The Scott's Bass Lessons Podcast

As bassists we get used to writing bass lines that are grooving, but can the bass guitar also play the melody of a song or be the focal point? In today’s episode, you’ll hear Scott’s analysis of the song Glass Ceiling from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1, including the importance of being able to represent and perform a great melody on the electric bass. Shouldn’t everyone in the band get to play the melody?In this episodeScott breaks down his track Glass Ceiling.Including his route into playing the melody.His use of harmonics.How to recreate his bass tone.Where to find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

Many of us love old bass guitars because of the almost indefinable cool that comes with a vintage instrument. A bass that’s been artificially aged, however – the type we often call a relic – gives you the freedom to play, without the fear of damaging a vintage collectible. But a relic is not just about random scratches or dents. In today’s episode, we dig into the pros and cons of both.In this episodeKeep up with all the latest news from SBL.Why is Scott still searching for his sound?A relic vs. A battle-worn P-Bass.Where to find our latest FREE eBook.And much, much more!

Our next track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is a nod to the cyclic chord pattern of Giant Steps by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Luckily, you don't need to know a major third from an augmented ninth to dive into this track and jam it loud. We’ve created a free Ebook with all the TAB and notation!In this episodeWhat makes this Scott’s favorite track on the album.How he unlocked the perfect bass tone.Where to find the FREE album eBook.Scott’s formula to figure out time signatures.And much, much more!

For gear-savvy musicians, California’s Winter NAMM Show is the biggest event of the year, but is it the best? So on to this episode, and having crossed the Atlantic earlier in the year Ian brings you his report from Guitar Summit 2023. This three day event is Europe’s biggest guitar show, and a true walhalla for any bass guitar lover. Now there’s a thought!In this episodeGuitar Summit 2023 vs. The NAMM ShowHow you can join our latest giveaway.Vintage basses: worth the hype?Are all Fender Jazz basses the same?And much, much more!

Wired Telemetry is the second track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. It’s a classic fusion instrumental, which makes it a great vehicle for anyone looking to experiment with improvising. In this episode, you’ll hear Scott’s own analysis of the song, including his tips and tricks for you to experiment with while playing along.Scott maps out the track Wired Telemetry.Including the Brecker Brothers-inspired melody.Where you can lean on a C minor pentatonic scale.You’ll hear him pivot to a warmer bass tone.And borrow a lick from Jaco Pastorius!And much, much more!

Clever use of a stompbox can transform even the most ordinary bass guitar part into a classic. In this episode, we run through our guide to the best and most desirable effects pedals ever to brave a sticky stage.In this episode we cover...An introduction to the major effects types.Our pick of the most exciting stomboxes out there.Why the Boss OC-5 is still going strong.How you can win Scott’s Ken Smith White Tiger.And much, much more!

The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 has finally arrived! The album was recorded back in May and features a star-studded line up of award-winning musicians, including Gergo Borlai, Nate Werth, Scott Kinsey and David Binney! In today’s episode, find out what we were striving for with each section of Game Theory – and what happened along the way…In this episodeI dive into the first track from the new album.Learn how I dialled in my bass tone.How I tackled the odd time signature.Where you can find all of the tab and notation.And much, much more!

Fender’s Custom Shop and its sub-brand Squier are two of the biggest names in the bass world, but many of the instruments they make can look the same, and in some cases actually sound very similar too. In today’s episode, Sharon and Ian dive into some history. Tune in, if only to hear what happened when Sharon met Vinny Fodera! Happy listening.In this podcast you're going to learn:How Stuart Hamm helped kickstart the Fender Custom Shop.Why the perfect P Bass does not exist!What happened when Sharon visited Fodera Guitars.Why she turned down an artist deal!And much, much more!

When it comes to recording, everyone has their own way of getting in the zone. Sure, spontaneous magic can sometimes happen, but being prepared for what you're about to do is the best way to really get fired up! In today’s episode, I look back at what I learned and what I did (my creative process) when I went in to record my upcoming solo album. From dealing with pre-studio jitters, to my one big regret. In this podcast you're going to learn:What to expect from my new album.How I learnt the tunes. The one thing I wish I’d done differently.Why I’m giving away the bass I recorded with.And much, much more!

Back in May, we went to the studio to record the first SBL album project. Originally it was going to be a pretty straightforward release… but having read through a bunch of comments, we decided to change things up. In today’s episode, I reveal some key takeaways from that first studio session, what you can expect over the coming weeks, and how you could win the bass I used to record with!In this podcast you're going to learn:Why Scott’s a massive “jazz fusion nerd.”How he chose the right bass for the studio.How you could win it!What happened to his pedalboard?Why he hates using headphones.And much, much more!

What a stupid question, right? As bass players, there are few things more satisfying than pulling the trigger on a new bass, but would we be better served expanding our amp collections instead? Will a new amp really make your bass sound any better? In today’s episode Ian and Scott talk you through a couple of different viewpoints that will help you determine how you might spend your hard-earned money. A new bass, or a better amp?In this podcast you're going to learn:Why every studio has an Ampeg B-15How Ian became amp obsessed.Why Scott’s not a huge fan of combo amps.Whether a good amp can really make any bass sound good?Why some players insist on using tube amps.And much, much more!

There’s a reason more people listen to Guns N’ Roses than Victor Wooten, and it’s not because Duff McKagan is better at playing arpeggios! But still, good technique is something that every bassist should add to their skill set, and in this episode, I’m answering all of your questions surrounding our Technique Accelerator. I hope it gives you a little extra time to check out the course – and to find your next breakthrough on the bass!In this interview you're going to learn:Why are we talking up our Technique Accelerator?How I developed my own technique (with a little help from Gary Willis).Why we’ve included a bunch of free bonuses with the course.Why might it not be for you?And much, much more!

In this week’s episode, Ian tells us about his experience playing with a full orchestra and navigating the social and musical intricacies he encountered, including confronting his imposter syndrome around classical musicians, the challenges of reading standard notation perfectly and everything in between. Additionally, he goes on to break down the basics of what you need to know around DI’s - Direct Inputs! In this episode you're going to learn:About confronting imposter syndrome when playing in a classical spaceWhy being able to read music can be a true benefitAll the things the DI has to offerAre short-scales finally over? Are they still a thing?And much, much more!

We love the bass community and will always maintain that it is THE best community in music to be a part of. BUT. Every now and then even our community members show an uglier side. In the world of content and running (online) businesses in particular, garnering hate online is almost too easy and, unfortunately, we did have a bit of a run-in with just that a little while ago.But, lessons can be learned in every scenario and we hope you’re able to take away as much from this as we did!In this episode you're going to learn:Some mindsets to adopt when dealing with online hateHow haters can actually prove helpful!How much your bass playing may actually rely on techniqueAnd how some people actually might just ‘have it’?How Scott ALMOST got his dream bass..?And much, much more!

Are Fenders really the best option, especially when you’re looking to play professionally? Maybe not? In today’s podcast, we’re exploring why your bass doesn’t HAVE to be a Fender and some alternatives that can come close in sound and vibe. AND why you may not want a Fender style instrument at all! Is there such a thing as the perfect sound? The perfect bass? Can you love a sound on someone else but not yourself? Does it, in fact, actually all come down to technique, rather than the bass you’re playing?!In this episode you're going to learn:About some basses and bass brands that come close to the Fender style and vibe, in various budget bracketsAbout where you might want to look if you’re intentionally NOT going FenderAll kinds of ways of thinking about bass tone and how you might find YOUR OWNWhy Scott is turning away from the P bass?How it all ultimately might come down to techniqueAnd much, much more!

A veteran of the Nashville studio scene, Amos Heller has occupied the bass chair for Taylor Swift’s backing band The Agency since 2007. Whether you’re a Taylor Swift fan or not, when Amos agreed to check in with SBL after the record-breaking Eras tour, we knew we were in for one of our most fun and entertaining interviews to date!In today’s episode, we get a full run down on Amos Heller’s gig with one of the biggest pop stars in the world.Amos Heller YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AmosHellerAmos' Latest Video: https://youtu.be/lw2LgyatO40In this episode you're going to learn:How Amos got the gig with Taylor Swift.What life’s like on the highest grossing tour of all time.Why Nashville is the place to be for studio work.His top tips for making it as a pro bassist.And much, much more!

We were delighted to welcome Wil DeYoung, Carey Nordstrand, Spencer Lull and Joe Zon at our luthier panel discussion at Bass Space 23 this year. The session was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the summit and a true pleasure to attend, as four masters of the field dug into all of the different aspects of being a bass builder.In this episode you're going to learn:How much tone wood truly affects your toneSome solid entryway strategies for getting into building your first bassWhat to keep in mind when purchasing an affordable bassThe story behind Michael Manring’s Zon HyperbassAnd much, much more!

When it comes to naming bass players with a unique style and approach to the instrument, Ra Diaz is well and truly up there. Having formed one of Suicidal Tendencies’ most exciting rhythm sections alongside legendary Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, Ra’s work with nu metal band Korn is also indelibly etched on the rock landscape for all to see. Sounds like the perfect guy for anyone looking to improve as a bass player.In this episode you're going to learn:How being a real fan is always the first stepWhy success is a long gameThe right attitude to preparing for a gigHow Ra came to be part of Suicidal Tendencies & KornAnd much, much more!

Is buying a bass guitar online a bad idea? If you’re anything like us, you probably browse the guitar sections of both brick-and-mortar stores and online fairly often! Also in today’s episode; we explore the pros and cons of digital and analog stompboxes, and walk you through the tactics we’re using to grow our YouTube channel.In this episode you're going to learn:Buying basses online… why it sucks!Did Scott really choose a Tokai Jazz over a Fender?Analog vs digital pedals: who wins?Who would you love to see on our YouTube channel?And much, much more!

Whether you know him best as part of Mr Big, Talas, The Winery Dogs or as the guy from David Lee Roth’s Eat 'Em and Smile, Billy Sheehan is one of the most recognisable rock bassists of his generation. In this special interview from Bass Space 2022, Billy talks us through the ins and outs of his rock roots, how he likes to plan his practice and how he developed his ferocious string bending skills.In this episode you're going to learn:- How Billy maintains his three-finger technique.- The one piece of advice he would give to his younger self.- Why his practice routine has become way more focussed.- The inspiration behind his Yamaha Attitude Bass.- And much, much more!