The best advice Victor Wooten ever gave me

How I got over my stage fright and many other answers in this QnA! Remember to TAP like and subscribe for BASS videos!!

IG: @charles_berthoud

Special thanks to Zachary Brunetti, AhLun, Sugabeat, Colin Heberling, Timothy Gabrielson, Colter Fike, Cpt. Marley, Sid Stenersen, Turpid, DebisU, David Geschke, Dario Cimmino, Edward Quinn, James Oldfield, Cody Pecot, Marc Forand, Sebastián Labbé, James Ansell, Rob Nack, Michael Forrester, 949 Designs, slatibartfast24, Nil N, Kelly Henderson, 游鎰駿, Zachary Gidwitz, Joe Norsworthy, Štěpán Emmer, Michele Marletta and all my other Patrons and members!

[thegodofpez]

It’s amazing to see how real Charles is. His answers are so genuine and helpful. What a great inspiration for future bassists and musicians.

[beeble]

2:04 "Write music that appeals to people who've never played bass."
I think that's great advice. Very often, I hear solos on whatever instrument and my main thought is "You're playing the instrument, but you're not playing music." People do sometimes get too tied up in showing off their amazing technique, and forget the music part. But I don't recall ever thinking that about your music, which is very refreshing.

[jasonwilliamson]

I had an old timer bass player tell me that lead guitar might get a bunch of cheers, but the bass is what everyone dances to. I loved that way of looking at it.

[edwillock]

In response to the beard question you could participate in Novembeard (A.K.A. no shave November). You could write a piece that "feels" like late Fall and film yourself playing it (or a short segment of it) every day then edit it together in chronilogical order to show your beard growth from the start to the end of November through out the piece. You could take it a step farther and start on October 31st, and end on December 1st for a little before & after and then back to clean shaven (if you don't decide to keep the beard of course). A calendar in the background where you 'X' out each day would be a nice touch. You could come up with a way to challenge viewers to show off their Novembeards also, or challenge Davie504 to a bearded bass battle. Tons of possibilities to make some fun content.

[joellajuett]

I am 54. Playing bass for 40+ years. Played my first band gig at 19 in a back yard and loved it. But I remember my first public appearance at 14. In high school drama club I was in the annual play and had the first line of the play. I opened the curtain a stuck my head out to see 3500+ people. I turned to the A.D. and said " I cant do this" then I proceeded to start puking. 5 minutes later it stopped and a teacher gave me a pep talk. That talk still resonates thru my head before every show. They told me "forget the everybody naked theory, just think that I'm naked". I was like what ? But them I laughed because I thought that's stupid. But it's so dam funny it works. Unless you end up in Red Hot Chilly Peppers.

[Henri]

I'm only just learning the bass and you've been a huge inspiration to me, also you're one of the reasons I even picked up the bass cause I realized what an awesome instrument it was!

[ProductBasement]

100% spot on with the advise about overcoming stage fright. I played bass, guitar, or cajon almost every week at my old church for 10 years. I was nervous at firs-t, but eventually I became more comfortable on stage than in the audience

[wking]

I was working at a shoe store in 1998 in salt lake city. I saw victor walk past the store, ran out to grab him. Said I was a huge fan. He came back in the store and signed a few post it notes for me cause that's all I had at the time. I was 16 years old at the time. It was an amazing day for me. Such a good guy.

[talhacamci]

"The only time I've ever really felt any pain was when I was on tour and I haven't really SLAPPED very much that past week..." Understandable for you, Charles.

[MisterBoy]

Love the "just play live more" advice. I really relate to that. Just doing it more I might not necessarily make less mistakes but I care far less and am able to shrug them off - maybe even make a joke - and continue. There's nothing wrong even stopping and saying "sorry I screwed that up let's try again" and it builds a link with your audience.

[beautifulinstrumentals]

You’re a good dude, Charles. Thanks for your sincerity and willingness to share your experiences in such an open manner and not being a jacked-up know-it-all.

[MatthewMabborang]

I’m really glad that Charles gave a lot of wonderful insights in keeping the passion of music, may it be for bass or any other instruments! As well as composing! Thanks for always inspiring us! 💯💯💯

[Jonnybassboy]

I've been playing bass for almost 30 years and yet Charles has given me the inspiration to relearn an instrument I thought I knew already. Turns out there are endless new sounds and techniques opening up to me that I didn't know existed. Thanks for the inspiration Charles!

[norriswilson]

He exudes such a positive energy. It comes across in his playing as well. He is a delight.

[Tomatohater]

Pat Martino, who recently passed away at age 77, was one of the absolute best jazz guitarists ever - right up there with Christian and Montgomery. Listen to his version of "On the Stairs" to experience his stunning virtuosity and mastery of his instrument.

[eoin]

Wow what perfect timing to get this video when I have my first gig tonight!

[PinkYuzu]

For the person seeking inspiration in the face of disability: I relate. I have multiple autoimmune conditions, and some spinal injuries as a result of abuse, which caused me to lose confidence and give up guitar. I picked up a bass 21 years later and I'm seeing progress. My inspiration has been guitarist Mick Mars, who suffers with a painful autoimmune illness as well, but rises to it as though it were a challenge, like a badass. If he can do it, I can. He's old enough to be my grandpa, life's not over till it's over.

[ClassicalGuitarist]

Thank you Charles for including my question in your q and a. I really admire your bass playing, especially the tapping. Keep up the elite work!

[fredrikghazarian]

You are my inspiration when it comes to bass. I started playing bass 2 years ago in school and I fell in love with it! Now I bought a Yamaha trbx305 5 string bass. You inspired me to learn more solos instead of just bass lines. You are amazing at bass!

[normg]

How can such a brilliant and absolutely incredible bass player be so down to earth and kind? Usually super genius musicians are totally useless with people skills. You must be from a different planet! And I'm sure you would make a wonderful friend...