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

[@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.

[@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!

[@amaliajonsdottir7481]

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

[@PHILLYDRUMMER04]

Absolutely

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@EffectiveRange]

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

[@user-cg3tx8zv1h]

Who doesn't love Marcus?

[@nicolaszyx3120]

Nuuubody

[@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!

[@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!

[@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🎶👍

[@Generalbas1972]

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

[@surgeneral108]

FACT!

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!❤💯🎵

[@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!!!

[@DEE-jk3rb]

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

[@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.

[@David.duogroup]

Best 24 minutes I've spent today. ❤

[@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. ❤

[@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.

[@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!

[@michaelvaladez6570]

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

[@taminatorv]

Marcus Miller is so awesome!

[@patriciojofre8531]

Completely agree 👍

[@theLTstation]

I see! Glad I Came Upon This

[@mikebuick2332]

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

[@ricardovallejo6136]

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

[@mckaigg]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@phinestro]

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

[@twill5077]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@donniediamond3934]

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

[@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. 🎸

[@standaniels2232]

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

[@PHILLYDRUMMER04]

Me too 😂

[@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.

[@ehenduify]

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

[@johngalvao1969]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ayodejihabeeb8104]

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

[@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.”

[@priceconsult5880]

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

[@AntonioTonyNewtonMusic]

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

[@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🎸

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@stuartholme4457]

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

[@troywest]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@rabbirelax]

Marcus is the man! What a good soul.

[@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.

[@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.

[@celmer7099]

I saw Tiny playing at NAAM January of 2024 and was blown away by his abilities. So cool to see him getting some tips from Marcus Miller!

[@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.

[@ericgreene2810]

I tried to play with my thumb a few times it was so difficult I just gave up or should I wait until somebody shows me. But no one ever did I got practicing by regular plucking until I saw this video. I finally got the basics of how to do it now I have something to build on and I am encouraged to keep trying thank you Marcus I would also like to say I met you once Marcus when you played at the variety playhouse in Atlanta in Little five points part of town. It was you my goddaughter my best friend Mr porano who plays Congas.. you are most gracious to my goddaughter Egyptian who you encouraged to keep practicing her trombone. You are a great human being thank you for all that you do looking forward to seeing you next trip to Atlanta

[@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!

[@LouisCiarlo]

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

[@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 🎸 👍🏼

[@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.

[@juansecar2]

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

[@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

[@CarlitosMayo]

What an amazing teacher and humble person. Thanks.

[@dakotablack2003]

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

[@Fastvoice]

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

[@agnes6585]

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

[@adonisrichards8921]

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

[@gregpepper6053]

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

[@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 🤩

[@patrickr12342]

A great musican and a cool teacher. Down to earth and he got more groove than most musicans.

[@carlos_herrera]

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

[@michaelellis141]

Priceless mentoring. Priceless.

[@waynedean8]

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

[@alexgoumas]

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

[@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!

[@Mike-er2ih]

If I just sat next to Marcus was being recorded and he says "all right play something for me" I would just sheet my pants 😂

[@jabez36]

I just got this guys bass. Been an inspiration since I was a kid. So amazing how he physically embodies the coolness of his playing style.

[@MC92974]

Waou what a wonderful time for this guys ! The dream of a lot of bass players just to talk with Marcus listen and have fun!

[@budgetguitarist]

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

[@kdm313]

Dude Marcus is so talented. I just saw him in Atlanta. My goodness I’m alive to witness such a talented and beautiful human being. Thank you Marcus for all your work. And the great bass playing on Bobbi Humphrey Love when I’m in your arms.

[@davidlopez-white3185]

Thanks @SFJAZZ and @MarcusMiller!!

[@johnspierce]

This is really cool -- and mad respect to the 3 players who came out and showed us the different levels of Marcus Miller teaching -- you were all great!

[@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.

[@Run-Riot]

Man, I could listen to Marcus Miller tell stories all day. Hell, I've technically done that a few times watching him give bass clinics and stuff on KZbin. Dude is a master storyteller both with music and with words.

[@albertopupo3692]

@ the end of the day this’s what’s counts people like you Marcus, that are able to pass on knowledge and teach what Gods grace have gave us in grace, you are not only teaching but also sowing.God bless you

[@carlhodieudonne3342]

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

[@JSleekbass]

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

[@jimmyg8989]

Just goes to show, no matter what level you are on he can help you improve. I was just starting when he gave me advice which I never forgot and appreciated.