What is the role of the Bassist in the studio? 

Is the first question a missed opportunity to plug your course? The one in the description?f I own it and I absolutely recommend it. I felt the course took me in command of my playing. There is much to pull from it. I'm not consistent enough with my picking on Dorothy's stuff. Great bass parts. Any tips for me whatsoever?

How to instantly improve your timing: STAND UP! We're bipeds and our walking is amazingly consistently rhythmic. If you are sitting, you are no longer a biped. Crossed legs, hunched over and no strap are just worser and worser. Also: it's how you will perform on the EBG the great majority of the time so it's best to know the instrument that way. For me, it doesn't even count as practicing if you are sitting. Puts it in the "noodling" category.

Feel is everything.... playing roots with groove it way better than playing something fancy note wise, but with little or no sense of groove.

I must preface this by admitting that I am a guitarist and not a bassist,…. So,… Victor Wooten is a glorious musician and teacher. His video on playing chromatically truly opened my ears and was a game changer for me. Go check out his videos, lessons, and hopefully workshops.

Yes Phillip! Ego and ambition outside. Flexibility in. Great channel! Thanks.

Solid advice. I know I'm bad about what I do while I'm practicing. I don't spend near enough time with a metronome (coasting on having a decent feel for the timing) nor actually studying theory. I'm halfway through three to four courses (including yours) and am having that parental adult issue of finding the time to go through it. Working from home, I can steal 10-15 minutes to go through songs I'm rehearsing or learning, but can't really sit down with a course. 100% agreement on playing with other people. One of the best things that came out of taking lessons at School of Rock is their focus on getting you playing with other people. It absolutely makes a difference on a number of levels--both getting a feel for how your instrument syncs with other people and for helping combat imposter syndrome as you get a feel for where you actually are at. I know for me just playing in a vacuum either ends up with me overestimating how good I'm doing or telling myself I suck. Playing weekly (at least) with other people balances that all out.

Thanks for answering my synth question! Impressive that you memorize the settings / sounds. Presets can be a crutch to not improve your synthesis skills. On the other hand there is the added pressure of being on the gig and not being able to dial in the right sound in time. I’ve always used presets with my little phatty (which also has it’s own tuning quirks!) but I think you’ve inspired me to start trying manual operation more often. Love your videos - been watching since you started. I always enjoy hearing your perspective. Keep it up!

I love your videos, your well spoken, and explain things really well.

Great vid. As a producer your answer about playing in the studio is perfect. There is so much talent everywhere. So it really is about the hang and willingness to be part of the vision without over powering! Also, it was great to meet you briefly with Rhett when you guys played in MN last year! Hopefully we can hang again.

Subscribed! You shared some valuable gems of wisdom, not only as a bassist, but also as a professional musician. I was a freelance choral vocalist in SF until I moved back to Japan and decided to become a bassist. How you emphasized timing resonated with me so much because that’s one thing I’ve had to work on coming from a tuba/vocalist background. And yea, I was surprised when you mentioned Victor Wooten at first but you reminded me of his bass lines from the Felcktones LIVE album and I was like “oh yaaaaaa!” He plays bass gooooood on that album! Anyways, cheers, and looking forward to your next videos!

I always like to go a little crazy in rehearsal sometimes but playing things that suit the song always end up sounding the best.

Good video as always my man!!! Glad that you answered my question... Really interesting...

i would love for you and rhett to talk about the Pino Pallidino x Blake Mills album in length

Hey Phil ive got a question How can i buy my first “proper” bass? (Other than working obviously) do you have tips on money management? What to buy before buying my first bass? Etc

10:45 Watch out Shia Labeouf!

Lame title change. L. Pat would never. Love you, Phil. But don’t let Rhett get too deep in your noggin.