How To Play Bass (even for guitar players)

[@ATotalDork]

You forgot to mention the most important thing about playing bass; unlike a guitar, you will have to play in time with a bass

[@t3hgir]

hah!

[@scottstrand1874]

If a bass player makes a mistake always glare at the drummer as though the drummer is at fault. From the book of excuses for musicians.

[@artinrahideh1229]

No u always have to play in time😂

[@grantonrigney9208]

@BilboTheDev Lol says you with how many different bands, tours, record albums and fans?

[@grantonrigney9208]

@BilboTheDev True but you can't slander others passion or talent so rudely just because your insecure.

[@jonlohrenz5446]

As a lifelong guitar player who just bought his first bass yesterday, the timing of this video is a little too perfect.

[@alba7or]

Same here I bought my bass literally a week ago so perfect timing

[@ill_hex8103]

Rhett watches you in the dark corners of your life.

[@kiereluurs1243]

Well, that was really useful in a nutshell.

[@leafdude81]

Bought mine today lol

[@Lorenzo_Strozzi]

Lol Same!

[@Beastintheomlet]

I’m a bassist who just came by to see the explanation. Absolutely well done. Now if someone can make it so my guitar playing doesn’t sound like a bassist I’d be much obliged.

[@guillaumedelormeraie]

Simple: play more :D

[@BH-fi1sb]

try playing more than one string at a time 🤣

[@jimthethirdprobably]

@@BH-fi1sb bassists play chords too

[@sansocie]

Sweep picking ?

[@jimthethirdprobably]

@@sansocie you just gave me an idea 'picks up bass'.

[@robertf1309]

From playing bass for 17 years, I've learned a few critical things in order to be successful with bass. 1) Stay on the same wavelength with the drummer. 2) You are the most important member and don't let the guitarist tell you anything different. 3) Root notes, root notes, and root notes. If you know the root notes to any chord in a song, then you can write anything. 4) Keep it simple 5) Know the difference between when it is okay to stay with the guitarist and when it is okay to go rogue. 6) If you use effects, you don't need to go crazy. A good preamp, compressor and an overdrive will take you very far. 7) Darkglass is your best friend 😂

[@dev--null]

Nailed it...

[@JPuckett89]

No body is going to the show to watch the bass player. Having an the idea that you’re “the most important member” is a piss poor attitude. Everyone needs each other to be successful, no one wants to watch a bass player on stage by him/herself. If anyone is the most important it’s whoever is carrying the melody.

[@simon_patterson]

@@JPuckett89 I'll have to disagree with you there. I'm a guitarist not a bassist, but the bass is definitely the backbone of the music. Sure, nobody goes to see the bass player, but that doesn't change the fact that nobody will come at all if the bass isn't on point. Guitarists, keyboard players and even vocalists can be a little off and the music can get away with it. Not so for bass. If a song is like a house, then the bass is the foundation. Everybody takes the foundation for granted, but the whole house cannot stand without it. Houses can be made of all kinds of things, good bad or ugly, but the foundation is essential no matter what is layered on top of it. Same with bass; everything must be layered on top of it. This makes bass the most important part.

[@emilyadams3228]

@@simon_patterson Totally. Even non-musicians get that.

[@void0094]

That's why people think bass is boring.

[@DavidDiMuzio]

That trampoline metaphor is on point!

[@Seriouslycantplayguitar]

dope metaphor, was thinking the same thing

[@mattbertrand9496]

I’ve never though of it that way, but makes perfect sense

[@johnfitzgerald1055]

My bass playing strategy: go from one note to the next note in the sexiest way possible.

[@danmorrison8746]

So like Steve Buscemi near the end of Airheads?

[@uhMaxx]

lmao exactly

[@a.reallymcrealperson256]

@@danmorrison8746 😆

[@geraldchan7395]

That’s really great advice 👍🏼

[@StarQueenEstrella]

One thing I remember seeing in Adam Neely’s video on this was that it’s a good idea to cut off the bass notes in time with the drummer’s snare. It’ll sound much tighter that way.

[@PhillipAlcock]

You got it! Was messing around jamming with our drummer before the rest of the band showed up and tried playing through the snare and cutting off like you said. Sounded amazing!

[@paulya1269]

Totally agree... i’m a guitarist first , but also play bass on my demo recordings. Everything sounds better when tied into the snare.

[@emzee1148]

Adam Neely is off his rocker about 90% of the time.

[@StarQueenEstrella]

@@emzee1148 the guy’s a pro bass player, and has a master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. I’m pretty sure he’s not “off his rocker”.

[@emzee1148]

@@StarQueenEstrella His interpretation of theory is ultra conservative and inconsistent at best.

[@ciaranocraobhach]

Learning the bass means really digging into what makes a chord ... a chord! You can really gloss over the fundamentals as a guitarist and learn where to put your fingers but not think about why you're doing it.

[@brucesmith9144]

I remember telling a guitar player you can’t play a G7 chord where a Gmaj7 is called for … oops! 😆

[@scottkidwell3601]

Shortly after I started learning how to play guitar, I picked up a bass. I would learn (or write) guitar parts, then learn (or write) the bass part. It has helped in my amateur career... When looking to join/ form bands in my 20s, I noticed bass players were in high demand. Easy transition, and I got a lot of bass gigs along the way. Know more, play more 😉

[@emilyadams3228]

There's an old saying: If you're a guitar player, you'll always have friends, but if you're a bass player, you'll always have work.

[@ALSutton]

As a bassist can I say this is the best explanation of this to guitarists I have ever seen. Great job!

[@Garythefireman66]

I definitely agree for starting out, less is more, but when you get a solid foundation, look at the bassists in some of the best rock bands in history: John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, Chris Squire, and Geddy Lee, and see how they made their bands so much better by playing less at times, and just balls to the wall at others. Bassists don't get the love they deserve, but neither do offensive linemen in (american) football.

[@rishz7857]

Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott BEST EVER.

[@jaydenwhitlen1489]

Chris Squire could really do th opposite of that at times though

[@aarondrs2]

If less is more, then the bassist on Nothing else matters was a prodigy :O

[@duvan-solis]

Tell me, tell me, tell me.... Where is the foot, man? I only see a sport with hand mostly.

[@MetalZoned]

Perfect analogy!!

[@RC32Smiths01]

I have always thought that if you know guitar, you should also learn bass and vice versa! Both really have their perks.

[@brisleeadams]

Agreed, just got lent a 90's honest to God Washburn bass, having a lot of fun with it trying to learn those Duran Duran John Taylor bass lines!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@brisleeadams Awesome for you!

[@destroyer28100]

I started off as a bassplayer and learning guitar was easily one of the best things I could've done to improve my playing. Really helps for knowing what to play when now that I know guitar and vice versa

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@destroyer28100 It absolutely opens up a lot of opportunities!

[@Gainovermg]

I’ve been a guitar player for 20 years now, just now getting into the bass and really trying to learn it instead of playing it like a guitar, just tuned lower. Lol

[@WillyPDX94]

I think the most important thing in bass playing is to find the pocket, which is more than just timing your notes to coincide with the drummer's beat. It's a feel thing that's hard to define, but you'll know it when you hear it. When people talk about a band having a great groove, they're responding to musicians who are playing in the pocket. Playing in the pocket is critical when playing jazz, blues, and funk but it applies to all genres of music. Would make an interesting video to demonstrate how this works, Rhett.

[@seagers_studio]

Loads of great info here. As a guitarist I swapped my P-bass for a short scale bass recently and it made a WORLD of difference. Especially if you have smaller hands.

[@matthewsears4563]

I got a bass about a year ago, mostly to record tracks at home, and have really enjoyed the challenge of approaching it as an entirely new and different instrument. Also, now I hear bass lines in all music much more clearly, which helps me appreciate songs a lot more.

[@eghii]

I switched from lead guitar to bass in the 1970s when my blues band needed a new bass player and all I could find were Clapton wannabes. I found out many of these things listening to the great blues bands of the times. But the bit about being in sync with the drummer was really really key. My drummer turned into my best friend and we loved rehearsing just bass and drums in the off days between band rehearsals. Pretty quickly we were able to just follow each other in whatever direction the music called for without thinking or talking about it.

[@allancrow134]

I've played the guitar for over 40 years. About 20 years ago my wife(who is a very good vocalist) brought home a beautiful small body Warwick Bass and then did a very good job of learning how to play and accompany herself. She refuses to use a pick. :) Now I don't have to leave the house to get in on some decent jamming. She started by binge learning a bunch of Al Green songs. I often pick it up and play it because it sits on a stand beside my guitars and because it's fun. Bass is a special instrument. It's the glue that holds everything together.

[@TheBeriking]

This is crazy. Literally 3 hours ago I had a discussion with my brother (a bassist) about wanting to try to learn a little bass, mainly to improve on my groove feel and rhythm skills. I come back home and this notification is waiting for me. Talk about signs! Awesome intro to the subject, you covered all the big questions. Thank you all!

[@Ramskull5]

Your channel changed me from a EMG metal head to literally taking theory for jazz and getting 2 p90'd guitars 😂

[@christopherb.2658]

When I got a bass, the perfect song (for me) to get me started was was learning Jesus Just Left Chicago by ZZ Top. It taught me about keep time with the drums, keeping the melody and it was a straight forward playing pattern. It totally showed me the difference between bass and playing guitar. Jesus Just Left Chicago and Blue Jean Blues are my two favourite songs to play on bass.

[@scottdobry3859]

Your bass player’s journey mirrored mine. Started with a Tele P-Bass, then a jazz bass, and finally ended on a mustang with flatwounds. It’s THE sound.

[@juliusschwencke142]

..had a Mustang with flat wounds in the 70s. Now my go to is my Gibson 2012 Gibson SG bass, with a 79 P bass in reserve. Life is good.

[@mykhedelic6471]

Phil is the man-- he can groove, arrange and is a good hang. Bass makes us strong, it's The Force: it's around us, binds us. You can rock out without it, but when it drops in, shit gets real.

[@bernardhossmoto]

Philip is a great teacher, like you. There is a great trend now happening in modern rock: The bass has been mixed lauder with a lot of productions recently. I also came from guitar and I love playing bass and I love the sound of the bass.

[@bernardhossmoto]

@@fuzzfuzz4234 how is that?

[@gordonroylambert]

As a guitar and now bass player...this was an incredible amount of useful information in a short amount of time. Well done!

[@stuartdickson6251]

Riding the rhythm with the drummer has a special enjoyment, and you’ll get way more jammin in cuz, frankly, guitar players are a dime a dozen. A thoughtful laid back competent bass player makes the jam work. You’ll get invited back. Oh, years ago I was asked to pick up the bass and warm it up as the bass player in my buddies hot band was gonna be late. I thought I sucked, and thanked the drummer for his patience and carrying thru. He said, “well at least you play on the beat” Thought it was a mild slag, but no, he later told me some players are tough to play with cuz they can’t really “ lock in”, and seem oblivious to what he’s doing. So work on your rhythm, and listen listen listen to what’s happening on the kit. Hours of enjoyment, and it will improve your guitar playing and ability to fit in to live ensemble playing.

[@rodjames5771]

Got my first Bass one week ago! This was a fantastic lesson to forever keep in mind what is important and don't stray off target. Thanks so much for making this!

[@Drgeoffkennedy]

Great video. As a guitar player, I recently bought a Squier Bronco bass for my daughter, which I have shamelessly appropriated. This was very instructive about how to approach the bass as a guitar player.

[@stanwray5663]

Rhett - I cannot thank you and Philip enough for this video . About a year ago , I bought a new Fender American Performer P bass , and a used Fender Squier 5 string P bass . I am a beginner on bass and have total hearing loss in one ear . ( which I am very self-conscious about ) Trying to learn on both at the same time was not a good idea , so I put the 5 string aside for the time being . I think I'm now ready to experiment with the Squier a bit . ( better pickups and new strings ) Because of the hearing loss , trying to pick out the tonal differences between , say , round wound and flat wound strings , I felt I wasn't really hearing much of a difference . But in your vid I could easily discern the subtle flavors . I don't know what you recorded the audio with , but stay with that . Philip's explanation of a bass players role helped me TREMENDOUSLY . Thanks again to both of you . ( Did I mention I'm 64 years old ? )

[@jackcarter5364]

When I started bass, I found songs with a repetitive bass line to help build up a solid, consistent right hand technique. I think a perfect example is the sampled bass line from Massive Attack's "Safe From Harm". It's a repeating B A B F# A B B A ( 2 0 2 on A, 2 on E) fill that goes for about 5 and a half minutes. It pulls double duty in building right hand endurance and developing a consistent finger technique on one string, and jumping between two strings. If you really want to extend it out - practice with the Perfecto Mix version

[@IllusionOfTodd]

Thanks Conrad for doing this! Thanks Rhett for hosting! It’s helped me a lot as a guitar player who at times plays my late brothers bass.

[@jimferris9447]

I’m just now starting to get my interest in guitar playing after about 40 years (just turned 61). Bass seems like a lot of fun.

[@Bubba-zu6yr]

“Guitar player that plays bass” here. lol, I have to tape three fingers together to “not sound like a guitar player”... you may laugh but it works for me.😅 Good ‘boots on the ground’ vid, thanks Rhett! 👍🏼

[@SoneNando]

Learn some chris squire and geddy lee lines an you will need to remove that tape

[@Bubba-zu6yr]

So you’re saying my Django Reinhardt school of bass isn’t going to work?😅

[@Peepeestorm]

As a bassist, this video is straight up on point. Also, the precision bass is one of my favorite basses of all time. I have six of them

[@JW23551]

The muting thing is far and away the biggest struggle for beginning (and even some seasoned) bass players. Great vid!

[@philodonoghue3062]

Bass and drums are the engine room of any and every band

[@JeremyLeech]

I've been playing bass just about as long as I've played guitar. I do use a pick. The funny thing is, at church, I play more bass than guitar (I also play drums) however, I tend to use felt picks and they work really well.

[@robertlucas9867]

Great video. I think Yamaha basses are under appreciated for the quality, cost and I agree with what your friend says about bass. I’ve noticed in successful bass players and even the amazing ones is to play what’s needed first. I focused on the basics when I bought my bass three months ago and people have been pleased at church on how I play to the song, keeping it tight and supporting everyone else because it adds depth to the music and allows others to have a foundation to work off of. Plus it helped I’m trained in percussion and love all music.

[@TimOatesOnBass]

This is one of the best explanations I've seen for playing bass as a guitar player. It's amazing how many guitar players think they can play bass and don't even attempt to figure out the differences. Well done!

[@Ten80pete]

The "play less" recommendation is so spot on, and when I picked up my first bass (I got a 6 string, thinking it would basically be a 1:1 as far as playing style), I took a full day to listen specifically to bass forward songs (I.e. Running With The Devil, Takin' A Ride, Hair of the Dog. You get the idea) and the thing that surprised me more than anything was how few notes were played, but also how deliberate those notes were. This was a great video, and is so helpful. Thanks for explaining the "Whys" of techniques as well, and not just "Don't play like a guitarist... loser!"

[@Driftuner]

Just bought my first bass last week and man i gotta say, ive been having way too much fun with it. Recommend every guitar player to buy a bass, not only is it a ton of fun but it also makes you look at a stringed instrument differently. I love it

[@cathalwhelehan]

I've had a MIM Fender P in standing my guitar room, completely unplayed for about five years now (a friend left it here years ago but is now sadly no longer with us and his family told me I could keep it) I've often thought about trying to learn it properly but I never got beyond a couple of minutes of noodling here and there (unplugged too - as I never had a bass amp for it, so not really much fun). I recently got myself a GT1000 (and an FRFR speaker), though, and a few weeks back I thought about firing up one of the bass amp models on there, just to see if I like it. Again, though, it didn't get past the thinking stage at the time. This video has definitely awoken the desire to try it out properly, so many thanks Rhett for doing this video!

[@fribersson]

Been playing guitar and bass for decades. Very nice to see *how* this was explained. Good tips and good teacher(s).

[@Kazwell111]

Best intro bass lesson I have seen. As a guitar player who fills in on bass for recordings, this is invaluable info. Thanks

[@denisershov655]

this video is exactly what I've been looking for after having played guitar for over 15 years and grabbing my first bass just a couple of weeks ago. thanks, Rhett

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I was making my own backing tracks. Programming drums with something like Superior Drummer 2.0 is actually pretty easy and straight forward. Programming bass lines is near impossible for me. No matter what I try it sounds like a computer. My local GC had just gotten in Squire Bronco shortscale basses in for $150 each. Very basic, one p/u, one volume, one tone. Plus, a shortscale is very familiar to a guitar neck. Once I got the basics down, something strange happened. I actually began to improve as a guitarist. Having some bottom end experience will really take your musicianship to a new level. The combination of the two is just natural.

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Yes!!! Love that little grove at 10: 28 and on!! As a Bass Player that's exactly why I switched to playing bass after playing the guitar after a year. (That's been about 20 yrs ago now) Love that bottom end and just the tone of a Bass guitar! Phil gave some really great advice to get started as a Bass player!!

[@johnh9341]

I put away my six string for a year or so. Completely different mindset. Joined a band and played nothing but Bass. Now I feel very comfortable jumping into any situation as bassist or lead guitarist.

[@DobDog151]

Super helpful. Just bought a bass after a year of not being able to play with my buds so I could add some to recordings. This helps a lot. Cheers!

[@brianpartlow5530]

I'm here out of curiosity. Never touched a bass! Have owned a guitar for a month and I love it! I have loved music my whole life but never picked up an instrument till this year at 52 years old. I did take clarinet in 7th grade but the music teacher was boring so I didn't stick with it. My guitar takes up all of my free time, but if I decided to take up another instrument, I would try a Bass. They sound great and seem under appreciated in the music world. People can rattle off lots of names of guitar players but how many people can name more than a couple of bass players.

[@kevinmorris7722]

Wow, what a smart guy. Love the trampoline analogy.

[@Luvutoo]

Geddy Lee, Lemmy, Peter Hook, and Mike Kerr are my inspirations to move to bass and haven't looked back since

[@pts5217]

Wow! Never knew Al Franken was such a great bass player.

[@inconnu4961]

LMAO I see what you mean. But I actually LIKE the bass guitarist; he has charisma. The same can not be said about Franken.

[@waynedwyer6509]

Great need-to-know stuff here. I am primarily a guitarist but I have a bass that came as part of a deceased estate sale of musical/studio gear. Philip's tip about muting the unneeded notes notes by following through and touching the string above the one above is invaluable. Good playing is as much about the notes you don't play as the notes you don't. Thanks for this video.

[@ronpopeil7]

Huh. Crazy that I literally bought my first bass today when this was released. The KZbin guitar gods must have known something.

[@pcanarsky]

As a guitarist who’s been playing more bass lately, this is very very helpful. Thank you!

[@arthuralzamora7331]

Hey Rhett - explaining it very well, I remember my 2 fingers were sore for days & I thought I was doing great than listened to the recording, I so overplayed it, erased it all. Typical guitarist playing bass! Great video!

[@tomseiple3280]

I've been playing guitar for over 15 years, and I recently discovered I'm actually a better bass player than guitarist. I started filling in on some gigs and found bass to be a lot less tap dancing with pedals, but also a lot more about supporting the band than being heard. So much more of your tone is determined by how you play and control the instrument, which gives you lots of dynamics on stage. At this point, playing bass is more "fun" and guitar feels like more work.

[@EversonBernardes]

Bass is definitely more of a visceral experience, more about being felt - physically or through the rhythm and feel of a song - than being heard.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I’ve been playing guitar for over 57 years and bass for over 50, and while I love playing all my guitars, I’d *MUCH* rather play bass in a band. For the reasons you mentioned, and many more. That foundation of which so many people are dismissive, both musicians and so-called “music lovers” is life to me. Because I can control the tempo and direction of the music by how I play, I know that I’m the one in the band that everyone follows, even if they don’t know it. A turnaround here, a crescendo there, and the band goes where I want. Everyone “listens” to the guitar and vocals, and everyone taps their feet to the drums, but the bass gets people up off their asses to shake ‘em. And since I’m a pretty old cat whose chances of being a rock star or guitar god are well past, I still love gigging cover bands in bars...and because ass-shaking all night long equals drinking all night long, *THAT* is what every bar owner pays for. The money is good, but the customers telling you how much fun they had while asking for your social media info is the best feeling there is...next to laying down that killer bass line!

[@tomseiple3280]

@@jamesthe-doctor8981 You're so right! I feel like I'm actually making an impact in the band when playing bass. Being a guitarist means fighting for that mid/high frequency with keys, vocals, and other guitars AND the bass at lower frequencies. The bass is in it's own territory; you have very little to compete with. You're also right about being "felt" over heard. When you really hit a solid groove or punch a really strong diamond people FEEL the change in energy. It really is more of a percussion instrument in that sense.

[@tomseiple3280]

@@EversonBernardes absolutely. Anytime I shift from half-time to double-time, slam some diamonds, or throw in some hard stops, people in the room perk up - they feel it! I love knowing that I'm driving the room. Everyone wants the "attention" on stage, but the bass might get the most appreciation with the least acknowledgement. If you get your ego out of the way, you quickly realize just how important you are!

[@fuzzysurf1083]

Sure, there may be some difference tonally between a P-bass and a Jazz bass but the bigger difference is in the narrowness of the Jazz bass neck, especially at the lower positions. Some guitar players, like those of us with smaller hands, might find the Jazz bass neck to be more comfortable.

[@ampthebassplayer]

I've taught 10 year olds on P basses. I think the hand size thing is overblown. Yes, it will feel strange and "too big" at first, but you'll get used to whichever you choose. Just make sure you get a good set up done because that will be important for playability and comfort.

[@LatentPoet]

I'm in the market for a bass right now, i started this journey as a guitar player now learning bass and this video pops up. Perfect timing Rhett.

[@telecasterbear]

I have been playing guitar since 1975. I am 60 years old now. Earlier this year, I purchased a 1975 fender precision bass, and have been playing bass 99% of the time. I am enjoying the ride. I like how Philip uses the word "information" when describing the sound of the string or the bass.

[@watch2learnmore]

This was clear, concise, and actionable. This will help me create better bass lines in Garage Band when I need to make backing tracks. Awesome lesson. Thanks Philip and Rhett!

[@ridesingletrack]

Loved this. Would be great if you could keep going with it. I'd be interested to hear more about how he chooses notes, how he thinks about progressions and transitions between chords, other key techniques to develop, etc. I'm a guitarist first, but need to spend more time with my bass too! And overall, just wanted to say that I dig the channel. Appreciate what you do. Cheers, man!

[@ampthebassplayer]

TalkingBass is a fantastic KZbin channel that will give you more instruction like what you're asking for.

[@gonepickin990]

I have P-bass and an Epi Allen Woody short scale. Soon after buying the short scale it became my main bass. Yes, I have have flats on it. Love it!

[@hawaiianrobot]

i am absolutely the definition of a bedsit guitarist, zero professional lessons or anything. was kinda drafted into playing bass at a birthday party like 15 years ago. didn't know the baselines for a good chunk of the songs, but stuck to chord root note, follow the drummer's downbeats, 8th notes in choruses if you're feeling adventurous. good to see muting the other strings and trying to keep the sound as clear as you can is something I somehow intuitively know, mixing up playing dynamics, knowing what to let ring out and what to only play for a short duration. deceptively difficult stuff!

[@Wanderer_XJ]

This was a great episode! One of my favorites so far. Very informative, along with a cool laid back presentation. Phil would be a great teacher.

[@joaoppar]

Nice video Rhett!! I'm a guitar player who's looking forward to buy a bass, now that I know the basics, I'm more confident to buy it! Thank you!

[@juliusebola9389]

This channel is great. I've really learned a lot since I subscribed.

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

Started playing bass 40 years ago also been playing guitar 38, I can't decide which I enjoy more...

[@eanroad]

I am a guitar player that just got a bass two weeks ago and I am so thankful for this video! Thank you!

[@Javier-qk7ms]

I use a pick so when I switch back to guitar it feels so much easier. Skip The ring finger on your freting hand, that is a good way to start playing less like a guitar player.

[@vincentm4717]

As a bass player I've always noticed in rock music in particular that guitar players love to pick up the bass and show off in front of what they can do in front of their bass players. But usually if they had to really play bass, they don't really know what they are doing. Also lots of rock bass players don't understand all the cool funky note subdivisions and ghost notes that can turn a regular bass line into something funky and percolating. So it's more that just playing the route note. It's knowing when to use chord tones and lifting the music up. Also bass is physically more challenging when playing a longer neck for a long time. Though the guitar is still much more chord complex.

[@paristhalheimer]

As a Guitarist, who picked up bass and have been doing it for the past 12 years. 1. Know where "The 1" is. 2. I view the bass as a drum kit made of strings. 3. I listen to the drums for the feel. 4. I listen to the vocals for the melody.

[@rickmiller1840]

So Cool! Nobody ever talks about this stuff. Learned a bunch. Awesome Channel. Peace and Best Wishes from one (of your many) Canadian 🇨🇦fans.

[@danadane2501]

Glad I came across this vid. Been playing bass for a little under 3 years and 13 months using almost exclusively finger style. Make conscious effort to mute all unplayed notes/ strings.

[@toddbeeman5933]

This was a cool video idea. I enjoyed hearing the advice for a "guitar player." I play mostly acoustic guitar.. I've got a small collection. But I also have a Fender P-Bass for my at home recordings, sometime I'll add bass to a loop, etc. I've never had the passion/desire to truly dive deep into the bass guitar and devote enough time to become an impressive bass player, though I like to believe other musicians don't feel let down when I occasionally fill-in for a bass gig. There seems to be a lot of available work if a musician can fill that bass spot and do a good job.. at least I've noticed personally/locally significantly more opportunities for a bass player, than a guitarist or drummer. And of course, bonus points when you can sing some harmony lines! Sending peace & love from Missouri -Todd

[@niallpadden]

50 years a "Short Scale" Bass Player. Yep... a Rick and P Bass along the way. Short Scale much preferred. Truth. Could never wholly embrace "Round Wound" (Wire Wound) strings. Flat Wound much preferred. Without question, one the best "Jams" I've watched Rhett. Good call. Listen to your gut. Ears get tired. Kudos lads. Thank you.

[@robbhawkins8360]

Perfect timing Rhett I'm switching over to bass , because bassist are needed in my area more than guitarist, my first gig was as a bassist even though I was a guitarist about 30 years ago , yep I'm a boomer lol . thanks Rhett your video's are great .

[@gratao25]

Rhett, you save my musical life weekly!

[@hotwaff]

Flat vs. Round just blew my mind. I only play bass for backing tracks for guitar, and I've been using round forever. For some sounds they have too much snap and I end up "fixing" it in the mix. So glad to have learned this!

[@rcboals]

Thankyou!!! As a 60+ year guitar player and having half @$$ed attempted bass a few time (pre KZbin and internet days) I just gave up. I just bought a short scale Gretsch G2220 and your video is absolutely perfect. I can know I can do this thang! :) Long Live KZbin and helpful people like you that put together great understandable videos because you love the music.

[@chesterburnett3466]

Just starting out on my bass journey and I found this video to be extremely helpful. A lot of good tips that I will definitely follow up on. Much appreciation, cheers.

[@joepriestle1024]

I bought a Squire bass at a pawn shop a few months ago just to use for home recording. This video is a Godsend. Thanks.

[@maxherron1376]

Rhett, this is perfect timing for me. Our Worship band is about to lose our Bass player. I'm the 2nd acoustic player, so I have volunteered to learn bass as quickly as possible. I've also played drums for 50 years, so I may be OK if my fingers will cooperate.

[@benjamindewey3841]

Great job! A while (!) back I took a hiatus from guitar and played bass exclusively for about 12 years before switching back to guitar about 10 years ago. I still occasionally fill in on bass as needed, and still really enjoy setting the musical foundation for the band and vocalists. Playing bass helped me learn to really listen to the drum groove, and also enhanced my ability to listen to what the other instruments were playing. Thanks to you and Philip!

[@stephenbarton2625]

Picked up guitar about 7 years ago and just built my 2nd bass and really wanted to understand it more. I was shocked how many tips I picked up. Thank you for this!

[@cowboygypsey]

As a guitarist of 50 years , I've really got a thing for bass lately. Enjoying watching Marcus Miller, and Julia's channel.

[@phlapjacks]

As a bass player who started out on 6-string, this is a terrific primer and I wish I’d had something like this 30 years ago. Just the tip on playing less and playing to elevate your bandmates is worth the whole vid. As my friend Cat Popper says, “a bass player should be playing to get your guitar player laid.” Also, those American Mustangs + flats= 🥇.

[@Pandamasque]

As a guitarist, I thoroughly recommend other guitarists to pick up bass, as I did a few months ago. One of the most rewarding things I've done!

[@tomfoolery2082]

Iv done both along the way , i think of it as a bass part ,like a baritone singer in a choir in high school or college . Tht helps me keep my bass thinkin and not jump to a 6 string lead break . Love the channel

[@cesarrivas3743]

I've been a guitar player for many years, but in the last weeks I've been asked to play bass in my church and other bands, so... perfect timing thanks!

[@charleswidmore5458]

Thanks for the tips. Bought my bass just over a year ago and have been struggling coming from guitar.

[@seanschraidt3985]

Weird, I just told my wife yesterday that when the stimulus comes in, I'm getting a bass. Good timing.

[@joelanderson_t]

I got some local friends that are long-time guitar players. They were able to adapt to playing the bass. And since one of you mentioned Squier, Fender had made a lot of successful bass models in their Squier market in terms of money vs. quality. I have a 5-string Squier Precision Bass from the Vintage Modified Series, although I bought it a while ago in used condition. It has not let me down so far. I played it at a couple of gigs and it's awesome. The neck quality is still in tact, no deep bows or large cracks. I also got a Squier Bronco Bass which I did some significant modifications. I loaded some hotrail pickups and eventually made it fretless. The sound of that bass is professional quality cake for a short-scale budget bass. I played it in some recent gigs and it's very powerful. Anyways, I left a like. Be well!

[@BigBerias]

Out of all the how to’s i have watched, this definitely is the best out of all! Very good video

[@timothyschafer6584]

Just purchased my first bass + amp setup. I went with the Fender Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass Black, Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 1x15 200W Bass Combo Amp Black and Silver, and a Fender Precision hardshell case.

[@PeteBreen]

That was great Rhett! Phil has a great groove and sounds like a scientist talking about basses & theory. 👍

[@aleenaadze]

awesome guide i've been playing for more than a year and i totally recommend people seeing this because most stuff i learned by myself throught suffer and pain haha

[@MikeColeVocals]

This makes me want to play bass again....after I got rid of all my bass gear and bought more guitar stuff. Thanks a lot Rhett! 🤣🤣🤣

[@user-hn2wc3fy7y]

that trampoline analogy was beautiful. idk if it’s super common, but it’s a really good one that i’m going to steal and hopefully not forget who I got it from 😂 thanks for this. the bass tips too lol

[@theeardrafter]

Thanks for this Video! thinking about noodling on a bass. Its often when we gather we need a bass player