Learn to play bass with simple, practical lessons that help you finally make real progress and enjoy playing music you love.

Joined August 2009
2,545 Photos and videos
In this 2015 From the Vault interview, Rocco Prestia talks about recovering from major health issues, playing bass, and his long career with Tower of Power. Check it out. tinyurl.com/soundcheck-x

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What makes a bass line memorable? In my latest "Essence of Groove" video, I talk about why some bass lines seem to survive distance, noise, and distractions better than others. Check it out. tinyurl.com/soundcheck-fb
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When the band stops… and it’s all on you. In my latest “Essence of Groove” video, I show how to make sure your groove holds up when it’s just you and your bass. Watch for a few examples and stories that bring it home. forbassplayersonly.com/when-…
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How much is too much on bass? A lot of players think more notes = better groove. Most of the time, it’s the opposite. In this week’s Essence of Groove, we look at when a bass line crosses the line from supportive to busy. Watch here: youtu.be/VnArKngcv9Q #bassguitar

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Most bass players think whole notes are the easy part. In this week’s “Essence of Groove” video, I’ll show you why long notes matter more than you may think — and how they expose your time, feel, and control. Watch the video here: 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/the-t…
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New FBPO feature: “From the Vault” — bringing back interviews that still matter today. Kicking it off with a timeless Michael Rhodes conversation on supporting the song and the role of the bass. Watch it here: 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/micha…
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What makes a bass line feel solid — even when it’s simple? In this week’s “Essence of Groove” video, I talk about the way the band needs to count on the bass player, how consistency builds trust, and what makes a groove settle in. 👉 Watch the video here: forbassplayersonly.com/are-y…
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A working bass player’s story about learning to adapt across very different musical situations — from formal theater gigs to relaxed, groove-based shows, and everything in between. Watch: forbassplayersonly.com/playi…
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This week’s “Essence of Groove” bass video is all about the "one–four" pattern. You hear it in rock, soul, funk, reggae… everywhere. Once you recognize its sound, you’ll start noticing it all over the place. 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/the-p…
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Sometimes the best road stories happen on the days you’re not playing. Back in the early ’90s on tour in Japan, someone said, “Let’s climb Mt. Fuji.” I figured… why not? Watch here: forbassplayersonly.com/what-…
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In this week’s "Essence of Groove" video, I'll show you how the simple approach Tommy Cogbill used can help you create your own soulful bass lines. Watch: 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/how-t…
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Back in my college rehearsal days, a trumpet player didn’t show up… and what happened next completely changed how I think about music. I share the story and the mind-blowing lesson that stayed with me all these years. Watch here: 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/it-ha…
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Ever notice how some bass lines feel warmer and more soulful even when nothing fancy is happening? This week’s "Essence of Groove" video shows how adding the major 6th can instantly lift your groove. Check it out — and try it! 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/bass-…
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Back in my Florida days, I had the chance to spend an afternoon at Jaco Pastorius’ house — an experience I’ll never forget. In this week’s "Tales From the Pit" video, I share what happened and why it meant so much. Watch here: 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/my-af…
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How did Duck Dunn make every bass line feel so good?
This week’s “Essence of Groove” breaks down the deep pocket and soulful touches behind his sound — and how you can use them too. Watch it here 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/why-d…
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In this week’s FBPO interview, founding Ten Years After bassist Leo Lyons dives into the “Ssssh” album re-release and reflects on decades of bass groove, tone, and connecting with listeners. 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/leo-l…
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In this week’s “Essence of Groove” video, you’ll see how this rhythmic technique, called “anticipation,” shows up in all different styles, and how to bring out the right feel with just the right touch. Very cool! 👉 forbassplayersonly.com/antic…
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