BASS TECHNIQUE SECRETS with Bobby Vega
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- So in this lesson I’ve got a very special guest with me and we’re talking specifically about how to dial in your bass technique.
It’s the one, the only, Bobby Vega (AKA. the funkiest bass player on the planet!).
In this lesson Bobby’s going to be teaching you:
- All about his pick technique and how to use it in various different ways
- How he approaches his signature 16th note funk grooves
- How the angle of your fretting fingers can affect the tone of your notes
- Why he uses his thumb to fret notes on the E string
- And much more
If you want to get your playing to the next level… you know what to do next! ;)
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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What a breath of fresh air after being over saturated with the Fodera gang and their chops based mind numbing tweedle fests...He reminds us of the joy inducing role of the bass when things are GROOVIN’!
The Fodera gang and their chops based mind numbing tweedle fests! 🤣🤣 Oh man! I've been looking for the best way to describe that trend and you absolutely nailed it! 🤣🤣
Good god i know. Wanking for wanks sake is fucking borrrring. Cool play a zillion notes with zero feeling. Yawn... bobbys got feel. I cant get down with robotic scale monkeys
"the fodera gang" LOL 😂😂
A Fodera looks kinda lame, and doing more with less strings such as a 4 string sounds better imo
@@Facu_Roldan yep
Bobby is the master! The best bass player ever who does not have a Wikipedia page.
Yeah I'm gonna be real idk why he doesn't have one. It makes no freaking sense
@@dudeman5303 well you can just make one
How lovely is that Jazz bass man???
Bobby Vega is one of those guys whose bass is an extension of his body and soul. I really enjoyed this. Thank you!
I appreciate what you just done for me, you acknowledged my friend Bob Vega. I grew up with him in San Francisco and played music with some of the same people until I left to Study Science. Bob is a great 👍musician and a great guy. It's true. Everybody liked Bob. I do not know anyone who did not. I hope that he is doing OK now. I have not spoke with him in over 40 years. The last time that I saw him, he was on Wolf Man Jack's Saturday Night Special backing up a rock band.
Little known fact: Bobby Vega was responsible for the absolute banger bass lines on the US version of the soundtrack for Sonic CD. One of the inspirations for me to pick up the bass in the first place!
Damn, Scott, let him talk 😂
Right?
Seriously man. So annoying
That was exactly how i felt as well. The man is a legend, shut up and listen.
Facts
Yes, that is so irritating! STFU and let the person answer the damn question!
Bobby is just so tasteful and he knows when to play lightly and when to dig in, true artist.
He's just in the flow, going now. He's falling down the stairs, like Led Zeppelin !. Hahaha he cracks me up.
"I got it now, Giddyup and bang". Take that explanation, music science majors !. Dude is all naturally self taught and talented, no explanations !.
He can play anything now, and it's going to work out on a stage pretty much. This is what people really need for live music, is the ability to play in your sleep like Bobby here probably can get three solid hours of practice in every night.
Never quite giving up the secrets, but love his playing and technique.
I feel like all you can do is stare at his hands and try to come to logical conclusions about how he made certain sounds
Bobby Vega IS the instrument
😂😂😂
Bobby is a great pick player , the myth of playing with a pick isn’t bass playing, just watch the master at work , LEGEND 🎸🤙🏽
Top man, great player. One in the eye for the anti-pick snobs!!
Even if one is not a bass player or even a musician, it's a very positive experience to hear one discuss the fine points involved in the production of his craft/art. All part of the relationship between human being and tools of his trade, art, life. Depth, familiarity, nuance of expression. Great to hear.
Looks like so much fun to be there with Bobby. He has such a unique approach and sound.
Nuts! I don't remember if I've made this comment before or not, but when I first saw this video, I thought, "GREAT! That's exactly how I play". I'd always felt a bit bad about not using the tips of my fingers with my thumb on the middle of the back of the bass for every note. But back in 1965, when I first started playing bass, I used the meat of my fingers for the notes. We didn't really play a lot of really fast bass lines back then and my hand was almost always at that angle that you see Bobby use. I'm too old to really change, although I absolutely did start using the tips of my fingers for fast passages - reminded me of my piano teacher hounding me to keep my fingers curved and play with the tips. I'd never paid much attention to the fuller sound of using the pad of the finger versus the better articulation of playing with the tips, but that's how I've played for the last 58 years or so. Since I first saw this video about 3-years ago, I started paying more attention to the sound of each - tip vs. pad. It really hasn't changed my playing at all, just validated what I was doing and stopped me from worrying about using the tips of my fingers for every note.
I really like listening to Bobby Vega. He does so many cool things without even thinking about it. It makes it hard on him to explain what he's doing sometimes because he doesn't necessarily think about it. He just knows what he wants to sound like and his fingers do it!
I can't wait till I learn how to fall down the stairs in control!
Me to
Did you see the speed at which he switched from pick to fingers in the beginning and keeping the pick? insane...
It just like magnets to his palm on a whim, totally wild
I love the flat pick sound. It opens up a whole new sound for me. Thanks Scott and Bobby..
Thank you for this video, Scott!!!! Bobby Vega's the man!!!! He has very pure and organic approach to the Bass!!
Thank you so much for this video. There is a lot of information in there, and not the usual thing. Very original technique.
I occasionally fret with my thumb. I actually learned that from watching old clips of Jimi Hendrix, and I carried it over to bass.
LOL....I used to do that a bit back in the 60's and was told that was NOT the correct way to play. Look at my old pics from when I toured in the 70's though and my thumb is hanging over the E string...
@@dangracia7805
Yeah, people, especially "music police" watches you, and if they can't figure out how you do it, its just "incorrect technique".
Louis Johnson did the same thing.
Great video, thanks Scott. ...Love Bobby Vega
He's like everyone's favorite likeable Uncle as well as being the funkiest bass player on the planet. Gotta Love Bobby!
I learnt figure 8 picking 45 years ago lol, the first thing i learnt was a really easy solo by free, alright now hehehehe, memories, still playing today 50 plus years later, cheers, Bobby Vega is a legendary player by the way
Bobby is a DUDE! 😎
Studying this man is a trip, he described the way he played as "You know, Giddyup".
And then he learned to play bass on the toilet. Since then I have brought the acoustic into my toilet at home, and it sounds absolutely amazing in there.
Thank you Bobby for being the king of the bass on the throne, or anywhere else.
More Bobby Vega!! One of my favorites!!
I love how Bobby makes that snappy Jazz smooth and lovely too.
Bobby's demo of the Geoff Gould purple 5 string bass convinced me that I needed a Gould bass. I have had #1162 for a number of years now. Thanks Bobby!
Great job, Scott! This is, by far, one of the most illuminating, most informative bass lessons I’ve seen anywhere! Bobby (and I don’t toss this word around lightly) is an absolute GENIUS on the bass! In addition, he comes across as quite likable & articulate while explaining the real “nuts & bolts” of his playing style. The incredible TONE Bobby wrings out of those two “well-worn” funky old “lived-in” basses of his doesn’t hurt, either!
I love this technique, it really shows me something new on a style that has always caught my ear. Thanks Scott and Bobby!
Bobby vega....wow. I’m a massive Jason newstead, Rex brown, Timmy C fan but never have I enjoyed watching /listening to someone so much. New goals!
He does so many subtle things I've never heard from another bass player. Maybe now we can quit with the anti-pick bias?
Fuck anti pick bias! For a long time every famous and relevant bass player is like "use whatever you need, fingers, pick, thumb, even if you have to stamp on the neck with your feet to get the tone you need, go for it."
I feel like lots of people are immediately anti-pick because they've never heard Bobby Vega or Cody Wright play lol
BUt PiK plAYing BaDd. Lol. Pick, finger, slap doesn't matter.
Damn this is nice. I got tons of Inspiration from this... went to my 50s reissue p bass and plugged in and started to jam to myself trying to keep that flow going. Definitely something to practice to help get that funky flow going again
Bobby is an amazing bass player, very tasteful, and I love that old looking bass he has
I can't put into words how much I love listening to this guy play.
I see Bobby, I click like.
Bobby is amazing. It seems his playing is fully physical groove. Slightly varying positioning of the hands and with innercial movements to scrape the strings and just ping pong all over the fretboard... incredible.
Wow!! This is so cool, Thanks so much Scott for bringing in the master!
Bobby Vega is my favorite bassist
Wow! At 6:30 the pick magically disappears! So smooth
Wooooow!! Just saw that thanks !!
I have a working theory that he holds it under his pinky
I have a new hero after these videos. What a stud and I can't believe I didn't know about him.
Of course i noticed. The angle of the fingers (both hands) have a massive influence on the sound of the bass.
For me the hardest is to find the perfect tone by seeking for the best angle.
I started practicing in my bathroom, because of Bobby, one thing led to another.
The acoustics in there are incredible, just throw some tile on the walls, It's now the best room in my house to practice in.
All I need is a removable toilet.
Absolute legend. He is such an amazing musician. Funky as...
Watching this makes me think you should do a video on great pick players. How about featuring Justin Chancellor (Tool) and Matt Freeman (Rancid)?
or cody wright... i'm a big tool fan - but vega is another league than chancellor and freeman...
Clay Gober as well
Neil Tunstall. Chancellor is a baby compared to Vega. But don’t get me wrong. I love Tool and Justin. :)
Neil Tunstall but, for sure, it would be awesome to see Justin on his show.
Man if he got geddy lee, that would be something
Bobby Vega is THE MAAANNN!!! 🙌🏻
He is such an amazing player and sounds SO good but trying to get this guy to explain what he's doing is like squeezing blood out of a stone, I really feel for Scott!
This Guy is a Baaaaddd Mofo!!!!
Super Legend!!!
Love his Style!
Cheers Scott, Bobbys feel and groove is so compelling.
SIR Bobby what a legend 👌🏽🔥🔥
Scott as you obviously love Bobby Vega's bass playing and style - which I do too - you might consider listening to and interviewing German Hellmut Hattler (Kraan, Tab Two, Hattler, Guru Guru and many more). Pls check!
I use my thumb also, to Fret .. It is just a natural flow. I do it to keep the Bass Pocket going while playing melody on the treble end. It's cool to see Vega using that Technique. I learned bass, starting at 9yrs old as a Singer/Bass player in a Family Band, Everyone playing by Ear. So you have no rules, as Long as it Works. That said, everytime I catch a video of yours , i take with me something that I apply , whether it be a technique or just Knowledge of what I have been doing all along. Old dog, new tricks! Preciate ya Bro!💯🖤🤠
Awesome. That figure 8 reference is perfect. Thanks
2:36 bobby staring directly into your soul
How I love the GENUINE wear and tear on this bass.. and Bobby`s playing of course...
That funky sweeping is incredible
Bobby has his secrets under lock and key.
yep, notice how he never really answered the question of how how did you do that
I don't think so...he's very very talented and he got decades of experience, that's It!
I dig players like this more so . Its human, clicky, groove , gold
So true.
Thats so true
This guy is amazing! Glad he’s still around and doing his thing!
Getting Bobby to play exactly what you want when you want seems kinda like herding cats. I love the man, his attitude, his playing, but he does NOT seem to speak a clinical technical language. I bought his instructional dvd and it’s great, but it’s like “yeah, however you wanna get it done”.
“It’s a figure 8, it’s like falling down the stairs”
Is not equal to
“It’s an accented pattern of scrubbie, muted strokes followed by a fast descending whole tone pattern with a rake down the strings at the end”
Luckily, having not learned much theory, Bobby’s way kind of immediately clicks with me hahaha
Both ways to teach and learn are good. That's why Bobby interviewed by Scott is a good combination
absolutely correct! I like the tech/theory-centric peeps cos I can absorb a bit of language to better communicate what a guy like Bobby makes me feel. Hence why I’m here on the Devine Express!
Yeah, how can you put groove and feeling into tabs or notes, its a Mission Impossible. YOU have the tools .... or have them not
MrBass Slap well, to some extent, the way things are notated can be a pretty clear indication of the intended feel and groove of a piece. However, you’re absolutely right, it is still ultimately up to the player to interpret and perform. There was a TEDtalk a ways back with a classical percussionist (I can’t recall her name) where she speaks to that and gives a mind-blowing example, well worth the watch.
@@Terrible_Peril sounds good, i will search .... thanks!!! ;)
4:30 I've been doing this for a long time, it's a standard fretting technique on the balalaika that just naturally crept into my bass playing. It comes in handy sometimes!
I actually play with my fingers in an angle, with the meat. But my guitar teacher wants me to do not flstten my fingers, and play with the tips. Ofcourse nothing is wrong, but i guess he wants to teach me the classical way.
Ive been playing for 18 years on my own way,teached myself, and now i have to change that. Wich is a but frustrating, but good to "master" both, like bobby;)
woah man that articulation vs fat with the tip or the pad of the finger blew my mind, totally
Incredible player!
EDUCATIONAL
You get a lot of inspiration seeing with what ease he masters his bass... Oh, and by the way, fretting the E (or B) string with his thump is characteristic for the playing of Louis Johnson...
"The ease with which he masters his bass" - Remember that Bobby started playing in the 60's. As much as he's played with as many really good (and famous) people and groups, it's no wonder he plays so well. Always enjoy watching the master!
Excellent.
Any recommendations from Bobby's Discography for his tastiest playing / writing? Thanks!
Here's one you might enjoy.
The artist is Ronnie Laws, the album title is "Flame" .
You can also catch him on the Lee Oskar album, "Before the Rain" and
Sly Stone's " High on you" album.
@@derekdauchan2741 thank you. I will give them a listen!
Bobby personality reminds me of Santana
Jim Harris it’s that age group,bro. You had to be around back then in sf to appreciate that they are all seeds that came out of the same apple. It was the culture in the old days that created that calm, poised, creative efficiency.
Those early sf times defined a large part of what many people are trying to emulate today....whether folks realize that or not. The Brit invasion back then also molded things when it hit the sf music scene.
Bobby and Carlos are one of a kind as far as groove. Something we don’t really see these days, as far as true original musicality.
But that’s jmho. I was there back then, so I see the difference. These guys should be taken as inspiration.
Peace ✌️
So true
Bobby!!. Bassmaster!!
Bobby is a beast
Some great stuff. As a guitarist who then got into bass, the thumb over, pick angling and finger angle stuff is interesting to consider as it's common on guitar. Sounding like BV though is not common!
Where the hell did his pick go at 6:30??!! Magician musician!
you know the interview was a great moment when it got into the new intro/opening for the channel
Awesome sound of his Bass!
Classic !
Always enjoy Bobby Vega. And as usual with any video about him, it's way to short. Wish he could have explained that back-beat thing he does better. It's one of those things he just does and can't seem to really explain it. I'll have to go check out the 1-hr course....hmmm...I might have already seen that because I remember him talking to you about the tip of the finger vs. the meat of the finger in his playing. Just superb!
The thing about articulation in the left brand is something I have been teaching for over 20 years.. its a thing!
I love the demos & interviews.
Keep up the good work & thanks.
Awesome dude! Thanks for checkin' out the vid!
Bobby makes the pick sound funky.
That is some really cool bass playing, wow!
Bobby da man
Now this is a bass player, no fancy taps, slaps or trills. Just the groove...
Oh c’mon with the hating. He fretted with his right hand several times, played his ridiculous flashy descending raking run and although not shown in these brief examples, has a wicked slap style. Bobby definitely drives the bus but he isn’t exactly a root hog 7th fret and down only kind of guy. If that is your thing, great, be proud of it and play what you want and give respect to who you admire. But using Bobby as a passive aggressive stab at players with expanded/modern technique is kind of silly
@@flamulated Wow, that escalated rather quickly wouldnt you say? I agree with both of you. Too many flashy techniques used too often ruin good music, but when done right, modern and expanded modalities couple with the backbone of grooving bass lines are amazing to hear.
@@flamulated I agree; Good playing is good playing. Modern, classic, or otherwise!
Video deserves extra "likes" for that Godzilla t-shirt that Bobby Vega is wearing. #KingOfTheMonsters #KingOfTheGrooves
Thanks Scott!
BVEGA you re a crazy cool genius
oh man his bass is frickin gorgeous
Amazing' ...and his J bass too
Pls check 'Bass Camp 2015 - Hellmut Hattler Short Version or HATTLER - Delhi News - Live in Bremen - 2015 as well his solo on NamNam from the 70s!
Wow that fingertip / meat thing was really cool
That little bass riff at 4:00 gives me an out of body experience. I don't think anyone could explain how that is done, it just happens.
Agreed!
Awesome player and super-cool dude.
right, Scott, as you said it's "the motion of the ocean"...
Bobby Vega is all about protecting his rice bowl. Unlike Victor Wooten, who will show you in a minute detail his techniques. I feel for you Scott, thanks for trying to help us out.
Yeah, Bobby was obviously avoiding Scott’s repeated request to share his technique.
Hey Scotty I’ve been loving the vids. Took so many years off and really never had any real lessons. You’ve been a huge help on basics. The class you mentioned. Is there more coming or can one get them from here?
It's the sound, man - no rules!
00:26 iconic moments in SBL History
Now I know 😮
Imagine that you're walking into a room and you see Bobby Vega just casually tuning his bass. Knees go jelly.
Also at 6:30. Did he drop the pick or did he grab it with his palm and ring/pinky finger ? That pick vanished into the void!
Awesome shirt, Bobby!
That’s some killer tone I’m curious what kind of pick he uses and what strings
Bad ass player. Real deal.