Playing bass — and learning songs — is supposed to be fun
By Jon Liebman
June 19, 2025
What happens to you when you’re trying to follow along to a song you don’t really know?
You’re listening intently, hanging on for dear life, hoping against hope that the next note you hit will be the right one.
You know that feeling?
I remember it well. I wouldn’t want to go through it again. And I don’t want you to have to go through it either.
Fortunately, there’s an easier way. A better way than… just hoping.
I explain it all in this week’s video.
It’s a technique I’ve used to help thousands of people save face, build confidence, and make playing bass infinitely more fun.
Check it out, then leave a comment below with your takeaways. I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s play bass!
Jon
Online course: TOP 10 CHORD PROGRESSIONS EVERY BASS PLAYER MUST KNOW!
Get it here: https://forbassplayersonly.com/tcp
Great video. One never thinks about that this is in practically every song I play..From BB to Bland. ABBA to ZZ Topp..
Well said, John. Thanks!
The point about following along to a song you don’t know well is a good reminder of why ear training matters. One supporting method is to separate the song into stems and solo the bass, which makes busy low-end lines easier to transcribe than working from the full mix. Muting the bass instead lets you play along in its place.
Good points. Isn’t it amazing that we have all this technology today that just wasn’t available to us back in the day. Kids have it so easy these days! 😂 Thanks, Xiaolou.