For Gail Phelps, the bass guitar has always been the sound of joy. Growing up in the UK during the golden age of disco, funk, and R&B, she proudly calls herself a “soul girl from the 1970s.” The moment those basslines hit the airwaves, she was hooked — it wasn’t just music, it was movement, energy, and emotion. “I always knew one day I wanted to play bass,” she says. With her classical piano background giving her a strong musical ear, picking up the bass felt like coming home.
It’s been about three years since Gail finally made that dream a reality, and the journey has been everything she hoped for — equal parts challenging, rewarding, and full of groove. “Bass has always reached parts other instruments can’t,” she explains. Guided by Coach Sian, she’s been focused on improving her speed, both in fingerstyle and slap technique. “It’s amazing how adjusting a movement can make all the difference,” Gail says. “There’s no substitute, in my opinion, for having a coach watch you and give feedback.”
“Soapy Sophie” — Gail’s eye-catching sparkle-finish bass, named by eBassGuitar coach Sian Unwin,
When she’s not playing, Gail fills her days with plenty of creative passions. She’s also deeply passionate about perfumery — collecting bottles dating back to the 1920s and 1950s — along with vintage fashion dolls, and, as she admits, “a chronic shoe and boot addiction!”
Starry - another bass guitar from Gail's collection
Gail’s approach to practice is both structured and soulful. “Because it’s very important to me to groove, I have to constantly improve,” she says. “If something’s important to you, you make time no matter how busy you are.” Her routine includes technical exercises, challenging songs, and pure fun — from Mark King-style slap to “Nights Over Egypt” and “Funkin’ for Jamaica.” She practices about two hours a day, blending small goals with joyful playing. “Beware the noodle,” she jokes, “you can waste valuable time where you could be making serious improvement!”
Being part of Bass Lab PLUS has taken her playing to another level. “There’s so much that’s helpful to bassists — like having this fantastic library of help available no matter what you want to learn or are struggling with,” she says. “The expert assessment from Sian helps you zero in on where you are and where you want to go. It really helps confidence, especially if you’re a ‘bedroom bassist.’” But for Gail, it’s not just the lessons — it’s the people. “The BLP community are such a kind bunch of people — and funny too! I’ll never forget ‘Knock knock knockin’ on Kevin’s door’ in the chat section of Hear It, Play It, and a Kevin saying he wasn’t in! 🤣 Top banter!”
Quickfire Q&A with Gail
Where are you based?
"I’m from the UK."
How long have you been playing bass?
Going on three years.
How did your musical journey begin?
I’d loved bass since my youth, particularly as I was a soul girl back in the 1970s with all the fantastic disco, funk, and R&B music. I always knew one day I wanted to play bass. I’d played classical piano since childhood, so my musical ear was very helpful.
Why did you choose the bass guitar?
Lifelong love of listening to the instrument — plus how cool it is to be able to play it!
What do you do outside of playing bass?
I’m a homebody, but I have my dogs, cats, and horses, which take up much of my time — a house-trained husband 🤣 — and my own little bit of land to take care of. Perfumery is a huge passion of mine, and I also collect vintage fashion dolls.
Favorite bassist of all time?
Oh goodness, there are so many — but I think it has to be Bernard Edwards.
Favorite band of all time?
Chic.
First song you ever learned?
Psycho Killer — a bit ambitious for someone brand new to bass, but it taught me such a lot, especially open strings.
What’s your next goal with bass guitar?
Speed, definitely — both with fingerstyle and slap. Sian’s been a great help with this and technique.
Do you have a band?
No, not that brave! If I did, I’d like to play disco, funk, and R&B — the fun stuff that gets everyone on the dance floor.
How do you stay motivated to practice and improve?
Because it’s very important to me to groove, I have to constantly improve. I practice most evenings after my animals are settled and fed. Consistency is key, and having fun too!
How has being part of Bass Lab PLUS helped shape your bass playing?
There’s so much that’s helpful — lessons, community, and amazing support from Sian and the eBassGuitar team. It’s really helped me raise my bar.
Any message for the Bass Lab PLUS community?
I’m so grateful for all I’ve learned and experienced. You can’t go wrong here — the community is amazing and full of good humour!
Stay in touch
A huge thank-you to Gail Phelps for sharing her story in this edition of Student Spotlight! Her dedication, discipline, and unstoppable groove remind us that passion and persistence create the magic behind every great bassline.
We’re so proud to celebrate the vibrant, soulful energy that members like Gail bring to the Bass Lab PLUS community.
See you next time — who will take the spotlight next? Could it be you?
Keep groovin’!
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