The Bass Line That Started a DYNASTY

#bass #basshistory #groove #analysis #transcription #ewf #paulthompson
For the FIRST time on my channel, I'm talking about the "Elements of the Universe" - EARTH, WIND & FIRE, and their legendary bassist Verdine White. I'll break down the song that brought them international fame (1975's "Shining Star") and tell you why the bass line is so iconic. I'll also use three of my favorite Verdine EWF grooves to show you the 3 essential elements to his legendary bass playing style.

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[kevinshockey]

I don't care what anybody says, you can learn the notes all you want. But if you ain't got that thang you ain't got that Thang!🔥

[freeman]

I saw EWF this weekend (2023). Verdine was legendary at age 72! Still dancing. Still taking solos. Still making the crowd scream.

[alexterminator]

met Verdine in Paris (France) in the early 2000, we were playing with my band in a restaurant to open the night… I was the bass player… and the waiter… he arrived mid afternoon to have a diner… imagine my reaction … he wanted to jam with the band after his lunch… one of the most humble and nice guy … he played on my Fender jazz bass, reading the real book, jamming with my band… one of the best memory of my life !! a great man !

[pommie]

He is one of the best bass players of all time, no question.

[MBSLC]

My first bass teacher played "Shining Star" for me on my first bass lesson before I ever played anything on the bass. Verdine's playing is so inspirational! Thank you Paul!

[vinsharrelson]

Verdine is a major reason I took up playing bass in the late '70's! I'll never forget watching him, dressed as a witch doctor, playing an extended solo. While soloing, he danced his way into a hut made out of straw. The hut elevated into the air, and exploded with a huge flash! The solo continued, and he magically elevated from the floor, on the opposite side of the stage! He never lost the groove while performing the stunt!

[TheBlack-myyf]

Verdine's playing on "Happy Feeling" is what me start playing bass.

[Below-Average_Joe]

Thank you for honoring one of the true originals of Funk.

[retromusings]

As a non-musician, love watching your videos and learning so much. Even bigger appreciation of EWF's Verdine White.

[rvierra]

I am a pure New Wave and hard core Rocker from the 70's and 80's. But whenever I hear EWF, I bow to the Masters!! Absolutely love Earth Wind and Fire. I, sadly, remember when it was broadcast on Sirius/XM that Maurice White had passed I was totally bummed out. Still bummed out to this day, may he rest in peace.🙏

[sergemartinez]

Verdine is always smiling when he's playing his Bass Guitar .

[DroneUpp]

Incredible! He was the reason I left guitar and started learning to play bass back in the mid 70's! Playing Keep Your Head to the Sky, Devotion, Reasons, Where Have All The Flowers Gone, and so many more! Wow! Still the most exciting bassist in a Funk/Soul band to watch! Don't forget, he also dances while playing which is crazy when you listen to his deliberate and precise playing style! Thank you for showcasing this Bass Master!

[MarkSmith-cdny]

Earth, Wind & Fire was my first major big concert I went to. I was blown away in 1977, Seattle, WA. By the mid '90's a hundred major concert acts later. EW&F is still in the top few bands acts live that I have seen to date. Only saw them that one show, man oh man what a show.

[cameronlewis]

Great that Verdine White came up with the idea of overdubbing bass in the studio. Nobody ever thought twice about overdubbing a vocal or guitar, etc. Go Verdine!

[trakeya]

Thank you! Verdine White deserves every flower every video and every word of praise! ❤

[edjefferson]

Verdine plays just a bit in the future. Each note is fretted, string pulled taught ready to release in advance of the beat. His timing is so precise and powerful. There is the energy that propels the groove.

[dougfa]

I'm not even a bass player, but I love this channel.

[rickb]

Thanks for sharing, EW&F, great band! Dont forget to mention Mr. Louis Satterfield, EW&F's trombone player, and Verdine White's bass insructor.

[kcameo]

Oh brother, Paul on the subject of the band of my life and their mega outstanding bassplayer❤❤
I grew up with and by listening to the ellements.
Wisdom in it's most groovy form and shape ever.
The importance of the music of E, W&F for me can not be understated. It's the soundtrack that ALWAY's get's my head up when I'm feeling down. The lyrics, the music. Simply put: As essential as food for me.
You are spot on Paul to say, the bassline of Shining Star is deceptifly simple. Like almost any Verdine line is.
But that groove. My oh my.
It is the reason why you see so many interviews on bass chanels e.a. with greats like Marcus, Bootsy and Verdine besides them. Verdine's playing is exceptional to basspro's. For the public. He is that bassline that makes 'em dance. That's it. And that was and is Verdine's powertrick: Be a servant to the groove. Well, he is the groove.
Thank you Paul for time and time again making these valuable and outstanding lessons on the bassplayers and bands of my preference.
We Sir, have totally identical taste it seems.
Much appreciated❤
And hopefully you are in good health. Bless you!

[butterbread-xq]

At the age of 15 while living in Memphis we lived next door to Maurice and Verdine's aunt, she could never grasp the excitement they generated around the neighborhood when they would come to visit because to her they were just her nephews.