How to get that deep, steady pocket in your own playingJon Liebman
November 27, 2025

Ever hear a bass line that feels so good you can’t help but move with it… even when it’s incredibly simple?

That was one of Duck Dunn’s superpowers — but it wasn’t his only one.

Sure, a lot of his lines were built on straightforward patterns that outlined the harmony and kept the groove steady. But other times, Duck would throw in just the right amount of movement, rhythm, and soulful R&B flavor to lift the whole song to another level. Not always simple, but always appropriate.

In this week’s Essence of Groove video, we take a look at how Duck created that feel, whether he was holding down a deep, steady pocket or adding a little extra motion to bring out the attitude of the tune. You’ll see how both approaches come from the same place: Making the notes feel good, and serving the song.

And the best part is, you can start experimenting with these ideas with your own bass lines right away.

Watch the video, then leave a comment below with your takeaways.
Let’s play bass! — Jon