself.. be a regular bass player" - LOL! Have you done any clips on Steve Harris' tone? Interesting that Steve uses flatwounds but has a very bright sound. I read that as Geddy Lee, much of his sound comes from his fingernails. Other distinctive bass styles and bass tones that come to mind are of course, Jack Bruce, John Paul Jones, and Chris Squire. Thanks again!

[@JarodGrieco]

windk100 Wow, that's really nice of you! Thanks for watching!

[@mikes554]

wow nice playing! Thats really cool, I didn't know how he actually hit the strings. sweet video

[@jpeters21]

Thanks so much! Great job and superb explanation.

[@jamesalfaro3155]

Thank you very much for sharing your technique, I always wondered about it. 👍👍👍

[@845callaway]

Hey there Jarod...awesome video and bass skills!! All the best to you!

[@lawrenceferro8078]

Tnx for sharing this man. Awesome technique.

[@KennyFishbone]

Excellent observation and explanation

[@hardcase1659]

This is a treasure trove of info for an aspriring bass player (inspired to pick up a bass by the man himself Geddy) I just couldn't help but subscribe, You answered more bass related questions in this video than i found in almost all of the "bass lesson" videos i've watched till now.

[@JarodGrieco]

+Hak Kar Wow, thanks so much!

[@user-zt2wc3uh1l]

You really know your stuff. Sounds great dude.

[@leandroblah]

Congrats, great video, awesome !!!

[@aes00703]

Awesome video. Very informative and entertaining at the same time. I'm a big RUSH fan and dabble in Bass playing just for fun and to connect a little more with the Music I love instead of just listening to it. Thanks again.

[@petevalverde1988]

You are so amazing! Thank you !

[@JoceLaGosse]

Hum many good points in your vid. I was missing the attack straight down detail until I listened to this... We're all Geddy's child!

[@jdpumpica4417]

You mean YY ZED!! It's Canadian eh?

[@TheLemon22]

For what it's worth, I'm from Toronto and everyone around here says YY-ZEE when referring to Pearson Airport :)

[@jdpumpica4417]

+The Lemon how very un-Canadian. I work at YHM and we all refer to it as zed. Anyways, good video.

[@bradwilliams633]

u r right hoser

[@trenthogan4212]

I'm from Toronto and I say YY Zed as does the guys from Rush but it makes no difference really. What does make a difference is new strings :))

[@gredangeo]

That's what I was thinking. If some Americans aren't going to say it right. I'm gonna start calling the band Zed Zed Top from now on. Or about another; Jay Zed. That sounds kinda funny and wrong to me. ;)

[@DocGrim1]

Great video, and nice playing. :)

[@Sergemoralesus]

WTF??? this kid is a genius!!!! awesome..

[@angkit216]

Thanks bro had his signature jazz bass so beautiful bass

[@sharmitoboylos7585]

this is an excellent presentation

[@4eyed4stringer]

You have definitely nailed his modern tone. Nice job. :-) I attempted to do the same in the early 80's via the Rickenbacker and stereo pickup routing, and playing technique. I think I got pretty close, but it's cool to see a modern interpretation of what he's doing these days. Plus, it is SO cool to see that younger bassists like you (I'm 50 now!) still study Dirk! Very nice playing and analysis, and a great tutorial. Thanks!

[@JarodGrieco]

Thanks so much, would love to see a pic of your Ric! Such a great looking bass

[@CygnusRoc]

Jarod Grieco I love the look and sound of the Ric. Just wish I could afford one lol

[@DarwinSanico]

the solo in Leave that thing alone haha btw man, your skills with geddy tone is bad ass! keep rockin, thanks again for the vid, gonna save for that tech driver haha

[@jimmyk2297]

You have a great talent. Thanks for sharing...

[@Chavezoid]

Awesome explanation!!!! So basically Geddy is playing HARD now and doing that flamenco finger and that gives it the sound!!! Thanks man!

[@VictorNickel]

Beautiful! Thank you very much

[@vincentlizzio]

great insights. well done sir!