john Myung bass lesson

[DKproductions2]

If you dont think something someone has shown you is useful....  Then you have a lot to learn

[Coldretter]

it sounds like fap fap fap fap fap fap

[FARYSAFEZRA]

fap! fap! fap! (sound when he tap those string)..

[BxT4POUTxP]

If he switched to his pinky i would of straight up killed myself right there

[rebelloc23]

Too much technique, but is it usefull? I dont see why it is usefull...

[ErikJonssonMusic]

@rebelloc23 Enhance and improve your fingering, no pun intended.

[lklkhjhjdfs]

without interest...

[gustavooww18]

asians...

[TheMarkMarxon]

Check out my page...

There's an easy 3 finger exercise there!!!

[sigiriuk]

This guy is just terrible. Why doesn't he just stick to playing bass, rather than dancing round the fretboard like a demented butterfly.

[crunchmaster9000]

@sigiriuk it's a pentatonic scale exercise, it's not supposed to be for show (though Myung has a hard time not to) it's instructional.

[TheWestrayMachine]

@sigiriuk you're a cunt

[marhyacat]

@1tracksanch - putang ina mo...

[thirdshift1]

I bet he gets all the ladies with fingers like that lol

[MasterMarf]

@thirdshift1

bass players always get the ladys ;D

[miospetlover]

@MasterMarf or the lady bass players always get the men lol

[Justin95386]

what a boss

[timladiesman09]

whats the point of using anything other than index and middle finger....besides showboating?

[ttunna]

@timladiesman09 - Have you ever played a 60min set on stage where the majority of riffs require 16th notes? Having strength and control with your ring finger is extremely valuable for endurance!! ..and if you are playing triplet riffs it makes things a whole lot easier. Personaly, I would also practice this with middle and 4th fingers as well Haha - calling JM a "showboat" is quite funny though...rofl... of all the bassists in the world!? : )

[Nchlsbrl9]

@timladiesman09 I agree with @ttunna. I would use all 5 when possible, less work for individual phalanges and increasing longevity. I have my bass slung down low which prevents me from using my pinky easily, but I still use 3 most of the time for plucking and thumb for slapping.

[enemyofall67]

@timladiesman09

you can do gallop technique very easy

[skrape110]

wait, someone actually thought that this was un-clean playing? im sorry, if thats true, you are a moron. this is probably the cleanest bass playing ive seen. you know how hard it is to be THIS tight and with such note clarity on a six string playing with your fingers!?

[asapat101200]

fuck those who says that JM plays not so clean,

its just that, thes strings are hitting the fretboard.

dont CRITICIZE if you havent even experience using a 6 stringed bass noobs

[bassmachine666]

Hes a great player. I dont understand why his playing is so muddy in this video.

[anahowana]

@bassmachine666 blame it on the amp, the mic, the camera, utube compression....but don't blame it on HIM.

[jairopadilla2010]

good.. but not to cleann

[kockinbals]

Myung's always been a solid fucking bass player but I think for this exercise... dude just buy a pick they're not expensive lol

[jsem94]

@kockinbals Playing with fingers has a different sound to it. I know Dave Ellefson plays with a pick and he sounds great but so does John Myung. He does use the pick on certain songs. Dark Eternal Night is one of them

[ToastedMoon]

Wow, that's only an exercise?

That's it, I quit bass.

[Adoniram1986]

Wuakala!

[ShreddyEddy8D]

Fapfapfapfapfap ;)

[BassMastaFlash0]

wow. i learned nothing. just watched some dude show off

[TheDeepAndDark]

@BassMastaFlash0 Well if you already knew how to play the bass you would understand exactly what he shows in the video. A very simple and easy to understand but yet challenging and difficult to perform warm up exercise...

[Sivels]

@BassMastaFlash0 That's because you're a noob at bass.

[hamielec]

The reasons the bass sounds like crap is because in dream theater the guys use their instruments as controllers. They are just looking to get the most PLAYABLE instruments which for Myung means ridiculously low action which allows him to play what he plays. This isn't the way the bass sounds in any dream theater song or live. When you hear DT--- Rudess, Petrucci and Myung (and Labrie on Train of Thought) are processed like crazy...Thats why they can have hundreds of different sounds...

[newoaklandlocal]

@hamielec sounds like crap...i WISH i had that tone

[Firedblood]

You must play for 48h non-stop to be enough warmed up to do Myung's warm up.

[400169]

Hes also a good lyricist! Just listen to stream of consciousness all the lyrics of that song is done by him :)

[sirspankalot360]

@400169 Haha! That's pretty funny lol. He actually did write some pretty good lyrics though! Learning to Live and Trial of Tears for example.

[tunelesstune]

omg he talks

[MarcosPaccanaro]

Ok, i got the lesson: "See?! You'll be never able to do this, noob, gtfo." ._. '

[johnny2468ification]

@MarcosPaccanaro It actually isn't that hard if you practice for 6 hours a day.

[cas1994]

@johnny2468ification

6 hours a day....every day

[obssedwitmabass]

this was my face during tht exercice... s:0!!!!

[fondlist]

Seriously, what is the source on this? I want that whole session.

[NuclearBanjo]

Fuck my Bass have just 4 strings lollll

[blastbeatsable]

of COURSE he would start with a pentatonic scale warm up. Need I say more?

[SmokingWickerman]

OMG!!!, ive listen to dream theater for 3 years and this is the first time hearing him speak!!!

[4stringrick]

I think he has a great modern tone

[9F9l]

VERY BEST.

[thebrokendeck]

i love this guy so much ♥

[FloridaLawDawg]

My head just exploded....

[sangsaratrip]

now switch to ring and middle

[kankuro1701]

HE SPEAKS :O!!

Bass God talking : D!

[1tracksanch]

I dont like dreamtheatre's music at all, but all you idiots saying this sounds like shit need to grow up and more than likely need to go practice for a good hundred hours coz your shit at bass. He says its a c pentatonic and it clearly sounds like a pentatonic scale. His three finger technique is flawless. this is a demonstration of technique not musicality. you fuckheads should be glad he's taking the time to share this with you

[Warsel]

@1tracksanch sounds good != is harmonically correct

[RandomoVideos]

@1tracksanch

You are a very good example of a respectable musician

[arunmaroli]

@1tracksanch I will take musicality over technique any day.

[FlipMollc]

@arunmaroli this is technique to provide point of reference to beginner players

[dreamtheat3r]

@arunmaroli i would take both ;)

[OddMusicality]

@tim0391 i know he is. i've seen DT live and i've seen how amazing he is. im just sayin in this video he's strumming his strings to hard.

[OddMusicality]

he strums his strings too hard. so much clicking noises....

[tim0391]

@OddMusicality lol wise up mate. strums too hard?? myung is a bass God

[Hecatombmi]

@OddMusicality

Are you serious? You should listen to Steve Harris...

[kankuro1701]

@Hecatombmi

D: steve harris plays just great xD!!

so does Myung!!

both bass Gods!

[vict26]

This is impossible....He doesn't speak...he just meditates....the rest of the band speak to him telepathically.

[uby54ty06]

john myung speaks?

[dcontreras96]

wow 6 strings bass

this guy rules

[plerimest]

soundy like wank

[zach1122666]

one of my eardrums exploded as i heard John Myungs voice.

[Toranaga1543]

nice piano

[l337man4]

he's like a fucking machine with those fingers!

[JeffDahlin]

That's what she said!

[l337man4]

@JeffDahlin epic wording win

[zSliz1]

Damn, He Speaks!!!

[kazetehskylord]

Pretty new!

[Jpkrao]

Very good! But the pinky finger is feeling neglected in this exercise!

[ALDGERNON]

@Jpkrao as a rule pinky is never used!)) maximum for muting strings and as a support...)))

p.s. more of that, even ring finger is not so often used by bassists...

[Jpkrao]

Aldgeron, who made that rule?! I believe that you have observe, for example, that classical guitar players use all their fingers to trike their guitar's strings! You can do the same with a 4, 5, 6 or 7-string bass! You've simply got to be patient and work hard to make the ring and pinky fingers strong, independent enough and fast! But you have to play music! As far as muting the low frequency strings, you can put an appropriate elastic hair band near the neck of your bass: it works just fine!

[ALDGERNON]

sorry mate, but can i have an idea for how long time have u been playing bass?)

[Jpkrao]

A lot longer than you would be able to imagine! But, it doesn't matter how long you have been playing if you don't/can't improve! My advice to you is not to settle into doing the common thing; think outside of the box! This stands for most of what we do in life! Be creative on/with your instrument; that's art!

[Jpkrao]

I'd also like to add the tapping noise generated by John Myung during this fast pace performance is mainly due to the positioning of the fingers of his right hand, compared to the plan containing all the strings (here, it's same as the body of his bass). His fingers are almost parallel to that plan, and they hit the pickups as he plays his low-action bass. Bunny Brunel and some other bassists use this technique because they are more familiar with it.

[ALDGERNON]

ok, ok, calm down pls... lets do like this... pls upload a video of u playing using ur pinky finger as well and if i find thats really better rather than without i will totally change my present point of view... otherwise, why to pay more?))

[Jpkrao]

I don't give a rat's ass about your ignorance and your weakness! I don't need to prove myself to you or any body, but to myself! Will you pay me for giving you bass lessons? Challenge yourself, set challenging goals and work hard to achieve them, PERIOD!

[GrantSmithBass]

...interesting. If you like to see some exercises for fast playing, I have some on my channel too...But, i think John Myung really rocks when he is playing as a bassist in Dream Theater... the arrangements and parts are just dynamite !

[ALDGERNON]

lol.. u even started to offend me... well, thanks a lot... u answered my question Great Pinky Master...)))

[VideoDavid1]

más música imposible!

[liquifex]

His technique is fine. You can't "pop" every note, it would sound ridiculous. His volume is low and you're hearing every little thing. It's caused from playing with your fingers. You won't avoid, though some might claim they do. You don't want slapback noise? play with a pick.

[jimmyrotella]

yea

[DrunkenAtlantis]

SINCE WHEN DOES HE SPEAK?!

[CONSPIRI666]

the deal with the strings are its a guy in a quiet room playing a fast scale on a bass guitar with low action. everybody who plays bass gets this sound one way or the other unless you play so loud you cant hear it. its not like it fret buzz or anything and hi technique couldnt get any better. i also think that sound id awsome . it makes it feel a little more organic, really cool to replicate in studio.

[turbonarici]

@DrunkenAtlantis LOL

[cas1994]

@turbonarici

[rasberrysauce]

@DrunkenAtlantis I honestly thought he had an inability for anything besides eating, breathing, and bass playing!

[Adoniram1986]

@DrunkenAtlantis I knooooowwww...!!!

[TheLtlpxru]

@DrunkenAtlantis since god sent him here an earth

[DrStarscream94]

@DrunkenAtlantis this video, band dvd commentary

[HrapovikPlush]

Every time he plucks you can hear this annoying slapping of strings against frets. Not to knock on John or anything, but I think he could have a better technique.

[domogunner]

I think this is a stylistic matter. The sound that you hear is not bad when playing with band, it gives a rock edge to it. But I agree with you in a way, its not like I like the sound either too much.

[Diastavrones]

I'm a keyboardist who is learning bass and I was hearing the same thing when I was striking the string. That clang was very annoying to me. I guess I have a bad technique. Anybody know of a way I can improve it.

[HrapovikPlush]

I have talked to quite a few bassists and it seems that a lot of people run into this issue. The good news is, a lot of professional bassists run into it too, but it is not very noticeable in a band setting -- other instruments cover it up pretty much.

It's mostly technique. Try plucking with your fingers more horizontally and try plucking up from below, not slapping in with the fingertips. Should be an upwards motion - almost as if popping a string.

[misanthroposy]

@HrapovikPlush It's because his action is so low. Has to be low in order to tapp like him. Also was how these tung basses were made.

[HrapovikPlush]

Another thing you can do is raising the action a bit and use heavier gauge strings. Billy Sheehan signature strings have a .110 E string so that might help too.

[misanthroposy]

@Diastavrones It's not about technique.

[misanthroposy]

@HrapovikPlush Better technique? You know he's from dream theater right? They are most widely known for their technique.

[eipus]

he definetly plays 3 2 1 3 2 1 etc. it doesn't which is the first finger you use. it's important that if you want to use three-technique don't go back and forth like 1 2 3 2 1 2 3 2 etc. because then your middle finger has to hit the string every second time which won't get speed and stamina up a lot.

[kalamalahala]

I started practicing this a couple nights ago for 30 minutes or so each night and I'm already feeling more dexterous!

Thanks Alien Fingers!

[Astrokratov]

Good-old three magic fingers!

[GrantSmithBass]

6 string rocks...its easier to play more scale patterns in position. If you play 4 string check out my bass lesson vidz to see how you can still play just as fast with scales and fretboard moving...cheers.

[Joziaac]

Can anyone tell me what order/pattern he moves his fingers in when he uses all 3? It looks rather complicated.

[polishcomedy]

no idea. it's not indicated in the tab booklet, either.

[ibanezzer81]

ring-middle-index

[28monkeyking28]

it's index, middle, ring, and back again.

I can't find the other video. he talks about it . and how he accents on the one's with different fingers to do something like a 4/4 time kinda thing

[Joziaac]

Thanks.

[HDx89]

i think its 3-2-1-2 and repeat

[bluesteelMCN]

it´s 3-2-1 always.

[bassman7530]

Nobody seems to know that John Myung (In All cases that I have seen) will do patterns of 3 2 1, and never anything like 3 2 1 2, 1 2 3 2, or 1 2 3. ALWAYS 3 2 1. BUT, in this particular example, he starts with his INDEX finger, and THEN uses 3 2 1 untill the end. If you start with your index for the very first note and then use the 3 2 1 fingering, you will see that your plucking fingers will match his (particularly visible on the last notes). So the fingering would be 1 3 2 1 3 2 etc. Try it.

[bassman7530]

If anyone needs better or further explanation or has a question, feel free to PM me. 500 characters is hardly enough to explain anything.

[Joziaac]

Thanks.

[Thedude112123]

I wish I could give you my time, but I have my own battles to fight my long lost friend

[ChandlerFinchKellogg]

that bass sounds like a flabby fish

[stridegum1213]

aka...wet

[8ulls3y3]

yeah. I hate his sound, that kind of sound. Flimsy.

[SandstromCommaErik]

@ChandlerFinchKellogg How can you not like that bass tone..???

[efzt]

@ChandlerFinchKellogg Shut yer piehole ya coont! He's a good player. You suck as a bassist and you know it!

[wowspare]

john myung and ryan martinie from mudvayne.

my two favourite bassists

[wannabroosky22]

What are the core notes of the two highest strings on a 6-string bass?

[asorabjee1]

it goes like this from lowest to highest

B, E, A, D, G, c

[gosuyun]

its soo stupid to show that exercise at this speedrate.

thats not a bass-lesson,

thats a bass-skill-impression

[HDx89]

yeh you're right, i wouldn't call that a lesson either. but you can still something from it

[darkmaides]

i wasn't impressed o.o

[BassGK]

Great bass player!

[fedfyr]

He rocks really hard, man. Obviously technically, but also creatively. Sure JP makes at least ten times more riffs than him, but the ones JM comes up with are so cool. For example the "WAM_WAM!" riff at 1.44 in "Home" on "Scenes from a Memory" is a JM riff and its rocks!

[sirspankalot360]

Yeah and the rockin riff in the middle of Strange Deja Vu!

[Meteorotaki]

that's my favourite riff ever !

JM is the man

[Joziaac]

And he makes his bass moan in Through Her Eyes.

[nfattiscioh123]

wow

[DuxJerome]

great bass player. Pity he disappears in the guitar an keys swamp of a DT gig.

[BlackWolf011]

Ryan Martinie, Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke - those are complete bassists, because their bassline makes a beautiful background to their music.

it's not about speed people. John Myung is a talented bass player, but his bassline creativity is limited.

[totalimmortal08]

i wouldn't say that. listen to his line on ytse jam and some of the earlier stuff

[BlackWolf011]

i just want to say he's not putting his soul into his bass. i hope you get what i mean. he's jerking off with that bass [and pretty damn impressive], but his bass lines are nothing special.

if you listen to players like Ryan Martinie, Stanley Clarke etc you'd get what i mean

[totalimmortal08]

okay, that i agree with, and it's so lost in the mix. but after all, this is an instructional video. i guess it really depends on how you think the music should be played

[BlackWolf011]

yeah, that's correct

like chad gray said: "art is not a competition"

that says it all :)

[iplaythedrums1593]

and who are you too say hes not creative

[BlackWolf011]

i'm no one. its just my point of view.

i dont say he's not creative, he just dont put his soul into his bass. he doesnt play that DEEP. its not only about speed.

[Rafescow]

BlackWolf011, you must have not listened to DT songs yet. Myung impresses me all the time, not only by the technique, but the riffs he creates.. there are some phrases you would never even think of, and he made it, and they sound pretty damn good! Dt has more than 50 songs, and each of them has like 6~ 10 mins (the longest i know has 24 minutes lol), so you should guess how many melodies he has already created.. I actually think John Myung's creativity is HUGE

[BlackWolf011]

you misunderstood me.

[admir1991]

Rafescow that kind of creativity is equal to a job. The man is saying that his lines don't have enough emotions in them.

Well, i don't really agree much with you black, Martinie is cutting through much more so you can't really judge them by that way. Myung has some pretty nice stuff too =) but he's killed by all the solos ~~

[BlackWolf011]

yep. true. but i just love how Ryan makes the background. :D

[castleshade13]

O_O

Motion blurs! has any one seen him playing The solo in The Dance of eternity he ALWAYS makes motion blurs

John Myung truely is awesome

[drunkenkid111]

he´s great

[donkeysaregreat]

anyone know any good DT bass notation books? Cant find any, only a full band book of 8 songs...please reply

[fishnsticks]

never liked his tone...great player though!

[Apemopo]

Ummm yea u jsut do that cos ur john myung xD

[RocketSoldier]

...

Myung speaks...

[IronicTables]

He has 6 fingers.

[supermansgonnadie]

no he has five like the rest of us

[IronicTables]

.. oh.. Thankyou for that.

... idiot.

[Lloyd1337]

Actually, you're both wrong.

I'm pretty sure he has 10.

[IronicTables]

Actually, thumbs aren't fingers.

So are you still pretty sure that you're pretty sure?

... Thats what I thought.

[Lloyd1337]

Damn, beat me at my own game. Touché.

Although you could be slightly less chastising when you respond to people. Lighten up, man.

[IronicTables]

Apologies :D

But thanks for the non-hatred.

So much hate on the ole youtube these days... Why, when I was but a young laddy... *trails off into an old person stylee story*

[andres1203ecuador]

John is a master bassist!!, i just want to know what are his gear components, added to the 6str Tung shown in this video, that gear make bass sound amazing!!

[paulwall1981]

Amazing. He makes it look so easy, but in fact it is hardder than it looks to play that fast even doing basic notes. Good job John.

[BenZeneProject]

6 string basses are awesome. I want another one.

JM is wizard.

[AFacemarkedbyFea]

i want to see you how you play it

[amierdolo]

it'd be as easy as fucking your mom

[warwickjude]

anyone of u know what brand and model of his bass guitar?

[Funkyman391]

probably Musicman, but i dunno which model

[alexprime]

Now : Musicman 6-string Bongo

Before : Yamaha JM signature 6-string

On the video : Tung Bass

[amierdolo]

its a tung you fucking ignorant nerds. this totally proves that you have no idea of bass playing

[RageicaNiels]

6 stringed basses are cool.. soon getting a 5 stringed

[MadBassist2]

I love my six string, they sound great and give you such a huge tonal range

[vikingwizardeyes2121]

I'm thinking about getting one too.  They really are fantastic.