Mastering the Bass: Expert Advice From 4 Leading Bass Teachers
Invaluable insights and expert tips on bass techniques, trends, the power of online learning, and more from Dan Hawkins, Steve Kluesener, Luke Hodgson and Ben Cripps.
No rhythm section is complete without a bass player. Usually operating in the background, several bassists have moved the instrument to the forefront. Musicians like Bootsy Collins, Flea and more recently Esperanza Spalding have shown us that the bass guitar should be given the respect it deserves.
I wanted to know about the recent surge in people wanting to learn the bass and spoke to 4 prominent bass guitars.
Dan Hawkins
Dan Hawkins has been playing the bass guitar for over 25 years with 15 years plus as a full-time professional.
He has a wealth of playing and recording experience including touring with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Katie Melua, as well as TV sessions for the likes of Rod Stewart.
Why do you think there has been a resurgence of people wanting to play the bass guitar?
I think the bass guitar tends to be in the shadow of guitar and drums so fewer people want to learn it. Those who do absolutely love it though!
I’m not sure there’s been a resurgence as much as there’s so much free tuition out there now. You can buy a cheap bass and amp and take some free YouTube lessons. The barrier to entry is low which I think is great.
What sort of people come to you for lessons on the bass? Is it primarily people in bands?
I have a wide demographic but my analytics tell me it’s predominantly men. I get people from all over the world and my audience skews a little older, with many having time on their hands after retiring.
That said, I have plenty of younger players taking my courses as well as women too. The bass is for everyone. Some want to play for fun and some want to join a band.
How do you think learning online has changed the way people play the bass guitar?
I think learning online opens up the bass to a wider audience. It’s easier to pick it up and learn some simple lines and then go from there. You see loads of other bass players online and that’s inspiring too (although it can also be off-putting seeing a 10-year-old play something you’ll never be able to play!).
You do see more pyrotechnics and flashy playing although the bass has always and will always primarily be a support instrument. You can play it in any way you want though, whether that’s as a solo instrument or in a band setting.
I hope people know that you can play a simple bass line with good taste and impeccable tone and that’s what most people want from a bass player.
Play with other musicians to supplement and enhance what you learn online. That’s where the magic happens.
Do you feel young bass players are missing out on some aspects of learning if they are not interacting with other musicians?
Of course. That’s the one thing about learning online is that you’re on your own.
I’d encourage everyone to play with other musicians to supplement and enhance what you learn online. That’s where the magic happens.
Do you feel it is important for musicians to read music?
Not necessarily. I could read music from day one on bass as I had some piano, guitar, and trumpet experience. I love it and it’s proved incredibly useful for me in many situations.
If you want to turn professional or play shows then you need it. But many players don't. Pino Palladino is one of the best players of all time and he doesn’t read music.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m just working on my YouTube channel and website Online Bass Courses creating weekly lessons and paid courses. Running and growing the business keeps me busy!
I also record remote sessions (www.onlinebassplayer.com) for clients around the world from the same studio where I film all my lessons.
Connect with Dan Hawkins
Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
Steve Kluesener
Steve Kluesener is a bassist/songwriter and has given thousands of live performances.
His songs have been used on TV, internet, and radio. His YouTube bass lesson videos have helped hundreds of thousands of aspiring bassists learn to play.
Why do you think there has been a resurgence of people wanting to play the bass guitar?
I don't believe there has been a resurgence of interest in people wanting to learn bass guitar or any other instrument. Especially among younger people.
Over the last decade, technology and the internet have offered people other fun avenues of interest to pursue. But in time, music will capture the imagination again.
What sort of people come to you for lessons on the bass? Is it primarily people in bands?
People that always wanted to learn, but never had the means or opportunity available to them. How many bass teachers are there in any small town in America or any other part of the world? People who wanted to learn didn't have anyone around to teach them.
Now they can take online private lessons. I have given lessons to people living in The Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Israel, The UK, and all over the States and other parts of the world from the comfort of my own home.
How do you think learning online has changed the way people play the bass guitar?
I don't think it has changed the way people play bass. I think it has given them more opportunity for sure. It makes it easy to cross-reference things and try out different instructors.
It's best to take private lessons though. If a person learning is making mistakes and doesn't know it, they need an instructor to point it out and make corrections.
Do you feel young bass players are missing out on some aspects of learning if they are not interacting with other musicians?
Yes. Part of the learning process is getting out and playing with other people.
Technology and the internet have offered people other fun avenues of interest to pursue. But in time, music will capture the imagination again
Do you feel it is important for musicians to read music?
No, but it definitely helps in the learning process.
What projects are you currently working on?
The beautiful thing about music is you never know where it'll take you. It's always an adventure. For the time being, I plan on continuing to give lessons to people around the world and continue making YouTube videos. That's fun stuff.
Connect with Steve Kluesener
YouTube / Website
Luke Hodgson
Luke Hodgson is a prominent Australian bass guitarist. He is working with chart toppers Angus and Julia Stone as well as Australian Idol finalist Matt Corby.
Why do you think there has been a resurgence of people wanting to play the bass guitar?
I'm unaware there has been but I'm really glad to hear this news. I probably live in a bubble of sorts and can't imagine why people wouldn't want to play the bass guitar or another instrument for that matter.
Surely AI can't replace that unique human feel?! We still need the magic created by a group of people making noise in a room. Music is emotional, it's healing and it's a vital point of connection for the weird creatures that human beings are.
There will always be people wanting to play music, even if it's not deemed a priority for most people living in our general society. So, this resurgence you speak of... HELL YEAH!
What sort of people come to you for lessons on the bass? Is it primarily people in bands?
I'm not regularly teaching bass these days. I have been on and off throughout my career but at this point in time, between a busy session touring & recording schedule, my own creative endeavors, and the upkeep of the all-important work-life balance, there's not much time left in the day.
That being said, on occasion another bass player may get in contact with me to chat about a specific goal they're working on or something. I'm always up for a hang to talk about music, gear, technique, or whatever.
To answer the question though, most players I see are usually in bands or working freelance musicians. We've all got important wisdom to share, don't we? I learn just as much from others, too.
There's so much information available, but you can't fast-track the experience.
How do you think learning online has changed the way people play the bass guitar?
I think there are two sides to this. Positive effects with accessibility, but maybe some negative effects not establishing a solid musical foundation - too much information too quickly, shorter attention spans, etc.
Obviously, accessibility to knowledge is infinite online, but ya know, where do you start?! There's so much information available, but you can't fast-track the experience. If you know where to start, I'm sure you can achieve a lot, but with every bit of wisdom read/witnessed, there's a lot of junk to sift through too.
Nothing beats human interaction when learning. From lessons, studying, buying records and listening to them deeply, jamming with others. Simply going for it, making mistakes, experimenting.
Do you feel young bass players are missing out on some aspects of learning if they are not interacting with other musicians?
DEFINITELY. Music is to be shared. Not only between musicians creating together but with the listener.
From a musical standpoint, all instruments have a role in an ensemble. What that role is, is subjective to the project and it's important to be empathetic to each role. Whether you're helping to fulfill an artist's vision, or creating spontaneously with others. A musician needs to listen first, and then contribute.
Do you feel it is important for musicians to read music? It helps. But is it necessary to have a successful career?
Probably not. Having good ears, taste, and a broad music knowledge IS necessary.
I'm glad I can read but, in my circle, it's rare to be given written music these days. If someone is to drop some written dots in front of your eyes, it will definitely make the process quicker! No one likes wasting anyone's time or having their time wasted.
I'm of the opinion it's essential to be at least able to read a simple chord chart. So on that note, do your homework at home if you can, not in the studio or the rehearsal!
What projects are you currently working on?
As we speak, I'm signing off on the final details/production of my Mondo Freaks record - A collaborative funk project written and recorded over the pandemic in Melbourne.
We recorded the whole thing live to tape which was quite the challenge with all the covid restrictions in place! The first 12 inches from that will be out soon. It's truly exciting for me to see it be set free.
As a session bass player, I'm currently playing live with Matt Corby, Angus & Julia Stone, & Todd Rundgren when he tours Australia.
Connect with Luke Hodgson
Instagram
Connect with Mondo Freaks
Instagram
Ben Cripps
Ben Cripps has toured and recorded with a host of legendary Australian acts such as Bachelor Girl, Kate Ceberano, Tina Arena, David Campbell, Paul Gray, iOTA, Emma Pask, Pee Wee Ferris, Paul Mac, Ross Wilson, Paulini Curuenavuli, Baby Animals, Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Richard Clapton and Ian Moss.
Why do you think there has been a resurgence of people wanting to play the bass guitar?
I guess it’s a couple of things. Social media is one reason, the uprising in social media content by bassists is one reason bass is making a comeback. Never has anyone had such reach to a bigger audience than now.
Also, the new generation of bassists like Joe Dart and Thundercat have brought the bass guitar to the forefront, making it “cool” to pick up a bass guitar.
What sort of people come to you for lessons on the bass? Is it primarily people in bands?
All sorts of people come to get lessons from me. From beginners to more advanced players in bands to hobby bassists just wanting some tips to become better.
How do you think learning online has changed the way people play the bass guitar?
I think learning online is beneficial to bassists who are learning today.
I think they advance and evolve quicker because there is so much information and tutorials out there to help them on their way, especially if they’re driven to get better.
It’s one thing to jam out to a programmed groove in your bedroom or studio but to actually interact with other musicians and lock in together is another thing
Do you feel young bass players are missing out on some aspects of learning if they are not interacting with other musicians?
Yes, 100%. It’s one thing to jam out to a programmed groove in your bedroom or studio but to actually interact with other musicians and lock in together is another thing.
It’s a different beast working/locking in with other musicians, every musician has a different “feel” and locking in with band members is a skill in itself.
Do you feel it is important for musicians to read music?
It depends on what sort of gigs you want to do.
It certainly opens more doors for work in the music business if you’re able to read music.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on my original music under the name “Cripptic”, I’ve released 2 singles this year and plan to have a full album finished by early next year.
I’m also working on an album with some close friends, our band is called “Lakemba Sound Machine”. We’re just finishing mixes now and our album is planned for release later this year.
I’ve also recorded bass for Australian soul/blues singer “Tommy Rando” upcoming album which is also planned for release in the near future.
Connect with Ben Cripps
Website / Instagram / X / TikTok
Connect with Cripptic
Instagram / X / Spotify / Soundcloud / Apple
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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