Victor Wooten Interview | Thomann

Julia had the honour of speaking with the man himself: Victor Wooten. Talking about the natural process of learning music, why rhythm is the most important thing when playing bass and having fun with acrobatics on stage. So sit back, relax and listen to all the wisdom Victor has to share...
Thanks a lot to DR Strings for making this interview happen!
Check out Victor's gear here: tho.mn/3c518
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/xuad
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:41 What keeps you busy at the moment?
1:51 Tour life vs. family life?
4:06 Victors thoughts on music education
10:47 How to sound like yourself
15:06 Where do you see electric bass in the future?
19:00 The connection between bass lines and melodies
20:25 The importance of rhythm for bass playing
24:44 How his brother Regi taught Victor music
26:56 What Bass Victor played as a child
29:07 About the bowable Fodera bass prototype
33:48 Why it's important to give meaning to your music
35:09 Bass spinning & acrobatics on stage
39:58 What are your plans for the future?
41:58 How to make the most out of the current situation
47:32 Thanks to Victor!
Webshop: www.thomann.de
Facebook: / thomanninternational
Twitter: @thomann / thomann
Instagram: @thomann.music / thomann.music
Pinterest: / thomannde
Visit our blogs:
GER: www.thomann.de/blog/de/
ENG: www.thomann.de/blog/en/
FRA: www.thomann.de/blog/fr/
ESP: www.thomann.de/blog/es/
ITA: www.thomann.de/blog/it/
NED: www.thomann.de/blog/nl/
FIN: www.thomann.de/blog/fi/

[@elvisrocha8424]

Man, this is not a conversation, this is a life lesson

[@kasunmaduwage2316]

As always

[@correamusic1]

Yes... from a master!

[@Hi-xs7wm]

♥

[@betterwithrum]

It's a fricken Master Class.

[@sampathjoshi1054]

You said right, friend!

[@lelandsklar6363]

Vic is one of the finest musicians and human beings I have ever know. A most remarkable man👍🏻

[@KimoHuynh]

Victor & Leland, great artists and human beings! Huge fan of both!

[@PrestonSmithsMusic]

Listening to him, I can hear his passion for teaching, just like his older bro. What a blessing to know such a person. Not too shabby yerself, Mr. Sklar! You are a walking legend, as well. :)

[@colinstewart3699]

Well said 👍✌️

[@colinstewart3699]

We all love the spirit of music , yes ?

[@beflatminor]

Great interview! I enjoyed the very personal feel about it...Like you speak to family! Well done, Julia!

[@shiraga0516]

I can tell that Victor is intentionally speaking slowly, perhaps realising that this video will be seen by many non-native English speakers. I really appreciate his kindness.

[@Tzaltochnie1]

@nynetynyne He clearly does!! And i Like it . You just feel you are in the presents of a very good spiriit I can feel it even behind my laptop.

[@PlayitonPan]

Wise people speak slowly ✨ Wooten is wise 💫

[@Badz_B34chst4r]

It is also because he is talking less from "thinking" but more from "being". He is not going over talking points or observations/deductions he made in the past, he is truly listening and responding.

[@Rolo_AC]

This is so true, and really helpful for lots of viewers. Kind dude

[@vivijpod5973]

yes！I thank a lot！

[@effess8698]

I love him. Victor is like Bass Yoda

[@PlayitonPan]

🔥🔥🔥🙌🏾😄💫

[@DeeNimmin]

Love him, I do. Wise, he is.

[@lanal2980]

So true! Talented, but wise, he is

[@andrewkurtz737]

Such a great nickname for him!

[@TheSeeking2know]

Exactly! “Bass Yoda”!

[@tyerker]

Reminds me of student that started taking bass lessons. He shows up to his first lesson, and the teacher shows him how to play the root. And he explains that playing the root is the most important role of the bass player. The student goes home, and diligently practices his root notes. The next week he comes to his second lesson, and his teacher shows him how to play the fifth. He says this is the other most important role of the bass player, to be able to play the fifth. The student goes home and practices. The student doesn't show up for week 3, so the teacher calls and asks "why aren't you at your lesson?" The student says "I can't, too many gigs!"

[@MrEliaspalacios6]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love it. Thank you brother.

[@pranavkiran3076]

I laughed way too hard!

[@Rolo_AC]

OverROFLing :-)

[@journeyto100channel2]

Hahaha!!! That’s awesome!!

[@matejgrim]

I love how Julie seems as blown away by his words and thoughts as me... Really a great way to spend 49 minutes.

[@huzrokhayzur2197]

What is impressing is that she read his book, probably seen a lot of his speech and she is still blown away. In my case, His speech make me feel more confortable about my errors as a begginer.

[@maximedebeaupuis432]

Every word Voctor Wooten says is important, this guy is a gift

[@shaunobryan4338]

If you listen,(as opposed to.hearing)I believe Victor is stating that "we"(even aliens like myself)are gifts. Let the universe hear the music that is you. Love n PEACE!!!

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

*If there is one bass superhero in the world, it's Victor Wooten! A character from the Marvel movies. He is not playing a superhero, he is a superhero in real life. He is my hero!*

[@Blackgrass1]

You have got some growing up to do.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

@@Blackgrass1 🤩🤩🤩

[@omgvague]

@@Blackgrass1 Nothing wrong with having a role model.

[@Blackgrass1]

@nynetynyne Nothing wrong with a role model but from his terms "superhero" and "marvel movies", I was guessing s.o. playing action figures rather than bass.

[@chriscuthbertson]

'You find yourself by being yourself' - never a truer statement .

[@punishmentdue73]

He's a great musician and a great human!

[@GiorgioCastaldo1]

I just mentioned him as my hero in an interview for a job when they asked he was the first that came to mind. I paraphrased his quote the world has plenty of good musicians what the world needs is good people

[@Sadowsky46]

Michael Duckworth she is as well 😉

[@gianlucacagliari4327]

Victor Wooten is one of those musicians who just blow my mind every time i hear him speak.

[@nadamshots]

Victor Wooten is so humble and peaceful, I like to hear him speaking. I smiled from the beginning to the end. Thank you Julia, it was really great!

[@niallpadden]

Same here. I don't think my smile or the warmth of the man left for one minute. Such a good man.

[@jazzj9272]

You too?!!!!! I did too!!!!

[@bigbronx]

Victor Wooten is captivating, with and without a bass. What a great person and musician! And thank you Julia for this fantastic interview. PS: whoever made the decision to hire Julia at Thomann: ❤️❤️❤️

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thank you so much @TheBronx! :-) // Cheers, Julia

[@KimoHuynh]

well said TheBronx! Love both!

[@Matthordika]

There's been a million things said about how great Victor Wooten is, so this is a shout out to how awesome Julia is in her own way! Great conversation with two really cool people talking about music, and talking to each other with a great amount of respect. Its stuff like this that makes me feel more optimistic about things.

[@TheBanana93]

She was so sweet clearly really looks up to Victor! Meeting your heroes and them being an actual legend is rare these days!

[@EastArtNepal]

The guy who changed the perspective towards learning music incredibly. Hats off to you Victor!

[@gerardclaude1652]

He is as good a philosopher as he is a musician!

[@leoncarson1643]

Got a chance to meet him about 20 years ago and he was the same guy then as he is now humble ,polite and graceful.

[@lastactiongamers2619]

“I may be wrong but I believe what I say”. I wish we had more people like this.

[@Skooh2000]

When I was a teenager I went to a music conversation with some schoolmates. I had to bring my 11 year old brother along. Vic was doing a demo for an amp company. He ask for a volunteer to play. My little brother runs up and Vic puts a bass in his hand and in less then 2 minutes taught my brother to play a groove on the bass. It was amazing. When I got home a begged my brother to ask our parents to buy a bass for him. He refused. Vic is an amazing teacher.

[@m...6119]

I’m a guitarist but I listen to Victor for inspiration. Peace ✌️.

[@jenko701]

What a teacher , he’s a teacher first above all .

[@samir_bassman9330]

His thoughts were sooo true!! I've been playing bass for just about a year and I learned it pretty much alone so no one corrected me. I am really happy with the skills I learned so far and friends who learned it "unnaturally" with teachers by getting corrected all the time for twice as long are asking me for help now. Those words are soooooo inspiring, thanks for the great interview

[@giovannibortoluzzi1384]

man... if every teacher in the world could take Victor's advices, they would start teaching 10 times better, right away!

[@redd6399]

You are so on point. Maybe that's why I have been putting off going to get lessons from a "Teacher" right now

[@redd6399]

@Naki Ryan Yep..Based on what VW said "The Right Guidance"

[@caseypayne5138]

Well, now I wanna play bass some more. But focus on groovin' Victor is an absolute treasure of a human being.

[@grizelda4526]

This interview makes me so happy in so many ways. Thanks Julia. Another great interview. You are a fantastic ambassador for bass players.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thank you so much!! // Cheers, Julia

[@coryogata]

I only planned on watching like 5 minutes of this. Ended up watching the whole thing, completely amazed. He's speaking so much larger truths than I've ever thought about. Julia also did a fantastic job interviewing him, letting him speak completely.

[@bjornandersson6713]

If you didn't have rhythm, you wouldn't be able to walk!!!!!! Thanx a bunch to you both for a great interview. Peace

[@robertsegal9869]

What a wonderful man. That wasn't an interview but the viewers being allowed to listen in on two musicians having a chat. Very enjoyable.

[@robburgess4556]

Every word he says is considered and thought out, very profound.

[@kevinmorrissey1994]

Besides the obv this interview highlights what an amazing educator he is. His whole interview was given with a absorbable cadence and he enunciated with clarity. His open mindedness feels like he really likes helping people and teaching.

[@marcoescobar8578]

READ HIS BOOK!!! "The Music lesson" is SOO good it completely changed the way I see music as a language

[@toddgass4965]

Julia! You got Victor Wooten!!! What an inspiring and positive interview on both ends. We needed this now more than ever! Thank you both and stay safe!

[@esdraceluc9718]

I love Victor Wooten make me love bass

[@troythompson1621]

Two of my favorite bass people together. Thanks Julia! He doesn't look old but speaks like an old wise man. The book needs to be how to learn how to learn the bass. You both enjoy what you're doing and it shows. That makes you great. When you can share your joy, you add to the world more than words can describe.

[@johnmoser2689]

Victors explanation of natural learning and his ability to convey his ideas is outstanding I love how calm and super wise he comes across... he's such a cool guy

[@xneurianx]

It's very rare I watch a video this long all the way through, but.... Love Victor and Julia! What a great conversation to sit and watch. I've been learning a lot of melodic classical pieces and beating myself up a bit over not nailing it as well as I would like, and this was just what I needed. Started laying down some GROOVE whilst watching this. It's gonna be a very funky weekend for me!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

That comment makes me happy! :-) Have a nice weekend! // Cheers, Julia

[@NonBinary_Star]

This will become a classic. It will go into the archives. Priceless conversation and exchange.

[@savasmusicoficial]

I've met Victor a couple of times and he's the most inspiring human i've ever talked to.

[@axelr9075]

A true master.....not just in how he plays, but how he teaches.

[@yellowdudewithedibleshorts]

This is such an amazing moment right here. Obviously Victor is a beast, and everything he says is pure gold. But I'm speaking about Julia. I can really see her living the moment 110% . I know that energy and is unstoppable. I met Guthrie Govan a few times, and the first one I got to speak with him for a few minutes. When someone you admire shares with you that sort of truth is amazing. That makes us resonate. I'm so happy for Julia, she seems like a great person and she deserves what happened right here. Peace.

[@Raindog-my4uu]

Two truely wonderful human beings.

[@josephalvaro5244]

Victor Wooten is not only one of the greatest bassists to have ever plucked a bass string but he is truly a philosopher.His approach to playing,teaching and life in general are invaluable in our journey as musicians and as a good human being.

[@tonezone111]

Sensational! What a great interview. Victor is clearly a natural teacher, and a profound thinker, as well as a genius level musician. Definitely worth listening to, and should be compulsory for any student of the bass.

[@pingchunchien1102]

Victor Wooten is not only a super bass master but also a superb life mentor. He’s willing to share his bass playing and life experience with everyone. Every time I listen to his speech, I learn a lot about life and music. Many thanks for the interview. I will watch it over and over in the near future! Expecting for more great interviews! 👏🙌🏼👍🙏🏼

[@rogertaylor2021]

This is a philosophy of life and learning, wrapped up in stories of music and the bass. Thank you so much for this :-)

[@jarrodbroome7579]

This is everything I needed to hear today, from two of the most genuine bass players in the world!!

[@johnw.mcintosh4740]

Victor is brilliant and also very personable. I have been fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times because he took the time come out and meet the audience after Flecktones shows. Class act all the way.

[@Hellion73]

One note, groove, rhythm...and how to be a better person👍

[@AmanPlaysBass]

Every word he says makes me smiles and the way he explains it is just too amazing ❤️. One of the finest music educator / bass player and human being 🤩

[@hank3266]

Hey Julia, danke für das tolle Interview

[@merchantgold6327]

Die fragen waren nicht tief genug

[@ronvonk1118]

@@merchantgold6327 the answers were deep enough for me. Die Antworten waren tief genug für mich. Und wenn die Antworten tief genug sind, dan sind die Fragen auch tief genug.

[@ViktorStockmann]

@@ronvonk1118 agreed! 👍🏼

[@nahumfootnick]

Great interview! Victor is a great musician and even better person. I’m blessed to be learning with his brother Regi. I can not say enough wonderful things to articulate the love and gratitude I have for Regi Wooten. If you love Vic, I encourage you to reach out to Regi for lessons. He is “the teacha”. You won’t be disappointed.

[@biprodipsadhukhan5530]

Wow Victor Wooten...Thanks Thomann and Julia for arranging this ❣️😊

[@ajadrew]

5:58 - 'jamming with the professionals all the time' - what a great way of putting it!!

[@darpope2752]

I was lucky enough to meet him a few years back, and he is THE NICEST GUY IN THE WORLD! He has a magical aura, and he shares that magic with everyone. I'm a guitar player, Mr. Wooten told me to find my grove. To clear my mind and just strum the open strings. Before I could question, he told me the name of the open string chord, an E something, I forget what he said. Then he admitted that, at first, it might sound like a cacphony, but if I find the right grove, it would become music. I found my grove, and wrote a song around it. The downside is that now drummers hate me, because it's a 6/8 song. Hahahaha!!!!

[@brucemerryman7365]

This man is incredible! Julia did an awesome job and I love to watch and listen to her play the bass as well!!!

[@samueltessier6294]

I could listen to his teaching and his stories like for hours and hours. This man is just an incredible and awesome human. Thanks for that interview! Thanks alot Peace and stay safe guys!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Yes, I could also listen to him all day long! ;) // Cheers, Julia

[@kasunmaduwage2316]

Samuel Tessier We all do the same

[@rhinoutopia]

Two human beings connecting over music... so sincere and genuine. I'm indescribably happy to be able to be here.

[@klaasbil8459]

What an incredibly wise, genuine and humble man

[@fedest]

Love listening to him play; and love even more listening to him speak about music!

[@LifeIsTiming]

referring to the his book the music lesson. love it. the passion of learning the language drives us to speak the way that we need to, to express what it is that we're feeling ~ (yes, I just started watching it...lol)

[@wilfredferwerda780]

Victor's awesome, and Julia's questions added a lot of depth to the interview. Bravo Julia!

[@soyfernansu]

This man is the incarnation of humility. Great interview.

[@BenKrisfield]

Victor is a smart guy. Cool interview, very insightful.

[@techcafe2094]

Thanks Victor Wooten for sharing your thoughts and wisdom 🙏.

[@MrILIKESINGING]

Mr. Wooten is so right on! My wife finally talked me into taking proper bass lessons. The Teacher in the second lesson kept on at me about not holding a note long enough and just kept telling me to do it again. I was getting very frustrated because we weren't getting anywhere he finally said Oh well no sense beating a dead horse. I never went back.

[@jimalbruzzess2445]

Awesome interview Julia. That was one of the best interviews I have ever seen. You are both very interesting and the world is a better place with people like you and Victor in it. Very well done my dear !!!! Cheers from Canada Julia.🍺🍺🍺🤘🤘🤘🤘 Thank you.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot Jim! // Cheers, Julia

[@BassByTheBay]

Such a good interview! Julia's excitement is apparent, but she doesn't let it get in the way of asking thoughtful questions in a relaxed way. And the fact that I want to marry her has _nothing_ to do with my opinion of this interview. 😁

[@LuckyDejardin]

How could I not agree with all Victor Wooten is saying. Wise musical advice for everyone.

[@LuckyDejardin]

@nynetynyne agree totally.

[@Pyriander]

"Everybody has rhythm; nobody's left leg is faster than the right". Wow, that's a great sentence. What a great guy and fantastic man to talk

[@tomd7504]

Julia, great interview! Victor is delightful as a musician, teacher and person. Your enthusiasm and sincerity really added to the conversation. And, ... had to go re-listen to Everyday People. Amazing one-note groove! It’s so effective I never realized it was a one note bass line.

[@Libanass]

This is amazing! I come listening to Wooten whenever I feel like I have lost faith in humanity ❤️ Glad I'm a bass player, otherwise I would have probably never known Victor Wooten! Thank you both!

[@raducartianu824]

Great interview. Victor Wooten is a gift for us.🙏

[@ayoungethan]

Ha! I thought this interview started out slow, but a few minutes in it gets reeeeal deep and heavy in a great way. Fantastic interview, thank you!

[@WORDLIFE1]

The Heart and Spirit of the bass belongs to this man...and he's not stingy at all.He truly shares the wealth.Thank you Mr Wooten.Youre all appreciated.

[@andrehernandes5114]

This video is incredible. I'm very grateful . I learn so much about music and english. Both of you speach very understable, as slow as necessary to anyone to unsdertand. Thank you!!

[@geriko29]

What an interview! I could listen to M. Wooten the whole day. Also great interviewer!

[@RoozenB]

His thoughts on music education should apply to all levels of education... Well spoken!

[@Meenjedatnou]

His respect and humanity are amazing for someone so famous... it did not get to his head!

[@markdavis4754]

What a great interview. Never tire of Victors voice and ideas. I think once you understand the role of the bass your well over half way there. I was lucky to get into a band and be out gigging after 4 months of picking up the bass. I.m not saying I sounded good but what I learned was what I needed to learn to fill my role, play the bread and butter lines before you do anything fancy.

[@3340steve]

Anything fancy is not necessary, or even desirable. (IMO) A famous saxophonist said it well, you aren't there to play the funky stuff, you are there to play the bass line. YES, make people move.

[@erikmaronde2244]

Have to read his book. This approach seems do you much better than most others I heard of.👍

[@stitch3163]

Victor is a gift. I’ve always admired him, but I admire his family as well. I’m glad that you had the opportunity to interview this fine man, Julia.

[@indigosoundsstudio]

I had the distinct pleasure and honor to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant with Victor Wooten about 25 years ago. He was doing a gig with a good friend of mine at the time. We talked about everything from Music, God, Religion and everything in between. In the short time that I spent with him I was left with the impression that Victor is one of the most honest and down-to-earth human beings I have ever met. I sensed no ego from him whatsoever. This guy is deep and it is no wonder that he has been able to acheive so much in terms of his musical prowess and success in life. In a word, he gets it. I believe that part of the secret to his success is that he has figured out that being a good human being should always come before being a good musician. Of course he has become both and that is a rare quality among most musicians. The world needs more people like Victor Wooten. Peace and God Bless you Victor.

[@redd6399]

This is by far your BEST video ever, though everything you do is very good. I learned more about the bass and ZERO bass notes that were played during this video. The analogies that Victor used had a very powerful message about learning how to play the bass guitar. #Brilliant

[@Sjekster]

It could be applicable to anything, not only bass! The guy is a treasure. Can't get enough of him speaking about music :)

[@redd6399]

@@Sjekster Amen !!

[@andesneko]

He speaks like a true pedagogist. So he is not only a great bass player, eh 🤟

[@cezaralopes]

Wooow, WHAT A INTERVIEW! Congrats, Julia! Thank you, Victor

[@anibalibrahim2963]

Hi Vic...its IronBill...miss you all....stay safe and thank you for being who you are..Love to family

[@callingchristiano]

To be honest I wasn't a big fan of his playing, maybe too much complicated for my taste... But his words are so deep that I'm gonna listen once again!

[@akmadsen]

I see where you're coming from. However, I don't think he's playing complicated to show off, it's simply because that's what's comes naturally to him. In an interview with Scott Devine he says that he loves to get calls to go into the studio and just play grooves (as opposed to flashy solos).

[@Basstank]

Amazing interview, thank you Julia! Mr. Wooten is such a humble person and probably one of the greatest musician out there. I love this man, he opens my mind and helps me a lot to find my groove. Huge regards to both of you, keep up your amazing work!

[@cashlan38]

Hey Julia!!... congratulations for having this lovely interview with Mr. Wooten...such a huge honor to chat with him....You are so blessed...i love the way you are...Greetings from Chiapas, México.

[@kensteckelberg7013]

Victor has such a brilliant approach to playing. He’s genius at making people understand how to play better and always offers wonderful advice, that’s usually mental or visual and it literally transforms your playing. Not to mention his skill is at the top of the bass world.

[@kennonmoen4424]

Victor Wooten gets it right! Thanks for bringing him to us! Everyone: Stay safe and stay well!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

A great interview! In addition to being a truly gifted musician, Victor Wooten is also extremely wise and inspiring! :)

[@jamesvaughn1715]

Victor Wooten, with out a doubt, I's one of the greatest bass players and Musicians of all time, not to mention also a great teacher. But Victor is also a great Teacher on life skills. He also has a very humble personality, especially to be as famous and successful as he is. But most important to me, He is a great teacher on every day life skills.

[@earledaniels4539]

Not only a Maestro but a great philosopher as well. I could listen to Victor talk for days on end.

[@zique9]

Great interview! I have seen many Victor Wooten videos that included interviews, instructional/lessons, workshops, seminars, Q&A etc,. They are always very insightful and filled with valuable knowledge. I have to say this interview was definitely one of the most enjoyable. Thank you for sharing Julia. Your questions were fresh, interesting and different than most of his interviews. Good stuff !!! Thank you again Julia :)

[@lorpal1]

he is a prophet that plays bass!

[@lanerussell7958]

I love how Julia's enthusiasm and ability mesh so well with Victor's patience and experience. This interview is a treasure.

[@krizsanzarathud7133]

I used to play bass 15 years ago, and I was really bad at it. Feeling really nostalgic about my early (bad) experience, I bought a bass 3 days ago and I'm having a blast and I'm so happy I may cry. I was thinking: "damn, I haven't played the thing for years, how comes I feel like I'm better now than years ago, when I was playing 6 days a week?", and the thing is: groove. I used to play on tempo, copying the guitarist, when now, I just listen to a drum track, feel the rhythm and try to go with it, just playing on the blues scale, the only one I remember. Just to say: you can have a lot of fun just playing two notes if you feel them.

[@raissaerisgrimm5084]

listening to this 2 years later, and everytime it astonishes me how great this man is, in many many ways. I'm both a bass player and a psychotherapist, and listening to this conversation makes me realize how much in common there is in both activities. I thank you for sharing this beautiful encounter with us

[@NtWarlock]

i love victor. I went to his live and he was really quiet and helpful when he sold and signed his new album with mike stern (who tried to sell them by screaming like a street vendor lol).

[@acrock21]

man everytime Victor speaks its as if hes speaking of gold. that part about as a teach adapting to a student... the baby saying blanky. Perfect.

[@thetoddkeith]

That's pretty powerful for someone like Wooten who tours to support his family to say he won't regret touring more he'll regret not being with his family more. At the end of the day that really is what it's all about.