How to JAM a Metal Bass Solo Like Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz....
You could learn N.I.B. by rote, from a tab… or stick with me, and learn to jam your own metal bass solos just like Geezer Butler.
Full N.I.B. bass solo tab: www.noteflight...
Geezer Butler is awesome. His bass solo on N.I.B. is awesome. By the end of this video, you too will be awesome.
I’ll walk you through 5 steps to be able to create your own bluesy jammy metal bass solo just like the Geez. We’ll go through each step together, building an actual bass solo as we go.
First I’ll show you the minor pentatonic scale Geezer uses for his solo (and a ton of Black Sabbath riffs), and where to find the notes on the neck so you can move around freely.
Then we’ll cover groove and rhythm, cuz notes without groove are just… noise.
Jack Black would be proud - the next step is to add some ‘bendies,’ which takes us to a whole ‘nother level of Geezer flavor.
It wouldn’t be much of a Geezer Butler video if I didn’t show you some of his signature plucking techniques and manuevers, so we’ll go there next.
Then we’ll put the frosting on the cake with some gear and bass tone discussion. I’ll show you how to get everything dialed in, and how to get that classic N.I.B. wah-wah sound.
I talked to Ozzy Osbourne, he said you should subscribe to BassBuzz: yeah.bassbuzz....
#GeezerButler #MetalBassSolo #BlackSabbath

[@BassBuzz]

No bats were harmed in the making of this lesson. 🦇🔪❌ Timestamps for this lesson: 0:00 - Josh is a Geezer Fanboy 0:27 - Geezer’s Jamming Influences 1:14 - Minor Pentatonic Magic 3:30 - Groove It 4:58 - Add the Bendies 7:07 - Geezer’s Plucking Technique 8:52 - Dial in Your Gear & Tone

[@dapotatsimp2222]

HAHAHHAHAHA THIS HAD ME WHEEZE

[@ezekielmadrigal6232]

Can you teach us how to read bass clef 🙃

[@CZECHMATE650]

Dude I really appreciate these videos cuz I can't afford the B2BA course. Any help is appreciated, so thankx Josh.

[@torontotonto6189]

Tatsu Mikami of Church of Misery does the neck clack all albums, all lives, a true Geezer Butler worshipper.

[@georgemosley6790]

What strings are those????

[@therealeikichionizuka]

I've been trying g to tell people for years that Geezer always imporvs, but no one listened to me. I'm so happy that someone understands it. Geezer was the way I learned to improv.

[@BassBuzz]

Totally. He's a certified jammer.

[@paaklapi]

Though my music knowledge is restricted to that of a consumer, I've read a book about Black Sabbath. The whole band, Geezer included, were such avid jammers that their gigs could stretch up to three hours because of their jamming. If I recall correctly, many of their songs came from those jamming sessions. How delightful would it have been to attend one of those gigs? I know I'd have absolutely loved it.

[@garymurray3524]

I totally agree with you. I was getting flustered for years leaning Sabbath songs. Thought I had learned a song note for note only to hear something different later. Then I realized he was improvising on a lot of his stuff other than the key bass lines in the songs. I listened to Fairies Wear Boots from the Reunion, 13 and End tours and each time hes changing it up.

[@davidperezgonzalez1839]

If you listen Fairies wear Boots it's obvious he like Cream and improvising. It's my favourite work of Geezer

[@therealeikichionizuka]

@@davidperezgonzalez1839 bro me too! It is peak jam rock.

[@Under_myvoodoo]

We’re all here for Geezer He’s the reason why I play the bass, an absolute genius

[@eviedecker529]

Amen to that!

[@JediGamer1977N.A.I]

is nobody gonna talk about how cool the bass Josh is using looks with that maroon red finish

[@damndamien8173]

I think its walnut. it's a squier classic vibe so its either matt black or walnut

[@Buddhamonkeydevil]

And red strings!

[@martinheath5947]

Sounds great too 👍

[@huckfine555]

Lovely indeed, but Josh is always cool anyway!

[@monkishogun5394]

uhh.. is nobody gonna talk about how Josh looks slightly unwell? Maybe it's the lighting, but he's looking a little pallid. Compared to his last video from a few months ago there's a lot less color in his face

[@johnnyb357]

I love how you’re staying true to your channel and playing a Squire. Sounds great dude.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Johnny!

[@WakizashiSabre]

imagine all those Fenders, MMans, RIcks on the wall in Joshs house. :)

[@frednovaes5888]

That neck is killer !!!!

[@robertpace4913]

Geezer is THE REASON I started playing bass! Killer video. Also, thank you for not hiding the TAB behind an email sign up like so many other YT teachers do. Bravo!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Robert!

[@Carrancka]

I Know, right? This video was really necessary

[@benharrison5816]

I love legendary bassists like Geezer, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, and more. Some bands it seems like bass is an afterthought, but legendary bands have amazing bassists.

[@BassBuzz]

Agree Ben! My brain can't compute a band as "legendary" if the bass isn't amazing. Just like, why even bother? 😛

[@paulstrickland543]

I must say you make learning how to play bass for beingger like myself just picking up a bass guitar for a hobby I was just making noise but now I'm making a sound like music thank you you're the best teacher learning the bass guitar on KZbin

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Paul!

[@faamecanic1970]

Paul…check out Josh’s lessons on his website. Worth every $$$$$ and the folks on his forums are awesome and encouraging!

[@onutube6392]

Beingger.

[@dandjurovic8274]

I'm still making noise, just with more notes, lol. Great video tho!

[@shipsahoy1793]

Notice the “master of reality” T-shirt on Josh the bad ass bass geezer…🤣🤣

[@AMikeman]

MINUS THE *SNIFF* LITERALLY CRIED XD

[@Andyanddiana467]

I laughed out loud at that joke.

[@sandro9898]

I was listening Black Sabbath debut for almost 15 years, I wanted to play like geezer from the first moment, these are well known techniques for geezer nerds, but it’s awesome Josh paid tribute to one of the most influential and best bass players of modern music

[@jessphuqette1716]

I was truly blessed seeing Cream, Hendrix and Sabbath live back in the day. That's what made me switch from guitar to bass. Current favorite axe is a 72 maple glo fretless. Keep on jamming.👍

[@TBSSPILOTviews]

@jessphuqette1716… I can certainly relate!Got to see Jimi, then Sabbath, and I might add meeting Greg Ridley from Humble Pie at a gig in 70’…I was a fairly well trained drummer into jazz, because of dad. I made the switch, I was blown away by the strings and the sheer power their bass playing created in those bands. After years of wanting too, I too went fretless ( J and P ) Fenders…I have to say for me those guys and J P Jones from Zep really cemented the future for my choice of instrument…”play on brother”! 😎🎸🎶🤙🏽

[@DahcipheR]

Josh's production is getting out of this world

[@nothingEvil101]

I could listen to Geezer play all day... Just love his style

[@deegegaming7911]

Omg, you do not know how much I needed this vid, and today of all days when I revisited the solo

[@BassBuzz]

Guess my mind reading game is still on point!

[@ZodiacEntertainment2]

Careful Josh, you're gonna get bass players all over the world playing pentatonics like they're guitarists! lol

[@BassBuzz]

Blame Geezer, lol!

[@MasterSumai]

But as long as the bassists don't do the overplayed & annoying pinch harmonics like Zakk Wylde does, they'll be ok.

[@darkentries23]

Love Geezer inspired me to play the bass.

[@hiroszyma45]

Same here

[@Andyanddiana467]

Ditto

[@chazzmccloud36]

Same. I randomly found a "Paranoid" cassette tape when I was about 11 years old, and it changed my musical outlook from then on. Before that I was a contemporary country fan...... anyway, I loved Geezer's sound and wanted to make noise like that.

[@rome8180]

On a more shallow note, those red strings look awesome on that bass.

[@danbrown4420]

**sniff** 🤣 Edit: can I just add, this works great. Had a jam session with a friend for the first time in years last night and was able to bust out some Geezer-y style shizz courtesy of this vid. Many thanks man 🤘

[@veryscaryreaper8883]

I recently switched from guitar to bass, and that was because I heard geezer playing. Because of him, literally every opportunity I get I play a pentatonic lick.

[@magnusskallagrimsson6707]

Seriously Dude: invent a time machine, bring the internet with you, set it up and be my bass teacher in the 1980's.

[@BassBuzz]

That would definitely be my top priority after inventing a time machine. 😛

[@magnusskallagrimsson6707]

@@BassBuzz Seriously, a big thank you for the excellent channel. I stopped playing 15 years ago and BassBuzz has helped me get back to bassics, as it were, and not be bored out of my tree.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@hanibanch]

I love how you breakdown their styles. It helps give myself an idea on how I can develop my own playing style! Thank youuuuu!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@mrsteel250]

I was literally asking how he wrote bass lines the other day, I’ve been playing a lot of Metallica and Black Sabbath and wanted to start learning how to write more lead style solos myself. So perfect timing on this!

[@BassBuzz]

Glad I could help Lee!

[@guero_mocoso]

GEEEEEEEZER! My all time favorite bassist ANF lyricist. You're the man, Josh!

[@j.c1574]

I finally learned playing standing up without looking at the frets and im sooooo happy! Last week i almost swore i could never do it!!

[@feliribas]

Dude, THANKS! I am a Geezer huge fan, bass student as a hobby and finally able to jam sounding like the master! CHEERS!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Felipe!

[@MastersOfTheWinds]

This is actually the long term project I've been working on since completing the Beginner to Badass course from you Josh! NiB was the song that finally made me decide to pick up playing bass and I'm getting closer and closer to a full playthrough of the opening solo.

[@BassBuzz]

Nice!

[@wodenmetal5908]

Looking at the nib tabs taught me how to solo originally and I’ve known how to solo for almost a year and I can remember when I took the notes of the scale which I originally didn’t understand and mapped them out, I remember I called it the “Geezer scale”. Love the video btw, keep it up :)

[@standandeliver8376]

This is really inspiring. I bought a bass on a whim about 20 years ago and still can't really play it. This makes it seem possible for even me to get a half decent sound out of it.

[@contrastprinciple4389]

For me geezer's best is that moody bass line on "Junior's eyes", simply epic. And yet where would he be without the enormously talented Tommy Iomi on guitar. Ozzy was great in that band, but I also really liked Dio, "children of the sea" is also epic.

[@freedraptor]

Children of the Sea is fantastic. Sign of the Southern Cross is another excellent Dio era Sabbath song

[@BigLeuHH]

One of the best bass channel in KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@MaxTheAxe23]

Dude thank you so much playing some killer grooves right now

[@chazzmccloud36]

Thanks for this video! Geezer and Sabbath were my first big musical inspirations, and Geezer got me into bass! I can remember, long before KZbin, listening to the NIB solo over and over while I tried to figure it out. The day I could keep up with it was a particularly proud one for me!

[@sc4666]

you. Are. The. Best!!! I deeply appreciate what you are doing for all of us fellow bassists. Rock on!

[@divingwithfriends]

Awesome explanation about the difference between playing notes and grooving! I've never seen someone explain it like that, really helpful Josh! Amazing lesson as always, keep rocking

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Pablo!

[@composerdave68]

I've been a fan of Sabbath since High School but never got to see them live until 2016 at the Hollywood Bowl. As a guitarist, I really wanted to see Tony and he was awesome. But I was BLOWN away by Geezer. Here's this 67 year old guy killing it for two hours, playing like he was 22.

[@BassBuzz]

Wow, super cool. I saw Tony and Geezer with Heaven and Hell when I was teenager, with Dio singing. I was a million miles away in the cheap seats but it was still cool to catch Dio before he passed!

[@composerdave68]

@@BassBuzz I wish I had seen Dio. He's one of the guys I never got a chance to see.

[@BongwaterJones]

Nothing more fun than cranking the gain, plugging into a fuzz, and rocking pentatonic boxes till you wear holes in ur fingers. Add power chords here and there to add to the heaviness and you’re really cookin with fire.

[@juliochecchi4to948]

Hell yeah i've been waiting on a Geezer video forever, sabbath is my favorite band!

[@BassBuzz]

Nice!

[@avrakotas]

Iv'e watched tons of bass videos in my life and taken pro lessons live, and i have to say you do a very good job of making these concepts simple to understand and follow while still teaching some depth. I really appreciate these artist focused videos too.

[@ZaryaMain]

100% best bass lessons on the web. Dropping absolute masterclass level thinking on KZbin.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@Jacobruxo]

This is the best bass video ever, I'm creating a new Google account just to like it again!

[@BassBuzz]

Haha, thank you!

[@salzulli6290]

something i learned when i was learning an iommi solo on guitar is that early sabbath loves the number 3. so much of the solos are played in threes.

[@yellowsnowcone]

Hands down the best channel for learning bass informative and entertaining at the same time love it man

[@timothyrice1621]

Was looking forward to this video! Geezer is the one that made me want to play bass. I still pluck over the frets like he used to, for the toan

[@fernandoramoa7079]

He really beats the shit outta those strings when he plays I always love me some Geezer

[@tetsusiega2]

Siiiick

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Damian!

[@Ritchar]

This gave me a brain wave on how to switch up how I play meaningfully and many will say the same for themselves.

[@chrisparker5278]

Thank you so much! I’ve been playing bass casually for years and never understood soloing until today! Within a few minutes I cracked out a stunning bass solo! SUBSCRIBED!

[@BassBuzz]

Nice!

[@edvin6937]

Haha I was thinking yesterday how nice it would be if BassBuzz made a video about Geezer. Good timing and great video as always!

[@MegaRockinRolla]

Flatwound bass strings get you very close to that “old dead string” sound Geezer had on the first Sabbath record, too.

[@rempjandelesteban9508]

Good to See you back. ☺ Please continue your bass lessons.

[@mattryan6886]

Geezer and Bill Ward, killer rhythm section.

[@bendagostino2217]

The playing on the outro of lord of this world, really showcases his style.

[@rapaladude]

I'm a guitarist, but I love playing bass too. Geezer Butler is absolutely my biggest influence on bass.

[@SwashBuccaneer]

Josh even has his Black Sabbath shirt on. What a coincidence! ;)

[@jeffs.5882]

NOBODY plays like Geezer!! The man isn't A beast. He's THE beast.

[@hadleymanmusic]

Ive not seen a good vid for weeks till this Now this is inspiring thankyou!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Hadley!

[@lucaslorenz8812]

Excellent video. And for anyone reading I highly recommend the beginner course at his site. I did it and learned a whole lot and at whatever pace I felt like.

[@francescoakajoker]

Yesss finally a video on Geezer Butler!!! Thank you

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Francesco!

[@marchatesyou1]

jack bruce on a fretless warwick...wow. just wow. so amazing. also, a cheap wah fix i used to do when i was a broke stoner was to use a cheap envelope filter pedal and a volume pedal combined. or, use your volume knob on the body itself with/without a pickup selector and/or an active/passive switch, if ya hafta get down n dirty on a budget n can keep up with the acrobatics. cheers, mates! =D

[@jumby9835]

I love Sabbath, Ozzy and Geezer, they were my first intro into Rock/Metal as a teen. All these riffs rock! \m/o\m/

[@jeffreystark435]

Josh, you have no idea how much you have advanced my enjoyment of the bass. Thank you for your tutorials. I'm progressing well.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Jeffrey!

[@pessinieminen4341]

I've been waiting for this video for so long, thanks so much!!!

[@book3100]

Geezer... When I first heard their first and Paranoid albums, I knew I wanted to play bass. I learned how to play listening and playing along til those records got worn flat. Thanks Mr. Butler and Black Sabbath for all the years.

[@scarmoon9395]

I'm ready for the Geezer-fication

[@jimobrien1550]

This is video I’ve been waiting for since the Steve Harris video. Thank you Josh, this is going to be my Bible.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@larrynault2683]

Excellent instructional/educational, I am 52 years old and wish that these videos when I was young. Regardless, this instructional will inspire and educate

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Larry!

[@tommymassey1275]

Awesome lesson,Geezer is one of my all time fav metal bassist!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Tommy!

[@illmsg77]

Ok, you are a bad MF'r. Thanks for this video. I have said that this bass line is my favorite sound I've ever heard in my life. It makes me happy, it makes me feel cool, its everything. Oh, and that "I'm Talking To You" edit was awesome!

[@thefalconx-x9773]

Thank you so much for giving a simple but awesome scale to use for the geezer riffs amazing video

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@DanielNicotra1]

You're back! Thanks for the content man 🤘🏽 John Paul Jones next?

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Daniel! That'd be fun, JPJ is awesome.

[@onde-ja-civil]

Man, just, THANKS for this one. A huge thanks, complete with bends, grooves and wah!

[@jima2985]

This came up as recommended for me because I’ve been watching a lot of Black Sabbath videos. This is great! I would have killed for a video like this when I was a teenager.

[@francescobonafine9329]

Great video: simple, to the point, practical and fun. Keep up with the great work!

[@BassBuzz]

Grazie Francesco!

[@donaldmcdonald3434]

I'm glad you're teaching these kids right. I figured this out on accident cause I had too much ADHD to learn the whole thing. I got the beginning then just started doing my own thing lol.

[@franciscop.4727]

You know, I really like your teaching style, it keeps it to what we all are trying to do: play music and have fun doing it. Other that teaching technique and theory is cool and all, but after a while, it gets so boring, that you really keep it fresh and practical and put the theory where it should be, just as a base to create on top. Great video. Great tone BTW.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Francisco!

[@NehMartin]

literally the exact thing i was looking for

[@azraf8614]

Yo that squire is absolutely beautiful

[@jackthomson5047]

Geezer is just the best man

[@johnmuhonen3398]

So awesome how you break down how Geezer gets his sound!

[@Andyanddiana467]

Love this!!! Geezer's my favorite bassist.

[@judih.8754]

Wow, welcome back. We have missed you. Another great video. Thanks Josh!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Judi!

[@sergiobalbi9200]

Great analysis, step by step method and simple words: awesome! 👍👍👍

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Sergio!

[@sophiaperennis2360]

It's kinda of fun listening to the Martin era Sabbath albums then get all the way to Cross Purposes and notice how the return of Geezer felt like they added a second guitar player.

[@Joetime90]

A very weird period for them for sure

[@txrn8268]

its awesome you use squiers. really shows its all about the player and not the bass. great video

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@jeffreyjeffrey1935]

@@BassBuzz you the best music youtuber man

[@anthonyforzaglia9872]

I've needed another one of your videos for so long!!! Is it just me or has this been the funniest one you've made so far

[@BassBuzz]

Not sure, but it's definitely the most cocaine jokes in a video to date! 😛⛄

[@anthonyforzaglia9872]

@@BassBuzz cocaine jokes aside this video jammed, love your teaching style it's perfection🤌

[@kevinty9541]

Awesome. Thanks. Geezer is the man! (So is Josh!)

[@rodgermacnaughton1865]

That guitar color is really sweet!

[@tnhnoztel]

i like the new lighting on your videos ALSO THANKS FOR A GEEZER VIDEO

[@shipsahoy1793]

I’m impressed… you gave away some of my bass tone secrets🤣

[@BassBuzz]

Haha, cat's out of the bag now! (hopefully Ozzy doesn't bite its head)

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@BassBuzz Agreed! Lol

[@necrobot889]

You could do something about Justin Chancellor! His compositions are always "weird" and out of the box, it would be really cool to watch something about him!

[@gareginasatryan6761]

all major bassist cite him as a major influence. it's crazy how much jazz roots metal has

[@aaronsg71]

😂 love the finger swiping “SNIFF”, Thx for a great video man!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Aaron! Gotta go powder my nose now. :P

[@aaronsg71]

@@BassBuzz 😂😂😂

[@dumbguy5157]

you should do one of these but for les claypool

[@progmanjum]

You are a great teacher young man. I still suck, but I have a better understanding of why now.

[@caseysaunders3016]

I love Geezer’s tone!!!

[@anthonyrussano]

really fun video to play along with thanks

[@RavenRidgeRanch]

I am not a fan of Geezer, but I am a fan of BassBuzz. Thanks for all of the videos 😊

[@22leaves]

this is soo sick, just started jaminn

[@abrahammathew3135]

Been looking forward to this for a long time!! Thank you, Josh!!