The 10 Greatest Synth Bass Lines Through History (and how to get the sounds)

[@leFoodeater]

I'm saying this with the best of intentions: I almost stopped watching this channel cause I felt it became repetitive and the same old same old. Having this new guy and I assume more new things planned in the future is a really good thing for the channel. I'm feeling so inspired by this!

[@PatrickChannonInPost]

This guy is GREAT, his enthusiasm is so infectious. Can't wait to see what you guys do together

[@iCombs]

Ian’s a buddy of mine and he could NOT be a nicer guy...and he’s a stud player as well. So happy for him.

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

Can’t deny that genuine enthusiasm- so awesome to watch and just gives you a smile

[@martijnkragtwijk2959]

Great video, learned a lot from it! Must say I expected at least one Muse track though😏

[@jded28]

He'd do great in sales

[@Diegoanddreams]

Watching Ian feels so refreshing! Thanks Scott for bringing him in

[@Orangeboy1345]

Oh, look! It‘s Scott starring as a guest on Scott‘s channel

[@austinjim9082]

Scott is really killing it with his American accent

[@SprunkCovers]

Scott with a J bass is now called Ian I guess

[@tkroll]

Thought the same, or it’s Scott’s nerdy little brother. Either way Ian killed it.

[@simonaudus1414]

True, it's Scott with an American accent. Kills it.

[@tchap973]

I came here for this comment

[@ichouinard]

What is jawdropping here, is that he performs all these "electronic" modern bass lines with an old Jazz with Flats. How cool is that.

[@dusty9438]

for sure! It also works well, considering most synth bass sounds have very little harmonics beyond the root note, so the neck pickup on a jazz bass with flats takes out a good chunk the upper harmonics of the note, which makes the synth sound track a lot better and sound more authentic

[@thomasfaraone4213]

Yeah, I’m envious of this tone he gets lol

[@kevteop]

Octavers track a lot more reliably with flats, that's why.

[@hegemonycricket2182]

Been rocking flats on my j bass for 6 or 7 years now...wouldn't have it any other way.

[@paulbucklebuckle4921]

Flats and nylon wound are effing ace ,, so are Jazz and P basses ...

[@RandyLott]

Jamiroquai certainly needs to be included. So many amazing synth bass lines.

[@ElEnanoAr]

Bald? check Glasses? check 2 weeks beard? check hat? check bass? check... That's Scott with a different name..

[@iamthemoneyj]

You missed the most important part. No super dry. So it can't be scott

[@Tat2Dragons]

galiusorbille Cool! Don’t forget cool. 😃

[@zejoaoparis]

not to mention the fact that no one has seen them in the same room

[@gallaxyquest]

😆😆😂😂😂😂💯

[@dguyiop8]

In the interview Scott was like I can't put my finger on it but there's something I really like about you, you've got the job. Before you leave do you mind playing something on bass?

[@rupertkennedy7964]

This should be a regular thing. This dude is dope af and the breakdowns are awesome.

[@sjpiasko]

Keep Ian around, Scott. He's a winner! Enjoying his SBL videos - He's a refreshing addition to SBL!

[@joelmondonedo6855]

His energy and enthusiasm makes me feel like I can do anything with my bass... like end world hunger! 😳 Great job Ian and thank you for the tone hacks!! 👍

[@ejhayes]

You really nailed it. Ian is such a detailed and a clear communicator. Really moving SBL forward. Such a good dude.

[@matthewdbk11]

I really have to say, as someone born in the 90's, watching videos like this that almost recontextualize an era's style I wasn't around for REALLY shifts my perspective on how I listen to that music now and appreciate it. Thank you sir, this is great.

[@crnkmnky]

Seeing "electronic music" transcribed to a so-called "real instrument" does shift the perspective! I want to show this tutorial to some music snobs who would never voluntarily study these genres at any age.

[@McDoinky]

Stevie Wonder - Innervisions All great synth bass songs

[@jamesa.1345]

Most of Stevie’s classic period defined synth bass imo.

[@McDoinky]

James Ayton He pioneered it, in a way

[@jbognap]

And also Boogie On Reggae Woman 👍

[@GfnWiz]

I have a few Stevie Wonder songs in my playlist... I’m adding this one too. Thx

[@crnkmnky]

@@GfnWiz I think they meant "add the whole album!"

[@peterveres2942]

Not my style of music but his enthusiasm turned on my interest. This is what teachers are made of!!!

[@ibalrog]

More videos like this, please. Just... all of it. Showing how to approach an instrument differently, making it approachable, the range of examples, the energy, all of it.

[@aarondavis4341]

I really like this guy,which is unheard of in my book,he's easy to understand not using words I've never heard and his bass enthusiasm is awesome

[@alainbrasseur7083]

twin bass brothers! to recognize them : Scott is P, Ian is J. by the way, welcome Ian

[@claudioteran7229]

I LOVED the way you presented this, not just those amazing BASSLINES, but the diversity in MUSIC styles. Cheers!

[@themanmachine125]

had to give it a like when i heard him play 'try again'...damn he smashed it

[@richardgudino7630]

Ian, you're a darling, love how you presented this content. For all of us on the road to tone, you've opened up a door of possibility I honestly hadn't thought of before. A big thanks!

[@erikzarko2880]

7:52 Repetition Legitimizes

[@perpetualgrimace]

Later in the video: "I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE"

[@bluetv6386]

Yep Adam is watching too I m sure...😊

[@CalebMaSmith]

I was looking for this comment

[@niallhomer9407]

7:52 Repetition Legitimizes

[@cpsnakemusic3082]

coming down here to say the same thing but you beat me to it!

[@chrisneyman]

The ability to teach others how you teach themselves new things is so hard to do well. This is done so well! Thank you!

[@r3ality1]

I think the Dizzee Rascal song was actually produced by Tiësto (a Dutch DJ). That bass line is stuck in my head HARD.

[@vinsharrelson2246]

Ian was an excellent pick on this one, Scott! His choices were awesome! He included what I call the Holy Trinity of synth basslines; "Chameleon", "Flashlight", and "You're In My System"!!! This will be my favorite lesson of 2020! Thanks Ian for sharing, and Scott for introducing!

[@crnkmnky]

👃🏿 funk, funk, funk!

[@chasebodor271]

Love the addition of Ian to SBL! He brings great energy and is super enjoyable to watch

[@M2Mil7er]

Honourable mention, one of my fave synth lines is 'Delirious' by Susanne Sundfør. Great 16th feel. Bit of octave and fuzz, with a pick. Lovely!

[@toonvank6165]

My mind is completely blown, exactly for the reason mentioned in your closing comment: changing the way I think. Seriously, to pull off those sounds with a few pedals, just wow..!

[@Basslessonsmelbourne]

Dude... one of the BEST synth bass pedal videos on youtube! Great choices and you get so close with such a 'basic' array of pedals, so many lessons to be learnt :)

[@andrewjeffries8721]

Thanks Ian! I very much appreciate this video because I have been kickin' around the idea of a synth pedal for my Jazz bass for quite awhile. But this video hepped me to the truth that seperate pedals can approxmate so many sounds. Excellent. Thank you, sir. SBL is a rockin' Bass channel!!!!

[@DLenk]

Sick tip about using a short digital delay to get that kind of sequencer sound!

[@bartdevuyst]

I’m not into contemporary pop, rap or R&B music but the analysis of these modern base lines and the thick sound of it all is very inspiring! 👌

[@andreswaringer1476]

That Aaliyah was dope asf! I've played around with a lot of her bass lines (never on pedals tho, just normal voice) but I never tried "Try Again". He played it verbatim!

[@christophervaca7116]

"I like the snap of the g string" hehe

[@odeken077]

The ”wrong” fingering does in soo many contexts bring the ”right” to enhance the basslines to the level that You go -Aaah, what happened now? IMhO

[@MrNathan791]

Ian your knowledge and skills for the bass and music is only surpassed by your passion and enthusiasm . Man really love and appreciate your explaining and breaking it down for all to understand and maybe add it to our playing. Myself, I actually started learning to play this beautiful instrument back in the early 80’s; I taught myself to play a little by ear but man I really feel that I’ve short changed myself. Now I’m learning to read and try doing it the right way. I know it’s kind of late in the game for me, but man I just can’t walk away from this beautiful sounding instrument. Thanks for all your videos. Peace out.🎼🎼🎼

[@juanmoulinho]

wow, this vid is great in so many ways! ian is brilliant. he's funny, funky and super educative. the songs are great. bass synth is great. teaching how to build a synth sound, emulate is, is great. the free lesson file is a beauty in its self. thank you so much!

[@BigBrod]

I lost my shit when he played that Aalyiah baseline....🔥🔥🔥

[@mattuw82]

This guy is amazing. I was glued to the screen watching this. This is some of the best bass-related content I've seen. I would love to see more.

[@gwEmbassy]

This is a very cool video, a breath of fresh air. That Timbaland bass line is epic. Scott should do more post 2000 stuff!

[@och70]

I like this guy - great energy, great technique demonstrations, doesn't talk down to you. Exactly what you'd want in an instructor.

[@69XxXDqrkKnightXxX69]

This Ian guy is really good. What a way to flex on us than playing synth baselines with a bass. Especially on that Timbaland one.

[@adamstamatea]

That "Try Again" bassline..... WOOOOAHH 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lucastperez]

I completely overlooked the power of chorus in building a synthy tone. I recently bought one for a Guns n Roses song and it is incredible how much it can change our Octave+Fuzz sound. It feels like it is a whole new instrument!

[@heikowatjen9041]

Great Video, cool guy, great teacher. The fact that Stevie's "Boogie on a reggae woman" isn't in there is forever unforgivable, though

[@damianrock5297]

Man, Ian's got one of the most interesting lessons in the SBL program, he always explores the sound of the bass!

[@freddylopez7536]

Ian is too freakin fun. Love his heart and enthusiasm. Plays his ass off. Loves so much what he's doing. Kudos to you Scott for bringing him to your channel. Great insight and raises our awareness. Coolio

[@Oscaraha]

This video made me sell one of my upright basses, and use all my money on effect pedals. It was actually a great decision, thanks a lot!

[@stephenknapp108]

Ian is great. He certainly puts a whole new spin on bass lines.

[@rslattery3]

I like him. Good sense of humor. Smart about sound and “shapes” of sounds. But mostly, not TOO serious, like when he says “who cares what you play”. That gives you freedom and helps with feeling creative in my opinion.

[@jimhughes1070]

Ian!!! What a freaking beast brother!!! My wife would say "he's so damn precious!!" Thanks a million for all that work sir 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@FranciscoHernandez-do3qz]

This has been the BEST guide I've ever seen.

[@jwlash]

Great video and great breakdown. As much as synth pedals have advanced (Future Impact, Source Audio C4, the latest Boss synth pedal), for playing these lines quickly without latency issues etc, I agree that this combo of octave, fuzz, filter and modulation is still the best way to go. One note for anyone looking to cop these sounds, the filter being shown here (but can't be the one used in each case) is the MXR which is a good filter but I wouldn't recommend as part of a synthy chain because (1) it only has an up envelope and as Ian demonstrated, many of these sounds require a down envelope and (2) it is bandpass only which leads to more cocked wah tones when a fuzz is in front of it. What you want more often is a low pass filter instead.

[@brianwilliams4789]

With the future impact v3 update especially if properly adjusted, no perception of latency. Far, far superior sound to what I'm hearing here. It does require you to play cleanly, but it reponses well to even bends, slides.

[@germanbisurgi6400]

This

[@J.D....]

looks like Ian used a Proton envelope filter from 3leaf

[@paulmadreddog282]

Best argument for a 'love' button on KZbin? Some classic grooves broken down plus some proper unheard gold (for me) - how did I not know that DR b-line?? - and Ian has an informative and enthusiastic style as infectious as the grooves he chooses. Wish my kids' lockdown lessons were this engaging...

[@WAXWANE]

This is an amazing lesson. Not only is he a monster player he is an incredible teacher!

[@PolarBimbi]

someone should do modern hiphop basslines. underrated imo.

[@becketthor6478]

A lot of of 0s, 12s, and 3s in the tablature im guessing

[@williamwood4945]

If that is made I would like to see Black skinhead by Kanye make it onto the list

[@ethanlancaster76]

Uhm well considering that 99% of hip hop bass lines are really just James Brown samples we’re only left with Thundercat and Doug Wimbish lol.

[@seth_holtz]

A lot of Kendrick and Kanye’s music alone have great bass lines! I’d love to see that video

[@Viper-dz2kw]

I’ve found a lot of 808 basslines are either ridiculously simple to play on bass or really really hard

[@RMGCBG]

Scott, I don’t play bass. I build guitars but my love of bass over the years especially because of Chris Squire & Jaco is over the top! Love your videos! Thank you!

[@MacLamar]

So happy YT put your video up on my screen. Anything to do with synths and/or a base guitar and you explain everything you talked about plus bringing up such amazing old songs that I actually heard the base for the first time. Well you know what I mean. Thank you.

[@2442daehssab]

"You know you played this in jazz band before... check it out!" Yes, I did play Chameleon in high school jazz band - can you see me through the screen?

[@MikeLaRock88]

Just started playing bass and have always wanted to get an old Casio so I could practice synth bass too. Guess I can do both with just the bass guitar. Very cool

[@Pukelarker]

Finally someone does a good tutorial on Try Again!!

[@originaltommy]

Stevie Wonder's Boogie on Reggae Woman still has the most impressive and nearly impossible to replicate synth bass line. It's mind blowing! Love your other selections! PYT is fabulous!

[@EvanVincent.]

This guy needs his own damn show. I love it!

[@itsthe773guero5]

you are teaching me so much....valuable knowledge that 20years ago when i started playing wouldve cost so much thru trial error and questions abound.....no books out there on to learn and utilize different pedals and techniques really gotta learn it your own way but here you provide much

[@danniii009]

I can tell this is going to be a very expensive video for me. Love this stuff, great work.

[@DietrichPfister]

I love the enthusiasm in this video. You can't help but get as pumped! This is the video I needed. I have EHX Bass Synth and Q-Tron+ but never figured out how to make use of them. Now I can't wait to start fiddling with them again after they gathered dust for a decade.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Try Source Audio C4 too. Incredible pedal🤩🛸🛸🛸

[@ericisenhart4762]

The synth bass on early Madonna songs is amazing. Get Into the Groove in particular.

[@duraluminmoomin1157]

Guy Pratt's 'lockdown licks' video of his bassline for 'Like A Prayer' is very inspirational, and actually played on bass + octaver!

[@nsalaza]

This video was FANTASTIC!!!! Phenomenal work!!

[@AA-hy3vx]

Ian is absolutely great

[@payadorV]

This is beautiful! I've been looking for this video for years! It's perfect

[@willdobson6091]

Wow the "Try Again" line was completely ridiculous!

[@juliansanchez5154]

This is one of the best bass lessons I have ever watched. Ian takes bass to the next level

[@jefgirdler7232]

I did NOT expect to see dizzee rascal on this

[@IanMartinAllison]

That makes me happy

[@deanbaxter777]

I've seen an earlier video on SBL with Ian Allison and thought he was really interesting and enthusiastic. I've seen a few comments already but hell, I'll say it too. He's basically Scott Devine, but American! Welcome Ian to SBL and look forward to checking out more content from you in future.

[@Rustinho]

Some of this stuff really isn't my kinda music at all but I've always loved experimenting with effects to get weird sounds. Absolutely top notch video! :D

[@NoChrReq]

So I was asking myself who is this new guy on SBL, this apparently the first video of him on SBL. I came across it while I was searching for MXR envelope filter pedal reviews. Love this guy.

[@jacquelineducarmo9980]

Okay, so I found out I need 4 more pedals. Thanks for breaking my bank account

[@chrislovesstamps]

Ian, I love you lessons. I live the songs you show us with such enthusiasm. Thanks!!!

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@runepetersen83]

Awesome video. As has already been said, it’s a real gift to witness such unadulterated enthusiasm. Great insights and playing too, of course. I see Ian, I smash that like button

[@damienscanlon5585]

I hope that you all keep making videos like this. I love anyone who can offer good info on pedals that work well with bass.

[@agamergirl166]

8:57 /•\/\LIY/\H forever 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@patrickr12342]

What a nice vid!!! Ian knows, what he is talking about. It s fun to watch/hear and play. It does'nt matter what kind of music you are in to. Great work and a nice guy ,thumbs up!!!

[@jamespeters3507]

Holy moly! This is inspiring! I LOVE this guy!

[@kirsanov2008]

it inspired me to put back my flat strings and buy all these pedals!!!

[@saggybean]

Bad Behaviour was produced by Tiesto, I believe..! That Timbaland bass line tho, wow you’ve worked than one out perfectly, sounds amazing 🙌🙌🙌

[@IanMartinAllison]

THANK U

[@Corniis]

Ian is so natural. Love his presentation. Amazing enthusiasm.

[@SebWad]

7:53 Repetition legitimises.

[@DanielGammelgaard]

Adam Neely gang

[@RickyDias]

This guys is awesome! I watched more than 10 times already still excited every time with the way that he talks about the base lines. Keep up man !

[@brianshaddock5483]

This guy has the least convincing English accent I've ever heard.

[@doczooc]

What a great lesson! I always wanted the possibility to get a synth sound out of the bass and could never figure it out. Thanks, mate!

[@AndrewRodden]

Greetings from Newfoundland, Scott! Welcome to the party, Ian!

[@bluraynation5188]

Only someone from Newfoundland would be this nice and pleasant. Bless you sir.

[@markchatman9583]

Another welcome from m Newfoundland here.

[@Zedd36]

Thirded

[@kenlovan3931]

Thanks, Ian. I've always wanted a 'Nightbass'" special effects for my Bass, but am now rethinking that. Ken Lovan Atlantic Beach, FL

[@andykuhn4968]

I've never played synth bass in a band context.....seems like a whole nother ball of wax. I have a mxr fuzz deluxe octave and I'm struggling to get sounds I like. Thanks for presenting what goods synth sounds sound like

[@vasilisnitsakis3741]

Ian is superb . Great vides for teaching

[@r3ality1]

Ian's killin' it!!

[@gorryman]

Probs one of the most interesting ways to approach bass very informative and entertaining

[@bktee8182]

Thank you for this. Aaliyah’s instrumentals were so ahead of its time.

[@hegemonycricket2182]

Timbaland 's beat making prowess is legend

[@idolbass]

You make it possible to fall in love with playing synth Bass, back in the 80s bass players hated synth bass :) thanks, Ian

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@alexanderyaroslavich2703]

You nailed the timbres of each song, and I'd been doing that delay trick for a long time, nice to see it repped. Alas you forgot Giorgio Moroder's "Midnight Express," and for a real finger torture workout, try Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out"

[@crnkmnky]

❤️❤️❤️ my jams!

[@iqi616]

Steppin Out is a great song Joe seems to have been forgotten by oldies radio.

[@YeetMeDadi]

Super cool video. I just with he included the synth bass section at the end of Binky by Snarky Puppy. One if my favorite synth bass parts ever

[@GabrielGranitz]

I was honestly expecting “Lazaretto” by Jack White to be in this list, but a still a good list nonetheless.

[@hahabass]

Love this guy! He made me wanna take my bass for a spin, immediately. And I've not played forever. More of Mr. Allison, please!

[@squiggummemes2910]

Close your eyes and listen to his voice he is literally Anthony Padilla (ex-smosh member)

[@ekclay7]

Thank you man,I like your energy and positive attitude towards the bass instrument and your appreciation for the craft.. I bought a bass 2 years ago, and I'm just now starting to really pick it up,im primarily watching KZbin bass lessons for now, and i found that this is a fun instrument and not hard to learn at all. This video gave me energy to dig deeper into learning..thank you.