What I've Learnt From 19 Years As A Pro Bassist (With Tips For YOU!)

[@henrychinaski2890]

It's really generous of you to share all this hard-earned knowledge of the true life of a professional bass player. Much respect for being so passionate about helping others improve. Thank you!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Henry. It’s easy for me to forget that these trivial (to me!) views of mine sometimes can help people. I think I’ll do a few more videos like these.

[@norbmolina7]

Agree with Henry. Thanks a million Dan!!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@norbmolina7 thanks so much!

[@Vikkk1978]

Thank you for talking about such important things in the profession of a musician. It doesn't matter if you are a professional or just an amateur. It's very important that you talk about the actual function of the bass guitar in a band. Not endless technical solos, but a strong confident background. Guys like Pino Palladino, Lee Sklar, Nathan East, Tony Levin should be bass heroes first and foremost.

[@davidwallace2950]

I'm a drummer learning how to play bass. Your channel is by far the most informative, interesting, and educational in my subscription list. Big thank you for all your lessons and books.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That means a lot, David; thanks very much. 🙏🙏

[@the_sin_music]

Fantastic video, thank you and love from Serbia ♥️🇷🇸

[@alexwilson2751]

Your sincere and selfless advice means so much to me. I am humbled and appreciative of your humility, patience and the professional way that you share this technical work. You are a true blessing to my studies. Thank you so very much!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Alex. Really happy I can help. 👍🙏

[@rabidwallaby84]

RE: Fender Precisions - I once owned a Mexican Fender P-bass that I had installed a Spector Tonepump 2-band active EQ into (routed the back of the body myself). This coloured the tone quite heavily. Well, I was playing a live bar gig and the sound tech was a local studio owner. At the end of the night, he came up to me and said "Now THAT is how a P-bass should sound"...and that's when I told him what I had done to it. :P He was rather shocked!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🤣

[@nikotsalis]

its very generous from you sharing all that experience, with this modest and honest way. As a new bass player I cannot thank you enough. Its the best video I have seen for a long time.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much, Nikos. I’m really happy you got something from it. That makes it worth it!

[@mitchgilbert1090]

This video is more inspiring than all of the incredible bass “nuts and bolts” videos you’ve shared with us. It gives direction to my musical development. Thank you. Mitch

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Mitch. Let me know if you can think of other stuff like this you’d like a video on.

[@brenzen8881]

It’s obvious you are speaking from a place of plentiful experience. I really appreciate your videos on my journey to becoming a good bass player, thanks man.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Keep it up 👊🙏👍

[@travisbartley58]

I have been gigging on bass for over 20 years. Number 1 tip is use a DI Box and get to know the sound engineer. Number 2 bring a back up bass don't change your strings mid set unless you want to get fired.

[@fredherfst8148]

Sting: “the c chord isn't a c chord until I play a c.” My role as a bass player is to keep my band mates comfortable. The drummer is key to your happiness. Play with the kick..it's fun. I was really fortunate to play bass with a superb jazz drummer, Lou Williamson RIP. I was 19 and learned and learned from him. He could play 3-4 different time signatures simultaneously. I also played with beginners..gave me a massive headache!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the comment, Fred. Good stuff!

[@derekdauchan2741]

This information is vital for a successful career as a working bassist.👍👊👏 Thanks so much Dan, you're an amazing player with a big heart !

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very kind, Derek! Glad you got something from it.

[@michaelweinman9051]

Well done. mate. Fabulous. From a longtime gigging player and former teacher. Feeling really low today. Your video really lifted my spirits. Thank you.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks very much. I hope you’re feeling much better.

[@brendanthebdog]

Great video! Practice, and knowing what to practice have been the most important factors in becoming a better bassist. Getting a P-bass has been extraordinarily helpful, but it's been practice. It comes out in small ways that every musician is self conscious about their technical abilities. I just find myself apologizing less by practicing more.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

It sounds simple but it’s not always easy to develop that habit. Keep it up! 👍

[@mauriceboone7865]

Can you share your practice routine with me .. I’m pitiful . I have a 5 string by the way

[@sboy1955]

Long time rhythm and lead guitar player here, I want to learn bass so I can offer that skill if needed. Plus the last few bass players that we hired for our band were really not very skilled. I don’t expect to ace the test just because I play guitar so I am trying to start with a clean slate as much as possible. My first bass video, thanks.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Just learn the basics and the role of the bass, which you know because you've been in a band, and you'll be fine!

[@Azajndo]

I’v been playing bass for 20 years, music is vital in my life since I was 5 (clarinet than sax), I have absolute hearing. But in my country it is quite a hazardous thing to become a pro musician, so I chose the “safer” way, and I graduated as a machanical engineer. But music is and will be my passion forever. Constantly practicing daily at least 30 minutes on metronome to become more and more efficient.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I think that’s sensible and it’s great that you still have music in your life. 👍

[@davidmfass]

Great video. Thanks for stressing working on basic techniques rather than getting caught up in gear and advanced skills. I know I'll do much better if I just get the basics down! Also, I find your advice about "being prepared" applies to us hobbyists as well. For people who just jam occasionally with friends, like I do, I find it's more fun if you prepare some ideas for what to play in advance, so people have a chance to get familiar with the songs. Otherwise you just end up playing 12-bar blues for three hours, which is boring and dissatisfying. If you actually prepare bass lines for some actual songs, everyone will have a much better time jamming, and everyone will sound much better!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yes, couldn’t agree more about being prepared!

[@mr.t382]

Great lesson Dan!! As usual 😬 Great professional information - Thank you sooo much!!! 🙏👍🙏

[@OnlineBassCourses]

My pleasure!

[@raymonette9345]

I really enjoy listening to you. Your authenticity, knowledge and passion are obvious. Keep it up.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks very much, Ray!

[@TheChrist117]

Many thanks Dan; some really essential advice in a nutshell. I've been a pro for many years and I probably would have been in a very different place if I'd practiced some key things you mention here. Having said, I've had a great time in music and not ready to hang up my bass yet! (I did learn a few hard lessons along the way, though.)

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s great, Chris. We’re all still learning! Never stop playing. 👍

[@cgonzt5636]

Hearing skill.. I agree 100%. I remember playing live, quite noisy stage. Lead singer told me something’s wrong with my chord.. then I checked my tune, and true enough one of my string is flat and it’s already the 2nd song 😝 😝

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Clip on tuner: essential!

[@TPBass1224]

Dan - Your channel is a literal goldmine of information. Thank you.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much for the comment. Appreciate that. 👍🙏🙏🙏

[@OlandoMcCall]

Technique and timing, ie tone(fingers) and feel (timing)

[@cyriani942]

Thanks a ton for this great video. Always a pleasure to listen to you. I started playing the bass in 2016 but later could not get time to practice on a daily basis. Before the COVID I just bought the Vox Stomplab 2b that I love the sound. I'm planning to get a phantom box to give more punch as I used a P Bass which is passive. As you mention, little gear and working on your technique and your tone are the most important. Each and every point of this video are a lot to me. Once again thanks a lot and God bless you and your family! ☺️☺️👍👍👍

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much! 🙏👍

[@tonysimmons5729]

You are awesome Dan! This is a books worth of tips in an instructional video! Thank you doesn’t even cover how much I appreciate your willingness to share your awareness of what really works in real life!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

So nice of you to say, Tony - thanks! 🙏🙏👍

[@zprince4120]

I've been playing for 30+ years as well but until the past couple of years i haven't jammed with anyone since high school... I've experienced a lot of what you talked about within the past few years though from playing in just one band... I play bass with friends in a band called Burnt Sun (you find us here on KZbin if you are interested...) we started actually gigging a couple of years ago but we had to boot our old drummer in 2019 because he didn't want to go forward and record a demo with us...(was a blessing in disguise) When we got our current drummer I noticed I had to change my technique a little to adapt to her more aggressive style and started breaking out more triplets to accent her double bass fills. I never considered myself a great bassists... I can read a little but far from sight reading and never focused on theory until recent years (and still learning) and after every show someone approaches me to compliment my playing because I stay in the pocket, have good time, groove and add to the music without getting in the way with too much fancy stuff, and I've done it with a well set up cheap $200 Ibanez and a decent amp.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s great - in a band setting such as yours you can really learn these things ‘on the job’. It’s a fantastic learning environment.

[@joshdavies4586]

Concise, informed and helpful! Best bass teacher on KZbin!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks a lot, Josh!

[@texasorange285]

Dan you are such a gift!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much! It is nearly Christmas so I’m happy to be a 🎁

[@simonfarmilo1636]

Love the no nonsense approach, thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Simon!

[@geddy0109]

Wow Dan. I watch you quite often. Where was this in 1978. I really appreciate your sharing of knowledge and making it a important point to be a good person, punctual, prepared. These things i rarely ran into in all my years in stupid cover bands in Chicago. I would highly recommend you to any skill level player. Beginner for sure. Plus I love your accent, " thousands of pounds ".... .lol. God Bless Dan. You're a gentleman and a scholar! Jim Chicago

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Jim. Not sure if I’m a gentleman or scholar, but I’ll take it! Thanks for the lovely comment. 👍🙏

[@josem.ignacio3370]

Thanks a lot, for telling us your experiences.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for watching.

[@joemiller8482]

Thank you. . So much. . Am 61 years old and am really ready. . .

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Never too late to start, Joe, and I get messages from 80 year olds starting bass so go for it!

[@joemiller8482]

Thanks for responding that means alot to me. .

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@joemiller8482 any time, Joe.

[@Eerkei]

Thanks for this video Dan, I've been playing bass recreationally for the last 10 years. The band I play in will be hitting the studios in a couple of months and these tips really do help. The pacing and clarity of this video really stands out! Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Erik. Make sure you’re prepared for those sessions and they’ll be really enjoyable. Good luck!

[@donh5794]

Thanks Dan! Excellent video with very helpful topics and real experience coverage. How did you become able to learn a song/music for a gig the same day or less? What are the attributes to look for in a drummer to be a good one to work with?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Don. Those are both great questions and I feel a video idea coming on…

[@mikaelolsson5333]

Great video with great advices. I'm not aiming to be a pro, but I want to improve my playing, and this was much appreciated!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

You can definitely improve with a good game plan and consistent practice. Good luck!

[@howardalexander6528]

Great information. You have just simplified my life. Blessings

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Howard.

[@dubdelay]

I always have an eye out for one of the Ibanez like that one. Someday one will turn up.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I got lucky finding this one as I had no idea about them before running into this one.

[@elmanitasdeplomo]

I see them coming up for sale here in the Netherlands somewhat regularly, never in a natural finish though and most of them look a bit shabby.

[@kayfox902]

Wow I love your channel! I've learned so much!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much, Kayla! Really glad to hear that - keep it up.

[@cgonzt5636]

You’re amazing dude.. thanks for the tip! You also reminded me to read the book (you authored) that i bought. 😆

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much!

[@Ytterdahls]

Very usable information! Thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

👍🙏

[@stevestokes1963]

Sounds like he just described me!!

[@kcjones2737]

Ugh… reading 😩 Thanks once again Dan! Great stuff!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Reading is not essential, don’t worry! It’s just really useful.

[@correametal]

Great video Dan! Thanks for all the great information you so kindly bring us here for us to grow musically. Blessings and success for you always!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much, Jose! Really appreciate that.

[@omg_wtf]

Thanks, Dan. Excellent video.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for watching.

[@stevieffs]

Gold dust. Folks, Dan is a great music theory teacher!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@samarsa.]

Awesome summary, many thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

My pleasure!

[@stefanbornhoft2258]

Thank you for your Tips. Thats so helpful. Its wonderful to listen to you and your bass playing is so excellent.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much for the comment, Stefan. I’m glad to hear that it helps your playing. Keep it up!

[@rodneycobb9190]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Your delivery puts the listener at ease while learning very valuable skills. What is your advice on playing jazz walking bass lines? I can play, but I'm having trouble connecting the dots. Lol

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks very much, Rodney! My advice is to watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWjLdJxtgNCIoNE. Hopefully it’ll get you connecting the dots a little more…

[@adammadtin8451]

Great vid Dan. I have been playing many years and familiar with this ideas but one thing I still struggle with is having a quick ear. I have a bit of a fear when jamming with new musicians and having to come up with great lines on the spot. Hearing different chords move by quickly seems to throw me and I often have to stop and focus really hard to hear what is being played. Usually it’s my eyes watching their fretboard that gets me through. What would be your advice to brush up on this aspect of playing?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks. Yeah, that’s a tough one and - in my experience - the only way to learn to do that really well is to put yourself in that uncomfortable position many times. You get much better really quickly by learning on the job that way. Learning about harmony and chord progressions really helps as does figuring out loads of songs by ear. Don’t worry, it gets easier!

[@iveheardenuff3752]

Great video family...Real talk.Salute 👊

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! 👍🙏

[@VictorELShelton]

Thanks for your important information

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for watching, Victor.

[@davidfox7983]

Great video Dan Liked the little antidotes Cheers

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, David. Got loads of those - most I can tell, some I can’t!

[@davidfox7983]

@@OnlineBassCourses Ha Nice one

[@alainbrasseur7083]

NO ONE cares about your gear : I do care about YOUR gear! I really dig this ibanez bass ... even if I've got one RB650 1984 MIJ Ibanez :-) by the way great video, thank you Dan

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Alain! Cool bass you have there…

[@stevielongworth6853]

Great advice again , thanks Dan.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Cheers, Stevie.

[@keithjackson4990]

Thank you for those tips Mate! 🎸🎸🎸

[@OnlineBassCourses]

My pleasure, Keith!

[@fredfoerster7995]

Great advice. Thank you.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Fred. 👍

[@themutebassplayer]

lots of good tips man!

[@Ross58]

Great tips 🙏

[@scottyshepardthesmoothdeep3081]

Man Dan the man you're awesome as always 👏 I want to thank you 😊 😎😎

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for that, Scotty. I appreciate it!

[@scottyshepardthesmoothdeep3081]

@@OnlineBassCourses 🙂😎

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Good tips!! I would consider myself a decent player but definitely need to learn how to rest and chart I want to play bass for a living so badly!!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Definitely learn to read then. Also learn lots of styles and get yourself out there and do every gig on offer. Good luck!

[@pine3737]

Excellent!

[@dincorcelles]

Thank you

[@OnlineBassCourses]

My pleasure.

[@bocobocoboco]

Dan this is great advice.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Micheal.

[@adityarao5721]

best last tip!

[@boimesa8190]

man I love your content! can't wait for you to get a Helix! ;)

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! The Helix is on the back burner as I’ve just upgraded some studio equipment.

[@boimesa8190]

@@OnlineBassCourses oh nooo 😭😭😭

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I’ll see if I can get in contact and get a review unit. No one seems to ever get back to me though because I’m KZbin small fry. 🤣

[@grigorisntamaras6709]

What is hijaz bass scales? Can you make a video for these?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I’ve actually never heard of them!

[@bjeffbuck1369]

I played bass for 32 years. Still see it as a learning tool.

[@Mysticmonnz]

Great video! Have you done a video on chords?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! I have (use the search on my channel) but I will do more. Anything in particular you want to know?

[@Mysticmonnz]

@@OnlineBassCourses nice! I will look! It was more just to understand finger techniques of chords for bass and variations of chords

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@Mysticmonnz these lessons will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5y7ZpSLpsqUiKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2esdKmpbdGMgq8

[@Mysticmonnz]

@@OnlineBassCourses much appreciated Dan 👍🏼👍🏼

[@flash001USA]

In the working "real world" should be on a tee-shirt. You're 100% correct. It's all about the groove and NOT the flash and glitter.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I chuckled a bit when I first saw your username I must admit but I know you know these truths! Thanks for the comment. 🙏👍

[@flash001USA]

@@OnlineBassCourses You got a great channel here and the way you present stuff makes it easy to comprehend. I don't read but I can chart with the "best" of them at this point in life which is good enough for my needs. When I first started to learn to play music the only KZbin available was a album or a cassette player. I started off on the guitar self teaching myself with old Mel Bay guitar chart books that cost me every bit of a dollar or two and that was probably one of the best things I ever did because that really helped me understand the bass especially when it hit me that those same scales applied right to the bass. These days people have everything right at their fingertips with the video platforms and now KZbin is full of 5 year old monster players that can literally give veteran studio and club players a run for their money. This is a much different world than it was 30 or 40 years ago thanks to these platforms. Take care and thank you for your reply.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very interesting points! I grew up learning pre Internet and I feel so lucky about that…

[@cgonzt5636]

Wow 30 yrs. bass player, I can’t imagine myself reaching that success.. with that skill & experience level- is there still a piece of music/ bass line riff that you find yourself struggling to play?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Most of it is just being old! To be honest, there’s way more that I can’t play than I can play. There’s so much I can improve on in so many areas. I find that exciting rather than depressing though as I love trying to get a bit better.

[@MrFagilo]

Great, thanks a lot?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@cperch37]

Life lesson…thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏

[@basbakker]

Soms great advice, thx

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏👍

[@lucasjohnston8159]

What Ibanez is that?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

1982 Roadster.

[@je709]

how can i fix my fret buzz?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

It could be a number of things. I’d take it for a set up or KZbin Fodera’s setup guide and learn to do it yourself (which is obviously cheaper and beneficial in the long run). It could be low action, uneven or worn frets, the nut. A luthier can spot it in no time.

[@je709]

@@OnlineBassCourses cool- thanks 🤘

[@bobbrothers1250]

learned

[@OnlineBassCourses]

‘Learned’ in the US & Canada, ‘learnt’ in the UK (where I’m from). 👍

[@evertthebassist]

Haha the drummers I've worked with are always interested in my gear for some reason

[@OnlineBassCourses]

To be fair, I did say ‘musicians’ not ‘drummers’. (Joking! I love drummers!).

[@evertthebassist]

@@OnlineBassCourses Hahahahaha 🤣🤣

[@paulthorpe766]

Dr Buckles says hi 😉

[@OnlineBassCourses]

This is like some Masonic greeting - love it!

[@travisbartley58]

Guitarist can do no wrong everything the bassist does is criticized

[@kevmac1230]

👍👍👍

[@user-gj8uq8kq1e]

Hey, don't tell every secret! ;)

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Plenty more out there!

[@pattycampbell8149]

Learnt??? really??? it's learned n I couldn't take lessons from somebody who says that.... LEARNED...

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Both are actually correct, Patty. Learned is generally used in the US and Canada (where I guess you might be from). Learnt is perfectly acceptable in the UK where I’m from. I’d be more than happy to direct you to some excellent American bass channels that align with your grammatical requirements. 🤣

[@bassplayer20]

Much better LESS TALK.....YOU talk too much....

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Kind of difficult to get my points across without talking.

[@bassplayer20]

Difficult.....action better than talking....

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I’m not sure we’re going to get anywhere with this riveting discussion. All the best. 👍

[@bassplayer20]

I would like to really see you play.....but all you do is TALK.....I´m sorry.....

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Well, you *could * watch one of my other 100+ videos where I teach bass. This is a one off video for me. One that necessitates talking. I’ve already typed too much replying to you. I’m off to edit another video (please don’t watch it - I talk a lot in it!).

[@jhabarretto9697]

Great information, thank you

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏