Top 5 Bass Licks for September 2009…

Hey check this out… Because I know a lot of you are looking for new ‘advanced-sounding’ ways to spice up their bass grooves, I’m giving you 5 super-cool bass runs and licks you can swipe and USE IMMEDIATELY.

I admit, I ‘copped’ these bad boys myself from some pretty awesome bass players, but then I showed these exact same bass runs to a couple friends of mine last week and both of ’em almost blew a fuse… I had to slap em around a bit to get em to behave. Geez!

Check it out and be sure to leave a comment or I’ll have to come find you and take away your candy and comic books 🙂


Published by

Alex Sampson

Alex is the founder and owner of BassGuitarTips.Com

131 thoughts on “Top 5 Bass Licks for September 2009…”

  1. Thats what up ALEX, VIDEO is tight and it is was very good and helpful to me as a player. Congrats on the new addition , to u and your lovely wife. Keep up t.he good work.

  2. Great video Alex! Excellent breakdown! Congrats to you and your wife on the arrival of your beautiful baby. Keep up the good work!

      1. Nice 6 string work. I’m from old school still using a 4. Congrats on your first born. I’m at myspace.com Gary Gould – you may like a few bars

  4. The new F bass is looking good. My bass playing has been in a rut the past few weeks. This is just what I needed to reignite things for me. Thanks from Brian W in Australia 😉

    1. hey B, well man we all get stuck in a rut… it’s just continually finding inspiration. if this helped even a tiny, microscopic, puny, little bit then I’m happy.

      Peace

      Alex

  5. I like how you can “draw” on the screen – good instructional tool. I also like how you give credit due. The lick is pretty sweet; what made it not stock is the chromatic passing tone (A#). Look forward to your next one and congrats on the baby!

  6. thank for the video and breakdown.good to see you again been missing your work.congrats to you and your wife on your beautiful little blessing,she is adorable.

  7. Congrats on your addition to the family! Excellent video! You were reading my mind with this video. I have been struggling with how to move between chords tastefully and you just answered my prayer! Thank You! Can’t wait to see No. 4.

  9. Hey Alex,
    I thank what you are doing is beautiful and congrads on the new baby girl. I am trying to find bass tabs on Gospel music but can’t find any, what do you thank I should do. I want to start playing for my church but cant find the music nor tabs. Hope you can help.Thanks

  10. Alex,
    Congrats man, she is a doll! here is wisdom-take as many pictures and videos as you can of her they will be priceless later.

    Keep doing what you do, you have been instrumental in my improvement as a bass player. Thanks and all blessings to you and yours.
    Mac

    1. hey Mac (MacDaddy?? 🙂 thanks for the advice man… but u ever wonder that sometimes you may have taken too many pics? hahaha is that possible? LOL Thank God for digital cameras!

      keep grooving.

      Alex

  11. When I have spare time from MY newborn (#7 for me) I’ll work on these. I love the licks from the gospel guys.

  12. Great info and I can go back again and again. Theory and licks together what a good way to improve! Thanks!! Bass players unite!!

  13. Much appreciated, was wondering about why this was slow with posts, Congratulations on things and thanks for the post.

  15. Great playing and just what ive been looking for…thanx Alex you really made my day. Congrates to ur new born baby.

  16. hey alex g is the minor third to e.also i ment to ask is that a G B P tease on the table.if so its working.latter

    1. Hey Darron, you’re on the right track with the response but can you make it a little more specific? There is a special relationship shared by the chords themselves.

      And about the ‘GBP tease’… I plead the 5th 😉

      1. The E minor scale has one F sharp and so does Gmajor scale. So, they are relative major and minors of each other.
        Peace bro

    2. Darren the G’s natural minor is E, its 6th degree.
      Alex,nice one POPS, all your instruments seem to be working well.
      What key does your bundle of joy cry in.
      I like the way you used that A# from the blues scale/walk/phrase, its a groovetastic
      blend that can be used to fuel and fuse any two notes in my arsenal..Funk up the Fun..PEACE.

  17. Alex,

    Congratulations! Thanks for having your priorities in order. This is a very good example which also explains why the different blogs and teachings are superb. Hats off to you and keep the videos coming. Glad you’re back!

  19. I’m glad that I have an instructor that has the knowledge to break things down where even a beginner can understand! THANKS TEACH! Congrats on the addition to the family.I know got to get on the ball now !!!!

  20. Nice Video, I like the theory behind these so we know what chords they work with. By the way Em is the relative minor to the key of G. Meaning they share the same sharps and flats. Looking forward to more! Congratulations on the baby. Enjoy her they grow fast.

  21. Great stuff…can’t wait to get home and start playing…as working dad beginner bassist these lessons are just what I need. Congratulations to you and your wife on the addition to family. May God continue to bless you and your family.

  23. Alex. Very cool bass lines. As usual, You give more expert training and advice than anyone on this planet could possibly offer. Congrats to you new addition in the family.Keep up the good work. Peace, thanks anthony.

  24. First, again congratulations and thanks for sharing the photos with us- God bless you and your family and I pray that He takes care of you all ad blesses you with joyful moments and health.
    The groove on this material is amazing! Thanks for giving us the chance to at least start to understnd what this man is doing I have seen him on youtube …
    As always the teaching is great even me get the point and put it to work easily in (5min)-
    The bass color I believe is to get used to…and we will. Your taste your choice! Is it possible the sound this time is a bit nervous… too crispy? the other bass sounds warmer (my subjective perception and appreciation).
    Thanks Alex …
    jc

  27. As usual you are a blessing. I see that the Lord has blessed you and your wife also.
    Congrats fe on the arrival of your baby girl. Don is right on when he said “Em is the relative minor to the key of G. Meaning they share the same sharps and flats.”

  28. That is a gorgeous little blessing you have there. Congrats to you and your wife. I bought the Bass Guitar Secrets and WOW! You removed all the mystery from the things I’ve read in other books and videos. It’s the difference between being given mediocre tools and trying to figure them out yourself and top of the line tools with building materials and a solid, decipherable blueprint. I now have focus to what I’m doing with the logical way you constructed your course. You are THE M-A-N! Will definitely be looking for any further instruction you put out. The supplemental videos fit well with the course also. Thanks for you labor of love, it will not be forgotten.

  29. As a 40 year old novice (had bass 2 months) 10 minutes looking at this is better than any net site, or books or DVDs I bought since trying to play.Keep up the good work.By the way i will be purchasing “bass guitar secrets” as long as it is available in the UK

  30. Hello Alex i could not have found better teacher that i have ready to poor on the bass playing knowledge that im taking in as we speak ready to teach & coach 24 7days a week its taking me alittle longer because of my career and being a father of little girl inwhich your pitcures bring back memorries of my daughters birth 12yrs ago who plays the violin in private school so GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

  31. Congrats on your beautiful baby girl! She is truly a gift from God. Great stuff, I look forward to putting this lesson to use. Keep ’em coming!
    Be blessed & be blessing.

  32. Well I thank you for the good ideas always you parrot up to us and congratulation to you now baby doter she is beautiful God bless you all

  33. Congrats lex on you ned addition to your family. i enjoy your video and I can see myself getting better everyday. Thanks your instrution video is the best out of all the others I have tried…

  34. Sweet lick! & congratulations!
    I’ve been learning stuff from ‘1001 Jazz Licks’ by Jack Shneidman ~ well worth checking out Alex!

    Andrew

  35. Just wanted to take a moment and show some love and congrats on the birth of your beautiful baby girl. Take plenty pics!!! 🙂 Trust me, being a photographer – I know!!! lol

    Thanks for the insight on the bass run on this video. I’m going to add it to my style of playing. 🙂

    If you like old school music, check me out on Saturdays from 4p to 9p EST at http://www.v1015.com and chill with some hot jammin’ old school party mixes. Let me know when you’ll have the time to listen, and I’ll be sure to throw a shout-out to you.

    Peace…

    mikesmith@v1015.com

    1. Hey bro, thanks for showing the love my man! and about the pics all I can say is ‘boy are we taking pics’… LOL

      Just glanced over to the site… u got a little baby contest going till Sept 27 eh? Hmmm… 😉

      Alex

  36. Alex, thanks, this helps me chunk through to the next chapters of your very excellent work, “The Fretboard Formula.” I’m just getting into the song exercises for chord linkage. Hooray! This is inspiration. And I know you like teaching, as well!

  38. Alex: I was just yesterday asking myself where you got off to and was about to accuse my ISP of blocking your emails to me so they could keep all the juicy BassTips for themselves. Most awsome gift from God is a new life for you and your wife to usher in. Most spectacular!!
    I admit not being able to do much of ANYTHING with your fine Bass programme as I lost the tip of my left thumb, but the grafting and marbling, as it is called I have been told, are almost complete. But alas, it is numb. Perhaps you could recommend some hand excersices one could do to get ones left hand to span as fluidly and as openly as I see yours. I didn’t see that very important key item discussed in your manual, but remember, I haven’t been able to even hold a spoon : )

    Stay awsome as you are and thank you so much for helping us novice players with as much care and concern as you show. Your what makes me stay the course.

    Cheers to you and the new family!

    Harp

  39. congrats. on that beautiful baby girl..
    Even though i dont fully understand the top 5 bass licks for (9/09) you are on the the righ track.
    there are lots of bass player showing sample of there style of playing.people like to see videos sample before getting involved. this is going to big trust me

  41. HEY ALEX BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WHAT AN ANGEL SHE IS AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THAT LINK AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MORE UP AND COMING ONES. ONE MORE THING DO YOU PLAN ON MAKING ANY MORE DEMOS OR INSTRUCTIONAL DVD’S IN THE NEAR FUTURE INSTEAD OF ON (CD’S) BUT ON (DVD’S) JUST WONDERING TAKE CARE AND HAVE A BLESS REST OF THE WEEK.

  42. Hi Alex:
    I really like this break down. The way you did it makes it a whole lot easier for me to make it my own. The TAB layout is the way to go for me.
    Thank you,
    RickyB.

    PS: Congratulations on the addition to your family. May God give you and your wife the wisdom, patience and love you will need to train up your daughter in the way she needs to go.
    God bless.

  44. Nice Alex.I’ve got three children myself ( well if you call 31, 25 an 23 yrs children) so i reckon I know where your at. Video great, inspiring. Bass lessons book doing wonders for my theory and technique (2 Weeks) and hopefully my jamming in the not to distant future. You have certainly put some time into these clearly well thought out lessons. Thanks Ray from sleepy little New Zealand.

  45. Hey Alex, congrat on the baby man. God is Good man. Thanks for the great Video. How is the Gospel project you’re working on I saw on one of the Videos. I’m looking foward to purchasing that. Many blessing to you and the wife and baby.

    Jeff

  47. CONGRATS on the baby girl. she is a cutie for sure. and this bass lick is a gem. thanks and glad to hear from you after all this time. I was wondering what was up. Glad all is well though. look forward to the rest of these licks

    Brian

  49. First, congratulations again on you beautiful new baby girl!!!!! Second, Sharay Reed is a monster indeed!!! His grooves and fills are sick!!!!! Thank you for sharing some of his essence. Last, that is a beautiful sounding and looking F Bass!!!

    God Bless you, your wife and your new baby!!!!!!!

  50. I’ve just experienced a new speed run on the bass. I have to continue my practice.
    I am a beginner bass player.

    Thank you

    Ray

  52. Beautiful baby! Cool lick, thanks a bunch. Looking forward to more. Please don’t take my candy and comic books.

  53. Wow! A cute new addition congratulations and best wishes to you all, the lick is really cool and very helpful… thanks for posting…Regards bahny

  54. Well done Alex. You have a beautiful baby, another bass player in the making I bet.
    It is so much easier to learn by watching you play and explain what is going on rather than just reading tabs, thank you.

    God bless you and your wife and baby.

    Cheers

  55. Welcome back and congrats on you baby girl .Looking forward to the next four licks this could be huge for some people ….Thanks T

  57. Hi Alex,

    I hope I have this right. Each Major chord has a relative minor, meaning that the same notes are played in each, just in a different order. If you play the G major scale and then the e minor (natural) scale the notes are the same. Take any major scale go to the 6th degree and there is your relative minor.

  58. Alex, I love your new format, I’m a beginner, have your Bass Secrets, and was so excited I could play the lick. Thank you. All the best for you and your family. Bonnie

  60. AAAHHHHH,

    New Baby…

    New F Basss…

    Three months off…. for the baby to break you and your wife in…

    Life is good.

    Congrats!

    Thanks Alex.. I enjoyed that lesson.
    Like you said.. Tweak, Tweak..I played with it a little.. and now it’s mine too!
    Believe it or not.. I missed ya!! But I knew how busy you were with the new addition.
    Glad you’re back.

    Ken

  61. Hey man welcome back, good to see you around. hmm man thanks 4 the lessons,they are going down well with me. keep it up.

  62. I am really glad That i purchased your course.I am picking up on a lot of stuff that’s helped me out alot.I didn`t expect to get as much extra content as i have after the sale and i am really loveing it keep it up.I can`t wait for the gospel lessons to come out. keep up the good work. O and congrats on the new addition to your family

  63. I just bought a bass guitar,and trying to learn how to play, I am a beginner and want to learn to play bass.

    1. From what I’ve picked up from Alex in such a short time will be invaluable to a begginer.
      I wish I had the net when I started, 20 odd years back.
      Even with that amount of practice time, you will no doubt surpass me with this HELP.
      That was a word I used alot and no amount of books could answer my plea’s..
      I wish you great success and many countless hours of fun
      PEACE
      GO FORTH AND CLAIM A PLACE IN HISTORY….. BLISTER YOUR FINGERS AND UNLOCK THE MUSICAL MYSTERY
      THE BUS IS WAITING TO TAKE YOU AWAY, TAKE YOU AWAY.

  65. Alex, congrat’s on being a new papa!Your bass playing is funkadelic!I’m excited about your course.How can i purchase this course without a credit card?please reply.

    thanks, Jason

  66. Ciao Alex from Italy
    3 months off was a long awaiting with no blog!!But big hugs and congrats for baby!!!
    God bless
    Rocco

  67. congrads on the blessed one and i appreicate the video, plus i watched this cat play on utube and he is nasty! thanks I have learn so much from your blog, but i need all your material. so hook me up so i can get to the next level. rperry (ft. smith, Arkansas)

  68. congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. i was just thinking when i would hear from you again, and there you are. I enjoy your lesson, I

  69. congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. i was just thinking when i would hear from you again, and there you are. I enjoy your lesson, I have learned so much stuff I didn’t know about. so keep it coming Alex.

  70. Dude…!!! Major congrats on the new baby..!! We just added a new Pup to our clan – German Shephard, if I could post a pic I would.
    And, thanks abunch for some more sweet bass lines….anything too improve my playing I try.

    Marcus

  71. What’s up Alex. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. Happy for you and the family. Thanks for all you do. You are a blessing…

  72. Congrats Alex! Can’t wait to see if God has blessed her with the groove. Another inspirational video and lesson, bravo! BTW, beautiful F bass. One of my faves, Alain Caron, uses and endorses them. Anyone who doesn’t know him should have a listen. Thanks again Alex.

  73. Like a record ” Congads Doood .”
    Ta for the lessons one can ever know enough or continue to improve cheers Mark O’hare

  75. Nice one Alex, thanks and keep them coming… Congradulations on your little angel by the way, I had wondered what had happened to you. Glad you are still with us mere mortals 😉

    1. hey bro, thanks for the well wishes… I been around just getting used to this daddy stuff 🙂 Peace!

  76. Hi Alex,
    I like the new presentation with fretboard, paint board and notes on jpg. Its really professional now and
    does not waste time with demonstrating on bass note by note (this is boring).
    Also your are addressing excactly the needs of most bass players. Great lessons again!

    Manfred

  78. Comment by Thomas Flood. Children are blessing from the Lord and may God bless you and your wife . Alex you are the man and I thank you for emailing me this pratice material,this is amazing stuff. I looking forward for more.Be blessed my brother.

  80. Hi Alex
    Congradulations know you and the wife are going to be great parents.
    Wish you all the best. Love all the great tips you give us.

  81. HIE ALEX, CONGRATS ON THE NEW ARRIVAL MAY THE LORD PROTECT AND GUIDE HER AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY.HAD A SNEAK PREVIEW AT THE GOSPEL BASS PLAYER WEBSITE IT REALLY LOOKS GOOD AND INTERESTING.AM BASED IN UK AND WOULD LOVE TO GET ON THE COURSE WHEN IT STARTS.COULD YOU PLS SEND ME SOME MORE INFO SO I CAN READY.GOD BLESS.

  83. Congradulations on the new addition, she’s precious. Thanks for the tips and were all glad your back. GOD bless u and ypur family. I’m looking foward to the rest of the 5 licks for sept.

  84. Hey Alex,congratulations and the groove says great…. Keep up the good work and I’ll be praying for you.

  85. thanks so much Alex for all your hard work helping all of us to improve our bass playing. Every bit of effort is greatly appreciated! Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Keep groovin and enjoy the family life 😀

  86. I just want to thank you you’ve taught me more in a couple months more than I’ve learnt in years with your straight forward methods

  87. Pingback: BassGuitarTips Blog 2.0 » Fancy Bass Run#4, And Doubling-Up On Your ‘Useable’ Licks…

  90. Alex,
    Great lesson and loved seeing you play on an F bass – they’re my personal favourite. You come across very honest, sincere and comfortable on camera and when you factor in the F Bass then it’s a no brainer why I dig your stuff.

    Keep it up!

  91. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all the rest of us… Really helps!
    Wondered what happened to you for the last three months. Congrats on the new addition to your family!

  92. Congratulations on your new baby! My son is turning six at the end of November, so savor these moments because they only come around once in a lifetime. Thanks for the Sharay Reed lick. Speaking I have been playing bass guitar for a year and a half and I have had numerous teachers, but I don’t seem to progressing at the rate I think I should, so can you recommend any good teachers in Chicago? I am interested in jazz, funk, R & B, Blues, and Gospel.
    Peace bro

  93. Hello God bless an to God be te Glory for teh life He has given you to b a steward of Enjoy this site it always motivates and encourages me. Keep the blessings coming your making a change in my life. How do I get to lessions 1 2 & 3 ? I want to start fom the beginning thank and peace and blessings Brian

  95. Hey M.O.G., congrats on your new gift from Almighty God. She’s a keeper! I just want to thank you for all the time and effort you put in to help others like myself develop into better bassists. You are leaving your mark in the world of bass. Blessings on your house.

  97. Hi Alex, Congratulations on your new arrival. I,m looking forward to your new vidios. Unfortunatly I don’t get good quality reproduction of sound. Thanks for everything. Keep them coming! Les.

    1. thanks for the comments Les but I am not sure what you mean by not getting good quality reproduction of sound…

      Are you saying you don’t hear what I do in the video clearly? How are you listening? External Speakers? Built-in laptop speakers? Headphones? Also are you using dialup? Peace

  98. Hey Pops! Sweet lookin’ baby girl! Congratulations to you and your wife!

    Thanks for another great video! You really make it easy the way you break things down. One question…. what software are you using to create the tab and fretboard charts?

    Keep those videos coming!!!!

    1. Hey don thanks for the ‘congrats’ man… and glad you liking the videos. The software for the tabs is Power Tab which is a simple to use free piece of software. (Just search it on Google)… I also use Finale which is far more powerful and fancy-pants but for quick tabs I use power tab editor.

      The fretboard diagrams are done one at a time by hand in photo shop.

      Peace

  99. Hello Alex, congrats on your new addition, GOD is good. I just got done reading all the comments. I’m very impressed with the number of people that have written you. When I watched the video and read the comments, kind of made me sad because I could’nt understand the language (G major, E minor) and the video just continued to make feel I’ll never be able to play like that. I’ve been playing with my church religiously every sunday for the past 2 years. Thats about how long I’ve been playing. I don’t use chords, I just play I guess one finger at a time and when I’m learning a new song the key board player sings while she plays the song. I also have the words to the song written and above the words are the notes that I play to give me a guide. I then go home memorize the 3 or 4 songs for sunday. I am incourage by some, mostly my parents, the choir leader and a few others. But in my heart I feel that people could take me or leave me the way I play. I really want to make and impact for god and the church with my bass playing. I was going to buy your DVD and I had suggested to my wife to give it to me for a birthday gift, but all she wants me to do is get rid of the base so I have to get up around 4:30am before work to practice. I have tendency to procrastinate and I do have a couple of other DVD courses but I never got around to looking at them. Sometimes I feel like giving up. I hope some day I can become a real Base Player, and maybe be as good as you are. God Bless

  100. Pingback: BassGuitarTips Blog 2.0 » Top 5 Bass Licks for September 2009… | Best Bass Guitar

  101. Hi Alex,

    I’m just getting back to my computer. I see your new addition and I know you are a very proud Pa Pa. You’re right she’s very cute. Just wanted to say congradulations to you and your wife. I’m enjoying your course and it is very informative.

    I wish you the best,
    Donald

  102. I liked what I saw and what I heard being played, yeah there is a but, but brother you are way ahead of me at this point. Being that I just picked up a bass for the first time 5 days ago and have never studied music other than listening to it being played by others I did not understand well over half of what you said. I’ll need to get a music dictionary study it, find someone that is teaching at my level, study and learn for it looked like 2 or 3 years, then maybe I will be ready for you. I think you are great but I’m not.

  103. Pingback: BassGuitarTips Blog 2.0 » Hot Shot Bass Lick #3…

  107. Hey Alex,
    First off, an extremely belated congratulations with the birth of the beautiful baby to you and your wife. Hopefully she isn’t giving you too many sleepless nights 😉

    Also thanks for the great licks to play with

  108. Alex, I’ve been bad and had to play my flute at t few concerts, but I always jones for my bass. It’s amazing what your lessons have done for my musical feel and phrasing. Thanks again. I’m going to grab it now.

    Mike

  109. Yo Alex, this is really helping me out. Im just a newbe wanting to learn. I can pretty much pick up on alot. Congradulations on Beautiful baby girl! May God Bless u man!

  111. I LIKE THE IDEA THAT YOU SHOW THE NOTES YOU ARE PLAYING.I HAVE PLAYED BASS A FEW YEARS AGO.BUT HAVEN’T PLAYED ONE
    FOR AT LEAST 15YRS.I AM GETTING BACK INTO IT & YOR LESSONS ARE THE BEST THAT I HAVE SEEN ON LINE.I ALSO PLAY A DIGITAL ACCORDIAN THAT I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR SINCE I WAS 10 YRS. OLD.SO I WANT TO GET THE RUST OUT OF MY BASS PLAYING .

    KEEP UP THE GREAT LESSONS
    RICHARD

  115. hey alex
    thinking of getting the BGS cd version, also congrats on the new born – when are you back on deck – 27/03/11

Comments are closed.