I think John Lennon and George Harrison used the Fender VI partly because Paul’s basses were left handed. And since it’s basically a guitar, down an octave, it felt very familiar to them. And of course it had that unique gritty sound that really cut through.
Did nobody else catch that John probably chose to play the Bass VI (rather than Paul's new Jazz) because it's right-handed and Paul's bass was left-handed?
@@justiceforjamespaulmccartneyThe reason why you aren’t worth debating, is because people like you have your mind made up. Like you said, no matter what. No evidence would ever change your mind. Even when I have evidence and believe my ideas to be correct, I must leave the door open because that’s how one learns. The errors in your thinking, and claim to have an absolute truth is why conspiracy theorists (and many religious people) are terrifying.
@@profile2047 I do not debate the truth. It makes no sense, common sense or logic. Open your eyes, do your own research and if even then you can't see the truth, you can live in your fake world.
It also rules out Paul overdubbing the Fender VI on “While My Guitar…” - unless of course, Fender sent them rights and lefts of both that we just don’t know about. You can also string them opposite - anything is possible 🤷🏻♂️
Actually loved the outro solo. I'm a guitarist for an indie rock band and I seriously think it's something we could incorporate in many different ways!!
@@roughcutguitars Imagine when Chris does his signature bend, then slide the finger into another bend, and the two tones make a dissonant noise, that just wouldn’t compliment that style of music.
It has a 30" scale as do other baritones, which is what any similar acoustics from way back before even the discovery of electricity, and now also electrics are still called today, and there are tenors too. Well Leo did call his vibrato a tremolo and now most players and even some makers adopted and use the wrong word because of it.
4:34 - John and George occasionally used Fender Bass VI because it was a right handed model, they couldn't use Paul's left handed Jazz Bass or any of his other bass guitars. Some time later they also got a right handed Fender Jazz Bass, which George used on a couple of Abbey Road songs. 7:13 - outtakes and studio chat point towards Paul playing Fender Jazz Bass on album version of Helter Skelter (John played Fender Bass VI on first three slow rehearsal takes which happened much earlier).
@@ARawFueledLife I asked my custom Jazz bass about it, and he said "Nuh uh, I would never make a plinky plunky racket like that, I'm a proper grown up bass guitar. Just listen to my growl on While My Guitar Gently Weeps!" Otherwise known as While My Jazz Bass Rudely Barks
Did he say EB2? Either way the Gibson version was called the EB6, there were two versions, the first one was based on the hollow body design and looked a bit like a ES335, the other was based on the SG body shape and was a solid body.
Really appreciate every time you delve into rock guitar's history. As an old timer, I grew up listening to all this stuff without ever thinking about what was making those sounds ( or who was playing what ). Great playing as always.
Man I fell in love with your playing with this solo at the ending.. And I'm 100% positive that it sounds better than your original at this octave. Impeccable.
I remember seeing some Christmas concert thing on TV when I was a kid back in the 90's, and the bassist was playing a 6-string bass, I think it was a Yamaha. He did indeed pick a guitar-like solo on the higher frets on higher strings, then returned to the normal bass part with his fingers. I remember thinking "wow." I think sonically, it can work for some styles of music, but not so much for others. At some point I'd like to get a baritone guitar because it's lower but still very much a guitar, and I have no desire to ever use a 7 or 8-string guitar.
Hi Chris, always enjoy your deep dives in to The Beatles, recordings, guitars, amps, etc. One little observation I'd like to add is that the main reason the Fender Bass VI is used so much in the later Beatle recordings is that Paul McCartney insisted on playing piano and guitar SO much on the basic tracks. A lot of basic tracks were recorded with out any bass at all, with McCartney coming back to over dub later. ie "The Word," "For No One" most of "Sgt. Pepper" and "Lady Madonna" to just name a few. This would allow him to spend many hours coming up with those amazing bass lines, and also fulfill his need to be The Beatles, Little Richard or Ray Charles! I would imagine sometimes (if motivated or even present) Lennon or Harrison would play the Bass VI just to add some low end/bottom to the basic track so it wouldn't sound so to quote GH "empty." Also wanted to mention that Fender also sent the Beatles the Rhodes keyboard seen so often in "Get Back" being played by Billy Preston. Who BTY was brought in to the sessions specifically by George to get Paul off the piano and get back (excuse the pun!) to the bass! I also have some info on where some of the fender gear ended up.... Paul McCartney's house! In the early seventies, EMI was doing some house cleaning and found that closet/small room full of old Beatle gear. They called all the Beatles to come and get what they wanted, since Paul just lived a few blocks away, came and took the Right handed Jazz Bass, (used later by Denny Laine in Wings whenever McCartney was on Piano. And even McCartney playing it upside down on pics included with "Band On The Run) and the Rhodes piano. So when you see Macca playing a Rhodes in "My Love"video, the "James Paul McCartney" TV special and "Wings: Rock Show" movie, that's the same Rhodes Billy Preston is playing in "Let It Be/Get Back." Keep up the great work! Solo at the end of the clip sounded great! Go for it!
I don't usually comment but a great use of the bass VI is with the math rock band TTNG (although it's actually a modified Jag bass but same no. of strings, scale length, tuning etc.). The higher up melodic lines really make the band sound bigger than a trio.
I’m guessing the string spacing, which makes finger-style bass and slap technique a lot harder. Super cool instrument, even if it’s almost more of an extended range baritone than a bass guitar.
Great to see a (well made) video about the Fender VI. Nice playing too. I was hoping to hear 2 of my favourite bands name checked; The Hollies- all bass parts on a F6 until Eric Haydock left to be replaced by Bernie Calvert. 10cc used one a lot eg Art for Art Sake (played by Eric rather than Graham). I never saw anyone use the trem arm - thankfully!
That's probably because the 'tremolo' system is rubbish - I have owned 2 of these and the units on both were useless. Fender would have been better doing through-body string anchoring.
Well done Chris A concise explanation of what I think was, for a time, marketed as a ‘Tenor’ guitar. Cliff Richard and Phil Everly did a duet on ‘She Means Nothing to Me’ a few years ago with, it sounded to me like a Fender 6 in the backing track - which I also thought sounded like Hank Marvin’s style. Your research/knowledge on the history of certain guitars is tremendous. Oh and I love your playing too. Keep it up! Regards.
Oh man, I always thought thar "While My Guitar" bass sound was a Rickenbacker (the nasal and agressive sound of its bridge pickup). Nice to learn that its a Fender Bass VI instead
I worked in a guitar shop, and we had in our inventory, what we called a baritone guitar. It was acoustic, and luthier-built, so it was quite high-end. I got to try it, and I have to say, 6-strings and an octave down really gets you out of your rut! I found myself exploring things outside my usual realm, because you can't play thine things you usually do on a guitar.
Great video Chris, that outro solo was amazing. If I remember rightly, Peter Green played a Fender Bass VI to great effect on "Green Manalishi". A wonderfully dark, menacing sound.
Wow! Great video as always. Very interesting. Seems like it really has a place, would love to hear what you do with it in Cardinal Black..... As long as it isn't the solo for Tell Me How It Feels 😂
Fresh Cream, having lived thru that time period what an Album that was, and they released the BBC stuff back in the 2000's, which was essential LIVE fresh cream.
It might be noted that the Fender Bass VI was used extensively in the classic country period beginning around 1960, and I’m sure The Beatles, being huge classic country fans, were aware of this. Bass lines were duplicated on an upright bass and a Fender Bass VI, in order to strengthen the bass sound on records. This is known as “tic tock” bass.
That outro version of Tell Me How It Feels was kind of groovy! I always dug the Bass VI mostly due to country music uses. One of the best country songs or at least one of my favorites - Bruce Robison’s Angry All The Time features a killer Bass VI solo that is just unmistakable. I’ve never owned one. Might have to remedy that.
You've done a very bad thing. You've made me want one! Now I have to tell my wife that I want another guitar. Oh dear. I'm looking at the Squire version. Budget reasons. Fingers crossed. Wish me luck!
Chris, you are so bloody good at commentary and evaluating all of this vintage gear, it is truly a joy to watch and listen to. If only you could play guitar to eh? I’m kidding man, you are truly one of my favorite guitarist on the planet! And it’s almost haunting that solo you played on the base six.. well done greatly appreciated
Really enjoy your weekly shows. When thinking of unique bass sounds, I’m reminded of Ladi Geisler, the famous bassist for Bert Kaempfert, James Last and on his own. Very prolific session man, and even crossed paths with the early Beatles when the backed Tony Sheridan. Might be an interesting tangent for you to chase down!
Hey - It's actually PAUL playing bass on the LP version Helter Skelter, not John. Ringo confirmed this and you can even hear Paul run through part of the bass riff prior to the beginning of an early take of the "fast" version on the White Album box. John played bass on the plodding early takes (an edited version of which is on Anthology 3). That is far more John's "style" of bass playing as he absolutely hated playing the instrument and would only do so when absolutely necessary. Other than that, great video!
Great episode Chris! Props for doing something out of your comfort zone (although it was a Beatles video with a Tell Me How It Feels solo, so maybe debatable...) I've always been fascinated by Bass VI but never played one. Maybe this Vintera series is the opportunity.
Squier has one in their Classic Vibe series. If you're on the fence about a purchase decision, the less expensive option gives you the opportunity to do so without the more expensive risk if you don't take to the instrument.
Nice video! It was great to hear about the history and usefulness of this guitar. What I didn't expect, was to hear such melodic and heartfelt playing at the end... Gonna check out your band.. Cardinal Black? Consider yourself subscribed!!
I'd have to go back and review the Rubin interview for the specific language, as I always considered it the end of the argument on who played that bass. If Paul never says plainly in the interview "yeah that's me" then it would be a lie by omission because Rubin clearly inferred that he was, as he pointed out that it counter intuitive to the composition almost standing out as a totally different theme. On the other hand, if Paul did play it, why would he need to say "yeah that's me." As I said, I'll have to give that interview another look, but absent Paul saying so straight up my conclusion is still the same, Paul played it and the Rubin interview shows it.
Hate to break it to you but Paul plays his Jazz bass on both Helter Skelter and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. No Fender VI on either. John plays HIS Casino on Helter Skelter. Fact. Rubin was right (got it wrong with Maxwell's Silver Hammer which was George - also on a Jazz!)
…not disputing you but if you’re going to speak with such authority (and fly in the face of the White Album’s official personnel credits) you might want to consider listing your source.
@@ChrisBuckGuitarSorry for being rude, you are a superb musician and I appreciate your videos, it's just that I see red when I see these videos extolling a) John's prowess as a bass player and b) the extent of th VI's use in Beatle recordings. John Lennon is my hero - but not as a bass player, on which he was truly terrible. He was always the last resort pick as a bassplayer in the Beatles (see Get Back). When all options are closed, that's when john would be the reluctant bassplayer. When he played the VI on BITUSSR, he strummed it as he did on "Dig It". ie he played it like a guitar. OK now for the others, source 1: Ringo Starr "“‘Helter Skelter’ was a track we did in total madness and hysterics in the studio. Sometimes you just had to shake out the jams, and with that song - Paul’s bass line and my drums - Paul started screaming and shouting and made it up on the spot”. Anthology. Source 2 Helter Skelter (take 17), begins with Paul showing to John by singing the timing to how to play the descending intro riff in the breakdown section. Listen and you will hear the bass absolutely totally in sync with the voice. When it gets to the breakdown, the guitar player gets it wrong but the bass and vocals get it right (NB in all previous versions of HS with Paul playing guitar - months before the final session - only Paul plays the chorus riffs. In the final version, only the bass plays the chorus riffs, the guitars doing it are overdubs by Paul and George. It's Paul's riff and the guitar just strums the A chord. Around 2:00 Paul sings the same notes as the bass (where the solo would be.) Regarding WMGGW, I have two interviews that George gave, Playboy and Guitar Player, where he specifically mentions Paul's overdubbing of the bass. Apart from that, I have yet to see anyone anywhere show me where the VI is supposed to be on this song. Paul is without any doubt playing the Jazz. Fact. When Ken Scott said that the Beatles used two basses Bert Kaempfert style, he also said that the basses were played together, never separately. This doesn't happen on any White Album recordings. None. Before he wrote his book, Ken Scott admitted that he doesn't remember Eric Clapton playing on the song he engineered. He couldn't remember EC being there! I'd believe the writer of the song over any engineer or box set archivist. The documentation of the Beatles recording is full of assumptions, guesswork and I take them all with a grain of salt. Cheers and carry on with the good work.
another very interesting friday fretworks,,,love your content bro,,, glad to see cardinal black touring and getting recognition ,,cheers from australia
Yes it was a secret. Danelectro had their Baritone guitar which Gen Campbell actually used for Galveston and Wichita Lineman. Interestingly it was used quite often with the standard tremolo that was found on many of the amplifiers of the day. The Bass VI was easily played like a guitar. The Precision and Jazz Basses played like basses. It was an ingenious addition by Leo.
As a left handed player, i was really disappointed that fender chose not to release a left handed model. However, Eastwood guitars has, therefore, I’m on the list to receive mine this summer. Very excited
Outro proves that Chris can do anything on any guitar....... except for the insane bend near the end of the Tell Me How It Feels solo when played on Fender VI! But seriously, folks, I'd love to hear the fender VI double tracked with the usual solo.
Could you imagine being so hip that fender just SENDS you the first rosewood telecaster and one of the baddest guitars ever made and is all like “…… here… have it. If you play it we’ll make Millions”
That outro sólo must be the only time I’ve seen a Bass VI played like a guitar, every video on here seems to be an excuse for guitarists to play their favourite bass lines.
I just started on my bass 6 adventures….we used to play Helter Skelter with me on lead guitar, however, I want to do the bass-6 part……sounds incredible. Arguably, why even bother with a conventional 4-string bass?!?
Wow excellent video! I am a bass player, never ever played guitar….bought a bass VI (squire) and had a terrible time with it. The strings are so close together compared to a bass that my mind and fingers were so confused. I had to sell it after a couple of months. I suspect that guitar players like it so much because, yeah its closer to a guitar than a bass string spacing wise…and thus for playability. Either way, its a cool instrument that in my opinion works great if you are used to playing guitar! 🎸
Hey Chris... I think that apart from the fuller chords (3 or more notes at a time I think?), it has to be said that your outro sounded fkn awesome!!! ... great tone, and certainly for the single note runs and double stops, it sat perfectly... just a bit too much information occupying the same low end space for full chords to work I think... but with that said, I guess it's much the same as playing a normal guitar with a spitting, knarly, cranked fuzz tone?? ... I actually didn't even know this thing existed, so thanks for the very interesting education! 😊
Could all this switching around of bass duties have been because Billy Shears couldn't play the bass in the same style as Paul McCartney so the band had to do it for him?
As a guitar player that started on Bass I suspect I'll end up with one of these sooner or later. As long as you aren't trying to play chords or open low E and A strings, I think the solos can work
Must say, Chris, I was pretty much ìn the dark myself regarding 'The 6.' If anyone can find good use for it in a Cardinal Black song, or any new song for that matter...you can. Very informative vlog...as per!! As a guitar 'nut' myself, I look forward to your FFs and the knowledge you impart on us mere mortals!!😅👍🎶🎸
Mmmm… the fact that all Paul’s basses were and, surprisingly, still are(😂) left handed probably made the right handed Bass VI the only practical instrument available for George and John to use. I’ve put up with flaws and foibles of the instrument, in its Squier guise, now for a few years. Currently in the process of an 8 week wait(☹️) for the arrival of a StayTrem 52mm string spread/long saddle travel bridge to solve the main problems, prior to fitting the LaBella Bass VI flats I’ve ‘invested in’.😬
That outro was insane!
Yes… yes you should play lead on a Bass VI!!!
Same sht I said
I've got one. Love it.
Chris could play lead on a ukulele and it would sound great.
I think John Lennon and George Harrison used the Fender VI partly because Paul’s basses were left handed. And since it’s basically a guitar, down an octave, it felt very familiar to them. And of course it had that unique gritty sound that really cut through.
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
@@justiceforjamespaulmccartney Yeah, that’s your truth. But it isn’t the actual truth.
@@justiceforjamespaulmccartney How did they manage to find a person that look, sound and plays lefthanded just like Paul McCartney? 😂
@@mtp4430 This is the truth. 100%.
@@JubbLaRacing Billy doesn't look like Paul at all and Billy doesn't sound like Paul at all.
that outro jam is wonderful, like a bass solo but with the strength of a guitar solo
Did nobody else catch that John probably chose to play the Bass VI (rather than Paul's new Jazz) because it's right-handed and Paul's bass was left-handed?
@@justiceforjamespaulmccartneyThe reason why you aren’t worth debating, is because people like you have your mind made up. Like you said, no matter what. No evidence would ever change your mind.
Even when I have evidence and believe my ideas to be correct, I must leave the door open because that’s how one learns.
The errors in your thinking, and claim to have an absolute truth is why conspiracy theorists (and many religious people) are terrifying.
@@profile2047 I do not debate the truth. It makes no sense, common sense or logic. Open your eyes, do your own research and if even then you can't see the truth, you can live in your fake world.
@@justiceforjamespaulmccartney yes, with your mother while she...you know
@@profile2047yoooo, what was this convo about? The guy you replied to deleted his comment i think
It also rules out Paul overdubbing the Fender VI on “While My Guitar…” - unless of course, Fender sent them rights and lefts of both that we just don’t know about. You can also string them opposite - anything is possible 🤷🏻♂️
Actually loved the outro solo. I'm a guitarist for an indie rock band and I seriously think it's something we could incorporate in many different ways!!
Imagine doubling it with his guitar solo on top though...
@@roughcutguitars
Imagine when Chris does his signature bend, then slide the finger into another bend, and the two tones make a dissonant noise, that just wouldn’t compliment that style of music.
which outro solo? Helter Skelter?
w o w was the entry and the solo!
It has a 30" scale as do other baritones, which is what any similar acoustics from way back before even the discovery of electricity, and now also electrics are still called today, and there are tenors too. Well Leo did call his vibrato a tremolo and now most players and even some makers adopted and use the wrong word because of it.
4:34 - John and George occasionally used Fender Bass VI because it was a right handed model, they couldn't use Paul's left handed Jazz Bass or any of his other bass guitars. Some time later they also got a right handed Fender Jazz Bass, which George used on a couple of Abbey Road songs. 7:13 - outtakes and studio chat point towards Paul playing Fender Jazz Bass on album version of Helter Skelter (John played Fender Bass VI on first three slow rehearsal takes which happened much earlier).
John’s bass 6 is on Helter Skelter, just have a listen in isolation.
@@daveshaw7953 What made you arrive to that conclusion?
@@gilassp It's very sloppily played. Paul wouldn't lay down a line like that.
@gilassp Studio outtakes make a pretty convincing argument that Helter Skelter is indeed Paul on the Jazz Bass.
@@ARawFueledLife I asked my custom Jazz bass about it, and he said "Nuh uh, I would never make a plinky plunky racket like that, I'm a proper grown up bass guitar. Just listen to my growl on While My Guitar Gently Weeps!"
Otherwise known as While My Jazz Bass Rudely Barks
The Long and Winding Road performed by John is probably The Beatles most IN-famous bass line of them all
unclear if John was joking around, pissed at Paul and trying to sabotage, or just bad that day.
You are peaking Buckmaster. Every Friday episode is now better than Wagon Train and Rawhide put together 👏👏🎸
Hello Chris,
I am a new subscriber. ❤
The outro solo.... brilliant idea, brilliantly executed.
EB-2 is a regular bass, though.
Excellent video. I need one of these.
Did he say EB2? Either way the Gibson version was called the EB6, there were two versions, the first one was based on the hollow body design and looked a bit like a ES335, the other was based on the SG body shape and was a solid body.
Really appreciate every time you delve into rock guitar's history. As an old timer, I grew up listening to all this stuff without ever thinking about what was making those sounds ( or who was playing what ). Great playing as always.
A loved the outro solo. A unique growling tone.
outro was brilliant definately should....so unique and sits perfectly
George plays Fender 6 on the Hey Jude video. The video was Ringo's second day back after having left The Beatles a few weeks before.
Thanks Bro! I didn't know any of that stuff.
Man I fell in love with your playing with this solo at the ending.. And I'm 100% positive that it sounds better than your original at this octave. Impeccable.
I like the outro too.
Loved the outro solo, gives it a bit of low down welly!
Amazing right hand technique on Back in the USSR. Really opens up doors. Thanks.
That outro is so sick! Loved the video
I remember seeing some Christmas concert thing on TV when I was a kid back in the 90's, and the bassist was playing a 6-string bass, I think it was a Yamaha. He did indeed pick a guitar-like solo on the higher frets on higher strings, then returned to the normal bass part with his fingers. I remember thinking "wow." I think sonically, it can work for some styles of music, but not so much for others. At some point I'd like to get a baritone guitar because it's lower but still very much a guitar, and I have no desire to ever use a 7 or 8-string guitar.
Hi Chris, always enjoy your deep dives in to The Beatles, recordings, guitars, amps, etc. One little observation I'd like to add is that the main reason the Fender Bass VI is used so much in the later Beatle recordings is that Paul McCartney insisted on playing piano and guitar SO much on the basic tracks. A lot of basic tracks were recorded with out any bass at all, with McCartney coming back to over dub later. ie "The Word," "For No One" most of "Sgt. Pepper" and "Lady Madonna" to just name a few. This would allow him to spend many hours coming up with those amazing bass lines, and also fulfill his need to be The Beatles, Little Richard or Ray Charles! I would imagine sometimes (if motivated or even present) Lennon or Harrison would play the Bass VI just to add some low end/bottom to the basic track so it wouldn't sound so to quote GH "empty." Also wanted to mention that Fender also sent the Beatles the Rhodes keyboard seen so often in "Get Back" being played by Billy Preston. Who BTY was brought in to the sessions specifically by George to get Paul off the piano and get back (excuse the pun!) to the bass! I also have some info on where some of the fender gear ended up.... Paul McCartney's house! In the early seventies, EMI was doing some house cleaning and found that closet/small room full of old Beatle gear. They called all the Beatles to come and get what they wanted, since Paul just lived a few blocks away, came and took the Right handed Jazz Bass, (used later by Denny Laine in Wings whenever McCartney was on Piano. And even McCartney playing it upside down on pics included with "Band On The Run) and the Rhodes piano. So when you see Macca playing a Rhodes in "My Love"video, the "James Paul McCartney" TV special and "Wings: Rock Show" movie, that's the same Rhodes Billy Preston is playing in "Let It Be/Get Back." Keep up the great work! Solo at the end of the clip sounded great! Go for it!
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
I don't usually comment but a great use of the bass VI is with the math rock band TTNG (although it's actually a modified Jag bass but same no. of strings, scale length, tuning etc.). The higher up melodic lines really make the band sound bigger than a trio.
I think the Fender VI is one of the best bass sounds ever. I always wondered why it's not more popular.
intonation is atrocious. poor harmonics in the timbre. no sustain in the notes. great if you like string mute tone
I’m guessing the string spacing, which makes finger-style bass and slap technique a lot harder. Super cool instrument, even if it’s almost more of an extended range baritone than a bass guitar.
Great to see a (well made) video about the Fender VI. Nice playing too. I was hoping to hear 2 of my favourite bands name checked; The Hollies- all bass parts on a F6 until Eric Haydock left to be replaced by Bernie Calvert. 10cc used one a lot eg Art for Art Sake (played by Eric rather than Graham). I never saw anyone use the trem arm - thankfully!
That's probably because the 'tremolo' system is rubbish - I have owned 2 of these and the units on both were useless. Fender would have been better doing through-body string anchoring.
Well done Chris A concise explanation of what I think was, for a time, marketed as a ‘Tenor’ guitar. Cliff Richard and Phil Everly did a duet on ‘She Means Nothing to Me’ a few years ago with, it sounded to me like a Fender 6 in the backing track - which I also thought sounded like Hank Marvin’s style. Your research/knowledge on the history of certain guitars is tremendous. Oh and I love your playing too. Keep it up! Regards.
Oh man, I always thought thar "While My Guitar" bass sound was a Rickenbacker (the nasal and agressive sound of its bridge pickup). Nice to learn that its a Fender Bass VI instead
I worked in a guitar shop, and we had in our inventory, what we called a baritone guitar. It was acoustic, and luthier-built, so it was quite high-end. I got to try it, and I have to say, 6-strings and an octave down really gets you out of your rut! I found myself exploring things outside my usual realm, because you can't play thine things you usually do on a guitar.
I bet it’s another great video again!
Very interesting Chris 👍
Frankly I thought that outro solo sounded pretty amazing.
When I hear bass vi I see Cure..especially a sound of a song Push..there is no other instrument you can use to play it 😊
You could still play all those great parts of the Disintegration on a standard guitar, but I have no idea why you’d want to.
You’re actually playing it BETTER than John did.
Great video Chris, that outro solo was amazing. If I remember rightly, Peter Green played a Fender Bass VI to great effect on "Green Manalishi". A wonderfully dark, menacing sound.
Wow! Great video as always. Very interesting. Seems like it really has a place, would love to hear what you do with it in Cardinal Black..... As long as it isn't the solo for Tell Me How It Feels 😂
Fresh Cream, having lived thru that time period what an Album that was, and they released the BBC stuff back in the 2000's, which was essential LIVE fresh cream.
i think i want to buy one they sound amazing
It might be noted that the Fender Bass VI was used extensively in the classic country period beginning around 1960, and I’m sure The Beatles, being huge classic country fans, were aware of this. Bass lines were duplicated on an upright bass and a Fender Bass VI, in order to strengthen the bass sound on records. This is known as “tic tock” bass.
It's the gonk gonk gonk sound! (Which for ages I thought was Paul's Rickenbacker). Nope, it's a Fender VI.
Most of the "plunky" and "clunky" bass sounds on the white album were Paul using his Fender Jazz Bass.
Chris, you gave that Fender Base VI some workout on the demo of Back in the USSR. That was some great playing.
Funny how you never mentioned Cardinal Black. Don't be fooled folks, they are a fantastic band. And Chris Buck is their prophet.
Why did John play the Bass VI on "Helter Skelter" rather than Paul's Jazz bass? Maybe because the Jazz was a left-handed instrument?
The Green Manalishi live, Peter green detroys the bass 6 on that track!
Glad im here early! Always good to see an upload from ya
That outro version of Tell Me How It Feels was kind of groovy! I always dug the Bass VI mostly due to country music uses. One of the best country songs or at least one of my favorites - Bruce Robison’s Angry All The Time features a killer Bass VI solo that is just unmistakable. I’ve never owned one. Might have to remedy that.
You've done a very bad thing. You've made me want one! Now I have to tell my wife that I want another guitar. Oh dear. I'm looking at the Squire version. Budget reasons. Fingers crossed. Wish me luck!
Chris casually playing a guitar solo on a bass better than I can do on a guitar. ☠️
Chris, you are so bloody good at commentary and evaluating all of this vintage gear, it is truly a joy to watch and listen to. If only you could play guitar to eh? I’m kidding man, you are truly one of my favorite guitarist on the planet! And it’s almost haunting that solo you played on the base six.. well done greatly appreciated
Really enjoy your weekly shows. When thinking of unique bass sounds, I’m reminded of Ladi Geisler, the famous bassist for Bert Kaempfert, James Last and on his own. Very prolific session man, and even crossed paths with the early Beatles when the backed Tony Sheridan. Might be an interesting tangent for you to chase down!
Regarding John picking the Bass VI... have you forgotten Paul is left handed?
Very good point!
I suppose they could've restrung it "righty," although that does seem a little unlikely... but Paul liked to do things HIS way, so maybe they did?
@@castleanthrax1833 Yeah true. Pretty sure Paul used to play upside down when he first started
@@chrislong4329 I tried playing upside down once, but the blood kept rushing to my head. 🙃 😉
Even when Paul plays a lead acoustic for Band on the Run he plays it left handed
Hey - It's actually PAUL playing bass on the LP version Helter Skelter, not John. Ringo confirmed this and you can even hear Paul run through part of the bass riff prior to the beginning of an early take of the "fast" version on the White Album box. John played bass on the plodding early takes (an edited version of which is on Anthology 3). That is far more John's "style" of bass playing as he absolutely hated playing the instrument and would only do so when absolutely necessary. Other than that, great video!
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
The Cure are the masters of Bass VI
Great episode Chris! Props for doing something out of your comfort zone (although it was a Beatles video with a Tell Me How It Feels solo, so maybe debatable...)
I've always been fascinated by Bass VI but never played one. Maybe this Vintera series is the opportunity.
Squier has one in their Classic Vibe series. If you're on the fence about a purchase decision, the less expensive option gives you the opportunity to do so without the more expensive risk if you don't take to the instrument.
Amazing! I love that you still went for it. I’d be playing lead lines on it too. Thanks for sharing!
Nice video! It was great to hear about the history and usefulness of this guitar. What I didn't expect, was to hear such melodic and heartfelt playing at the end... Gonna check out your band.. Cardinal Black? Consider yourself subscribed!!
I imagine John used the bass 6 simply because Paul's jazz would've been left handed, which John wasn't.
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
I'm 67 ... grew up with the beatles...and I thought I knew a lot.... wow... I never knew this! Thank you!!!
It also makes history on Wichita Lineman. Glen Campbell playing it.
I'd have to go back and review the Rubin interview for the specific language, as I always considered it the end of the argument on who played that bass. If Paul never says plainly in the interview "yeah that's me" then it would be a lie by omission because Rubin clearly inferred that he was, as he pointed out that it counter intuitive to the composition almost standing out as a totally different theme. On the other hand, if Paul did play it, why would he need to say "yeah that's me." As I said, I'll have to give that interview another look, but absent Paul saying so straight up my conclusion is still the same, Paul played it and the Rubin interview shows it.
Hate to break it to you but Paul plays his Jazz bass on both Helter Skelter and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. No Fender VI on either. John plays HIS Casino on Helter Skelter. Fact. Rubin was right (got it wrong with Maxwell's Silver Hammer which was George - also on a Jazz!)
…not disputing you but if you’re going to speak with such authority (and fly in the face of the White Album’s official personnel credits) you might want to consider listing your source.
@@ChrisBuckGuitarSorry for being rude, you are a superb musician and I appreciate your videos, it's just that I see red when I see these videos extolling a) John's prowess as a bass player and b) the extent of th VI's use in Beatle recordings. John Lennon is my hero - but not as a bass player, on which he was truly terrible. He was always the last resort pick as a bassplayer in the Beatles (see Get Back). When all options are closed, that's when john would be the reluctant bassplayer. When he played the VI on BITUSSR, he strummed it as he did on "Dig It". ie he played it like a guitar. OK now for the others, source 1: Ringo Starr "“‘Helter Skelter’ was a track we did in total madness and hysterics in the studio. Sometimes you just had to shake out the jams, and with that song - Paul’s bass line and my drums - Paul started screaming and shouting and made it up on the spot”. Anthology. Source 2 Helter Skelter (take 17), begins with Paul showing to John by singing the timing to how to play the descending intro riff in the breakdown section. Listen and you will hear the bass absolutely totally in sync with the voice. When it gets to the breakdown, the guitar player gets it wrong but the bass and vocals get it right (NB in all previous versions of HS with Paul playing guitar - months before the final session - only Paul plays the chorus riffs. In the final version, only the bass plays the chorus riffs, the guitars doing it are overdubs by Paul and George. It's Paul's riff and the guitar just strums the A chord. Around 2:00 Paul sings the same notes as the bass (where the solo would be.) Regarding WMGGW, I have two interviews that George gave, Playboy and Guitar Player, where he specifically mentions Paul's overdubbing of the bass. Apart from that, I have yet to see anyone anywhere show me where the VI is supposed to be on this song. Paul is without any doubt playing the Jazz. Fact. When Ken Scott said that the Beatles used two basses Bert Kaempfert style, he also said that the basses were played together, never separately. This doesn't happen on any White Album recordings. None. Before he wrote his book, Ken Scott admitted that he doesn't remember Eric Clapton playing on the song he engineered. He couldn't remember EC being there! I'd believe the writer of the song over any engineer or box set archivist. The documentation of the Beatles recording is full of assumptions, guesswork and I take them all with a grain of salt. Cheers and carry on with the good work.
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
another very interesting friday fretworks,,,love your content bro,,, glad to see cardinal black touring and getting recognition ,,cheers from australia
Yes it was a secret. Danelectro had their Baritone guitar which Gen Campbell actually used for Galveston and Wichita Lineman. Interestingly it was used quite often with the standard tremolo that was found on many of the amplifiers of the day. The Bass VI was easily played like a guitar. The Precision and Jazz Basses played like basses. It was an ingenious addition by Leo.
Great video.
I think I need to play Helter Skelter when I get a Bass VI.
As a left handed player, i was really disappointed that fender chose not to release a left handed model. However, Eastwood guitars has, therefore, I’m on the list to receive mine this summer. Very excited
Outro proves that Chris can do anything on any guitar....... except for the insane bend near the end of the Tell Me How It Feels solo when played on Fender VI! But seriously, folks, I'd love to hear the fender VI double tracked with the usual solo.
I thought the outro was ace.
Could you imagine being so hip that fender just SENDS you the first rosewood telecaster and one of the baddest guitars ever made and is all like “…… here… have it. If you play it we’ll make Millions”
Their secret was four outrageously talented musicians
So what i wanna know is this: does a regular guitar + an octave pedal = a bass VI?
A Bass VI + octave pedal = ??? 🤔
I think the Beatles Bass VI ended up with George Harrison. I saw some photos from inside Friar Park that show a sunburst Bass VI hung on the wall
Wonderful stuff! Thank you once again.
That outro sólo must be the only time I’ve seen a Bass VI played like a guitar, every video on here seems to be an excuse for guitarists to play their favourite bass lines.
Bloody good research and thoroughly entertaining video.
What about Heart of Stone by Brian Jones & Friends?
Bill found that Fender VI quite easy to play.
Very Cool! Loved your playing, especially on the Outtro.
OMG! The industry just sold a F-ton of those! I want one too, now!
Your outro is first rate! Thanks for this video!
Stunning outro solo. So the obvious answer is: you should play lead on a Fender six, if you are, Chris Buck.
I just started on my bass 6 adventures….we used to play Helter Skelter with me on lead guitar, however, I want to do the bass-6 part……sounds incredible. Arguably, why even bother with a conventional 4-string bass?!?
Surely the obvious reason for John choosing the Bass VI over Paul’s bass is that John wouldn’t have been able to play Paul’s left handed bass.
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
I liked the solo at the end
Another cracking informative entertaining and inspiring vid and of course great playing 10/10
Gently Weeps sounds to me like a Ric bass with a pick, very much Paul to me.
Chris, your channel makes my Saturday morning, brill as ever
The Beatles real secret weapon was talent.
You're awesome, Chris. Lennon used a 2P coin on the bass for Helter.
Could've been the old ha'penny...... The 2p coin wasn't minted until 1971.
Wow excellent video! I am a bass player, never ever played guitar….bought a bass VI (squire) and had a terrible time with it. The strings are so close together compared to a bass that my mind and fingers were so confused. I had to sell it after a couple of months. I suspect that guitar players like it so much because, yeah its closer to a guitar than a bass string spacing wise…and thus for playability. Either way, its a cool instrument that in my opinion works great if you are used to playing guitar! 🎸
Hey Chris... I think that apart from the fuller chords (3 or more notes at a time I think?), it has to be said that your outro sounded fkn awesome!!! ... great tone, and certainly for the single note runs and double stops, it sat perfectly... just a bit too much information occupying the same low end space for full chords to work I think... but with that said, I guess it's much the same as playing a normal guitar with a spitting, knarly, cranked fuzz tone?? ... I actually didn't even know this thing existed, so thanks for the very interesting education! 😊
Ummmmm yeah that solo played on the bass 6 sounded awesome!!!!
Great vid, great sounds, great playing! Love it!
I had one and sold it years ago. I kind of regret selling it. it was fun to play but everything I did with it sounded like The Cure. lol
Could all this switching around of bass duties have been because Billy Shears couldn't play the bass in the same style as Paul McCartney so the band had to do it for him?
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
sounds even sweeter on the bass six
I think that solo at the end definitely proved you can and you should! Of course, it helps to be Chris Buck...
Drums a bit loud for the bass to cut through at lower volume
Billy/ Macca 2/ Faul admits in the Get back sessions that he "doesn't really know anything on bass". Billy is a piano player firstly.
James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!
As a guitar player that started on Bass I suspect I'll end up with one of these sooner or later. As long as you aren't trying to play chords or open low E and A strings, I think the solos can work
Must say, Chris, I was pretty much ìn the dark myself regarding 'The 6.' If anyone can find good use for it in a Cardinal Black song, or any new song for that matter...you can. Very informative vlog...as per!! As a guitar 'nut' myself, I look forward to your FFs and the knowledge you impart on us mere mortals!!😅👍🎶🎸
Mmmm… the fact that all Paul’s basses were and, surprisingly, still are(😂) left handed probably made the right handed Bass VI the only practical instrument available for George and John to use.
I’ve put up with flaws and foibles of the instrument, in its Squier guise, now for a few years. Currently in the process of an 8 week wait(☹️) for the arrival of a StayTrem 52mm string spread/long saddle travel bridge to solve the main problems, prior to fitting the LaBella Bass VI flats I’ve ‘invested in’.😬