Love it. I got fired from my first job back in 1992 because I called out to go see Primus open for U2. It was totally worth it. And yes I took off right after Primus was done. Who wants to see U2? Not me that's for sure.
A comment I once read someone make about Claypool that has stuck with me is that his playing has an absolutely incredible economy of motion. The video touched on some elements of it, but it's like he makes twice as many sounds while his hands are doing half as much.
Martinie and Claypool are two of my favorites. Incredible musicians that push the envelope of excellence. I got a chance to meet Martinie a couple years ago and he is as cool as you'd expect and has such a passion for creation of sound and innovative thinking. I was "supposed" to also meet Les last year at the Rush: Tribute To Kings tour but just my luck that the world got bitch slapped by the pandemic and put the brakes on that adventure. But my tickets are waiting in the wings still hoping that meeting will become a reality in the near future. Cheers!
Yes, Les Claypool is one of a kind on his technique and sound. The cool thing about Primus is that they sound heavy but not with the lower tones, as for "standard" metal. It's a really cool percussive, funky metal mashup. I can now name these techniques Les uses thanks to your video! Good job
Great breakdown of his technique. The Flamenco-technique is actually more of a full hand strum, he got it from Stanley Clarke, one of his prime - see what I did there? - influences. Clarke and especially Abe Laboriel did use the flamenco strum, where you rake across the strings with all fingers, alongside the FH strum extensively however. The way actual flamenco guitarists do it is called rasgueado and that's next level shit...
Damn dude. Well done. I've always been blown away by Les's work on Lacquerhead, and you described it brilliantly. I haven't watched any of your other videos, but you strike me as an excellent teacher. Breaking down every little part, then putting it together. I haven't played bass in years, but you're making me want to get back at it. Just wanted to say - really great video, mate.
As an aspiring bassist, I’ve always loved Les Claypool’s tone and technique, but I’d never heard it broken down like this. I saw a cover someone did on a dingwall of John the Fisherman, so I could really see that combined flamenco and slap style. Well done here 👏 👏 👏
Les claypool is one of my favorite musician, own everything he's ever put on vinyl(even sausage and oysterhead). Just recently defretted my 6 string so I can play more songs like Mary the ice cube, I'm also getting a 4 string bass made by Carl thompson just like Les' walnut bass
I saw Oysterhead at Bonnaroo, and good lord were they incredible. There is very little that Les Claypool has been a part of that I don't totally love. I even read his novel. It wasn't life changing the way my first Primus album was (Sailing the Seas of Cheese) but it was a fun, easy read.
Y’know a lot of people never really take into account, Les Claypool is like 6’3”. His hands are friggin huge, and at least his Carl Thompson 4 is short scale. Im not discounting his skill in anyway, but it is a factor in ease of play that I can attest to. I’m 5’9.5” and some stuff that Les does seem impossible or is a hella workout for my hands, simply because they are a lot smaller than Les’. Other songs take absolutely no effort, like Lacquer Head. I actually learned it just from watching the music video and just trying to imitate what he does. Now if I set everything up right, I can make my basses sound just like his. Some would say it doesn’t really matter how physically large someone is, but there are some things I just can’t do well because my hands just aren’t big enough, or my bass isn’t small enough. The intro to Puddin’ Taine comes to mind. Very difficult for me to get right because I can’t just rest my middle finger on the B, the fretboard is just too wide, I have to lift between each note to somewhat get the desired effect. Jerry was a Racecar Driver is also another one for the left hand. People say to use my pinky more, but I was blessed with tiny pinkies, so that really isn’t an option for anything but octaves and some chords. For Tommy the Cat, instead of using my middle finger for the octave in the main riff, I have to use my pinky because my hands are just not big enough. After years of almost daily practice of that song, I still cannot even come remotely close to even CZcams covers, let alone Les himself. My hands get tired and start cramping right around the first chorus.
Mmhmm, can confirm. Even being 6ft alot of his bass lines are pretty hard on a 34 inch scale bass. I remember trying some fender that was short scale and my god, what a ease it gave me. For now I will just exercise my fretting hand :/
@@darraghtate440 Name one Mayer song that is impossible without large hands. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm genuinely curious. I've learned a lot of Mayer songs off Continuum and have had no trouble. PS: My main guitar has a John Mayer signature Fender neck. Modeled after the 63
@@ikigai47 Neon is the most obvious example. The bass notes are all with the thumb hanging over the neck, I can't even get my hands in the correct position to play 8 - x - 8 - 5 - 6 - x with the thumb on the 8th fret of the low E string (which is tuned town to C). I'm certain there's plenty more, but I haven't done a very deep dive.
Great video. Les is also a major influence to me. In fact, after Primus' only show ever in Brazil, I managed to get into the backstage area, asked Les to autograph my arm and tattoed over it, right under my F claff tattoo. One of the proudest moments of my life
Nice vid! Les was really inspiring when I started to play bass about 20 years ago. Les is Hendrix of bass. Real superstar that shines as a lead of the band. Unique person and bassist.
Les claypool: *sneezes* Andrew: that was siiiick!! *camera zooms in and out 3 times* Andrew: that was like my fAvOrItE sneeze! Les claypool: *leaves* Andrew: whoa! CrAaAaZy!
A big part of that tone is him and his hands himself. He plays a Fender Jazz, you can tell it is Les, he plays that weird steel bayou bass thing and you hear his tone.
I can’t stop watching this video, thank you so much for making this! I did not know about Les Claypool until now. I feel like I should have known because I’m a bassist as well. His skills are immaculate.
I love les claypool, and I don't know a thing about playing any kind of instrument, but I appreciate your break down of his technique, I learned so much!! Thank you!!
Saw Primus at ozzfest 99, les claypool and frog brigade in my hometown FrogTown, Angels Camp, Ca (what Les named the band after, in 2000. Primus with Mastodon't in 2019. And saw Primus open for Slayer 11/30/19, Slayer's final show.
FYI a LOT of good bassist also do some flamenco on the side. I've studied right hand flamenco technique a bit and it's so essential to getting cool sounds out of a bass. I also play a classical guitar as my 6 string primary and when I took a workshop with Stephane Wrembel (gypsy jazz), he kept picking me as accompaniment because I was playing fingerstyle with those flamenco stabs in place of the percussive hits of la pompe (the basic stroke of manouche). Anyway, not surprising to learn Les has brought that stuff into his playing! A charangista I know, when I asked him about his right hand technique, said 'whatever works'. He had dozens of styles packed in, but didn't really use any of them. They just trained his hand to do what was needed, when he needed it!
One really cool place that chord stab right hand technique pops up is the intro to Aces High by Iron Maiden. Not sure how Harris plays it, but I use 100% the flamenco-based move you show here!
Les Claypool & Victor Wooten literally shaped my bass playing forever. I was 16 years old when I first was made aware of their presence. Great video, my dude. Awesome video!
I remember bringing a copy of Fizzle Fry over to my buddies place about 91-92. My tape trader friend gave it to me, and I had it well before most. I was like.. I don’t know what this is.. I kind of like it..do you like it? My buddy was like.. like it! And then we proceeded to wear it out. Later we had an epic pilgrimage to see the Sailing the Seas Tour. Easily one of the best shows I’ve ever been to.
I have decided to have 3 children.. In order have bass battles against each other using Primus techniques. That is how legit this channel is! Thank you bass player Steve Jobs.
I'm incredibly new to bass, and instrument playing in general. Kinda just messing around with things I'd like to learn in the long run, slap being a huge one (mostly thanks to Primus). The left hand hammer thing honestly explained dead notes better to me than anything I'd come across so far so, like, thank you. Excellent video that I'll be coming back to many times in the future! The bit of Lacquer Head is super fun from what I've tried after watching this and I will get down to the other techniques shown down the road! You got my sub and my support, chief!
As a bass player, I always respected Les and knew he was a G.O.A.T. Never really went out of my way to listen to Primus. (John the fishermen used to annoy me. Blasphemous in hindsight, I know) However, fairly recently, Primus came on my Playlist. For the first time, something clicked. Now I'm obsessing over them. The music, the videos, their stage presence, and most importantly, les Claypools utter mastery of his instrument. I've needed motivation recently. I just never thought Les would be there for me. But he wouldn't help if there weren't people who could eloquently explain his technique because his written music doesn't translate at all.
EXCEPTIONAL VIDEO!! you have helped me understand what exactly is happening when les plays. ive got my own technique to mimic it but its weak compared to seeing you show the real process
Tbh, I read text on the thumbnail as “How to slap Les Claypool like” and my brain autocompleted it to be “How to slap Les Claypool like a professional.” It was a strange and magical 2 seconds before I realized my mistake.
In case you're wondering how to really get the most out of your slap. Don't bother with russian slap fight videos, they just use brawn over brain. Check out the skinny middle eastern dudes that wind their arm 300 degrees back before unleashing a god damn skyrim spike door trap of a slap into your noggin. It's all technique and execution it's just something else. czcams.com/video/AXO4RS4s7iU/video.html pictured is a 180 degree wind up. I'll allow you to extrapolate what adding another 120 degrees would do. It may not be professional but it is most likely the pinnacle of technique. Then just start lifting weights so you can put some meat into it like the russians.
I had a 5 sting fretless Carl Thompson …. He came to Ward Brodt music store in Madison Wi quite a long time ago and did a clinic …. I was hooked … had him make me a similar rainbow style to Les’ 6 string from the SSOC era ….. took 3.5 years , and almost $5k when it finally arrived …. It was epic…. Couldn’t even come close to playing it to its potential …. But it was my pride and joy for decades…. Unfortunately I had to sell it to a collector and store owner up in northern Wi… son was born, divorce, you know….. life happened… still regret it heavily to this day.. Carl completed it on his wife’s birthday … so the serial number was 3-3-97 I think ….. I’m gonna go cry now …..
Thank you so much for this lesson! I was having trouble with playing Lacquer Head and I didn't even touch My Name is Mud. But since I finally know how to do the left hand technique I am having so much fun playing Lacquer Head and I'm starting to learn My name is Mud!!
Saw the primus 3d tour. They sent out sound wave specialists to every show prior and set up their own sound systems for those specific spaces. Life changing experience.
It’s interesting how intimidated people are towards learning Primus stuff. I starting climbing that hill back in 2017 and what I tell people is just learn one song. Get one piece of the puzzle and it’ll unlock chorus’s, versus or other individual parts of other songs. First song I learned was American life. Got that strum down, then I could notice that strum every time it ever came up in another song. You learn another song like To Defy cause you hear the strum and that unlocks slap and some right hand tapping. Now you got 2 pieces of the puzzle. Then all of a sudden you’re playing Duo De Twang stuff or songs from his solo albums. It’s definitely a lot of fun to start slapping other songs in the style of Les. Mastodons Chimes at Midnight is a badass one to slap or the last part of Megadeth’s Wake up Dead. You get a lot of fun party tricks down this path.
Hey man, been playing Claypools stuff for years. This was a good vid, touched on a lot of stuff, wish i wouldve had this starting out, took me FOREVER to figure it out all by myself. Great job though
Primus is the heaviest band I've ever seen live. More than morbid angel and pantera and sepultura put together. Great breakdown. First video I've seen of yours. Subbed.
@@FatLadyKiller Are you kidding? Primus is proundly heavy, but they're not direct about it. They just haunt you for a while. Larry was one of the founders of Death Metal after all, when he was in Possessed back in the early 80's. After tBlihat Les and Ler were in Blind Illusion together before they spawned Primus. They go for an abstract sort of horror, kind of like the movie _Synecdoche, New York._ It just kind of haunts you for a while until you actually think about it and understand how abjectly terrifying it is. I would argue that a song like "Jilly's on Smack" is waaaaaay heavier than something like "Arise" because it's far more plausible, personal, and persistent. It doesn't just jump out and punch you in the face. Instead, it lurks in the shadows and ruins your life while you're not looking.
Really great video, man! I'm a big Primus fan since Antipop came out (I was 17 and playing bass at the time), but you're the one who really make me understand how it works. I 'member looking at tabs at the time and I was like: "mmhh, doesn't sound as intended..." Thanks!
Thinking about picking up the bass, I've always played guitar and mingled with harmonica which I love, and I realized just now that...I need your bass man! Looks awesome
I love these series. I used to be really closed minded about a lot of players, it pains me to say it but I did with Les, maybe it was closeted envy. XD he’s awesome great content thank you man.
I kind of hate Bass InFlUeNcErS (you know, those who are only in the business of showing off their chops and endorsements) but your channel is sweet man, you're a great, GREAT teacher!
Your bass tone was amazing, you got another sub!! Could you do an analysis like this one of Chris Squire, Tony Levin, Mike Rutherford... Prog rock bassist in general?
I just found your V.Wooten video 2 days ago, and now this one. I’m glad I became aware of you and your videos. I just subscribed to your channel and looking forward to looking at your other contents.
I've seen Primus many times. Oysterhead, The Flying Frog Brigade, and Bucket of Bernie Brains. I saw Primus with Helmet, and got my nose broken in the pit (NOT a willing participant) during "Jerry Was a Racecar Driver" (GO! *CRACK!!*). Les Claypool is, has been, and always will be my Main Bass Hero.
Very cool video mate. I think every bass student should watch this video and study Laquer Head. Once you get it's easier than it seems you suddenly turn into a decent player. This worked for me before YT tutorials. Very good job and analysis 👍
Love it. I got fired from my first job back in 1992 because I called out to go see Primus open for U2. It was totally worth it. And yes I took off right after Primus was done. Who wants to see U2? Not me that's for sure.
thoroughly based
hell yeah brother
I would have left early as well.
LmaooooooOOoOo
Based as hell, bro.
I've seen Primus live 3 times and I'm only 22. Les is a god!
Twice at 17
You're livin right, man 🤘
4 times and I'm 20!
I'm tryin to get tickets for a show in June by my place i can almost guarantee its gonna rock
I saw Primus in 94 at Lollapalooza, Along with Alice in chains and Stone Temple Pilots. Before everyone started dying.
A comment I once read someone make about Claypool that has stuck with me is that his playing has an absolutely incredible economy of motion.
The video touched on some elements of it, but it's like he makes twice as many sounds while his hands are doing half as much.
I'm 41 years old. I don't remember learning to walk, but I'm pretty sure it was just like this.
Ryan Martinie would be an excellent second part, they have similar approach
Martinie is a God tier bassist. so incredibly good that it's absurd and often ridiculous.
@@BootsORiley indeed
BrBrDeng intesifies
Yeah he’s great, too good for mudvayne lol
Martinie and Claypool are two of my favorites. Incredible musicians that push the envelope of excellence. I got a chance to meet Martinie a couple years ago and he is as cool as you'd expect and has such a passion for creation of sound and innovative thinking. I was "supposed" to also meet Les last year at the Rush: Tribute To Kings tour but just my luck that the world got bitch slapped by the pandemic and put the brakes on that adventure. But my tickets are waiting in the wings still hoping that meeting will become a reality in the near future. Cheers!
Yes, Les Claypool is one of a kind on his technique and sound. The cool thing about Primus is that they sound heavy but not with the lower tones, as for "standard" metal. It's a really cool percussive, funky metal mashup. I can now name these techniques Les uses thanks to your video! Good job
Lacquer head is class, you do it justice. Bravo
I don't play bass but I still thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Your setup, editing, technique and presentation are brilliant. Awesome work my guy.
This was a great video. Les also has an amazing economy of motion. He will play a million notes but his hands barely move. It's so clean.
Great breakdown of his technique. The Flamenco-technique is actually more of a full hand strum, he got it from Stanley Clarke, one of his prime - see what I did there? - influences. Clarke and especially Abe Laboriel did use the flamenco strum, where you rake across the strings with all fingers, alongside the FH strum extensively however. The way actual flamenco guitarists do it is called rasgueado and that's next level shit...
Damn dude. Well done. I've always been blown away by Les's work on Lacquerhead, and you described it brilliantly. I haven't watched any of your other videos, but you strike me as an excellent teacher. Breaking down every little part, then putting it together. I haven't played bass in years, but you're making me want to get back at it. Just wanted to say - really great video, mate.
Thank you Stephen for the amazing compliment. I truly appreciate it!
@@BassFreedom how much primus is possible with a 4 string? I'm a beginner, obviously.
@@electricfil Absolutely! I learned tons of Primus on my 4 string and I had one for 10 years before I got a 5 string!
@@BassFreedom sweet! Thank you. You're videos are great. I just subscribed. ✌
As an aspiring bassist, I’ve always loved Les Claypool’s tone and technique, but I’d never heard it broken down like this. I saw a cover someone did on a dingwall of John the Fisherman, so I could really see that combined flamenco and slap style. Well done here 👏 👏 👏
I've been playing bass for over 40 years, this is by far the single best Claypool technique video I've ever seen, by miles
Thanks a lot!!!🤘
Reddit brought me here and Im not disappointed, keep it up man
Les claypool is one of my favorite musician, own everything he's ever put on vinyl(even sausage and oysterhead). Just recently defretted my 6 string so I can play more songs like Mary the ice cube, I'm also getting a 4 string bass made by Carl thompson just like Les' walnut bass
Whats your ETA on it? When did you order?
I saw Oysterhead at Bonnaroo, and good lord were they incredible. There is very little that Les Claypool has been a part of that I don't totally love. I even read his novel. It wasn't life changing the way my first Primus album was (Sailing the Seas of Cheese) but it was a fun, easy read.
How much $$ does a custom order Carl Thompson go for? Damn
Y’know a lot of people never really take into account, Les Claypool is like 6’3”. His hands are friggin huge, and at least his Carl Thompson 4 is short scale. Im not discounting his skill in anyway, but it is a factor in ease of play that I can attest to. I’m 5’9.5” and some stuff that Les does seem impossible or is a hella workout for my hands, simply because they are a lot smaller than Les’. Other songs take absolutely no effort, like Lacquer Head. I actually learned it just from watching the music video and just trying to imitate what he does. Now if I set everything up right, I can make my basses sound just like his.
Some would say it doesn’t really matter how physically large someone is, but there are some things I just can’t do well because my hands just aren’t big enough, or my bass isn’t small enough. The intro to Puddin’ Taine comes to mind. Very difficult for me to get right because I can’t just rest my middle finger on the B, the fretboard is just too wide, I have to lift between each note to somewhat get the desired effect. Jerry was a Racecar Driver is also another one for the left hand. People say to use my pinky more, but I was blessed with tiny pinkies, so that really isn’t an option for anything but octaves and some chords. For Tommy the Cat, instead of using my middle finger for the octave in the main riff, I have to use my pinky because my hands are just not big enough. After years of almost daily practice of that song, I still cannot even come remotely close to even CZcams covers, let alone Les himself. My hands get tired and start cramping right around the first chorus.
Bro, same. Hand size, finger length and width plays a huge part.
Good shout, it's an important factor. A similar situation is John Mayer, who's also 6'3 and plays stuff that is impossible without large hands.
Mmhmm, can confirm. Even being 6ft alot of his bass lines are pretty hard on a 34 inch scale bass. I remember trying some fender that was short scale and my god, what a ease it gave me. For now I will just exercise my fretting hand :/
@@darraghtate440 Name one Mayer song that is impossible without large hands. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm genuinely curious. I've learned a lot of Mayer songs off Continuum and have had no trouble. PS: My main guitar has a John Mayer signature Fender neck. Modeled after the 63
@@ikigai47 Neon is the most obvious example. The bass notes are all with the thumb hanging over the neck, I can't even get my hands in the correct position to play 8 - x - 8 - 5 - 6 - x with the thumb on the 8th fret of the low E string (which is tuned town to C).
I'm certain there's plenty more, but I haven't done a very deep dive.
Brings back memories of being stoned in the 1990's. Thanks!!
Great video. Les is also a major influence to me. In fact, after Primus' only show ever in Brazil, I managed to get into the backstage area, asked Les to autograph my arm and tattoed over it, right under my F claff tattoo. One of the proudest moments of my life
Im 75 i saw primus with my son in 2014 i have loved them eversince and have gone to see them live twice
Nice vid! Les was really inspiring when I started to play bass about 20 years ago.
Les is Hendrix of bass. Real superstar that shines as a lead of the band. Unique person and bassist.
Les claypool: *sneezes*
Andrew: that was siiiick!!
*camera zooms in and out 3 times*
Andrew: that was like my fAvOrItE sneeze!
Les claypool: *leaves*
Andrew: whoa! CrAaAaZy!
Primus was one of the tightest live bands I've ever experienced. Class act.
A big part of that tone is him and his hands himself. He plays a Fender Jazz, you can tell it is Les, he plays that weird steel bayou bass thing and you hear his tone.
I don't even play bass and this video was great, good vid 👍
I can’t stop watching this video, thank you so much for making this! I did not know about Les Claypool until now. I feel like I should have known because I’m a bassist as well. His skills are immaculate.
I love les claypool, and I don't know a thing about playing any kind of instrument, but I appreciate your break down of his technique, I learned so much!! Thank you!!
Saw Primus at ozzfest 99, les claypool and frog brigade in my hometown FrogTown, Angels Camp, Ca (what Les named the band after, in 2000. Primus with Mastodon't in 2019. And saw Primus open for Slayer 11/30/19, Slayer's final show.
FYI a LOT of good bassist also do some flamenco on the side. I've studied right hand flamenco technique a bit and it's so essential to getting cool sounds out of a bass. I also play a classical guitar as my 6 string primary and when I took a workshop with Stephane Wrembel (gypsy jazz), he kept picking me as accompaniment because I was playing fingerstyle with those flamenco stabs in place of the percussive hits of la pompe (the basic stroke of manouche).
Anyway, not surprising to learn Les has brought that stuff into his playing! A charangista I know, when I asked him about his right hand technique, said 'whatever works'. He had dozens of styles packed in, but didn't really use any of them. They just trained his hand to do what was needed, when he needed it!
One really cool place that chord stab right hand technique pops up is the intro to Aces High by Iron Maiden. Not sure how Harris plays it, but I use 100% the flamenco-based move you show here!
Great tutorial
Super straight-forward stuff man. I love how percussive and melodic pool is on the bass
No one compares to Les, but this is good. Apart from retiring his old 4 string CT bass, his style comes off like nothing ever heard before.
Les Claypool & Victor Wooten literally shaped my bass playing forever. I was 16 years old when I first was made aware of their presence. Great video, my dude. Awesome video!
I remember bringing a copy of Fizzle Fry over to my buddies place about 91-92. My tape trader friend gave it to me, and I had it well before most. I was like.. I don’t know what this is.. I kind of like it..do you like it? My buddy was like.. like it! And then we proceeded to wear it out. Later we had an epic pilgrimage to see the Sailing the Seas Tour. Easily one of the best shows I’ve ever been to.
frizzle fry was amazing, I had a copy on green vinyl back in the early 90's and thats how I learned to play bass...
I juuuust bought my own first bass today! Loved your vid ! You broke it down perfect. Let’s just say it’s kept me busy all day and night hahahah
I have decided to have 3 children.. In order have bass battles against each other using Primus techniques. That is how legit this channel is!
Thank you bass player Steve Jobs.
Saw Claypool live in 92 Lolipalooza... I was in a band on 3rd stage
You are a God! Great lesson, thanks.
I'm incredibly new to bass, and instrument playing in general. Kinda just messing around with things I'd like to learn in the long run, slap being a huge one (mostly thanks to Primus). The left hand hammer thing honestly explained dead notes better to me than anything I'd come across so far so, like, thank you. Excellent video that I'll be coming back to many times in the future! The bit of Lacquer Head is super fun from what I've tried after watching this and I will get down to the other techniques shown down the road! You got my sub and my support, chief!
Welcome to the bass world! Thank you!!!
Solid sequential teaching and playing. Nice dude
That left hand technique is Mark King's and that flamenco strum is Stanley Clarke's technique. Gotta give credit where it's due
yep and I believe that in interviews, les claypool has always given credit to both of them. stanley clarke is amazing, ahead of his time.
I read in the german Gitarre und Bass Magazin that Les never heard the Name Mark King.
And he gave Clarke tribute in covering silly putty
The left hand muting technique is also used by Larry Graham. I would rather think Claypool got it from him.
Damnit, I'm even playing air bass wrong on American life!
My dad took me to primus in 2018 missoula, montana. Completely amazed and we where is the front row.. awesome time
As a bass player, I always respected Les and knew he was a G.O.A.T. Never really went out of my way to listen to Primus. (John the fishermen used to annoy me. Blasphemous in hindsight, I know) However, fairly recently, Primus came on my Playlist. For the first time, something clicked. Now I'm obsessing over them. The music, the videos, their stage presence, and most importantly, les Claypools utter mastery of his instrument. I've needed motivation recently. I just never thought Les would be there for me. But he wouldn't help if there weren't people who could eloquently explain his technique because his written music doesn't translate at all.
EXCEPTIONAL VIDEO!! you have helped me understand what exactly is happening when les plays.
ive got my own technique to mimic it but its weak compared to seeing you show the real process
thanks, that was really entertaning ;)
It would be cool to see a breakdown on Clay Gober’s technique
Tbh, I read text on the thumbnail as “How to slap Les Claypool like” and my brain autocompleted it to be “How to slap Les Claypool like a professional.”
It was a strange and magical 2 seconds before I realized my mistake.
well that's definitely not something I'd recommend you attempt if you're an amateur!
Well... are you sure it really was a mistake ?!? 😜
LOL
😂... don't you dare!
In case you're wondering how to really get the most out of your slap. Don't bother with russian slap fight videos, they just use brawn over brain. Check out the skinny middle eastern dudes that wind their arm 300 degrees back before unleashing a god damn skyrim spike door trap of a slap into your noggin. It's all technique and execution it's just something else.
czcams.com/video/AXO4RS4s7iU/video.html
pictured is a 180 degree wind up. I'll allow you to extrapolate what adding another 120 degrees would do. It may not be professional but it is most likely the pinnacle of technique. Then just start lifting weights so you can put some meat into it like the russians.
I had a 5 sting fretless Carl Thompson …. He came to Ward Brodt music store in Madison Wi quite a long time ago and did a clinic …. I was hooked … had him make me a similar rainbow style to Les’ 6 string from the SSOC era ….. took 3.5 years , and almost $5k when it finally arrived …. It was epic…. Couldn’t even come close to playing it to its potential …. But it was my pride and joy for decades…. Unfortunately I had to sell it to a collector and store owner up in northern Wi… son was born, divorce, you know….. life happened… still regret it heavily to this day.. Carl completed it on his wife’s birthday … so the serial number was 3-3-97 I think ….. I’m gonna go cry now …..
Great playing and tips, subbed
Thank you so much for this lesson! I was having trouble with playing Lacquer Head and I didn't even touch My Name is Mud. But since I finally know how to do the left hand technique I am having so much fun playing Lacquer Head and I'm starting to learn My name is Mud!!
Saw the primus 3d tour. They sent out sound wave specialists to every show prior and set up their own sound systems for those specific spaces. Life changing experience.
It’s interesting how intimidated people are towards learning Primus stuff. I starting climbing that hill back in 2017 and what I tell people is just learn one song. Get one piece of the puzzle and it’ll unlock chorus’s, versus or other individual parts of other songs. First song I learned was American life. Got that strum down, then I could notice that strum every time it ever came up in another song. You learn another song like To Defy cause you hear the strum and that unlocks slap and some right hand tapping. Now you got 2 pieces of the puzzle. Then all of a sudden you’re playing Duo De Twang stuff or songs from his solo albums. It’s definitely a lot of fun to start slapping other songs in the style of Les. Mastodons Chimes at Midnight is a badass one to slap or the last part of Megadeth’s Wake up Dead. You get a lot of fun party tricks down this path.
this is true. learning it this way gave me more colors to paint with in my own songwriting and jamming
I saw Les at Bonnaroo 2008. What a show! The guy has so much stage presence and talent. I don't know how he does it.
Hey man, been playing Claypools stuff for years. This was a good vid, touched on a lot of stuff, wish i wouldve had this starting out, took me FOREVER to figure it out all by myself. Great job though
Part 2? More in depth? Awesome video and the best one covering I have seen.
Primus is the heaviest band I've ever seen live.
More than morbid angel and pantera and sepultura put together.
Great breakdown.
First video I've seen of yours. Subbed.
I love all of the bands you mentioned, primus is amazing but on no planet are they heavier than Pantera or sepeltura
bro Primus is not heavier than Pantera stop reachiiing
@@FatLadyKiller Are you kidding? Primus is proundly heavy, but they're not direct about it. They just haunt you for a while. Larry was one of the founders of Death Metal after all, when he was in Possessed back in the early 80's. After tBlihat Les and Ler were in Blind Illusion together before they spawned Primus.
They go for an abstract sort of horror, kind of like the movie _Synecdoche, New York._ It just kind of haunts you for a while until you actually think about it and understand how abjectly terrifying it is. I would argue that a song like "Jilly's on Smack" is waaaaaay heavier than something like "Arise" because it's far more plausible, personal, and persistent. It doesn't just jump out and punch you in the face. Instead, it lurks in the shadows and ruins your life while you're not looking.
Been a huge primus fan since I was like 7, so around 30 years now.
Awesome lesson..thank you..
Would love to see a video like this for P-Nut.
I love P-Nut hes the reason I started playing bass hes amazing
i’ve seen Primus live more times than i can remember
Amazing breakdown - total game changer 🌞🎶🙏
This is such a great technique breakdown! Thanks!!!
I don't even play bass I just love primus.
Great video.
saw primus live inSLC not too long ago, hes one of like, five inspirations of my bass playing! wish i was half as coordinated XD
Really great video, man! I'm a big Primus fan since Antipop came out (I was 17 and playing bass at the time), but you're the one who really make me understand how it works. I 'member looking at tabs at the time and I was like: "mmhh, doesn't sound as intended..."
Thanks!
I've always loved Primus, esp during the 90s. Tim's my favorite drummer. They came to Portland, OR and tickets were almost $300.
Thinking about picking up the bass, I've always played guitar and mingled with harmonica which I love, and I realized just now that...I need your bass man! Looks awesome
This video deserves more views.
Seen them twice and im 15, one of the best bands ever
Ty for this brotha I've always been so intrigued by Les's technique
Really great breakdown, I wish I had this way back when trying to learn a lot of these techniques
Les is a fucking beast on bass. Honestly one of the greatest out there
he seems very les clay pool inspired, and i respect that. the wooden bass he has as well as the facial hair and everything
yes man ,you made my day!Thanks for this!
A ótima qualidade do equipamento é imprescindível.
I love these series. I used to be really closed minded about a lot of players, it pains me to say it but I did with Les, maybe it was closeted envy. XD he’s awesome great content thank you man.
I kind of hate Bass InFlUeNcErS (you know, those who are only in the business of showing off their chops and endorsements) but your channel is sweet man, you're a great, GREAT teacher!
Great video man, I don't see much praise and breakdown for his technique ! Nice work, glad it matches what I figured out!
Dudes the greatest of all time
It is said through tales of old, that Les Claypool sometimes turns his back to the audience, as to not melt the faces of those in the front row.
Ok I know that is an Ibanez SR series, but I can't tell if it is a 1905 or a 5005. I love it! Great video man.
i love this kind of videos pls do more
Great video. > Important fact for the faithful: Les calls it "Thump'n and pluck'n" and rejects the term "slap."
Your bass tone was amazing, you got another sub!! Could you do an analysis like this one of Chris Squire, Tony Levin, Mike Rutherford... Prog rock bassist in general?
Thanks for the recommendations!
well done video.. thanks for posting
You too can play just like les claypool the bass GOD, just by watching this 8minute video!!!
I just found your V.Wooten video 2 days ago, and now this one. I’m glad I became aware of you and your videos. I just subscribed to your channel and looking forward to looking at your other contents.
Thanks so much Warren! Just getting started! I appreciate it.
Dude you are an awesome teacher! Thank you for breaking this down
Thanks, easy to follow video, great breakdown!
Thank you very much for making this.
I've seen Primus many times. Oysterhead, The Flying Frog Brigade, and Bucket of Bernie Brains. I saw Primus with Helmet, and got my nose broken in the pit (NOT a willing participant) during "Jerry Was a Racecar Driver" (GO! *CRACK!!*). Les Claypool is, has been, and always will be my Main Bass Hero.
Eric Wilson - sublime...
your bass sounds GREAT. Great vid, subbed.
insightful, thank you
Great tutorial! Thanks!
I dont even play bass, just normal guitar, but i was still really interested by this. I kinda want to start learning bass too.
Very cool video mate. I think every bass student should watch this video and study Laquer Head. Once you get it's easier than it seems you suddenly turn into a decent player. This worked for me before YT tutorials. Very good job and analysis 👍
Thank you!!!!
There is no such thing as too much primus 🤘🏻🤘🏻 I've seen them live as well. Les has inspired me to do slap
Hi very good video, Les Claypool is my main influence as Bass player....a phenomenal musician.
atheist!!!!!
@@michaela2279 Hi, i precise, i'm not the Atheist bass player, i'm just a fan of the band...only a pseudo. Great channel 🤘
Dayum man, that was solid.