The Scott's Bass Lessons Podcast

Best known for his stints with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Dave Fiuczynski in Screaming Headless Torsos, Steve Jenkins fits into a diverse range of musical situations that have run the gamut from face-melting prog-metal to experimental microtonal jazz-funk. In this episode, we sit down with Steve to uncover more about his story, how music has shaped his outlook on life, and why he’s recently switched up his Fender Jazz for a 6-string Dingwall?!  In this episodeWhy Steve could never play like Matthew Garrison.What he learned from guitarist David Fiuczynski. How he broke free from other people's expectations.Do you really need an AARP card to play a P Bass?And much, much more!

Put simply, pickups capture the vibrations of a string and turn it into an electrical signal, but there’s a whole world of minutiae regarding magnets, windings and pole pieces that can drag you deep into anorak territory! In today’s episode, we’re shedding some light on the different types that are available, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.In this episodeSeries vs. Parallel explainedWhat’s the difference between a soapbar and a humbucker?What's a pickup pole? And why is It important?Active vs. Passive pickupsAnd much, much more!

Nothing feels better than actively engaging with your bass teacher and other SBL students. That’s why we’re super excited to announce a brand-new addition to Scott's Bass Lessons. In today’s episode, Ian Martin Allison and Sharon Renold answer all of your burning gear questions and reveal the launch of the most exciting program to ever hit SBL. Drumroll please!In this episodeWhat’s your bass story?Get ready for a BIG announcement.Sharon unravels her experiences at Berklee.What to expect from an Ian Allison solo album.And much, much more!To learn more about our new program, LiveClass, head here: https://sbl.link/423jQ1Z

In our latest episode of our series ‘Behind The Bass Lines’ with none other than Michael League, bassist of the Grammy-nominated band Snarky Puppy, we go over his history of basses and how he found his way to the PBass, some of his most iconic solos, his take on effects and gear and so much more!

As we wave goodbye to 2023 Scott & Ian take the opportunity to go back and look at their personal ups and downs of the year, and dive into our favourite bass gear. Join us in this special episode where we unpack what's happened in the bass world over the last year, and give you a sneak preview of what’s to come for SBL in 2024.In this episodeHow Scott approaches goalsettingWhy it is a great time to be a musicianScott & Ian’s successes and failures of 2023Scott & Ian’s goals for 2024What’s in store for SBL next year

It may not be at the top of your to-do list, especially if you’ve only heard it in Starbucks, but if you want to become a better bass player then learning some jazz can give you musical superpowers. In today’s episode we walk through some of the key hacks that will take your bass playing to another level. In this episodeShould Scott test drive a Cybertruck?How jazz can give you musical superpowers.Why Ian still has flashbacks over a C Blues.How he got his walking bass lines together.Why you should check out the SBL Jazz Accelerator.And much, much more!

If you crave pedal power it can be tough deciding where to begin - let alone where to go from there. There’s an astonishing array of stompboxes out there; despite the rise of more affordable multi-effects units, but what do they all do? Will they improve your sound, or just turn it to mush? In today’s episode, we examine the secrets behind our own effects setups, and round off the whole shebang with a delve into our gear of the week!In this episodeWhat’s on Scott’s pedalboard?How Ian got to grips with the HX StompScott’s go-to looper pedalStompboxes vs Multi-FX: The pros and cons.And much more!

In today’s episode, Scott offers insight into the final track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Lost Polos is home to a lively syncopated Latin rhythm with a driving groove and some intriguing options when it comes to the bass line.In this episodeScott breaks down the track Lost Polos.And how he honed his Latin chops.His love of Funkifying the Cláve by Lincoln Goines.The inspiration he took from Rocco Prestia.Where you can find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

Looking to get the bassist in your life a gift this Christmas? If you're on the hunt for stocking fillers or the budget is tight, then this episode is the perfect place to start. We've put together a list of low-cost Christmas gifts, all of which have been handpicked by Ian! Included is everything from last-minute buys to handy tools and gig bag essentials! Gifts that are guaranteed to see use, unlike that jumper that's never left the closet.In this episode:What to buy the bassist who has everything.Sharon reveals her alternative tree decoration.Ian names his three favorite cable companies.And who sent him a drawing of Admiral Ackbar?And much more!

You might know Josh Paul from his time with American rock band, Daughtry, but the scope of his career goes far beyond that. Over the years, he’s also worked with the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Everlast, Kelly Osbourne, and The Veronicas. He also finds time to host the Dunlop Bass Freqs podcast. In this special interview from Bass Space 2023, Josh talks us through the ins and outs of his journey so far.In this episodeJosh looks back on 15 years with Daughtry.What it was like joining Suicidal Tendencies. His approach to social media. The advice he got from the Eagle's Don Henley.His pointers for new bass players.And much, much more!

So, you’ve had a bad gig. What next? We’ve all been there – the tiny stage with no power, the would-be bassist that wants to do a song. Nightmare gig stories are so commonplace there’s even a Facebook group dedicated to them! In this episode we dig into Scott’s recent hair-raising gig experience, and why every gig deserves a bit of homework.In this episodeScott’s nightmare gig story.Tips to prepare for your next gig.Charcoal Frost or Firemist Charcoal?SBL HQ is moving!?And much, much more!

Did you know that a 20-fret bass guitar contains 80 notes? Which can make learning the fretboard a huge challenge that can crush both beginner and experienced bass players! In today’s episode, Scott runs through the backstory of his own fretboard woes. In this episodeHow Scott used geometric patterns to master the fretboard.The clues he picked up from Gary Willis.How you can unlock your own fretboard knowledge.Where you can check out the SBL Fretboard Accelerator.And much, much more!

Looking for a bass guitar bargain? If you're in the market for a budget bass to add to your collection, nowadays you can get some serious bang for your buck. In today’s episode, we explore the idea of creating the ultimate budget bass, and what that might mean for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe…In this episodeTed Nugent and the ultimate earworm!Should SBL open a bass store?Scott’s latest impulse buy from Reverb.Do bigger headstocks equal better tone?And much, much more!

In today’s episode, we dive into one of Scott’s favourite tracks from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. In fact, Hypersphere shaped the atmosphere of the whole session. The track’s signature sound comes from a mix of Scott Kinsey’s keyboards and David Binney’s darting sax, while Scott’s bass solo helps define the freer beginning. So how did he do it? Where did the ideas come from?In this episodeWhere to find the FREE album eBook.Scott reveals some of his tried-and-tested soloing hacks.Including how to build intensity.Why no one expects instant magic.Will a repertoire of licks work if your imagination fails you?And much, much more!

With so much attention put on our instruments and amps, and even pedals, many bass players are quick to underestimate the importance of their strings. But your strings are the only thing between you and your bass guitar, so make them count! In today’s episode Ian focuses on the finer points of all things flatwound.In this episodeAre there advantages to using flatwound strings?When did they become cool?What are tapewound strings? And what are they for?Some of the more famous players who use flats.And much more!

Our next take away from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is Electron Game. All of the previous tunes have offered their own playing challenges, but now we’re upping the shred quota even further! In this episode, you’ll hear Scott’s own song analysis, including tips and tricks for tackling the solo.In this episodeScott breaks down the track Electron Game.Including his formula for navigating the chord changes.How he locked in with the drums.The big mistake he made with his bass tone!Where to find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

Sign up for our Fretboard Accelerator: https://sbl.link/3FQnkdO(Last chance to lock in at this price!)Hairspray, Hamilton, Billy Elliot, Queen Rock Symphonic, Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia! You name it, Ian King’s probably played it, and in today’s episode we dig into the path he took to landing a job in London’s West End theatre district.In this episodeWhat it takes to hold the bass chair in London’s West End.Why consistency is key.How Ian ended up playing with Wolverine star Hugh Jackman.All about his relationship with Overwater Basses.Why he’s on the look out for a ’78 Jazz Bass.And much more!

In today’s episode, we dive into the track Scuttle Fish from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Learn how I tackled the time signature, and the opening slap bass riff. This track also features a saxophone solo by David Binney and it seriously shreds!In this episodeScott breaks down the track Scuttle Fish.Including his favorite solo from the entire album.How he honed his slap bass skills for the intro.What he would change about his bass tone.Where you can find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

There's nothing quite like slapping on a new set of strings. It’s the quickest, easiest and cheapest way of breathing new life into your instrument. But finding the right set can take a few tries, as different players like different brands and gauges. In today’s episode, we run through our pick of the best bass strings out there, and everything you need to know about them.In this episodeHow often should you change your strings?Nickel Vs Stainless Steel: The pros and cons. Can different gauges change the playability of your instrument? What’s the difference between hex core and round core strings?Does Steve Harris really play flatwound strings with Iron Maiden?And much more!