The Most Important Bass Lesson I Ever Teach - With Scott Devine (L#68)

[@OogieWa]

17 is late? Heh, I got handed a bass when I was 50 at a jam night I went to with a guitar player friend. The house band guy handed me his bass and said "Here, play this." And I'm like "I don't know how!" And he says "It's only three notes, here, I'll show you." Long story short, 13 years later and I'm in a great 3-piece, no drama cover band, giging three or four times a month, loving every minute of it, and I guess this is pretty much how I learned. And will continue to learn hopefully for a very long time. I'm really glad that guy handed me his bass that night! Good stuff, thanks Scott.

[@bigdazz8636]

I'm in the same boat and about the same age. I bought my eldest son a guitar, I've had a play with it, we've both never played one and I just really fancy playing bass. I'm buying one in a week or so and we're going to learn and play together. You're comment on this video confirmed to me that in time we can do a few gigs. Cheers mate.

[@carolineharvey273]

Right there with you (49) - good to hear it’s never too late to make something happen. Thank you.

[@Bewar3them00n]

Just bought a bass at 51, starting from scratch, just because I love the bass, & how it sounds

[@felarppe]

Based

[@jchi1ds]

This isn't the recipie for success on the bass, it's the recipie for success in life.

[@devinebass]

I thought... ok, if I can't get into university I can do it on my own... all you get in university is 'structured learning' that you are force fed. You can go and study with all the teachers that teach at university anyway - they all teach privately too lol! I got in contact with some great bass players, organized lessons with them, went to jam nights, put a band together - everything that you do in Uni but off my own back. Get your own study plan together and stick to it! Ez man! S ;)))

[@vincellhaskins5513]

I've been playing bass for 35 years, and the best lesson I had was very early on, when I said it was an easy instrument to play and didn't really think it would do much for my cred. Then a friend of a friend said - "You're right mate, it's an easy instrument to play...but it's a really hard instrument to play well". And he was right - I'm still learning.

Thank you again, Scott! Hey, you could be talking one of these days at TED. You are the kind of teacher that humankind needs to be better. You're good at what you do, you're respectful, very articulate and a nice person as well. Best wishes for you.

[@neastbound101]

Thanks Scott! Great job imparting some valuable wisdom "brick by brick" especially GRATITUDE journaling. Keep on keeping on & hope to meet up someday! All the best ...

[@EphemeralProductions]

Nathan East: that is bizarre Nathan. you, one of the best bass players out there, comments and three years later no one has liked it commented on it! well I just did both! :D

[@mist3ral]

As Bruce Lee once said..."Don't fear the man who has practised a thousand kicks. Fear the man who has practised one kick a thousand times".

[@respectfulremixer]

good quote!

[@acfshenk]

Our martial arts instructor uses that line a lot. :) But it's true....

[@pabloessgalhardo5317]

Now say it like jones from the police academy

[@KoffeeShak]

Bass Lee said the same thing about a thousand licks/ one lick a thousand times. That’s weird

[@arnoczkyzoltan6158]

The small information "packets", and constant work in small chunks are important in any other stuff in life, too. My life was changed, when I started using this "technique", or method. You are right.

[@silviak1361]

I learned classic music at 15 and someone told me i was to old. I've played piano,flute and trompet and i gave up everything. I'm 46 now and start again in music.with bass...the best instrument ever. We are not to old to be happy playing. it's all about happyness doing some music.

[@carolineharvey273]

Right there with you Silvia!!

[@devinebass]

Thanks for chiming in Nathan! I've got to say... I'm a HUGE fan. I've been inspired by your bass playing for years and years. In fact one of the first bass lines that I ever transcribed was Footloose. What an awesome bass line! Take it easy man. Scott :)

[@blazesomber1448]

- Aim high. - Achive your goal by taking babysteps. Be patient with yourself. - Be truthful to yourself. Give yourself a kick of the ass if you don't put in the work. - Be grateful, give yourself a pat on the back. - Your destiny is in your hands and only your hands. - The success comes with hard work.

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Truly great advise. Scott, you are an inspiration. I started playing bass at 58. Play every day. Little by little, brick by brick I'm moving forward. Thanks again. John

[@Tetrahex_uk]

Not only does your advice apply to bass players & musicians, it applys to life as a whole; take each day one step at a time & be thankfully for what you have. Respect.

[@robertoq125]

One thing I noticed that great teachers have in common whether in music, science, bodybuilding, etc...they have patience, wisdom, kindness and the heart to share their knowledge. Thank you!

[@petecrosta]

LMAO - He started late - I'm 62 and started 6-months ago. Okay, I'm a professional musician with a degree (music education - just retired after 38 years), so I know the theory and I know how to read and can sight-read pretty well, but this has been my dream and I wanna do this. Where will it take me? Who knows, but I'll have a blast chiseling away to play my best. The joy of this lesson is "it's okay to take baby steps" and STILL FEEL GOOD - still make positive progress. The key is to move forward, regardless of the duration (10,000 hours or bust! LOL). Thanx, Scott.

[@EphemeralProductions]

Peter Crosta: what?! you do not look 62!

[@czarevich]

Hard work...patience ....gratitude....baby steps. Well said. I intend to show this to my daughter who is learning the piano. Thanks!

[@rhashr]

You could remove the word 'bass' from this title and this lesson is still amazing for life in general.

[@Christianonbass]

You are very correct. This is about life. Don't be ashamed. I was at the point at one time where I thought I would never play again. I had given up on life many times. I might not be a rock star like I wanted to be when I was a kid, but I can jam and continue to improve. I have had serious health problems and couldn't play for a long time. But here I am . I'm not strung out on Heroin and not in jail. This video--and similar positive teaching--is the kind of stuff we need to watch.

[@deadpoinsettia]

Been playing guitar for 20 and bass for 14. I’m that guy, know 1 scale, can’t read music. Decided to make a change and really learn how to play bass and become a professional musician. I stumbled upon your videos and I've gotten loads out of them! You’ve got the best bass videos I’ve seen. Just wanted to say thanks for the information, lessons and the inspiration! I started a bit late, but am taking the necessary baby steps and I’m on my way! Thanks! I’ve donated and will again when I can.

[@waynepollock6753]

Scott, this is exactly what the new bass players as well as any musician needs to hear. A lot of us lack the patience we need to be successful, but if we learn every day and stay focused the sky is the limit!! Awesome Lesson!!

[@glenivan4864]

came here expecting a bass lesson. Got the life lesson I needed! thanks a bunch Scott! :)

[@SuperDuce74]

What a heartfelt discussion. Who would've thought you could still find a genuine moment on the Internet!

[@philburpalooza8]

Scott, your attitude is not only 100% correct, but proves that a good, open-minded attitude and willingness to take the small steps and be constantly evolving, and enjoying the journey to becoming great will carry ANY bass player much further than obsessing over technique, reading music, or trying to sound EXACTLY like (type bass hero's name here). So well said!!

[@dalchimsky]

This is not a bass lesson, it's a LIFE lesson and a philosophical speech. Today I am grateful to you :-)

[@ConstantinZagorsky]

Abstract meanings make you forget about really joyful details. I thank all people that really enjoy life, that lies in small achievements that cuts into our instincts! Thank you Scott Devine, wish you luck in upcoming year.

[@PlayersSchoolofMusic]

Scott is correct! Little baby steps is the way to go when it comes to learning how to improve. I teach the same concept and I am SO PLEASED that you use this concept as well. Well done Scott. Best from Jeff

[@marcdeschaine6944]

This guy has become my favorite online teacher and after playing bass for over 28 years I still feel inadiquate. He has me start to push myself into learning my bass in a "deeper" sense and he is right that baby steps add up without you seeing results until one day you are like "wow, I CAN do this!" Great lessons from a great person!

[@Bobbyg162]

Thanks for the encouragement. 67 years old and playing for 17 months. Been a little discouraged about how slow I'm progressing. Thanks for the baby steps lesson.

[@MasterMarf]

you arent only a good musician, you are also a great person, not everyone would share such great knowledge (in all videos not just this one) without wanting anything back from the people. people like you become heroes! :)

[@jdk191257]

Scott hi :) I am so grateful to you, I found your video's yesterday and I did your Walking bass lessons and I am amazed at my progress :) Your teaching methods have inspired me incredibly, the way you break down the end product into instructional parts is so easy, thank you. I'm a 40yr guitar player playing bass for the last year, I've been trying to wrap my head around bass and struggling terribly, the frustration building to the point of exasperation. I've a renewed spirit because of you m8

[@prezbass]

Being a bass player for 40+ years- man. I wish I could have said this, Scott. Thanks for making this video. Truly impressive.

[@Brad-RB]

Your thoughts are similar to a statement someone told be a long time ago that changed my life. "Complex things are just a bunch of simple things put together. Break it down and it isn't so bad."

[@adaire451]

I have been a musician all my life. Primarily I am a music producer. I've learned a lot in my life: how melody works, harmony, etc. I've always been told I'm good. It never stopped there for me though. I have a bass and I watch these lessons to learn how to play it well. However, I also watch these lessons to further enrich my understanding of bass for my production. I wanted to say this to show how important it is to never stop learning, even when you think you know everything you need to know.

[@markbass354]

Scott , Thanks' very much for your help with the bass, at age 59 I finally got serious about playing bass and hope its not too late. Got too long of a story to tell here so I'm happy for you thing's worked out as it did. I have good control over my bass put lack certain skills I need to move forward. Mark S Beretta Houston, Texas U.S.A.

[@strakashagnasty]

Spot on “always learning and be dedicated to the process of learning” over the time you invest in yourself.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@williamshafer1996]

Scott, I just want to say thank you. I have learned more from you in 15 minutes than I've learned in 22 years. keep up the good work thank you for your videos.may God bless you.

[@SeanLain]

As someone being self taught, this is VERY good advice. I have heard of all these names of chords/scales, but when I put names to things I've already played with on the bass, it is very satisfying. Bite-sized steps: A good way to learn anything really

[@randaldstowell]

Great lesson, Scott. No excuses, and always embrace gratitude. Thank you for posting this! Inspiring words of wisdom and encouragement!

[@jyarddog65]

Wonderful!! From one with a psych degree..... what he says is great! 3 basic steps in learning... 1. short steps, 2. repetition, 3. reinforcement.

[@frenchy505]

This was really fantastic. Really inspired me. Amazing advice. I'm going to be watching this every time I need a pick me up. Thank you so so much for this. It truly is the most important bass lesson.

[@XXXris03]

I'm grateful for finding your site. I put down my bass for about 14yrs and picked it back up a few years back. I'm having tons of fun learning things I couldn't learn as a teenager. Thanks brother

[@notDinsss]

Your message goes way past bass alone, it's a way of life! Thanks for this man, much appreciated.

[@jackpardue]

great words of encouragement and patience Scott. it's always useful for someone to give voice to the work that goes into something like learning to play a bass. We all forget how much effort goes into learning anything and get bogged down in the mistakes rather than focus on the incremental progress that takes us to the next level. Thank you for that reminder.

[@hazemhelmy5750]

it is lovely to hear someone who is willing to give time to help others

[@viethung5824]

This is the most attractive and best lesson that I have ever learnt in KZbin. There are so many valuable things around us and it's grateful to have it.

[@Proverbs8]

Scott. Thank you so much for having a heart for those of us wanting to advance in our bass skills! Thank you for so many free lessons and the time you have taken to give your knowledge to others! Very few do what you are doing to help others. Not only are you a talented bassist, but here is something else I have noticed. You seem like a genuinely good and likable person! A great quality and often rare! Thanks and God Bless!

[@barnacmongars]

Small peices, is what I like about this kind of lessons so thanks Scott for all this lessons IA watch and learn from you for 3 years now! Thanks mate!

[@williamrds1]

Scott, i must say this, your humility amazes me, you' re a great bass player, and i'm very thankfull for the lessons you share with us! i wish u all the success in life, keep on the good job!

[@nickzloshier]

Totally agree. But not only for every instrument, most parts are really true and important for everyday life aswell. Great lesson, Thank you for everything Scott!

[@jschaves765]

PPP: Patience, Persistence and Practice. Thank you very much Scott!

[@kinardcherry9880]

Wow !!! You are definitely my favorite bass teacher. The mindset and "come from place" shines through all things spoken and your words are from a pure place. Thank you. I will continue to watch, listen, learn and share. Keep doing what you do.

[@hossman121]

Hey Scott. I've been playing bass since I was 12 (am now 23) and am still picking up little things from your video that are helping me progress. I must say I have had some degree of "success" but not much lately. Thanks for showing so much integrity and sharing your wisdom with us. Encouragement goes a long way, especially in such a cuthroat music industry these days :)

[@7StringSeventh]

I discovered a bass player that really inspires me. His name is Scott Devine. And hopefully one day I'm going to shake his hand and thank him for everything he's done. Cheers from Australia, Scott.

[@nico_valerga]

I would really like to view this lesson every single morning. Thank you Scott! Greetings from Argentina!

[@tallbrun]

Scott, man, this is just what I needed. You know, I doubted myself a lot of times, but when I take a look at it through this perspective, I sense I can do it. Thanks for this great encouragement.

[@jamieashby8810]

This is the most incredibly inspiring lesson, Scott. Thanks for everything and keep it coming!

[@bassworship50]

Great vid cause it's exactly what I did...learning by ear, but, discipline enough to practice and ask. I've played with some of the best musicians in gospel music and I wasn't the best, but i'm humble and I listen. 30 years of playing and still loving what i'm doing. Scott, you hit the nail on the head. Thx again, Anderson.

[@twosidedshapesoundscapegui8325]

Scott - you are the MAN! 🙏🏻 Gratitude - baby steps - etc. Really loving your vids!

[@KalinZahariev]

Thanks Scott, I played some base guitar in school, now at 46 am returning to this passion of mine. You are a great insipration, I love the way you explain things.

[@institutionalizedcreator229]

I will watch every lesson from #1 and forward and learn everything you post! Thanks for the great inspiration!

[@preciouslouse]

I'm a drummer but everything you said can't be more true. You're one of the most positive people on earth. If I was 15 years younger, I'd learn both base and drums but I gotta focus on the drums now :) But I'll watch your videos as well, groove is instrument-agnostic :) God bless!

[@bugfuqr]

Oh! Okay. More specifically, practice your scales (this includes modes) and arpeggios. Check Scott's library of videos, he's top notch. Muscle memory is key to fluidity - if you're constantly calculating, you'll sound like it! And you'll invariably trip yourself up. If you have it all built in, you can run smoothly on autopilot, think multiple measures ahead, compose lines on the fly, and safely try out whatever wacky screwdoodles pop into your skull :)

[@68django]

29 years and still learning. It really does take a lifetime to master an instrument. When I die, I hope I will be able to say I learned some new bass trick earlier that day, even if I'm 100 years old.

[@vinsbmx]

Drummer here, love your channel, love your approach to music and students and I embrace your philosophy. Thank you for inspiring me. This was definitely the kick in the butt I was looking for, but also that tap in the back that you always wait for.

[@rosacobos]

oh gosh...! Iam 66 years old..though with a self taught cello playing barock music background...star ted at 33 and it was passion what moved to do it..now...I have discovered that passion and I am diving into it your words are what I needed to hear fort the attitude the y are promoting is exactly what I think and feel about playing and learning to play and for whatever I do in life. You are goooooooood both as a musicien, a teacher and a counselling mate...thanks. a lot. That is the reason why I am here in your yt channel.....I love to ask and do not feel embarrased for it!!! Greetimgs from Bilbao. Spain. Rosa

[@sapelopelo]

You are not only the best bass teacher I ever had, you are also terribly intelligent and seem to be quite a good person, keep it up!

[@tottabass]

Indeed the most important-not only for bass-lesson! I would like to have at my learning someone who taught me such a lesson... I became your fan not only for what I've lesrned but mostly for the way you explain and advise. Thanks for your sympathy and clearness and above all for your amazing playing.

[@chessdude67]

I was a drummer for 30 years...had to stop due to very bad tinnitus. Drummers were always sharing and helping each other. Now, I'm finding that bass players are the same way! Good people sharing the joy of music. peace! Tim

[@VincentCallan]

As a musician and an adult teacher / tutor and also a returner to education myself I found this really inspiring, thanks for sharing fella, good work! ( also, thanks for helping me learn to play bass after 20 years on the guitar!) :D

[@chetazo]

you are one of the best person in the world for saying this words! thank you for this lesson. best of all music lessons over internet!

[@jacobmartirez19]

Thank you scott you really made me realized how speacial gift i have if i dont use a bit of tiny little learnings in my entire life. For me thats the word of gratitude and patience to become succesful. not as a musician but as a life guidelines to be on the Top!

[@SergioBR23]

Thank you Scott for this lesson! I never ever touched a bass guitar. Your sincere words make me feel more encouraged and confident about what I have to do to express myself thru music and learn. I'm a keyboard player and know music enough to play it well. But I have discovered that my real passion all my life was this particular musical instrument. I just love the sound of it, and the role it plays in a band. Gonna do my very first step soon, I will sign up your website for sure! You're the man!

[@clubtough]

He is the only real bass teacher on the internet because his lessons help everybody and its not about money.

[@EphemeralProductions]

clubtough: it's getting to be more about money, though. he's got the SBL website that you have to subscribe to to get content ave lessons etc. I don't hold it against him; id do the same to make a living if I had a skill I could teach.

[@stolkshinski]

Good lesson that goes far beyond learning to play bass...it goes for everything in life... ...Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out...

[@vincekoch9313]

wow!! scott you dont know what that encouraging meant to me. believe i have had a rough time of late with my instrument almost a times feeling like dropping it. but thank God for my little patience and now you made it stronger.i'm striking a serious come back thanks to you....

[@mattjo6385]

hi there, i just started studying music at a university and my main subject is bass. i love music, i love instruments, especially the bass. i know, that i'm definetly not the worst player but i permanently screw up at jazz tunes.i often think that i just suck; that i'm not able to really gather new techniques because iam already to "deadlocked" your're right, scott.doesn't matter, we have to show us this quite plainly. thanks a lot for giving me new strength!! greetings from germany

[@thirstinmagoo]

Great stuff Scott! I started playing bass 10 yrs ago and about a year ago I've tried to really step up my playing and you're making me realize that taking a step back can be a giant step forward !!! Absolutely love your videos! It's crazy how basic fundamentals really can improve you as a bass player even after 10 years of playing!! Great stuff keep it up I look forward to it!!!!!

[@paulleeming5733]

Hey Scott, have been discovering your little tips. Originally from Altrincham in Manchester, I now live in Australia. I am now 51 but still have so much to learn playing bass - humility is part of the key. Thankyou for your insight. Take care Mate. Paul Leeming.

[@estarling8766]

Thanks Scott for sharing with us your time, passion and experience.

[@sturoc0]

Gotta say, I just watched a couple of Scotts vids and this one really is the most important one ! Not even picking up the bass once in it, Just getting your mind in shape first ! Excellent !

[@joaquinortega1672]

Every once in a while I com back to this video, because you'r words are really wise, I believe for all aspects of life.

[@frankiemonroe]

You're absolutely right on the money, Scott! I NEEDED to hear that! SO TRUE! This "Lesson" was so inspirational and I for one am so grateful that you took the time to stress it so poignantly! Thanks again, you're the BEST!

[@tyronewilliams4779]

Thanks Scott I started playing about a year ago and it’s been fun but very challenging as well. I really really needed to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Thank you for being a great leader.

[@rhythmcity2006]

Wow, its amazing how when you want to give up GOD sends a word to get you back on your road to being succesful..thank you man

[@johnqpublic2013]

What I always try to share is to break music down to the smallest, simplest form. ie. 13 notes per scale (chrom), A-G, 4 Chord Structures = M, m, aug, dim.

[@marklongshore4860]

We all need encouragement. Thanks Scott.

[@ecmathjazz]

Thank you so much, i started playing since i had 16 years... and i started learning by videos like this... i could say this is one of the most motivating videos i´ve seen... thank you so much... greetings from mexico!

[@JaddRyan]

Great musician, Great teacher! Thanks for your dedication. You'll always have my respect Scott!

[@andrecarreiro6471]

great lesson in bass and life ..really inspiring Scott. Reminded me of myself when you started talking about school and how everything cant come as easy as you like. You just got to push forward as hard as you come and before you know it you will be there

[@CannibalisticTomato]

I'm 17 now and learning to play the bass and it's really reassuring to know that someone successful started this late as well.

[@alpeme55]

Scott: I really enjoyed your video lessons. I thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and wisdom with the world. This world would be a much better place with more people like you. Keep going! GOD Bless You. Best regards, Alberto, from Puerto Rico

[@Agapehonduras]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Excellent Scott. Thanks For this Lessons you shared to all of us.

[@stianfoss2794]

Hey Scott! Another amazing lesson I must say! If it wasn't for you I would never have developed my bass playing skills. After I found your channel, I now practice at least 3 hours a day! Your videos are so inspiering and fun to watch! I've learned so much! This message in this video can apply to so many more things than just bass. So amazing! Thank you so much for putting these videos up!

[@erickfogtman]

You really change my day, maybe my life. Thank you so much scott, really, i can't say thanks enough... From argentina, a big hug!

[@isabelfreeman2702]

Not sure how you could "thumbs down" this awesome vid. Thanks Scott :)

[@jdb123ize]

I was playing since HS then picked up the Bass 12 years ago, this was the wisest move, its better than guitar, wish i could turn back time. Keep Thumpin Bro.

[@crazyuncleduke9]

Thank You for sharing your knowledge with us.----Few of us are born with "The Gift" of music. Everything in life comes from dedication and patience.--Cheers!!!

[@OsmarOliveira]

Not just a music lesson, but a LIFE lesson indeed! Great stuff Scott.

[@julioe.193]

Scott I bearly started watching your videos and this one is the perfect video to start off with.it didn't only inspire me to be a better bassist, but it also inspired me personally.I just picked up the bass and Im 18, and I haven't been doing good in a educational stand point...kinda like you. I just feel like the bass is the only thing I could do right in my life right about now, so thanks very much for this video and the time you take making all your other one!!

[@AldoSAndrade]

Mentoring is not a simple task to complete when you are a teacher, father, older brother, team coach or what else... Mentoring is about give directions more than teaching something in a "by the book" way. Thanks you for this class and your generosity in sharing with us your musical knowledge, but more than that, your life personal values and your very personal point of view about learning and use of our skills to get a goal. Bass regards! (from São Paulo, Brazil)