How To Be A Better Improviser ft. Victor Wooten

[@metatrontumultum1860]

This is the real shit that actually makes you a better musician.

[@Bocman1]

Exactly

[@AndreasOxholm]

Word! Perspective

[@gustavofonseca1083]

Indeed, this is a before and after in my life

[@jamesedwards7844]

Punk musicians agreed, it's hard to get it wrong.Thanks for giving half of the formula away.

[@FUKITOL-z7y]

V

[@msp633]

I'm a guitarist who's been playing for 40 goddamned years, and it's rare that I run across a teacher who's informative, entertaining, gracious, smart and funky as Sir Wooten. He's taught me more here than probably a good 25 guitar teaching vids have. This guy is the bomb

[@Mr.Batsu12]

I'm the same way. I started playing in the mid 80s. I studied classical and jazz guitar and also took music theory lessons in college. I've played since my very early teens and it was only a few years ago in my late 40s that I heard Victor Wooten say the simple fact: No matter what note you play when soloing, it's never more than a half step away from being in key. That blew my mind and I went from having trouble trying to find the key of a song I wanted to solo over to just being able to play without having a clue what the key of the song is in a second or two. I've studied music in the past, how come I never realized this very simple fact myself? LOL Victor Wooten is an amazing educator and my #1 suggestion to watch for anybody on any instrument. Not just for bass players.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

This is some of the most practically brilliant and encouraging teaching you'll ever see out here on the KZbins. Shout out to Victor Wooten, man 🏆

[@danielgrohl6971]

Victor is a great player and a great teacher. Once we find the groove of a song we have all 12 notes to play, and if a wrong note comes under our fingers we can play it, and make it all right. Just think if this sort of thing could work out with the women who claim bad chemistry, and we could then go on and dance the night away..

[@mathewreed818]

Love me some Vic and some Beatdown. I’m not surprised that you share a similar thought process to Vic. Much love

[@nilsbaierl3449]

Thats soo true🤍 it reminded me of Bob Ross

[@mr.joshua6818]

Just being a half note off at any time really got me.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Abs the funny thing is this is also a life lesson at the same time! A way to see the world in a healthy evolving way.

[@ajibolaoshunnuga8441]

“Even though the note is technically wrong, the brain will accept it if you add rhythm to it. You paid for every note, use them all.” I’ll never forget those words.

[@patrickmurphy9186]

Reminds me of Thelonious Monks’ approach to the piano.

[@ErwinKrismawan]

I chalenge you to use the right note, but in different tempo.

[@robgriffis4696]

Vic is the Bob Ross of music. We don't have wrong notes, just happy accidents.

[@cathridge]

Great observation. 💯

[@TheSeeking2know]

Exactly!!!

[@EvilSean62]

and the root note has some little friends over here in the fill yes ... I can feel him channeling BoB

[@leofont6026]

FR!

[@canman87]

Happy accidentals* 😉

[@kenkinter6417]

Victor is the Chuck Norris of bass. He says a note isn't out of key, so now it isn’t. Thanks for this. Takes the pressure off.

[@Lightwarriorwisdom777]

Plus the odds are in your favor with hitting the "right" notes

[@m.a.j.i.c]

The note isn’t wrong, the key is wrong.

[@STMVO]

Victor needs a teaching channel. So good.

[@josephtyler1486]

I believe victor would prefer a “showing” channel not a teaching channel

[@davidhull6536]

His channel is analog...he has a music camp in Tennessee.

[@jimmyneilson6145]

Musical Bob Ross

[@davidjairala69]

Idk if the world is ready

[@KrackDaddy]

He doesn't need it . we do.

[@crankystinkleton4284]

I've been playing bass for over 30 years, and I tell ya, whenever I see Victor Wooten giving advice, I click immediately. I always come away with a big ol' smile on my face, and somehow absorb a whole bunch of knowledge that makes me go "Wait. I never even *thought* of that!" Much love.

[@panchoverde5078]

And you've never used a capo to change keys, but you listen to this man and continue to call yourself a bassist?

[@jpined14]

@@panchoverde5078Let’s hear your recordings so you can show Vic how it’s really done.

[@panchoverde5078]

@@jpined14 dude, Victor will literally tell you it's ok to hit the wrong notes and play out of key. He's a loser bassist.

[@michaelslowmin]

​@panchoverde5078 Dude he's a jazz musician. He's just explaining alotta the concepts of jazz in a way a layman can understand. People like you are the reason people give up on music when they meet pricks like you in the industry or scene etc. They think all professionals are snobs and just give up cuz they want nothin to do with that and it's just sad. That isn't to say we shouldn't strive for excellence, but that isn't the end all be all when it comes to something as human as music. So idk, touch grass, be normal, take people as they are, or don't and continue to be a miserable hater.

[@thebrunoserge]

Did Wooten just demonstrate that if you play all the wrong notes with absolute confidence, people won't doubt your playing and assume you're just a genius? Dear God that's brilliant

[@mattlauerrstuff]

Real improv

[@mnwa_mnwa]

And skill. If you play them confidently and skillfully. It's absolutely how it works. Music is all manipulating people's brains to make their bodies move around.

[@BlueLou974]

let's Feel the rythm deeply and everything got its right place.

[@timpeterson175]

Omar Rodriguez Lopez enters the chat ❤

[@Francescofrendo]

It sounds like politics and politicians. Yup, pretty confident they’re all just closet musicians

[@WaltherSuk]

This man is very kind and humble. As a beginner you feel encouraged, instead of blown away.

[@dontworryaboutit1996]

As a veteran guitar player of 15+ years ,who just recently started playing bass for a band, I can confidently say that this one video has changed my entire perspective of how I look at the fret board. This man is a national treasure.

[@EvilSean62]

welcome to the wonderful world of getting yelled at by drummers for being "too wooten "

[@RonCarterBassist]

I wish you the best in your bass-playing journey.

[@charan7363]

I'm on the same journey as yours.. 12 years of guitar playing and started playing bass for a band since 8 months

[@dontworryaboutit1996]

@@charan7363 basically the exact same journey!

[@kavonbakowski8358]

Man, I've been playing for almost 25 years and I wish I could consider myself a veteran guitar player

[@AustinHammy32]

Why doesn't anyone else explain it this way?????? I've been playing for like 20 years and have always struggled with improv. This gives me a totally new way to think about it. Thanks Vic!

[@dsanringser628]

“Your body says this is good and your brain agrees”😂 this is probably the best bass video I’ve seen to date

[@JacksterDude12]

As a wise man once said, "Free your mind, and your ass will follow"

[@thebournefutility8302]

Sounds like something Karl Pilkington would say

[@lucasfogaca555]

"So it sounds more like i'm moving, but it's really the chords moving around me" Bro, no way to deny it: at the side of being an awesome teacher, this man is also a poet!

[@Sjahko_]

Yeah with everything he says. We're improvising every moment of every day. I am a professional at this. I felt that so hard.

[@HitWaveMusic]

Victor Wooten... destroying everything you've ever learned about music theory in 15 minutes.

[@leofont6026]

he's not wrong tho

[@paulclemens6733]

HONESTLY

[@zacglasgow]

VW the living legend and modern philosopher.

[@dispersemedia]

Not destroying but rephrasing it.

[@AndreasOxholm]

Destroys but also builds you back up 😅😁

[@davidvitale9338]

When a person of the skill set of Victor Wooten can explain a topic that not only explains, but enables and removes the paralytic of fear from the topic, you know he doesn't just have mastery of the topic, but has the spirit of a teacher and a human being that wants us all to gain mastery as well. That takes take skill, heart and maturity.

[@Sjahko_]

AMEN

[@mogmarcus5813]

Well said

[@RealDavidN]

this man is a genius. and what a great lesson: having to do it "right" is the biggest anxiety-inducer that ruins learning improvisation and forces you onto well-traveled (boring) paths.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Yeah! It really is a lesson for living.

[@bazingacurta2567]

Truly a genius.

[@danilopolar6476]

That's really true, and that's the thing with me until now, i fell so pressured to no play the wrong note that I miss more than I would

[@7777Lace]

Very good explanation

[@RonCarterBassist]

Mr. Wooten is a great teacher.

[@garythebard]

The way Victor breaks it down is masterful. But he's absolutely right, took me 10+ years to realize - it's not what you play, but how you play. I learned theory first, which was very helpful. But rhythm and dynamics - that came with time.

[@Mr.Batsu12]

This video covers the best musical advice I ever learned. I don't even play bass, I'm a guitar player, but while watching a Victor Wooten video 8 or 9 years ago I heard this tip: "No matter what note you start to play on it's never more than a 1/2 step away from a note that is "in key" for what you are soloing over." If you play a note that's not in key you can easily do a half step bend up or slide down and you are now in key! If your first note was out of key you now know that the note above AND below it aRE in key. You have 2/7 of the notes in the key already figured out. For years I would try to figure out the key by playing up/down the neck on the 6th string trying to find the root. As soon as I learned this I could almost instantly start playing "in key" with any song - even before I figured out what key it was in. I just wish I heard this tip back in the mid 80s when I started playing guitar. It would have saved me so much trouble. LOL

[@hanchosanchez3933]

I feel like Victor is the Bob Ross of bass music

[@ekathe85]

MTE

[@ericstrauch3215]

Tension (Wrong note). Release (Right note). Thanks Victor. I like the addition of rhythm. Takes the bite out of a wrong note. Most teachers forget about this aspect.

[@limo-swine6537]

I started playing without learning any music theory. Then I learnt music theory and it felt like a cage, trying to play what is "right". Then I listened to jazz and realised that there are no "wrong" notes. Just how you play them.

[@TonyBiancoOfficial]

He’s the best teacher because he removes all the pressure of “getting it right” and brings focus to the groove and having fun while playing.

[@mknacho4187]

What makes Victor such an incredible musician for me is not his bass playing, but the humble philosophy he puts into practice that many other virtuosos lack. What a legend!!

[@iseya3400]

I am a pianist who strictly goes along with the notes available to me in a key. But currently I am learning bass so I got here, and OH MAN was this so refreshing! Started doing improvs on bass with feel and rhythm only, and for the first time in my life have I allowed myself to finally let loose. Amazing stuff, God bless

[@kane6529]

Just know the same applies to your piano. Nothing stopping you from playing non diatonic notes on piano either

[@LionAndALamb]

It's a weird phenomenon how we can get stuck in rigid thinking on our primary instrument, then we mess around with a new instrument for a couple of months and all kinds of new pathways open up.

[@josephdiaz2182]

@@LionAndALamb lol true

[@menzasarma]

It's not by accident that he's one of the best bass player ever. So inspiring. Please, make a monument to this man!

[@florriehathorn1890]

Attended one of his seminars years ago - he was 21 and an amazing young musician - such talent and a nice guy! He said his mother had 5 sons - she knew how to raise talented boys!

[@joecro1453]

Where has this been my whole life

[@drumswest]

"Wrong notes" create those wonderful tension/release moments that pretty much everyone loves but don't know why. Victor Wooten, great lesson sir! Any musician can benefit from this lesson. Playing to loops made me into such better musician. Exhaust your possibilities!

[@bluemachaquer7383]

Probably the best bass teacher ever.

[@bealotcoolerifyoudid7217]

'Oh G major that my key I gonna go dancing' you got me. Love your way of teaching man. Truly something else.

[@arthuraguirrejr.9500]

I really appreciate that you show a lot of this with only one finger on the fretboard. It helps guide whats actually happening

[@andrewsickler8466]

Sticking with one finger also shows the power of simple experimentation rather than the need for more complex technique. So many music teachers start students off with exercises with all fingers, but music doesn’t require that many a lot of the time!

[@brookscampbell7662]

He explains all of this in the most human way possible and in a way that there is no mistakes which there aren’t!

[@worstghosthunting3466]

You know, why is it that Victor is just comforting in general? If I have an anxiety attack I could just listen along with him and try to play on my bass. Is that just me?

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Not even a Bass player but I'll sit and listen to a master musician talk about his craft any day.

[@danadane2501]

Aside from being ( easily ) one of the absolute greatest bassist to ever walk the earth . He's by far the best teacher I've ever seen or heard . As it pertains to bass and music in general .

[@amin4993]

It's amazing that he's as good a teacher as he is a player. Some people can't explain all this, and he is so likeable and I just want to hug him of showing me such cool stuff.

[@mattaylor5627]

Jaco Patorius had a rather unsuccessful term teaching at the University of Chicago. When asked how to get better his answer was "just watch tv". Victor is a top class teacher.

[@danadane2501]

@@mattaylor5627 From everything I've heard of Jaco. Number 1 was from Marcus Miller. Jaco seemed pretty insecure. Especially for how amazing he was as a bassist and songwriter. Hey everyone has their quirks but when it comes to teaching we're in full agreement Victor is the man flat out.

[@danadane2501]

@@amin4993 If I met him I'd just stand there and listen guaranteed i would learn something I'd never think of or find any where else. The man is a genius on the bass and explaining it just as well. How many incredible bassist can we say that about. Marcus Miller is incredible but when it comes to articulating the craft Victor is phenomenal!

[@robertrowan3342]

He's got such a warm, positive vibe. It makes you feel good just to hear him speak.

[@stephenknapp108]

I've been playing bass for years, since I was 16, and I've always improvised a lot, just jamming, and always felt guilty because I know I play what some would call wrong notes in my bass runs. But on purpose. Not that anyone complained about my style of playing, but this is a lesson by Victor which actually makes me feel justified in what I've been doing. I've just never been able to explain it the way he does. Thanks Victor. I needed this.

[@IAMREIKI]

Learning to PLAY is Fun . His book the Music Lesson is worth your time awesome read .

[@Bvinent626]

This video is just amazing. "You pay for every note. Use them all". I'll take that to heart. Thanks Mr Wooten.

[@fliper975]

I wish you'd released this video 10 years ago. This is amazing.

[@floppytnarwal1641]

To really understand how good this is you just have to read the comment section. Not only does he make these lessons so easy to understand and interesting, he never comes across as pompous or condescending. You can see he loves to teach and pass on his knowledge as much as playing.

[@nickdenardo6479]

I'm not nearly on this guy's level. I'm not even a bass player, but I know he would make me a better musician inside an hour. such a pleasure to listen to, watch, and learn from. thanks for taking the time, brother.

[@nyfaniloandrianjafy8171]

More than 10 years ago, I wanted to play bass because of this man. Today, I'm still learning from him.

[@dogonamission]

me too still learning 25 years later

[@cd0u50c9]

Victor Wooten - every time he does a 10-15 minute clip for free for everyone to view on KZbin you feel like you've been transformed in what you know and understand. Simply no one like him to put it in such simple understandable terms, and that proves his genius as a player and as a teacher.

[@bumfan]

Victor Wooten - more talent in one finger than most people have in their entire body. LOL! But seriously, if you've ever seen him in concert, he can't help but teach then, either. He's always engaging the audience and dropping little nuggets of genius into them. I've been lucky enough to see him twice (I don't exactly live in a hotbed for live jazz), and both times have arguably been my favorite concerts ever. I took my wife to see him last year, and she said that hands-down it was the best concert she had ever been to.

[@Lycurgus1982]

This is exactly the kind of teacher you want. He brings enjoyment into the learning experience.

[@HappyIce-e3z]

In the wise words of Victor Wooten, “You’re always a half step away” thank you

[@moaprecision1828]

After 33 years playing bass, and even learning a few of Victor's songs, this lesson was a lightbulb moment for me

[@Pk_Rain]

This man is like the best teacher I’ve ever heard for music

[@BlooperSeven]

That lick at 15:29 was so clean omg

[@maxprofane2]

Not only is he one of the best musicians of all time but also he is one of the best teachers ever. I didn't know before watching this. Such a treasure!

[@geraldgomez5258]

It is very appropriate for Mr. Wootens bass to display the Yin and Yang! A perfect balance. Incorporating wrong and right notes together 👍 brilliant. This has taken away all fears of wrong notes for me 🎸

[@dscapes1]

This is exactly what I did when I started on guitar 30 years ago and knew nothing about chords or scales. I thought I was crazy, but you just legitimized my approach to soloing. Love this guy.

[@jonelsorel]

All of a sudden you realize your're hearing the James Bond theme :))) Love you for tearing down everything holding musicians back, Victor: "corectness".

[@realtonestar4342]

Love Victors approach to playing, and ive done this in the past subconsciously. Just slide up half step! Love it

[@marcelocaruso7343]

4:30 “Look at what happens when you go from the wrong note to the right note” James Bond happens

[@kylergordon7745]

3:10 blew my mind!! I'm currently focusing on making my own bass lines and this helped a tremendous amount 🤯

[@MrWhysee]

This man is truly a gift to the music community...

[@skymooseft]

One of the most common sense and useful music lessons on KZbin.

[@Barushia]

I fucking love this guy. Keeps it simple, gentle and humble yet gives you the keys to the virtuosotrain. So much feel and yet so much knowledge.

[@kikobelchi]

Victor Wooten never disappoints. He puts this magic into everything he does

[@ItaiGattIL]

God! i love this man❤ living legend!

[@billy8828]

This was the most helpful video by far I’ve ever watched of improvisation props to this guy

[@vasilvasilev8718]

It’s so nice to have Victor on your side ! Motivation is the key and the way he speaks is even more than motivating! It’s ❤

[@prestoncampbell8127]

You can't help but love Victor Wooten

[@ryno4ever433]

My god this is the best lesson I have ever seen

[@Morfarhagen]

I always appreciate - AND LEARN - from Victors videos! As a mediocre- (minus) bassplayer I always find so much I can use to evolve when watching Victors videos. Great teacher! Really!

[@AMarvelousLife]

@4:29 I can feel the James Bond theme coming on

[@adityarao5721]

I'll cry the day I meet him and just say thank you:') there are lot of teachers and books stressing on scales, arpeggios, modes, theory, substitutions in a way that it is overwhelming and intimidating. But this is so reliving! DONT BE AFRAID TO IMPROVISE

[@WhereTheBASShasNoName]

I know right? We need more Victor Wootens out there.

[@jcout25]

@@WhereTheBASShasNoName He's got brothers lol.

[@WhereTheBASShasNoName]

@@jcout25 I mean that as in we need more people that teach, like Victor or have the same style of teaching music like he does

[@toxicnivlek5481]

I don't know but as a Zimbabwean beginner bassist, i find his lessons really helpful than all other bassists out there with to many licks and stuff. Really learn't a lot from this.

[@benlanglois6786]

I absolutely love Vic Wooten!! His playing AND teaching styles are so unique, he's found the way to make making mistakes encouraging! Absolutely wonderful human being all the way around!!!

[@joaniepeters2565]

Everything is absolutely true that he’s saying, 100%. He showed this to me almost 20 years ago. And one thing he also showed me was that music is a language and that’s 100% true too, and that’s not a metaphor. The longer you speak it and the more your around other people who can speak it the better you’ll speak it: he also told me to play with people who are better than me. And he was right in such a simplistic way about everything. For me it all started with him and I’m extremely thankful I had that opportunity to learn those things from him early, he is still truly one of the best, genuine human beings I’ve ever met at a personal level

[@IzzFar9661]

This is the best practical lesson I've ever seen

[@gustavocruz4824]

this was like talking to an old friend whom you forgot understands you. Same tribe brother. Excellent way to explain the infinite correlation between every single note without wrong or right just flow and see what shines. Thanks so much for this splash of facts mr wooten, i finally hear someone explaining how cool and beautiful dissonance could be. Rhythm is almost everything. I hope all players open this door

[@Dakota-cz5od]

Most humble and articulate man on the planet. I believe his philosophy truly transcends the realm of music and can be applied to pretty much anything. It’s no surprise Bruce Lee was an inspiration for him.

[@lucy.elizabeth.c]

Best 16 minutes of my entire life!! I’d never learnt so much before and in such a short time. This helped me sooo much as someone who struggles to compose/improvise!! Victor is an absolute LEGEND👏🏽

[@marktaylor3290]

It's been a month. How's the music going?

[@lucy.elizabeth.c]

@@marktaylor3290 better than ever thanks, started learning Victor’s you can hold no groove!

[@grupoelcomienzo]

I started playing 30 years ago. I ended up with a VHS of Victor Wooten that changed molded my style. I know you have touched the lives of soooo many players. Thank you for what you do.

[@Itsjustjess352]

I am honestly floored that we even have access to this. What an enjoyable experience! Thank you, Victor for sharing this incredible lesson with us!! 😊 🎶 💜

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

❤❤absolutely we salute you Mr Wooten UK 🇬🇧

[@thepodmod96]

"Think about rhythm".... As a self taught musician, damn right... nomatter the key, over half the time you'll find something that works.and you can play with what doesn't typically work but still make music. Music is amazing, and I believe it's a universal language.

[@rdb9936]

This is brilliant! Simple concepts, but only simple because they’re explained by someone with such mastery!

[@marklowe7431]

This reminds me of a lesson a learned when first starting on bass. Someone at sometime said "never loose the groove to find a note". I've never forgotten that statement. Another one was "play bass like drums with notes"

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

This video is gold. It made me remember how I became a multi-instrumentalist. Discovering for myself the stuff Victor shows in this brilliant video explains exactly how the theory-ignorant drummer I was had the balls to get up in front of people and make music on guitar, bass, keys, and other instruments. At first, I was just jammin'. I barely knew any theory at all, and all I had going for me was my ear, my sense of rhythm, and my love of making music. It grew from there. If you have The Burn, you can do it. 😎

[@Spookdookin]

I am also a drummer. My sense of rhythm has helped me very much when picking up other instruments. Gonna really put that to the test when I buy a violin this winter 🎻

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

@@Spookdookin I thought fretless bass would be difficult because, you know...no frets. But it turned out to be no problem at all. Good luck with the violin!

[@bevo65]

Victor Wooten is the model of what a teacher should be. Love this guy.

[@Jon-a2x]

Literally the best video on improv I've ever seen. It's so simple you can teach it to a kiddo. Especially relating to the odds of hitting a "right note" and the idea that even if you hit a wroog note, so long as you do it with some sense of rhythm, it will sound good. Hence why we like chords that include #9s or #11, b13s etc.

[@ramacanda]

3:16 "That's good odds" What an amazing teacher.

[@shobiperera1981]

Victor is the most humble, intelligent and and practical teacher of all time! And a musical genius with unbeleivable groove! Thank you for the music , maestro!

[@Strepite]

His whole approach to teaching music is the most important lessons you will ever learn. Literally one sentence can change your life as musician...

[@jameswatkins1524]

Pure genius, great teacher

[@edwardmolinary4890]

"The coolest notes are the ones that aren't in the key" .....🙏🙏🙏 I'm a guitar player and have been this dude since the mid-80's when I really started to get serious about guitar and have to say that EVERY time I've read an article or watched an interview he lays down some DEEP knowledge that is so beautiful in its simplicity. Just a legend in my book. 😎😉👍

[@Felipera_]

I did not miss the note, I was creating tension to resolve with the next note!

[@BasVossen]

Better a wrong note in the right time, then the right note in the wrong time! First time I saw Vic was Amsterdam '99 with Bela Fleck and I was flabbergasted how he combined Jaco's melodic side with fast, groovy funk chops. Shook hands at Namm 2018, hope we meet again!

[@daveholly672]

I wish I had known this like 30 years ago. :)

[@grocerygrip]

A rarity Mr. Wooten, you are! Most savants can't even explain how they play, they simply play and hope that you enjoy. Meaning it's too out there and/or technical to grasp. ONLY they have the keys. But you teach us that's it's been right there all along for us and well within grasp. Many prodigy's like yourself, i listen, and move on b/c it's ONLY music I can HEAR, but not FEEL or even REPLICATE

[@dajakaal]

Awesome way to look at improvisation, I her a lot of musicians say "I can't improvise" Thanks Victor for the awesome knowledge and perspective, you inspire me to keep playing bass lol. Churr from NZ!

[@davestagner]

I always say “It’s better to play the wrong note at the right time than the right note at the wrong time”. And wow, this whole lesson is about that!

[@NicleT]

Man! I love him, he’s so cool. What a great masterclass. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@flix5121]

"If you can walk, you have good rythm." Bruh this tutorial is not wheelchair accessible. Seriously tho, no bass tutorial ever made me smile this much, Victor is just such a nice man and a great teacher.

[@Moonshot568]

This guy is a great example of a real Master ❤

[@michaelb.42112]

I've learned something from EVERY Vic video. He is a bass philosopher.

[@garyvanzyl7498]

This man is The Boss! Love his vibe. 👏👏👍🙏🎸🎸❤️😎