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Lesson: Soul/Funk Fingerstyle Bass Groove
In this lesson, we’ll explore some fingerstyle soul/funk with a nice groove in A. As with the previous lesson, I’m making use of open strings to achieve some fast note doubling (this time, A and D). Follow along with the video and this transcription (PDF). For the gear heads: I’m playing a Sandberg California TT MarloweDK Signature bass through a...
ACT: Emin Köklü’s Bass Play-through of “You Owe Us Blood”
Turkish bassist Emin Köklü sent in this video of his recording session for his band ACT’s song “You Owe Us Blood,” and am I glad he did. The hard-hitting metal is underpinned by the bassist’s cutting tone, solid groove and wicked tapping and sweeping techniques. Make sure you check out the breakdown section starting at 2:39 for some cool melodic...
Wayman Tisdale’s “Absolute Greatest Hits” Released
During his “second” career, the late Wayman Tisdale completed nine albums – four of which reached #1 on the jazz charts in the U.S. A new compilation album, The Absolute Greatest Hits, has been released by Artistry Music, featuring twelve tracks from Wayman’s albums. The compilation includes guest appearances by George Duke and Toby Keith. Before Wayman’s musical career, he...
Bass of the Week: Adam “Nolly” Getgood’s G-Spot Basses Temptress
Hold on to your hats. Periphery’s Adam “Nolly” Getgood shared the details of his newest axe from G-Spot Basses called the Temptress, and the name fits the bill. The handmade six-string bass was built by luthier Steve Gammon out of Hollywood, Florida and recently got its debut at one of Periphery’s concerts. Based around a swamp ash body, the Temptress...
Stories Behind the Songs: Will Lee
As a part of the CBS Orchestra, Will Lee’s bass playing is heard by millions of people every week on The Late Show with David Letterman. Millions more listen to him every day thanks to his prolific recording career that spans nearly 40 years and over 1,700 albums of nearly every genre. “What I’ve always loved about my career is...
Viaceslav Svedov: Solo Bass Cover of RHCP’s “Easily” on a Contrabass Balalaika
I did a double-take when I saw this new video by Viaceslav Svedov. That’s because Viaceslav decided to take the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Easily” and try it out on a Contrabass Balalaika. “…It’s freaking hard to play, but that beast sounds good!” Viaceslav said, adding “Thank YOU Mother Russia! … and thanks to RHCP.” What a beast! I had...
Derrick Hodge Releases Solo Debut, “Live Today”
Derrick Hodge is stepping out front with his debut album as a leader, entitled Live Today. The bassist, who has worked with artists ranging from Mulgrew Miller to Jill Scott, is probably best known for his genre melding work with pianist Robert Glasper. It’s this blend of jazz, hip hop, and R&B that shines through on the effort, which offers...
Pedulla Announces Rapture NPG Bass
M.V. Pedulla Guitars has introduced the Rapture NPG, a take on their Rapture model that omits the pick guard to reveal more of the body’s figure. The new bass is described as a full featured version of their “modern vintage” model and comes in single soapbar, J/J, or P/J pickup configurations. A low mid boost/cut switch is also included to...
Getting the Feel: A Guide for Bass Players
Q: What’s your suggestion for someone trying to get a better feeling on where to put a “pop” on a bass line? Sometimes I want to put a pop on a slap or a pizzicato line, but I always end up putting it on the beats 2 or 4. How to develop a better feeling, to be able to place...
Star & Dagger, Featuring Sean Yseult: FreakTrain
Sean Yseult’s new band Star & Dagger has released a music video for their new song “Freaktrain.” Described by LA Weekly as “the perfect blend of Black Sabbath and Valley of the Dolls,” the groove-heavy band is anchored by Yseult’s huge bass tone that fills out the bottom end while cutting through the mix at the same time.
Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang Announces Summer/Fall 2013 Tour Dates
Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang will be covering the West Coast and Midwest with newly announced tour dates throughout August and October. The acoustic group, consisting of Claypool and guitarist Marc “Mirv” Haggard, will kick things off August 16th at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California and wrap up the first leg of the tour August 26th in...
Reader Spotlight: Eric “Pedals” Thompson
Meet Eric Thompson, a bassist who goes by the nickname “Pedals”, who keeps busy with a life devoted to music… including owning and operating a store dedicated to (as you may have guessed) effects pedals. One of our favorite parts of Eric’s profile here is the description for one of his bands, quoted by an “old man” who said “it’s...