Explore every episode of the podcast The SBL Podcast

Even Green Day’s most famous bass parts come with a few surprises! Mike Dirnt takes Ian through his basses and rig, revealing which instruments he actually played on Dookie and Longview, demoing his beloved Gibson G3 and signature basses, and explaining how he gets that unmistakable punch. Expect plenty of bass playing, a few gear revelations, and road stories from instruments that have survived hundreds of shows.

Stu Hamm has spent his career making the bass do things you didn’t know it could do, from the explosive lines he played with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani to his unmistakable solo work. Ian and Stu revisit the lines that turned heads, and once Stu picks up a bass, you hear exactly why they still do.

Ever walked out of a lesson feeling worse than when you walked in? Scott and Ian swap stories about incredible teachers, downright traumatizing lessons, and why learning bass has never been one size fits all. Hit play... you might never look at bass lessons the same way again.

What does Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt never leave home without?

Scott sits down with Mike to uncover the 10 things he can't live without, from always having a bass within reach to the surprisingly personal items that keep him comfortable on the road. Expect great stories, a few unexpected picks, and a peek into the daily life of one of punk rock's most iconic bass players.

Fender just lit the gear world on fire.

Scott and Ian dive into the backlash surrounding Fender's cease-and-desist letters, why builders across Europe are furious, and what this could mean for some of the most iconic guitar and bass shapes ever made. Is Fender protecting its legacy, or creating a PR nightmare?

Josh Paul’s bass playing has powered everything from the aggressive energy of Suicidal Tendencies to the deep funk grooves of Infectious Grooves. In this conversation with Ian, he breaks down the lines, tone, and gear behind some of his most recognizable parts, along with the stories and approach that shaped his playing along the way. Turn it up and dig in.

This band broke the internet… and you’re not ready for who’s behind it. 

In this episode, we dig into Angine de Poitrine, where one player is somehow covering guitar and bass at the same time, stacking warped microtonal riffs while the drummer drives these unpredictable, high-wire grooves. It’s chaotic, it’s locked in, and it keeps you on edge the whole time. 

Trust us… the reveal is worth it.

Scott and Ian dive into the story behind the Walrus Audio Mantle DI, the pedal that somehow managed to make the internet furious. Ian shares why he reached out to Walrus to build it, what he was chasing after years of using boxes like the Noble and Jad Freer Capo, and the studio gear that inspired the design. Along the way they get into transformer tone, simple vs overcomplicated pedals, gig reliability, and what bass players actually want from a great DI.

Ian is joined by Mike Dirnt to break down the bass lines that shaped the sound of Green Day. From “Longview” to “Basket Case,” Mike shares how he builds his parts, what inspired them, and how simple ideas turn into massive, melodic bass lines that drive the song. Tone, attack, feel, and singing while playing — it’s all here.

Scott sits down with bassist Ellen Alaverdyan to break down some of her favorite bass lines, from iconic grooves like Money by Pink Floyd to Come On, Come Over and more. Ellen shares what makes these lines stand out, how she learns them, and the practice habits that help her really lock them in and make them feel great.

What makes a bass line stick with you for life? Joe Dart sits down with Scott to talk through some of his all time favorite bass lines and the songs that shaped his playing from day one, digging into influences like Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power, and Red Hot Chili Peppers that still influence him today.

Ian and Sharon start 2026 by putting the focus on bass players you should be paying attention to right now. No throwbacks, no nostalgia, just ten modern players who are shaping the sound of today. They each bring five picks and talk about what makes these players stand out and why bass is moving in exciting directions.

A full year of bass gear, boiled down to what actually ruled and what absolutely missed the mark. Scott and Ian run through the best surprises, the biggest disappointments, and the gear from basses to pedals to the truly questionable ideas of 2025. Hit play, grab your bass, and see how your picks stack up.

What do bass players actually want for Christmas? Ian and Sharon make it easy (and fun), running through gift ideas by category and taking it all the way from budget friendly to full bougie. In-ears, straps, strings, pedals, amps, gig bags, bass recs, and a few wildcard picks — it’s the ultimate bass player wish list, minus the guesswork.

What really happens when you post a bass video every day for two years? Scott sits down with Danny Sapko to dig into how he picked up the bass, what pushed him onto YouTube, and the honest truth about what worked and what didn’t. Dive in and see what really powered it!

Here it is — the full, uncut conversation between Scott and the one and only Nathan East. Nathan opens up about the sessions and stories that shaped his career, from laying it down for Barry White and Hubert Laws to hitting the road with Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, and countless others. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recorded bassists in history. Dive in and enjoy.

Scott and Ian take on Reddit’s picks for the Top 10 Funk Bass Lines. From the undeniable classics to a few surprises they’ve never played before, they dig into what makes these lines so iconic—and whether Reddit really nailed it. Tune in and see if your favorites made the cut!

Enrollment for our brand new FUNK Accelerator open now! —Sign Up Today

Scott catches up with the great Sean Hurley to talk all things bass — from the lines that made him a go-to player to the gear behind his unmistakable tone. They chat about studio life, what it takes to craft a bass part that really sticks, and his time with John Mayer and beyond. Hit play and get the inside scoop from one of the best in the game.

Scott and Ian dive into the new Adrian Younge Jazz Bass from Fender’s Custom Shop. The build is flashy, the details are cool, but the price? Absolutely outrageous compared to other signature models. So who’s this bass really for—or has Fender completely lost the plot?

Scott and Ian plug in for a wild ride through Fender’s weird and wonderful bass history—from the Bass VI that gave us Patsy Cline’s “tic tac” sound and Beatles chaos, to the world’s first five-string Fender Bass V. It’s all about Fender’s boldest experiments and the players who turned them into classics.

Scott sits down with the one and only Joe Dart to talk all things Vulfpeck. From the iconic grooves that put the band on the map to the lines that fans can’t stop playing, Joe breaks down the stories, ideas, and moments behind his most loved bass parts.

Tune in for some bass wisdom  and a closer look at what makes Joe’s lines so addictive.

What happens when you’re not just handed a brand-new bass pedal, but asked to help design the sounds inside it? That’s where Ian found himself with the MXR Synth Pedal. In this episode, he and Sharon finally spill the story—from the first prototype that blew him away, to the sounds he programmed, and why this pedal left every other synth in the dust.

For the past three years, the Blueprint has quietly been helping bass players work through the same hurdles we all face. In this episode, Scott and Ian bring on the coaches who’ve been working one-on-one with students every week to talk about what the program’s really like, the common problems that keep showing up, and how players move past them. If you’ve ever felt stuck on your bass journey, this one’s for you.

Ian and Sharon swap travel horror stories and share their biggest lessons from years of touring and bass travel. From packing light to gate check debates, things get real (and occasionally frustrating). Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of what not to do next time you fly.

Ever felt embarrassed about something you couldn’t do on bass? In this episode, Scott and Ian get real about the things that used to make them cringe, from slap bass fails to technique gaps they kept under wraps. What about you? This one’s all about getting real, dropping the shame, and finding your own way forward.

Think your slap sound is dialed in? Think again.
 In this episode, Scott and Ian break down six things almost everybody gets wrong when chasing a great slap sound. They dig into the impact of string type, pickup settings, and technique—plus some of the overlooked details that can make or break your setup.

Whether you're just getting into slap or trying to fine-tune your sound, this one's worth a listen. Fixing just one of these might change everything.

Scott sits down with Ready Freddie Washington to talk about the bass lines that changed the game — starting with the iconic groove on Forget Me Nots by Patrice Rushen. From Herbie Hancock to Anita Baker, Freddie breaks down the mindset, the feel, and the moments behind the low end that made history.

Scott’s got his hands on a brand new Lull Jazz Bass—and this one’s custom. In this episode, he and Ian dive into the juicy details: how the idea came together, what makes a signature bass really special, and all the nerdy gear goodness you’d expect. From pickups to playability, it’s all here.

Is the Darkglass Anagram really worth the hype? In this episode, Scott and Ian dive into the new analog multi-effects unit and pit it against the ever-popular HX Stomp. Could this be the gear that finally gets Scott to ditch his pedalboard for good? They break down the strengths of each, share their own setups, and ask the big question—which one’s right for you?

Check out the Full Stack Bassist program here 👉 https://sbl.link/3FDuEx8

In this episode, Scott and Ian host a live Q&A to answer your most important questions about the Academy’s flagship 12-month program. They explain how the course is structured, what kind of time commitment you can expect, and how it’s designed to be flexible around your schedule. Whether you're wondering how to stay on track, how the live sessions work, or how much support is included, this conversation will give you a clear picture of what to expect—and how to get the most out of the journey.

What makes a bassist go from stuck and second-guessing… to confident, creative, and finally sounding like themselves? In this episode, Scott and Ian dive into that exact question—sharing stories from the road, Scott’s health scare, and how it all led to building the Fullstack Bassist program. Whether you’ve been playing for years but still feel behind, or you’re ready to break out of the rut, this one’s packed with insights, laughs, and a real look at what a year of focused bass playing can do.

Ever look back and cringe at your early bass choices? Scott and Ian swap stories about the mistakes they made chasing speed and flash — including the time they dismissed players like Pino Palladino, Michael League, and Jonathan Maron as “boring.” They break down how your ear (and your priorities) change over time — and why it matters.

Scott and Ian get real about the ups and downs of learning music on YouTube. It’s one of the most powerful tools available to musicians today, but it also comes with some serious pitfalls. From confusing advice to the pressure of chasing views, they break down eight common issues that can affect how we learn and teach online. The good news? When used thoughtfully, YouTube can still be an amazing place to grow as a musician.

Music theory gets thrown around a lot—but what does it really mean? In this episode, Scott and Ian break down why the term is often too broad to be helpful, sharing stories from their own journeys (including lessons with legends) and how those experiences shaped their view of theory. It’s a practical, no-fluff take on functional harmony that’ll actually stick.

Scott and Ian dive into the recent firestorm around guitarist Giacomo Turra—from miming and monetizing others’ solos to what it really means to be a musician on social media today.
But this isn’t just about one creator—it’s about blurred lines, internet fame, and how we define integrity, performance, and progress in the modern music world.

• Miming?
• Copying vs. stealing?
• Monetizing someone else’s solo?

Let’s unpack the nuance.

Scott and Ian dig into 12 common (and surprisingly relatable) reasons bassists hit a wall—and spoiler: it’s not just about not practicing. This episode gets honest (in a good way), with plenty of insights, laughs, and “wait… that’s me” moments. Even Ian felt called out by a few of these! Which ones resonate with you? 

Scott and Ian take on WatchMojo’s list of the 10 Greatest Bass Lines of All Time—do they live up to the hype or fall flat? From feel and pocket to creativity, tone, and those unforgettable hooks, they’re rating what really makes a bass line legendary (and which ones get a “meh”). If you’ve ever wanted to level up and find out what skills might be holding you back, click here for the bonus quiz!

What makes a bass line cut through in a heavy band like Pantera? In this episode, Ian Allison sits down with Rex Brown to find out. Rex walks us through a few of his most iconic lines—including the growling groove of “I’m Broken” and shares what it took to hold down the low end in one of metal’s loudest, heaviest bands. If you’re into classic hard rock riffs, thunderous tone, or just want to hear a legend talk shop, this one hits hard.

What really happens when you go to one of the most famous music schools in the world? In this episode, Sharon pulls back the curtain on her time at Berklee College of Music as Scott digs into the highs, the lows, and the stuff you don’t hear in the brochures. From late-night jam sessions to lessons learned side by side with other hungry young musicians, Sharon reflects on how community—not curriculum—shaped her most. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means to come up in a place like Berklee, you’ll want to hear this.

Scott’s got a brand new 5-string, and it’s shaking things up. In this episode, he and Ian dig into what makes it so special and why 5-strings deserve way more love. 

From tone and feel to gig-ready setups, it’s a deep dive into the gear, the playing, and the choices that shape your sound. Whether you’re thinking of switching it up or just curious what all the fuss is about — this one’s worth a listen.

Ready to stretch out beyond your usual comfort zone? In this episode, Scott and Ian explore five epic bass lines that make full use of the fingerboard. We're talking top to bottom, end to end.

Along the way, you’ll pick up tips on fretboard visualization, targeting key notes, and making the entire neck feel like home.

These riffs aren't just cool. They're a masterclass in using the whole instrument.

PS. If you're a member and you'd like to download the workbook for this lesson just click the link below. If you're not a member yet and you'd like to grab the FREE workbook just click here!

What’s it like to be one of the most recorded bass players of all time?

In this episode, Scott sits down with session legend Leland Sklar, the bassist behind classic records from Carole King, Phil Collins, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Toto, and Diana Ross—just a glimpse into a career that spans over 2,000 albums. Lee shares unforgettable studio stories, his most memorable moments, and the bass lines that have defined his legendary career.

From decades in the studio to life on the road, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Exciting things are on the way!

Scott and Ian sit down to talk about major updates coming to the SBL YouTube channel, including a brand-new series featuring some of the best bassists in the world. With 12 days of back-to-back sessions in Los Angeles, they’re bringing top-tier talent straight to your screen.

Who’s involved, and what can you expect? Hit play to find out.

What happens when you commit to writing a brand-new two-bar bass line every single day for a year?

In this episode, Scott sits down with Ian Trusheim to talk about his 365-day bass line challenge. From the creative process to the quality of tracks, they dive into what it takes to craft hundreds of unique grooves. Ian breaks down his approach to feel, pushes his creativity to the limit, and shares his fundamentals of bass playing after a year of nonstop experimentation.

How did he keep the ideas flowing? Hit play to find out.

What makes a bass legend? Is it flawless technique or breaking the rules in just the right way? Today, we’re having a raw, unfiltered conversation about bass technique—what works, what doesn’t, and when “bad” technique actually makes a player great.

From Flea’s slap to Geddy Lee’s plucking, Bobby Vega, and more, we’re breaking down the mechanics of legendary players. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled to sound clean and tight, we’ve got some tips that might just change the game for you.

It’s never been easier to capture pro bass tones at home without waking up the neighbours. Whether you’re taking your first steps into home recording or planning a multi-layered bass masterpiece, in today’s podcast, we break down some essential advice that will help you get the best results possible, whatever your budget. Looking to deck out an affordable home recording setup? Let this be your guide!

There's something about playing a bass guitar that’s older than you that just feels incredible. But just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s great. Mojo aside, do vintage basses really sound better than their new counterparts? In today’s episode, we’re delving into some of these key questions that often come along, namely: is the vintage bass you’re thinking of buying likely to be a bargain or a money pit?

2024 was the year of the HX Stomp, Jad Freer’s Capo, Boss being bosses and more effects than we knew what to do with! We seem to say this every year, but there's been so much competition for your cash in 2024, with the bass effects market bigger and better than ever. Of course, we've got our favorites. In today’s podcast you'll find our handpicked selection of the best bass FX money can buy.

As the hair-metal spandex of the previous decade met its end, the ‘90s ushered in a new breed of bass guitar. From Ken Smith to Lakland, to Spector to Tobias, basses of the '90s packed a memorable punch to the gut. In today’s podcast, we're running through the bass guitars that defined the decade.

We get it: bass players are extremely difficult to buy for and everything we want costs a small fortune. Well, you needn’t worry, as we’ve trawled through the Internet to compile a list of bass-friendly gifts that we'd be more than happy to receive ourselves on Christmas day.

So, let us extend an olive branch, as we offer up some killer gift ideas that should have real appeal to the bass player in your life.