Here at eBassGuitar, we have the privilege of witnessing incredible progress from our students on a regular basis.
Meet Simon Calverley, a dedicated bass player who has been a member of Bass Lab PLUS for some time now. Discover how he has elevated his bass playing to new heights through the structured guidance and resources provided by the program.
"The structured courses in Bass Lab PLUS helped me refine my technique and become a more versatile player."
Watch Simon play "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday" by Stevie Wonder
After joining the Bass Lab PLUS, this is Simon playing "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday" by Stevie Wonder.
Brilliant... don't you think?
What's your name, where are you from, and how long have you been playing the bass guitar?
Simon: My name is Simon Calverley. I grew up in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire which is in the North of England. I now live in Ashtead, Surrey, in the South East of England, not far from London. I've been playing bass for about 12 years, but I only started taking lessons in the Spring of 2022
Can you tell us about your musical background and what inspired you to pick up the bass guitar?
Simon: I’ve been playing piano since I was 6 or 7 years old. Although I stopped at age 12, I picked up the organ three years later, teaching myself chord-based music. This led to joining a band as a keyboard player in my 30s and playing in church. The worship team only had one bass player, so I volunteered to give it a go. Six weeks after borrowing a bass, I was playing in the worship band and have been playing ever since.
"My overall technique has improved, and I’m now able to confidently handle more complex bass lines and playing styles."
When and what made you join The Bass Lab PLUS?
Simon: In early 2021, I decided it was time to focus on improving my bass playing. After using YouTube lessons to get started, I realized I needed more structured material. I discovered eBassGuitar and joined Bass Lab PLUS in April 2022. It offered exactly what I was looking for—a structured and curated learning experience that could push me beyond what YouTube lessons offered.
Which specific lessons or courses in Bass Lab PLUS have you found most beneficial?
Simon: The Essential Walking Bass course has been the most beneficial, but I also gained a lot from the "Rookie Blues Bass Intensive" and "Fretboard Fundamentals 101." These courses built my confidence and prepared me to tackle more advanced material like the Walking Bass course, which I completed on my fretless bass to improve my technique and achieve more of an upright bass vibe. The Rookie Blues course, in particular, has been invaluable since I regularly attend jam nights and play in scratch bands that often focus on blues.
Can you describe your practice routine and how it has evolved since joining Bass Lab PLUS?
Simon: I practice course material 3 or 4 mornings a week, depending on my schedule. During lunch breaks or evenings, I focus on learning songs for my band’s jam nights. My practice routine has evolved with the demands of playing in a band, requiring me to adjust my time to learn new songs. Warm-up exercises, like scales and arpeggios, are now a regular part of my routine, especially on my fretless bass. Slowing down difficult passages and using a metronome has also become key to my practice, which I rarely did before joining eBassGuitar.
"Bass Lab PLUS provided the structured, curated material I needed to push past my plateau and reach new levels in my playing."
What specific areas of your bass playing have improved the most?
Simon: Pretty much everything, but especially my technique in both hands. Playing piano, guitar, and bass, the skills I’ve developed on each instrument reinforce one another. The detailed lessons in Bass Lab PLUS have helped me refine my technique and become a more versatile player.
What tips or advice would you like to share with fellow bass learners out there?
Simon: Sing, even if you think you can’t. Singing trains your brain to recognize chord changes and intervals, which helps when jamming and constructing bass lines. It’s especially useful for fretless players to improve intonation. Also, don’t underestimate the value of slowing things down and using a metronome—both have been game changers for me.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the Bass Lab PLUS?
Simon: Listen to James on YouTube. If you like his style and the concise video lessons, you’ll likely enjoy Bass Lab PLUS. The structured courses will definitely improve your bass playing, offering a clear path to progress at your own pace.
Need More Help?
Do you want to experience rapid results just like Simon Calverley?
If so, check out the Bass Lab PLUS Membership where I show beginner to intermediate bass players exactly do this!
You can join FREE today with a 14 day trial by clicking this link.
Good luck!
James