Weekly Top 10: The Best in Bass for October 19-25, 2024
This week’s top 10 reader favorite list covers a broad spectrum from the bass world.
Some of the highlights include:
Charles Berthoud reveals what makes his signature Schecter bass so special.
Paul Thompson dives into “New Wave’s Last Great Bass Line.”
Ryan Madora takes us through descending triad arpeggio patterns to learn the fretboard.
Plus, some bass gear, Rich Brown’s “A Different Kind of Bass Solo,” and more.
1. Positive Grid Introduces the Spark EDGE Portable Amp
Positive Grid has expanded its Spark lineup of portable amps with the Spark EDGE. The multi-channel smart amp and PA was engineered for everyone from singer-songwriters and buskers to full bands.
2. Charles Berthoud Reveals What Makes His Signature Schecter Bass So Special, Explains What Features He Preferred
In an interview with Rick Beato, bass virtuoso Charles Berthoud reflected on his Schecter signature bass guitar and discussed some aspects he loves.
3. Head Over Heels: New Wave’s Last Great Bass Line
In this “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson digs into one of the most creative bass lines in pop music: Tears For Fears’ iconic “Head Over Heels” from the “Songs From the Big Chair” album (1985).
4. All Bassists Should Know This: Understand the Fretboard Using These Descending Triad Arpeggio Patterns
Most bassists immediately think of fast sweep runs at the mention of arpeggios. However, arpeggios are a lot more than that and can be any combination of notes that build a chord. Watch this bass lesson video to learn some easy descending triad patterns.
5. Bass of the Week: AC Guitars Krell 5/34
It’s been a few years since we featured a bass from AC Guitars in this column, but luthier Alan Cringean has been continuing to produce incredible instruments from his shop in Moffat, Scotland. Case in point: this stunning Krell 5/34.
6. Rich Brown: “A Different Kind of Bass Solo” (with Jeremy Ledbetter Trio)
Rich Brown just shared a video he titled “A Different Kind of Bass Solo” from his performance with the Jeremy Ledbetter Trio. He added, “Also, the moment right before my solo when Jeremy and I both realized my E-bow had been placed for safe keeping inside the piano bench.”
7. Stuart Clayton Publishes “The 80s Bass Book”
Bassist and educator Stuart Clayton is at it again with a new transcription book. “The 80s Bass Book” compiles 18 songs from the biggest artists of the decade.
8. Hadrien Feraud Announces New Band, New Song with Jaco’s Bass of Doom
Bass virtuoso Hadrien Feraud has announced a new band with vocalist Ryan Quinn called June 32nd, and they’ve just dropped their first single. “No Way Out” is a mid-tempo song with a huge wall of sound.
9. Jerry Cantrell Taps Robert Trujillo, Duff McKagan for “I Want Blood”
Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell has released his fourth solo album with “I Want Blood.” As the name suggests, the album comes with a healthy dose of aggression and heaviness.
10. Foreigner Extends Farewell Tour
Hot off of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foreigner has added a slew of dates to their farewell tour.
Corey Brown is the founder of No Treble and serves in an advisory role. He’s also Head of Editorial at Muse Group. Learn more about Corey on his website and LinkedIn.
