The Scott's Bass Lessons Podcast

Any signature bass guitar is one of a kind and unique. However, it entirely depends on what side of the fence you are. In today’s episode Ian unveils his own collaboration with Mike Lull Custom Guitars! Scott also speaks about his recent studio project and shares some early details about the next one!In this Episode you're going to learn:Why Ian has launched his own signature bass.And how many minutes it took to sell out!What bass Scott used in the studio.Some of the challenges he faced.Why there’s a new level of Players Path coming! And much, much more!

Ever since Jack Casady first used an Alembic to hot-wire his bass sound with Jefferson Airplane, boutique builders have maintained legendary status throughout the bass world. But can the right player make any bass sound good? In this episode, we discuss one of the most recognisable and idolised bass guitar designs of all time (and Scott’s new bass hero who played it.In this episode you're going to learn:Why we’ve called out Alembic in recent episodes.Who is Scott’s new bass guitar hero?Do vintage basses actually sound better?Why Ian rents out his upright bass.And much, much more!

For some bass players, there's no better way to capture the legendary sound of their idols than bagging a signature axe with their name on the headstock, but are things about to change? In today’s episode we dig into what the future holds for signature basses.In this episode you're going to learn:How signature models help manufacturers sell more basses.Who was the first bass player to get one?What made them a standard perk of bass stardom. Are they a blessing or a curse?Why Irn-Bru is nothing like La Croix.And much, much more!

Learning about jazz might not be at the top of your to-do-list, especially if the only time you hear it is when you go to Starbucks! BUT if you want to get really good at bass then jazz is the ultimate genre of music to learn. In this episode, Scott explains how learning some jazz can unlock a musical superpower!In this episode you're going to learn:Why all musicians should study some jazz.Why Scott used to suck at functional theory.Why you don’t need to be a Jazzer to take part in our Jazz Accelerator.We send virtual high-fives to Gary Willis and Michel Camilo.And much, much more!

Can you play heavy metal and smooth jazz and pop, all in one day? Or are you strictly the bassist for one act and one act only? It used to be taught that versatility would equal more opportunity for success in your bass playing career, but is that still the case? In today’s episode we ask if it’s actually better to flip this idea on its head and focus your energy in just one direction!In this Episode you're going to learn:Why Ian has always valued versatility.How to know which path is right for you.What Scott learned from a Gary Willis ‘mic drop moment’ Why you need to check out drummer Dave ElitchAnd much, much more!

A bass player’s worst nightmare is traveling with their bass and having it lost or broken. Even with airlines allowing guitars as a carry-on, it can still be up to the staff to decide to allow it or not. In today’s episode, we share our air-travel horror stories and our top hacks for traveling with your bass safely! In this episode you're going to learn:What’s the best way to fly with your bass?  Pro tips for getting through TSA airport security.What’s a pink tag? And why you should always ask for one. Gig Bag vs. Hard Case? And much, much more!

Bootsy Collins, Robert Trujillo, Cliff Williams, Krist Novoselic, Sting – they all relied, or still rely, on tube amps for their signature bass sound. And yet, the decision between solid-state vs tube amps is not one we take lightly. In today’s episode we examine the key differences between the two, covering areas like tone, cost and practicality, to help you figure out what might be best for you.In this Episode you're going to learn:Why Scott’s a massive fan of tube amps.The key differences between tube amps and solid state amps.Weight - why are tube amps heavier?And does a heavier amp mean a bigger sound?What makes Ampeg’s SVT so popular?And much, much more!

Rob Mullarkey has mastered the worlds of groove and odd-time signatures on the bass guitar, but how do those skills translate when playing with a drummer? In today's episode, we sit down with Rob and one of the most unique drummers in hip-hop and drum ’n’ bass, Richard Spaven.And did I mention there are a few tips of the hat to J Dilla? And exclusive performances? Yep, click here to watch. In this episode you're going to learn:How Rob approaches odd time signatures and beat displacement.What exactly is the ‘J Dilla Feel’?The octave pedal Rob uses for his gig with Jacob Collier.What Richard Spaven looks for in a bass player.And much, much more!

More music is being produced today than ever before. In 2022, 22 million new singles hit Spotify. That’s a new song every 1.4 seconds! In today’s episode, we dig into some tips and tricks to help you stand out from the crowd in 2023.In this Episode you're going to learn:How to reward people for listening to your music.Do you need a pre-launch strategy? Why some fans enjoy feeling like part of the process.How Scott and Ian are preparing for their own album projects.And much, much more!

Unsure about how much to spend on your next bass? In this episode, we dig into the reasons why some bass guitars are so expensive and other guitars are more affordable - and what this means for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe.In this Episode you're going to learn:Are expensive bass guitars really worth it?How simple guitar mods can transform a budget-friendly bass.Is there an affordable alternative to a Rickenbacker?Can a Peavey Cirrus really compete with a Ken Smith?And much, much more!

For today’s episode, we catch up with Henrik Linder to talk about his gear, his awesome band Dirty Loops, and how he developed his monstrous bass technique!In this episode you’re going to learn:Some of Henrik’s trickiest bass parts from Dirty Loops!Including Just Dance, Baby and Circus.How he learned to slap.Why Hadrien Feraud loves his hair!And much more.

Bolt-on? Neck-through? All bass guitars are essentially the same, right? Wrong! Many bass players say that bass guitars with bolt-on necks have a punchier attack than neck-through designs. In today’s episode, we’re going to highlight the pros and cons, so that you can decide which you prefer – or maybe you should have one of each! In this Episode you're going to learn:Why do most people start out with a bolt-on bass?Why neck-through basses are more expensive.The neck join that was popularised by Leo Fender.Where Fodera’s deluxe (dovetail) option came from.How Billy Sheehan modded his bolt-on Yamaha.And much, much more!

Every year, the world's rock 'n' roll music equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers descend on the town of Anaheim, California, to attend the NAMM show. It's a pure, unadulterated gear fest, showcasing everything that's planned for the coming year. In today’s episode we talk through all the new bass gear and goings-ons you need to know about!In this Episode you're going to learn:What made the pick of the crop from this year’s show.The reason Ian couldn’t test a Rickenbacker 4001.Which Italian builder is making the lightest bass cabs EVER!Should a film be made about Olinto basses?Why everyone should check out Philip Conrad.And much, much more!

We could quite happily tell anyone who will listen that Weezer are our favorite band. Scott Shriner has held the bass chair since 2001 and has always stood out among the group’s history of bassists. His rock-solid pocket playing brings an extra edge to Weezer’s tone, which is why we think you’ll love this episode as we dive into Scott’s bass playing and career with Weezer.In this episode you’re going to learn:How Scott got the gig with Weezer.What it’s like sharing a stage with frontman Rivers Cuomo. Why Scott isn’t afraid to experiment with bass tone.What he learned from studying with Gary Willis.Why Kemper Amps make him sad.And much more!

When it comes to bass guitars, there’s a massive scope in style and sound for you to explore. It can be subjective, sure, but certain styles of music tend to work best with certain kinds of basses. In today’s episode we delve into what makes a bass guitar perfect for the gig.In this episode you’re going to learn:The backstory behind Scott’s new album.Which star-studded musicians he has invited to take part.Why he needs a new bass for the project.Why it has to be a 5-string! And much more!

Blu DeTiger, bassist and social media star with 1.4 million fans on TikTok, recently took to the stage to announce her first full-length album, which is due to drop later this year. Bursting with talent, Blu has amassed millions of views with thumping bass covers of hits by Prince and Megan Thee Stallion. In this episode, we sit down with Blu to uncover her story, how she got started and her upcoming partnership with Fender. In this episode you’re going to learn:Why Blu left New York University to pursue a career in music.What happened when she started taking her bass to her DJ sets.How she became famous on TikTok.What has Blu been working on with Fender?And much more!

If you’re a bass player and you feel ready to earn some extra cash by passing on your skills to others, setting up as a teacher could be a really good move. But how do you become a bass teacher? What credentials do you need? In this episode, we walk you through the minimum requirements for teaching as well as some steps to get you started.In this episode you’re going to learn:Why you should become a bass teacher.Do you need a qualification?How do you get students?What’s the first thing you should teach them?And much more!

Is a signature instrument still a standard perk of modern bass stardom? Janek Gwizdala has attracted his fair share of signature models over the years, including basses for Fodera in 2012 and Mattisson Basses in 2017. In this episode, Janek explains why he has since turned his back on endorsement deals, and why he’ll never make music just for social likes.In this episode you’re going to learn:All about Janek’s new F BassHow he became ‘the pedal guy’Why Janek deleted all of his social mediaWhat happened to his daily vlog?And why he refuses to play a signature bass (ever again)

Whether you're in the market for an active 5-string or a custom-built classic, choosing the right bass guitar can be difficult. How do you know what’s the right one for you? In today’s episode, we list what we think are the 5 best bass guitars you can get your hands on. In this episode you’re going to learn:Why every bassist needs a Jazz BassWhen you might need an active 5-stringWhy a P Bass might be a better option for studio playersShould Scott buy a Rickenbacker?And much, much more.

NYC-based singer, songwriter Adi Oasis is also an incredible bassist. Her performance for music platform Colors has racked up an astounding 1.5 million views on YouTube! What you might not know is that Adi started out on guitar and then jumped to bass later in life. In today’s episode we get the backstory on her biggest and best career moments so far.In this episode you’re going to learn:How Adi got her start on bass.Why she’s a huge fan of Curtis Mayfield’s music.What it was like opening for Anderson .Paak.How Bootsy Collins inspired her to jam with an envelope filter.And much, much more.