Every bassist has that one moment that changes everything. A turning point that brings the instrument into their life and kicks off a journey of rhythm, connection, and discovery. Here at Bass Lab PLUS, we love shining a light on those moments and celebrating the players who keep the groove alive, no matter where they started.
This week, we’re excited to feature Thomas Thye, a passionate bassist originally from Germany who now calls Denmark home. His journey into bass wasn’t planned. It started with a phone call from an old friend and quickly grew into something much deeper. Now, Thomas is a rock-solid part of the Bass Lab PLUS community and a great reminder that it’s never too late to find your sound.
Thomas’s musical story began at the age of 12, when his uncle gave him an electric guitar as a gift. That sparked his first deep dive into music. For 5 to 6 years, he focused on guitar, eventually joining classmates to form a band during his final year of high school. They played covers at school events, and while it was short-lived, it planted a creative seed. After graduation, life took over and music paused... But only temporarily.
Years later, in 2005, Thomas picked up the guitar again. This time, it became a form of relaxation and joy, especially when playing songs for his children. Soon after, he taught himself basic keyboard skills too, using his left hand for bass lines and right for melody and chords, all self-taught, and all for the love of music. But everything changed in 2015, when an old friend from his past called out of the blue and asked, "Do you still play guitar?" The band he played in needed a bass player, and he thought of Thomas.
Thomas in the early days of his bass-playing, performing with his band circa 2016 in Germany
Thomas jamming with his current band Take Roots, 2025
Thomas had never played bass before, but he said yes without hesitation. He quickly found a Harley Benton bass and a small amp online, ready to dive into something completely new. While the learning curve was steep, his love for music and curiosity pushed him forward. Over the years, Thomas has developed a passion for rock, classic metal, and melodic hard rock. Bands like AC/DC, Metallica, Bon Jovi, and KISS continue to fuel his playing. Whether he's jamming with friends or exploring new sounds on his own, Thomas brings both energy and heart to every note.
Thomas at the Drum + Bass Camp Weekend, October 2024
Since then, Thomas has held onto that first bass and amp and continued to grow as a player. Music remains his main hobby, whether he’s practicing, reading, or diving into tech like DAWs and digital mixers. Outside the bass, he’s a development engineer, a dedicated husband and father of three, a book lover, and a fan of long walks with the family dog. In the summertime, you’ll often find him relaxing in the garden, book in hand, letting the music (and peace) do its work.
Hotel California - Eagles (Cover by Thomas Thye)
What do you do outside of playing bass (job, hobbies, interests)?
Music is my hobby. I like figuring out how to configure a digital mixer. I enjoy going for walks with our dog and spending time with my three lovely children and my wife. In the summertime, I like sitting in the garden and reading a book. I read a lot or play music, it's a way for me to relax from the everyday stress at work.
Speaking of work, I’m a development engineer. We deliver bulk handling solutions, such as grain dryers and dust filters.
Favorite bassist of all time?
John Deacon (Original Queen) and Dave "Duck" Dunn
Favorite band of all time?
Queen, Beatles and Rolling Stones
First song you ever learned?
Wicked game from HIM on bass guitar
One Toke Over The Line - Brewer & Shipley
(Cover by Thomas Thye)
What’s your next goal with bass guitar?
I go more on technical details, like how to hold and position the fingers of my right hand to play faster and more relaxed.
I’m still learning to play from sheet music and working on playing along with songs on the fly.
Can you tell us something about your band?
Our name was Take Roots. But our lead guitar player left a few weeks ago, and with him the second guitar player, because they always drove together. So now, our singer, the drummer, and I are starting a new band from the beginning. We will change the name of the band, but that will come later.
Our music genre is blues and rock, songs from blues artists like Beth Hart, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Joe Bonamassa, and Gary Moore. Two weeks ago, a keyboard player joined our band. In the next three weeks, a lead guitar player and a blues harp/rhythm guitar player are coming. We hope!
"It’s easier for me to follow the beat if I’m able to play the basics first."
-Thomas Thye
How do you stay motivated to practice and improve?
Normally, I am highly motivated to practice new songs. I am still learning to improve parts within a song. But in my case, it’s easier for me to follow the beat if I’m able to play the basics first. After that, I try to improve my playing — if it’s relevant in the song.
How has being a part of Bass Lab PLUS helped shape your bass playing?
Oh, I think I’ve now been a BLP member for two years. In these two years, I’ve learned much more than I did since starting in 2015. There are so many possibilities inside BLP. So many courses and so much valuable information in the community. It’s awesome.
I’ve completed many courses already, but I still go back and revisit them. That’s the great thing! You can always roll back or find something new to explore.
Any message for the Bass Lab PLUS community?
Post or upload your videos, and be active in the community if you find the time. It’s truly worth it!
Where can others connect with you online?
www.facebook.com/thomas.thye?
Stay in touch
A big thanks to Thomas for sharing his journey in this edition of Student Spotlight! From saying “yes” to bass on a phone call, to digging into the technical side of gear and groove, Thomas shows us that learning never really stops and that steady progress, curiosity, and commitment can take you far.
We’re proud to celebrate dedicated players like Thomas who bring heart, humility, and passion to the Bass Lab PLUS community every day. See you next time... who will be featured in the next Student Spotlight? Could it be you?
Keep Groovin’!