I Was Made To Love Her - The Genius Of James Jamerson

[@talkingbasslessons]

Lesson Material is all here: bit.ly/3th3Yrd

[@jhonezcronic]

God played through that man… James usually got a lead sheet with just chords… the rest was him…… UNfuckingBelievable been playing bass for decades… always amazed…. Always

[@profile2047]

😶

[@hectormoran-ve7xr]

Or at least some angel as there’s no base player as fantastic as James Jamerson

[@rlpologear]

Where would the world be without black American music ❤️🖤💚

[@Kemet3.0]

Every musical genre invented... Yes, they originated. Even historical pirates imitated the tunes of the old Negro spirituals sung during voyages on slave ships. I was shocked to read that, but it makes sense. While lying on the bottom of ships for weeks, all they had was their minds and voices.

[@stevecareskey6542]

Better

[@user-tr6xz6us8b]

@@Kemet3.0 get a grip

[@gelandres]

Jamerson still an under appreciated genius

[@haroldbrooks4235]

I wouldn’t say that now. Plenty of young people know about him now thanks to Social Media

[@grubboy3514]

Jamerson was truly a musical genius

[@klisher]

For me, Jamerson's best bass part. 👍👍

[@donh5794]

This one and also "Ain't no mountain high enough" which I'm working on now.

[@beansmc]

The footage of him in the studio laying on his back, convulsing. Playing some of the best bass lines ever. Is completely mind-blowing.

[@ghostrider2ification]

Love to see someone covering Jamerson's technique and approach since there isn't much of that on KZbin. Every time I hear a Jamerson bass line, I can't help but smile. His genius is timeless.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

I feel the urge to grab my bass when I hear a tune with either James playing or his style playing. Through his music he taught legions of bassists a whole new style.

[@Kemet3.0]

James Jamerson bass is talking the lyric this is what so special. Motown is unique, back then the instruments version was played in elevators and restaurants. During the 1970-1980s, BMI/ASCAP produced music for restaurants and elevators. In addition, Motown music was played in office buildings and hospitals etc. My memory of the lyrics is enhanced by JJ bass parts.

[@unc1589]

Jamersons musical intelligence was off the charts. Everybody used what they learned from him if even unconsciously. You can’t un-hear James Jamerson. Some RnB record companies would encourage bassist to play a line differently because they didn’t want their sound to be the same. Jamerson had infected the bass world. I mean, imagine hearing this song for the first time in 68/69. Bassist were like “What? What is this?” Flawless 16th note right out of the gate. “BAM! Now listen all the other stuff I can do.” Jamerson bragged with his bass. Never his mouth. (Well a lil bit)

[@kennethganpot8808]

I remember learning that bass line when I was a teenager playing in a band. At the time I was playing rhythm guitar but I loved the bass. I went on to play bass in another band. Now at the age of seventy one I still play guitar and sing but I have fond memories of that time in the sixties!!!!❤

[@Pladderkasse]

JJ's ability to capture the moment and the spirit of the music is stunning, A complete musician.

[@henryfreeman7748]

I love Jamerson with his FLAT DEAD strings...😎😲

[@dawnuddaded853]

I'm old. I grew up listening to Jamerson and playing Jamerson. Excellent breakdown of his performance on "I Was Made to Love Her". Well done! A+. BTW flatwounds? Underrated.

[@brianemmis5715]

Fantastic song. Fantastic bass part. Fantastic lesson! Thank you very much.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Love it! Thanks! One of my favourite Jamerson lines to play is from the Miracles song Goin' to a Go Go.

[@diegovargas70]

This one will be a great lesson for sure

[@shooz4unme]

AGREED!!

[@michaelrickels7386]

I've read that Jamerson's rule was to never play the chorus the same way twice. I try to follow this as best I can, but it isn't always as easy as one might think.

[@silentyouber2816]

It was not just chorus, but sometimes verses as well. Listen to "I second that emotion". He was truly a master.

[@alelaera13]

i would think you truly need how to improvise over chords. this is improv 101, though I think with bass is more difficult (im a guitarist) since you really need to hit those root notes. if you go on a long riff you need to be ready to go back. in songs like these, where chords can chang ereally quick, it's not easy to stay in those patterns.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

The song What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye is the perfect example of your comment. I have a book of published transcription's of some of James Jamerson's works. And nothing repeat's. Every bar something changes.

[@hallaughlin768]

yes indeed! always a good idea to change each time around.easy to do when playing blues. @@charlesmcgehee3227

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

He is THE greatest Fender bass player, ever to have lived, and this is not a close call. I'm not a bass player, and I count him among the very few *perfect* players, on any instrument. I mean, we're talking Lester Young territory here. This is a genius, and not like just tossing the word around. He was a Paul Chambers man, which is something he and I have in common.

[@aaronevans7880]

Jamerson needs commendation for every line he played. A genius.

[@L.u.c.e.r.o.]

Very good lesson. I understand now what made Jamerson a virtuoso on the electric bass. The combination of the flatwound and the muted sound created a standup bass tone. I get it now. Jamerson brought his background knowledge and experience on the standup to the electric. This lesson helped me appreciate Jamerson and the Motown sound much more. And the bassline sounds awesome just by itself. Thank you.

[@johnsworldofvideopoker]

Best break-down of Jamerson s lines that I ever seen or heard. Superb!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌎🍎

[@jamiemineer4879]

How about teaching “Darling Dear” by the Jackson 5?

[@grubboy3514]

Another legendary Jamerson baseline!

[@ChromaticHarp]

That one is in the ‘standing in the shadows of Motown’ book, about Jameson

[@tomlew55]

A good part of James' playing was improvised, which was phenomenal. I'm willing to bet if you could go back in time to ask him to recite note for note, he would have a good laugh. I learned way back in the 60's to find what we would call the root/core notes to a piece, then play off of that looking for tasty fills which is what this style music is all about, especially live. If you want to play note for note join a symphony orchestra.

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Ringin’ the Jamerson Bell! Right on, mate! 😎👍👍

[@mistad309]

I'm a beginner bass player and when I've learned to play this track then I know I can play bass. My favourite bass player and track ever. Thank you for this lesson 😀👌🏾

[@nylesfrench3568]

Another Hellacious Post. I'm still working on Jaco's Come On, Come Over, with you. I always loved this incredible Funky, groovin, Soulful, Jazzy Baseline. He's the Godfather of the Bass.

[@barryblack5562]

I played many of his parts including this one for years in a 16 piece soul funk band. This is a wonderful line as it's what's goin on. I never hear anyone talking of willy weeks he did some incredible lines as well.

[@lilmelvin11]

Thanks for mentioning Willie Weeks. So underrated, so much classic work. I didn't know until a few years ago that he played Bass on the Stones' "It's Only Rock'n'roll". So slinky.. I assumed it was Bill Wyman!

[@barryblack5562]

@@lilmelvin11 check him out with Donny Hathaway live wooo hooo

[@barryblack5562]

@@lilmelvin11 I'm not that up on the stones when I started I was listening to Rick laird and miroslav virtuous and all these guys playing around j McLaughlin and John la ponty. My dad was a pro jazz guitarist so I was into ray brown and Ron Carter as well and only really got into the soul and funk stuff later on which made me a much better player. But Rock bass didn't draw me so much. I know better now 🤣

[@lilmelvin11]

@@barryblack5562 Yep. Brilliant on the Hathaway album!

[@barryblack5562]

@@lilmelvin11the solo on everything is everything is such a groove and those little chords he does. There was a guy who came out to Australia with Jeff Beck I get his name mixed up with Wilton Felder the sax player. I wish I could remember his name he was fantastic too.Felton or something like that maybe you know?

[@tylerthompson1842]

I transcribe this off cd many years ago. I couldn’t believe how he would never repeat himself, and each pass catchier than the next. If can play this clean at temp, you can play just about anything.

[@AddLoveTM126]

Thanks A Million Love!❤️👏🏼🥰 That Bassline🎸 actually sounds very similar to The Jackson Five's "I Don't Know Why I Love You!"😎

[@theRollingStingRays]

This lesson folds perfectly into my TB Chord Tone Essentials course. And, i can understand this stuff because of you, Mark. A good teacher is a very good thing, indeed.

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Wow, so synchronistic, I've been working on Jamerson all week!

[@mikestrong4946]

Synchronistic for me as well, Steven Adcock. I've been working through Triads, (running them through the cycle of 4ths and through a I vi ii V chord progression) -- and then this lesson just... WOW! I'm feeling very musical. Thanks for another great bread down lesson, Mark.

[@Joey0367]

Thanks Mark for breaking down this awesome song. This is my favorite Jamerson on bass song by Stevie Wonder. I’m quite sure you’ve made Jamerson proud by how well you explain and breakdown this magnificent bass line. Cheers fellow bass player!

[@brian1801]

You rock! Thanks for sharing your passion and insights. From the guy who never understood why we needed a bass player until one day he missed rehearsal and improv was a wasted effort without the baseline.

[@haroldbrooks4235]

Back in the day I never paid much attention to how melodic this bass line was ❤

[@sonnylewis4127]

Thank you so much for this. You really teach this well. Excellent instruction.

[@PushSueAside]

Ive been working my way through this for roughly 8 1/2 hrs. My brain and fingers are in a giant knot, i need break from this. But ill be back..... Great lesson. Thank you Mark I wish I could find a lesson this clear on “ain’t no mountain high enough” its so much like this song. Cheers

[@leonbode1748]

I learned Aint no mountain high enough with the video by CoverSolutions, very good coevr with both stadard notation and tabs. Check it out, if you havent yet

[@PushSueAside]

@@leonbode1748 cheers Leon. I appreciate that. I’ll check it out. Thank you.

[@laurieharper1526]

Excellent demonstration and lesson. Thank you. A wonderful bass part. Just for fun, I tried playing it with just my index finger (as JJ did). How on earth did he do it? Interesting point about using open strings is that it gives you a chance to shift position cleanly.

[@GabrielRodriguez-wo8rd]

WOW, thank you so much for explaining everything with so much detail.

[@bluenote335]

Thank you for this incredible explanation and presentation. Jamerson was the Grand Master of the low end ❤

[@xybervid]

This is a top quality bass lesson. Fantastic. Thanks Mark!

[@martinheath5947]

Really great lesson! Appreciate the effort you put into this one the different tempos.A few more elements have fallen into place for me finally. Thanks! Incidentally quite a few Jamerson lines lend themselves very nicely to reinterpretation in other time signatures. This tune is an interesting one to modify into 6/8 feel. Converting other 3/4 parts like Love Is Here And Now You're Gone into a 4/4 using the rhythmic groove of I Was Made To Love Her opens up fresh possibilities as well. Endless inspiration

[@humanidrome]

This is an amazing lesson. Clearly you put a lot of work in it . . . Thank you very much Mark!

[@wasteyelo1]

A really great lesson. You explained this monster of a B-line perfectly. Those open string transition notes, to get back to the 3 fret are a fantastic technique. The Country guitar player used them a lot in his playing, he called them escape notes if I remember rightly.

[@fredjansohn8888]

Hi Mark, That's one awesome song, amazing bass line and VERY helpful analysis. Getting into more Stevie Wonder (bass) stuff, and love Jamerson's imaginatively musical and syncopated lines too! The materials hadn't been posted yet when I went to look. Will keep looking. Cheers, Fred Jansohn

[@loudoniii]

Brilliant tutorial, Mark ... great stuff! I've bought "Standing in the shadows of Motown" book as you recommended, which is superb material. Thank you so much for sharing all this! 😀

[@polara01]

Hi Mark, great tutorial! Just an observation...even though it appears you are using some kind of string mute comparable to Jamerson's, your A string doesn't sound muted at all and kinda clashed with the more muted tones of the other strings. I just use an old piece of thick yellow foam from an old couch we were getting rid of and it works fairly well. The heavier strings I add a little more under them as it takes a bit more to mute those strings. By the way your bass is really beautiful that was a really good year for the P-bass (looks like a 58'-60'?)

[@oneplay2443]

This series youre doin of breaking this baselines down is great Mark!!!!!

[@radicalred4u]

Great Lesson...more than just the song was Learnt...Cheers

[@ChromaticHarp]

Wow great teacher and great lesson!

[@davidbalan6571]

Minor Fifth scales and Third Arpeggios Dsus 4 , E7 , Bsus 4 and Am6 .

[@davidhull6332]

I usually don’t care for the P-bass, but I have to admit that thing sounds great. Now I absolutely want to pick one up.

[@gabrielprice6175]

Thanks, Mark! Diving into this this week. I've been putting it off for too long.

[@gc4th]

This is literally one of my favourite Jamerson bass lines (my favorite bassist) and favourite Wonder hidden gems!!!! Been learning it for months!!!! Side note... does anyone know those chords he is playing when demonstrating chord progression??? I am attempting to try to learn chords on bass. Thanks in Advance!!!

[@BotandSould]

. F Bbm7 Eb7 Db Eb G|--14-----13------12----10----12 D|--xx-----11------11-----xx----xx A|--15-----13------xx-----11----13 E|--13-----xx-------11------9----11 Hopefully youtube keeps the tab format readable for you. Moving in order from the lowest note of each shape: F, Db, and Eb are all made from the root, 5th, and major 3rd. Bbm7 is the root, minor 3rd, dominant 7th. Eb7 is the root, dominant 7th, major 3rd. There are a few bass chord vids out there, including one from TalkingBass. You could also look up guitar chord voicings and apply the shapes to the bass, although normal guitar chord shapes can sound muddy on the lower notes. The way I learned chords was just to finally learn how scales are built. The chord names will tell you what notes of what scale to play. It can seem pretty daunting at first, but it's all about finding the way of thinking about it that works for you. Hope this helps.

[@mark-stefaniw]

Root on the E-string, 5th on the A-string, major 10th on the G-string.

[@gc4th]

@@BotandSould Thanks so much for taking the time out to type that out... I have a piano background, but having a hard time around figuring out the fretboard still. Will work on this for sure!!!

[@gc4th]

@@mark-stefaniw will definitely add this to my repertoire... Thank you!

[@fiscaldisco5234]

Thank you for taking a few minutes going over the progression!

[@jomtien123]

I want you bass world to know once and for all that when you hear the word 'bass line' this is the man it came from. It was Jamerson who transformed a 'riff' into a 'line', that is, perhaps due to his jazz roots made the bass interesting over a series of bars in a story like 'line' as different to what was played then. As a matter of fact this is still what is played now and wrongly called bass lines, a figure comprised of one or two bars played again and again IS NOT A BASS LINE. These a are riffs having only 'instant' vertical interest as opposed to horizontal one.

[@brettsamuels3669]

Hi Mark : Jamerson Is My Favourite . Hands down . But ( as you know he didn't play on all the classics , Bob Babbitt played on some . Cheers Mate !!

[@goprodog4304]

Jamiroquai built a whole career on this song, IMHO.

[@jarreloliveira2931]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@och70]

Love that P-Bass. Might be my favorite look and style of all time.

[@Hexenhammer]

Here we go with the haters disliking the video before it even starts. I really wish KZbin would get with the program and make their chat more like Reddit, where all of the losers eventually lose out on karma and disappear into the forest of despair.

[@Totem360]

I really like your approach Mate! Plus your bass is very cool, luv the light beige pick guard on the matte silky brown sunburst. First time here so gonna subscribe. Good on ya.

[@roblemaer4834]

A talented teacher.

[@daveevans3380]

Another excellent video lesson. Not one of my favourite Jamerson lines but lots to learn all the same. Did you ever have a deep dive into Signed Sealed Delivered?

[@Maltloaflegrande]

That one was Bob Babbitt. Great bassline though I'd have to agree.

[@andreasbertl8588]

Thank you very much!

[@Mr.Bassman]

Great rundown, thank you. 27:48

[@lloyddarbon5034]

Thanks for this amazing vid and thanks for the book recommendation.

[@joannmannello9158]

I like this one Mark! look forward to learning and playing it! nice job

[@fredmiller1358]

I have always tried to play by ear. When it comes to Motown and the 16th note structure l find myself walking on the MOON!!!🤯

[@chomusic]

Super lesson. Mark is a genius.

[@nathanlabat2058]

@talkingbasslessons I'm trying to wrap my head around the chords for this song. In the key of F major the 6th chord is a D minor and the 7th is an E diminished. Theoretically how does an E9 and a D flat work in the key of F major?

[@talkingbasslessons]

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that chords in a song or key have to be taken from the diatonic set. People make this mistake all the time after learning the basic set of chords you can create from a major scale. That’s just the start. You have to study harmony. It’s the start of a long journey.

[@Stevengomez-j6q]

Can you do a tutorial on 'for once in my life' by James YOG

[@kimhebert9905]

Great Lesson…Thanks 🎶🎶🎶

[@bobwright4945]

Brilliant lesson Mark, loved it.

[@alejandronieto576]

Excellent lesson!! Thank you!!

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks Mark much appreciated 👍

[@kimmorgan379]

Awesome!

[@bryce253]

What always amazes me about the greats like Jameson..Coltrane..Hendrix..ect is that people spend lifetimes breaking down notes and techniques ect. They did none of that. It was just them playing through the natural gift God gave them. These are the true geniuses. This is why I never place someone who studies and learns to play like someone over the original, even if they have mastered copying. The original did not have a blueprint to go off of. They are the creator. That is what a true GOAT is.

[@TheDarkKnight73]

One of the best to do it without being crazy on the bass

[@SteveSam66]

Great lesson! Thanks

[@rodrigovmartins]

What are you using to mute the strings? BTW, very good lesson!

[@Idisfan]

Nordy Mute.

[@mr.t382]

Great stuff as usual mate!!! Breakdowns abs explanations top notch! Couple of questions pls / I gave that same bass. I once tried those original Jameson flats but the tension was so high I thought it might snap the neck! Did you have a big setup to do to make them work? Those strings - what gauges pls?? you could tew your car with the recommended Jameson ones Love the Nordy damper - gotta get one. Love that wiiiide strap! Is that available somewhere pls? That looks like a life saver! Thanks 🙏🙏🙏

[@MrPrincepop]

Any James Jamerson is a winner, but a Stevie Wonder on top of it too? Amazing lesson! Made run to get my bass. lol

[@sturusk3620]

Well, that's MY weekend (pffft) sorted. Brilliant stuff, thank you.

[@CarlosRoberto-os9bs]

Very Nice! Thank you !!

[@fredjansohn8888]

Hi, As a bit of a Luddite/Klutz at times when it comes to techno stuff, I'm having trouble locating the "lesson materials" Mark refers to. Can't seem to find it when I "click the links below", actually above from this vantage point! Could someone help me find it? Would be grateful. Cheers, Fred Jansohn

[@donvape336]

I just found this and I was working on this song last night. Funny

[@polara01]

As far as pure Jamerson tone goes, Smokey Robinson's Baby, Baby don't cry is a really good example where his bass was really in your face in the mix with that muted, but still "punchy" tone. It's all there all the way through the fadeout...

[@markbass354]

COOL THANKS MARK

[@recordguy4321]

the drums as usual lock with that groove, pretty sure it was Uriel Jones, could have been "Pistol Allen". Benny Bennjamin was pretty much gone by then

[@Skyhors3]

It's JJ's 2nd gen. jazz background, also upright bass techniques and habits. Ya practically gotta read to follow him.

[@ryneagheilim9782]

Hmmm, if the bass cant be heard because it always sounds so low, why cant we play it in higher octaves occasionally in shorter notes so it's more colorful and noticeable? - Probably James Jamerson himself

[@stephenshoihet2590]

Just in time for my new pbass :-)

[@TPBass1224]

Awesome!!

[@mikethemusicman1978]

The Db, Eb, F is the same chord sequence as Cameo's Word Up.

[@Joey0367]

I was wondering if you would ever cover this classic hit. I’m so glad you dig into this exceptional song, definitely my favorite Jamerson song. Thank you sir for this wonderful tutorial! 👍🏻🙂

[@genegleckner2732]

Awesome job! I got some thick felt im gonna go make a mute right now 😅

[@kennyberry5171]

Been playing bass for 60 years, and sadly, didn't realize who James was until a few years ago (the Funk Brothers). Paul was my biggest influence, but he always spoke about "the Motown bass man". Hell, he didn't know the guy's name either. Never understood why they didn't list the musicians on those records! James Jamerson never changed the strings on his old P bass, hence the muted sound. Dead strings, especially flat wounds, sound great. I play a Jazz, and it has Fender flats, and only gets put in a case when I take it to a session. Deader is better!!

[@edbyrnes]

Hi Mark, Is that a mute in front of your bridge?

[@refonbass]

It's a product called the Nordymute by Carey Nordstrand. A very handy little tool to create a shorter decay on the note.

[@michaelwhite7876]

Only use index finger to play, muted dead flatwounds. Play between the neck and pickup.