3 things every bass player must do

Jon Liebman
January 5, 2026

One of the less talked about qualities of a good bass player is the ability to make everyone else feel comfortable.

When that happens, the music settles in. When it doesn’t, the groove always feels a little uneasy — even if the notes are “right.”

In this week’s Essence of Groove video, I focus on what actually gives a bass line that solid, grounded feeling. It’s not complexity and it’s not clever note choices. It’s the ability to be counted on — over and over again — without drawing attention to yourself.

I’ll show you a few musical ideas in different contexts — not necessarily to emphasize the variety, but to underscore one important point: while the feel can change, the role of the bass does not.

Here’s the takeaway everything points to:

The bass builds trust by being predictable.

This isn’t about repetition for repetition’s sake. It’s about consistency, commitment, and playing in a way that lets the band feel secure in knowing exactly where you are. That’s what turns a simple bass line into a real foundation.

In this video, I break down three specific things every bass player must do in order to earn the band’s trust.

If you’re newer to the bass, this is permission to stop searching for more notes and start focusing on what really matters.

If you’ve been playing a while, it explains why some grooves feel effortless — and others never quite lock in.

Watch the video, then try applying this mindset to a simple line you already play. Make it dependable. Let it do its job. Notice how everything around it feels better.

Leave a comment below and share your experience. I want to hear from you.

Let’s play bass!

— Jon