Hey, James here…
One of the absolute thrills of running eBassGuitar is getting top line guest pros in for our Bass Lab PLUS live monthly masterclasses.
Getting to talk to the best in the business is a phenomenal privilege… especially when they’re guys like Dave Swift who I have followed now for the best part of 25 years.
Dave is a top TV bassist and has performed with the likes of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ray Davies, Eric Clapton, Chaka Khan, Ronnie Wood, Smokey Robinson, James Taylor, Paul Simon…
So it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about bass playing.
Just like me, Dave is a passionate ‘transcriber’ and has spent more than his fair share of Motown / James Jamerson bass lines (amongst many others).
Last week Dave shared a concept which I believe is one of the best ways of simplifying the bass lines of Jamerson, learning them…AND fueling your own creativity.
After all… in tracks like ‘Darling Dear’ (by The Jackson 5) he doesn’t play the same bar twice!
For me this is the ultimate way of ‘hacking’ the phenomenal lines of Jameson, learning them and creating something ‘new’ and exciting.
Also, make sure you let me know in the comments what your favourite Motown / Jamerson bass line is… I’d love to find out.
Keep on groovin’ hard,
James
