Why This Bass Line Effin’ Kills It → Roundabout by Yes (+Tab)

How do you get that Chris Squire *sizzle*? Lemme break down “Roundabout” for you and show how you to level up your own bass lines.

Hey, are you the bassist in a famous 70’s prog band? Me neither. But by the end of the video, you’ll sound a little more like it. I’ll cover
- What makes that epic Roundabout bass riff so… epic
- How to play bass with a drummer PROG-style
- How to sound really good by shutting up
- Chris’s top secret (and insane) melody overdubs
- WTF how is his bass tone so disgustingly good
- Watch to the end to see Chris doing his Michael Palin impression

What’s the name of this band? Would you like to subscribe to BassBuzz?

#ChrisSquire #Roundabout #ToBeContinued

[BassBuzz]

What’s your favorite Chris Squire riff? 🎸I think I might have to go with Heart of the Sunrise, although I could definitely play You By My Side all freaking day…

Timestamps for this lesson:
0:38 - Ghost Notes
2:10 - Syncopation
4:08 - Anticipation
5:32 - Bass & Drums
7:24 - Spaaaccceee
8:51 - Crazy Overdubs
10:34 - Gnarly Tone

[aaron_d_henderson]

As many people as there are who complain about bass players who use picks, nobody should question a legend for doing it 😆

[guitartec]

This song IS why I play music, and have been a guitarist for 45 years. It led me to opening a guitar repair business in 1977 til now. Oddly, it was the bass and keyboard solo that made my jaw drop back then as I was a 7 year child piano student back then and never, ever heard anything like Roundabout. It blew my tiny mind, and now it still blows what's left of my tiny mind.

[duckszn.]

Since I’m early I just wanna say thanks for teaching me to play bass, I got my bass in June 2020 and you were the only youtuber I could listen to and understand. Thank you!!

[Smashies]

That rickenbacker sounded amazing! Great playing as well!

[brennanthewilson]

If anybody is skeptical of Josh’s Beginner to Badass course, let me say it was probably one of the smartest music decisions ever made. I’ve learned so much from his course and videos like these.
Thanks Josh!

[cheelinville]

Holy smokes I miss Mr. Squire. Seen him live 5 times with Yes. A legend.

[DerekHubbard]

Chris was SUCH an amazing player. I remember having drinks with him in a hotel bar after a mind-blowing show (Dream Theater opening for Yes) and he was just one of the friendliest guys. We talked bass for a bit, and it is just one of my favorite memories. Steve Howe was there as well, but he was exhausted after the show. His guitar tech was cool, though.

[electric_whelk]

I REALLY appreciate how many of your lessons are about things that aren't super difficult TO do, but that players might not think to do. it's such a great supplement to the other videos out there

[Irridia]

IMHO the entire Fragile album highlights the brilliance of Chris Squire! I especially love Southside of the Sky and Heart of the Sunrise, of cours Roundabout too!

[rattlesnakerenegades]

The first concert in my life was the ABWH in Barcelona. It introduced me to the music of Yes and got in love forever with Chris bass lines and way of understanding bass lines and music in general. He was the best ever, no matter how well many others can play.

[markmarkofkane]

"I've seen all good people " is one of my favorite bass lines.

[mauriceclemens]

I’m 69 and was lucky to see Yes back in the early 70’s in St Petersburg, Fla. They were so awesome on stage. Fragile is still my favorite Yes album to this day.

[RMGCBG]

Saw Close to the edge tour (and many more) you couldn’t take your eyes of Chris Squire. He flat out owned the stage

[stanwray]

I purchased your beginner tutorial a while back, and it has helped me tremendously . Secondly, I would like to thank you for taking the time to show a little love to Chris Squire, Yes, and classical progressive music . Bravo indeed, sir ...

[jdtzrmusic]

"Yours Is No Disgrace" = monster bass lines throughout

[joshuabrice]

I love the way you break down all the rhythmic elements of this song. It's wicked good, and you explaining why all of this works is the so great! You have a teacher's heart and it's so amazing!

[emilbergdahl]

I have been beasting most of your vids during the past weeks and I must say; you are not only a great bass teacher but you seem to be a straight up nice human being. Thanks for all the great content and resources! ❤

[michaelanthony]

Thank you for highlighting Chris Squire. I’ve LOVED YES since the 70’s and saw them in San Francisco and Oakland several times.

[jakefoxx]

I also like the rasp in his tone and the way it makes the percussive thumps of the dead notes sound softer