The Scott's Bass Lessons Podcast

The role of artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of everyday life, but what can bass players expect from the rapid growth of apps like ChatGPT? The AI can be directed to impersonate the style of specific individuals, and even used to write a bass line “in the style of Paul McCartney”. In this episode, we’re going to explore the potential impact of AI on the music industry and what it means for bass players everywhere!In this episode you’re going to learn:The implications of artificial intelligence.What it means for creative individuals.Will data-driven music replace musicians for good? The AI chatbot everyone’s talking about.How Ian got hooked on a Japanese anime TV series.And much, much more.

In today’s episode Guy Pratt talks about his stint with Pink Floyd, studio dates in LA with Madonna and Michael Jackson, and the 1964 Jazz Bass that he got from The Who bassist, John Entwistle. Heads up: there’s even a cameo question from The Darkness' Justin Hawkins!In this episode you’re going to learn:How Guy landed the gig with Pink FloydWhat he played on Madonna’s Like a Prayer.All about his go-to Jazz Bass (christened ‘Betsy’)His infamous session for Michael Jackson’s Earth Song.And much, much more.

Looking at bass pickups, but confused by all the terminology? There’s a whole world of mystery surrounding what pickups do and how they can affect your sound. Such a big subject requires a concise explanation, then, doesn’t it? In today’s episode Scott and Ian venture back into anorak territory on the topic of bass pickups.In this episode you’re going to learn:Why we’re not keen on Fender’s PJ pickup setupHow Leo Fender made waves the Music Man StingRayWhy Rickenbacker pickups hum constantlyWhy Mike Lull Thunderbird-style pickups ruleHow Scott discovered Journey's Don't Stop Believin'And much, much more.

A modern master of the electric bass, Marcus Miller has been landing dream gigs for the best part of 40 years. So when he stopped by our London studio to talk about Miles Davis, playing bass on that Luther Vandross mega hit and the fallout from slapping Jaco’s Teen Town, we knew it was an interview we had to share with you.In this episode you’re going to learn:Why Marcus is a true genius of the bass guitar.Which tracks are a must-listen from his incredible discography.Including the classic Luther Vandross hit ‘Never Too Much’What happened when legendary trumpeter Miles Davis called.How he developed his signature line with Sire Instruments.And much, much more.

Making money as a musician can be tough. The industry is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up with all the latest trends. But if you’re willing to try your hand at building an online audience, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities that you can tap into. In today’s episode, we look at some social media hacks that you can use to get the most engagement possible.In this episode you’re going to learn:Which bass influencers should you be following?The importance of social media for musicians.How to monetise your brand as it grows.Why everyone sucks when they first start out.And much, much more.

Hey, Scott here... and we’re back with another brand-new podcast for you!At some point, we all wonder what life would be like with different pickups in our bass. Yet it’s the ONE thing that most of us dare not mess with! Even to experienced bass players, terms like impedance, inductance, resonant frequency and ohmic load can make things pretty confusing. In today’s episode, we dig into some of the technical basics and get to grips with everything a bass player needs to know on the topic of pickups.In this episode you’re going to learn:Why pickups are important.How they impact your tone.Does the positioning matter?Series vs Parallel wiring.Single Coil vs. Humbucker. Which is Better?And much, much more.

Ready to win $50,000 in awesome bass prizes? Up for grabs is Scott’s Ken Smith Black Tiger 6-string, Ian’s StingRay 5 and a 1978 Fender Jazz Bass! Our latest giveaway is also a great opportunity to help us raise money for Pencils of Promise, which is a global organization that brings life-changing education to children living in poverty around the world. To date the SBL community has raised over $173,000 and this year we're trying to raise even more! Find out everything you need to know in today’s episode. In this episode you’re going to learn:Why are we giving away $50,000 worth of bass gear?From a Collector Series Jazz Bass to a Dingwall D-Roc!How you can enter (and gain bonus entries).Why Eric Clapton is still awesome!And much, much more.

Being able to sing and play bass gives you a real head start on those who only work the fretboard. Even if you think your singing voice sounds like a strangled cat doing karaoke, everyone can learn to sing, and bass players absolutely should! But it can also be a daunting challenge, whether you have a dynamite voice or can barely carry a tune. In today’s episode we dig into some top tips to maximize your magic as a singing bassist. In this episode you’re going to learn:The benefits every bassist can get from singing.Why it takes practice.How it can help you get more gigs!And much more…

Freud never put anyone from SBL on the couch, but when it comes to life as a bass player, there can often be a sense that you need to remain outwardly grateful, even if you’re struggling. In this episode, we talk through the effects of negative self-talk, the addictive nature of social media and why Scott is heading to therapy.

When Ben Williams won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2009, he did so by impressing a panel of judges that included bass greats Charlie Haden, Ron Carter and Dave Holland. Lately he’s been keeping himself busy with a host of impressive side projects with artists like Pat Metheny, Sting and vocalist Syndee Winters. In this episode, we get the lowdown on his career so far, and how he juggles life as a bandleader, singer, songwriter and bassist.In this episode you’re going to learn:How Ben got started with the double bass. Why he always wanted to be like Prince. How he approaches upright bass and bass guitar.All about his new project, Butterfly Black.And much more.

Every touring bass player’s worst nightmare is arriving at their destination only to find their precious bass case smashed to smithereens. Even with airlines allowing guitars as a carry-on, it can still be up to the crew’s discretion. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your bass makes it in one piece. In this episode, Ian shares a TSA horror story along with some of his top travel hacks. In this episode you’re going to learn:Why you should give your bass some extra padding when you fly.Which is the best bass case to invest in.How to successfully board a plane with your bass.Why you should never check your bass in at the gate.And much more.

What makes a truly great bass guitar? Is it the way it plays? The way it sounds? How it was built? Or is it all in the hands of the player? Scott and Ian are the knights in today’s virtual round table discussion, and the first thing they’re turning their attention to is the myth that it’s all down to the wood!In this episode you’re going to learn:Why Scott is still searching for ‘excalibur’ Do basses from different eras really have a different vibe?Why you should commit to just one bass.Scott gets super geeky over fingerboard inlays and pickup placement. And much more!

Richard Bona is arguably one of the greatest bass players since Jaco. He’s someone you can learn a LOT from at any level of your playing. In this special interview recorded for Bass Space 2022, we tracked Richard down to Mark Bass HQ in Italy, to talk about his long-standing love affair with the bass. 

We all love our bass guitars, right? But what if your dream instrument sounds off? Or your longtime favorite bass isn’t playing as well as it did the day you bought it? By repairing instead of replacing, you can bask in the glory of knowing that you’re the kind of bassist who’s axe would survive an apocalypse movie. In today’s episode, Ian and Scott run through the basses they’ve transformed from duds into dream machines!In this episode you’re going to learn:Ian reveals the worst bass he’s ever bought (it’s not what you think)Why Scott’s 1974 Jazz Bass behaves like the Millennium FalconIan’s Gaffer tape hack for treating noisy pickupsWhy it’s OK to invest in a bass that isn’t perfectAnd much more.

Recording your bass at home can be a complicated process if you’re just starting out, but luckily it’s within easy reach of anyone with a smartphone! In today’s episode Scott and Ian talk through everything you need to know before you hit that red button, including what gear you need, how much it might cost, and what to expect during the process. In this episode you’re going to learn:The simplest ways to record for social mediaWhy Roland’s audio mixer for smartphones is so awesome!All about Ian’s favorite DI pedalsWhy we’re revamping the SBL YouTube channelAnd much more...

Most of us instinctively know when we need a new bass, and it’s all so easy to devote time and effort to finding the next best thing, but starting your own bass collection can easily spiral out of control and end up costing you if you don’t think it through. In this episode Scott and Ian talk through the pros and cons of guitar collecting, including the INSANE bass that’s kicked off Scott’s own habit.

To many musicians making an album has always been the epitome of their art, but with digital streaming taking a hold of the industry, do full length albums still matter? That depends on who you ask! Having recently released the first live album of his incredible career, John Patitucci has put together one of the standout recordings of 2022. In this episode, we quiz John about his need to still be making albums, the basses he’s played over the years, his chance backstage meeting with Jaco Pastorius, and his Italian tour with Chris Potter and Brian Blade!

There are scores of cool slap bass players out there, but who are the truly great ones? In today’s episode Scott and Ian finish up their talk about slap bass, and why you need to check out their brand-new slap program, the Slap Bass Accelerator. If you want to get properly geeky about all things slap bass, this episode is most certainly for you.

Slap bass is the ultimate in-joke of bassists everywhere. But it’s also an amazing rhythmic tool that can be found in everything from Flea’s thumps to the sublime grooves of Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. In the first of a two part special, we trace the course of its Marmite appeal and pick our top 3 slap bass players that you need to hear!

Despite there being countless benefits, many bass players never think beyond learning to play their first instrument. But for the few that do, a whole world of opportunities awaits. In this episode, Scott and Ian debate over whether or not you should learn to play more than just the bass, and unravel some insights that just might convince you to go for it.