How To Play Reggae Bass like Robbie Shakespeare

In this tutorial we dive into the style of the bass legend Robbie Shakespeare who along with long time drumming partner Sly Dunbar have taken reggae to places it had never ventured before.
If you found this tutorial helpful and would like to support the channel feel free to buy me a coffee.
ko-fi.com/dons...
Pdf and backing tracks available to download
drive.google.c...

[@Tiago-lq6hn]

RIP Robbie! Master!

[@rofea]

As a bassplayer of 30 years it is great to have someone go into detail on dub bass lines. Keep it up!

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks man

[@onlyjoetee]

ALL bass players should study reggae no matter what kind of music they play..

[@donstrumental8905]

Totally agree!!! Definitely makes me play differently when I play other styles of music.

[@RyanakaRhino18]

Amen to that!

[@ZachKopkaZake]

Yeah drums too

[@andreidoanca4262]

totally! I listen to a lot of heavy metal music...but damn...I must say that learning raggae does open another door to grooving and songwriting

[@lawrencenjawe1935]

The bass line to Shine Eye Gal from the Showcase LP (1979) is deeper and heavier.

[@charleswettish8701]

I've been a guitar and bass player for 44 years. I'm recording an original light-rock/reggae song, and when I play a bass line, it always goes towards light rock (because my reggae bass game is weak), but I want the bass to be real reggae. I don't think I have ever found a music instruction KZbin channel so perfectly inline with what I need to learn, right now! Thank you!

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@justiciavalentena6778]

I’m half Jamaican and Mexican, I grew up listening to a lot of reggae (through my dad) and the bass always spoke to my soul, to make the long story short, I recently got an acoustic bass and you really helped me get in touch with my roots so I love and thank you for that 🙏 keep up the amazing content 🙌

[@donstrumental8905]

Welcome to the revolution👊🏾

[@original_rob_a_dub]

Como se llama tu papá? conozco varios músicos de Jamaica que viven en México :) he tocado con algunos!

[@shiningstar4181]

Bass is what speaks to the soul

[@harryblue9502]

Sir you are an absolute Gentleman and scholar--- Reggae Bass 🔊is deceptively easy on first hearing then you put the cans on & there's a whole orchestra going on there. Your method of breaking it down and giving us great Reggae Roadmaps is just superb Thanks Harry Blue x

[@sub-jec-tiv]

He’s my hero. Sly + Robbie’s ‘Reggae Greats’ LP changed my life. (It was later rereleased as ‘A Dub Experience’.) It’s basically a dub rework of their Black Uhuru production ‘Chill Out’

[@reggaevibesmeditation6857]

Fly away home to Zion Robbie, what a legend, his rock solid basslines and slides will live on forever. Thanks for the music you left us with.

[@paolozak3014]

Robbie Shakespeare is fantastic, his bass playin' is downright irresistible

[@donstrumental8905]

Agreed!!!

[@Hispanictexaswoman]

Robbie and Sly are one of the most irresistible rhythm sections in music for me. 😀

[@OTOss8]

That groove... it gets in your soul. I can *feel* that you *feel* it. It's a cosmic vibration travelling from you to me. I already have a job but I'm even more convinced I want to be a reggae bass player when I grow up.

[@donstrumental8905]

Well... You can always have 2 jobs🤣

[@OTOss8]

@@donstrumental8905 You make a good point. For a first bass, do you feel like it's better to try to find something used, or purchase something new but priced modestly? By the way, thank you for the videos, they really speak to me.

[@donstrumental8905]

@@OTOss8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6iUhoWKgK2qoMk this is a great bass for a first bass, you wouldn’t need another. Probably around $250

[@FC-xc3zy]

Best reggae bass teacher I have watched

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@gratefulila9980]

Yes I

[@richwarth]

Big ups Don, Them style ya. The way you combine classic bassology w/ music theory & creativity - The professor, to the max! Bless, Richie

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks Richie

[@johnryadsahib4351]

As a guitarist I follow your lessons for bass tracking exercises and it’s made a huge difference in my playing

[@donstrumental8905]

Thinking outside the box. Guitarist can use the content here too. I like that👍🏾

[@MrToonfish]

Robbie left us alone, all reggae bass lovers are now sad, I'm pretty sure. RIP Robbie, hope he's in peace with his jazz bass. Another genius has passed away.

[@otterchen]

You are a very good teacher, helping me to play the way i'd ever wanted to play

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you Robert👊🏾

[@rossco420]

What a bassline Robbie really was a true reggae bass legend, and there’s no one better to teach these basslines to us reggae lovers than Don , imho best reggae channel on KZbin, 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇳thanks Don 🇨🇬

[@orange_dt]

Pfffft. The world doesn't deserve Donstrumental -Give thanks! (10/10)

[@donstrumental8905]

Haha!!! You're welcome👊🏾

[@lm089]

still one of my favourites from all of your tutorials: looping 11:30 til 13:00, over and over... 🤩

[@electrondady1475]

thanks for the lesson. i grew up playing rock and roll and rhythm and blues. when i heard reggae bass i was flabbergasted.

[@kijekuyo9494]

To me, this is the right way to approach music. Explore the spirit of whatever moves us, but keep it a creative venture.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you, I was amazed at the amount of people that want an alternative to speed bass playing.

[@kijekuyo9494]

@@donstrumental8905 I'm collecting a band for playing what's referred to as "world beat" music, and reggae plays a big part of the "world sound." It's amazing that a music form from a minority population on tiny little island of 2,000,000 inhabitants can influence music from places as widespread as the US, South Africa, Turkey, Spain, and Israel.

[@brownin329]

Wow I wish I had seen this earlier. RIP Robbie Shakespeare! Long live Sly & Robbie!

[@lennoxlindsay7282]

Thank you so much. I've started bass guitar 8 months ago and I'm trying to be regular in my practice. Your lesson is very clearly explained and very inspiring. The sound of your bass is just pure unadulterated reggae..... it is perfect

[@donstrumental8905]

I hope this video helps you on your journey.

[@masaizamuya4477]

Jah...bless... ONE LOVE One Mama Africa.... Umoja na Amani... Great job my brother... Keep it up....

[@donstrumental8905]

One Love Brother

[@01taira]

Thanks for the great lesson, sir. With this bass line, I can keep myself grooving for hours. So much fun.

[@AxeMan808]

I really appreciate your giving details on assembling the pieces and then PLAYIN' the damn thing.

[@YawpMusic]

I really appreciate that you use standard notation as well as the TAB. Thanks for that.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks Luke👊🏾

[@alecbauserman6621]

Hey @Donstrumental Im a long time reggae listener and now learning to play the drums. I really appreciate the hard work you put in to these videos, they are very well made and you are an excellent teacher. Big up brother! Keep em coming

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you. If you would like the tracks without drums to play along drop an email to [e-mail]

[@original_rob_a_dub]

Maximum respect from Mexico!! You're a great bassie

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you Roberto

[@Duincyberkonijn]

Ya man....this is the real Reggae sound. I'l love it and i like the way you teach. Keep up.....greetings from Holland.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks bro

[@Pyramidtone]

I used to often wake up thinking about Robbie, visualizing what it took to get so deep. That tough sound with the groove-bounce. Legendary roots. When Joe Higgs and the Wailing Souls teamed up as Attaras for "Brimstone & Fire," they couldn't've picked a better rhythm section. Robbie? Or on "Temptation" by the Itals - there's no question. "Lift Up Your Conscience" by Israel Vibration, Robbie again. Tough riddim, consistently.

[@donstrumental8905]

It's all Robbie's personality. How he looks is how he sounds👊🏾

[@robertgoldbornatyout]

Excellent Sir thankyou, what a fantastic teacher you make it look so easy,

[@andreidoanca4262]

mate! I love these lessons. Coming from a background of heavy metal this opens doors to rythm, songwriting and grooving! I can't thank you enough

[@whene30wb]

Fantastic thanks brother!! R.i.p Robbie, always remember your awsome bassline as a child and always beasslines in my blood! Blessings to all🙌🙏✝️💟

[@ethanlocke3604]

100% right in your description of his playing as “attitude”. That captures his feel so well

[@thepiperofsimms9974]

I saw Bob ! Thank you for these funky cool lines. Damn that's good. Yuma, AZ.

[@donstrumental8905]

I can only wish i saw Bob. You're Welcome.

[@ngolinyirenda6421]

I swear I keep listening to this to here that Jazz Bass rumble and roar ! Trademark !

[@gromk2071]

Fat tone

[@danheke3168]

Totally awesome 👌. Thankyou. I love how you break it all down and the process you use to bring it up to full speed. I've been playing bass for 50 years and am always learning. Love these " Master classes "🎸🎼

[@margerysingleton7970]

Reggae lover here! That was excellent! Sadly, I only play bass (cello and piano) in my dreams at night! Haven't learned yet!

[@donstrumental8905]

Go get that bass Margery😀

[@Hispanictexaswoman]

I haven't played bass in about 6 months. It makes me feel kind of nervous every time I think of picking it up and playing a few songs. I really want to play some reggae vibes though, I think this channel will help me to get back into it again.

[@donstrumental8905]

What are you nervous about? One note at a time.

[@alunbelton8426]

An amazing 13 minute master class on Robbie Basspeare and reggae bass in general! There's so much advice and rock solid playing here. Thanks for making the effort to put this video together.

[@Diaaze]

yes yes yes! i pressed like before even watching it. I swear I was hoping the next video would be on Robbie Shakespeare. Thank you!!!

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you. Guess who’s next!!!

[@Diaaze]

@@donstrumental8905 I think you already revealed it in one of the comments. Family Man

[@ChidiUma]

This channel is amazing. Awesome content all the way. Subbed

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks for subbing

[@jff-b3363]

Thanks for the great vid Don. I'd love to hear more from your background into music? what made you pickup a bass in the first place? why a bass? A top 10 of your favorite bassline would also be amazing. Keep it up !

[@donstrumental8905]

Sounds like an idea for a video😉

[@jonkocan92]

Thanks for the video. It feels like i have played reggae for many years, your backing tracks gives me so much confidence. Thanks Jah bless

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you.

[@novadhd]

Loved how you are keeping it simple for us newbies out there. Nice bass too.

[@donstrumental8905]

Simple is everything

[@bustan44]

Wow just discoved the materials on the drive, amazing. Thanks man! I'll def buy you a coffee soon.

[@funkyabstract7496]

Wow nice to see these kind of videos! Can you believe I was growing up in Russia and since 12 years old I'm strictly hooked on reggae music and the first album that was explored by me is Black Uhuru's "Sensimillia"...Unfortunately back then there was no any explanation of how to play reggae so I've learned it by myself but only at the keys, but maybe now I can try it with the bass:) Respect and keep doin it ✊️

[@alexandergriboedov4319]

Thank you! You know, a week ago I made some short song based on Flabba Holt's bass line, that you showed - compliment for women in 8th of March. Bless you.

[@donstrumental8905]

Happy to see you are using the tips👊🏾

[@nireekshanreddyvnr6890]

Very nice Reggae lines and also your pedagogic style is amazing.

[@djsandy303]

every lesson i learn so much

[@mikedeleeuw4873]

Thanks, very inspiring. Have been listening and playing Robbie Dub for decades, but never heard it so clearly. I'm done, into my bass-dungeon for another sizzling' session.

[@wardnick4268]

Don, you did it again! Clear explanation, sublime examples, positive vibes. Don't stop giving these great tips.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks Nick, glad you’re finding the videos useful.

[@MonsieurVersatile]

Thanks so much for letting us download these backing tracks and score etc. Really enlightening!

[@danielarmstrong8503]

Love your style of teaching dude.

[@donstrumental8905]

I appreciate that!

[@BassLessonsOnline]

Yes! Simply brilliant combinations. Subconsciously (and often consciously) my improvised grooves are based on something I already know. Great teaching, Don. Thanks.

[@donstrumental8905]

my goal when playing reggae is to see if i can avoid any improvisation at all. I listened to a lot of soul and funk growing up so it was a challenge switching hats to play reggae.

[@BassLessonsOnline]

@@donstrumental8905 Wow, that's a new insight for me. Thanks, Don, I will now start to create non-improvised reggae bass lines. I just checked out a couple more of your tutorial videos ... and they are extremely helpful.

[@TheYjmfan]

I love playing this sort of reggae Robbie Shakespeare is one of my favourites just learnt this thank you.👍👏🏻

[@justinbell3640]

Have me wanting to put on that record, I have not heard in years, Big influence on me growing up, Much Love and thank you, Sir for this ✌ ❤ 🔊 🎶

[@laurieharper1526]

I love the subtlety in that way of playing. Thank you for such a clear and helpful demonstration.

[@donstrumental8905]

You're very welcome!

[@musamusashi]

Best reggae bass tutorials ever: big up yourself, family

[@jahking1617]

Many thanks for the great quality !!! Real Roots music 👍👌

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@RenatoLeiteBass]

All bass players needs to know this

[@paolonovaro187]

I miss and love Basspeare. Humble greatest basso player

[@Rastamonroj]

Good stuff...I dig the exercises of making your own bass lines...Enjoy the coffee

[@donstrumental8905]

Big Respect👊🏾

[@sotocasf]

Man, I just love your channel. This is a lesson not just about groove, but for what the BASS is made for, an enveloping percussive machine. Thanks, and keep with te videos

[@terencemcleod3681]

Clean, Shape, Precise and Class my man!!

[@donstrumental8905]

Appreciate it!

[@gocedimoski728]

Was asking myself when there will be the next drop. Perfect👍

[@mikeduvall9374]

I really admire your teaching skills.

[@Neil-qf6df]

You and reggae bass are a partnership, i wish i was half as good as you Don.

[@Tocar_Tocando]

Hi Don, thank u so much for share all that great bass lines!

[@donstrumental8905]

You're Welcome

[@Be_Musical]

Some great teaching here. Your videos are really well made and your instructions super clear. I am not only learning to groove but also how to create a good bass line. You are the coolest guy on youtube man.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks man, happy the tutorial is working for you.

[@mikaso]

That was wicked cool. Thanks and praises from Sweden!

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you Sweden👊🏾

[@ignasioestebangonzalez5046]

Love this raggae explanations... years ago when i started playing raggae coming from rock it took ages to even get to black uhuru and sly and robbie.... great groove man! love listening to your classes

[@donstrumental8905]

Sly and Robbie’s attitude is Rock, which I originally had in the video but edited out👊🏾

[@mildnuke8845]

How come i only got to know you now? Great teaching. Love the groove. Hope to learn more from you.

[@donstrumental8905]

Plenty more for you brother.

[@mildnuke8845]

@@donstrumental8905 thank you. Been playing bass since high school, but whenever i want to play the reggae style, i always find it hard. Like, i love the feeling, but i can't interpret it in my play.

[@RaggaDruida]

amazing work man! keep it up! I'm already exited about Family Man's & Shiah Coore's episodes!

[@grubbster77]

I'm fairly new to bass and have been trying to learn on and off for over a year now. Your video has inspired me to make a concerted effort over the Christmas break and to fit the flat-wounds that I bought ages ago, I think they'll make things a bit easier for me to learn the reggae groove. Many thanks for making these fantastic videos.

[@ngolinyirenda6421]

I actually dig this Donstrumental Riddim more and more !!!

[@gwen3829]

Terrific lesson, thank you!

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@MyronDoolittle]

Robbie was the best of the best. Thank you for such great and clear instruction. Your videos are very helpful.

[@petewatson5319]

Another great vid Don, thanks so much for your time. The tabs are a real help as well and I’m enjoying keeping an eye on the actual sheet music. Top player/tutor, Cheers.

[@donstrumental8905]

You’re welcome Pete

[@PedroSilvaMusic]

Love your channel and your playing. Thank you

[@rastanz]

Your video's are very well made, first of all your bass playing compliments the tone on your bass which has a nice phat reggae sound, secondly you explain things so clearly and simply with out trying to come off as sounding too technical. Robbie has a huge influence on my bass playing. Thanks for sharing.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@gratefulila9980]

Many thanks to the musician for sharing with the people. True blessing I Robbie has been one of my biggest influences, he's solid heavy and creative. Love all the Black Uhuru

[@donstrumental8905]

You’re welcome

[@ShrimpsTonic]

Attitude is definitely the right word. A good example would also be his line on Barry Brown's "It Ago Dread". One of those tunes where he turns a very simple concept into a very lively bass line that is almost as vocal as the lyrics themself.

[@donstrumental8905]

You can’t ever get Robbie to replay those lines though. The studio take is it and he will very rarely return.

[@ShrimpsTonic]

@@donstrumental8905 Yes, he probably made up everything on the spot.

[@playground8015]

Thanks thanks thanks!!! It’s been a long time that’s i was wondering how he played “shine eyes gall”. I’ve find the same note and was hesitate to play E string alone. You confirmed my thoughts! Nice basse line at the end

[@donstrumental8905]

Big strings all the way👊🏾

[@gregoryherson2095]

Hi Don, love the lessons. Always clear and inspirational. Any possibility of doing a Ska tutorial please? Many thanks, 😎🎸🎺🇳🇱 Greg

[@donstrumental8905]

I will try and put that on my hit list, I guess I should👊🏾

[@gregoryherson2095]

@@donstrumental8905 . Many thanks🎸👍

[@drawingdownthestars]

This channel is a Godsend. Thank you so much for this well produced informative lesson.

[@donstrumental8905]

You're very welcome!

[@danturba]

I like what you’re doing sharing the music , please listen to shine eye girl again ..bless

[@bassiehd]

Taking the riddim from one bassline and inserting it in another bassline is a great idea! I try to hear the bassline as a fundamental African "drum" which riddim defines the music both rhythmically and harmonically. Great lesson, very informative without getting too 'technical.' Robbie does tend to use his thumb instead of fingers to pick tho, not sure if that adds more "meat" to the pluck but sure is effective for Robbie!

[@donstrumental8905]

I had my eureka moment when I worked out that if you focus on the rhythm and not the notes you will never be short of ideas. Robbie uses thumb and fingers, he also doesn’t play anywhere near the neck like text book reggae says you should.

[@ngolinyirenda6421]

Robbie Rude Shakespeare ! It's totally wicked that you characterized Bassy as you did, attitude ! Check out how he played "Get Up, Stand Up" w Peter Tosh as opposed to the Bob Marley version - pure bass power !

[@donstrumental8905]

Concrete Jungle is my favorite Marley song, although I had the album in the house as a kid I didn’t realise it was Robbie till I saw the Catch A Fire documentary. Incidentally, Family Man never plays Robbie’s line when he plays it🤣

[@mamba691]

Wow! Love the way you breakdown and connect the baselines. Never looked at the simplicity of this concept before. Awesome bro 🙏🏿

[@donstrumental8905]

I know a lot of bass players find it difficult to come up with something original when asked to create a baseline. Instead of straining your brain to search for something new, just take one tiny concept that already exist and develop that. Eventually the creation process will come naturally. Works for any genre of music.

[@magnus17985]

Thanks for another great tutorial! I’m so grateful that I found your channel.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@analoguewings]

RIP Robbie 🇯🇲

[@reggaebass1857]

Superb lesson don, I find your videos and way of teaching inspirational to my playing, big thanks, riddim up ☝️

[@donstrumental8905]

Thanks Tony, my mission is better reggae basslines in a world of reggae lite. Everyone likes the old stuff, that has to change👊🏾

[@angelrodriguez2841]

You’re the man! Excellent video and supreme execution.

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you

[@Stiglr]

Next up: analyze and break down "Wicked Act". That one features a simple main bass line with subtle variations (adding and subtracting lead-in notes) that just kick your behind!!!! And it also has that intro figure, such as you mention for "Shine Eye Gal".

[@soulfinga100]

Solid as always Don...Rocksteady!

[@jakubwronowski1152]

juuuuuust love it totally! the sound is so huuuge! and you have such a clarity in teachings that even my sister on her's concert ukulele would play these heavy lines haha

[@donstrumental8905]

Haha, let’s get your sister on to the bass🤣

[@snesleywipessqueegeeservices]

wicked tutorials. really pleased to have found them. thanks Don!

[@donstrumental8905]

Glad you like them and glad you found the channel👊🏾

[@martinlesso8088]

Don your bass sounds amazing!! Thank you for sharing !

[@donstrumental8905]

You’re welcome.

[@BaseOfThePillar23]

Great lesson! Looking forward to more!

[@donstrumental8905]

Thank you