Go find some old Larry Graham tunes he played on, like very early Sly and the Family Stone. He's the reason slap exists (in my opinion anyhow). I think that will cement that 'kick snare' -edit: just as I was finishing typing this..of course Ian put it in..11:53 ish
COOL! I think the reason you're having difficulty with the Flea bass line, is BECAUSE he is bouncing his thumb of the strings instead of going through the string. Higher Ground is another great example of the bouncing thumb, my bass teacher is an amazing player but he couldn't really play Higher Ground, it was the one thing I could play a little better than him, which was a fun change.
Just bought my first bass after 15 years of guitars. You guys have such a positive and fun vibe about music that got me excited to learn a new instrument.
Ian is my favorite bass player, end of discussion! His versatility, groove, pocket, "approachableness", and ability to teach are top notch!!! (I'm signing up for the accelerator.)
i'm one of those who learned Run for cover with a juicy double pop and a left hand thumb mute on E...and that thanks time practice on those skills :) Great video and nice pdf, see u
I learned double thumb in three days learning Power by Marcus Miller. I sat in front of youtube and just played the first chord and the 32nd note flurry over and over slow. Seems like a bad first song to learn but because there are 6 strokes I could slow it down and get a lot of opportunities to develop the muscle memory. I'm so surprised at how fast it went from seeming impossible to second nature.
Hey Ian!! If you are not aware of the guys in Victor's clip, they are; brother Joe Wooten (Steve Miller Band) on keys, brother Reggie Wooten on guitar (who by the way, TAUGHT Vic how to play the bass!!) and J.D. Blair (Shania Twain) on drums. I was blessed to play with the Wooten Brothers in Nashville (in the 90's), when Vic was out on the road with Bela' Fleck. And, J.D. and I played in a jazz quintet together before he got the gig with Shania. I love ALL of these guys, and we go back 30+ years. Thank you for giving credit to Vic! He's the absolute Best!! ...... Also, in the 90's we had a restaurant in Nashville called the Slice of Life. It was an organic/vegan restaurant. Vic used to do 3 hour solo bass gigs in the restaurant!!! What bass player can do that??? 3 hours of Solo Bass!! He's a phenom! Anyway, thought you might enjoy that.
I really loved this video and it’s content. I’m one of those earthy reggae bass players that didn’t think I’d bother to really advance my slap technique but you’ve changed my mind; answered some questions that I needed answered. Thanks. I’m on it now.
This is the first SBL video I've watched in MONTHS! I love Scott and Ian's old banter on podcast episodes, but the recent videos have felt too scripted and acted out. I miss content like this and I am here for it!
I love that you (over)delivered on the title of the video and got straight into it. I also appreciate that as a business you understand that sharing like this isn’t shooting yourselves in the foot, but rather deepening your trust with your audience which actually gives us more confidence in sharing our money with you. I hope SBL will maintain this approach and spirit towards “selling”. Well done!
Blackeyed Blonde is what made me want to pick up bass as a teen in the 80s. So Flea was a definite influence along with Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller, Chris Wagner, Leigh Gorman, and later Tim Commerford and Thomas Risell.
@@devinebass When you guys decide to take a look into some rock and punk music, you need to take a dive into Mike Watt. He's my fave bassist. Perhaps not a technical genius but more of an attitude. His attack is so great and he blends his punk rock vibe with sprinkles of jazz in it. He's amazing live with an energy and passion like no other. I think underrated as a bassist. He's always on the lists but I don't think enough people have been exposed to him. Check out Brave Captain, Whisperin While Hollerin, and Chemical Wire by fIREHOSE. Then any of his Minutemen licks; The Roar of the Masses Could be Farts, Viet Nam, Felt Like a Gringo, Tequila, and The Politics of Time.
ONE THING ABOUT FUNDAMENTALS: a lot of them are not easy. Basics that professionals need to have mastered are not basic in the popular definition of the word. When I’m having a crappy day of practicing it’s important for me not to denigrate myself for needing to focus on them. Fundamentals are ESSENTIAL, but they are not always easy.
Best bass lesson (or music lesson in general) I have ever seen on TH-cam. I mean, you took us from the basics to the classics with a step by step didactic that was brilliant. Thank you very much! Please, do make more of those!
I'm midway through week 2 of the slap accelerator and already exceeding my expectations. Just devoting a week to slap only was amazing. Getting those massive tones by slapping the D and G strings, just make me so happy! Here's to the next few weeks of the accelerator 🙌
As someone thats terrible at slapping and trying to get better, thanks for this video! I really like the technique videos. Theres a bunch of good music theory content out there, but not a lot of good technique content, imo. So, this type of video is really welcomed!
Ian, I believe Marcus is playing a triplet starting with the up thumb, pluck, thumb, pluck. I played it the way you play it and my bass teacher pointed it out!
I’ve been a fan for over 4yrs of y’all and I gotta say, this is hands down my favorite/best video done. Truly felt like I was talking a 1on1 lesson and comfortable to challenge and push myself 🤘🏽
Very nice and easy understanding slap style. Perfect sounding Mike Lull bass. This bass is awesome. Ian playing is perfect. Thank you for this video. 👍👍👍
Thanks for this video man. Been a bass player for over 15 years. The groups I play with here in Hawaii don't require Slap. BUT I DON'T CARE. IT'S TIME 😅 "Bass Face Helps" 😂
I was getting completely left behind in the middle section of this but the end where you were grooving out with just your thumb has me wanting to just practice double thumbing until I can play like I’m using a pick because that sht sounded dooope! After that I can add the pops and thumps etc as a bonus. Nice lesson!👏
this is going to be the start of a long journey lol... getting back into bass playing, and am trying to rehab my poor slap technique! This has been enlightening! Thank you Ian! 🙏
I love them too! I actually think they get misaligned with sunset strip hair metal or something! They’re actually super versatile lovely sounding pickups.
Awesome video as always. I've been a player for years, but have only recently tried to adjust to a double-thumby, through-string affair for slap. Ian's hand is always so stable as he hits the string. My thumb is flopping all around. It's almost like I'm getting the power from moving the thumb rather than the hand.
Ian 'Monster'Alison (never sure about how to write it...) strikes again!!! The groove in the beginning of the video is so... Infectious!!!😮 The man is an underated UGI, Underrated Groove Incarnation, or UGH, Underrated Groove Human!!!!
Very cool. Im starting on the slap accelerator and this comes up and im getting more points of reference now. To me, Ian makes learning bass very interesting and with a lot less pressure, i dont know why, but i hope he keeps it coming!🤘🤘🤘🤘
Amazing. Thanks, I’ll finally give in and try to learn slapping. It is definitely my least favourite of bass sounds but you’ve convinced me to try. There are some FNM tracks I’d like to play…and Primus of course. 😬
I must say that this was one of the best and most inspiring instruction video in the world of slap that I have encountered. I'm just starting to learn slap and I have watched some about Victor Wooten talking about that double thumb stuff. So that one I knew about. But this introduction to get you started made me pick up the bass and get started directly. I must say I really enjoy your videos overall too. You guys are inspiring to listen to and to learn from. Keep up the good work guys 🤜🤛💪👍✌️
Great info. One thing that just popped into my head when you were going through the Larry Graham riff was that this sort of lesson would be aided by using a bass with dots or similar markers on the fingerboard. The part where you made the error and talked about correctly positioning was great but many people would struggle to see what the notes were from visual cues alone.
Great. Thanks. I think Victor Wooten really is the GOAT. I mean, just like you said, not only the technique, which are crazy, but most of all, the soulful, the groove, the swing of it. Beautifully out of this world. Anybody may be able to learn and do the technique, but I think no one can play as beautiful like him. And I think we'd like to know better about the guy Chuck you told. Maybe an interview video with him someday? Thanks
Great video! You should totally add the thumb down slap technique to your arsenal, it's really useful in certain situations. Having both ways to slap in your toolkit transforms your playing into that akin to a monster,
Finally have had a little time to start working on this. Want to do accelerator but know that I am limited on practice time this year. That said, finally started getting purchase and success striking through... ... ... On my kid's mini-p bass. Still a bit of a challenge on my instruments, lol. But I'm keeping at it, I want to improve
Great vid, Sir Ian! You guys are great at breaking down techniques. Your gear's dope and I've been wondering what's the difference between this Mike Lull bass and the green one you have, besides the stunning, stellar finishes. Lookin forward to your next! Maybe chords/arpeggios fun?
THANK YOU!! So many musicians are like, "No, I don't like that," after listening to 15 seconds of a song/technique/anything different from what they know. To me, it's a red flag. Not having the patience and capability to listen properly and take a step back when encountering something new is a red flag when you want to know if the person is truly open musically.
On double thumbing, I find much more comfortable and easier to articulate notes using Alain Caron's way of an in/out motion by rotating the wrist like I'm turning a door knob than Victor Wooten's up/down motion w/elbow the fulcrum.
Hey all! ❤You can grab the FREE Tab & Notation here: sbl.link/3LjP7WW
Thank you guys for loving bass so much and helping others
ian if you’re reading this, pls do more of these videos. my life needs more moments of you rambling about bass stuff
YES BRO! More videos like this !!!
the way ian teaches and how enthusiastic he is about the instrument is genuinely captivating
I had an epiphany when you said to think of it like kick and snare. Dang it! that's a simple concept I've needed since forever. Thanks Ian!
Next time i'll see the entire vid before posting comment 😂
Go find some old Larry Graham tunes he played on, like very early Sly and the Family Stone. He's the reason slap exists (in my opinion anyhow). I think that will cement that 'kick snare'
-edit: just as I was finishing typing this..of course Ian put it in..11:53 ish
COOL! I think the reason you're having difficulty with the Flea bass line, is BECAUSE he is bouncing his thumb of the strings instead of going through the string. Higher Ground is another great example of the bouncing thumb, my bass teacher is an amazing player but he couldn't really play Higher Ground, it was the one thing I could play a little better than him, which was a fun change.
Just bought my first bass after 15 years of guitars. You guys have such a positive and fun vibe about music that got me excited to learn a new instrument.
Absolutely agree with this, definitely one of the best music channels, if not THE best.
Ian is my favorite bass player, end of discussion! His versatility, groove, pocket, "approachableness", and ability to teach are top notch!!! (I'm signing up for the accelerator.)
🧡🧡🧡
i'm one of those who learned Run for cover with a juicy double pop and a left hand thumb mute on E...and that thanks time practice on those skills :) Great video and nice pdf, see u
I learned double thumb in three days learning Power by Marcus Miller. I sat in front of youtube and just played the first chord and the 32nd note flurry over and over slow. Seems like a bad first song to learn but because there are 6 strokes I could slow it down and get a lot of opportunities to develop the muscle memory. I'm so surprised at how fast it went from seeming impossible to second nature.
I am currently doing the exact same thing for the last hour and I got pretty quick already. It's such a killer song too
Took me a long time to get strength in the double thumb. It's easy to get it at first, but really hard to master imo.
I'm a guitar player that plays bass when I need to and this is sooo great!
Hey Ian!! If you are not aware of the guys in Victor's clip, they are; brother Joe Wooten (Steve Miller Band) on keys, brother Reggie Wooten on guitar (who by the way, TAUGHT Vic how to play the bass!!) and J.D. Blair (Shania Twain) on drums. I was blessed to play with the Wooten Brothers in Nashville (in the 90's), when Vic was out on the road with Bela' Fleck. And, J.D. and I played in a jazz quintet together before he got the gig with Shania. I love ALL of these guys, and we go back 30+ years. Thank you for giving credit to Vic! He's the absolute Best!! ...... Also, in the 90's we had a restaurant in Nashville called the Slice of Life. It was an organic/vegan restaurant. Vic used to do 3 hour solo bass gigs in the restaurant!!! What bass player can do that??? 3 hours of Solo Bass!! He's a phenom! Anyway, thought you might enjoy that.
this man is a bass ambassador
I really loved this video and it’s content. I’m one of those earthy reggae bass players that didn’t think I’d bother to really advance my slap technique but you’ve changed my mind; answered some questions that I needed answered. Thanks. I’m on it now.
This is the first SBL video I've watched in MONTHS! I love Scott and Ian's old banter on podcast episodes, but the recent videos have felt too scripted and acted out. I miss content like this and I am here for it!
I love that you (over)delivered on the title of the video and got straight into it. I also appreciate that as a business you understand that sharing like this isn’t shooting yourselves in the foot, but rather deepening your trust with your audience which actually gives us more confidence in sharing our money with you. I hope SBL will maintain this approach and spirit towards “selling”. Well done!
Thank you Michael!
Can SBL get a Devison t-shirt made to celebrate the Devine/Allison bromance?
Blackeyed Blonde is what made me want to pick up bass as a teen in the 80s. So Flea was a definite influence along with Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller, Chris Wagner, Leigh Gorman, and later Tim Commerford and Thomas Risell.
You can not beat RHCP up through Uplift Mofo Party Plan.
🔥🔥🔥
@@christopherweise438 Uplift Mofo was their best stuff IMO, but there was some good bass on Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Past that I fell out of them.
@@devinebass When you guys decide to take a look into some rock and punk music, you need to take a dive into Mike Watt. He's my fave bassist. Perhaps not a technical genius but more of an attitude. His attack is so great and he blends his punk rock vibe with sprinkles of jazz in it. He's amazing live with an energy and passion like no other. I think underrated as a bassist. He's always on the lists but I don't think enough people have been exposed to him. Check out Brave Captain, Whisperin While Hollerin, and Chemical Wire by fIREHOSE. Then any of his Minutemen licks; The Roar of the Masses Could be Farts, Viet Nam, Felt Like a Gringo, Tequila, and The Politics of Time.
@@nerigarcia7116 - Agreed. Me And My Friends still has my attention 36 years later.
Thanks IAN ! , You make learning so simple and very motivating, hope to see more of your tutorials 👍
More to come from Ian!
Best slap content on the channel, Ian. Maybe the best anywhere for folks like me who shrugged off slap for years.
ONE THING ABOUT FUNDAMENTALS: a lot of them are not easy. Basics that professionals need to have mastered are not basic in the popular definition of the word. When I’m having a crappy day of practicing it’s important for me not to denigrate myself for needing to focus on them. Fundamentals are ESSENTIAL, but they are not always easy.
Definitely more of this! In fact, I can sit here all night and listen to you play slap riffs and talk about music.
Best bass lesson (or music lesson in general) I have ever seen on TH-cam. I mean, you took us from the basics to the classics with a step by step didactic that was brilliant. Thank you very much! Please, do make more of those!
More to come!!
Ian! I love how your are so truly happy and in love with bass after all these years! That can be felt though the screen. You are great!
I'm midway through week 2 of the slap accelerator and already exceeding my expectations. Just devoting a week to slap only was amazing. Getting those massive tones by slapping the D and G strings, just make me so happy! Here's to the next few weeks of the accelerator 🙌
Glad you're enjoying the program so far! Keep up the good work!
As someone thats terrible at slapping and trying to get better, thanks for this video! I really like the technique videos. Theres a bunch of good music theory content out there, but not a lot of good technique content, imo. So, this type of video is really welcomed!
No matter how good a bassist is or feels: your words are always illuminating. Thank you, mr Allison
Bass face always help 😂
Guaranteed to increase groove power 😉😉😉
Not only are you a outstanding bassist, you are also such a inspiring teacher! Thanks dude🤝
🧡🧡🧡
Ian’s tutorials are always on point and easy to follow. Would like more of this format👍🏿
More to come!!
@@devinebass Hoooooo !!! ... You said it !!!!
Ian, I believe Marcus is playing a triplet starting with the up thumb, pluck, thumb, pluck. I played it the way you play it and my bass teacher pointed it out!
Yeah a lot of people think it’s something like that! Check out the interview that Scott did with Marcus. Marcus breaks it down himself!
I’ve been a fan for over 4yrs of y’all and I gotta say, this is hands down my favorite/best video done. Truly felt like I was talking a 1on1 lesson and comfortable to challenge and push myself 🤘🏽
This was a super helpful video. I love this kind of instructional content.
This was a BIG help. Thank you. So many slappers make large movements. You showed us how to be controlled and get IMPROVED tone. Great teacher!
Very nice and easy understanding slap style. Perfect sounding Mike Lull bass. This bass is awesome. Ian playing is perfect. Thank you for this video. 👍👍👍
Thanks for this video man. Been a bass player for over 15 years. The groups I play with here in Hawaii don't require Slap. BUT I DON'T CARE. IT'S TIME 😅
"Bass Face Helps" 😂
That Mark Lull bass is gorgeous. I love it every time he uses it
It's a pretty exceptional instrument, no question!!
That was brilliant!
Why on earth I pay for a TV licence when there's shows like this is beyond me.
Fabulous, more please 🙏
Appreciate the warm words, more to come!!
@@devinebass can't wait! 😎
I was getting completely left behind in the middle section of this but the end where you were grooving out with just your thumb has me wanting to just practice double thumbing until I can play like I’m using a pick because that sht sounded dooope! After that I can add the pops and thumps etc as a bonus. Nice lesson!👏
thankyou Ian. I also said i didn't like slap because i couldn't do it. Thankyou for this really staright-forward method.
this is going to be the start of a long journey lol... getting back into bass playing, and am trying to rehab my poor slap technique! This has been enlightening! Thank you Ian! 🙏
🧡🧡🧡
Definite SAVE lesson! Thanks!
Finally, a clear step-by-step guide
IAN SOLO!!!
Pure Gold!!!
Very informative. Thank you!
Good stuff as always, anytime I try it sounds metallic and clanky. I never sound the way yall do.
Same here 😢, been working on it for over a year. Still not confident enough to slap at a gig.
Yes Ian please keep these vids coming. You sir are a fantastic teacher
Love the way those thunderbird pickups sound. Fantastic bro.
I love them too! I actually think they get misaligned with sunset strip hair metal or something! They’re actually super versatile lovely sounding pickups.
Awesome video as always. I've been a player for years, but have only recently tried to adjust to a double-thumby, through-string affair for slap. Ian's hand is always so stable as he hits the string. My thumb is flopping all around. It's almost like I'm getting the power from moving the thumb rather than the hand.
This is the type of content I want to see more of!
Ian 'Monster'Alison (never sure about how to write it...) strikes again!!!
The groove in the beginning of the video is so... Infectious!!!😮 The man is an underated UGI, Underrated Groove Incarnation, or UGH, Underrated Groove Human!!!!
THANK YOU for this lesson 😍
🧡🧡🧡
Very cool. Im starting on the slap accelerator and this comes up and im getting more points of reference now. To me, Ian makes learning bass very interesting and with a lot less pressure, i dont know why, but i hope he keeps it coming!🤘🤘🤘🤘
More to come from Ian!!
Huge fan, Ian. This vid is GREAT! Pls. more old-school, no frills, face the cam. instructionals! THANK YOU!
oh dang that is funky! Consistent A+ level content man - great review of the technique w/ practical takeaways as usual
Slap bass is not a fashion....its a life style for us OG....i never stop, i just add to it😂
Ian, you rule. Thank you for this one.
Pure positive player! So cool!!!!
I don't know why but this video has a big Bob Ross aura to it.
I think that's great.
Might be your best yet, Ian. great analysis of the what, why and crucially the how of deep cut slap track happiness
So much dedication , ❤I love you guys !
Amazing. Thanks, I’ll finally give in and try to learn slapping. It is definitely my least favourite of bass sounds but you’ve convinced me to try. There are some FNM tracks I’d like to play…and Primus of course. 😬
Your are the BOMB!!! Thank you IMA!!!
🧡🧡🧡
I don't play bass, but I'm enjoying these videos immensely! Thanks!
Wow! Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks so much for checking out the videos!! Really appreciate that!!
premium content
thanks Ian love you
I must say that this was one of the best and most inspiring instruction video in the world of slap that I have encountered. I'm just starting to learn slap and I have watched some about Victor Wooten talking about that double thumb stuff. So that one I knew about. But this introduction to get you started made me pick up the bass and get started directly. I must say I really enjoy your videos overall too. You guys are inspiring to listen to and to learn from. Keep up the good work guys 🤜🤛💪👍✌️
Appreciate the warm words, glad you enjoyed this video!
Love it,,,, very use full in my bass playing. Keep going on making this kind of video's
these are the best bass lessons! never wanted to slap until this!
This is great, Finally a good breakdown of Hair. And your bass sounds incredible. That signature bass should be flying off the shelves by now LOL
Great info.
One thing that just popped into my head when you were going through the Larry Graham riff was that this sort of lesson would be aided by using a bass with dots or similar markers on the fingerboard.
The part where you made the error and talked about correctly positioning was great but many people would struggle to see what the notes were from visual cues alone.
thank for the deep breakdown. we needed this
Good Stuff! I'm a guitar player but I started on Bass (35 years ago), you and Scott have really inspired me to get back to the Four String!!
This relaxing Bass session is a GEM !!!! 💯💎💎💎💯
🧡🧡🧡
Great. Thanks.
I think Victor Wooten really is the GOAT. I mean, just like you said, not only the technique, which are crazy, but most of all, the soulful, the groove, the swing of it. Beautifully out of this world. Anybody may be able to learn and do the technique, but I think no one can play as beautiful like him.
And I think we'd like to know better about the guy Chuck you told. Maybe an interview video with him someday?
Thanks
I don't really like any of Scott's stuff that the algo keeps surfacing, but this guy really rocks! or more appropriately.. Grooves! :)
Great video! You should totally add the thumb down slap technique to your arsenal, it's really useful in certain situations. Having both ways to slap in your toolkit transforms your playing into that akin to a monster,
Nice one , enjoyed it. I've been doing slap stuff for a while but you always learn something!
Love this style video! Thank you Ian 🤘🏻
I love this. Awesome job, Ian!
I really like the passion and excitement
I love you balance to play man! You are really great!
killer Content Dudeeee! 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you so much for the lessons
I've changed, can do thumbing reasonably well now. Still not happy with sound consistency, but im sure I'll get there.
You'll get there! Patience, practice, persistence!
Thank You Ian,..What ever what they say, .. slap always make may day ..btw this is remind me of good old ‘ Slap Bass Program’ by Alexis Sklarevsky :))
Finally have had a little time to start working on this. Want to do accelerator but know that I am limited on practice time this year.
That said, finally started getting purchase and success striking through... ... ... On my kid's mini-p bass.
Still a bit of a challenge on my instruments, lol. But I'm keeping at it, I want to improve
All I want to do is slap, it's such an awesome sound, especially when you add effects into the mix.❤🎸👋
Great vid, Sir Ian! You guys are great at breaking down techniques.
Your gear's dope and I've been wondering what's the difference between this Mike Lull bass and the green one you have, besides the stunning, stellar finishes.
Lookin forward to your next! Maybe chords/arpeggios fun?
The pickups mainly! Tbird vs Jazz
❤ Incredible video guys. I will now commit to learning this technique. Blessings.
So enjoy your teaching and incredible playing 👍🎶
THANK YOU!! So many musicians are like, "No, I don't like that," after listening to 15 seconds of a song/technique/anything different from what they know. To me, it's a red flag. Not having the patience and capability to listen properly and take a step back when encountering something new is a red flag when you want to know if the person is truly open musically.
I enjoy watching Ian he’s fun and entertaining. Plus I also learn something every time watch. Keep up the amazing work. Love the videos.
Thank you so much for this, it has given me a renewed interest.
🧡🧡🧡
Love that Video.. 33j bass..and now i can put the slap in it😊❤
When you said "you have to know how to do it.", I repeated in my head in Nardwuar's voice, "because it's slap bass, we have to know how to do it!"
Ian for president of the bass nation
I needed this decades ago. 😔
Better late than never!
@@IanMartinAllison Unfortunately, diabetes has robbed me of my ability to play, but I appreciate the sentiment.
On double thumbing, I find much more comfortable and easier to articulate notes using Alain Caron's way of an in/out motion by rotating the wrist like I'm turning a door knob than Victor Wooten's up/down motion w/elbow the fulcrum.
Scott you are awesome!
Lol... a pick..... The Devil's toenail... 😅🤣😂🤣
That cracked me up bad ! Still laughing 🤣
👹👹
Thanks lan, or should l say Mr. Metal Thumb ! Great explanations delivered with contagious enthusiasm ! 😊
(as is par for the channel !)
thank a lot, why we don't have some huge pedagogue like you in France for explain thing like that, merciiiiii beaucoup.