FF KING: 4’33”

Skill. Courage. Raw talent.

This is only half of what it takes to attempt John Cage’s masterpiece “4’33” on the bass guitar. Here’s a great performance of the piece by YouTube bassist FF KING, who bravely tackles the song in the wild. The anticipation that builds as he prepares to play will leave you on the edge of your seat.

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Share your thoughts

  1. Love the arrangement.

  2. Outstanding! Tears in my eyes…. *starts slow clap*

  3. Wes Morris

    Wow! Finesse, Control, Depth. I’ve never seen it done better.

  4. George

    I’m glad he didn’t rush it, like previous versions I’ve heard.

  5. Playzabass

    Hilarious.. ?

  6. Bob DeRosa

    Great April Fool’s joke!

  7. Mike Matthews

    Is it just me or was he a bit out of tune…I guess it really doesn’t matter much ; )

  8. Antonio Gandia

    Amazing dynamic range, great expression and unparalleled display of technique. I want to see Billy Sheehan or Victor Wooten attempt to top this performance. However, I think It would probably work even better on a 9 string bass.

  9. James J Jennett Is It

    Anthony Jackson would have changed strings for this.

  10. Wally Messer

    don’t waste my time

  11. *slow silent clap*

  12. i wonna cry :'(

  13. meh…I didn’t care for his tone much

  14. Poignant and touches those deep dark bass emotions …. Nice and BASS ON,comrades!!

  15. Brilliant

    Yesterday, I clicked on this video. Nothing happened. I fast forwarded. Nothing was happening. This guy was not playing the bass. I clicked to the end and could see that he did not play his bass. ‘What a load of crap’, I said. ‘What a waste of my time’, as I clicked the back button swearing.

    Intrigue made me click on this video again, today. Something was happening all around me.

    When we are silent we can experience the world around us. Birds chirping, bugs buzzing, planes flying, people talking, the fans in my computer whirling, the lights on my modem flashing, the HVAC pushing air up through the vents, the sound of children enjoying precious life, and the sound of paper rustling as FF King goes through his movements.

    Bravo, and thank you for silencing me.

  16. Great work Simon! You should do an entire album of Francisco Tarrega Para El Bajo! I would totally buy it. There are so many great pieces to arrange, like “Recuerdos de la Alhambra”!

  17. colin

    something I will not forget in a long time,but not as good as the paul mcartney album solo bass
    of abbey road ,strangely released on the same day a few years ago, but great work nonethe less, but will he be able to capture the piece on a live stage ? remains to be seen hopefully will be touring soon