The Scott's Bass Lessons Podcast

If you’re a bassist — you’re in the right place. World renowned bassist and educator Scott Devine in conversation with some of the best and most well respected bass players around the world.

In Conversation with Michael Manring - Taking Bass Further 03/15/2023

In Conversation with Michael Manring - Taking Bass Further /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/4714416

197 - Scott buys the most INSANE bass. EVER! 11/17/2022

197 - Scott buys the most INSANE bass. EVER! 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. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/25036476

196 - So the music album is dead? Not so argues John Patitucci 11/10/2022

196 - So the music album is dead? Not so argues John Patitucci 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! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24960462

195 - SLAP BASS?! Don't make me SLAP. Why you MUST (Part 2) 11/03/2022

195 - SLAP BASS?! Don't make me SLAP. Why you MUST (Part 2) 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. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24885294

194 - SLAP BASS?! Don’t make me SLAP. Why you MUST (Part 1) 10/27/2022

194 - SLAP BASS?! Don’t make me SLAP. Why you MUST (Part 1) 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! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24804843

193 - Can you be JUST A BASSIST? 10/20/2022

193 - Can you be JUST A BASSIST? 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. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24734148

192 - Are Cruise Ship Gigs A BIG MISTAKE?! 10/13/2022

192 - Are Cruise Ship Gigs A BIG MISTAKE?! Playing bass on a cruise ship is a great chance to hone your chops, save up some money and see the world. Sounds like an amazing gig, right? Cruise ship life can also be intense with long working hours and no days off for months. Ever wondered if gigging on ships is really worth it? In today’s episode, Scott and Ian talk through the pros and cons of gigging at sea! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24654138

191 - Can You Spend THOUSANDS Of Dollars on Basses But Actually Make Money?! 10/06/2022

191 - Can You Spend THOUSANDS Of Dollars on Basses But Actually Make Money?! If you take a punt on an electric bass as a financial investment, how do you know which one to invest in? In terms of making money, big returns are far from guaranteed. But still, if you stick to the biggest names and time your purchase right, you may get lucky and have a hit on your hands. In today’s episode, Scott and Ian discuss whether you can predict which brand is going to be worth the big money. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24578385

190 - Change The Way You Consume Music. It's CRITICAL 09/29/2022

190 - Change The Way You Consume Music. It's CRITICAL Turning on the radio or pushing play on your favorite Spotify playlist often means a few minutes to relax, but if that's the only way you listen to music then you're missing out on an invaluable skill that every bass player should have. In today’s episode, we dive into the science behind intentional listening, and how it can give you the full sonic picture as a musician. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24513774

189 - Is The Golden Era of Boutique Basses Over? 09/22/2022

189 - Is The Golden Era of Boutique Basses Over? If you’ve got a few thousand dollars to spend on a bass, the chances are that you’re looking for more than just another bog-standard 4-string. This kind of money gets you into boutique territory and a world’s worth of luxury instruments. However, with a big budget comes a big responsibility. In this episode Scott and Ian dig into what the future holds for boutique brands like MTD, Ken Smith and Fodera Guitars. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24445734

188 - We bought matching 6-string basses... BUT WHY?! 09/15/2022

188 - We bought matching 6-string basses... BUT WHY?! Many of us will want to own a certain axe because it’s what our favourite bassist plays, be it Victor Wooten’s Fodera, Flea’s Fender Jazz Bass or Nathan East’s Yamaha. We’ve all done it when choosing gear. In today’s episode, Ian and I compare notes on our newly found Ken Smith basses, and discuss what makes them the most playable basses that money can buy! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24374451

187 - Getting Creative with FX: Q&A 09/08/2022

187 - Getting Creative with FX: Q&A Have you always been curious about effects, but just don’t know where to start? Clever use of a stompbox can transform even the most ordinary bass tone into classic. In today’s episode, Ian Allison answers your questions about how they work and some of the obscure differences between them - plus, he offers some pointers for finding your own tone. Time to get stomping! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24308841

186 - 2 Weeks Of CRAZINESS (A Peak Into The Future Of SBL) 09/01/2022

186 - 2 Weeks Of CRAZINESS (A Peak Into The Future Of SBL) From geeking out on Michael Jackson’s Earth Song to meeting Marcus Miller, upcoming Slap Accelerators to a dedicated SBL marketplace, in today’s episode Scott and Ian take a deep dive into SBL’s future plans. So grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s go! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24236271

185 - Is the bass amp DEAD?! 08/25/2022

185 - Is the bass amp DEAD?! Most bass players can’t afford to shell out thousands of dollars on a wall of classic amps to do their creative bidding, yet a good amp sim can save you tons of time and money. Run your bass through one of these plugins and you’ll have hundreds of iconic bass tones at your fingertips. In this episode Ian sets out to compare the flexibility of both recording options. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24141363

184 - Are Church Gigs Worth It? 08/11/2022

184 - Are Church Gigs Worth It? As gloriously varied as it is hugely popular, playing bass on a church gig is no small feat. In this episode, Ian Allison takes a closer look at church music: what it is, what you should expect and some of the best bass players to listen to. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/24014679

183 - Tony Levin: How he Rewrote the Rule Book 08/04/2022

183 - Tony Levin: How he Rewrote the Rule Book Tony Levin’s intuitive bass work can be heard on Peter Gabriel’s ‘Sledgehammer’ or Kate Bush’s ‘Don’t Give Up’, while his talent pool as a gifted multi-instrumentalist has also been tapped by the likes of King Crimson, John Lennon, Paul Simon and David Bowie. In this special interview for Bass Space 2022, Ian Allison looks back over his remarkable career. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23951643

182 - Chuck Rainey: Mind-boggling Session Stories from a Bass Legend 07/28/2022

182 - Chuck Rainey: Mind-boggling Session Stories from a Bass Legend In this episode Ian Allison talks to Chuck Rainey, one of the most admired bass players in popular music. Chuck has played and recorded with the likes of King Curtis, Sam Cooke, Etta James, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones. This is an excerpt from Bass Space 2022. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23885217

181 - Is Spotify Evil? 07/21/2022

181 - Is Spotify Evil? Having 70 million songs at your fingertips has never been easier, but is Spotify evil when it comes to paying artists? There are various opinions floating around about the platform, but the opportunity for musicians to reach a larger audience and potentially get paid is surely a good thing? In this episode Scott and Ian set out to debunk the biggest myths about one of the world’s most successful streaming services. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23785991

180 - Hubert Eaves IV Interview 07/14/2022

180 - Hubert Eaves IV Interview Normally bass players are ALL chops or all groove. Hubert Eaves IV has it all. It was back in 1997 when we first discovered his bass playing thanks to Erykah Badu Live. In this episode Ian and Scott talk to Hubert about the making of that incredible album. Who said pocket has to be boring? /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23696438

179 - Polygamy and Bass? 07/07/2022

179 - Polygamy and Bass? Every bass player is on a quest to find their perfect bass. While the stars might align for some players who find the one perfect instrument, the rationale for owning not just two, but many different bass guitars, can be pretty easy to argue, as Ian and Scott explore in this episode. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23624957

178 - Breaking the Rules 06/30/2022

178 - Breaking the Rules Life is a series of choices. And while there isn't an official rulebook for playing bass, there are a few tried-and-tested traditions that we often feel obliged to follow. But following a rule just because it’s there isn’t always the best step forward. In this latest episode, Ian Allison explores how breaking the rules can sometimes help make you more successful. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23575751

177 - Are Bass Solos Over? 06/23/2022

177 - Are Bass Solos Over? We’ve all had that moment when we hear a huge sounding bass solo for the first time, and it just blows us away. We’re talking Cliff Burton on Metallica’s Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth), Jaco with Weather Report or Flea with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bass solos might be less fashionable than they were a generation ago, but they still draw us in every time. In this episode Ian and Scott talk you through all you need to know. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23505119

176 - From Boston To Berklee with Oscar Stagnaro 06/16/2022

176 - From Boston To Berklee with Oscar Stagnaro An integral part of Paquito D’Rivera’s band for many years, Oscar Stagnaro has been a Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston since 1988. He’s been largely responsible for the school’s development of Latin education, and in today’s episode he tells Scott about his move to the US and his Surf Rock roots. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23434394

175 - New Bass Day 06/09/2022

175 - New Bass Day Whether it’s your very first bass, or another one to add to your collection, buying a new axe should always be an exciting time. Regardless of whether you got a new bass yesterday or 50 years ago. Today, Ian and Scott come together to celebrate a ‘New Bass Day’ for Ian, and discuss some of their newly found bass heroes. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23362580

174 - Making Money as a Musician 06/02/2022

174 - Making Money as a Musician The sheer number of different revenue streams available to musicians is higher than it’s ever been in the past. But do you really need god-like knowledge to kickstart your career and grow an income as an artist? In this episode Ian and Scott tackle the topic of how to make money with your music. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23224928

173 - 4 string vs 5 string. Which is Better? 05/26/2022

173 - 4 string vs 5 string. Which is Better? 5-string basses seem more popular than ever…so what’s all the fuss about? If you’ve been thinking about getting a 5-string, or maybe even a 6-string bass or beyond! There are a few things that are worth considering. In this episode Scott and Ian discuss the pros and cons. Who knew that adding an extra string could complicate things so much? /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23199053

172 - Should You Stop Listening to Jaco? 05/19/2022

172 - Should You Stop Listening to Jaco? Jaco Pastorius is arguably the most ground-breaking electric bassist in history, and at some point we’ve all been propelled to chase down a way to get that sound! But have you ever worried about becoming just another Jaco-alike bass player? In today’s episode Ian and Scott discuss whether it’s time to stop listening to the greatest bass player who has ever lived. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23102657

171 - Are wedding gigs a CURSE? 05/12/2022

171 - Are wedding gigs a CURSE? Dodgy sound, meddling relatives, DJs who talk too much – every band has had bad wedding gigs and each one presents different annoyances and challenges to try and overcome. Yet weddings are still such a great way of earning an income for musicians. In today’s episode Ian and Scott talk you through all you need to know. /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/23003873

170 - Scott's Journey With Focal Dystonia with Scott & Ian 05/05/2022

170 - Scott's Journey With Focal Dystonia with Scott & Ian Scott always gets asked the same two questions: 'Why do you wear the glove?!' and 'Should I try wearing one?' He hasn’t always wanted to tell the full story, but he wants to tell it to you now. In today’s episode Scott reveals some of the key hurdles that he’s had to overcome as a result of a condition called Focal Dystonia, and the rehabilitation process that got him back to playing bass! /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/22750346

169 - Does Your Bass AMP Even Matter? With Scott & Ian 04/28/2022

169 - Does Your Bass AMP Even Matter? With Scott & Ian 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? /episode/index/show/sblpodcast/id/22750328

The Scott's Bass Lessons Podcast

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