The SBL Podcast

Latest Episodes:

121 - The CONFUSING world of STRINGS - Part 2 Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

With so much attention put on our instruments and amps, and even pedals, many bass players are quick to underestimate the importance of their strings. But your strings are the only thing between you and your bass guitar, so make them count! In today’s episode Ian focuses on the finer points of all things flatwound.
In this episode

Are there advantages to using flatwound strings?
When did they become cool?
What are tapewound strings? And what are they for?
Some of the more famous players who use flats.
And much more!

120 - ELECTRON GAME / Scott's Album Breakdowns (Tone, Grooves, Solo's, Technique and More) Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Our next take away from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is Electron Game. All of the previous tunes have offered their own playing challenges, but now we’re upping the shred quota even further! In this episode, you’ll hear Scott’s own song analysis, including tips and tricks for tackling the solo.
In this episode

Scott breaks down the track Electron Game.
Including his formula for navigating the chord changes.
How he locked in with the drums.
The big mistake he made with his bass tone!
Where to find the FREE album eBook.
And much, much more!

119 - The Mentality and GEAR you need to survive the PIT! West End Legend Ian King Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

Sign up for our Fretboard Accelerator: https://sbl.link/3FQnkdO
(Last chance to lock in at this price!)
Hairspray, Hamilton, Billy Elliot, Queen Rock Symphonic, Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia! You name it, Ian King’s probably played it, and in today’s episode we dig into the path he took to landing a job in London’s West End theatre district.
In this episode

What it takes to hold the bass chair in London’s West End.
Why consistency is key.
How Ian ended up playing with Wolverine star Hugh Jackman.
All about his relationship with Overwater Basses.
Why he’s on the look out for a ’78 Jazz Bass.
And much more!

118 - SCUTTLE FISH / Scott's Album Breakdowns (Tone, Grooves, Solo's, Technique and More) Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we dive into the track Scuttle Fish from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Learn how I tackled the time signature, and the opening slap bass riff. This track also features a saxophone solo by David Binney and it seriously shreds!
In this episode

Scott breaks down the track Scuttle Fish.
Including his favorite solo from the entire album.
How he honed his slap bass skills for the intro.
What he would change about his bass tone.
Where you can find the FREE album eBook.
And much, much more!

117 - The CONFUSING world of STRINGS! Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

There's nothing quite like slapping on a new set of strings. It’s the quickest, easiest and cheapest way of breathing new life into your instrument. But finding the right set can take a few tries, as different players like different brands and gauges. In today’s episode, we run through our pick of the best bass strings out there, and everything you need to know about them.

In this episode

How often should you change your strings?
Nickel Vs Stainless Steel: The pros and cons.
Can different gauges change the playability of your instrument?
What’s the difference between hex core and round core strings?
Does Steve Harris really play flatwound strings with Iron Maiden?
And much more!

116 - GLASS CEILING / Scott's Album Breakdowns (Tone, Grooves, Solo's, Technique and More) Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

As bassists we get used to writing bass lines that are grooving, but can the bass guitar also play the melody of a song or be the focal point? In today’s episode, you’ll hear Scott’s analysis of the song Glass Ceiling from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1, including the importance of being able to represent and perform a great melody on the electric bass. Shouldn’t everyone in the band get to play the melody?
In this episode

Scott breaks down his track Glass Ceiling.
Including his route into playing the melody.
His use of harmonics.
How to recreate his bass tone.
Where to find the FREE album eBook.
And much, much more!

115 - Secret goings on at SBL / Are Relics a CRIME? / Are PJ Pickups any good? / Scott's designing a BASS?! Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Many of us love old bass guitars because of the almost indefinable cool that comes with a vintage instrument. A bass that’s been artificially aged, however – the type we often call a relic – gives you the freedom to play, without the fear of damaging a vintage collectible. But a relic is not just about random scratches or dents. In today’s episode, we dig into the pros and cons of both.

In this episode

Keep up with all the latest news from SBL.
Why is Scott still searching for his sound?
A relic vs. A battle-worn P-Bass.
Where to find our latest FREE eBook.
And much, much more!

114 - SILENT DELINEATION / Scott's Album Breakdowns (Tone, Grooves, Solo's, Technique and More) Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Our next track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is a nod to the cyclic chord pattern of Giant Steps by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Luckily, you don't need to know a major third from an augmented ninth to dive into this track and jam it loud. We’ve created a free Ebook with all the TAB and notation!

In this episode

What makes this Scott’s favorite track on the album.
How he unlocked the perfect bass tone.
Where to find the FREE album eBook.
Scott’s formula to figure out time signatures.
And much, much more!

113 - Better than NAMM? / 59P's (worth it?) / Why all Jazz Basses AREN'T the same! Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

For gear-savvy musicians, California’s Winter NAMM Show is the biggest event of the year, but is it the best? So on to this episode, and having crossed the Atlantic earlier in the year Ian brings you his report from Guitar Summit 2023. This three day event is Europe’s biggest guitar show, and a true walhalla for any bass guitar lover. Now there’s a thought!
In this episode

Guitar Summit 2023 vs. The NAMM Show
How you can join our latest giveaway.
Vintage basses: worth the hype?
Are all Fender Jazz basses the same?
And much, much more!

112 - WIRED TELEMETRY / Scott's Album Breakdowns (Tone, Grooves, Solo's, Technique and More) Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Wired Telemetry is the second track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. It’s a classic fusion instrumental, which makes it a great vehicle for anyone looking to experiment with improvising. In this episode, you’ll hear Scott’s own analysis of the song, including his tips and tricks for you to experiment with while playing along.

Scott maps out the track Wired Telemetry.
Including the Brecker Brothers-inspired melody.
Where you can lean on a C minor pentatonic scale.
You’ll hear him pivot to a warmer bass tone.
And borrow a lick from Jaco Pastorius!
And much, much more!

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