@AFABIANO1 There ist no such thing as the "best" bass player, music isn't sport.
Ask Steve Harris to play Coltrane changes or put a chord sheet in front of him and ask him to play a half-time 16th shuffle walking line, then you'll see how "best" he is.
I check back here periodically to laugh at people who rip on Jeff Berlin. Take a seat and show some respect, people. The people you are all naming would cite Jeff Berlin as a phenomenal bassist and a pioneer in the field.
The negative ignorant comments here are typical of youtube and the internet in general. I would like to hear what YOU can do on a musical instrument. The internet has become what one person described ,a "giant bathroom stall wall" where anyone can post their ignorant comments anonymously. As far as the critique of Jeff and his tone or whatever problem you have with it-How about just saying you dont care for it.Jeff is a genius and just stick to what you like and/or know.
wow best bassist on the planet? not really, his bass tone is really not that good. that custom expensive bass doesnt do his playing good. les claypool is a trilion times better, he actually has a tone and sound and can right good riffs and solos. not this guy
@DeFFMaN98 Hum actually this is the most transparent bass I've heard on earth, it sounds the same plugged and unplugged , the difference is just a matter of amplification, few people nowadays know how to make a passive bass sound good . When I switched from active to passive it was as if I was learning another instrument ,'cause the way you pluck the strings with your right hand and the way you position your fingers with the left can make a huge difference as in tone. Jeff can do that ;)
In the ears of a listener, good tone has more to do with taste, not skill. I like his tone. Everyone nowadays use active pickups, so its nice to hear that passive sound. And as for being expensive, you can order his model on amazon for less than $500. If we're talkin about who has 'better' solos, then Les has nothing on Berlin. This vid does not do him justice so check out his solos in 'bach' 'joe frazier' 'tears in heaven' '20,000 prayers'. His finger work is untouchable.
@DeFFMaN98 people always have different tones, the use the tones they want to use and the tones that they like better. les claypool likes his tone and this guy likes his tone. tone has nothing to do dumb fuck
@AB2011bassplayer No it doesn't , it's just a flat setting , pure transparency , when the man plays live the bass sounds just awesome. But his tone is in his fingers, and those bartolini pu's sound quite "transparent", it can be a wide disapointment when you're used with active bass or less transparent pu's like MEC's etc..
TBH, this is kinda shitty. It seems average as hell. Calling you the greatest bass player on the planet is a huge joke. Try to respect the people with real talent.
@six2112 They're both Douscebags. And two of the greatest living bassplayers.  Considering how many moderately talented douscebags there are, I'll take it.
@blueshound007 Ask Billy Sheehan what he thinks about Jeff. Did you see the BX3 tour 4 years ago? Stu Hamm,Billy Sheehan and Jeff Berlin together with a drummer and guitarist.3 hour show.They all started with the Star Spangled banner .Then each guy did their own thing for 45 minutes or more with the drummer and guitarist and then they all played together. Billy Sheehan is by far my least favorite of the 3 but I'm not going to cut anyone down.Great show it was.
@TribalBass1138 clarification if needed .Notice I said "least favorite" not "not any good" or "not better than".For some people Billy Sheehan is one of their favorites. For me,Jeff Berlin is one of my favorites.
ZappaFan101 why does everyone see him as a god? Hey.. It's all a matter of opinion! hah. Average joes can run around les? What the hell are you talking about? If that were true, there would be other bands(or solo bassist) that sound like Primus(or just claypool).. but.. they dont exist. Claypool's sound, presence, and voice.. are all one of a kind, and it's perfected... Rush is fucking amazing!... but it's not the same you've heard rock. Primus.. is like if Rush fucked Zappa and they had a baby.
I always though Victor was know as the "bass god". You're right, its opinion and thats all that matters. I was speaking from a musicial perspective. Musically, I havent heard many that can top him. His knowledge of music and being able to phrase lines like he does is amazing. Check his other videos, I havent heard many people that can come up with jazz lines like that. His linear style is something I've never heard before. Plus, he's got a bitchin' school. But Les is very good.
@pschierhorn Oh he talks about other bass players? well next time someone smooches him the sloppy mistakes on the end of this video on his face when he does..
I don't know if whether he still does that, but there was a time where he would, ine EVERY interview, drone on about how all other bass players suck and don't know how to play their instruments and how all bass teachers are doing it wrong and fucking their students up.
@pschierhorn --I have been following Jeff for a long time and I never ever recall him saying "how all other bass players suck". That's you imagination talking. I have heard him speak at odds with the "conventional wisdom" of some accepted teaching practices. I think he's a brilliant musician, seems to me like a nice guy and his music school is one of the first places if not the very first where I would choose to study if I had the available time(what's that? I need a 48 hour day LOL)
Well, it's not my imagination talking, he used to be a regular contributor to the German bass zine "BAss Professor," and he ripped on quite a few people there. Maybe they spiced it up a bit (from experience, I know I shouldn't take everything written in an "interview" seriously), but he was quite harsh, especially when it came to teaching.
Seriously, only the blind and deaf or the stubbornly biased can watch Joe Pass and NHOP here yI-1sq5dFD4 and still insist that some young'n like GDF or Wooten or whatever is the "best" or "greatest". I'm a big fan of improvised music. Unless Art Tatum also played the double bass, I'd be hard pressed to not name NHOP as among the top tier of bass heros deserving of the highest admiration and respect.
@lisahayes3 Everybody is great in their own style and form of musical expression. Music is not a contest and it is not limited to performance technique per se. And even if someone wanted to compare the technical mastery and musical beauty of any two musicians..."I am always on your side even when we compete" - as Victor Wooten would say)))) Peace!!!
You might be preaching to the choir for not having read any of my other comments in this thread. Your response might be better directed at GDF apologists who hold to a conviction which view opposes your own.
Well, he is obviously technically supreme, but in my opinion bass is still meant to be supporting other instruments together with drums to add groove to music. If you want to be a soloist, play guitar.
@xylfox Dude, there aren't too many guitarists who can play like that on bass or guitar. You you can say that about some shredder, but in this case, got the wrong guy. Jeff can also lay down a monstrous groove. Open your ears.
Just because a bassist moves his hands quickly on the neck or plays chords doesn't mean he is a frustrated guitarist. Don't assume because you think guitarists playing arpeggios as fast as they can is cool that all bassists are just low-quality guitarists or trying to be like you - we're not.
Jeff's ability to articulate spontenously composed thematic lines over harmonic progressions (that is to say improvising over changes) is magical. He reveals a deep harmonic vocabulary in what he does, but not just in a way that is simply dense but more importantly thematically developing (similar to what goes on in a sonata form in classical). His chordal work is outstanding. Not the only one to play chords on bass, yet he does it on a 4-string using voicings that make notes clear & not muddy.
I can't tell whether folks are being facetious or ignorant w/their comments. Look, if you know Jeff Berlin, he distinguishes himself as being "note oriented" as opposed to "percussive". Learn to pick up context pleez. One's ability to play difficult music can indicate his virtuosity. You guys really haven't known difficult music until you play the woodwind parts of the Rite Of Spring or like pieces. But that's not the point. Jeff is not about playing what is difficult but what is musical.
His approach to the instrument is also very interesting. In addition to providing the roots in harmonic functions and grooves that identify particular styles, his sense of creativity leads him to play the electric bass as a kind of baritone guitar. Listen to how he voices his lines and chords. He even uses a chorus/rotary modulation effect. He crosses guitar and organ voices in the way he plays the bass. Like it or not, I've not really heard anyone do this and I like it.
Jeff is a tremendous asset where you need a bass player who can play at sight some pretty challenging material w/minimal preparation and who is also an excellent improviser who can hear and play just about anything conceived. Here, you get a virtuoso of this caliber who is matched only by a handful in the contemporary music industry and maybe some in classical whose musical education/experience is very well-rounded. But Jeff brings brilliant showmanship in addition to virtuoso musicianship.
The best/greatest bass player of 'em all is [insert your own personal favorite here]. There's no need to get serious on semantics where words are equivocal & different people imbue different meanings to them & our personal values dictate what we defend so that the words aren't used in absolute terms. If asked to name the best, I would simply go by my limited knowledge of who I know moves me: Jeff, NHOP, Edgar Meyer, Brian Bromberg, Alain Caron, Anthony Jackson, Scott Lafaro, the list grows.
I think he plays very good. thumbs up! I know fo a guitar player that derves more recognition .PLEASE go to my favs and click on SUBURBAN GUY ROCKIN OUT
he really feels what he plays, and has alot of SOUL. The other 2 favs are him also ARIEL (awesome shredding) and ARIEL SIMANTOV (awesome sweeping) pls view comment and rate them as we think he deserves recogntiion .thanks everyone!
I'm just now watching this dude because I was watching Gustavo Dal Ferra and this was a related video... First off, I wouldn't go as far as to say best bassist on the planet... I think Gustavo achieved that already... And this guy doesn't seem very modest. Good at bass, sure. His personality is kind of a turn off though, I'm afraid.
Jeff Berlin is a monster on bass. I've never heard a bassist that can play like this. And you know what? I've got transcriptions from Berlin and Wooten. I gotta tell you, than learning jeff's stuff is alot harder. Yeah.... I said it.
I ched him out because he was a influence to billy sheehan,man ! another monster player,you see where he got alot of his stuff.It is awesome to see people at his age still have the fire and passion for playing.
he definnetally has amazing talent, im a musician and can reconize it but i play death metal.he good but ive seen better EX:Alex Webster the bassist of cannibal corpse
He's playing more jazz in recent years and less rock or fusion if you absolutely have to label what he's doing. I have all his cds and they're all outstanding. The most recent one is "High Standards" .Check it out if you get a chance
He's playing more jazz in recent years and less rock or fusion if you absolutely have to label what he's doing. I have all his cds and they're all outstanding. The most recent one is "High Standards" .Check it out if you get a chance
I wont argue with anyones opinion because that goes nowhere. But if we are speaking in terms of musical concepts & abilities, Jeff is one of the best. Les Claypool is a great rock bassist, but it doesnt go much beyond that. I don't see why everyone thinks he's a god, when alot of his stuff is just slapping/strumming a few riffs in a song. Do some searching here - a lot of regular joes can runs circles around him. Berlin is a great soloist. Jaco himself even said he was a better soloist than him.
There's so much more to music than impeccable technique. I'd still take Brian Bromberg any time for chops, creativity, musicality, and double bass/electric bass versatility. But getting Brian or Jeff would probably be far more expensive. So where money is an issue, sure I'd hire GDF.
Does a price tag necessarily indicate better ability though? After reading your comment again I suppose that is not exactly what you are saying- I see your point, but do you really feel like Bromberg's or Berlin's timing and rhythm are standing out that much further than Dal Farra? I'd ask you to check again and compare a few other selections....I just don't see it. JMO though, cheers.
My preference for either Bromberg or Berlin here has nothing to do w/the degree of precision in technical executions of the music that they play. My guys for that are Edgar Meyer & NHOP (RIP). I'm more interested in the quality & content of their musical expression. At their levels of musicianship, it's hardly worth comparing/contrasting their abilities as though it were some sporting event. Purely in terms of aesthetics, I love how Jeff & Brian plays, & would hire them on that basis.
I prefer contrabass players anyway. Give me Edgar Meyer, NHOP, Ron Carter, Gary Peacock, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Eddie Gomez, Miroslav Vitous, Christian McBride, Brian Bromberg, John Patitucci, Avishai Cohen, Stanley Clarke any day. Before I can get into Dal Farra, he has make an impact upon me as had Jaco, Jeff Berlin, Alain Caron w/their music. As great as Dal Farra is, I see players of that pedigree too often at music schools. His music falls short of the depth & impact I look for.
Oh I remember that it was 2 years after before I found out. I was pretty bummed. Are you sure you checked wiki? It's reading April 19 2005, as of this moment at least.
Now the Venezuelan import that I like and so jealously admire whose first name is also Gustavo has a surname of Dudamel. It's THIS dude who's exciting to watch perform and lead an ensemble of virtuoso musicians!
@SirKickz ... and everyone is of course entitled to their opinion, and some don't share ours, but the proof is in the pudding- when it comes to raw ability, GDF is just better from what we can SEE. When that many harmonics and undertones are audible in only a small selection of music, it's pretty much just stating the facts; Berlin and many other 'best in the world' bassists are excellent, but far from that perfected level of capability that only comes with non-stop practice and dedication.
And don't get me wrong, the fact this guy seems like he has an ego the size of jupiter makes me really want to believe that GDF is much better, just to bring him down a notch. It annoys me a lot when musicians get full of themselves.
But GDF's groove in Rushed Love has yet to topped by any bassist that I've witnessed.
Tha'ts the way. Prop up one guy cuz the other's Jupiterian ego sucks. I don't know how you'd take self-assurance in one's ability for narcissism. Jeff is reputed to be one of the most disciplined players around & his music didactics reflect that. Since we're engaging in bass sports, you've found nothing in Adam Nitti's or Victor Wooten's catalog of comparable value? Steve Bailey doesn't impress w/his intonation on a fretless? And Gary Willis for modal proficiency? Being a fan clouds the lenses.
Yes, he's awesome. very good at playing stuff that sounds very good and whatnot. But not completely appealing to me. Les Claypool and Primus win my heart though because they just completely suck and Les and Ler are badasses
some of the things really good bass players play make me think they should have played a regular six string guitar. such complex bass lines just blow my mind
maybe the faster, BUT NEVER the greatest bass player, what he did just sucked, like someone said before, "bass is a rhythm instrument! You need groove, solidarity and finesse!"
I've given up on the world.... Bass shredding?! The bass is a rhythm instrument! You need groove, solidarity and finesse! Btw Jeff Berlin is king your all shit, this aint his best vid
i am a bass player, and i admire jeff berlin, his work with alan holdsworth is out of this planet, i personaly dont like groove rythmic shit, i dont like the bass as a rythm instrument, i love to shred the shit out of it, or do piano sutff, but jeffï
All I Can Say Is...WOW!
johnnyrockittunes 3 weeks ago
@AFABIANO1 There ist no such thing as the "best" bass player, music isn't sport.
Ask Steve Harris to play Coltrane changes or put a chord sheet in front of him and ask him to play a half-time 16th shuffle walking line, then you'll see how "best" he is.
Tigelinus 2 months ago
steve harris is the best.
AFABIANO1 3 months ago in playlist Cool BASS player
I check back here periodically to laugh at people who rip on Jeff Berlin. Take a seat and show some respect, people. The people you are all naming would cite Jeff Berlin as a phenomenal bassist and a pioneer in the field.
SHARPsUnite 3 months ago
FLEA IS THE BEST
mygurlbey 3 months ago
Amazing bass player, but God he has an annoying voice!
SuperNoahZark 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The negative ignorant comments here are typical of youtube and the internet in general. I would like to hear what YOU can do on a musical instrument. The internet has become what one person described ,a "giant bathroom stall wall" where anyone can post their ignorant comments anonymously. As far as the critique of Jeff and his tone or whatever problem you have with it-How about just saying you dont care for it.Jeff is a genius and just stick to what you like and/or know.
TribalBass1138 11 months ago
wow best bassist on the planet? not really, his bass tone is really not that good. that custom expensive bass doesnt do his playing good. les claypool is a trilion times better, he actually has a tone and sound and can right good riffs and solos. not this guy
DeFFMaN98 11 months ago
@DeFFMaN98 Hum actually this is the most transparent bass I've heard on earth, it sounds the same plugged and unplugged , the difference is just a matter of amplification, few people nowadays know how to make a passive bass sound good . When I switched from active to passive it was as if I was learning another instrument ,'cause the way you pluck the strings with your right hand and the way you position your fingers with the left can make a huge difference as in tone. Jeff can do that ;)
Ezek1234 9 months ago
@DeFFMaN98
In the ears of a listener, good tone has more to do with taste, not skill. I like his tone. Everyone nowadays use active pickups, so its nice to hear that passive sound. And as for being expensive, you can order his model on amazon for less than $500. If we're talkin about who has 'better' solos, then Les has nothing on Berlin. This vid does not do him justice so check out his solos in 'bach' 'joe frazier' 'tears in heaven' '20,000 prayers'. His finger work is untouchable.
ZappaFan101 7 months ago
@ZappaFan101 "les claypool is a trilion times better,....." , lol, is this guy serious?
>> His finger work is untouchable. Amen.
I just posted a video of me playing (attempting) the Joe Frazier solo.
What the hell is Jeff''s fingers made of?
He plays some very "uncomfortable fingering" on the bass.
I'm almost ready to post "Dixie", which was hard, but not like his solos.
He is one of the few bass players that can play exciting solos.
SteveHoweJeffBerlin 5 months ago
@DeFFMaN98 people always have different tones, the use the tones they want to use and the tones that they like better. les claypool likes his tone and this guy likes his tone. tone has nothing to do dumb fuck
frank12364 4 months ago
that guy doesn't need a custom 6000$ bass to be good.
give him an ironing board and a toothbrush, and he will rock.
DallasGreen123 11 months ago
gustavo dal farra. enough said
Maustyk527 11 months ago
i forget say that the bass sounds like shit!
AB2011bassplayer 11 months ago
@AB2011bassplayer No it doesn't , it's just a flat setting , pure transparency , when the man plays live the bass sounds just awesome. But his tone is in his fingers, and those bartolini pu's sound quite "transparent", it can be a wide disapointment when you're used with active bass or less transparent pu's like MEC's etc..
Ezek1234 9 months ago
this man is amazing but... jaco pastorius, marcus miller, pepe bao and more profesional bassist are much better!  you rocks jeff berlin!
AB2011bassplayer 11 months ago
Crappy tone, man.
TBH, this is kinda shitty. It seems average as hell. Calling you the greatest bass player on the planet is a huge joke. Try to respect the people with real talent.
goldenaxel321 11 months ago
Not sure how I feel about his tone here.
Guitbox24 11 months ago
Comment removed
197811197811 11 months ago
he should get a tuned down guitar, lol
MRX123MRX 11 months ago
murderface can play with his dick
jerryonly4ever 11 months ago 2
Nope. Jaco was the best, all others must follow.
Jaco could play this with his ass cheeks.
I saw him do it.
dlechler1 11 months ago
Les Claypool is better than this fucking wingnut
allyn7700 11 months ago
wtf ? GEEZER BUTLER FTW !
daRkmaTT3rSubSpac3 11 months ago
nice
loic97470 11 months ago
the worst bass tone ever' just go buy a guitar
zoomcat818 11 months ago 2
Certainly not the greatest, but a great one nonetheless
Ikarus568 11 months ago 3
a BMW on bass, there are Ferrari, Porsche, Lambo, Zonda, Maclaren,
Aston, Mecedes.......in the market.
spider5604 11 months ago
Gustavo Dal Farra and Victor Wooten
kay4x4 11 months ago 2
Gustavo dal Farra is the greatest!
AdamskiLawlerski 11 months ago 2
Everybody knows the Greatest Bass player on this or any other planet is Jaco Pastorius!!!
JAGaleaffan 11 months ago
I don't know who is more of a pompous bloviator, Jeff Berlin or Anthony Jackson
six2112 1 year ago
@six2112 They're both Douscebags. And two of the greatest living bassplayers.  Considering how many moderately talented douscebags there are, I'll take it.
plangentmusic 11 months ago
@plangentmusic Yea...I don't deny their talent....but their respective douchbaggery kills my desire to listen to either one of them
six2112 11 months ago
He's got nothin' on Claypool.
Crubber 1 year ago
404 emokids listen Bieber
pla6ti 1 year ago
Comment removed
pla6ti 1 year ago
nothing amazing...
TheChrispablo 1 year ago
yeah I've seen/heard better... :/
PieEatingMachine3000 1 year ago
I still think BILLY SHEEHAN is better. But you know what they say about opinions......
blueshound007 1 year ago
@blueshound007 Ask Billy Sheehan what he thinks about Jeff. Did you see the BX3 tour 4 years ago? Stu Hamm,Billy Sheehan and Jeff Berlin together with a drummer and guitarist.3 hour show.They all started with the Star Spangled banner .Then each guy did their own thing for 45 minutes or more with the drummer and guitarist and then they all played together. Billy Sheehan is by far my least favorite of the 3 but I'm not going to cut anyone down.Great show it was.
TribalBass1138 1 year ago
@TribalBass1138 clarification if needed .Notice I said "least favorite" not "not any good" or "not better than".For some people Billy Sheehan is one of their favorites. For me,Jeff Berlin is one of my favorites.
TribalBass1138 1 year ago
Omg,he sounds like a fuckin acoustic guitar player,WOW,second best bassist ever.
Videostar1another1fa 1 year ago
Bass is for BASS. Get a guitar son!
Wardimus83 1 year ago
get a guitar
sinjim50 1 year ago
He's good but he's no victor wooten. There's just some people that are the best at what they do and victor wooten is one of those people
bassman2313 1 year ago
Too bad Dean Guitars are fucking shit.
KingZerxst 1 year ago 2
@KingZerxst
Damn right! :D
cuc333 1 year ago
ZappaFan101 why does everyone see him as a god? Hey.. It's all a matter of opinion! hah. Average joes can run around les? What the hell are you talking about? If that were true, there would be other bands(or solo bassist) that sound like Primus(or just claypool).. but.. they dont exist. Claypool's sound, presence, and voice.. are all one of a kind, and it's perfected... Rush is fucking amazing!... but it's not the same you've heard rock. Primus.. is like if Rush fucked Zappa and they had a baby.
RegalTurboT87 1 year ago
@RegalTurboT87
I always though Victor was know as the "bass god". You're right, its opinion and thats all that matters. I was speaking from a musicial perspective. Musically, I havent heard many that can top him. His knowledge of music and being able to phrase lines like he does is amazing. Check his other videos, I havent heard many people that can come up with jazz lines like that. His linear style is something I've never heard before. Plus, he's got a bitchin' school. But Les is very good.
ZappaFan101 1 year ago
this guy is really good but personally im a victor wooten fan
toxicfire83 1 year ago
Never name a video a name that is "Based on you're Opinion"
6litch 1 year ago
@6litch if you read the description, it's actally based on geddy lee's opinion.
cameronj279 1 year ago
john patitucci.
lwhitham86 1 year ago
best was a cliff burton
iommi8456203 1 year ago
@iommi8456203
no way he was just a neck wanker
JHo4God 1 year ago
BASS
mattslapsthebass 1 year ago
More like Greatest bass seller on the planet.
highrifle 1 year ago
those pickups are not passive. what a cock
fluuzix 1 year ago
youtube.com/watch?v=r91ARYCvfr8&feature=related
cooljazz1997 1 year ago
steve harris can make you fell like trash
666snoppy 1 year ago
I love it
hirbodpirnia 1 year ago
his bass is a short scale
JohnKnox74 1 year ago
Jeff Berlin is an amazing player.
But... he should focus on playing music instead of ripping on other bass players in interviews. He deosn't do that here though, so... thumbs up!
pschierhorn 1 year ago 22
@pschierhorn Oh he talks about other bass players? well next time someone smooches him the sloppy mistakes on the end of this video on his face when he does..
GabrielKai 1 year ago
@GabrielKai
I don't know if whether he still does that, but there was a time where he would, ine EVERY interview, drone on about how all other bass players suck and don't know how to play their instruments and how all bass teachers are doing it wrong and fucking their students up.
pschierhorn 1 year ago
@pschierhorn --I have been following Jeff for a long time and I never ever recall him saying "how all other bass players suck". That's you imagination talking. I have heard him speak at odds with the "conventional wisdom" of some accepted teaching practices. I think he's a brilliant musician, seems to me like a nice guy and his music school is one of the first places if not the very first where I would choose to study if I had the available time(what's that? I need a 48 hour day LOL)
TribalBass1138 1 year ago
@TribalBass1138
Well, it's not my imagination talking, he used to be a regular contributor to the German bass zine "BAss Professor," and he ripped on quite a few people there. Maybe they spiced it up a bit (from experience, I know I shouldn't take everything written in an "interview" seriously), but he was quite harsh, especially when it came to teaching.
pschierhorn 1 year ago
@pschierhorn thumbs down to assholes who ask for thumbs up!
longdongbongchong 8 months ago
@longdongbongchong
I'm not asking for thumbs up, you idiot... I was trying to say that I was giving a thumbs up for this video.
Seeing that my comment got 20 thumbs up, it seems like you weren't the only one who misunderstood that. My bad.
pschierhorn 8 months ago
not cliff burton
SoulshatterEvolution 1 year ago
@SoulshatterEvolution not even close
jackinho333 1 year ago
i clicked on this video to see Paul Gray
see4el9 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
not even close -.-
SnotBubbleNose 1 year ago
this vid is gay
macynoah32 1 year ago
Seriously, only the blind and deaf or the stubbornly biased can watch Joe Pass and NHOP here yI-1sq5dFD4 and still insist that some young'n like GDF or Wooten or whatever is the "best" or "greatest". I'm a big fan of improvised music. Unless Art Tatum also played the double bass, I'd be hard pressed to not name NHOP as among the top tier of bass heros deserving of the highest admiration and respect.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
@lisahayes3 Everybody is great in their own style and form of musical expression. Music is not a contest and it is not limited to performance technique per se. And even if someone wanted to compare the technical mastery and musical beauty of any two musicians..."I am always on your side even when we compete" - as Victor Wooten would say)))) Peace!!!
grigor27 1 year ago
@grigor27
You might be preaching to the choir for not having read any of my other comments in this thread. Your response might be better directed at GDF apologists who hold to a conviction which view opposes your own.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
i love the dime bag guitar guitar in the back R.I.P dimebag
wowimshane 1 year ago
kind of impreessing but MEEEEH i've seen better he completely threw out the window what i'm expecting of a great bassist and that sucks
rafaelb1026 1 year ago
Gustavo Del Farro kicks ya ass while sleeping...
May I give ya some advice? ;) Try a 6 string... GUITAR!
Bjumpje 1 year ago
Ever heard of Bill Dickens? ;) he slaps the shit out of that bass!
DerKnuti 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
victor wooten is way better
MrBobb913 1 year ago
victor wooten is way better
MrBobb913 1 year ago
victor wooten
qwerty16773 1 year ago
Well, he is obviously technically supreme, but in my opinion bass is still meant to be supporting other instruments together with drums to add groove to music. If you want to be a soloist, play guitar.
mauno911 1 year ago
thats good
TheBubbaJ68 1 year ago
Everybody knows Jaco Pastorius is the greatest bassplayer on this or any other planet!!!
JAGaleaffan 1 year ago
BtW: Mc Cartney may be the best Bassist ever.At least musically.
xylfox 1 year ago
Seems to be a frustrated Guitarist
xylfox 1 year ago 54
@xylfox Dude, there aren't too many guitarists who can play like that on bass or guitar. You you can say that about some shredder, but in this case, got the wrong guy. Jeff can also lay down a monstrous groove. Open your ears.
plangentmusic 11 months ago
@xylfox
Just because a bassist moves his hands quickly on the neck or plays chords doesn't mean he is a frustrated guitarist. Don't assume because you think guitarists playing arpeggios as fast as they can is cool that all bassists are just low-quality guitarists or trying to be like you - we're not.
jm7501 11 months ago
@xylfox seems to be a great Musician.
JohnFHebert 11 months ago
@xylfox You're probably just a horrible guitarist.
TheFireInside9 11 months ago 3
I saw Jeff Berlin at NAMM in the late early 80's and decided right then he was the best I ever saw and probably "world's greatest bass player"
No arguments here :)
drsentell 1 year ago
jeff berlin really likes to say bass doesn't he.
TheBensont123 1 year ago
I like it but I don't think he's the best on the planet, there's always someone better, but this dude has talent no doubt, thanks for sharing.
Crashman69 1 year ago
He plays the bass in a linear note-oriented fashion. Bravo!
stretchmorgan 1 year ago
@XXwetheartXX perhaps for the metal genere he was the best. but not world-wide or of all time.
anglicky69 1 year ago
good but wait till you see victor wooten (I'm not a bass player)
drummerfranky 1 year ago
Sorry bro, but you're not the best bass player on the planet.
RawrFtwlol 1 year ago
Jeff's ability to articulate spontenously composed thematic lines over harmonic progressions (that is to say improvising over changes) is magical. He reveals a deep harmonic vocabulary in what he does, but not just in a way that is simply dense but more importantly thematically developing (similar to what goes on in a sonata form in classical). His chordal work is outstanding. Not the only one to play chords on bass, yet he does it on a 4-string using voicings that make notes clear & not muddy.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
I can't tell whether folks are being facetious or ignorant w/their comments. Look, if you know Jeff Berlin, he distinguishes himself as being "note oriented" as opposed to "percussive". Learn to pick up context pleez. One's ability to play difficult music can indicate his virtuosity. You guys really haven't known difficult music until you play the woodwind parts of the Rite Of Spring or like pieces. But that's not the point. Jeff is not about playing what is difficult but what is musical.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
ahhhhh this guy's playing guitar with a bass...look, there's just a little bass touch on it.
rztronic 1 year ago
man i really like his tone. it's warm yet has power and passion to it. kind of like a nice baritone. very melodic lines, as well. :)
exit48pat 1 year ago
So smooth....
DoctorWha 1 year ago
Thank you "lisahayes3"!!.It's refreshing to see your intelligent comments
TribalBass1138 1 year ago
His approach to the instrument is also very interesting. In addition to providing the roots in harmonic functions and grooves that identify particular styles, his sense of creativity leads him to play the electric bass as a kind of baritone guitar. Listen to how he voices his lines and chords. He even uses a chorus/rotary modulation effect. He crosses guitar and organ voices in the way he plays the bass. Like it or not, I've not really heard anyone do this and I like it.
lisahayes3 1 year ago 2
Jeff is a tremendous asset where you need a bass player who can play at sight some pretty challenging material w/minimal preparation and who is also an excellent improviser who can hear and play just about anything conceived. Here, you get a virtuoso of this caliber who is matched only by a handful in the contemporary music industry and maybe some in classical whose musical education/experience is very well-rounded. But Jeff brings brilliant showmanship in addition to virtuoso musicianship.
lisahayes3 1 year ago 2
The best/greatest bass player of 'em all is [insert your own personal favorite here]. There's no need to get serious on semantics where words are equivocal & different people imbue different meanings to them & our personal values dictate what we defend so that the words aren't used in absolute terms. If asked to name the best, I would simply go by my limited knowledge of who I know moves me: Jeff, NHOP, Edgar Meyer, Brian Bromberg, Alain Caron, Anthony Jackson, Scott Lafaro, the list grows.
lisahayes3 1 year ago 2
he said the word bass 12 times i this video...he really must like the ''bass''
JohnSanchezBT 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I think he plays very good. thumbs up! I know fo a guitar player that derves more recognition .PLEASE go to my favs and click on SUBURBAN GUY ROCKIN OUT
he really feels what he plays, and has alot of SOUL. The other 2 favs are him also ARIEL (awesome shredding) and ARIEL SIMANTOV (awesome sweeping) pls view comment and rate them as we think he deserves recogntiion .thanks everyone!
suburbangal 1 year ago
what a lousy moldy sound. even martin luther once said "a cautious ass does not come up with a gleeful fart."
Reptile61 1 year ago
I'm linked off on a Jeff Berlin video- holy crap - that's awesome :D
vineyardedge 1 year ago
Razorbacks = Thumb up.
TheMegaSamu 1 year ago
he is fucking good not the best!
ghostbasist 1 year ago
Yeah he is good...i don't question that...but the best?? no way.
MegaLaserfreak 1 year ago
FAR-FROM-THE-GREATEST
blackseedsofvengance 1 year ago
I'm just now watching this dude because I was watching Gustavo Dal Ferra and this was a related video... First off, I wouldn't go as far as to say best bassist on the planet... I think Gustavo achieved that already... And this guy doesn't seem very modest. Good at bass, sure. His personality is kind of a turn off though, I'm afraid.
larry52333 1 year ago
Dean sucks thumbs up
JohnSanchezBT 1 year ago
Jeff Berlin is a monster on bass. I've never heard a bassist that can play like this. And you know what? I've got transcriptions from Berlin and Wooten. I gotta tell you, than learning jeff's stuff is alot harder. Yeah.... I said it.
ZappaFan101 1 year ago
I ched him out because he was a influence to billy sheehan,man ! another monster player,you see where he got alot of his stuff.It is awesome to see people at his age still have the fire and passion for playing.
FRANKKISS208 1 year ago
i'd break that small neck within a week 0_o
JeOma666 1 year ago
he definnetally has amazing talent, im a musician and can reconize it but i play death metal.he good but ive seen better EX:Alex Webster the bassist of cannibal corpse
caniblecourpse 1 year ago
Haha very funny
malcolmX213 1 year ago
dimes guitars in back lml
alfredoQL 1 year ago
He's playing more jazz in recent years and less rock or fusion if you absolutely have to label what he's doing. I have all his cds and they're all outstanding. The most recent one is "High Standards" .Check it out if you get a chance
TribalBass1138 1 year ago
He's playing more jazz in recent years and less rock or fusion if you absolutely have to label what he's doing. I have all his cds and they're all outstanding. The most recent one is "High Standards" .Check it out if you get a chance
TribalBass1138 1 year ago
This is what happens when you give a middle-aged man that used to play guitar really well, a bass.
Playing the bass is about percussiveness, rhythm and feel. Not just playing as fast as you can to try and make yourself look cool.
MrCliffybiro 1 year ago
that bass just jizzed
xXSyn13Xx 1 year ago
I prefer a thousand times more the bass than the guitar.
zeca1773 1 year ago
hes good but no where near greatest on the planet
smsjgoku 1 year ago
@jaridergent What does it matter how he looks?
johncerasi 1 year ago
He reminds me of Shakespeare, even if his work doesn't suit your taste, you can't deny he's a genius.
BunnyNibbler 1 year ago
Love his snare sounding right hand technique. This guy's great.
Fenderwolf95 1 year ago
I wont argue with anyones opinion because that goes nowhere. But if we are speaking in terms of musical concepts & abilities, Jeff is one of the best. Les Claypool is a great rock bassist, but it doesnt go much beyond that. I don't see why everyone thinks he's a god, when alot of his stuff is just slapping/strumming a few riffs in a song. Do some searching here - a lot of regular joes can runs circles around him. Berlin is a great soloist. Jaco himself even said he was a better soloist than him.
ZappaFan101 1 year ago 7
This man is pretty incredible on his instrument.
I think a lot of people are put off by his personality.
I know it's hard to keep the two seperated, but the fact remains that he was way ahead of his time, together with Jaco.
Geeljasjes 1 year ago
hes crap!
rvmm2 1 year ago
Wow, hes totally awesome at.....masturbating in his car outside Wendys at noon.
horrorflesh 1 year ago
are you kidding me??? ...everybody knows I'm the greatest one not on this planet but in the Galaxy!!! I taught Jaco how to play! ...see my video!
eddynaco 1 year ago
@eddynaco ikr ive seen waaaaaaaaaaaaay better than this. whn i clicked on this i was expecting better
KILLERKANE1000 1 year ago
@eddynacoRofl :-))Funniest comment a very long time!!!!!
xylfox 1 year ago
i like the modesty.
blockstar2013 1 year ago
@blockstar2013 Hahahahha I agree with you. I was laughing at his 'modesty' all the way through.
tteu123 1 year ago
Gustavo Dal Farra. Look it up. You're welcome.
newkillergenius 1 year ago 57
@newkillergenius
There's so much more to music than impeccable technique. I'd still take Brian Bromberg any time for chops, creativity, musicality, and double bass/electric bass versatility. But getting Brian or Jeff would probably be far more expensive. So where money is an issue, sure I'd hire GDF.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
@lisahayes3
Does a price tag necessarily indicate better ability though? After reading your comment again I suppose that is not exactly what you are saying- I see your point, but do you really feel like Bromberg's or Berlin's timing and rhythm are standing out that much further than Dal Farra? I'd ask you to check again and compare a few other selections....I just don't see it. JMO though, cheers.
newkillergenius 1 year ago
My preference for either Bromberg or Berlin here has nothing to do w/the degree of precision in technical executions of the music that they play. My guys for that are Edgar Meyer & NHOP (RIP). I'm more interested in the quality & content of their musical expression. At their levels of musicianship, it's hardly worth comparing/contrasting their abilities as though it were some sporting event. Purely in terms of aesthetics, I love how Jeff & Brian plays, & would hire them on that basis.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
I prefer contrabass players anyway. Give me Edgar Meyer, NHOP, Ron Carter, Gary Peacock, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Eddie Gomez, Miroslav Vitous, Christian McBride, Brian Bromberg, John Patitucci, Avishai Cohen, Stanley Clarke any day. Before I can get into Dal Farra, he has make an impact upon me as had Jaco, Jeff Berlin, Alain Caron w/their music. As great as Dal Farra is, I see players of that pedigree too often at music schools. His music falls short of the depth & impact I look for.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
@lisahayes3 And whats with Nil Hennig Orsted Peddersen????
xylfox 1 year ago
@xylfox
Sadly, he has been deceased since 2005! He wasn't old at all from what I remember.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
i just checked on wiki it doesnt say hes deceased..
CiseDj 1 year ago
@CiseDj
Oh I remember that it was 2 years after before I found out. I was pretty bummed. Are you sure you checked wiki? It's reading April 19 2005, as of this moment at least.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
@xylfox
Or, if you mean why I like him, his playing really moved me when he did shows with Oscar Peterson and Joe Pass or Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
Now the Venezuelan import that I like and so jealously admire whose first name is also Gustavo has a surname of Dudamel. It's THIS dude who's exciting to watch perform and lead an ensemble of virtuoso musicians!
lisahayes3 1 year ago
@lisahayes3
Sauce?
newkillergenius 1 year ago
@newkillergenius
Agreed. This guy can talk about tone all he wants, but he's already been served a hundred times over by a certain Venezualen street performer :D
SirKickz 1 year ago
@SirKickz ... and everyone is of course entitled to their opinion, and some don't share ours, but the proof is in the pudding- when it comes to raw ability, GDF is just better from what we can SEE. When that many harmonics and undertones are audible in only a small selection of music, it's pretty much just stating the facts; Berlin and many other 'best in the world' bassists are excellent, but far from that perfected level of capability that only comes with non-stop practice and dedication.
newkillergenius 1 year ago
@newkillergenius
And don't get me wrong, the fact this guy seems like he has an ego the size of jupiter makes me really want to believe that GDF is much better, just to bring him down a notch. It annoys me a lot when musicians get full of themselves.
But GDF's groove in Rushed Love has yet to topped by any bassist that I've witnessed.
SirKickz 1 year ago
Tha'ts the way. Prop up one guy cuz the other's Jupiterian ego sucks. I don't know how you'd take self-assurance in one's ability for narcissism. Jeff is reputed to be one of the most disciplined players around & his music didactics reflect that. Since we're engaging in bass sports, you've found nothing in Adam Nitti's or Victor Wooten's catalog of comparable value? Steve Bailey doesn't impress w/his intonation on a fretless? And Gary Willis for modal proficiency? Being a fan clouds the lenses.
lisahayes3 1 year ago
@SirKickz
I agree with you 110% man. Cheers!
newkillergenius 1 year ago
/watch?v=iy3V2Tl4g3s
djo0zla 1 year ago
THOSE DEAN GUITARS BESIDE HIM !
n1a2c3k4z5 1 year ago
buuuuu gustavo dal farra rulez!!
yaelus1 1 year ago
Yes, he's awesome. very good at playing stuff that sounds very good and whatnot. But not completely appealing to me. Les Claypool and Primus win my heart though because they just completely suck and Les and Ler are badasses
midgetalex28 1 year ago
some of the things really good bass players play make me think they should have played a regular six string guitar. such complex bass lines just blow my mind
OrpheriuM 1 year ago
i like JEFF SCHMIDT much better,,,this guys is so "demonstrative"...
gabyleon 1 year ago
this one is mych better...watch?v=iy3V2Tl4g3s&feature=related
doffnerhod 1 year ago
The posters here make real musicians look bad. Grow up and try spell check.
paulhertel 1 year ago
maybe the faster, BUT NEVER the greatest bass player, what he did just sucked, like someone said before, "bass is a rhythm instrument! You need groove, solidarity and finesse!"
KuroCC 1 year ago 2
this fat piece of shit isnt the best bassist ever..... hes pretty shit
JoshGoldie 1 year ago
Phil leash
alexrice1994 1 year ago
I've given up on the world.... Bass shredding?! The bass is a rhythm instrument! You need groove, solidarity and finesse! Btw Jeff Berlin is king your all shit, this aint his best vid
alexrice1994 1 year ago
Nothing special about that!
Dillboy 1 year ago
he is very good you cant take that from him, this video has been given the wrong title though
lolbenisgay 1 year ago
Greatest bassist in the universe is Victor Wooten. In my opinion. But for real, not this guy ;D
sXeBrutis 1 year ago 2
Appreciation from th UK .Bad ASS no mistaking respect
OpticalGoblin 1 year ago
i am a bass player, and i admire jeff berlin, his work with alan holdsworth is out of this planet, i personaly dont like groove rythmic shit, i dont like the bass as a rythm instrument, i love to shred the shit out of it, or do piano sutff, but jeffï