Incredible Victor Wooten solo bass jam

Victor Wooten swung by the MusicRadar video studio and performed a solo bass jam that left our jaws on the floor. Watch and learn.
Bass: Fodera Victor Wooten Yin Yang
Amp: Hartke TX600, 1x12 Hydrive cab
Mic: AKG Perception Live P2

[@lamalo79]

I automatically smile when I watch this man play

[@teedub127]

Yup!

[@angelofanella7860]

Agreed

[@mr.buttermilk2971]

Is victor wooten, when he play, its just comfortable

[@glynpowell8652]

+1 :)

[@jacksonwilhelm2420]

I get depressed bc I’ll never be good

[@luisfelipeiturrietacarcamo8326]

This is how Victor checks if the bass is tuned, before the warm up

[@oeldave]

Yes folks . That is a four stringed bass

[@joescopo4655]

I was gonna like your comment but you’re at 69 likes and I couldn’t do it

[@dmomcilovic9185]

Oel Dave , thanks for counting for me, I could not manage past 3

[@SunnyD420]

Most basses are

[@dazboot2966]

@@SunnyD420 'Most basses are' - well that used to be the case but now you can find basses with up to 12, 18 or even more strings. All I can say is if 4 is good enough for Wooten then it should be enough for anybody.

[@intouchpreongopas8955]

I think OP mentioned it as a reference for how big the man is.

[@paulkwauk3285]

I like how Victor Wooten plays music to enjoy and express himself and looks like he isn't bothered at all about what people think.

[@kaliakoudis]

I don't think anyone would be bothered if people thought he was a god.

[@Quinceps]

It's true he also needs them.

[@tromboneman4517]

Well, even if he cared about what people think, he’d be lucky because we all love him.

[@clarkcant4818]

@@tromboneman4517 nothing not to love, wooten is the fuckin MAN

[@ks716]

Even with the "mistakes", he smiles and the groove continues. What mastery. Humble and so down to earth. A man of fantastic caliber

[@Irkin_Bollikans]

Nothing is a mistake

[@orandachildren1051]

@@Irkin_Bollikans you're a mistake

[@WhiskerWhippers]

I think he even made a video about incorporating your mistakes into your playing

[@yez1062]

there were mistakes?

[@paatwo]

Any "mistake" is just jazz for a musician ;)

[@cliftontorrence839]

I remember meeting you at a clinic in Colo when that bass was brand new and the blond face cap was very light colored maple. You generously handed it to me and said "go on, play it" . Hands down the sweetest sounding bass i ever held. Vic, I hear around, You are still wonderful.

[@youKnowWho3311]

So cool. I have a pic of me and Victor from North Carolina around the year 2000. I got a pic with him, his autograph, and got to see him and his brothers throw down for $12....... It's one of my fondest musical memories.

[@bossHogOG]

Who you talking to?

[@arjeseel1707]

@@bossHogOG to victor you dumb laid-back grass eating asshat

[@opielee847]

@@arjeseel1707 mm yes reddit

[@jeff5375]

Met him at a clinic in NC. Amazing musician and a true gentleman!

[@bak1386]

The melodies he comes up with are amazing. Very organic and so complex that they almost seem simple. It's the mark of a great bassist

[@Ana_crusis]

you don't think this was already worked out in advance?

[@foufougeo7788]

@@Ana_crusis what is the model and brand of its bass?

[@RateOfChange]

He's actualy playing A Portrait of Tracy - Jaco Pastorius.

[@thewomble1509]

@@foufougeo7788 it's a Fodera monarch i think.

[@brettlessard2532]

Most of it is based on the Flecktones song "Sex In A Pan"

[@drinkspecials]

All the different techniques exhibiting it in this video while keeping the #1 rule. Groove.

[@gd-lockc7618]

Right that’s what I’m paying attention to.

[@U2WB]

Victor’s playing is other-worldly. He’s in a class all his own.

[@h1s41rness2]

Those harmonics actually brought tears to my eyes with how masterfully placed they were. Bravo Victor Wooten, a true master of the bass.

[@py_a_thon]

Yeah, the natural or tap harmonics on a 4 string electric bass are a very subtle bit of beauty when used well.

[@TheUnderscore_]

@@py_a_thon Not sure about subtle, but I completely agree about the beauty.

[@guitarsolos89]

What amazes me is how easy it seems to him to switch between grooves. Very dynamic

[@empanadasfritas7142]

Do it by yourself and stop crying. He is showing it as simple and clear at it is.

[@rebornvirgin]

it sounds like an organ

[@seanrichardson3485]

He's fulfilling the role of at least 2 standard instrumentalists at any one time. Absolutely amazing

[@martymarl4602]

3 (drums)

[@けちゃっぷ-s7z]

Player: Victor Wooten T-shirt: Jaco Pastrious Cap: BOH Bass: Fodera Amps: Hartke Hotel: Trivago

[@raulduke1528]

Skill: Godmode

[@excuse_me_mister]

Small tear of joy at the last one.

[@henrybajo1175]

You forget about the name of the second groove he played

[@AhmedZouitine]

@@henrybajo1175 YOU know the name !

[@TheRealestIdealist]

0:47 I NEVER heard any bass sound this "open" before...like wow, I can "feel" the full chords even though this is just the low end's harmonics.

[@jjmah7]

Every time he plays the bass, he’s telling a story. I think that’s a big reason he stands out from even the most talented bass players alive today. His solos aren’t *just* a technical show case, he makes you feel what he’s feeling

[@gregkosinski2303]

Well said! There are guys now who have eclipsed him technically, and some can play some amazing arrangements, but show me someone who can do this and I’ll say he has an equal.

[@awapuhi]

Jaco: you can only make harmonics in some frets. Victor: hold me beer.

[@olivierjacquet]

Actually, you can get em all ! But it's quite tricky. He uses his right hand thumb to force them.

[@killianwinn2635]

uh Jaco could play a harmonic on any fret mate

[@ruudvanderstappen8444]

@@olivierjacquet actually you need to space it from your fretting hand, not everywhere works, but you can for example fret a C on the A string and harmonic the 15th fret because it is 12 frets up

[@olivierjacquet]

@@ruudvanderstappen8444 #ifyouwanttheoctave

[@ChrisStoneFilm]

Get on my t-shirt

[@childofgod2160]

everytime I see Victor wooten I want to become a better bassist, he is inspiring

[@guitarplayernoteworthy2857]

Child of God And that’s what it’s all about...aspiring to become better, music is not a competition. Take your time, you’ll get there!

[@lilleilei169]

im not even a bassist but watching this makes me want to start trying

[@SimonBrisbane]

Inspiring as a musician and a warm, humble, compassionate human being also.

[@bassslapper-hc2me]

@@lilleilei169 do it no balls

[@madsthedane634]

wooten and miller is my inspiration love those to

[@makalu69]

One of the very few people who can make solo bass sound interesting (and how!) without sounding like its a competition to play the most notes the fastest. Respect Victor!!

[@NotYourPalGuy]

Check out Charles Berthoud on here

[@ronin6158]

best thing about Woot is the music comes first. He's amazingly technical but never lets it take precedence over the song. Even that ending.... True artist.

[@u_w5822]

Bass player here, have played for years. People cannot understand how phenomenal this is. Just like the chord slide at 2:15, this is so fucking difficult to let it sound CLEAN! he is the most amazing bass player ever.

[@alexgreen5064]

Those little harmonics thrown into funky lines 😵‍💫

[@kyleleon85]

2:33 that harmonic is incredible.

[@HeadHunterSix]

Victor is not only a virtuoso, he's also one of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure to meet. He always hangs around after shows to talk with everyone. He's humble and a really laid back cat.

[@uncre8tv1]

The way he gets two totally different tones out of the same string defies logic. Mind blowing.

[@randysnell9218]

One of the great bass innovators of the last few decades. Hats off.

[@nickc2144]

I love this composition, it's such a 'feel good" melody with an incredible groove. You just can't help tapping along with it.

[@kevinkinnu341]

When I see musicianship at this level I think there might be hope for the rest of humanity

[@mrcloopthethird618]

In what sense?

[@rosco3516]

@@mrcloopthethird618 Art evolves culture.

[@howdah7223]

@David Goldsmith r u sure about that xd

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

💫👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@Tibbers12]

That bass just screams balance. It's a beautiful yin yang. Incredible design and fitting message on display by the great Victor Wooten.

[@soulrpower3031]

Yes, that is a sweet bass.

[@tylerjacobson8012]

A great bass player wearing a shirt with another great bass player on it. Vic is such a beast. Grooviest mother on the planet.

[@chrisgoodrich46]

Victor Wooten is now one of my favorite bass players. Very versatile playing skills

[@mariobastos8620]

His talent makes a single bass be a solo, percussion and bass instrument at the same time. And it is sound so good!

[@bassmanbrandon3779]

The way he plays is so intricate that my brain can't comprehend what he is doing

[@jdtraub]

I put it at half speed to see every movement! Amazing bassist! (Understatement!)

[@darink300zx]

I saw him play live once with Bella fleck and the fleck tones. This was close to if not 20years ago. I was completely blown away with his mastery of the instrument. I played bass at the time and just couldn’t believe what he was doing. He’s the best.

[@FJUWANA]

I still remember vividly heard him play from afar in Montreal Jazz festival in 1998, his funk drew me close and watched him in awe... never knew who he was. Went to tower record to buy bela fleck and the fleckstones CD just to listen to his bass. My musical life changed forever.

[@olivierjacquet]

Never had the chance to see him, but I understand how your experience has changes your musical life. I can say it changed mine too even I only heard him on internet.

[@orryfishburne5326]

The feel Victor has is amazing

[@Spider0Fingers]

i like that his shirt appears to have Jaco Pastorius on it

[@jessehynes3610]

Sam Howard the Jimi Hendrix of bass

[@raphaelamzallag6203]

The intro have the same sound as Portrait of Tracy by Pastorius.

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@jessehynes3610 checked out Sam, Never heard of him...He has some tasty sounds...:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/apqwk6uviLxreLM

[@willmartin1837]

Props 2 JACO!!!!!!!

[@dbcanada]

@@godbluffvdgg It's definitely Jaco wearing a blue beanie. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bF60e5uKeLV7bKs

[@66Adidas66]

The part where the notes align perfect and harmonize seems like a beautiful place that can lift a soul :)

[@samdrye8067]

Make 4 strings amazing ! Victor sure does it. Bring out an underrated instrument. V Wooten absolutely did that and still does. That entire family makes music great again.

[@williamfisher233]

He's so amazing! Also a super nice guy. I got to meet Victor once and he wasn't bothered like some musicians. He introduced me to his family. Thruly amazing!!

[@LUckybones25]

This dude is just on a different level than everyone else. 🤯😳👏🏼👏🏼

[@jonhallstein33]

Agreed. And he's so ridiculously humble and gracious at the same time.

[@derrbow]

My bass doesn’t sound like this

[@simonsays3063]

😂😂

[@davidsquonkbreeds8568]

My thumb isn't ambidextrous like his either!

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Derringer Bow : my drums either

[@zackaryspinks9314]

Mine either

[@NelsonBlakeII]

Carlostherocker Ol Skool Fool yeah, his hands 😂

[@binary132]

That little chorus is such a great feeling!

[@dialect64]

!!! after over 2 decades of following his music, ever since I was a young ambitious beginner bassist... This has to be one of the most beautiful solo compositions on any instrument I have ever heard!!! Incredible

[@GoogleUser-wf7bn]

Love how he is wearing a Jaco Pastorius T. Shows you, even heros have heros.

[@jato1956]

Harmonics are the spice in the recipe! Yo Victuh!

[@joelvaldesjr.7404]

he slip and slides all over that board

[@foufougeo7788]

@salkdhfpoahergpoahre what is the model and brand of its bass?

[@VapidToast]

Listen you can't hold no groove, if you ain't go no pocket!

[@capi1996]

Idk why I read Hispanics but I was gonna say hell yeah anyways

[@yourself88xbl]

I don't seem to have the capacity to remember just how incredible this guy is. I'm always surprised at how absolutely perfect his playing is.

[@joelcopen3920]

Wooten is just his own kind of incredible. So creative, so versatile, so SOULFUL.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

I am new to his wonderful playing, but upon hearing the variety of moods, grooves and textures Mr. Wooten can create, I wondered immediately if he has done work scoring films or TV. He's definitely got what it takes....

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Victor is incredibly kind and humble despite being other-worldly at his instrument. It's a pleasure to be around him.

[@Bdegan68]

I love how everything he does is always so melodic and musical. You can't help but have your bobbing up and down or swaying from side to side

[@raulduke1528]

This is actually a video of wooten taking a nap.

[@jacksonwilhelm2420]

Raul Duke lol

[@001USA001]

Hilarious

[@wilsonmillerjr9817]

IKR

[@treefell100]

😂😂😂😂

[@streetfighter1966]

So not slap bass but more sleep bass...........................i'll get my coat.

[@Kurwynd]

A friend of mine was talking about great bass players and I mentioned Victor's name and he said that Victor doesn't count, he's not human... LOL.. He is just too far above everyone else...

[@artysanmobile]

Kurwynd Victor would hate the comment, but, oh well...

[@jaylambert2838]

He’s probably the best in the world. But to say he’s “too far” above everyone else is a stretch. At that elite level, there are some who are pretty darn close to him.

[@artysanmobile]

Jay Lambert Please get over the “best in the world” nonsense. Music is not a sport. Victor is highly skilled and creative. “Best in the world” would put a mocking frown on his face.

[@owoled282]

He truly is on another place. a master of the instrument !

[@jaylambert2838]

@@artysanmobile Relax dude lol

[@tormentor502]

Seeing how happy and how he’s enjoying playing makes me smile so much.

[@helena-rk4fn]

Out of this world . .i love every second of his musical genius.

[@_JXB94]

Best bassist that's ever lived

[@py_a_thon]

If one of his other tracks is the lesson, then is this the graduation?

[@hw4039]

You very well could be right.

[@thomac131]

I love the shear joy you see in his face as he plays his amazing music!!!!

[@ilaphroaig]

0:18 was for me a nice new trick/sound

[@azaak_melody]

For me you are (( one of the Greatest Bass player in history )) , oh god! !! ❤😮 so emotional and touching

[@83thane11]

I come back to this video almost every month, just so damn peaceful

[@abbienormals1669]

Just watching his face as he enjoys the music is amazing.

[@lazylester1]

Regardless of genre, this guy would be first pick for my dream band !

[@nemesisbass2133]

This video leaves me speechless every damn time. The melody is beautiful, each verse is powerful, and groovey, each transition flows like wine at an Italian wedding. Amazing display of musicianship.

[@oddswith]

I met Victor after a show in Knoxville Tn- he is amazingly humble-wow what a skilled bassist

[@cameddy4081]

Genius- unpretentious, funky , soulful , gorgeous harmonics - Arjuna lives ! God bless you Victor for all your beauty !

[@crominion6045]

I love all the harmonics he throws in. Great stuff.

[@matthewhach5775]

The one he lets ring @ 2:33 is incredibly impressive, I play guitar and that is something I need to put work in

[@monkymonk6]

Looked like he was hitting harmonics on every fret. That is incredible.

[@milesberry2763]

Even when he messes up or does something that doesn’t work so well he just smiles and keeps going.

[@michaelanthony9068]

I culled VW videos for a long time cuz all I saw were his solos videos that didn’t seem musical… just a lot of insane fretboard gymnastics. This video brought me back. Very sensitive gorgeous playing.

[@Kaftn]

The best four minutes of my life

[@A423-f9o]

... and the shortest too

[@chrispenny1985]

Think you need to get out more pal

[@clanrat]

That smile at the end says it all :)

[@JeffB-hf9rb]

As a metal guy I love hearing this. Sadly in my genre bass is often too underappreciated with Cliff Burton really being one of the few who got recognition tho he's been gone for closer to 40 than 30 years.

[@laurenthendrickx1808]

So you dont know Justin chancellor ?

[@PillBugProductions]

Ryan Martinie

[@isnowzz9355]

Listen to some primus!!!

[@christianschneider5352]

For me, the good metal bassists are genius in terms of tone. Really few people come close to Cliff in terms of skill, and none in terms of composing. I feel like if metal bassists expanded out of tremolo picking, the scene would look much better. Slap is such an aggressive technique, it fits in perfectly. Why isnt it used? Well it is by a few, like primus, BUT THEY ALWAYS MAKE IT FUNKY. I've heard a cover of spirit crusher by death that showed exactly what I meant. Also, bass solos? Why are they always on the low frets and last about 10 seconds? I want high fret distortion long bass solos. But where will the lowend be then? There are a few options. 1. Tap the lows and highs. 2. Make the bass solo part less reliant on bass. 3. Gainy guitar, maybe octave pedal. Bassists should also take more guitar techniques if they use the pick so much anyway. Sweep? Do it! High bends? Do it! They should also generally use more effects, like whammy and wah. Harmonics are underused in metal as well in general, but especially on bass. In short the bassists in metal arent underrated, they are just not creative enough.

[@ikon4255]

@@isnowzz9355 id rather jump off a cliff than listen to primus..

[@DallasGunther]

Victor sits at the very top of the mountain in his ability but he treats people with a warmth that makes you feel like he ain't 10 times better than anyone you've ever heard. Genuinely nice guy who's happy to answer questions and give pointers if asked.

[@tomkitchen9457]

He's amazing AND humble. In an interview I heard him say "I'm just the bass player."

[@backpackmusician]

He’s the bassist I wanna be not the bassist I’m gonna be😢

[@janossandor6517]

Jaco T-shirt :D

[@mackmilne8155]

Jaco's better

[@aviolaist]

That's just a matter of opinion because I think Victor is better.

[@enderblazefuision]

More like taco j-shirt

[@joepilbeam4722]

I got to see him live once, yes it's as incredible as you can imagine, afterwards he talked with everyone in the lobby longer than he was on stage, he's one of the nicest people I've ever met!

[@hogsandsooners]

I saw him twice with the Flecktones. What a lineup! Victor is so dang smoooooth!

[@joenolan4917]

The goodness of vics soul shines through this his bass tone

[@westonknight7474]

You sir flow like breathing. Absolute VIRTUOSITY. Thank you sir for sharing your gift with You Tube.

[@BillyKidJoe1]

And I'll never understand why anyone would ever go to see a DJ when there are actual musicians like this

[@dwabado]

to do either well is difficult.

[@OneWildVoice]

Victor Wooten... if this kid keeps practicing, he'll go far. Don't give up, son... you'll get there...

[@Iheartdgd]

Damn he sure knows how to make those harmonics ring

[@dwightdawson3578]

Mr. Wooten, you never cease to amaze me! Thank you for all you have done to make this world called Bass a bigger and better world!😊

[@leerothwell1461]

I used to think my instruments were broken. Turns out it's just me. Watching someone actually play an instrument how it's meant to be played is what KZbin was invented for.

[@jmanthirtyseven]

He’s the melodic, percussion and rhythm all in one

[@Lycurgus1982]

After watching this last night, i said with a sigh, now i can turn my machine off and be at peace. Thank you Victor!

[@erikzirger2131]

Damn! Its so melodic and so percussive at the same time.

[@petercallaway3420]

Everything Victor Wooten does is incredible 👏🏿 So is his brother Regi Wooten 🎸

[@hw4039]

OK, this guy is a prodigy, we all know that. I listen to this and cannot begin to imagine the hours he put in to be able to do this. Unreal.

[@joefavorule8814]

Just the best bass player on the planet. INCREDIBLE

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

Superb...Vic never ceases to amaze me. Very nice guy too.

[@FranoKakarigi]

Awesomely performed! And beautiful theme, urban drive combined with the poetry of the harmonics, bravo!

[@davidnilles3117]

Wow. I could watch Victor play all day long. What a talent!

[@winglessp1dgeon]

I really enjoy how much you can see that he's having a good time playing

[@kertsang2053]

I rarely enjoy bass solos as they generally seem like something better played on guitar or piano, with too much noodling around the high register, but Wooten is one of very few bassists who combines the full palette of sounds the bass is capable of to create something that is both melodic, groovy and percussive, which no other instrument can do.

[@kertsang2053]

@Paulonbass75 I've been playing bass for 13 years. I think I listen to plenty of bass.

[@h33th3r]

Perfect description.

[@Alucard6921]

This is why I consider him one of the best in the world. If not the best!

[@GuillermoHernandez-ce6mk]

Sin duda el mejor y mas completo bajista actualmente!!!! Virtuoso Victor!!!

[@Lacostebum21]

watched him play at LuLu's in Manitou Springs last night. Him and Steve Bailey, and Derico Watson. I was so lost in the playing and the amount of feel and musical visuals are just wow. I definitely appreciated all what was played. I enjoyed it so much. I learned alot and really happy i got the chance to see you Victor. Its all music my friend.

[@kukual9413]

Legend says, studio still smells funky.

[@craigkeller179]

I remember my first peavey amp had a natural screaming harmonic tone as soon as I plugged my bass in. It’s cool to play them on purpose too...

[@dsenunez]

OOOOHHH MY!!! isn't that lovely... nice Jaco T-shirt by the way.

[@Sighbot]

I want a shirt of Victor wearing a Jaco shirt.

[@micahgrubb6867]

Diego Sebastián Núñez much better and far beyond Jaco

[@kongandbasses8732]

@@micahgrubb6867 Despite Jaco playing a goddam fretless bass, Jaco is the more innovative player. Victor is just doing a playalong of one of the Flecktone songs.