‘Taking 5′ on Take 5… (New video)
Hi there boys and girls…
It’s Alex here saying ‘Hi and Welcome’ to my all new BassGuitarTips.Com blog… Version 2.0 if you will…
It’s a work-in-progress so I’ll be adding, removing and shifting stuff around as we go along, but do make sure you bookmark this page and check back often because unlike my previous blog I’ll try to post to this one a lot more often 
To kick off the new year, and the new blog I’m taking a quick break from the super secret new project I’ve been working like a madman on for the last several months, to record a cool little video here for ya.
It’s a simple little jam over a song many of you might have heard before called…… ‘Take 5′.
—– SIDE NOTE —–
I’ll try to post a follow up video to this where I break down the bass line I play in step by step detail — But please — this is subject to time constraints as my new project/evil grand scheme has to get done this month.
—– SIDE NOTE —–
Well ’nuff said…
Take a look at the video… Others will follow 
but for now I gotta get back to work.
Let’s me also take the time to say Happy New Year to you and your family. I wish all our customers and subscribers health, happiness, prosperity and consistent and significant improvement in your bass playing!
Stay cool, keep up and we’ll talk soon.
- Alex Sampson
P.S. Apparently a bit of a buzz is already going down about what I’ve been up to for the past several months, and folks have been writing our office with very probing questions.
I’ll be updating you all a lot more in the next couple weeks but I can say this now… What I’ve been putting together is going to *ROCK THE HOUSE*. (smile)
…I’ll be sure to post some pics, video previews and lots of cool stuff as we go along but for now… Let’s ‘Take 5.’
P.P.S. Oh yeah be sure to use the box below to leave your reply/comments… Depending on the feedback I’ll know if to do more videos…
If there’re no comments I’ll have to assume that you ‘folks-es’ aren’t very interested… My pride will get hurt, and I may have to turn to a life of drowning my sorrows in steaks, garlic shrimp scampi and a dangerous number of refills of orange/pineapple fruit juice…
So post your comments… I’ve heard that red meat can be dangerous to your health, and too much citrus can lead to art-ha-rite-iss…
NOTE: THIS VIDEO is just the demonstration, as explained in the post above the DETAILED VIDEO breaking down the bass line WILL FOLLOW. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging And yes there will be close-ups, note names given etc. Stay cool.
Yes please, some more of that, and I like the idea of breaking it down into steps.
GREAT START, young man! That’s S-O-O-O smooth! Can’t wait to get started! I was a teen-ager when that first came out! I’m a total, very late-starting novice, so I need a LOT of ‘bassic’ guidance like HOW/WHY the chords hang together - it’s just the way my mind works! [Start talking about diminished fifths and you’ve LOST me!!!!!] Ok, Ok, I CAN manage the majors on an electric or accoustic! Power to your amps!
Nigel in Milton Keynes UK.
ha Alex thanks great to hear from ya,love what ya doin iam not much chop on keyboard but love my BASS cheers.
Why didn’t you this before? Great work and amazing how the lines where developed. Let us know when you are ready.
Real nice Alex. Liked the occasional slides and especially the run down towards the end. Keep it up!!
Allen (1967 Fender Precision)
…ditto, I really like what you did with the improve towards the end. Simple but effective. Lets have more.
I love these videos. My only down point is that we can’t download em. The computer I do most of my music stuff on (which is in the room i play bass in) is not internet ready and I’d prefer to take the video to the practice, not the other way round. Any chance of even a temporary download file for each of these lessons? or a by special request ZIP file?
Otherwise, great job, and if you need any help from any of us (”BGMGurus” or “BGMStreetForce”) let us know!!!!
Cheers again and happy new year!
David
Thats pretty cool man! Now you have to break it down for us. Oh and just a small preview of what u been working on? I can’t wait to see what you have up you sleeve for us!
GOOD STUFF.congrats!!
How about transcribing the scales with the videos. They are quite small to watch your fingering
Alex,
Very nice. Clean, accurate and just enough flamboyance.
I got the video without any stuttering and the sound was loud enough. I could watch both hands at once. I would need some way of slowing it down, or a crib sheet to follow the actual notes played, but if lessons were delivered in this way I feel I could follow them. I am now on a broadband connection so video is possible.
All the Best for 2008 and beyond,
/Les
That’s some nice playing, and I’ve always been curious about what you look like! Sadly, I have to say that I didn’t really learn anything from the video. But keep making videos, I’m sure someone will find them very useful!
smooth playing.. love the groove too!
Thanks for the vid….it’s a good example of how I’d like to see myself playing. I changed jobs not long after I downloaded and started your program….it’s been difficult to continue the program on a regular basis….but I’m still picking away at it. I upgraded my bass. I started out on a low end 4 string but as soon as I realized that I was going to like playing bass I sold the 4 string and upgraded to an Ibanez SRX705 5 string….it’s an awesome guitar….I just need to find a way to incorporate my bass practice on a regular basis into everything else in my life. It’ll happen….I’ll find a way!! In the meantime…..stay in touch…..keep me on your mailing list and keep sending stuff as it comes up! Take care….:o) Chris Bourgeois (Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada)!!
Thanks for the demonstration of Take 5. Gives me something to aim for, that’s for sure. Good job on the blog as well. Take care!
Pretty bad ass! I just got the program and have barely touched on the excercises. I’ve been doing tab for a little while and not enough real practice. Last night I was messing with the groove station and could come up with nothing to any of the beats. That’s not your fault as I guess I was just having one of those nights. It’s good to have inspiration and I’m looking for it. Thanks for your help thus far. I think I need to find some people to jam with a little, maybe that would help. I don’t spend a lot of time online so off to work I go. Have a good one.
Chris
Hello Alex I enjoyed this video alot! did you every thought about doing a lesson video that goes along with your Bass secrets lessons. I really believe if you make video lesson more people would be interested. I love what u doing and cant wait for more videos
Hey Alex,
That is a nice little tune, I’ve always liked it. Funny, I’ve never thought much about playing bass for it ;o))))
You do a great job! Nice blog and I’m looking forward to seeing other goodies that come up, thanks for this!!
Rob
Ottawa, Canada
Man I love the way you play. I’m an amateur, still trynna learn the basics. I love this clip also.
Hey blessings my friend,
This si great! Love listening to your playing. Please tell me how do I get music tracks like this to play along with and for practice.
Hey Alex,
Awesome bass line, you are amazing to watch play. I can’t help but notice how effortlessly you use your picking hand. I was just curious is this accomplished by having the signal and volume jacked up. I seem to have to really work my bass to get any real response, but I am playing out of cheaper Fender practice amp (BXR fifteen). I have never experienced playing out of a real thunder set-up, but I figured some polishing on my playing would be good before putting it to huge volume. Any way thanks for the vid, like I said you are an awesome player, with tremendous skill and style.
Hey Rick… thanks for the comments man and trust me I’m still working everyday on both my left and right hands. About the levels, I don’t play with mine maxed out or nothing but I have found (of course) that different axes do require differing amounts of effort… You’d hear people talk about things like the ‘attack’ of an instrument which talks about how quickly the waveform goes from silence to peak output once the string is plucked.
As a side note instruments with bolt on necks usually have a faster ‘attack’ than those with neck through builds. Just a comment - Stay up.
pretty cool ! looking forward to the breakdown
Sup bro? 4/4 no longer challenging enough for you? Now you’ve got to go into the nether-regions of odd-time signatures? LOL.
Well done. I like the stuff you did at the end - very tasty. I’ve heard lots of renditions of Take 5 but I’ve never heard anyone approach it in the manner that you did. Nicely done.
Real smooth, I liked watching you as you move through the fretboard which is where I need to challenge myself as I progress from the theme to variations. Thanks for the demonstration.
Rafael
Hey Rafael, thanks for the comments… And seeing as you said it, I’ll give a clue… Evil scheme plotting… hint, hint…
Not bad, good song to jam to. My son plays the trumpet and maybe I can get him to play the sax part on his trumpet while I play the bass. Just need the drum track and we will be all set.
Excellent Alex, I love Bass Guitar. Nice runs on a routine bass line, it added so much.
Ken
I enjoy your Bass playing lesson and the video are very helpful to. Thank you.
Hey Bro! I can see why you are the Man…I like the sound and the riff changes…All I can say is Bad…meaning good stuff…keep up the good work..
Love the video, thanks for making it!
Hi
It takes forever tostart then goes for 2 secondas & nothing ! then plays again for a secone then ages befor e starting up again.. BUt you sound brilliant !!!
I have a beatle bass and really need to get a style of playing for myself…
Loved it!!! Can’t wait for the berakdown.
I enjoy the smoothness of your style.
Happy new year to you and your family.
Ken Windheim
Wow it’s like the bass is talking so smooth but clear and strong nice job.
Vid good but notice distortion on audio particularly on lower notes but thats just levels (might be freq response of format?)
Otherwise lets have more ….. please sir
Hey Ken, yeah i kinda noticed that after I compressed the video into FLV to upload… I’ll be doing some experimenting to find how best to mix for online compressed vids. Thanks for the feedback. (Strangely some folks are commenting that I should ‘raise the levels on the bass’ - whoa - I guess it’s all about the speakers you’re using to listen) lol.
Nah Alex, The levels are loud enough. At times I felt that the bottom end of the sound was a little in the red but never the less you could still make out what you were playing. By the way nice work! Very smooth approach to that song, you made it more enjoyable from a basic bassline perspective without over doing it and keeping it in the pocket
Laters..looking 4 your breakdown!
~Nitemite~
Like it. Looking forward to the breakdown. The manuals are fantastic to work with, they’re easy to follow and my bass playing has improved significantly since subscribing, but videos are definately a good idea as an accompaniment. To actually see the demonstrations is great because it makes it feel more like a proper tutorial. Keep them coming.
sorry about the finger error’s in last message, but you get my drift hey? I live in South Africa by the way.
Frankie
Hey,
Looks good to me. I like to use my senses to learn (sight, sound, etc). Seeing the video, hearing the music, and listening to the explanation are great.
Hope you include written music (not just tab). Thanks for everything.
Royce
That was very inspiring. I have never seen a six-string bass before ( I live in a cave..) Please do post more.. I had a nice black univox 4 string ( back in the seventies ) I was first compelled to play by the late Gary Thain….
Hey Stanley… never seen a 6′er? then i bet you’ll get a kick outta these… http://www.conklinguitars.com/facebass/9gallery/9strings.html - oh yeah there are basses with even more strings. GULP!
big thanks for the comments.
Alex,
I finally got the chance to listen to the Take 5 videos ( all 3 ) and I have to say “WOW” You make this look and feel as easy as tying your shoes. I have never seen any teachings as compelling as these.. You are exactly what Bass Players need. I am hoping to be able to get your courses soon, after all you can never stop trying to improve if you really care about what your doing..
Thanks for sharing, Stan
by the way, I am going to the link you sent, Thanks again…
WOW! I’ve got a 4 string Fender bass, that”s petty cool, I”ve got a 5 string “Warrior” Bass in layaway, and now I see a 9 string Bass! Man talk about work to do! Just recently ordered your Bass Guitar Secrets package and downloaded the material from the links. Great stuff! I”m positive this is going to take my skills to new levels. I’m a drummer, been playing for years, but always loved the Bass, so now I’m seriously going for the gusto. Hope to one day be an accomplished studio bassist, and maybe so gig work also. Loved the video, hope to see more. You’ve got a student in me, I’ll be following your instructional material. great job. Be Blessed.
e emery jr.
Very nice I really liked how it filled and flowed. thats something i would really like to do.
cool! you have to do more videos.
p.s.: thank you for sending those bass tips, they’re great. and helpful. keep them coming.
Alex,
Great playing! Very smooth very cool.
Hey Alex,
Will I be able to play that on my 4 string bass…
will you be chords be available for that tune..
Thanks
Barry
Yup and Yup
sorry about the last line, I was trying to say , will the chords for that tune be available
just great the breakdown im sure will show each step of the way very slowly.
Hey, that’s a good groove, and I think I could learn it. Looking forward to more instruction about it. I’ve enjoyed your emails. Thanks! Dekker
Great bassline! Would LOVE to learn more!
Hi Alex
Really liked “Take 5″. Nice interesting bassline, not too busy and I feel it added to the original tune, which, unfortunately, I can remember being issued first time round!
Please keep doing these, they are good.
Watched the video.
It’s great as always.
Waiting for the breakdown.
Are you ALWAYS so COOL?
Only on days that end with ‘y’ ma brotha! Fo shizzle, ma nizzle… LOL (patting down my afro as I type)… Glad you liked it man - Blessings
Fantastic Alex, keep playing the way you do and post more videos. One day maybe I will be doing the same.
hello Alex; nice to hear from you and a great song. hope some day i will be able to play like that. Can that all be played on a 4 string? I broke my hand a while back and had to lay off for a while. Just starting to get my hand to stretch out for some of the notes again. Decided to go back through the lesson’s and refresh myself. Looking forward to the upcoming lessons. thanks again Steve
Hi Alex
Thanks for the video! I’m looking forward to the break-down version. The sound was a little distorted on my system perhaps that could be looked at?
Many thanks again.
Gary
Great job Alex. Keep ‘em coming!! You’re a blessing.
Thats nice Alex.
I bet that would sound great on a 4 string fretless too.
Happy new year
Hi! Alex this is Bob i see in your video that you play with a 6 strings bass and by the way it is very good i have a accoustic bass 4 strings i have ad it for 6 month now and cant play just does not cach it if i could play 1/8 off what you play in that video i wold be the happiest guy also i am 63 years old and dont know nothing about music but i tought i coul start someweare and most of my friends play the guitar and they have been telling me that the bass guitar wass the easyest well i dont think it is easyer ten the guitar even if i cant play the guitar i was trying this by miself and tought i wold learn and then one day get in with them and suprize them by playing the bass but i gess i was wrong Bob.
That was fly! And that’s a beautiful six-string you’re playing. Do you use any effects pedals in your playing? If so, what do you use?
Thanks! Keep the videos coming!
Hey Big Mike… (hmm same name as a bro of mine who plays a ‘little’ drums, for a ‘few’ folks who’ve sold a ‘couple’ albums
Nope no effects pedals and such… I mean it’s all good (i ain’t gonna hate on nobody or nothing) but i’m kind of a purist myself. Well keep practicing and keep it grooving… Stay up my man!
Great effort…love the bass…taught Accordion for 2o years grandson very gifted musician( What 19 year old isn’t)I shoot these on to him to enjoy…jim
Hi Alex
i like it alot so dont drown your sorrows with steak, garlic, shimp & and overdose of orange juice it would be a waste (at least wait till iv seen more) haha only joking
i buzz watching you play picking up on more and more each time i watch your vids sit here thinking i can do that some day, and I WILL i know it with patients time and alot of effort but yes it is worth it and watching you makes it seem clear to what has to be done, ill be looking forward to your vid of breaking down the base line iv noticed a little difference already not alot but it has only been a day and yes iv only just really got into my bass so all in good time
HOPE YOU AND ALL THAT ARE AROUND YOU HAD A FAB NEW YEARS keep up the brilliant work you are doing wonders for alot i bet speak soon
all the best
Roger
p.s as soon as im sorted ill pick up a pack Thanks again
Hey Roger… yeah it seems like I am off the hook
I’ll try to take care of myself… At least till I post a few more videos LOL — but seriously I am truly humbled and appreciative of the literal flood of comments that came in for the post… YOU GUYS TRULY ROCK!..
Very cool!
very cool Alex…looking forward to more.
Love videos. They help out so much. Guess I’m a visual as well as audio learner. Perhaps some solo work would be helpful. Thank you.
Alex,
Cool clip, you make it look easy….. Which is why I have actually made progress in the last year on my guitar and bass guitar learnings. For the past 6 years I have been collecting cool looking classic American made guitars of all sorts, never actualy was able to play them up until a year ago. I became very inspired to succeed at playing them, and thanks to you I am pleased to say I am actually doing it
…….And, it sounds like music, even to my friends that are always willing to take a listen to my “work in progress”.
Keep up the great work and motivational attitude…. Rock On!
Cheers,
Charlie McClendon
Houston, Texas
Man, that video was great!!! I was waiting for you to break it down and you did at the end! But then i realized you was teaching a lesson as well, about how to stay in the pocket! Great video, I’m looking forward to more! And whatever you are working…can’t wait until it’s here! J.
I like it !look for ward to the breakdown.
i love the way you make the bass sound.i am 48 and just learning to play.
Thanks Alex that was of the hook and funky
I realy like funky bass lines. And it is so helpful to see you play in the video, I think that you are on to something real good,
PS : keep it coming
PSS: how do you set up your bass amp to get a
good sound ? What gear do you use?
Man that was sweet. I’m looking forward to the day when I an able to play with ease. I’m working on it. any chance you can do some Gospal stuff also? I look forward to your new stuff.
Thanks man for your hard work. God has truly blessed you. I pray he keep you and your Family well and prosperous.
Jeff many thanks for your blessings… I appreciate it and don’t take that lightly
I plan on having some ‘Gospel’ stuff in the pipeline. we’ll see how it goes. 
nice demo you r rollin with it keep it coming man
Look forword hearing from you in 2008
God Bless you man.
Jeff
Cool groove…
Definitely post more of these videos. PLEASE. The demonstrations will be extremely insightful and I’m sure people would love the help. I’m excited to see more!
Hi ALex!
Keep on post up instructional videos to us in the dark wilderness, struggling with major scales and fingers that yet isn’t in the same shape as yours. I look forward to the video where you will break down the bass lines. I’m sure I will learn some good things out of them.
Be blessed.
Peter from Sweden
(God created music, give God the Glory)
Hey man, pretty sick video, sounded good, i dig the tone. I love the bass, the john patitucci sig. I also have that bass, ur the only other person i have seen with it, other then John P.
keep up the good work
Cool Lick…Dave Brubeck right..I liked the high neck walk downs at the end..Can’t wait for the DEATAILED VIDEO post.
P.S.
I still go back to your BASS GUITAR SECRETS all the time to reinforce and learn better tech. and theory. Great Job Alex!!!
Thanks Max
Modesto, Ca.
This is really awesome, and I certainly enjoyed
your playing, and hope one day I will be able to
reach some of your ability. Thanks.
Cool or what
Alex l love it, smooth and funky, you gotta post the break down real soon .
A perfect example of groove and innovation. The rif drives the song but plenty of artistic expression. When you see a player enjoying his groove, it spreads to others. Nice ax.
Hi Hildegard, that’s important what you just said… Some people get into endless and bloodied comparisons (interpretted - borderline fistfights
when at the end of the day it’s about expression and enjoying your playing. I mean sure we’re *always* shooting to be better but it’s cool sometimes to exhale, relax and have some fun… Not everyday… Just sometime 
Hi this is Ron D from St. Louis, take five is one of my favorite songs. I enjoyed your interpetation especially the upper register fills(which is where I feel I have a kink in my armour) I have been stimulated to experiment more in this register by your demostration of how it expands the groove. I look forward to viewing your breakdown.
Don’t you dare stop submitting these videos. I just love the way you loose yourself into the song. I noticed that you played several licks in different positions on the neck. This is so encouraging! I wouldn’t stand myself if I were as fluid as you are. Keep ‘em coming Alex!
Thanks,
Rick
Great stuff, YES MORE !!!! Can’t wait….
Thanks,
cool, after seeing this I might actually buy your course
Brubeck & Kupra would have taken notice of and applauded your rendition of one of my favorites.
GREAT JOB and can’t wait to get into your course
wow… my face is turning red… (well a lighter shade of brown LOL
Thanks man but I was just messing around. Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks for the comm