The Breakdown: Slap Bass w/ Marcus Miller

[@sfjazz]

Watch Marcus Miller's live concert at SFJAZZ, now on-demand: www.sfjazz.org/athome/on-demand/marcus-miller/

[@WTHFX]

1) Start telling stories, 2) Hear what you're playing, 3) Develop stuff, 4) Respect your ideas more. --- That last one hit me like a landslide.

[@youngkc26]

Agree wholeheartedly!

[@solocreaterc9315]

So I can I say it like that, start telling a story like sing a song to me ?

[@Slamminbassplayer]

Preach! This is my new favorite GOAT vid. What a cool mofo to boot. Can’t wait to see him with Herbie in August!

[@jerrymcleod8586]

That was a Great Lesson,I know Tiny he’s coming from the Victor Wooten school of playing he’s a Great player himself and in this Lesson Marcus is right on ,tell ur story like a conversation by pulse or breathing ,I had a improvising lesson from Marcus keyboard player the Great Late Bernard Nardo Wright and He Preach this same concepts,Tell your story,& don’t move to fast in telling ur story! Jamaica Queens NY where all the Great Musicians were Trained by the Masters! Love the Concept!🙏🏾💯🤘🏾💜

[@wack8589]

For real for real ​@@jerrymcleod8586

[@micheldindaine8403]

"If I keep talking and don't leave spaces, you develop a resistance to what I'm saying".

[@brooklynite1987]

❤

[@bassbass9175]

As a new teacher at a school, this hits me hard - for both bass playing and teaching!

[@geaux-hard]

I love the way the grown man was saying "yes sir" to Marcus. That's the way I was taught. It's an old fashioned way to show respect.

[@georgedalton4816]

It's nice to see, they're conversing with the humble genius and all he wants to do is help and share. The respect is mutual and unfortunately not seen enough these days. There are plenty of examples; Dave Grohl comes to mind. All 4 in touch with that inner kid. Marcus besides his mastery of music he is a people person. His sincerity is legitimate and he reminds me of Nat Reeves in accomplishment and class. I love it.

[@philpivotal1005]

Fundamental to Instrumental to Storymental 🤓 Marcus LISTENS and that is a lesson in itself. Mighty.

[@user-cg3tx8zv1h]

Who doesn't love Marcus?

[@nicolaszyx3120]

Nuuubody

[@hayleycomet8029]

That last solo lesson just opened up a whole new world

[@Phaidrus]

Killer player with deep groove the last guy.

[@ajpitts1]

​@@Phaidruskiller bass too

[@EffectiveRange]

Living Legend! "They don't play all the notes. Just the good ones"

[@MrJTM60]

11:20 „bass player: you are the drummer with tone“ ❤

[@muradaliyev9944]

That was a nugget for sure!

[@chetdunham3434]

Yes! Totally makes sense to the informed.

[@JappaKneads]

They say that great performers don't make great teachers. Marcus: _"Hold my beer!"_

[@willian5452]

Yes. because most of the great performers don't know the details to teach the student. it just focuses on some items and not the essentials.

[@willian5452]

Muito boa explicação e dica.

[@lukekent9687]

​@@willian5452spot on. Teaching anything well is a skill in itself

[@deemar85]

When Miller stops Tiny at 18:20 and says "Respect your ideas more," that's some life wisdom. He even brings it back to Miles!

[@StefanPaul5]

My favorite quotes from Marcus. 11:19 You're the drummer with tone! 19:35 Don't play all the notes, play the good ones.

[@amaliajonsdottir7481]

This is breaking down so much more than just slap, it's a master class in musicality.

[@PHILLYDRUMMER04]

Absolutely

[@Generalbas1972]

This is something that you would pay to see in a Masterclass and we get it for *FREE* 🤗 fantastic stuff

[@surgeneral108]

FACT!

[@delobirminham2011]

Dear Dr. MILLER, I actually met you in Detroit Mi at the Jazz Cafe, not only are you a great Musician and Bass player, but Great Teacher as well! Thanks for sharing your musical talent with the WORLD.

[@charlieburns1385]

Thanks Marcus Awesome video🎶👍

[@NoelHudson-hl5pb]

For a musician, this is one of the best videos on KZbin. I don't even play bass, but Marcus's advice about developing ideas, telling stories, leaving pauses, fully supporting other soloists in the band...priceless lessons.

[@lloyddarbon5034]

THAT is a music lesson. My bass teacher is the same: he doesn't teach me from a book; he takes from his heart and it goes in mine.

[@Ag45727]

Marcus Miller is not only a great player but a wonderful teacher as well. He taught the advanced to the beginners and the basics to the advanced. Always playing rhythm and phrasing from the blues. Master. Hope to one day play w a fraction of his musicianship.

[@goodnewsthegn]

That's because advanced players often focus on the advanced stuff and forget the basics. 😂

[@craigwhaley2388]

Thank you Marcus! I' a 61 year old beginner trying to learn how to slap. I've learned more watching you on this video than all the "instructional" videos I have watched. the way you play is beautiful to see!

[@paulbarton2549]

16:30 on is purely brilliant. Just so sincere and intelligently delivered. Anyone who plays any type of improvisational music and is even remotely close to technically proficient on an instrument would benefit immensely & immediately by letting that seven minutes soak.

[@muradaliyev9944]

Looking at the thumbnail, I thought it was gonna be some random dude talking about Marcus's slap style, wow, what a surprise, turns out it is the LEGEND himself!!!

[@scottwatelet5769]

I loved this, I’m 57 and had a teacher in school like Mr. Miller who helped me switch from drums to bass. Best decision ever musically for me. Marcus is amazing with these students.

[@DEE-jk3rb]

Julian was getting the most valuable lesson for a beginner. Learn the roots and everything will follow.

[@David.duogroup]

Best 24 minutes I've spent today. ❤

[@spencerkr5778]

that jam in A at the end is one of the most extraordinary things I've ever witnessed

[@ScottClanagan-ot2oj]

23:52 Marcus,my driving force on my jazz bass🎉🎉🎉

[@MrAlwest77]

Wow! That was great. We (bassists/musicians) need more of this type of musical content, especially from someone of Marcus' status. Show us how it's done. Outstanding!❤💯🎵

[@TravelsWithTheo]

I'm listening to MARCUS MILLER while I write my radio plays about a retired detective who cruises the interstate (and listens to blues & jazz) -------- the blacktop chronicles ------------------ thanks for the STORIES, MM.

[@miguelgonzal]

What I love about this lesson (in addition to technique and musicality) is the demonstration by Marcus Miller of how great musicians are both tough and generous. Tough and generous may seem contradictory. When synthesized, tough and generous yields greatness.

[@ricardovallejo6136]

This might be the greatest video I've ever seen in my whole freaking life.

[@taminatorv]

Marcus Miller is so awesome!

[@patriciojofre8531]

Completely agree 👍

[@theLTstation]

I see! Glad I Came Upon This

[@marioschristodoulou2390]

Whether you play or not - this is essential viewing to understand what the funk goes on in a musicians mind - MM is the king

[@musahenderson]

Marcus Miller is the man and the last cat has some great chops. Was a great moment to see as well

[@micheldindaine8403]

true ! the last dude sounds really good.

[@blacjazzz]

Agreed lol and Marcus called him out on it, lovingly, but also introduced him to the next level of greatness and helped him on that journey. Dude got to freestyle jam with the Master himself and Marcus made space for him to shine. None of them will ever forget that!

[@phinestro]

Basically learned from this was to play lyrically. Play like a conversation with space / call response and tension on the space ❤

[@mikebuick2332]

Imagine jamming with Marcus Miller!!! 😮 💪🏼💪🏼

[@mckaigg]

this is now officially the coolest thing I've seen on the internet. So much respect for Marcus!

[@vincentc.4722]

So not only one of the greatest musicians on the planet but also an amazing teacher. Benevolent, attentive, kind, encouraging, inspirational. Wow wow wow, respect Marcus. ❤

[@johngalvao1969]

Marcus is the best one to teach slap to anyone...such talent and he conveys his knowledge well.

[@Fastvoice]

To put it more simple: Play lines that someone could sing - and leave space for breathing.

[@rustydomino]

Messing with people's expectations - you play a lick, you play it again, people expect it, and you do something else. I've heard this advice a million times before but Marcus makes it make sense,.

[@thebass4you]

Thank you Marcus for helping us as Bassists and Musicians to develop proper concepts where we think with proper direction first as a foundation. The highest form of learning is the ability to convey your acquired knowledge to someone else. Again, Thank you Marcus!

[@shekhemmaakherumenmetu9270]

Love Marcus Miller.and him paying it forward on The Wisdom of Bass Playing. A complete concept and vision of the whole relationship of Bass ,the drums and marriage.

[@schwoebel]

"Respect your ideas more!" - what could a teacher say that is more respectful and at the same time so instructive? And it's wonderful to see how Marcus deals with a young beginner and teaches him so much in just a few minutes. I'm really impressed.

[@tyrmorris8155]

A trumpeter here. I love how a great bassist quoted a great trumpeter on how using space can make for a great solo. As Miles once said, "It’s not the notes you play, it’s the notes you DON’T play.”

[@AudioReplica2023]

"You are the drummer with tone" Wow, never really seen it like that but totally true .

[@bluemannyc1]

I’m a guitar player and I really enjoyed this. Marcus not only are you a great player but also a great teacher. Thanks man, for all that you do. 🎸

[@michaelvaladez6570]

How wonderful that his son is following in his father's foot steps and he's very respectful..polite.. !!!!

[@twill5077]

Marcus is one of the best bass players ever. Such a naturally talented guy.

[@Toppart]

Man I had no idea you were in the group The Jamaican Boys until last night. Don’t laugh. I always thought you were just a jazz guy. Love your works brother!

[@migsmigs87]

22:35 that hits. My best years as a drummer were with my close bud and his bass guiter. We would just look at each other and knew what was coming.

[@ScottHudson]

I have always loved Marcus Miller, from all of the David Sanborn albums to his solo albums. Marcus is also my inspiration for picking up the bass. I have a long way to go on my learning journey, but videos like these help tremendously!

[@jamesvaughn1715]

Marcus breaks it down, to make it more easier to understand what he is doing when playing. He is in my opinion, the best bass player out there

[@donniediamond3934]

@22:40 is the biggest truth to be told 💯 Musicians really gotta understsand that! #HelpByStayingOuttaDaWay

[@carlos_herrera]

30+ year bass player, I never cared to slap, but this video definitely gave me an impetus to try it out.

[@priceconsult5880]

Yes Sur!! Your generousity matches your gifts, and man that's really cool! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@rabbirelax]

Marcus is the man! What a good soul.

[@kameronpeterson3601]

I love that this man stands behind his basses. So often a musician will get a deal to make a "signature bass" or "signature guitar" and then they themselves never use it. Their name on the headstock is just an advertisement at that point. Marcus Miller plays Sire basses live and uses them all the time in demos and it shows how proud he is of the product. Sire's guitars are fantastic instruments. I've never played a better $500 bass than the V5.

[@tommayo3212]

So fun, great video. MM is in my holy trinity of modern bassists(Meshell Ndgeocello, And VictorW, round it out), anything I can learn from them, I’m in!

[@ayodejihabeeb8104]

Mercus, thanks for healing souls with your knowledge. I wish you long life and great wealth of health.

[@AntonioTonyNewtonMusic]

Thank you Marcus so much for your great skills, musicianship, creativity, education, and soulmanship!

[@AlvaroSoveroMusic]

Amazing! We love U Marcus!

[@tim.d.williams]

I love what Marcus did here. So kind and friendly. What a great bassist and a great teacher. As soon as I played through the video for the second time I just had to rush off to try some slap bass out. I only play a couple of songs in my band that call for it. But they'll be all the better now after this video. Thanks so much for sharing it.

[@charlesfreeman7735]

One of the coldest bass players ever and is still cool and down to earth, always the same cat. I'm always in awe of the man's work but to see him break down the feel of the bass and the rules of groove with these young cats is even more amazing. Big ups Mr. Miller.

[@building436]

18:50 Leave space, take breaks such so important tip from Miles! You'll definitely hear about Michael "Tyni" Lindsey, I think... wow Marcus Miller's Perfect School!

[@MisterstereoOso]

He makes so much sense, yay “ less is more” !

[@alexgoumas]

F__K yea. 💥💥💥God bless Mr. Marcus Miller 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@MatthijsKoningstein]

As soon as Julian started slapping and Marcus started playing you could see the kid was grooving. His head was feeling it. Now that's a lesson he'll never forget.

[@EnricoGaletta]

This is definitely one of the best teaching videos I ever seen, there is so much to develop and learn that only a number one as Marcus can teach you! Thank you so much for sharing 🤩

[@MrDanilop45]

Marcus speaking and playing music with a 13 years old boy is so on another level I can’t help feeling humbled by this man. Outstanding.

[@davidlopez-white3185]

Thanks @SFJAZZ and @MarcusMiller!!

[@standaniels2232]

Mr Miller an iconic bassist Between Larry Graham and He got me going on the Bass 49 years later.

[@PHILLYDRUMMER04]

Me too 😂

[@dakotablack2003]

That natural open sound in the intro…..you can hear everything.

[@michaelellis141]

Priceless mentoring. Priceless.

[@samuelhamilton46]

Every time I see Marcus teaching bass, I can't stop listening. He is humble, respectful and always right. His explanations are simple and effective. We are very lucky to be able to ear him and his fellow Victor Wooten. Peace Marcus and thank you🎸

[@agnes6585]

it was a pleasure, thanks for sharing, seeing you again...

[@daggy174]

Not every great player can be a great teacher, but Mr. Miller is certainly both! I picked up so much from these lessons. Thanks for posting this incredibly inspirational and informative video.

[@JohnMiller-tc6hb]

Marcus came to my bass in the rhythm section class at Berklee College of Music way back in 1985. He was so gracious and taught me a lot about bass that day. David Dyson was in my class too and it was a treat to see those two thump it up. I've had a great career on electric and upright bass because of meeting you. You're only 5 years older than me, but such a down to earth and gracious musician who is a master teacher in addition prolific bass player. Thank you for all of your years of making and producing great music.

[@carlhodieudonne3342]

They are all Lucky to have chance playing some notes with Marcus👑

[@johnclaytonjr]

Thank you, Marcus! Thank you, Terence! Thank you, SFJAZZ! This is the s**t!!!! Bravo. Don't stop now. Love from your fan, JC

[@juansecar2]

Damm what a fkn nice vid meeeennnnn!!! Marcus is just the truth dudee!! Never get tired of him, best ever!

[@TheChrist117]

So much to digest in this session. I didn't hear 'less is more', but when Marcus plays, that's what you get. I've been playing decades and TBH, not really into 'slap'; but, I feel now, I can do some work on getting to a place where I will be proficient - another tool for the toolbox. Many thanks to Marcus Miller.

[@troywest]

Marcus just blows me away, he's such an excellent musician and super nice dude 21:38 - that lick !!! hell yah

[@budgetguitarist]

This is like philosophy of music in 24 minutes. Marcus is at another level. Genius.

[@JSleekbass]

A master simplify’s the complexities of percussive bass expression! What a gift!!

[@teohalm99]

Marcus is a gem. what an insightful, kind man. let alone talented. this video made me emo🙃

[@gregpepper6053]

Space, repetitions and storytelling! Great insight. This was awesome!

[@ArenaStrength]

What a legend. Just another reason why Marcus will always be my favorite bass player. Incredibly talented, hard working, humble, and a great teacher.

[@LouisCiarlo]

I just love everything this guy has done for bass. He’s really up there with Jaco, with his own thing.

[@TCBASSDOTCOM]

One of my favourite videos on slap, music and how to teach. Great stuff! Thank you

[@stuartholme4457]

That last cat was good! Nice phrasing. Marcus' advice was gold.

[@waynedean8]

Less is more... take your simplest pattern and play half of it... Marcus got that that subtle science of life going on...❤❤❤❤

[@adonisrichards8921]

I've always respected Marcus's music. But after watching. this, I love him even more.

[@saturnsabyss]

That was beautiful. Tiny has an incredible vocabulary but the simple advice of "respect your ideas more" really helped him leave space, repeat motifs and take twists and turns like every great soloist. Very illuminating

[@ehenduify]

Mr. Marcus Miller is the Quintessential Jazz Bassist, without question!

[@Nnamdinnamah]

Nahh that Julian lesson made me smile cos this is an actually dream lesson while so young

[@Derfunkmeister]

Marcus is simply the best and I love that Fender type of sound where U can hear the wood and not just the electronics.

[@2Monkster]

I sat through this session with the biggest smile on my face. Marcus has the most amazing connection with his students and towards the end I couldn't stop jamming along. Just fantastic advice at all levels - which I will try to implement, aswell as practicing the techniques mentioned throughout. A real gentleman and formidable musician. Respect and kind regards from the UK 🎸 👍🏼

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

“You’re a drummer with tones”❤️

[@ronniboi312]

Loved that.

[@BestBassTabs]

Watching Marcus give a lesson is awesome. Thanks 🙏

[@philliptigue]

Marcus quoting Jaco and Rocco phrases!

[@kevinallen3373]

Terrance! I had no idea you were the man at SF Jazz. Marcus is the KING. I have flown to New York just to see Marcus. And he is a real down-to-earth dude. I learned so much watching this and also discovered a gift I have....Thanks for this amazing video.

[@ssssss9740]

I couldn’t help but smile the whole time watching this