Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick bass lesson Part 1

[@deletebilderberg]

Norman deserves a knighthood for writing that insane bass line all those years ago.

[@ScottWhitley]

Yeah - great Jaco-inspired line. Bringing Pastorius to the masses you might say!

[@EvilSean62]

as a young bass player in the 70's in scotland there was no jaco ... just mr bruce ...so insular ... such deprivation ...ironically it was rock that brought me to jazz@@ScottWhitley

[@Hana666555]

Finally someone does a bass tutorial of a tricky song that I can understand AND FOLLOW (:

[@csbluechip]

Beautifully broken down. And yes, (imho) if you can't play the song "too fast", you're probably going to muck it when you're live.

[@qjarman7753]

Man you are a good teacher! I’m a guitarist that needs to get some bass under my fingers for home recording and my first project will be this track with you, thanks dude

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks for the kind words. My pleasure.

[@idiedoflaughterinc.4418]

This is such a good tutorial. I love the way you break it down into managable chunks that are easy to follow in sequence. Thank you for teaching an old girl new tricks...

[@ScottWhitley]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johncook9983]

Your breakdown of instruction is so helpful. I like the format that you used to use. Hope all is well and best luck to you with the new year.🤙

[@keithmacinnes9168]

Brilliant. Thanks so much for this tutorial, it's helped a lot.

[@paulseager3796]

I've been playing on & off for 35 years and this song has always driven me nuts for years. Not any more! Scott, you're a fine teacher and your approach is that of a true bass player, keeping the groove in music. Keep 'em coming.

[@ScottWhitley]

Paul Seager Thanks for the kind words Paul!

[@arneberg9072]

...but didn't Zappa had this line, " hit me with tha rythm stick" ...

[@vlobster7660]

Thats a smart looking bass...the wood looks amazing...great lesson too!

[@f.herumusu8341]

The video clip to "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zoiqh5qcn9N_p8U) shows a lot of close ups of normans left hand playing the bass line ... but it's completely out of sync with the music, so it's more kind of a lesson in "sign reading for bass players" ;) Thanks for that video, great playing of a great bassline! Almost forgot that strange song somwhere between New Wave and Disco with a Jaco-bassline. Interesting that there are no dead notes in the whole bass line as there are a lot of them in in Jacos basslines. Maybe Norman didn't want it to become too funky and syncopated and keep it in a "fluent disco style".

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks for the link - will give that a watch!! My pleasure re this video - interesting point about the dead notes (or absence of). Thanks again, Scott.

[@stevo7730]

try starting that riff on the offbeat, the first beat is a rest, other than that great job 👍

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks, Stevo!! :)

[@grumpy8413]

Best bass lesson I have ever seen, brilliant. I am a seasoned player and just look at lessons as an easy way to learn lines I like. Most chat rubbish forever, never play what they are showing you first then just rush through teaching nothing. Now this guy Scott is the best.

[@bryanleigh6497]

At 130bpm I just listened lol

[@hughrocko6791]

Amazing bass playing. And tone bro. Love the wall ans lights. where was this one done

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks mate. This was done in my loft some years ago...

[@damodrummer1]

Fantastic lesson here!! Minimum waffle, all clarity and breaking down the line. An OH MY GOD the 130bpm BEAST MODE at the end nearly made me fall off the floor!!

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks for the kind words!! Means a lot. :)

[@damodrummer1]

@@ScottWhitley nice one mate, there's so many lessons that're 90% waffle and 10% content it's a real relief to find your lesson on here, specially for one of my all-time favourite bass lines. I'll be tuning in for more!

[@themosaito]

I love this tune and you've persuaded me to finally learn it! Love the way you break things down into very simple chunks. I've known how to count one ee and aa, but I've always found it hard to then translate that into playing, but you've shown me a very simple way by slowing it down down, breaking it down into a small chunk and clapping. So Thank YOU! Any chance you could show us a Police tune that is full of syncopation and "off" beats? Thanks

[@ScottWhitley]

Hi Mo, really pleased you found it helpful! As for a Police Tune....I'll add it to my extensive, ever growing request list! 😉

[@j0c0b]

Amazing lesson, I have been struggling with the piece on and off for decades and today Scott I'm going to add that to my daily practice routine ! Cheers mate !

[@ScottWhitley]

j0c0b Thanks mate!!

[@markhoult599]

Amazing musician .And great breakdown Too .Thank you ❤

[@bassman1ism]

i will keep at this and to get somewhere near it, i hope.

[@ScottWhitley]

Cheers, Janice! Good idea - just take it steady. Best tip is to start VERY slowly every single time you practice it. :) Hope that helps, Scott.

[@waltraudn.1888]

Line ist easy, but I can't reach the speed 😑

[@ScottWhitley]

Hi! yeah - the speed is definitely where the struggle lies. My advice (as always) is to start VERY slowly (much slower than you can already play it at - maybe 40 or 50 bpm) and playing with a drum machine (preferable) or metronome at that speed for about 2 minutes (more if you have the time and can stand it :-) ). Then increase the tempo by 5 or 10 bpm and do the same. Repeat this process until you max out and start making mistakes. At this point take a break (take regular breaks in fact) and then back of the tempo by say 5 bpm and work that for 2 minutes, then finally try the tempo you previously maxed out at. Make a note of that tempo then you have a reference for the next day you practice. If you increase by even 1 or 2 bpm then that's progress!!! Hope that helps, Scott.

[@aslakrantakokko5347]

Best tutorial I have seen of this song, thank you so much Scott!

[@ScottWhitley]

Wow, thanks!

[@danielfadd]

Hi Scott. I, so, fortunately, came across your vids a few weeks ago while looking for good but not so egotistical tutors online and I just wanna let you know that I found the best one ...You !!☺ I think what you are doing here is probably way more beneficial to us aspiring players than you will ever really know. Your lessons are extremely helpful, to say the least and I thank you on behalf of all us "Trying To Be Better Players" for your giving of your time and the sharing of your obvious talent and invaluable knowledge and experience of this instrument. .........Play on you ol " Master Maestro Mentor" !!! , we all listening and learning.... ☺ All the best

[@ScottWhitley]

Wow, I'm truly blown away by your EXTREMELY kind words...really I am....and it's just awesome to get such positive feedback for the worl I do here!! If you also become a member of my channel, you get exclusive access to 'Member Only' perks too, plus it also helps to support my work here! 😀 Cheers, Scott.

[@FixNewsPlease]

My favourite part of that entire line is the disco walk.

[@sarahdop4071]

Great lesson, Scott. Are you playing to your B1on as a rhythm backing? If so, what drum pattern are you using? I'm not really used to playing to a drum machine or metronome (yeah, bad I know), because I usually just play along to the track. Obviously, in this instance, I can't play along to the track, because I need to work up to it. I don't think this is a song I can get away with simplifying.... :D

[@ScottWhitley]

Thank you. I may have used my older Lord Pandora on this one... Either way I probably used something like "16 Beat" or "Disco" Hope that helps

[@BIGeSTRING]

Finally good lessons. Thanks Scott.

[@raeconnelly]

You should make more of these. Simple, money for old rope and that.

[@stephendallison1465]

Thank you so much for doing this bass riff . excellent tuition .played bass for 41 years with .a pick and you got me playing with me fingers. Nice one . Loads of respect. Any chance of doing pump it up by Elvis Costello . Much appreciated and once again thanx

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks - my pleasure

[@alexkarski]

Excellent tutorial - really easy to follow and very thorough! Thank you!

[@ScottWhitley]

+Alex Karski Cheers Alex!

[@gregorhoffman9814]

I love your lesson, i have found it very helpful to learning this tune. I have watched a number of lessons. I have question, you have the first note of the F on the offbeat 8th note after the 4, but a couple other tutorials talk about the first F hitting on the 16th pickup note before the one.

[@ScottWhitley]

Hi there - thanks for the kind words. I may have gotten it wrong - will have to check when I get a moment, Gregor.

[@buzzcat1960]

Brilliant! Thank you so much.

[@ScottWhitley]

My pleasure, Peter!!

[@jimrobb5289]

The whole thing makes so much more sense now, that fill you are talking about around the 12.00 mark had me giving up on learning this song, but you explained the timing perfectly and now it seems easy!

[@ScottWhitley]

+Jim Robb Nice 1 Jim - so pleased this helped... :-)

[@carlwakeling4915]

excellent playing :)

[@AlbertoGarcia-lj8xd]

NORMAN GREAT

[@donalkelly2969]

Fantastic Tutorial Scott, all stages of the song broken down in easy digestible sections suitable for all levels of player. Just need to get the head down and learn the dam thing now ! Cheers

[@ScottWhitley]

+Donal Kelly Cheers Donal! :-)

[@andyg2707]

That so much sounds like a Bolton accent😁

[@ianmcflurry8950]

wow..i became an instant subscriber

[@neopseudoretroquasi9970]

You're a great teacher Scott, nice easy style. Thanks very much.

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks for the kind words - my pleasure! :)

[@michaelwilson9299]

nice one, I really mean it man helps us less proficient players get better at a none ridiculous pace

[@ScottWhitley]

Much appreciated Michael....glad you found the video helpful! Cheers, Scott.

[@cristiandml5553]

Great lesson, clean and very well explained. Big thanks!

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks Christian, much appreciated and glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@scaz38]

Scott, I actually thought this bass line was beyond me but I have now got it sorted and am bringing it up to speed. Thank you! Just need to get one of the SWB-1's as I too am blessed with small hands :-)

[@tonymusolino2369]

What a monster lick.

[@davecostello6870]

Nice. This is making me work at correcting old habits and assumptions. Scott, waht is that beautiful bass you are plying this 3 part series on ??

[@AiMR]

Scott, I notice even with that short scale your pinky is hitting all the way at the back of the 4th fret, the Ab on that first lick. My middle finger is just 70mm so I would probably have it even worse :p I'm hoping to be able to snag one of your SWB-1s before they sell out.

[@ScottWhitley]

+Eric Blair Yeah - I've got pretty stumpy fingers lol! :-)

[@supremepartydude]

Great stuff dude

[@wysiwyg2489]

I've read that Norm came up with the bass line right after attending a Jaco's show, which makes sense about the comments on the 16th notes.

[@arieloxford6790]

Brilliantly done!

[@ScottWhitley]

+Ariel Oxford Thanks Ariel :-)

[@Iceblizzard]

Brilliant Scott Ive learnt a new bass line

[@ScottWhitley]

Awesome! Cheers, Scott.

[@fredgien]

Jealous 😩

[@shadowliqour]

Excellent lesson😊

[@dachshundcamsausageeye9196]

Stirling Job at Shoreham By Sea on Saturday night. I'd gladly exchange both of my hairy conkers to play like that.I thought I recognised you and your lovely bass.Great gig - warped me back 30 years to BC in Brighton and Crawley.Mark and Bruce still have it and the rest of the guys were top drawer.Peace out.

[@ScottWhitley]

+DachshundCam Sausage Eye Haha - nice 1/small world lol! T hanks for the kind words - will pass them on to the chaps... Did we speak at all btw (sorry - all I have to go on is your KZbin login name here)?

[@stevenwisniewski1]

haha that was so cool, new project for the weekend it seems

[@ScottWhitley]

😀

[@michaelgilbey2203]

Nailed it for me. Couldn't be any better. Sick bass.

[@fishfullness]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make and then post this Scott - you take a song that can overawe you as a novice bass player and break it down into manageable chunks that help you build confidence and shine light upon the actual process of refining your skills through doing it. Keenly awaiting part 2. I usually play with a pick so I'm using this as a way of 'finding my fingers' ;) - I'm finding the voicings and timings to be a real challenge as I'm not sure whether to rely on 1 or 2 alternating fingers at this point or to try for more so I don't fall into bad habits ;) Wish I had practiced more when I was younger though...

[@ScottWhitley]

Hi fishfullness - thanks for the positive comments! I'd strongly recommend using at 2 fingers alternating as it makes playing faster runs a lot easier down the line. Here's part 2 by the way - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCplKehn71oibM

[@jamesirvine5791]

Hey Scott, this video is incredibly helpful way of breaking down this song. I was so blown away that i immediately subscribed to your channel. Please, please release part 2... I'm anxiously awaiting along with all the other players.

[@ScottWhitley]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCplKehn71oibM

[@JohnCraig007]

Thanks for the video! Class!

[@ScottWhitley]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers, Scott.

[@alibearbass]

Thank you

[@Ella-ut4oh]

Does anyone know what grade this is?

[@ScottWhitley]

Hi Ella. I think it's Trinity Grade 8 and Rockschool Grade 7 if that helps. Scott.

[@davidwright4644]

It's the A string 6th fret hammer on bit that's so difficult to get right. Easier to do a slide, but I know it's cheating!

[@ScottWhitley]

Whatever works David! "If it sounds good, it is good!" :-)

[@LuciTulcea]

Thanks a lot Scott! This is just great!

[@ScottWhitley]

You're very welcome!

[@paulsummerside]

Some great groove riffs, can see these being very useful....

[@MikeyTzigzog]

Yes, part 2 would be excellent - part 1 I have more or less got ... but struggling now ... !

[@ScottWhitley]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCplKehn71oibM

[@Duincyberkonijn]

Thank you so much for the lessons.

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks very much Richard. I took a leap of faith, and quit touring with Big Country towards the end of last year, to go full time with my KZbin channel and online teaching! So pleased you've found my videos helpful, and I so appreciate your support, whether subscribing to my channel or becoming a member of it! Members also get access to exclusive 'Member Only Perks' too! 😀 Cheers, Scott.

[@garyyoung5451]

What a track always wanted to learn also you play so well fantastic teaching you now what you are doin no waffling can hear and see what you doin well thanks again scott

[@ScottWhitley]

Cheers Gary!

[@pb100160]

As usual excellent Thanks Scott

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks Pierre, much appreciated. I took a leap of faith, and quit touring with Big Country towards the end of last year, to go full time with my KZbin channel and online teaching! So pleased you've found my videos helpful, and I so appreciate your support, whether subscribing to my channel or becoming a member of it! Members also get access to exclusive 'Member Only Perks' too! 😀 Cheers, Scott.

[@theripper1655]

I certainly have became a fan this is awesome. it would b great if you could tell me what bass is that?

[@acmullane]

Why Lord a bass guitar

[@JonChapmanMusic]

14:33 What's that note on the 6th fret on A string Scott? ;)

[@ScottWhitley]

You'll notice a balloon popping up above my hand correcting myself there lol!

[@JonChapmanMusic]

:)

[@floouk]

Thanks for a fab lesson and for such a detailed breakdown. Sorry to be a need but I must point out that F minor is A FLAT key. There is No G# as you mentioned earlier. It is an A flat. No denigration of your efforts in anyway intended, I just felt compelled to point this out in case others picked up on it. Best Wishes

[@ScottWhitley]

No worries at all - I'm not up on all that flats & sharps stuff in terms of keys as I don't read. I work completely 'intervaically' (if that makes sense). It's a minor 3rd in Fm to me lol.

[@floouk]

It isn't though Scott, it's an augmented second. The next note up from F is a G, if you sharpen it like you suggest in your video it then becomes an augmented 2nd F being the first or root note and G being the second note up from F. The 3rd note up from F is an A but to make it a minor third interval you have to flatten the A. Do you see where I'm coming from? The problem I have is although well intentioned, you're actually spreading misinformation. Potentially there could now be followers who have a totally false idea about key signatures. With the greatest respect Gary (floouk)

[@congabill]

When will you publish part 2?

[@ScottWhitley]

Very soon! I've just moved into a new room dedicated to making my bass videos. It'll take a week or so to set up, then the videos will come through thick and fast :-)

[@congabill]

Scott Whitley Thanks, I have been waiting, going to get right back to it!

[@robertireland2753]

Really enjoyed the lesson Scott, great work! looking forward to part 2

[@ScottWhitley]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCplKehn71oibM

[@iandavis5739]

Excellent playing. One of the toughest bass lines I've ever come across. I've never mastered it, but seeing your breakdown technique, I'm determined to have a serious bash. Never thought of the Pastorious influence /overtones. I wonder if it's possibly incidental or off the top of Norman Wartt Roys' head. Anyway thanks for breaking the mystery down into it's' component parts. Thanks. Have you studied music or picked it up along the way?

[@ScottWhitley]

Definitely a Jaco inspired line I reckon :-) I've not had a lot of formal music education other than studying 'A'-level music (which really didn't have any bearing on my playing at all. BUT I've studied music all my life by listening, breaking things down, asking questions, reading etc. :-)

[@davidwright4644]

It's my understanding that Norman was inspired by Jaco's bass line in Come On Come Over.

[@ScottWhitley]

Sounds right!

[@MrGodzilla6]

An excellent break down of this NWR bassline and a great lesson 👍

[@ScottWhitley]

Thank you! :-)

[@stevenwisniewski1]

16th note workout for sure

[@ScottWhitley]

👍

[@alanknight4058]

I've played the bass for years and find it incredibly difficult to play this line at the proper speed. I'll just have to accept there are some things I cannot play, and believe me I've practised this for weeks. Fantastic lesson though Scott.

[@graemerobertson5160]

I m sure the issue is the sixteenth notes on the right hand and getting your fingers to do it by a suitable raking technique etc. I struggle with it too, and all the tutorials gloss over the right finger speed. It is my ambition to master it and I'll post a you tube vid of how to do it if i can.

[@stephendallison1465]

Practice makes perfect just learnt lesson one myself and it's starting to Flow. What a excellent teacher thanks 😊

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks very much Alan...did you keep at it and master it, in the end? Cheers, Scott.

[@graemerobertson5160]

I know what the notes are and have done for years. The issue is getting the right hand fingers working to get the right speed and in common with other you tube vids you don't offer advice on this aspect.

[@ScottWhitley]

+Graeme Robertson Hi Graeme - thanks for commenting. The best advice I can offer is to start very slowly and build speed very gradually working to a metronome or drum machine. Only speed things up when you're 100% comfortable and it may need to be in very small increments. Keep records of the bpm you manage successfully on each practice session ans aim to beat the recorded tempo at your next practice session. Even an increase of 1 or 2 bpm is progress. Stick with it and let me know how you get on. Scott.

[@graemerobertson5160]

Thanks for the quick reply Scott. The issue is that I can't see what exactly you are doing with your right hand fingers. The tricky part for me of this riff is getting the right hand finger speed and none of the youtube vids I have seen show how to do it. I can play it slow already and have been able to do that for years- but I will never get to the point where I can play the doubled notes with just one finger at the right speed It looks like you are playing two fingers per note but you might be raking. If only some body would show a magnified right hand slowed down so you you could see which fingers are doing the notes, it would be so helpful.

[@ScottWhitley]

+Graeme Robertson Aha - gotcha!! Ok, for the most part (like 99.9% of the time) I'm alternating fingers 1 & 2. This is the only way I could personally play 16th like that. What I recommend is to play through the sections at a very slow tempo and literally watch your picking hand. If either finger tries to double, stop and correct it. Keep at this until you are alternating EVERY note between finger 1 and finger 2. Only then slowly increase tempo. Sounds laborious - it is lol! BUT it will get you there in the long run. :-)

[@graemerobertson5160]

Thanks for sharing the fingers one and two right hand technique Scott, I will follow your advice and report back.! Suppressing the temptation to repeat will be hard but it makes total sense to me now.

[@graemerobertson5160]

Well I have been following your advice and you were right! I had to suppress the doubling. But I am making progress. I can do it at about 60% full speed - when i first tried it was about 25% full speed!

[@rockerstorockerstorockers7284]

Dude that was cool!

[@ScottWhitley]

+Rockers to Rockers to Rockers Cheers!!!! :-)

[@Maryonpark]

Hi Scott, fantastic lesson and fantastic playing! Can you tell me what drum machine you're using there please?

[@ScottWhitley]

It's the built in drum machine of a Korg Pandora PX4D Andy.

[@Maryonpark]

Scott Whitley Cheers Scott, I've ordered one. Made it my mission to crack this song thanks to your help here. Just need to speed up my fingers a bit! ;-)

[@ScottWhitley]

Nice 1 Andy - keep at it :-)

[@domingoguzmanhernandezleon9193]

VFantastic

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks very much Domingo....much appreciated! Cheers, Scott.

[@sensationalleslie3237]

Love this - but part 2 would be great !

[@ScottWhitley]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCplKehn71oibM

[@christotti7245]

merci pour cette video tres agreable thank you

[@ScottWhitley]

My pleasure Chris! Scott.

[@stefanocarli3030]

Great job!

[@samwiddicombe3835]

Is it me or is that bass really small?!

[@samwiddicombe3835]

Sam Widdicombe It sounds a lot like Jaco at 3:35.

[@destructOzap]

+Sam Widdicombe or is scott that tall ?

[@samwiddicombe3835]

Lol!

[@ScottWhitley]

+Sam Widdicombe Haha - yes it is smaller than most!! :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2ilXnWhe7CUis0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5S0eoqtfMmHe80

[@samwiddicombe3835]

+Scott Whitley Oh cool, Thanks! :)

[@mazdaspecial]

Nice work Scott, keep em coming

[@ScottWhitley]

Thanks :-)