How to CRUSH at GOSPEL Bass: The Justin Raines Interview | The SBL Podcast Ep. 144

There’s a TON you can learn from Gospel bass players – and one, in particular, you may have overlooked.

Justin Raines could teach you everything you need to know about pocket, songwriting, and epic bass fills. In today’s interview, Scott and Ian sit down with Justin to breakdown his tone, his technique and some of his signature licks, including his astounding bass solo on Nobody by Ne-Yo.

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Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
00:27 - Justin's Background and Accomplishments
01:20 - Performance of Israel and New Breed Medley
02:23 - Balancing Playing Live and on YouTube
03:19 - The Importance of Licks in Gospel Music
04:17 - Adapting Playing Style for Social Media
05:04 - The Balance Between Simple and Busy Bass Lines
05:34 - Creating Bass Lines in Gospel Music
06:59 - Understanding the Pocket in Different Genres
07:54 - The Influence of Drums on Bass Playing
08:23 - Justin's Relationship with MTD Basses
09:21 - Transitioning to the Current MTD Bass
10:16 - Customizing the MTD Bass for Justin's Sound
12:12 - The Importance of Tone in Bass Playing
13:37 - Justin's Bass Knob Settings
17:19 - Evenness Between Fingerstyle and Slap
19:01 - Balancing Distraction and Celebration in Worship Music
27:00 - Distraction vs Expression in Gospel Music
29:56 - The Importance of Listening and Responding
30:24 - The Evolution of Justin's Playing Style
32:23 - Balancing Freedom of Expression and Complementing the Song
34:15 - Technique Exercises for Building Ability
37:40 - Practicing Scales and Harmony
40:05 - Exploring the Instrument and Trying New Things
46:08 - Influence of Richard Bona
53:16 - Choosing Key Bass vs Electric Bass
57:03 - The Importance of Continuous Practice and Improvement
59:27 - Advice for Young Bass Players

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[Jraines]

Ian, Scott and Sharon!!!! Thank You again for allowing me to share a little bit of me to your audience! I'm grateful for the connections made and I look forward to working with you all more in the future!!!

[mjmason]

The way Scott and Ian are so gracious and respectful to Justin and all of the players they interview is so awesome to see. They show so much respect to these bassists!

[Below-Average_Joe]

When Justin Raines said that he spent a year on his double thumb technique before he went public, he served up a big dose of perspective on the difference between being able to play a few licks and really have a clean technique.

[JASONRODRI]

Finally we get into the gospel realm! 😌 nothing but straight 🔥🔥

[chrisculpepper]

I had the pleasure of meeting Justin a few years ago. I'd been following him for a few years prior to that. He really disproved the "Never meet your heros" thing. What an incredibly kind, and humble person! Truly inspiring. Thank you for doing this interview, great questions all the way through.

[Bassic]

Justin is not only one of the most skilled, gifted, and knowledgeable bassists(and drummers) in the business who has mastered his craft, but he's also an intelligent, humble, and chill dude!!! Everything he plays is a bass masterclass and he's a masterclass of playing fills without overplaying and being a distraction! He reminds me of the late great Aaron Spears who played some INSANE EXTRATERRESTRIAL drum fills and SOME HOW NEVER MISSED THE ONE!!! Yes, he plays some incredible basses but HE makes his basses SING!!! Thank you for an OUTSTANDING INTERVIEW!!! I'm inspired every time I see Justin play and hear him speak!!! Thank God for Justin Raines!!!

[muradaliyev]

The real-deals like Justin are always the most humble, encouraging and supportive musicians out there, they are always so generous with their knowledge and do everything in their power to make the whole thing as least intimidating/overwhelming as possible so that you can get there too, imo it's the ultimate act of love towards an aspiring musician, what an amazing soul this guy is!

[mjmason]

Justin's MTD Saratoga always sounds so clean and well balanced no matter where he is on the neck. I know part of it is just his play-style, but not every bass signal comes out that even throughout the frequency range. Sounds killer!

[brandonallenbass]

Such a great perspective about the “no short cuts!” What most people don’t realize about all the professional musicians traveling is the thousands of hours of hard work and practicing and sacrifices they have made to be where they are and play how they play! People just want to know the secret but it’s hard work! Justin is so amazing and so nice!

[KennyTaylor_JesusIsLord]

Justin, such respect! I pray for a quick recovery from your health issues and a new kidney soon brother. You are such a bass inspiration. Thanks Scott and Ian. Your interviews are a real blessing.

[cbass_musicpro]

One of the best interviews. Couldn't just get off the screen

[yeshuaislord]

It's cool to see a Christian gospel bassist on here

[stephenmitchell]

Thanks so much you two for a great interview.
Ian, I’m 67 years young and still striving on the bass, this was so inspiring.
Justin you are such an inspiration. God Bless and thank you for all of your creativeness.🙏

[BassByTheBay]

Man, I wish I had had Justin as a teacher when I started playing. Aside from his excellent practical advice, he has such a gentle, encouraging vibe. 😎♥️

[jerryjohnson]

Thanks for having Justin Raines on your show

[RogerCorley]

This was one of the best interviews I’ve ever watched! Great job!!

[Harmony_Worship]

I don't normally comment to any video here but thank you SBL and Ian for taking time with one my bass heroes. All I can say is, I WANT MORE FROM JUSTIN!!!! ❤️

[alannahroberson]

We've actually done several of Israel's songs at my church and I've had the honor of playing bass on those songs. I have so much fun doing it. I don't do it nearly as much justice as Justin does being the originator, but man it's awesome to see the master at work here! Such a big fan!

[rockettracing]

I haven’t touched my bass in over a year. So I’m trying to come back to and I needless to say, this has me fired up all over again!

[qtipg]

Watching videos on Scott's Bass Lessons is like watching a good movie for the first time. It is quite enjoyable, informative, entertaining and educational, even without popcorn.