SMOOTH CRIMINAL on slap bass sounds INSANELY FUNKY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- Smooth Criminal but it's all SLAP bass 😎 Get an exclusive NordPass deal plus 1 additional month for FREE here: nordpass.com/c... and use code charlesberthoud at the checkout! It’s risk free with 30 day money-back guarantee!
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Original Song: Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
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Im not gonna lie, that sponsor is the best sponsor i’ve ever seen lol
It could be even hard for a smooth criminal to invade my privacy? Okay I don’t know really if I need it, but only to feel cool using your code I will get my NordPass 😃
Yo Charles what pickup position do u usually use to get ur tones? On this bass. What about amps or effects/sims?
Btw dude this is going down as one of my favorite pieces if music. The sound, the musicality, the musicianship, the absolute vibe and funkiness, everything. Not the original, this specific rendition.
@@whecker3389 hi
Charles, im 72 l bought my Rickenbacker 4001 in 1969. I knew the great Chris Squire ( rip) when l worked for warner,elektra,atlantic. You are simply the best, most, incredible bass player l have ever heard in my long life. I would love to hear you play a solo on a Rickenbacker because of their unique sound. The basses that you play are totally awesome. You blow me away every week with the sounds you make with your extraordinary skill. Your avid fan in L.A. Cal Colin Smith
Bravo sir. We salute you
Much respect, Colin.
Thank you for your service working for all those great companies.
Agreed, I hope we get to hear CB solo on a Rickenbacker.
W
Fantastic to have known Chris Squire, one of the few pick players on bass who I adore my entire life (I also really like Doug Pinnick as a pick player). That's amazing. Your friend, LA bass player as well (mostly old school country but I've done everything from funk to punk, I love music).
I agree 10 fold. Idk if there’s ANYONE that can play like you do or that EVER will. I do know the background track to some of the tracks you play are just that, in the b ground. The rest is all you and it really sounds like there are 3-4 other peeps playing with you! Cra cra but so beautiful and creative, and that’s a rare thing anymore in any genre of music. Love it
The bassline was criminally smooth
*bassline
@@joelj7279 thanks, corrected it
Yes
Something tells me this comment is going to be the top comment here. Smooth man… real smooth
That smoothline was bass-ically criminal…
As a bass player myself for 38 years, i must say, thank you for bringing awareness to us all, that we are more than riding a note as a metronome, and carrying our bands un-noticed, by pointing that out with every video you do. And i acknowledge that you are also much better than me in my years and are a whole ass percussion section on your own. If i was your father I'd cry in proudness.
I can't ever get over how insanely good that run sounds at 1:05. To the point that I wish the song was sung that way.
MJ singing in blues would be a strange crossover but yes that riff sounded gnarly!
Unsurprisingly, the graph line showing viewer engagement is basically "yeah non stop" on this. Can't stop watching this fantastic arrangement, technical expertise, dexterity and above all, soul.
Your style really lends itself well to this song.
I can literally hear MJ being channeled with each note that you play. Thank you so much. Now try dancing like him
Haha, not sure that would go as well 🤣
@@CharlesBerthoud MJ: Moonwalk
CB: Tapwalk
@@Tekkerue Walking Bass? :D
@@CharlesBerthoud would.make for great content tho. 😉
MJ? His producers you mean...
After the poll, I've been waiting eagerly for this. His covers are great, but when he does a great cover of a great song, it's legendary.
Thing is it only took him 2 days to make it since the poll
This isn't a hardest song video. That will either come later with this song, or a different song won the poll.
@@DarkKnight-wf3po I don't mean it was hard, I just really love his bass tone, personally, I find bass guitars to be quite enjoyable to listen to, which doesn't seen to be a very popular opinion with the general public, unfortunately.
@@litigioussociety4249 A hardest song of this would be great, I just mean that it's always nice to listen to his playing, I'm not sure what it is exactly, but his content is just very enjoyable compared to others, in my opinion. He constantly pumps out this stuff, and other channels do a few bass covers here and there.
The lad needs a horn section. This crazy world needs more funk.
there’s just something so mesmerizing about how “calm” your fingers are while playing. so many notes
Muscle Memory at it's finest!
I want him and Max Ostro to form a band just to see their chill faces making amazing music
I think you mean relaxed
bass diff xD
Why is you put calm in quotation marks ?🤡💀
I just Googled "Who is the best bass player in the world?" The list, while showing some major bass influences of all time, also had some good but by no means excellent bass players. You were not on that list. My question is why? I am 60 years old, and I have never heard anything like what you do. I was disappointed in the overall list.
Одно дело умение, другое дело вкус, можно уметь виртуозно играть но быть парашей, а можно быть обыденным но вкусным по звучанию и мелодии!
@@серверненайден-п4ю brother, no offense but Charles has skill and if you look at his playing style he could definitly be considered an top 10 or even top 5 bassist in the world, he is just that good
Hey Charles, I used to play bass and guitar about 20 years ago in a band at Uni, just discovered your videos and it has inspired me to go and get my old bass out of the attic and begin learning again! Keep up the great content!
How was your bass when you reopen it after a long 20 years? Rust? Fungi?
@@luigitedjoputro3056 the strings weren’t good at all! But it all still worked. Little bit of a true on the neck, new string and and a clean up and it plays ok for a 50 year old instrument!
@@cpm5292 ah i see 😁 have fun! Theres nothing lime playing an old , untouched hobby
This is going down as one of my favorite pieces if music. The sound, the musicality, the musicianship, the absolute vibe and funkiness, everything. Not the original, this specific rendition.
Yo Charles btw, what pickup position do u usually use to get ur tones? On this bass. What about amps or effects/sims?
@@mihailmilev9909 you just turn all the knobs all the way up and you get the most out of every tone option!
@@josephfrunzi4606 🤦♂️
Hey, I recently got Into Juilliard Pre College for viola! I'm hoping to start learning bass as I love the sound it makes. Currently struggling in music theory so still deciding if I want to start bass, as of NOW, worrying I'll be overwelmed. I love your videos and it was a awesome journey seeing your channel grow!
you've been a huge insiparation to me, sparking my passion to become better at my insturment.
Viola gang let's goooo 🎉
Congrats! And glad I could inspire you 🔥
🎉🎉🎉🎉
Great luck my friend, enjoy!
Hey Columbia U here! Let’s have a beer
The slapping, the tapping, the smoothness of your style… I’ll be MAD if you don’t go down as one of the best bassists of our generation. Big ups, Charles, stay groovy!
I can't think of anyone better, so...
My brother could definitely challenge him. Though my brother has played twice as long as him. Plays any instrument with minimal challenge (virtuoso). He ran a studio for years, had bands that would be in the cusp of making it big ... Then something would always happen.... He's no longer as engaged but still practices daily on Bass. His furst instrument was bass. He was accepted to Berkeley but passed , he likes being in our area. Has a degree from a local prestigious music conservatory/university.
I myself am a very profecient percussionist but wouldn't consider myself in the top or anything.
@@rickstorm4198 y'all should start a YT channel! I'd susbscribe lol
@@rickstorm4198 let's see your brother challenge him!
He’s one of the most technically proficient players around, many world class bass legends couldn’t play what he just played.
The most impressive part to me is when the drums drop out and you keep playing, and then when the drums come back in you are still in perfect tempo
Click track in headphones
@@allthecommonsense also the years of practice lol
Because it's fake
@@tmckain5532 bruh what
@@PiePlayzBASS there are tons of videos that show how these fakes are done. Stop being fooled.
I have watched this more times than I can count. It brings me pure joy and you can tell how much he enjoys it. Charles plays with proper passion and you can see in his face how much he nailed all of those lovely runs. Keep the content coming!
This is so beyond shredding, with so much harmonic and rhyrhmic context. You, sir, are a master.
100x100 true!
The overload of technique is always at the service of rhythm and harmony and never for the sake of technique itself.
Awesome.
Call it a hunch, but I'm starting to think every song sounds insanely funky when played on slap bass. Either that or it's just the SHEER TALENT OF CHARLES.
Edit: Christ, lotta people getting pissy about the use of the word "talent", as if it somehow deminishes Charles skill...
New challenge: find a song that Charles _CAN'T_ make insanely funky
Call it a hunch but maybe bass is just the best instrument
Talent my ass
This man has more hours in bass than this whole comment section together
It's just the gold, steel, neon strings more likely...
People need to stop throwing the word talent around as if that solves everything. It's hard work and dedication. Fuck talent
The way your hands dance on bass is insanely beautiful. It is pure pleasure not only to hear you play, but also to see how deep you feel the music. Chapeau bass 🙂
This is insane. I’ve never seen anyone incorporating so many different elements in one composition this way. It’s smooth as fuck pun intended.
Valeu!
That was already such a funky line and you just increased the funk factor at least 10x, which I wouldn't have thought remotely possible. Amazing.
Charles; I know you've exceed 1M subscribers, and you've got your course etc. (congrats on all that BTW!), but dude, it's time. Your talent level, musicality and chops put you right up there with the very best. It's time to find/form a group and go mainstream. I would love to hear what you would do with other talented folks a la Snarky Puppy, Lionel Loueke, Dirty Loops, etc. Go for it, while you're still young and energetic. Your following will always be here for you, and they'll also be in the audience for you out there as well!
Larnell Lewis + Charles Berthoud == 🤯
Not every musician wants to tour. If he chooses to he'd be great, but I'm not going to backseat drive him. Suggestions are appreciated, generally demands are not.
Charles + Ichika Nito
This is EXACTLY what I was thinking rn
@@MrKRSO bro exactly
Between 1:35 - 1:38 he played 100 notes 🤣🤣 that's was sick!!! Even he smiled because he nailed it to perfection!!
I love how, as the playing gets more crazy, his smile grows and then by the end he is shredding and loving it
لا توجد كلمات تعبر عن مدى روعة هذه الموسيقى و العزف الاحترافي ...انت موهوب ومحترف .تحياتي
I wanna cry man, I realized that I had absolutely no idea about how good can it be played thanks to your being an absolute master. I wish you will always shine upon us 🤩
1988... can you imagine if anyone had been playing at this level in 1988? Absolutely insane how far the levels of musicianship have come in just 30 years.
Les Claypool?
I'd say there have always been viruosos, I mean some classical musicians wrote music for these type of people to play, its just now, with the internet, these virtuosos have a place for us all to see
There were plenty of musicians with this level of skill and even better than that. But the music industry doesn't have much use for such complexity on their mainstream outlet. You wouldn't be able to hear/care for this Bassline going on at the background of a full band plus MJ singing and dancing.
And remember: this amazing playing was executed over a line that someone else constructed in the 80's. Most of the beauty of it still is the main line of the original composition. The skill is impressive, but we are attracted to it because it also respects the melody and the feeling of the original composition.
@@Ad3mirjr MJ would hum out the parts to each musician and order them what to play. He composed his own songs since 5.
Yea keep in mind he is playing the lyrical side to it along with what have been the bass line. He is playing two things at once here. Mainstream has no use for someone playing the parts of more than one musician on one instrument. Charles is wonderful no doubt. But mainstream wouldn’t care that he can do this.
I realize he's not the only awesome bass player out there, but whenever he covers a song, I feel like he's going "Here, let me show you how you SHOULD be playing that." 😂
I don't know what's more amazing about this, the fact that you are playing the entire thing, or that you are playing the entire thing while also doing your own base to the song.
Everytime I watch and listen to you play ; I'm amazed.. You're the man Charles. 👍
You're the best bass player I've ever heard. I've been a musician possibly twice as long as you've lived but it would be a true pleasure to play with you. You have a brilliant career ahead of you.
Think if you had applied that skill to rapping how successful you'd be.
@@ImMobile2014 what?
Seriously, is there anyone as good as this? If anyone knows of anyone, please post links.
As a fellow old person, that isn't a bass player, I honestly believe Charles would be an absolute joy to work with in a band. He has some funky beats that give drummers plenty to work with, some cool harmonies for guitar and/or vocals, and some neat lead riffs. He also seems like a genuinely nice guy that isn't even remotely egotistical, that just has a pure love for music.
[edit] I'm a guitarist and vocalist btw. Just to give context of where I'm coming from.
@@Araknis_Slade as a bass player he is excellent, he is the type that leaves a guitar player without a job. bass is not supporting the music, not anymore. times have changed, and today bassists are stars too, respect that.
Wow…this is one of your best ones. So technically impressive but more importantly musically gripping. Thank you!
As a self taught bass player myself, you NEVER cease to amaze me Charles! Any way we can get some TABS for this? even though I KNOW it will take me weeks to learn it lol
0:22 I can't stop listening this part.
Я такого в жизни видела. Дарование и труд дают просто нечеловеческие способности. Потрясающе! Чистый кайф от прослушивания!
The only thing that I enjoyed more than this, was your smile after the riff at 01:37 It was as though you were thinking "I nailed that $hit!" Loved it!!!
Post production, several takes?
@@juankplaysomething or maybe he just nailed it?
Actually, it's just fake.
@@tmckain5532 ????
I think the same ahah
I've started with bass, and seeing how difficult it can be, i am so much more impressed by your skills than before. Keep up the good work!
Ever since I started learning guitar bass keyboard etc I just have a way bigger respect and appreciation for music I did before but its doubled.
You're my favorite bassist. Not just on TH-cam, even compared to legends like John Entwistle, Geddy Lee, Les Claypool, Paul McCartney, the list goes on. Your covers are incredible but I like your originals even more. I hope one day I can play any instrument even half as good as you
I HAVE TO AGREE!!!
I agree, as well. Charles is on a level all by himself. I’ve seen amazing bass players and have been playing bass on and off for 20 years, and Charles just blows away everyone in my opinion. Never seen anything quite like him before. Thank you, Charles. Please never stop gracing us with your excellence.
lets not get carried away
there’s always a KoMar in these sub threads of people commenting that Charles is now their favorite bassist. Just get over it. A young white dude is people’s favorite now 🤷 no matter how much gatekeeping you attempt
@@BootsORiley since you are pulling a race card here i would like to mention that I am White too lol. the guy is great no doubt hes an amazing bass player like his vids but lets wait a few decades to put him on the same level as players mentioned before
Charles, great, as always... I've been following you for about a year now. I wanted you to know how much I (and I'm sure many others) appreciate that you show your hands so we can see how you're making the sounds you're making. I don't know how many takes you go through to get a perfect one, but whether it's 1 or 10, the vids we see seem to always be flawless, and inventive musically as well. Thanks for all the work - you've clearly benefited from those 20,000+ hours. ✌❤
Fantastic. Fave video of the month. Snappin!
Damn! That’s sounds so good!
Thanks!
When you present us with a poll, assuming ANY bass player could pull it off...sometimes we take your insane talent for granted. It's THAT good, Charles.
The triplet is amazing, when enter tapping part the sound is so relaxing, always amazing sir good job👍🏻
Dude, I am surprised Alien Ant Farm hasn't hired you as their bassist, because damn, your energy is just off the charts. You light those frets on fire and do things to a bass that most of us could only dream of. Seriously, you're comparable to many legendary bass players, and have proven yourself to even surpass them in terms of technical skill.
Holy shit! This blew me away! I was not ready for something like this first thing in the morning!
So good!
How did you make the cover within few days? You asked us to vote between 2 songs and now you are already here with a mind blowing cover
I’m guessing he had them both in store!
@@leosellez yeah, maybe
Pretty sure he would've put both out anyways eventually. He's got this shit on lock. Give you the illusion of choice 😉
It was already a funky and smooth song as is! Appreciate your take on the classic!
We've been hit by...
We've been struck by...
A Bass Criminal.
🤣
We've been slapped
Been tapped by, been slapped by ?
I’ve only just now found your channel and I have to say that your videos are the biggest inspiration for me. I haven’t played bass regularly in at least ten years and they’re mostly ornaments for my man cave but watching your videos makes me want to get them down more often.
I always have to smile when i see and hear you playing. It´s just so amazing, like from another planet, not only technically but also compositionwise.
Charles has the ability to take an incredible song and bring it to a whole new level 😎😎
rush e in c major?
Absolutely amazing!! Insanely good and such a good rendition of the song on a single instrument. Looked like you enjoyed playing that one too 😁👌
Super! Enjoying listening watching this with my 9 year old son. A great example of what good practice can turn you into.
I was blown away, but at 1:36 my bowels let loose, I threw up, urinated, and bled out of my nose and ears, all at the same time! Then when I thought it was safe, it happened again at 1:58. Charles is right now the most outwardly bassist I've ever heard, and that includes Victor. Only one who can probably keep up is Davey. And I love the fact that Davey helped Charles get noticed. Both those guys are class acts.
Your playing is utterly mesmerizing.
The melodic part at the chorus is just magical 😊
The level of dedication and talent from the man is unreal
You play the bass exactly in the way that satisfies my deepest eargasm like it’s perfect
Annie was healed by this performance. She's DEFINITELY okay. 🤣🤣🤣
What an amazing arrangement is this Charles, excellent piece of music! Thank you so much 🙏
I gotta say, it's been really interesting to see how the wear on the finish has progressed on this one bass over time, and I'm interested to see what it looks like in another 5 years. The arm contour is getting really shiny, and it's easy to see where you rest your fingers when playing. Kinda reminds me of how Leland Sklar has worn out some of his.
Charles I'm sure you get these kind of comments all the time so I don't expect you to see this but I just want to say you literally made me show interest in music for the first time, I saw one video and immediately decided I wanted to learn bass and have been playing ever since (for about a year and a half)). So thank you!
please do a cover of take me home country roads!!! would love to see what your artistic flair does to it!
Hello Charles. Is it possible to record a video for us, please , talking about your bass settings, showing the best tips to fit well for slap and tapping?
The chord progression starting at 1:00 though.... SHEEESH!!! 🤯💥🔥🔥🔥
I didn’t even know that could be done with a bass guitar 😳🤯
It’s the same chord progression throughout. I think you’re referring to his sick improvisation!
@@cbgbstew4072 yeah your probably right because I’ve never played bass nor the guitar so to me, it’s amazing lol
Davie are you okay? Davie are you okay? are you okay Davie?
Hes died btw that why hes make short video
I will never ever pick up a bass guitar again. I'm taking up the drums.
Love the smile when your runs turn out...perfectly
Every once in a while I see a video that makes me re-appreciate TH-cam. Your video is one. Amazing.
I know victor has a big influence in your playing but i admit that you're one of the best bassist alive,God bless you charles
*Here's a brain that can coordinate that sort of activity, meanwhile I'm standing with the icebox door open trying to remember what I came in the kitchen looking for...* 😮💨🤦🤷😁
DUDE!!!! OMG! 🤯 This is my new favorite of yours! First, my favorite MJ song. Second, Holy shi...t! What an awesome rendition! They are the funkiest, melodic lines I have ever heard. MORE PLEASE...👏
I would love to see a full cover of this song like this. it sounds great!
You and Mohini should get out there on a bass extravaganza! She would hurt your feelings lol! That is a great sounding bass. btw.
If Michael were alive and would see this, he’d hire you for his next tour
I hit LIKE quicker than a SLAP!💯
Cara vc é fantástico, se não for o melhor do mundo é o segundo, parabéns
Actually, I wrote the words "didn't disappoint" before I watched the whole video. Now that I have, the phrase sounds insulting to how great this actually is.
Amazing job, Charles! You won't stop impressing us
I just can't stop on repeat.. that funk!!!!!!
I would love to see you and Getty Lee have an in person jam session and BASS-OFF! That would be Epic!
This sounds awesome! One of my favorite songs back in the day, and you do it justice!
You do a lot of showcases of your insane skills.. can you do a video about how you practice these skills? (Or if you already did, point me in the right direction? Like.. how did you develop that tone and consistency, how did you develop your speed and accuracy? Etc)
Its sort of crazy to me, that one of the best living bass guitar players gives us weekly updates and amazing content on youtube.
Punaise mais t'es une tuerie à la basse !! Thumbs up ! 🔥
Dude!!! That's disgusting!
Playing at that insanely high level should be a crime! That's illegal!
Seriously, man... you makes us start loving all over again these classics while enjoying hugely your versions!
Be proud! MJ would.
*Kess Bar:* "Playing at that insanely high level should be a crime! That's illegal!"
It is. He's a _smooth criminal._
😎
That's smooth, you're a criminal!
*you're 😏
Like this???
I am again blown away by the skill you have. Speechless🤯
Being a bass player for 20 some odd years about 20 years ago...hahaha I find all of this extremally interesting and wish I still had the time and my rig to play along. Well done Charles, well done indeed sir.
Бро, я просто офигел)) Так держать! ✌️🤘
I know you're a super successful TH-camr, solo artist, and session player. But do you ever do random busking anymore just to blow people's minds?
Would watch!
Would get wood!
This is a sick idea bro ❤
Same!
Would be a cool mini series
Where can i find the full song of the @2:22 please
Your talent goes way beyond your playing ability in which is exceptional. Your interpretation and expansion of popular songs is simply "Genius".
Possibly your best video/cover. Amazing.
Funk is the basic energy that rocks a typical Michael Jackson song. Awesome playing!
This song was already funky AF, but you just turned it up to a 11
I like that your the 11th comment
Everything's fine but i have one most important question..
*Is Annie ok?*
Incredibily insane. That was too much for my brain to comprehend. Jam on Charles~
Bro wtf…. This is mad talent right here. Like I was fond of your content since I saw the wah wah peddle slap bass video, but this made me subscribe forsure. You are such a inspiration my bro.
Dude! You're a monster! Always with such great feel and groove! Davie504 should kneel in your presence! 🤘🤛🔥
Davie is a great bass player but Charles is the best bass player of all time possiblly... not even joking here. 🙃
@@MrDmadness No for real bro... his touch and style, approach, technicality... I mean he's like a video game character that has all the features at 9.5/10 PLUS cheat codes enabled lol! 😲