How To Play Reggae Bass Like Aston Family Man Barrett

Here we dissect the bass part from the live version of Positive Vibration

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ENJOY

[terrywho]

"It wasn't until the late 90's and I was on tour with Freddie McGregor..." What a great way to start out a sentence! Legend.

[SandraBonney]

I saw Bob Marley as a 17 year old in Sydney, best concert of my life still. There is so much that is interesting in Bob's music. It never gets old. I particularly find the bass intriguing and pretty special.

[karlhenry]

This man is in another universe by himself, his style is his and only his alone. No one plays reggae bass like “Family Man” You simply cannot duplicate this genius.. The greatest ever..long live the bass!

[philipmcpherson]

Aston & Carlton Barrett were the Best Bass & Drum Rhythm Section ..
Ever !!!🎶🎶🎶

[MisterTonyBass]

I first started playing bass as a direct result of hearing and being inspired by Family Man on the Bob Marley & The Wailers albums. I saw him with Bob in concert five times in London during the Seventies. Later, sadly after Bob had passed, I was fortunate enough to meet Fams after a Wailers gig in Cambridge and he signed the back of my ticket. I was on cloud nine for days. He is the best! :-)

[onlyjoetee]

My favourite bass player EVER....He literally shakes the floor...

[rvbsoundfactory]

Family Man & his brother are top shelf musicians.

[garveyufot]

Oh my God! The two Barrett brothers were SIMPLY THE BEST together.

[alecbauserman]

I met Oteil Burbridge at Virginia Tech in 2002(?) when he played a small club with his band the Peacemakers. I said "Hey man, Im learning bass. You got any tips?" He smiled real big and said "LISTEN TO FAMILYMAN." Roger that!

[Quodge]

The real genius is that he effortlessly blends roots bass rhythms with a question and answer lick construction that’s right out of the funk textbook all while supporting the chords and keeping the whole song feeling musical.

Of how many baselines today can say that you can still get the whole song and top line changes hooks etc in your head while just the bass and backing track plays?

He can shoot straight and funky or drop back to some kinky roots vibe at will. He’s doing his job in the band supporting the changes all while having a blast and experimenting too.

What a true legend.

Thanks for this breakdown so I can appreciate the work on a new level.

[quandoeh]

Man you are so right about family man. He’s really the ninja of reggae bass.
A legend

[AdamMalster]

Due to circumstance I have switched from guitar in my rock band to bass. We have a reggae tune and that's why I'm watching. However, I am finding your video really helpful in general for whatever style the song we play. Thanks man.

[joshuacase]

You’re the only one that got rastaman vibration right bro, I looked all over YouTube and nobody but you got it right, great job!

[daviddrummer]

I'm a pro drummer but I practice bass secretly away from my bandmates late night alone in my apartment ar 2am. I love this guy & the way he teaches. Even drummers like me can learn

[therealiblack]

PLEASE DO A FAMILY MAN SERIES! This was such a great video, and he has so many iconic bass grooves. I'm amazed how many bassists sleep on Aston, and even drummers on Carlton. They are an irreplaceable rhythm section.

[mikesaganor]

I am glad that you could come round to Mr Aston Family Man Barrett, Because without him and his brother, Reggae would never be what it is today, And i know that some people
Will disagree, but that is ok for me.BOB wrote great songs, but their only a few Artist in the world you will hear their music without the voice and you can say what song it is.And
That is a talent and a gift by it self.

[bal]

You have single handedly made me pick up my bass after a long time. Reggae baselines are the root of all my favourite music and sound system. Can't get enough of reggae bass

[cranklukongo]

Sent this to my boss/friend Junior Marvin. He loves this. Recognizes some of his guitar licks in there. Says he still plays along with Fams licks to this day and knows all of his tricks. Good work you’re doing bro. Blessings. 🔥🔥🔥

[InvisibleElements]

Fams thrived in the Wailers, the chord changes in the songs inspired him endlessly, it was a perfect match, all the musicians contributing something different all the time, not a regular type of reggae band, (If there is such a thing).The bass sounds melodic & free, laidback & in the groove, no wonder Miles Davis enjoyed the Family man sound..

[Pyramidtone]

Fams is the pinnacle, and "Positive Vibration" is a marvelous portal into his magic. The attack and feel ... the subtleties seemingly improvised, and the "weight" and deliberation given to certain notes and phrases ... his unique swing and fluid propulsion -- it all really sets him apart. I've often felt like Fams' "process" might have been to compose "straightforward" lines, and then begin to remove anything he felt was too generic, obvious, or "expected" in favor of rests or Carly-influenced triplets. The Carly influence is the finishing luxury that the others weren't afforded. Hail the Blessed Brothers, musicians who whose profound vibration was the sublime, deep "feel" itself.
Thank you, Don!