Awesome YouTube Bass Channels for Musical Inspiration

I've learned everything I know about playing bass from YouTube.

From technical exercises to soloing and improvisation, this platform has allowed the best bass guitar communities to share and exchange musical knowledge, thus making YouTube the ultimate haven for bass players of all persuasions and skill levels.

In this article I'll share my favorite bass YouTube channels and videos that I most frequently use for reference, in hopes that they will inspire you as well.

This German-based channel highlights bassists from all over the globe.

They feature a wide variety of musicians with different styles and playing techniques. Regardless of what you're looking for - acid jazz, hard core metal, a loop station solo or some double bass action - they've got a little bit of everything

They also upload videos for gear savvy bassists, reviewing amps, basses, pedals and more.

Exposure to the less mainstream (but still insanely talented) players is balanced with features from bass giants such as Victor Wooten, Michael League and YouTube’s very own David Caraccio.

BassTheWorld.com brings some of the most talented and original artists together in one channel, creating a great source of inspiration for beginner and experienced bass players alike.

Summary:

• Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/basstheworldbyvideo
• Focus: Artist features, bass solos and reviews
• Suitable for: Musician discovery, inspiration, talent scouting, collaboration
• Notable video: GOT BASS CHOPS!?

Also from Germany (why are all the good bass players from Germany?), Tommy Lee Depp is a young musician that has a passion for creating bass arrangements and beautiful videography.

He has an ear for reinterpreting songs in a bass-friendly flavor.

He's also what I'll call an excellent "bass multi-tasker," able to juggle multiple melodies at once.

I always seem to learn something new while watching him play.

Summary:

• Channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TommyLeeDepp
• Focus: Originals, bass arrangements, beautiful videography
• Suitable for: Bass cover browsing, inspiration and videography case studies
• Notable video: Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne – Rather Be (Bass Arrangement)
  

I was made aware of this particular musician via BassTheWorld.com, which features a solo of him playing one of his original songs "Can’t Stop Running."

In his self-named channel he showcases more of his original music and bass arrangements, incorporating percussion, vocals and plenty of soulful groove into his pieces.

Adam sheds light on a frequently overlooked instrument, the double bass, and shows that it isn’t an instrument limited to orchestras and jazz bands. Rather, he shows that it's a perfect platform for soloing and complex musical expression.

Summary:

• Channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/adambenezra
• Focus: Double bass originals and arrangements
• Suitable for: Double bass fans, bass cover browsing
• Notable video: Can’t Stop Running – Percuessive Double Bass Solo

This YouTube veteran has been uploading videos for nine years.

His covers and originals have just gotten better and better throughout the years, gradually incorporating more of his own fills, flair and funkiness.

He manages to include a wide variety of bass technique into each cover, transforming a regular bass line into something completely his own

With an extensive collection of covers, particularly of RHCP, his channel is a bustling hub for finding exciting new tunes.

His covers were some of the very first bass-related videos I watched on Youtube when I had just started learning the bass guitar. By following his progress, as well as seeing his growth throughout the years, it has motivated me to become a better bassist.

Summary:

• Channel link: David Caraccio
• Focus: Bass covers and originals
• Suitable for: Those seeking ideas for bass covers and fresh, funky music
• Notable video: Jamiroquai - Emergency on Planet Earth

All his uploads are tabulated play-along videos, perfect for beginner bassists who have not yet gotten the hang of solely relying on their listening to figure out bass lines.

As a frequent uploader, posting videos at least once a week, his covers include recent hits, TV theme songs, older classics and much more.

Best of all, he takes cover requests from viewers!

Particularly if you use the slow down function on YouTube, his videos are the ideal learning tool for beginner bassists.

Summary:

• Channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/CoverSolutions
• Focus: Bass covers and tabs
• Useful for: Learning cover songs
• Notable video: 50 bass Intros (One Take Medley) (Play Along Tabs In Video)

Arguably the wackiest bassist on YouTube, Davie504 is an Italy-based musician that never fails to entertain and impress.

Although he uploads some of the craziest videos (see: bass on bass), his quality never falters. His original songs cover a myriad of different genres and playing styles, with a deep rooted hint of funk incorporated into nearly all his music.

He also encourages subscribers to send him increasingly ludicrous challenges, so be sure to leave a “that’s great, but can you…." comment on his next video, followed by an outlandish video idea.

Summary:

• Channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/Davie504
• Focus: Short bass originals, crazy and comical bass challenges
• Suitable for: Those looking for weird and wacky, yet tasteful bass videos
• Notable videos: BASS MEETS BASS, 30 WAYS TO PLAY A BASS

If you search ‘bass lesson’ on YouTube, the search results are flooded with Scott Devine’s content, and for a good reason.

His channel dominates the genre of bass tutorials, with educational videos on everything including bass theory, technique and practical tips for playing live.

He places a huge emphasis on creating a good musical foundation and understanding the music before diving into improvising, thus his videos can sometimes be longer, though all the more rewarding.

He also has his own website where you can get exclusive content (for a price) and free backing tracks.

Summary:

• Channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/devinebass
• Focus: Educational content, technique, exercises
• Suitable for: Educational pursuits, those who desire to expand their knowledge and understanding of bass and music in general
• Notable video: How to get those 'SEXY' notes - Using Simple Shapes! Bass Lesson with Scott Devine (L#71)

I get goosebumps every time I watch a video from this brilliant bassist.

His channel features an array of bass arrangements, always with an equally captivating vocal accompaniment. By playing the entire instrumental component of popular songs on just a bass guitar, Andres aptly demonstrates how the bass can handle both melody and a foundational chord progression.

I can’t quite describe the magic that happens in his videos so you’ll just have to go watch them yourself.

Be prepared to be blown away and inspired!

Summary:

• Channel link: https://www.youtube.com/user/andresrot
• Focus: Bass arrangements with vocals
• Suitable for: Inspiration, vocal enthusiasts, cover browsing
• Notable video: Man in the Mirror (voice and bass duo)

Individual Videos

Obviously there are some hidden bass gems lurking around YouTube that you may not find on an established channel.

Here are a few "standalone" videos I'd recommend in addition to the channels already highlighted.

Six Individual Videos Worth Checking Out

• "Get Lucky" by Jim Bennett
• "Thinking out Loud" (Ed Sheeran Cover) by Miki Santamaria
• "Collectivecadenza" by Story of the Bass
• "Bass Sounds" by Bart Soeters
• "Bassbassbass" by Sleep Melody Sleep
• "Mellow Jazzy Fusion Bass Solo" by Ijazzmunki

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