How to play like Dusty Hill of ZZTop - Bass Habits - Ep 38

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#zztop #dustyhill #basshabits

[ktel]

I've played with Dusty. Jam session. I was sitting in on bass, because I brought a bass rig and there was nobody else playing bass in the club. Guy with a big bead pulled up on his Harley. Asked (very politely) if he could fill my shoes on the bass. Well, yes Mister Hill, please, be my guest! Could I play guitar with you? We jammed until well after closing time. Couple 3 years later I was working in a building near there, and the secretary said there was a scary looking guy hanging around in the lobby by the African Art gallery. Showed up on a Harley, had a big beard. Wasn't Dusty. It was Billy Gibbons. We talked about art, cars, motorcycles, yanno, guy shit. I really didn't want to mention that I played guitar, but I mentioned that I'd met Dusty at a bar a couple blocks away. Billy told me that Dusty thought I kicked ass. Wow. That was like, fuck. I impressed Dusty enough that he mentioned me to Billy and Billy remembered?

[robbasso]

Paul Del Bello references the slap bass line from ‘Thug’ along with some other tracks from ‘Eliminator’. From what I have read, the bass on that album was played on a synthesizer, while the drums were supplied by a drum machine. Both were played by Terry Manning, the engineer/pseudo producer. It’s even a possibility that Billy Gibbons did the bass track on ‘Thug’. Neither Dusty nor Frank had much involvement in recording the album besides the early demos, if I’m not mistaken. At least that’s what David Blaine’s ‘Sharp Dressed Men’ biography states

[tyorbs]

When Dusty was 13 his brother Rocky forced him to play bass so he could be in his band cuz they couldn’t find a bassist so we should thank his brother for all of this

[markporter]

Love ZZ Top. Dusty’s bass playing is tasteful and serves the song. It’s also loaded with groove.

[texasturner]

Great video ! R.I.P. Texas Legend ! Dusty Hill 1949 - 2021

[andrewpappas]

I got to see ZZ Top twice (first time was back in 2015 and the second time was 2018 with Lynyrd Skynyrd) and they’ve always been one of my favourite bands, Dusty was always such a critical part of the band and his death totally caught me off-guard so this is definitely a fitting tribute to a great musician that left us way too early (even at 72 years old) but I hope that the band’s guitar tech will continue to carry on Dusty’s legacy like the man himself wanted. RIP you blues rock icon, you will never be forgotten and thanks for everything you’ve done for us as musicians

[johnrosier]

Thanks for this video. Dusty brought 60+ years of playing music to the stage and even though the show will go on for ZZ Top it won’t be the same without him.

[TheAxeEver]

When my band was looking for a bass player, I was often asked “what kind of bass player are you looking for? What playing style?” Now, most hard rock bands of the time would have said Geddy Lee or Billy Sheehan or Steve Harris (A Steve Harris style bassist would ha e been killer too!) but I would respond with....Dusty Hill! Solid, in the pocket and played exactly what is needed. You know who else falls into the category of “under appreciated” bass player? Michael Anthony.

[MartyWilson]

As always a great analysis. Some people say that Dusty Hill under-played and had a bass sound more fit for a band with two guitarists. I disagree with that, they haven't listened enough to ZZ Top. I recommend this video to those people. I learned how to play bass listening to ZZ Top and Dusty Hill proves that what sounds easy is often harder to play than it sounds. Rest In Peace, Joseph Michael "Dusty" Hill

[alainbrasseur]

"I solemly swear to play the root, the whole root, and nothing but the root, so help me Dusty Hill."
and here what Dusty Hill said about his bass tone : Someone once asked me to describe my tone, and I said it was like farting in a trash can. What I meant is it’s raw, but you’ve got to have the tone in there.

[carlmontney]

RIP Dusty. You will live on through the great music you made. It's been my pleasure to play bass and sing on many ZZ Top tunes throughout my musical life journey. Blow your top!

[phillipenriquez]

Definitely my inspiration....RIP Dusty

[TheBill]

Also, you'll need an octave divider.

He did get a lot closer to his live sound on the 'Rythmeen' album, after that some of the sounds on 'Mescalero' are brutal. More metal than blues.

[sfperalta]

It's just amazing the complexity and artistry that Dusty brought to the band. You would never know that all that thick sound was produced by just these three guys with a guitar, a bass and a drum set.

[dougpeters]

Paul thank you for this brilliant video!
Bravo!
I was never particularly crazy about Dusty's bass sound in the scheme of great bass sounds but with this bluesy trio it does work. They knew what the hell they were doing!

[jimmymurphy]

Bless you for doing this, Lad - it's Great. RIP Dusty Hill.

[mrpositronia]

Having been in a very short-lived ZZ Top tribute band, I learned how Dusty plays and some of his techniques have found their way into my own style now.

[justcuz]

Thanks Paul, for honoring Dusty! I've been watching you since my journey of learning my bass. Keep bringing us your talent and teaching. THANK YOU!!!

[blanktintin]

Dusty has taught me that bass is the most important part of the band. He set the groove with the drummer and the guitar wails away on top of that foundation. Guitar can put on a great show but the Bass steals it.
Bass sets the atmosphere along with the drums.

[chasecopeland]

Great explanation Paul!! Especially where you explain the differences between the album and live versions. Another example of uncomplicated but tasteful groove