The hate that some bass players have for jazz can transcend space, time, and the laws of nature. We get it. It can feel like your band mates are speaking another language, and you feel kind of left out. But, with practice, learning some jazz can give you musical superpowers. In this episode, we’re here to reveal why you should take the leap!

In this episode

• Scott’s worst EVER audition story.
• Why all the best musicians play jazz.
• How it can be a bass player’s best friend.
• Should non-jazz musicians study jazz?
• Check out Ian’s new Olinto Jazz Bass.
• And much, much more!

In today’s video, we asked Michael League to dig into his earliest influences and name the bass lines that helped define his career with four-time Grammy Award Winners Snarky Puppy. 

There were a few things we agreed on:

• Bootsy Collins belongs on every top 10 list.
• Your drummer is your best friend.
• David Hood is a bass guitar genius.

Everything else was up for debate. Well, almost everything…

In this episode:

• Michael names his favorite bass line of all time.
• And the British rock band he idolized as a teen.
• We talk through his Jaco Pastorius phase.
• Bootsy Collins - just check out his swagger on Do That Stuff!
• And much, much more!

A few months back, we got into the argument that all bass players get into – what are the coolest, grooviest bass lines of all time? After hours of heated debate, we decided to get Nick Campbell to help make that decision for us.

In today’s podcast, Nick Campbell reels off the bass lines that shaped his sound. It’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to the worlds of Rocco Prestia, Ray Brown, James Jamerson and Colin Greenwood.

In this episode
Why Nick is a huge Radiohead fan.
The first time he heard Tower of Power.
Why nothing beats a Ray Brown two-feel.
Is this James Jamerson’s coolest bassline?
And much, much more!

So which is better – a long-scale or a short-scale bass guitar? If you’ve ever wondered which is the right scale length for you, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the key differences between short-scale and long-scale basses, the pros and cons of each, and we’ll give you a few recommendations of short-scale basses to check out for yourself. 

In this episode

• What is a short scale bass? 
• Who plays one?
• Which is better, short-scale or long-scale?
• How does the scale length affect the sound? 
• What short-scale basses does Ian recommend? 
• And much, much more!

Chris Chaney’s contributions to the bass world often go overlooked – but there’s genius in his bass playing if you know where to find it (take his game-changing bass lines with Jane’s Addiction for instance). Today’s interview is the perfect way to introduce yourself to some of his most mind-blowing rock riffs – and find out exactly what makes them true genius.

U2 has officially finished their residency in Las Vegas – the history-making shows saw over 700,000 fans descend on Sin City, from September 2023 through March 2024. In today’s episode, fresh from a weekend trip to Las Vegas, we take a trip inside The Sphere to uncover how Adam Clayton and U2 redefined live music at the city’s new high-tech venue.

In this episode
Was U2 at the Sphere worth it?
What makes Adam Clayton’s signature sound?
Which U2 track made Ian weep?
Who did Scott meet at the show?
What’s the SBL YouTube agreement?
And much, much more!

The year is 2006 and John Mayer has just recorded a landmark album that will put his new trio on the map. Drummer/producer Steve Jordan had the great idea of bringing Willie Weeks AND Pino Palladino in to play bass on one track, with Pino adding his own accompaniment to Week’s muted 8th note figure. 

When Sean Hurley landed the bass gig with John Mayer in 2008, he combined both bass lines! So in today's interview, Sean is going to break it down note-for-note for you – and show you how to make it sound like TWO bass players are playing at the same time. Along with demonstrating four more iconic John Mayer bass grooves.

In this episode, we’re sorting through our pick of boutique basses from F Bass, Ken Smith, Olinto, 

Overwater and more. We’re also going to delve into some of the questions that often come along, namely: why are they so expensive? How are they built? And are they really worth it? The answers are often a matter of opinion, but we shall ponder them nonetheless!

In this episode

• What is a boutique bass?
• The pros and cons of owning one.
• What bass companies do you need on your radar?
• Why is Scott giving away his F Bass?
• How you can win one of Ian’s Mike Lull signature models.
• And much, much more!

There’s a TON you can learn from Gospel bass players – and one, in particular, you may have overlooked. 

Justin Raines could teach you everything you need to know about pocket, songwriting, and epic bass fills. In today’s interview, Scott and Ian sit down with Justin to breakdown his tone, his technique and some of his signature licks, including his astounding bass solo on Nobody by Ne-Yo.

So, what makes a particular bass guitar a classic? While some basses are undoubtedly born great (it’s a testament to Leo Fender that the P-Bass is still one of the most played instruments ever): some achieve greatness over time and some have greatness thrust upon them (Rickenbacker have long enjoyed the star power of Lemmy, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, for example). And so, for your viewing pleasure, we’ve put a spotlight on 5 of the most iconic bass guitars of all time.

In this episode:

• Why Scott’s never owned a Rickenbacker.
• What sucks about a Hofner Club Bass?
• If you’ve never played a P-Bass – you simply have to! 
• What kept a Thunderbird at the top of Ian’s wish list? 
• Will Scott pass our blindfold test?
• And much, much more!

Nick Campbell’s a busy LA session player for all the right reasons - great sound, groove, and awesome vibe. And in today’s new episode of our ‘Behind The Bass Lines’ interview series, Nick’s going to tell you exactly where he took ideas from to create his must-hear bass style – and even show you a few licks you can try out, too.

In this episode

• Top tips for playing fast
• All about combining ferocity and comedy in solos
• The benefits of active listening
• The beauty of whole notes
• And much,  much more!