The SBL Podcast

So which is better ? a long-scale or a short-scale bass guitar? If you?ve ever wondered which is the right scale length for you, you?ve come to the right place! In today?s episode, we?re taking a closer look at the key differences between short-scale and long-scale basses, the pros and cons of each, and we?ll give you a few recommendations of short-scale basses to check out for yourself. 

In this episode

What is a short scale bass? Who plays one?Which is better, short-scale or long-scale?How does the scale length affect the sound? What short-scale basses does Ian recommend? And much, much more!

Chris Chaney?s contributions to the bass world often go overlooked ? but there?s genius in his bass playing if you know where to find it (take his game-changing bass lines with Jane?s Addiction for instance). Today?s interview is the perfect way to introduce yourself to some of his most mind-blowing rock riffs ? and find out exactly what makes them true genius.

U2 has officially finished their residency in Las Vegas ? the history-making shows saw over 700,000 fans descend on Sin City, from September 2023 through March 2024. In today?s episode, fresh from a weekend trip to Las Vegas, we take a trip inside The Sphere to uncover how Adam Clayton and U2 redefined live music at the city?s new high-tech venue.

In this episode
Was U2 at the Sphere worth it?
What makes Adam Clayton?s signature sound?
Which U2 track made Ian weep?
Who did Scott meet at the show?
What?s the SBL YouTube agreement?
And much, much more!

The year is 2006 and John Mayer has just recorded a landmark album that will put his new trio on the map. Drummer/producer Steve Jordan had the great idea of bringing Willie Weeks AND Pino Palladino in to play bass on one track, with Pino adding his own accompaniment to Week?s muted 8th note figure. 

When Sean Hurley landed the bass gig with John Mayer in 2008, he combined both bass lines! So in today's interview, Sean is going to break it down note-for-note for you ? and show you how to make it sound like TWO bass players are playing at the same time. Along with demonstrating four more iconic John Mayer bass grooves.

In this episode, we?re sorting through our pick of boutique basses from F Bass, Ken Smith, Olinto, 

Overwater and more. We?re also going to delve into some of the questions that often come along, namely: why are they so expensive? How are they built? And are they really worth it? The answers are often a matter of opinion, but we shall ponder them nonetheless!

In this episode

What is a boutique bass?The pros and cons of owning one.What bass companies do you need on your radar?Why is Scott giving away his F Bass?How you can win one of Ian?s Mike Lull signature models.And much, much more!

There?s a TON you can learn from Gospel bass players ? and one, in particular, you may have overlooked. 

Justin Raines could teach you everything you need to know about pocket, songwriting, and epic bass fills. In today?s interview, Scott and Ian sit down with Justin to breakdown his tone, his technique and some of his signature licks, including his astounding bass solo on Nobody by Ne-Yo.

So, what makes a particular bass guitar a classic? While some basses are undoubtedly born great (it?s a testament to Leo Fender that the P-Bass is still one of the most played instruments ever): some achieve greatness over time and some have greatness thrust upon them (Rickenbacker have long enjoyed the star power of Lemmy, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, for example). And so, for your viewing pleasure, we?ve put a spotlight on 5 of the most iconic bass guitars of all time.

In this episode:

Why Scott?s never owned a Rickenbacker.What sucks about a Hofner Club Bass?If you?ve never played a P-Bass ? you simply have to! What kept a Thunderbird at the top of Ian?s wish list? Will Scott pass our blindfold test?And much, much more!

Nick Campbell?s a busy LA session player for all the right reasons - great sound, groove, and awesome vibe. And in today?s new episode of our ?Behind The Bass Lines? interview series, Nick?s going to tell you exactly where he took ideas from to create his must-hear bass style ? and even show you a few licks you can try out, too.

In this episode

Top tips for playing fastAll about combining ferocity and comedy in solosThe benefits of active listeningThe beauty of whole notesAnd much,  much more!

There?s a reason more people listen to Guns N? Roses than Victor Wooten, and it?s not because Duff McKagan is better at playing arpeggios! But still, good technique is something that every bassist should add to their skill set, and in this episode, I?m answering all of your questions surrounding our Technique Accelerator. I hope it gives you a little extra time to check out the course ? and to find your next breakthrough on the bass!

Learn more about the Technique Accelerator here ? https://sbl.link/42OvqhG

In this episode you're going to learn:

Why are we talking up our Technique Accelerator?How I developed my own technique (with a little help from Gary Willis).Why we?ve included a bunch of free bonuses with the course.Why might it not be for you?And much, much more!

Charles Berthoud?s YouTube channel is loaded with clips of him absolutely ripping. His virtuosic bass chops, epic bass battles  and his penchant for killer bass gear has earned him more than 1,750,000 subscribers, making him one of the most visible bass players to come from the social media generation. 

In this week?s podcast episode, we sit down with Charles and dive deep into some of his favorite videos, his approach to Victor Wooten?s Classical Thump, and the hidden genius of Cliff Burton.

Be afraid, be very afraid: the ?80s are back. This was a time when synth keyboards ruled, when sequencers were rapidly making ground, and bass players feared for their jobs! Trends and innovations in bass design were not exactly scarce either, and to prove it, we?ve collared together five of the very best bass guitars from the 1980s.

In this episode

Why Scott bought a Yamaha BB.What makes the Wal bass circuit so wacky?Ken Smith and the first wide-necked 6-string bass. Who?s taken Scott?s Kubicki X Factor?Should Scott and Ian start an ?80s bass duo?And much, much more!

In this episode, we delve into Sharon's latest acquisition: her brand-new fretless RKM bass from NAMM. We unpack the journey of acquiring the bass and delve into its standout features & discuss the highs and lows of NAMM 2024. Everything from Steel Caster guitars, the exquisite craftsmanship of L.E.H basses to navigating the NAMM labyrinth!

In this episode

Why Sharon LOVES her new RKM fretless bassWhy you should check out Steel Caster guitars.How to navigate the NAMM numbers system.Why the Neural booth was a disappointment. The importance of recognising craftsmanship in musical instruments. And much, much more!

You might know Daisy Pepper from her SBL LiveClass workshops, or from her ascent to bass stardom via her Instagram channel (Daisy currently has more than 55,000 followers). In this episode, we sit down with Daisy to dive into all things rock, including how she got started, how she deals with haters online, and her awesome collaboration with Spector.

In this episode

The bands Daisy listened to during her emo phase.What makes her Spector bass rock.How Ian grew up on Guns N? Roses.Why Darkglass pedals just kick ass. How else to tap into some classic rock tones.And much, much more!

Best known for his stints with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Dave Fiuczynski in Screaming Headless Torsos, Steve Jenkins fits into a diverse range of musical situations that have run the gamut from face-melting prog-metal to experimental microtonal jazz-funk. In this episode, we sit down with Steve to uncover more about his story, how music has shaped his outlook on life, and why he?s recently switched up his Fender Jazz for a 6-string Dingwall?!  

In this episode

Why Steve could never play like Matthew Garrison.What he learned from guitarist David Fiuczynski. How he broke free from other people's expectations.Do you really need an AARP card to play a P Bass?And much, much more!

Put simply, pickups capture the vibrations of a string and turn it into an electrical signal, but there?s a whole world of minutiae regarding magnets, windings and pole pieces that can drag you deep into anorak territory! In today?s episode, we?re shedding some light on the different types that are available, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

In this episode

Series vs. Parallel explainedWhat?s the difference between a soapbar and a humbucker?What's a pickup pole? And why is It important?Active vs. Passive pickupsAnd much, much more!

Nothing feels better than actively engaging with your bass teacher and other SBL students. That?s why we?re super excited to announce a brand-new addition to Scott's Bass Lessons.

In today?s episode, Ian Martin Allison and Sharon Renold answer all of your burning gear questions and reveal the launch of the most exciting program to ever hit SBL. Drumroll please!

In this episode

What?s your bass story?Get ready for a BIG announcement.Sharon unravels her experiences at Berklee.What to expect from an Ian Allison solo album.And much, much more!

To learn more about our new program, LiveClass, head here: https://sbl.link/423jQ1Z

In our latest episode of our series ?Behind The Bass Lines? with none other than Michael League, bassist of the Grammy-nominated band Snarky Puppy, we go over his history of basses and how he found his way to the PBass, some of his most iconic solos, his take on effects and gear and so much more!

As we wave goodbye to 2023 Scott & Ian take the opportunity to go back and look at their personal ups and downs of the year, and dive into our favourite bass gear. Join us in this special episode where we unpack what's happened in the bass world over the last year, and give you a sneak preview of what?s to come for SBL in 2024.

In this episode

How Scott approaches goalsettingWhy it is a great time to be a musicianScott & Ian?s successes and failures of 2023Scott & Ian?s goals for 2024What?s in store for SBL next year

It may not be at the top of your to-do list, especially if you?ve only heard it in Starbucks, but if you want to become a better bass player then learning some jazz can give you musical superpowers. In today?s episode we walk through some of the key hacks that will take your bass playing to another level. 

In this episode

Should Scott test drive a Cybertruck?How jazz can give you musical superpowers.Why Ian still has flashbacks over a C Blues.How he got his walking bass lines together.Why you should check out the SBL Jazz Accelerator.And much, much more!

If you crave pedal power it can be tough deciding where to begin - let alone where to go from there. There?s an astonishing array of stompboxes out there; despite the rise of more affordable multi-effects units, but what do they all do? Will they improve your sound, or just turn it to mush? In today?s episode, we examine the secrets behind our own effects setups, and round off the whole shebang with a delve into our gear of the week!

In this episode

What?s on Scott?s pedalboard?How Ian got to grips with the HX StompScott?s go-to looper pedalStompboxes vs Multi-FX: The pros and cons.And much more!

In today?s episode, Scott offers insight into the final track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Lost Polos is home to a lively syncopated Latin rhythm with a driving groove and some intriguing options when it comes to the bass line.

In this episode

Scott breaks down the track Lost Polos.And how he honed his Latin chops.His love of Funkifying the Cláve by Lincoln Goines.The inspiration he took from Rocco Prestia.Where you can find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

Looking to get the bassist in your life a gift this Christmas? If you're on the hunt for stocking fillers or the budget is tight, then this episode is the perfect place to start. We've put together a list of low-cost Christmas gifts, all of which have been handpicked by Ian! Included is everything from last-minute buys to handy tools and gig bag essentials! Gifts that are guaranteed to see use, unlike that jumper that's never left the closet.

In this episode:

What to buy the bassist who has everything.Sharon reveals her alternative tree decoration.Ian names his three favorite cable companies.And who sent him a drawing of Admiral Ackbar?And much more!

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You might know Josh Paul from his time with American rock band, Daughtry, but the scope of his career goes far beyond that. Over the years, he?s also worked with the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Everlast, Kelly Osbourne, and The Veronicas. He also finds time to host the Dunlop Bass Freqs podcast. In this special interview from Bass Space 2023, Josh talks us through the ins and outs of his journey so far.

In this episode

Josh looks back on 15 years with Daughtry.What it was like joining Suicidal Tendencies. His approach to social media. The advice he got from the Eagle's Don Henley.His pointers for new bass players.And much, much more!

So, you?ve had a bad gig. What next? We?ve all been there ? the tiny stage with no power, the would-be bassist that wants to do a song. Nightmare gig stories are so commonplace there?s even a Facebook group dedicated to them! In this episode we dig into Scott?s recent hair-raising gig experience, and why every gig deserves a bit of homework.

In this episode

Scott?s nightmare gig story.Tips to prepare for your next gig.Charcoal Frost or Firemist Charcoal?SBL HQ is moving!?And much, much more!

Did you know that a 20-fret bass guitar contains 80 notes? Which can make learning the fretboard a huge challenge that can crush both beginner and experienced bass players! In today?s episode, Scott runs through the backstory of his own fretboard woes. 

In this episode

How Scott used geometric patterns to master the fretboard.The clues he picked up from Gary Willis.How you can unlock your own fretboard knowledge.Where you can check out the SBL Fretboard Accelerator.And much, much more!

Looking for a bass guitar bargain? If you're in the market for a budget bass to add to your collection, nowadays you can get some serious bang for your buck. In today?s episode, we explore the idea of creating the ultimate budget bass, and what that might mean for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe?

In this episode

Ted Nugent and the ultimate earworm!Should SBL open a bass store?Scott?s latest impulse buy from Reverb.Do bigger headstocks equal better tone?And much, much more!

In today?s episode, we dive into one of Scott?s favourite tracks from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. In fact, Hypersphere shaped the atmosphere of the whole session. The track?s signature sound comes from a mix of Scott Kinsey?s keyboards and David Binney?s darting sax, while Scott?s bass solo helps define the freer beginning. So how did he do it? Where did the ideas come from?

In this episode

Where to find the FREE album eBook.Scott reveals some of his tried-and-tested soloing hacks.Including how to build intensity.Why no one expects instant magic.Will a repertoire of licks work if your imagination fails you?And much, much more!

With so much attention put on our instruments and amps, and even pedals, many bass players are quick to underestimate the importance of their strings. But your strings are the only thing between you and your bass guitar, so make them count! In today?s episode Ian focuses on the finer points of all things flatwound.

In this episode

Are there advantages to using flatwound strings?When did they become cool?What are tapewound strings? And what are they for?Some of the more famous players who use flats.And much more!

Our next take away from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is Electron Game. All of the previous tunes have offered their own playing challenges, but now we?re upping the shred quota even further! In this episode, you?ll hear Scott?s own song analysis, including tips and tricks for tackling the solo.

In this episode

Scott breaks down the track Electron Game.Including his formula for navigating the chord changes.How he locked in with the drums.The big mistake he made with his bass tone!Where to find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

Sign up for our Fretboard Accelerator: https://sbl.link/3FQnkdO
(Last chance to lock in at this price!)

Hairspray, Hamilton, Billy Elliot, Queen Rock Symphonic, Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia! You name it, Ian King?s probably played it, and in today?s episode we dig into the path he took to landing a job in London?s West End theatre district.

In this episode

What it takes to hold the bass chair in London?s West End.Why consistency is key.How Ian ended up playing with Wolverine star Hugh Jackman.All about his relationship with Overwater Basses.Why he?s on the look out for a ?78 Jazz Bass.And much more!

In today?s episode, we dive into the track Scuttle Fish from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Learn how I tackled the time signature, and the opening slap bass riff. This track also features a saxophone solo by David Binney and it seriously shreds!

In this episode

Scott breaks down the track Scuttle Fish.Including his favorite solo from the entire album.How he honed his slap bass skills for the intro.What he would change about his bass tone.Where you can find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

There's nothing quite like slapping on a new set of strings. It?s the quickest, easiest and cheapest way of breathing new life into your instrument. But finding the right set can take a few tries, as different players like different brands and gauges. In today?s episode, we run through our pick of the best bass strings out there, and everything you need to know about them.

In this episode

How often should you change your strings?Nickel Vs Stainless Steel: The pros and cons. Can different gauges change the playability of your instrument? What?s the difference between hex core and round core strings?Does Steve Harris really play flatwound strings with Iron Maiden?And much more!

As bassists we get used to writing bass lines that are grooving, but can the bass guitar also play the melody of a song or be the focal point? In today?s episode, you?ll hear Scott?s analysis of the song Glass Ceiling from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1, including the importance of being able to represent and perform a great melody on the electric bass. Shouldn?t everyone in the band get to play the melody?

In this episode

Scott breaks down his track Glass Ceiling.Including his route into playing the melody.His use of harmonics.How to recreate his bass tone.Where to find the FREE album eBook.And much, much more!

Many of us love old bass guitars because of the almost indefinable cool that comes with a vintage instrument. A bass that?s been artificially aged, however ? the type we often call a relic ? gives you the freedom to play, without the fear of damaging a vintage collectible. But a relic is not just about random scratches or dents. In today?s episode, we dig into the pros and cons of both.

In this episode

Keep up with all the latest news from SBL.Why is Scott still searching for his sound?A relic vs. A battle-worn P-Bass.Where to find our latest FREE eBook.And much, much more!

Our next track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is a nod to the cyclic chord pattern of Giant Steps by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Luckily, you don't need to know a major third from an augmented ninth to dive into this track and jam it loud. We?ve created a free Ebook with all the TAB and notation!

In this episode

What makes this Scott?s favorite track on the album.How he unlocked the perfect bass tone.Where to find the FREE album eBook.Scott?s formula to figure out time signatures.And much, much more!

For gear-savvy musicians, California?s Winter NAMM Show is the biggest event of the year, but is it the best? So on to this episode, and having crossed the Atlantic earlier in the year Ian brings you his report from Guitar Summit 2023. This three day event is Europe?s biggest guitar show, and a true walhalla for any bass guitar lover. Now there?s a thought!

In this episode

Guitar Summit 2023 vs. The NAMM ShowHow you can join our latest giveaway.Vintage basses: worth the hype?Are all Fender Jazz basses the same?And much, much more!

Wired Telemetry is the second track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. It?s a classic fusion instrumental, which makes it a great vehicle for anyone looking to experiment with improvising. In this episode, you?ll hear Scott?s own analysis of the song, including his tips and tricks for you to experiment with while playing along.

Scott maps out the track Wired Telemetry.Including the Brecker Brothers-inspired melody.Where you can lean on a C minor pentatonic scale.You?ll hear him pivot to a warmer bass tone.And borrow a lick from Jaco Pastorius!And much, much more!

Clever use of a stompbox can transform even the most ordinary bass guitar part into a classic. In this episode, we run through our guide to the best and most desirable effects pedals ever to brave a sticky stage.

In this episode we cover...

An introduction to the major effects types.Our pick of the most exciting stomboxes out there.Why the Boss OC-5 is still going strong.How you can win Scott?s Ken Smith White Tiger.And much, much more!

The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 has finally arrived! The album was recorded back in May and features a star-studded line up of award-winning musicians, including Gergo Borlai, Nate Werth, Scott Kinsey and David Binney! In today?s episode, find out what we were striving for with each section of Game Theory ? and what happened along the way?

In this episode

I dive into the first track from the new album.Learn how I dialled in my bass tone.How I tackled the odd time signature.Where you can find all of the tab and notation.And much, much more!

Fender?s Custom Shop and its sub-brand Squier are two of the biggest names in the bass world, but many of the instruments they make can look the same, and in some cases actually sound very similar too. In today?s episode, Sharon and Ian dive into some history. Tune in, if only to hear what happened when Sharon met Vinny Fodera! Happy listening.

In this podcast you're going to learn:

How Stuart Hamm helped kickstart the Fender Custom Shop.Why the perfect P Bass does not exist!What happened when Sharon visited Fodera Guitars.Why she turned down an artist deal!And much, much more!

When it comes to recording, everyone has their own way of getting in the zone. Sure, spontaneous magic can sometimes happen, but being prepared for what you're about to do is the best way to really get fired up! In today?s episode, I look back at what I learned and what I did (my creative process) when I went in to record my upcoming solo album. From dealing with pre-studio jitters, to my one big regret. 

In this podcast you're going to learn:

What to expect from my new album.How I learnt the tunes. The one thing I wish I?d done differently.Why I?m giving away the bass I recorded with.And much, much more!

Back in May, we went to the studio to record the first SBL album project. Originally it was going to be a pretty straightforward release? but having read through a bunch of comments, we decided to change things up. In today?s episode, I reveal some key takeaways from that first studio session, what you can expect over the coming weeks, and how you could win the bass I used to record with!

In this podcast you're going to learn:

Why Scott?s a massive ?jazz fusion nerd.?How he chose the right bass for the studio.How you could win it!What happened to his pedalboard?Why he hates using headphones.And much, much more!

What a stupid question, right? As bass players, there are few things more satisfying than pulling the trigger on a new bass, but would we be better served expanding our amp collections instead? Will a new amp really make your bass sound any better? In today?s episode Ian and Scott talk you through a couple of different viewpoints that will help you determine how you might spend your hard-earned money. A new bass, or a better amp?

In this podcast you're going to learn:

Why every studio has an Ampeg B-15How Ian became amp obsessed.Why Scott?s not a huge fan of combo amps.Whether a good amp can really make any bass sound good?Why some players insist on using tube amps.And much, much more!

There?s a reason more people listen to Guns N? Roses than Victor Wooten, and it?s not because Duff McKagan is better at playing arpeggios! But still, good technique is something that every bassist should add to their skill set, and in this episode, I?m answering all of your questions surrounding our Technique Accelerator. I hope it gives you a little extra time to check out the course ? and to find your next breakthrough on the bass!

In this interview you're going to learn:

Why are we talking up our Technique Accelerator?How I developed my own technique (with a little help from Gary Willis).Why we?ve included a bunch of free bonuses with the course.Why might it not be for you?And much, much more!

In this week?s episode, Ian tells us about his experience playing with a full orchestra and navigating the social and musical intricacies he encountered, including confronting his imposter syndrome around classical musicians, the challenges of reading standard notation perfectly and everything in between. Additionally, he goes on to break down the basics of what you need to know around DI?s - Direct Inputs! 

In this episode you're going to learn:

About confronting imposter syndrome when playing in a classical spaceWhy being able to read music can be a true benefitAll the things the DI has to offerAre short-scales finally over? Are they still a thing?And much, much more!

We love the bass community and will always maintain that it is THE best community in music to be a part of. BUT. Every now and then even our community members show an uglier side. In the world of content and running (online) businesses in particular, garnering hate online is almost too easy and, unfortunately, we did have a bit of a run-in with just that a little while ago.

But, lessons can be learned in every scenario and we hope you?re able to take away as much from this as we did!

In this episode you're going to learn:

Some mindsets to adopt when dealing with online hateHow haters can actually prove helpful!How much your bass playing may actually rely on techniqueAnd how some people actually might just ?have it??How Scott ALMOST got his dream bass..?And much, much more!

Are Fenders really the best option, especially when you?re looking to play professionally? Maybe not? In today?s podcast, we?re exploring why your bass doesn?t HAVE to be a Fender and some alternatives that can come close in sound and vibe. AND why you may not want a Fender style instrument at all! Is there such a thing as the perfect sound? The perfect bass? Can you love a sound on someone else but not yourself? Does it, in fact, actually all come down to technique, rather than the bass you?re playing?!

In this episode you're going to learn:

About some basses and bass brands that come close to the Fender style and vibe, in various budget bracketsAbout where you might want to look if you?re intentionally NOT going FenderAll kinds of ways of thinking about bass tone and how you might find YOUR OWNWhy Scott is turning away from the P bass?How it all ultimately might come down to techniqueAnd much, much more!

A veteran of the Nashville studio scene, Amos Heller has occupied the bass chair for Taylor Swift?s backing band The Agency since 2007. Whether you?re a Taylor Swift fan or not, when Amos agreed to check in with SBL after the record-breaking Eras tour, we knew we were in for one of our most fun and entertaining interviews to date!

In today?s episode, we get a full run down on Amos Heller?s gig with one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

Amos Heller YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AmosHeller
Amos' Latest Video: https://youtu.be/lw2LgyatO40

In this episode you're going to learn:

How Amos got the gig with Taylor Swift.What life?s like on the highest grossing tour of all time.Why Nashville is the place to be for studio work.His top tips for making it as a pro bassist.And much, much more!

We were delighted to welcome Wil DeYoung, Carey Nordstrand, Spencer Lull and Joe Zon at our luthier panel discussion at Bass Space 23 this year. The session was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the summit and a true pleasure to attend, as four masters of the field dug into all of the different aspects of being a bass builder.

In this episode you're going to learn:

How much tone wood truly affects your toneSome solid entryway strategies for getting into building your first bassWhat to keep in mind when purchasing an affordable bassThe story behind Michael Manring?s Zon HyperbassAnd much, much more!