Scotts Bass Lessons as a reference for more advanced players?

[DuluthDank]

I take one on one lessons, but I'm wondering about a yearly subscription, and having the site as a reference for when I want to change things up a bit. What gives me pause is that the website seems pretty generous about what it considers an advanced lesson. I was reading descriptions, and one such "advanced" lesson on jazz blues covers such topics as "the basic form of the 12 bar blues" and "how to use roman numerals to learn songs". It's also marketed for people who may not even be interested in jazz. That's all fine, but to me that looks like an intermediate class at best. Lots of the other advanced classes seem more miscellaneous in nature, but not really a comprehensive look at any advanced theoretical concepts. Some of them look like interviews rather than organized, planned out classes.

I will say that there is one advanced class on the modes that does look interesting, the harmonic layering and a few others show promise. I might be able to make it through a lot of that stuff within the money back window.

So, is there anyone else in a similar situation as me who has tried to maintain an SBL membership to use as a reference, and has it been worth it?

I see that if you sign up for yearly membership now, you are grandfathered into 50 dollars off per life...this has gotten me thinking.

 

[munkeyfish]

Even better, starting today, members can get a lifetime membership for 50% off the asking price when they offer in near the end of the year. $997 will be the lifetime. I just got mine for $497 today, that price is only avaible until next weekend, for now. They are offering it for the new players path they are rolling out that will suit you better. I haven't had a chance to dig in too deep, but what I have seen, it is a million times better that what they have been doing before. They still offer a 14 day free trial, not sure if the players path is offered there yet.
They are also going to be rolling out an all music notation version of the player path lessons vs. the tab version that just went live.
Now as far as to answer about if they have better advance lessons, I would have to say yes. But I can't confirm that for sure yet. But There is better content in there and more instruction based that before. Sorta trimmed the fat. The old content is there too. There is a lot of interviews/lessons there, but now more of what I what I would call instruction vs. sifting through a lot of other stuff. There is also the courses they always had broken down to beginner/intermediate/advanced. But the new system they are rolling out clearly gives a better path and gives you much more to sink your teeth in. Plus new stuff to come later in the year. It was enough to get me to buy in for life and I just paid for my 2nd year in mid-March. Those rascals.

 

[DuluthDank]

Even better, starting today, members can get a lifetime membership for 50% off the asking price when they offer in near the end of the year. $997 will be the lifetime. I just got mine for $497 today, that price is only avaible until next weekend, for now. They are offering it for the new players path they are rolling out that will suit you better. I haven't had a chance to dig in too deep, but what I have seen, it is a million times better that what they have been doing before. They still offer a 14 day free trial, not sure if the players path is offered there yet.
They are also going to be rolling out an all music notation version of the player path lessons vs. the tab version that just went live.
Now as far as to answer about if they have better advance lessons, I would have to say yes. But I can't confirm that for sure yet. But There is better content in there and more instruction based that before. Sorta trimmed the fat. The old content is there too. There is a lot of interviews/lessons there, but now more of what I what I would call instruction vs. sifting through a lot of other stuff. There is also the courses they always had broken down to beginner/intermediate/advanced. But the new system they are rolling out clearly gives a better path and gives you much more to sink your teeth in. Plus new stuff to come later in the year. It was enough to get me to buy in for life and I just paid for my 2nd year in mid-March. Those rascals.

Interesting, so the lifetime pass for 497 is on offer through next weekend? Maybe i should get going on a free trial to see if it's worth buying that before it expires.

 

[Malcolm35]

Going to be a lot more discounts offered as we progress with the shutdown. I let Google and the free stuff do it for me. Course I am a theory nerd so I already understood what music likes to do.

http://www.lifesmith.com/VHS Web/Music Theory - Basic Level.pdf

If we let it do what it likes to do good things happen.

 

[munkeyfish]

Interesting, so the lifetime pass for 497 is on offer through next weekend? Maybe i should get going on a free trial to see if it's worth buying that before it expires.

From the email sent today: Players Path in the SBL Membership is now live.

To celebrate, we’re doing something we’ve never done before: Link Removed, exclusive to our annual members.

 

[DarkStar90]

As far as I'm concerned, if you consider yourself an advanced player, you'll stop seeking instruction from just bassists. Scott's bass lessons doesn't really do that. Not in my findings. SBL seemed a place for fanboys rather than serious music study. Some of the interview lessons are fluffy and entertaining, but not worth much.

Learning technique comes from listening, lifting and emulating. Most of my basic technique came from practicing RHCP songs for a year when I was a beginner. No one taught me how to slap, I just copied what I heard Flea doing. I played his lines over and over until I could make them sound authentic as possible. I was 12 years old and figured how to listen and emulate. I find it funny that people will pay for content that tells them how to do this, as a 12 year old it was kind of a built in rule of music to emulate what you liked. Therefore, I believe anyone can. Another lesson here is, I was practicing what I loved to hear, not what someone was telling me to play, but I still managed to learn and eventually successfully audition for university. So, stop focusing on technique based courses, you really don't need them. You can watch your favourite artist on youtube play a concert, and copy what you see. You don't need to be spoonfed.

There are alot of fluffy courses. The theory courses are pretty good on SBL, but Jeff Berlin's Chord Tone book replaces Phil Mann's ten hour course on chord tones. But, any type of lesson that is technique centric, I tend to skip these days.

In my opinion, the entirety of SBL could be replaced by an intense and long theory course that teaches you how to understand the things you are playing from records. After you understand how music works and can apply theory to the bass, the rest is up to you. IMO. Lifetime subscription my butt. Lifetime holding a bass, more like it.

If you are insistent on video lesson content, Jeff Berlin and Joe Hubbard offer no bull bass lessons in my opinion.

 

[DuluthDank]

As far as I'm concerned, if you consider yourself an advanced player, you'll stop seeking instruction from just bassists. Scott's bass lessons doesn't really do that. Not in my findings. SBL seemed a place for fanboys rather than serious music study. Some of the interview lessons are fluffy and entertaining, but not worth much.

Learning technique comes from listening, lifting and emulating. Most of my basic technique came from practicing RHCP songs for a year when I was a beginner. No one taught me how to slap, I just copied what I heard Flea doing. I played his lines over and over until I could make them sound authentic as possible. I was 12 years old and figured how to listen and emulate. I find it funny that people will pay for content that tells them how to do this, as a 12 year old it was kind of a built in rule of music to emulate what you liked. Therefore, I believe anyone can. Another lesson here is, I was practicing what I loved to hear, not what someone was telling me to play, but I still managed to learn and eventually successfully audition for university. So, stop focusing on technique based courses, you really don't need them. You can watch your favourite artist on youtube play a concert, and copy what you see. You don't need to be spoonfed.

There are alot of fluffy courses. The theory courses are pretty good on SBL, but Jeff Berlin's Chord Tone book replaces Phil Mann's ten hour course on chord tones. But, any type of lesson that is technique centric, I tend to skip these days.

In my opinion, the entirety of SBL could be replaced by an intense and long theory course that teaches you how to understand the things you are playing from records. After you understand how music works and can apply theory to the bass, the rest is up to you. IMO. Lifetime subscription my butt. Lifetime holding a bass, more like it.

If you are insistent on video lesson content, Jeff Berlin and Joe Hubbard offer no bull bass lessons in my opinion.

I am a couple days into the free trial, and I agree with everything you said. I was hoping to use it as a supplement to my in person lessons (I study with a disciple of Joe Hubbard, actually), but I don't even think it's worth the effort and time it would take, picking through that bloated site for useful info. Like you said, most of it is technical, stylistic, and unnecessary. And the most useful theory stuff is better presented elsewhere without all the marketing and fluff. Scott really does seem like a cool dude in his videos though, so I guess there's that...

 

[DarkStar90]

I am a couple days into the free trial, and I agree with everything you said. I was hoping to use it as a supplement to my in person lessons (I study with a disciple of Joe Hubbard, actually), but I don't even think it's worth the effort and time it would take, picking through that bloated site for useful info. Like you said, most of it is technical, stylistic, and unnecessary. And the most useful theory stuff is better presented elsewhere without all the marketing and fluff. Scott really does seem like a cool dude in his videos though, so I guess there's that...

From what I can tell from the videos, all the people involved at SBL are cool people. Nothing is wrong with the content, you just don't need it. Its marketing.

Anytime I read or hear "new lessons" or "updated curriculum" or whatever, all I think is: What NEW lessons? Anything that is new is likely a style or technique based on the presenter. But theres still only twelve notes and the same western theory to analyze it. What you should be looking for is a system whereby you gain more knowledge on harmonic and rhythmic concepts. Then apply them to the bass and write a short tune out of what you've learned. If you aren't going to use it then why learn it? Stop thinking bass, and think music. Bass lessons are for beginners, music lessons are for lifetime students.

 

[Minus]

I joined SBL for the reason you note, more advanced study/resources, however I really haven't used it much and plan to cancel when renewal comes around. I have a lifetime membership with Joe Hubbard which I've found to be a much better fit for me personally. Joe is no hype straight to the point jumping right into the lesson material and I always leave each lesson knowing exactly what to practice.

There are some great instructors with SBL, and I've enjoyed watching some of the seminars, however I struggle with a little from each player rather then a program of musical content from one instructor that keeps progressing in the study of jazz and improvisation.

I think SBL is a wonderful site, it just didn't really click with me personally as Joe's site and programs did.

 

[DuluthDank]

I joined SBL for the reason you note, more advanced study/resources, however I really haven't used it much and plan to cancel when renewal comes around. I have a lifetime membership with Joe Hubbard which I've found to be a much better fit for me personally. Joe is no hype straight to the point jumping right into the lesson material and I always leave each lesson knowing exactly what to practice.

There are some great instructors with SBL, and I've enjoyed watching some of the seminars, however I struggle with a little from each player rather then a program of musical content from one instructor that keeps progressing in the study of jazz and improvisation.

I think SBL is a wonderful site, it just didn't really click with me personally as Joe's site and programs did.

how expansive is Joe Hubbard's site? I know he has three class levels (beginning bass, the two year class, and the ii V I class). what other sorts of content is there? debating trying out a month to see how I like it. Maybe it can be for me what I'd hoped SBL would be.

 

[Minus]

Joe's site has the Bassment (2yr program) and the Lesson Lounge (collection of lessons categorized by topic). You can get one or both depending on which level you choose. The Lesson Lounge lessons are always available to access. The two year program is sent weekly, drip fed.

I am currently in the II-V-I program which is a separate course all together. All lessons for it are available all at once once you purchase the course. I have not been through the beginner program so can't comment on it.

For the Lesson Lounge there are courses and master type classes where a person can get a lot of mileage out of them by working the concepts out on standards.

The II-V-I program builds on the concepts from the 2yr program, chord tones, approach notes, superimposition, scale passing tones, etc.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.

 

[Minus]

how expansive is Joe Hubbard's site? I know he has three class levels (beginning bass, the two year class, and the ii V I class). what other sorts of content is there? debating trying out a month to see how I like it. Maybe it can be for me what I'd hoped SBL would be.

One thing you might consider if you want a taste of Joe's teaching and something to keep you busy for a while.

Go to his web site Joehubbardbass.com then click to his YouTube store and purchase "4 note melodic cells" and/or "Insane Triad pairs". These are little master classes that will give you a good bit of work and will be very representative of what his other web courses will be like. They only cost somewhere around $10-15.

 

[DuluthDank]

One thing you might consider if you want a taste of Joe's teaching and something to keep you busy for a while.

Go to his web site Joehubbardbass.com then click to his YouTube store and purchase "4 note melodic cells" and/or "Insane Triad pairs". These are little master classes that will give you a good bit of work and will be very representative of what his other web courses will be like. They only cost somewhere around $10-15.

I checked it out like you suggested, and that is some great material. I recognize many of the concepts from my teacher, who is a student of Joe's, however the specifics of the exercises are new to me. Now I'm wondering how to juggle keeping my in person lessons going (having that feedback is important IMO), and also using Hubbard's site. Is everything in the two year course more or less found in the lesson lounge? I think much of the year one stuff would be review for me, so I'm wondering if its worth the structured course. Year two looks mostly new to me, though.

 

[MrLenny1]

I did a one year script with SBL. I am mostly self taught and have been
gigging for quite a few years. Concentrated on a few points
and got a lot out of it. Chord tones,knowing the neck in linear fashion.
Also like Lick of the day for ideas and Scott's explanation on it.
One on one lessons is still very beneficial. I try to find a teacher every few years
and always learn a lot.

 

[DuluthDank]

As far as I'm concerned, if you consider yourself an advanced player, you'll stop seeking instruction from just bassists. Scott's bass lessons doesn't really do that. Not in my findings. SBL seemed a place for fanboys rather than serious music study. Some of the interview lessons are fluffy and entertaining, but not worth much.

Learning technique comes from listening, lifting and emulating. Most of my basic technique came from practicing RHCP songs for a year when I was a beginner. No one taught me how to slap, I just copied what I heard Flea doing. I played his lines over and over until I could make them sound authentic as possible. I was 12 years old and figured how to listen and emulate. I find it funny that people will pay for content that tells them how to do this, as a 12 year old it was kind of a built in rule of music to emulate what you liked. Therefore, I believe anyone can. Another lesson here is, I was practicing what I loved to hear, not what someone was telling me to play, but I still managed to learn and eventually successfully audition for university. So, stop focusing on technique based courses, you really don't need them. You can watch your favourite artist on youtube play a concert, and copy what you see. You don't need to be spoonfed.

There are alot of fluffy courses. The theory courses are pretty good on SBL, but Jeff Berlin's Chord Tone book replaces Phil Mann's ten hour course on chord tones. But, any type of lesson that is technique centric, I tend to skip these days.

In my opinion, the entirety of SBL could be replaced by an intense and long theory course that teaches you how to understand the things you are playing from records. After you understand how music works and can apply theory to the bass, the rest is up to you. IMO. Lifetime subscription my butt. Lifetime holding a bass, more like it.

If you are insistent on video lesson content, Jeff Berlin and Joe Hubbard offer no bull bass lessons in my opinion.

What is the extend of your experience with Joe Hubbard? I'm giving his stuff a serious look now.

 

[DarkStar90]

What is the extend of your experience with Joe Hubbard? I'm giving his stuff a serious look now.

I've bought a couple of his books. The chord tone mastery is pretty cool. I just think he's teaching the stuff you need to know in the jazz idiom. He's an experienced guy (he taught Pino, and Paul Turner). Even his free content is solid stuff. He's teaching you method and application. The goal is freedom, not dependance on reference material.

If you want a good chord tone book though, check the Jeff Berlin Chord Tone System for Bass. Its simple, and no nonsense. It has all the fingering of arpeggios and inversions for common chord qualities. Then it has a couple etude solos built only on chord tones.

The Janek Gwizdala books are alright as well. He has good sales often, so I'd buy them then.

A great book on Walking Bass lines is the Jazz Bass Line Book by Mike Downes. It explains it all. He also compares transcriptions of basslines on the same tune by different players, side by side.

 

[Minus]

I checked it out like you suggested, and that is some great material. I recognize many of the concepts from my teacher, who is a student of Joe's, however the specifics of the exercises are new to me. Now I'm wondering how to juggle keeping my in person lessons going (having that feedback is important IMO), and also using Hubbard's site. Is everything in the two year course more or less found in the lesson lounge? I think much of the year one stuff would be review for me, so I'm wondering if its worth the structured course. Year two looks mostly new to me, though.

No, the lesson lounge is kind a collection of lessons similar to the ones I suggested on his YouTube site. There is a syllabus on his website for the two year program that might help. Year 2 is very heavy with chord tone approach notes and chord superimposition. The whole two year program is really centered around taking the major chord types and hitting them and the extensions from different angles. There is most always a line study with every lesson.

I have a Skype instructor, but use Joe's material to supplement as I really like both of their approaches and the feedback I get from my Skype instructor.

 

[DuluthDank]

One thing you might consider if you want a taste of Joe's teaching and something to keep you busy for a while.

Go to his web site Joehubbardbass.com then click to his YouTube store and purchase "4 note melodic cells" and/or "Insane Triad pairs". These are little master classes that will give you a good bit of work and will be very representative of what his other web courses will be like. They only cost somewhere around $10-15.

I did what you suggested, enjoyed the YouTube content, and am now a lifetime member with Joe Hubbard. I'm a player who likes to study jazz as a way of informing how I approach all the styles I play, so his teaching style is pretty much perfect. Thanks for the advice!

 

[BrotherMister]

I took the free trail and I will say they have taken some liberties in what they deem to be advanced stuff.

For what it’s worth Phill Mann and Rufus Philpot are by far the best educators on the site so I can’t recommend that stuff enough.