How to play like Gene Simmons of KISS - Bass Habits - Ep 17

[@PaulDelBelloYT]

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[@travisstafford397]

Non musicians don’t realize how hard it is to sing and play at the same time another great video

[@DMSProduktions]

Esp on bass!

[@allicide166]

I know right? I can't do both, no matter how much I practice, just can't. I can play a guitar or sing, not both.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@allicide166 I could sing & play guitar for a long time, but on bass, I still struggled. I am proficient @ both now!

[@allicide166]

@@DMSProduktions I apparently just lack the mental coordination lol. I've practiced for over a decade and could never get the hang of it. Now I'm the dude who starts playing a riff in between then just holds the thing while singing.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@allicide166 Hmm! Ok, initially, it took me 3 months of having to do it back in my 20s. Once it clicked in, I had no problem. As I also play bass a fair bit also, I had to often sing on bass as well. I could do it, but I was still a bit shaky on it. But again, after doing for several mths more in my 40s, I too got that! You MAY be correct that your CNS coordination may not be synchronized too well, if you have tried to sing & play for over 10 years! I still think you probably COULD do it, but it may take a CERTAIN set of exercises to get you fully synched!

[@Solelova67]

He’s a much better bassist than he’s given credit for , he is the reason I play bass for over 30 + years now

[@DiscoBoogieNJ]

Not to mention how he sings against the bass line. Extremely difficult to do, I think it's something u can do or can't, it can't be learned IMO. Paul Stanley, James Hetfield sing along with the rhythm, very easy even I can do that.

[@joeysgrim]

Gene is criminally overlooked as a rock bass player! Excellent video!

[@mickker841]

He is solid , plays well, never misses a note and sings. What more do you want in a bass player?

[@brianpaine1749]

...and dances around spitting blood and sometimes fire! He occasionally got hoisted up by wires during a concert too. I saw Kiss once and REALLY enjoyed it. The music of Kiss inspired me to play the bass.

[@soja9305]

Exactly!👍🏼

[@CentralggK]

Less ego

[@mickker841]

@@CentralggK True. He is full of it

[@apeters6791]

His fills kick ass as well. His bass lines are fun as hell to play.

[@MichaelSimmons.]

As a bass player myself, I have always thought Gene was underrated, as a bass player. His bass lines are very melodic, and fit the songs perfectly. Thanks so much for the video.

[@MartyWilson100]

I think Gene Simmons is an underrated bass player and I don't understand why some people think he's bad. I think he's a competent and creative bass player who often plays melodic, I think he's the Paul McCartney of hard rock

[@Solelova67]

Paul McCartney is one of his idols

[@MartyWilson100]

@@Solelova67 Yes, that's another reason why I compare Gene Simmons with Paul McCartney. Gene once said that his vision with KISS was a Beatles on steroids

[@skyguy1988]

people love shitting on kiss. that's why. for some very very strange reason.

[@HeadacheMachine]

and singing while playing too!

[@nisselarson3227]

Why do you think so many bassists thinks he's a really lousy player? Why is it that he is so underrated, you think?Gene himself admits he's not a great player. He claims to be an "entertainer", not a musician. Where's the comparison with Paul McCartney?

[@Tinky__Winky]

Been looking forward to this one ever since you started this series. Gene has some insanely groovy bass lines, people can’t look past the person and see the music- he’s super underrated

[@timschneider8513]

You don't have to like his personality but as a musician I don't think he gets the credit he deserves

[@jordanjones2046]

Yeah, he's a total dick, but his bass playing is impressive. I think a lot of people get down on his playing based on bass lines like on "Lick It Up". But what they don't realize is, that's not Gene. Starting in the 80's, Gene pretty much stopped writing bass lines except on his songs. Which is sad, because the bass lines on their early stuff is hot!

[@Arthion]

Yeah, I also suspect that people's opinion on Gene, the person, is influencing their opinion on Gene, the bass player. It might not be as flashy as some others but he's quite efficient I suppose, not sure if that's the right words, but he's getting a lot mileage out of most notes he plays.

[@timschneider8513]

@@Arthion yeah. I mean kiss didnt reinvent rock music. But they are a solid rock band that's fun to listen to an gene's bass playing is usually really supportive for the rhythm and adds a little extra spices to the song

[@Thirthton]

Sounds like you're describing TRUMP

[@gabrielbarblay8120]

Absolutely right

[@RicAlba1]

I caught onto the Simmons walking bass technique at an early age. Definitely influenced how I played. Though he didn't invent it (McCartney, John Paul Jones), he did a great job integrating it into the subtle one-finger movements played on the guitars. Paul and Ace harmonized their guitars together while playing chords, with little one-finger movements as they strummed, and the bass harmonizes along with those movements.

[@officialgmusic]

Gene is an absolute animal on bass. I’ve been playing for over 15 years professionally. His technique is an influence on how I play .. this video was very well done and informative .. I Personally own a Punisher Bass. gene is also a dominant influence when it comes to playing a pick... he uses herco 75s from Dunlop in case youre interested 😎😎 Very well done ! Cheers from the USA ! Alexander

[@romainlavoie1526]

Gene is a monster musician . No question. And as a song writer he put together absolute music classics and on top of that was a BEAST on stage ! Top Notch !!

[@jime6688]

I’m a fan too and think his bass playing is very traditional and in the pocket. Simplicity is what made KISS’s sound and that’s what’s kept it classic after all these years.

[@hollandrocksls]

I love seeing Gene finally getting praise. You never know what a persons view of great is But for gene to be able to put the stage movements Singing Playing All together. That's what makes him extremely talented. His tone is bad ass too

[@iloveitall]

I read a lot of comments here of how underated he is as a player and that makes me smile after many years of not so nice sayings. Yes, he has iconic bass lines! Yes, he knows what lines fit a song perfectly. Yes, he never misses a note playing live. Yes, his lines are a lot of fun to play. All these things would be enough for being respected, but the more Gene does a hell of a show!

[@virgomonkey68]

I don’t care what anyone thinks...huge part of our best part of life in 70s to 80s....I’m a 68 model....and i had fun driving to his bass lines and kiss music...though cops kept busting me driving fast...thanks paul for showing him the respect ✊. Love from 🇦🇺

[@satyrosphilbrucato9140]

The shot of Gene posing with Rush shows just how fucking tall Neil Peart really was.

[@0iceman092]

I think he was 6'6 right?

[@TravisThaxton]

@@0iceman092 TIL I am as tall as Neil Peart. 6'4"

[@Klaus80804]

Another very good analysis from you Paul. Gene is definitely one of the best of the "simple" bass players. The dislike of many comes from his very self-confident behavior and especially his focus on making money. If he were a humble person he would surely be respected as a very solid bass player.

[@scottbull8309]

There are so many uncreative people that can't see pass the makeup and costume and how talented Gene and KISS ...IS, thank you!! Stellar episode!

[@tythompson4794]

Sweet. I’ve been waiting for this one. Great video. I love Gene and I think he’s an amazing player.

[@HeadacheMachine]

Gene is a brilliant bassist. Period. He said once that his basslines are inspired from horn sections. I personally decide to play bass after hearing "100, 000 years" on their first LP back in the 70's (yes I'm THAT old :-)

[@dutchdrone1249]

Gene Simmons is more than damn good, I love his bass playing and I love my Punisher. Thanks Paul! for making clear Gene is a rock bassist as they should be. No BS all up and down the fret board but when in doubt, play loud. Or pentatonics 😎

[@yourtulpa]

I just love them cheeky notes, they always put a smile on my face. Kiss' early stuff is pretty fantastic all the way up to the Elder album, included. Gene's definitely one of the reasons I love playing bass so much.

[@acprado67]

as a bassist for many years I think I can humbly state that part of Genne's aura as a musician comes from a certain fanaticism with the band as well. What you said about him makes a lot of sense, however many of the bass lines were not created by him, and in many cases, in the studio, he didn't even played it!

[@Xyz-dh2ns]

Gene's bass lines are solid and very well played. They are part of the rock history. 

[@novadhd]

I was never a hug fan of KISS but have to admire Genes bass playing .

[@brettski2532]

As a working bassist from Charlotte, I can tell ya, Gene’s basslines are a damn handful.

[@brianraap8543]

Good video. Thanks for showing how great he really is. Especially the older stuff. Not easy to play those runs and sing.

[@redhiney6666]

The bassline off of getaway from the dressed to kill album fucking rocks my socks

[@jamesgreszczuk1670]

As far as bassists of rock & roll music in the early 70's until now, I find Gene Simmons a superb bassists over the years in KISS, I love his bass playing so much, I even picked up a 4-string bass & started teaching myself myself how to play bass guitar! Thanks again Mr. Gene Simmons! Jim Greszczuk

[@GrandFunker]

This video kicks ass. Gene's the guy who made me want to be a bass player

[@zubrycky]

Going Blind's bass line is amazing.

[@conradfarrar477]

His bass guitar playing on Almost Human and Naked City. He is a genius.

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

Oh yeah, his bass licks are not boring at all. He's not a one note basher for sure and singing along with what he plays would be tough. His playing is underrated for sure. It's just a shame he feels the need to be so arrogant.

[@Jaggerbush]

Ive been playing bass forever - Berklee '92 When i was a CHILD i knew the difference between bass and guitar bc songs like Detroit Rock City Firehouse - Cold Gin and started a lifetime love of playing bass.

[@SNB-band]

Yes! A terrific video! I love Gene's bass lines

[@donaldcummings8407]

Listen to "KISS ALIVE" with excellent ear buds.I heard a LOT of nuances I hadnt heard before when learning that album as a kid (1979 was when I bought the record) Gene isnt Billy Sheehan,but he doesnt suck either

[@StrangeOne1987]

Gene was always my favorite character, but after years of experience, I've finally started to appreciate him as the bassist that he was/is. I still think they put Peter down unfairly.

[@trance9158]

Going Blind is my favorite lines from him

[@satyrosphilbrucato9140]

Though I obviously wasn't there, various sources suggest that the bass on "Dirty Livin;" was played by Paul Stanley, not Gene Simmons. Other than that, excellent video!

[@PaulDelBelloYT]

I bet that's Gene. Them cheeky notes give him away! 😄

[@davidcurry9794]

Gene has always been a bass player that I looked up to. His baselines are simply fun to play !

[@gabrielebotto3245]

Great video!!! I love Gene and KISS. Greetings from Argentina

[@ronaldnelson6692]

People don't understand that you don't have to have complex riffs to be a great musician. Kiss is one of the most popular bands ever but most of their hits were simple chords.

[@scottenser464]

Peters drum tracks from ALIVE ARE THE ONLY tracks that where not re played . His timing then was fine .

[@BassVSZombies]

Well, in less than a year after that Bob Ezrin had to teach him to play with a metronome, so I guess his timing still needed some practice ;)

[@fchile5]

Even then you can here the jazz swing on his drums, what made him perfect for them

[@BassVSZombies]

@@fchile5 I'm sorry, no offense but Peter wasn't even remotely a jazz drummer, though he loved to talk about him being one. He was a straight-forward rock'n'roll drummer who just hated to practice :) You can actually hear it if you try to play along with his live drumming. He was going faster and slower all the freaking time. I mean it's Peter Criss and everything but I'd fire him from my band :) I really don't know how Gene, Ace and Paul managed to work with him, especially since he used to have and still has such a charming temper :)

[@johnsoos6907]

Thank you!!! The only "live" part of KISS ALIVE is Peter Criss.

[@muuriciodegollada3870]

Excellent bass player

[@jhay3966]

as a musician, I really like him; as a person, not that much one of my favorite things he does, is when he slides on the E to 12th fret, and slides down on the A string

[@timkreiser6118]

Amazing man. Thanks for that great Video. I've waited for that so long, nice work

[@graeme1744]

Good video I love learning Gene's bass runs especially 100,000 years it's was amazing to play, and you have too be on the ball. Strutter that walking Bass line is fantastic. I think Gene played what he had to on in the, and just got caught up. In his image more than not growing as a bass player.

[@balamx2802]

Gene is the reason I picked up the bass. I've been inspired by many bassists, but none of them have had half the impact Gene has had on my playing and song writing. I owe him a lot.

[@jakebeaudrie]

I really dig these "How to sound like" videos. I'm not a fan of Gene or KISS but I think your take on his playing is spot on. Even though I can't stand the band or the guy, I still found this video super fun and informative. Keep it up, Sir!!

[@alainbrasseur7083]

I like how his tone and his parts fit right in the song. again, good job Paul! a suggestion ? Tom peterson of cheap trick!

[@alessandrobarina3974]

That version of Ladies Room... Who plays? I love it. Thank you for the answer 😁

[@neildavis9508]

Thanks for your great work. I really enjoy your videos!

[@kyleelsbernd7566]

Great job Paul. Subbed.

[@averagejoe5127]

Great video for a great and much too overlooked bassist.

[@Dericulus]

I never realized why KISS is so catchy and memorable until now. Every time a KISS song hass ever been stuck in my head it was always the bassline, and i never even noticed. Gene Simmons is def a douche, but you made me have to admit that he really is a talented musician.

[@horaciotornicfilho4838]

Another excellent video Paul!! I allways practice his lines, sometimes whit your help. Tks

[@nesbittjohn]

Great analysis. Thanks!

[@FLORIDAROOMJAMS]

Nailed it! As always!

[@torowudang]

very good analysis, well done.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I get that some people may not like his personality (which I can understand) but he is a really damn good bassist nonetheless, also I’d love to see one of these on guys like Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, Flea, Les Claypool or John Entwistle

[@td8778]

Idea for a video: compare and contrast Sonic Boom and Monster to the early days of KISS. Love those two albums.

[@PedroRodriguez-bw6fb]

What can you say about Gene Simons Bass playing he has the most classic and recognizable bass lines in rock from duce to strutter to Detroit rock city, cold gin and many more and as bassist it's fun to learn kiss song people reaction when start playing any kiss song is awesome.

[@OtherMike5000]

Gene is a *criminally **_underrated_* bassist.

[@richardeller2162]

excellent analysis!

[@dwaynejones1146]

Very solid rock bass player and knows the purpose of the instrument.

[@josephinecaruana3847]

Yes dam good rock bassist love him ❤ love his singing true artist x

[@contra4054]

Sure know something is his best bass line in my book. Includes a lot of the pointers mentioned here too.

[@Bls-of1ld]

Not his bassline

[@scottw2744]

Gene does what he does. He’s everything 70s rock wasn’t. That’s why he is Larger Than Life. Been a Kiss fan since 76 when I was 10. Destroyer was the first album I got. Long live rock and roll. 🎸🤘🏻

[@rayjingloryproductions3770]

I started following them in 74. I -- KNEW -- they were going to be HUGE. I was not wrong. I also play Bass and I can do the fire trick as well. However --- I don't use Lamp Oil or any liquid period. I use straight out Butane gas lighter refill cans. It's a LOT SAFER. Plus the gas EXPANDS as it leaves your mouth and gets LARGER as it goes. It looks GREAT and is a LOT SAFER. I almost burned my face off with the liquid. I only tried that ONCE. That shit was dribbling down my face as I tried to blow the stuff outward. And it was --- ON FIRE -- the whole time. Butane Gas lights THOROUGHLY and can't catch stuff on fire. Liquid can fall to the floor and STILL BE IGNITED and BURNING. Liquid is definately more dangerous to work with. By the way --- The largest flame I ever blew was right at ten feet from lips to flames end. I have been doing that trick since 1979. I LOVE GENE. Even though he turned into a DICK-HEADED DOUCHEBAG.

[@mikesmusicden]

Gene gets a lot of hate, but I've always liked his playing. His bass lines are some of the most iconic lines in rock and really help make the songs stand out. And, as you point out, he doesn't really look at his fretboard (too busy looking at the girls in the audience). Great video and summary of Gene's playing!

[@fernandocoronado2426]

Gene is a very good bass player... excelent video...!!!

[@NoHealerJustPain]

How is about Francis Buchholtz from Scorpions? Apparently, he's not a virtuoso but if he was really so bad in fact, being the bassist of such a great band in its best days?

[@JustK009]

🍻🍻🍻

[@ttiomgames7693]

Great Bass player...and Gene is a great singer and stage performer too

[@Sajle249]

What is that version of ladies room you used?

[@kevinmitchell8650]

A great bassist and consummate showmanship.

[@rapido53]

Your videos are awsomen man. Please make more.

[@ognjenmilenkovic3050]

God of thunder and rock'n'roll 🤘🤘

[@rayjingloryproductions3770]

G.O.T. has to be one of his BEST Basslines I love playing it on my Bass. One of the BEST SONGS --- PERIOD.

[@ognjenmilenkovic3050]

@@rayjingloryproductions3770 the riff is so simple and amazing. I learned it to play on guitar and it's one of first riffs I play if it's tuned down a half step. Death did amazing cover of it, considering Chuck Shuldiner was a huge Kiss fan

[@DMSProduktions]

Gene is a seriously good bassist. Virtuoso? NO! But simple, melodic and solid! Listen to any KISS song from the 70s. Gene's bass DROVE all of those songs! Gene knew his pocket! He could be very inventive when called upon to do so! Check some of his earlier bass work from the Wicked Lester era! Time he got some kudos for his musicianship! Nice 1 Paulie!

[@masbucket3083]

Awesome vid man!

[@plonky17]

Gene is an excellent bass guitarist, singer, and song writer. He had a brilliant bass tone with his Ampeg SVT. I don’t think he cares what the cork sniffers think. I know his fans don’t.

[@nobbynose4254]

great bass player and showman very underated

[@klemensas5612]

Thanks so much for the video

[@mimoochodom2684]

Summed it up perfectly.

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

He's a very good bass player and I dig his tone...

[@Gustavo_Rosa]

Awesome!

[@brickwalljoen.y.c9514]

Since you bring up Gene's use of walking bass lines i think that is something you overlooked in the Matt Freeman habits video go back and listen to him playing and tell me I'm wrong.

[@hvymtlpoet]

The cheeky notes are my favorite things about his bass playing

[@maxwilson5598]

Can you do one on Paul McCartney and another on Matt Sharp?

[@BassVSZombies]

Gene is the best bass player of all bassists I've heard. He's not a shredder and it's awesome because shredding is a sport and isn't really about music. I just can't stand bass playing by the guys like Billy Sheehan because it's not music at all. It's like a challenge to make as much noise as possible per second. Unfortunately, many people don't know the difference. They think speed equals music. Well, not good for them ;)

[@Jet1ranger]

Love Gene Simmons! He is my avatar on social media!

[@hofitpeer175]

can you please make a video about Paul McCartney?

[@kenshinoriginal1]

Nice video man keep it up👍

[@gtate135]

People love to hate him for obvious reasons but he’s a good rock bassist. The success speaks for itself

[@jeffbriggs3226]

One of the best lead bass players on the planet.

[@Christopher-c6c1z]

Damn great bass player. Very underrated being a bassist myself

[@shadcovert1160]

What was that version of Ladies Room?

[@nolancapps7299]

You should do a video on Simon Gallop from The Cure

[@pedrorivera8970]

The best.

[@Gregor9043]

Good bass player for sure, always had the right parts to serve the tune.

[@iamgribs]

Great bassist.