Greatest Bass Line Ever? 'I Wish' Stevie Wonder (Ep. 10)

“Stevie Wonder called and said, “I need you to come back in – I’ve got this bad song.”

'I Wish' is up there with 'Sir Duke' in terms of sheer funkability, but how did Nate Watts come up with the irresistible bass line? And is it really one of the greatest of all time?

In today’s video, you’ll learn how to play one of Stevie's most iconic songs. Plus, you'll get all of the tab and notation so you can understand every note.

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Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
00:20 - We Played it WRONG
00:58 - The Intro
01:21 - The Feel
02:36 - Bass Line Breakdown
04:25 - Dialling it in!
04:46 - The Ghost Notes
06:38 - Scott’s approach
07:40 - The B Section
08:37 - The Post Chorus
11:21 - THE SQUIGGLE
13:08 - Effects
14:27 - Summary

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[KillerFridge]

Ian's addition to the channel is probably the best business and creative choice you guys have made in forever

[kubbykool]

When that bass line came across the radio, I wanted the entire planet to be quiet! Songs in the Key of Life is my favorite album of all time, and "I Wish" is my favorite cut from that masterpiece. 👌🏾

[sramredd]

I'm glad there is no pick shaming like in other bass channels. I primarily play with a pick and I usually feel ostracized because of the slappers that say playing with a pick is a sin and you're not a real bass player. That's why I like this channel so much. I learn and don't feel like I'm doing something wrong. Thanks Scott and Ian.

[fretlessman]

Please don't take this the wrong way... this was a LOT better than I expected it to be!

[KhrisRoyal]

This is another example on why understand gospel music is so important to playing the American songbook.

[minioner]

Anything Ian touches is golden, his face is a joy to see when he’s playing

[mgr_]

"As I'm in the squiggle, my eyes move to the next target" - I think I need this as some kind of motivational poster style

[Heathaze]

That walking line is so cool how it intertwines with the melody. Its like there are 3 or 4 songs going on at once and they just groove together.

[mistad]

Do I Do baseline is absolutely amazing. Nathan Watts cut loose on that track 👌🏾

[garrettlowell]

This is one of my daily go to practice songs to build/maintain stamina. Thanks for breaking down that little solo section.

[prettyboy]

When I first heard this song as a 10 year old kid around 1980 I was totally blown away by it. And I certainly never would have imagined years later I would be able to whip out a hand-held mail device/music library/video game player and watch someone teach me how to play it.

[dantofoz]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and i can't tell you how much I am enjoying your stuff. I'm 47, and from 16 to 35, I was obsessed with my bass, played in heaps of bands and it was my life. But I fell out of love - hard - sold my vintage StingRay, and haven't touched a bass in over a decade. But watching you both lay down the groove has really stoked the fire.

[Henri]

I love your guys style of teaching. So thorough but you keep it fun, great attitudes. Keep up the good work my dudes.

[Jay-kkrd]

Omg. I sucked as a high school “bass player” but watching you guys gives me so much pleasure because I hear and see the joy while you describe the intricacies that I hear and have enjoyed for so long. Keep it up guys.

[mjolnircarlssen]

Best YouTube channel, hands down. I was kind of hesitant when Ian Martin Allison joined in such a pronounced way…..

But he’s been such a benefit to this already amazing channel. The whole game elevated, and we ALL benefit.

Great job, gentlemen. You run the classiest music channel on YouTube.

[Chris_Davis_music]

Ian's comment about Looking Where to Go Next while playing the thing you're playing (12:00) - this should be heard by all musicians everywhere all the time!

[colleenpatterson]

I observed this way of playing I Wish a long time ago. The issue is, when you're playing it with your local cover band, often there isnt enough of that groove part happening from other instruments. As the bass player you feel like you want to add in that "feel" part.

[MaxAlmaraz-zppk]

Great breakdown of the bass line....especially the B section....Thanks guys.

[TheMusicalSchizo]

Thanks, gents - Always loved this line and always marveled at how straight and almost robotic the core of it is and how much everything around it swings like a mofo. Also, noticing the M3 2MR41H shirt again...I hope you got to go to Atlanta and see the reunion, Ian - I saw the Friday show and it was OUTSTANDING! Or maybe you're going to Chicago...either way, if you love the band, you should see the show. It's really excellent.

[efibass]

My favorite teachers giving us once again all this knowledge, combined with their amazing energy, spreading all the light they have inside!.. I could watch you guys for hours!! <3