How to be a Session Bass Player with Victor Wooten

Being hired for a recording session can be stressful, especially if you are new to it. You may not know the song or have played with the other musicians before, and there is always a time crunch to get the recording done. We asked Victor Wooten to give us some advice on how to approach a session. Victor walks us through how to go through a chart, how to make subtle changes to add depth to a track, how to build rapport and find a groove with the other musicians. Along with Tim Clement on guitar and Walker Adams on drums, watch as they go from rehearsal to recording.

[rafaelramos]

I like Victor’s approach to explore and still being respectful to the composer and the composition. Amazing professionalism!

[stevepethel]

Don't practice it too much...record it. You are almost always RIGHT. RESPECT for my Victor ...

[edesbalazs]

I think everyone can take away something from this who is inspired to do session work. Props to the songwriter too, it's a cool groove.

[marian]

Victor has always been a great teacher. I’m so glad that, after all these years, he continues to share his knowledge… and killer tone!

[ashgonza]

bass players are always the happiest musicians :)

[InvictusBananman]

What a crazy and wholesome man. There is always something to learn from Victor

[gratefulpipeandcigar]

I loved this short video. I play guitar at church weekly, so there are often new songs. All this advice is so applicable over all phases of musicianship. Also, isn’t Victor Wooten such an amazingly sweet and gentle GIANT musician?!?

[briankeenan]

I have been a fan of Victor forever. It's so great to see him. I am so completely mesmerized by his presence that I lose my breath watching him. Fantastic writer as well. Read his books. He is the Musicians Musician. Thank you Victor, God Bless You.

[erivers]

What an absolute genius music lesson by the GOAT himself. Wow, Victors perspective is absolutely genius.

[-whiskey-]

I love how in every video, as soon as Vic starts playing, a smile appears on his face. I want tot have that much fun all the time lol

[bassyey]

Great video. Always inspiring to watch how pros work things out. I'm not exactly new to reading sheet but I'm not good at it.

[johncook]

Fun stuff and VW’s guidance/instruction is an art in itself.

[billymcguiremusic]

Such a great, insightful video! Victor's such an amazing teacher and educator!

[paulkempkes]

Sweet. Seeing the chart would be valuable. Cheers, Vic!

[hedekbass]

Victor doesn’t play the wrong notes. The composer meant to write the notes he played.

[rogerdat]

NOTE: No click track. Journeyman studio cats create the click within the groove, while recording one-take wonders. LOVE IT!

[Bassic]

This is a very cool video!!! I really like Victor's approach to making sure the groove is solid first. Also, respecting the composer's idea while trying to make it better. As great as he is he is humble in admitting that he's going to make mistakes while the band works through the song! Reading and not sounding like you're reading while keeping your ears open is awesome advice.

[gillucas]

Comprei um amplificador hartke 800 em 1994 vendi para um amigo . Até hoje ele usa no som dele. Super aparelho. Muito bom. 30 anos prestando um bom serviço.❤

[raikeyzofficial]

Super insightful stuff! thanks for this!

[andreaszircher]

I love to get this insight in a real process in the studio.
Thanks a lot!
Would love to see more like that.

What did they get from the composer as a lead sheet?