Buzz
A Practical Guide to Modes and Scales
Q: What are modes and how do they work? A: I get this question a lot, but have only touched on it in past columns, as it relates to other questions. Here’s a straightforward guide to modes and scales to follow. Modes are a very simple concept but can take some time to really understand and get under your fingers...
Snarky Puppy: Michael League’s Solo on “Young Stuff”
Here’s an awesome clip of Snarky Puppy at The Rex in Toronto. Bassist/founder Michael League builds up an incredible solo on their new and yet-to-be-recorded tune “Young Stuff.” The video was shot with a GoPro HD cam mounted to League’s headstock. The songwriter also proves his versatility at the end of the clip as he switches to synth bass on...
Medeski, Martin & Wood Release “Fly In A Bottle” Documentary
Medeski, Martin & Wood have just released their own documentary film on the band, Fly In A Bottle. The film, directed by the band’s drummer/percussionist Billy Martin, who worked for a year of personal 16mm film and camcorder footage of MMW on the road and in the studio during the Radiolarians recording sessions. The documentary offers a lot of insight...
Reader Spotlight: Dan Willett
Meet Dan Willett a bassist and lifelong musician from the UK who says he still hasn’t grown up yet. We dig that. Bio: I’ve been a musician for nearly my entire life, having taken my first keyboard and music theory lessons at the age of four. These days, the bass is very much my main instrument, and in the Midlands...
Mod Shop: Upgrading Your Tuners
I’ve told you a little about my Lab Rat bass and showed you some of what I’ve done to it so far. The Lab Rat was a brand-new SX Ursa 4 that I paid about $150 plus shipping, and I bought it for the specific purpose of experimentation. I had a pickup configuration in mind that I wanted to try...
Question of the Week: What is your favorite bass riff? (at least one of them)
Our question of the week: What is your favorite bass riff? (at least one of them) Give us the scoop! Answer below in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
Ezequiel Gimenez: “Play”, a Bass Tap Song
Argentinian bassist Ezequiel Gimenez shared this video of him performing one of his solo bass compositions, in preparation of his upcoming solo EP. The tune is called “Play”. Have a video to share with us? Send it to [email protected].
Tom Waits Releases Bad As Me, Featuring Flea and Les Claypool
Singer/songwriter Tom Waits has released his seventeenth studio album, Bad As Me, which is also his first compilation of all new material in seven years. The distinctive vocalist recruited a host of talented artists, including bassists Flea, Les Claypool, James Whiton, Larry Taylor, Marcus Shelby and Zack Sumner. Waits’ eclectic style is going strong as ever with his songwriting showing...
Line 6 Releases Mobile POD Software and Mobile In Hardware for iOS Devices
Line 6 has expanded their line of amp modeling devices to include a new iOS adaptor and corresponding software. Mobile In is a digital input adaptor allowing bassists and guitarists to plug their instruments into their iPhone or iPad. Adding the company’s new Mobile POD software to the mix transforms the pair into a multi-effects device offering tweakable tones effects...
Dedication: A Guide to Practicing
Recently I wrote to you about purposeful practicing. Purposeful practice can ensure that we are constantly solidifying our foundation and moving forward, both as an instrumentalist and a musician. However, creating a practice plan and schedule with intent is simply the first step. We must put this plan into action for it to be successful. The execution of a plan...
Tribal Tech: The Big Wave, Live in Israel
After laying a perfect background for guitarist Scott Henderson, bassist Gary Willis rips an amazing solo of his own during this performance in Israel for television. Though the progressive fusion band dissolved after 2000’s Rocket Science, Henderson revealed earlier this year that he and Willis have worked out nearly 30 tunes for a new album.
Top 10: The Top Bass Videos, New Gear from Fender, Fodera and Epiphone and Self Improvement for Bassists
Last week, No Treble readers enjoyed our top 10 video spotlight, with the top bass videos from September, as well as a couple of newcomers. Scott Ambush’s Solo at Richmond Jazz Festival and Tal Wilkenfeld’s jam with Ben Harper and Jackson Browne were especially popular. On the gear front, the Alusonic S-Special Aluminum Bass was our bass of the week,...