What’s your favorite Chris Squire riff? 🎸I think I might have to go with Heart of the Sunrise, although I could definitely play You By My Side all freaking day… Timestamps for this lesson: 0:38 - Ghost Notes 2:10 - Syncopation 4:08 - Anticipation 5:32 - Bass & Drums 7:24 - Spaaaccceee 8:51 - Crazy Overdubs 10:34 - Gnarly Tone
I go back and forth. Depending on the day my favorite Squire riff is either Yours Is No Disgrace (syncopation!) or Siberian Khatru (melodic lead bass!) But man, he's what made me pick up a bass in the first place, so I got an encyclopedia of 'em... Great video, Josh - thanks!
Since I’m early I just wanna say thanks for teaching me to play bass, I got my bass in June 2020 and you were the only youtuber I could listen to and understand. Thank you!!
Same story for me, got mine in may of last year and almost exclusively learned from this channel. Even got the video course recently and I‘m super happy!
“I never really "got" what a Rick is capable of until I ran it stereo a few times in my college band. We used to call it the "Piano of Doom". You get all the bottom and all the top in total a**kicking mode.” - Gilmourisgod
As a Rickenbacker owner, the Ric bass just has more "cut" and can really stick out on the mix. When I made a punk rock record, it was my FAVORITE choice.......it REALLY becomes part of the percussion also.
This song IS why I play music, and have been a guitarist for 45 years. It led me to opening a guitar repair business in 1977 til now. Oddly, it was the bass and keyboard solo that made my jaw drop back then as I was a 7 year child piano student back then and never, ever heard anything like Roundabout. It blew my tiny mind, and now it still blows what's left of my tiny mind.
Agreed. My particular favorite is the bass semi-solo lead-in from one section to the next at ~4:30. Early Yes playing this live was the cat's meow. Chris did all sorts of nifty trills and humor notes during the quieter sections.
True, interesting how Chris Squire, whom endorsed the Fender Squire by namesake doesn't play the ....uh....bass, that Rick is a true bass players first setter.
As a pick only bass player, Squire has had my ear since I was a little kid in the early 70s. I LOVED Roundabout. The other 7 year olds thought me quite weird.
If anybody is skeptical of Josh’s Beginner to Badass course, let me say it was probably one of the smartest music decisions ever made. I’ve learned so much from his course and videos like these. Thanks Josh!
Chris was SUCH an amazing player. I remember having drinks with him in a hotel bar after a mind-blowing show (Dream Theater opening for Yes) and he was just one of the friendliest guys. We talked bass for a bit, and it is just one of my favorite memories. Steve Howe was there as well, but he was exhausted after the show. His guitar tech was cool, though.
I was fortunate enough to have a few exchanges with Chris Squire. The last thing he ever said to me was "That's what she said". Some people say "never meet your heroes". Their loss.
My brother hung out with him a lot in Honolulu, my brother lives there. Think he said Chris lived or staying long term on either Oahu or Maui, but really a terrifically down to earth bloke..
If you were having drinks, I'm sure Chris was friendly. He liked to party! ;-) My favorite rock musician of all-time. He's the reason I became a Yes fan.
IMHO the entire Fragile album highlights the brilliance of Chris Squire! I especially love Southside of the Sky and Heart of the Sunrise, of cours Roundabout too!
I REALLY appreciate how many of your lessons are about things that aren't super difficult TO do, but that players might not think to do. it's such a great supplement to the other videos out there
I have been beasting most of your vids during the past weeks and I must say; you are not only a great bass teacher but you seem to be a straight up nice human being. Thanks for all the great content and resources! ❤
I purchased your beginner tutorial a while back , and it has helped me tremendously . Secondly , I would like to thank you for taking the time to show a little love to Chris Squire , Yes , and classical progressive music . Bravo indeed , sir ...
I’m 69 and was lucky to see Yes back in the early 70’s in St Petersburg,Fla. They were so awesome on stage. Fragile is still my favorite Yes album to this day.
Geddy Lee grew out the nail on his pointer finger and essentially used it as a pick in his own weird Geddy Lee way when he played this song live for the Yes reunion show, there’s you video somewhere on CZcams where he talks about it
Favorite Chris Squire riff? Impossible to choose. Favorite *underrated* Chris Squire riff? Choose something off of Yes' Drama. Tempus Fugit, Does It Ever Happen?, Into The Lens, Machine Messiah... all bangers.
Yeah, 'Tempus Fugit' had a fabulous bass line; but it was that Electra MPC Outlaw bass he used with the built-in flanger that got my attention. It was an ungainly looking instrument; but in the right hands, the bass sounds wicked. Was easily able to recognize which songs he used it on 90125 also.
Please Josh, do episode on Tony Levin. He is one of the best bass players in the world. His stuff with King Crimson or Peter Gabriel is absolutely mindblowing.
I love the way you break down all the rhythmic elements of this song. It's wicked good, and you explaining why all of this works is the so great! You have a teacher's heart and it's so amazing!
@@joehook145 I've heard his playing described this way before, and I agree. He has also frequently been charged with overplaying, which is almost certainly accurate in some cases . . . although it also made him very famous. But there's no doubt that he helped Rickenbacker sell gobs of those wacky basses!
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 He certainly helped Rickenbacker! Funny thing is that his own Rick was actually defective. He said that the upper pick up was a bit faulty and its output was never as powerful as the other pickup, and that somewhat gave his bass a special sound.
Chris was a very big beach boys fan. Some of the melodies sang have that beach boys sound to them, on his solo album fish out of water ,again you can hear it there as well.
@@JimLaughlan Never knew that about Chris Squire but always assumed Entwistle was an influence. My ear for music sucks but even I can hear it. If you're going to emulate someone, pick one of the best.
Glad you focus on all of the dynamics. Notes are good, notes with emphasis and nuance in all the right places are much better. More people should pick up bass playing keeping in mind how important an instrument it is, and not do it because it's only got 4 strings, is for backdrops and is therefore simple: It isn't if you do it right! As john Entwistle said: Bass is a lead instrument!
Squire is yet another reason why I'm not an absolutist when it comes to using pick or fingers. Whatever works best. I feel the same way about guitar, my main instrument.
I don't play any instrument but I learned something from this. Amazing playing editing overall video. Thank you. Roundabout will live in infamy as one of the greatest most iconic timeless wonders of 70s rock as will Squire's bass riff and the bands guitar, drum and organ riffs incredible creative synchronization.
A major component of Chris’ (and Geddy’s) tone is compression. Chris often used a guitar amp for the treble pickup, which compresses naturally a lot more than a bass amp. You can get that by inserting a stomp box compressor in the bridge pickup side of the split. And the guitar amp’s natural overdrive adds that crunch to the top end.
If you use a powerful enough compressor, it can boost your signal and push the amp's front end a little more for that gnarly tone, I always use an 18-volt dod comp from the early 80s when I break out my ric
The first concert in my life was the ABWH in Barcelona. It introduced me to the music of Yes and got in love forever with Chris bass lines and way of understanding bass lines and music in general. He was the best ever, no matter how well many others can play.
I remember hearing this 20 years ago with a good friend and also a musician,it came on the radio and grabbed our attention right away, great bass line and a great way to feature the bass
Seeing Yes live, I sat in the upper rows, first row. Chris sometimes would wash out the rest of the group and I could hear him clear as day. That's how loud he was. But man, it was music to my ears. The rhythm and lead you can play on bass are sweet.
Hey Josh. I love your breakdowns of individual musicians. I always learn a lot about different styles of playing and how to implement them into my own playing. Would you mind telling us who is up next? I would love to see a video about Fieldy, Roger Waters, Rex Brown, Tim Commerford or David Ellefson (if you have anything to say about them ofc).
Again, how good is this video, it's so great! Well structured, good exemples and explanations, and the whole rythme of the edits and the visual. This must take a lot of time. Great bass teacher :)
Chris has so very many cool riffs through out the years. But I was so blown away with future times Off the Tormato album, and the Quiet yet very powerful turn of the century off of the Going for the one album.
Great job clearing this up for us and helping shed light on Chris's syncopation. It seems like there aren't enough quiet times these days! I would love to see a breakdown of those early parts of Close To The Edge where his syncopated lines are almost unequaled.
Thank you! I have loved and played this song since it first came out, other than the off times I have taken from music. I'm old school. I learned from albums and the sounds in my head and never studied theory or gave much thought of what you just what I cal break it down to the ridiculous. I think many are born with the gift and can get away with just playing. I play guitar and my brother and the last bassist, Za Williams, are amazing bassist and never think about what I am doing to get the sound as I have been trying to replicate from albums since 1969. I watch these videos and realize what I am doing has a name. I think you have the gift and patience to play and study. I so appreciate you guys. If I hadn't had a job at 20 that made me stupid money I probably would have not taken the 33 year off and would have learned these things. You can teach people who love to play who doesn't have the gift and I love you for this as it brings more music to us. All music is great and there will never be too much. Again thank you @
WOW! i’m a drummer that dabbles in bass and A big Chris squire fan. I found your video very entertaining and informative. Also, I’ve never actually seen somebody talk about fish out of water on CZcams. And I watch way too much, CZcams. I spent most of high school playing that album till thegroups wore out. Always thought it was funny that bill. Bruford played on an even though Chris was the reason that Bill quit yes, since he was always an hour late. I guess they made up. To me, they were the perfect rhythm section You forgot one thing I might say so. He always said that he didn’t just use the pic. He caught the edge of his thumb to get a flashy sound. He said it gave it a human touch. excellent video😊
Perfect timing, I just finished learning Paranoid by Black Sabbath yesterday, now I know what to learn next!!! Love your content man, thanks for teaching all of us noob bassists!
8:52 I remember not just Roundabout, but the whole Fragile album is full of loop-based overdubs and sections, particularly the awesome instrumental track The Fish, which can actually be played entirely live by using just a simple looper pedal (like the Ditto or the RC-1). Good video, btw! 😎
I'm a guitar player learning bass and so glad I found your channel its really helped understand what bass can do (instead of just following the guitar). Also I love this bassline so good.
There's a very cool commentary about making of FoW. Long, but more than worth it. czcams.com/video/1z_6euDbt8w/video.html Great, now I need to listen to it again.
I watch your videos multiple times and appreciate how your channel changed my attitude towards Bass. You helped me get the guitar and amp out of storage and GET BUSY. Always a treat!
I remember someone saying that when the YES Union tour came to Downtown Albany NY, they apparently cracked a window or two across the street, from the Bass thunder. It was a great show, but my great friend was the reason we got front row seats, but his Muscular Dystrophy got him and he had to go the hospital for some serious problems, but the crazy thing is that I couldn't sell his ticket if I tried, because nobody believed I was selling a front row seat for regular ticket price instead of heavy scalping. It was a great show seeing them all in the round as the stage turned.
Bill Bruford was quite non-conventional in his bass drum and snare drum timing. The chorus in Roundabout really kicks. Bruford hits the snare in 2s and 3s here, when most drummers would use the bas drum. It's rather unusual, but still sounds good. Also, as a long-time bass player, the silent parts make the played parts seem all the more powerful. And, of course, having a RIC with Rotosound Roundwound strings, and playing much in staccato with a heavy nylon pick doesn't hurt, either. Geddy punishes his strings by how hard he plucks them.
I always loved Chris’s playing, Roundabout was one of the first bass lines I learned to play and is still one of my favourites. He’s also one of my favourite bassists and one of reasons why I own a Rickenbacker
Chris Squire was a real electric bass pioneer and a musical mad scientist. As a longtime guitar player who started out on bass and loves the instrument, Chris has always been a huge inspiration.
Love this! Would love to see you break down Heart of the Sunrise (you snuck it in there at the end), and the whole Fish Out of Water album. Keep it up!
Maann, are we lucky to have you - searching and finding "crappy tabs" is way too common here on YT. After playing for 50+ years, i can say that you have absolutely donE the homework and you're my first stop when i neEd to learn a track or two in record time for a weekend gig. THANK YOU ! (WORKING ON ROUNDABOUT FOR TONIGHT) Seriously? Your website says you live in paradise?1? Ha-Wa_iiiii caramba !
Great video! "Fish" is such a spectacular album, with great performances by Bill Bruford, Andrew Pryce Jackman, Mel Collins (King Crimson!) and Patrick Moraz. The first song I learned from it was "Lucky Seven" and then "Hold Out Your Hand." Parallels, Siberean Khatru, wow, the list goes on and on. But my favorite song by Chris has become "Onward," due to the memorial Yes had at the beginning of their shows, and while I always loved it and Tormato, I completely tear up when I hear it now. Other great work he did was with Billy Sherwood and Conspiracy, Squauket with Steve Hackett, and even though I'm not Christian, I LOVE "Chris Squire's Swiss Choir!"
That was some gnarly Bass Face you had going there Josh! I remember being mesmerized by the Bass in this song when it was released. Now those were the good old days.
Regarding tone, I caught Yes on the first tour they did after Chris had passed away. Apparently Chris had gotten the diagnosis while he was planning that tour and he got Billy Sheridan to fill for the tour since he was not going to be able to make it. Anyway Sheridan was playing a Specter bass and sounded right one the money like Chris sounded. I was amazed at how well he played and sounded.
He’s heavier then any metal bassists using their fingers. He knows more about leaving space than everyone, & he’s heavy while being amazingly melodic. The bass in south side of the sky is even heavier. CHRIS SQUIRE!!
Love this! Thank you Josh! To me this is the absolute most awesome bass line ever! And when Geddy played it it just made it even more incredible! Main reason i, as a guitar player, bought a bass! Love your channel and definitely love the lessons! Keep em coming!
Thanks for making these lessons enjoyable and awesome! I've been playing bass for almost a year now and you have helped me progress so much more than I thought I would! Cheers buddy and thanks again!
Excellent breakdown/analysis Josh!!! Really enjoyed it. Squire/Bruford say'ie no mor. Squire & Bruford were head spinning, brain twisting syncopating machines. BTW Josh, not too shabby yourself there on the ol' Pancake!!!! Well Done!! .
great information! I'm not a musician but watching and learning from videos like this has greatly increased my appreciation and "ear" for music! thanks!
Only heard this last week and honestly thought it dated from the late 70'/early 80's not '71 because it's so funky! Surely this is one of the first funk style bass lines. It must be perfect to play as slap.
Great video. You really break it down, every little thing going on in a bass line, in all your videos, you probably hit on ideas that the writer of the bass line didn't even think about.Thanks for explaining everything so thoroughly. And great bass face.
Can't fault your choice of favourites, but I'd add Parallels and Ritual. Then again I can't think of a Chris Squire baseline that's not outrageously awesome. Great video. I'll be tweaking knobs later to try to find that tone! Yes, more of these breakdown videos please.
I damn nearly died at the "To Be Continued" meme. 😂 As I'm learning to play the bass, (Thanks Senpai Josh!), I'm discovering through your videos that I really like the "nasty, clacky" bass sounds. Hopefully I develop this style of playing! 😝
What’s your favorite Chris Squire riff? 🎸I think I might have to go with Heart of the Sunrise, although I could definitely play You By My Side all freaking day…
Timestamps for this lesson:
0:38 - Ghost Notes
2:10 - Syncopation
4:08 - Anticipation
5:32 - Bass & Drums
7:24 - Spaaaccceee
8:51 - Crazy Overdubs
10:34 - Gnarly Tone
Long Distance Round-Around. Face melting bass/drums
Hey what was the scale you played at 1:53?
What song are you playing at 11:42? I can't remember. Chris used to play with a shilling as a pick. Allegedly.
I go back and forth. Depending on the day my favorite Squire riff is either Yours Is No Disgrace (syncopation!) or Siberian Khatru (melodic lead bass!) But man, he's what made me pick up a bass in the first place, so I got an encyclopedia of 'em...
Great video, Josh - thanks!
Parallels. Parallels. Parallels. What a fantastic song from start to finish.
As many people as there are who complain about bass players who use picks, nobody should question a legend for doing it 😆
I’ve never heard anyone dumb enough to criticize Chris Squire.
I have played with a pick for years, I don't pay attention to the so-called "Purists".
Chris used a quarter as a pick for years
@@tadpetrie3464 right on.
People that bitch about picks suck with dynamics.
Since I’m early I just wanna say thanks for teaching me to play bass, I got my bass in June 2020 and you were the only youtuber I could listen to and understand. Thank you!!
i can absolut agree on . I got so far, that i bought the beginner to badass - course and i am so happy with it! Amazing teacher
You're welcome!!!
Same story for me, got mine in may of last year and almost exclusively learned from this channel. Even got the video course recently and I‘m super happy!
Yes .. and he's nice.
True story you use simple language and don't fly through your video as if you were teaching people who have been playing for years
That rickenbacker sounded amazing! Great playing as well!
“I never really "got" what a Rick is capable of until I ran it stereo a few times in my college band. We used to call it the "Piano of Doom". You get all the bottom and all the top in total a**kicking mode.” - Gilmourisgod
As a Rickenbacker owner, the Ric bass just has more "cut" and can really stick out on the mix. When I made a punk rock record, it was my FAVORITE choice.......it REALLY becomes part of the percussion also.
fat Fat PHAT! Love that sound
I was just about to say this. Such a unique bass tone even though I find Rick’s uncomfortable to play, personally.
This song IS why I play music, and have been a guitarist for 45 years. It led me to opening a guitar repair business in 1977 til now. Oddly, it was the bass and keyboard solo that made my jaw drop back then as I was a 7 year child piano student back then and never, ever heard anything like Roundabout. It blew my tiny mind, and now it still blows what's left of my tiny mind.
Your story is the same as mine.
@@SpikesTrailerPark Nice, hope biz is good for you.
I like you sir
Holy smokes I miss Mr. Squire. Seen him live 5 times with Yes. A legend.
"Yours Is No Disgrace" = monster bass lines throughout
Agreed. My particular favorite is the bass semi-solo lead-in from one section to the next at ~4:30. Early Yes playing this live was the cat's meow. Chris did all sorts of nifty trills and humor notes during the quieter sections.
@@sarcasticguy4311 Excellent. BTW, how TF do up embed a link like that.
I'm not the sharpest bulb in the shed.
@@davep8221 For the time? Just type the timestamp you want and it pops up as a link on its own.
Gates of Delirium, Awaken, Close to the Edge, The Remembering, the list could go on and on. So many Yes songs have awesome bass action throughout
Amazingly enough ,it’s all fundamentals.
Cool rickenbacker!
True, interesting how Chris Squire, whom endorsed the Fender Squire by namesake doesn't play the ....uh....bass, that Rick is a true bass players first setter.
As a pick only bass player, Squire has had my ear since I was a little kid in the early 70s. I LOVED Roundabout. The other 7 year olds thought me quite weird.
"I've seen all good people " is one of my favorite bass lines.
The live version from YesShows is my favorite version. Everything is so clean and separated even though it's live.
If anybody is skeptical of Josh’s Beginner to Badass course, let me say it was probably one of the smartest music decisions ever made. I’ve learned so much from his course and videos like these.
Thanks Josh!
Chris was SUCH an amazing player. I remember having drinks with him in a hotel bar after a mind-blowing show (Dream Theater opening for Yes) and he was just one of the friendliest guys. We talked bass for a bit, and it is just one of my favorite memories. Steve Howe was there as well, but he was exhausted after the show. His guitar tech was cool, though.
I was fortunate enough to have a few exchanges with Chris Squire. The last thing he ever said to me was "That's what she said". Some people say "never meet your heroes". Their loss.
@@ob1kenob738 He was a really nice guy! Especially when he was clean.
My brother hung out with him a lot in Honolulu, my brother lives there. Think he said Chris lived or staying long term on either Oahu or Maui, but really a terrifically down to earth bloke..
I saw them on that tour also, in London, Ontario. 2003 I think! Third row on the floor.
If you were having drinks, I'm sure Chris was friendly. He liked to party! ;-)
My favorite rock musician of all-time. He's the reason I became a Yes fan.
IMHO the entire Fragile album highlights the brilliance of Chris Squire! I especially love Southside of the Sky and Heart of the Sunrise, of cours Roundabout too!
I REALLY appreciate how many of your lessons are about things that aren't super difficult TO do, but that players might not think to do. it's such a great supplement to the other videos out there
It's not mentioned enough that you are not only a great bass player and a great teacher...you are also really funny
Thanks Fernando!
That Rickenbacker bass is sexy af
Saw Close to the edge tour (and many more) you couldn’t take your eyes of Chris Squire. He flat out owned the stage
I have been beasting most of your vids during the past weeks and I must say; you are not only a great bass teacher but you seem to be a straight up nice human being. Thanks for all the great content and resources! ❤
Thanks Emil!
I purchased your beginner tutorial a while back , and it has helped me tremendously . Secondly , I would like to thank you for taking the time to show a little love to Chris Squire , Yes , and classical progressive music . Bravo indeed , sir ...
Thanks Stan!
I’m 69 and was lucky to see Yes back in the early 70’s in St Petersburg,Fla. They were so awesome on stage. Fragile is still my favorite Yes album to this day.
Geddy Lee grew out the nail on his pointer finger and essentially used it as a pick in his own weird Geddy Lee way when he played this song live for the Yes reunion show, there’s you video somewhere on CZcams where he talks about it
He nailed it! Geddy is badass!
Favorite Chris Squire riff? Impossible to choose. Favorite *underrated* Chris Squire riff? Choose something off of Yes' Drama. Tempus Fugit, Does It Ever Happen?, Into The Lens, Machine Messiah... all bangers.
he had to do a lot of writing to make that thing "yes". Good licks to learn for sure.
Drama Is super under rated, for me Is one of Yes's Best, probably #3
Yeah, 'Tempus Fugit' had a fabulous bass line; but it was that Electra MPC Outlaw bass he used with the built-in flanger that got my attention. It was an ungainly looking instrument; but in the right hands, the bass sounds wicked. Was easily able to recognize which songs he used it on 90125 also.
I also like the rasp in his tone and the way it makes the percussive thumps of the dead notes sound softer
Thank you for highlighting Chris Squire. I’ve LOVED YES since the 70’s and saw them in San Francisco and Oakland several times.
My favorite rock star ever. Partied with him til the wee hours after a Milwaukee show in 1999.
John Taylor of Duran Duran makes great use of ghost notes. He's an awesome bass player, you should do a video about him.
This! Plus you can use JT as an example of fantastic syncopation
Came here to say the same!
I agree completely. Rio alone is a masterclass in itself.
Yes, as soon as ghost notes were mentioned Rio sprang to mind immediately!
@@DickTruth every single instrument on Rio goes so goddamn fucking hard like that song is a fucking slept upon banger
Please Josh, do episode on Tony Levin. He is one of the best bass players in the world. His stuff with King Crimson or Peter Gabriel is absolutely mindblowing.
I concur! Please do!
Yes, like Sledgehammer
Not to mention his stint in Yes!
Absolutely. Something from Liquid Tension Experiment would be nice, too.
For sure. Tony Levin along with Geezer Butler and Tim Commerford are the players that most made me want to pick up bass.
I'm not proficient in bass, but John Entwistle's playing for the Who blew my mind when I heard them isolated
1:54 nice sneaking come down in there😉 one of my fav bass lines
I love the way you break down all the rhythmic elements of this song. It's wicked good, and you explaining why all of this works is the so great! You have a teacher's heart and it's so amazing!
Always loved Chris's tone on Close To The Edge. It almost sounded like baritone sax in some sections. Just awesome.
That’s his Maestro Fuzz and a fretless bass for certain parts.
Chris Squire actually played Bass Guitar, meaning he held the floor but at the same time added a melody to it
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
When I was a teenager back in the 70s I always thought of Chris playing “Lead Bass”
@@joehook145 That's the same phrase I've heard. I've used it in a few bands and watched the horrific looks I get in return and always chuckle.
@@joehook145 I've heard his playing described this way before, and I agree. He has also frequently been charged with overplaying, which is almost certainly accurate in some cases . . . although it also made him very famous. But there's no doubt that he helped Rickenbacker sell gobs of those wacky basses!
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 He certainly helped Rickenbacker! Funny thing is that his own Rick was actually defective. He said that the upper pick up was a bit faulty and its output was never as powerful as the other pickup, and that somewhat gave his bass a special sound.
Chris was a very big beach boys fan. Some of the melodies sang have that beach boys sound to them, on his solo album fish out of water ,again you can hear it there as well.
Love "The Fish" . Especially love the bass on Roundabout. I also love "The Ox". I think Chris was himself greatly influenced by Jon Entwistle.
Hopefully not the blow
Totally. And he made it a fact going to early Who shows.
@@JimLaughlan Never knew that about Chris Squire but always assumed Entwistle was an influence. My ear for music sucks but even I can hear it. If you're going to emulate someone, pick one of the best.
Always glad to see Yes get the love they deserve
Glad you focus on all of the dynamics. Notes are good, notes with emphasis and nuance in all the right places are much better. More people should pick up bass playing keeping in mind how important an instrument it is, and not do it because it's only got 4 strings, is for backdrops and is therefore simple: It isn't if you do it right! As john Entwistle said: Bass is a lead instrument!
Squire is yet another reason why I'm not an absolutist when it comes to using pick or fingers. Whatever works best. I feel the same way about guitar, my main instrument.
I don't play any instrument but I learned something from this. Amazing playing editing overall video. Thank you.
Roundabout will live in infamy as one of the greatest most iconic timeless wonders of 70s rock as will Squire's bass riff and the bands guitar, drum and organ riffs incredible creative synchronization.
"infamy"? Not sure that word means what you think it does.... =:o}
A major component of Chris’ (and Geddy’s) tone is compression. Chris often used a guitar amp for the treble pickup, which compresses naturally a lot more than a bass amp. You can get that by inserting a stomp box compressor in the bridge pickup side of the split. And the guitar amp’s natural overdrive adds that crunch to the top end.
If you use a powerful enough compressor, it can boost your signal and push the amp's front end a little more for that gnarly tone, I always use an 18-volt dod comp from the early 80s when I break out my ric
I just LOVE those Rickenbacker basses. Their tone is so unique.
The first concert in my life was the ABWH in Barcelona. It introduced me to the music of Yes and got in love forever with Chris bass lines and way of understanding bass lines and music in general. He was the best ever, no matter how well many others can play.
4:27 respect.
I remember hearing this 20 years ago with a good friend and also a musician,it came on the radio and grabbed our attention right away, great bass line and a great way to feature the bass
It's so funky and prog at the same time. Sooo great.
Seeing Yes live, I sat in the upper rows, first row. Chris sometimes would wash out the rest of the group and I could hear him clear as day. That's how loud he was. But man, it was music to my ears. The rhythm and lead you can play on bass are sweet.
Yep, Steve Howe used to complain that Squire was too loud. But then again, Squire was the best musician on stage, in my opinion.
@@michelforest6329 Now I know how Daltrey felt singing next to Entwistle!
@@michelforest6329 Ah... the days before individually optimised folldback mixing... =:o}
Hey Josh. I love your breakdowns of individual musicians. I always learn a lot about different styles of playing and how to implement them into my own playing. Would you mind telling us who is up next? I would love to see a video about Fieldy, Roger Waters, Rex Brown, Tim Commerford or David Ellefson (if you have anything to say about them ofc).
Again, how good is this video, it's so great! Well structured, good exemples and explanations, and the whole rythme of the edits and the visual. This must take a lot of time. Great bass teacher :)
Chris has so very many cool riffs through out the years. But I was so blown away with future times Off the Tormato album, and the Quiet yet very powerful turn of the century off of the Going for the one album.
Was wondering why this video didn't exist. But it does!! Super badass. I mainly play Funk, but Chris Squire is my all time favorite. Nice job!
Great job clearing this up for us and helping shed light on Chris's syncopation. It seems like there aren't enough quiet times these days! I would love to see a breakdown of those early parts of Close To The Edge where his syncopated lines are almost unequaled.
Thank you! I have loved and played this song since it first came out, other than the off times I have taken from music. I'm old school. I learned from albums and the sounds in my head and never studied theory or gave much thought of what you just what I cal break it down to the ridiculous. I think many are born with the gift and can get away with just playing. I play guitar and my brother and the last bassist, Za Williams, are amazing bassist and never think about what I am doing to get the sound as I have been trying to replicate from albums since 1969. I watch these videos and realize what I am doing has a name. I think you have the gift and patience to play and study. I so appreciate you guys. If I hadn't had a job at 20 that made me stupid money I probably would have not taken the 33 year off and would have learned these things. You can teach people who love to play who doesn't have the gift and I love you for this as it brings more music to us. All music is great and there will never be too much. Again thank you @
WOW! i’m a drummer that dabbles in bass and A big Chris squire fan.
I found your video very entertaining and informative. Also, I’ve never actually seen somebody talk about fish out of water on CZcams. And I watch way too much, CZcams. I spent most of high school playing that album till thegroups wore out. Always thought it was funny that bill. Bruford played on an even though Chris was the reason that Bill quit yes, since he was always an hour late. I guess they made up. To me, they were the perfect rhythm section
You forgot one thing I might say so. He always said that he didn’t just use the pic. He caught the edge of his thumb to get a flashy sound. He said it gave it a human touch.
excellent video😊
At least someone considers this song more than just a meme
Perfect timing, I just finished learning Paranoid by Black Sabbath yesterday, now I know what to learn next!!! Love your content man, thanks for teaching all of us noob bassists!
Playing the non-syncopated and non-ghost note versions really help show off what they add to the music. Very helpful.
Jotarō Fossgreen at 4:28 ! 😍
8:52 I remember not just Roundabout, but the whole Fragile album is full of loop-based overdubs and sections, particularly the awesome instrumental track The Fish, which can actually be played entirely live by using just a simple looper pedal (like the Ditto or the RC-1). Good video, btw! 😎
This is the best channel on CZcams! Thanks for keeping these legendary bass players alive in everyone's memory. And what a great Rickenbacker tone!
Thanks Chrystian!
It kills because it's Chris Squire.
Master of the Ricky.
My favourite Chris Squire baselines are probably Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround or South Side of the Sky.
Dude was a legend.
Rocco Prestia (RIP) was king of ghost notes in Tower of Power.
The whole song slams because of that early drop just before one. I never get tired of it.
I'm a guitar player learning bass and so glad I found your channel its really helped understand what bass can do (instead of just following the guitar). Also I love this bassline so good.
That's on eof the best renditions of that line I've ever heard. Kudos.
RIP Chris Squire. Fish Out of Water is an absolute must have.
Love the JoJos reference
There's a very cool commentary about making of FoW. Long, but more than worth it.
czcams.com/video/1z_6euDbt8w/video.html
Great, now I need to listen to it again.
Can we get a John Entwistle bass line video?
I watch your videos multiple times and appreciate how your channel changed my attitude towards Bass. You helped me get the guitar and amp out of storage and GET BUSY. Always a treat!
I remember someone saying that when the YES Union tour came to Downtown Albany NY, they apparently cracked a window or two across the street, from the Bass thunder.
It was a great show, but my great friend was the reason we got front row seats, but his Muscular Dystrophy got him and he had to go the hospital for some serious problems, but the crazy thing is that I couldn't sell his ticket if I tried, because nobody believed I was selling a front row seat for regular ticket price instead of heavy scalping.
It was a great show seeing them all in the round as the stage turned.
Bill Bruford was quite non-conventional in his bass drum and snare drum timing. The chorus in Roundabout really kicks. Bruford hits the snare in 2s and 3s here, when most drummers would use the bas drum. It's rather unusual, but still sounds good. Also, as a long-time bass player, the silent parts make the played parts seem all the more powerful. And, of course, having a RIC with Rotosound Roundwound strings, and playing much in staccato with a heavy nylon pick doesn't hurt, either. Geddy punishes his strings by how hard he plucks them.
Chris Squire was an absolute genius musician and a phenomenal bass player the likes of will never see you again especially the way Music has gone
I always loved Chris’s playing, Roundabout was one of the first bass lines I learned to play and is still one of my favourites. He’s also one of my favourite bassists and one of reasons why I own a Rickenbacker
Chris Squire was a real electric bass pioneer and a musical mad scientist.
As a longtime guitar player who started out on bass and loves the instrument, Chris has always been a huge inspiration.
Love this! Would love to see you break down Heart of the Sunrise (you snuck it in there at the end), and the whole Fish Out of Water album. Keep it up!
Thanks Kyle!
Maann, are we lucky to have you - searching and finding "crappy tabs" is way too common here on YT. After playing for 50+ years, i can say that you have absolutely donE the homework and you're my first stop when i neEd to learn a track or two in record time for a weekend gig. THANK YOU ! (WORKING ON ROUNDABOUT FOR TONIGHT) Seriously? Your website says you live in paradise?1? Ha-Wa_iiiii caramba !
Great video! "Fish" is such a spectacular album, with great performances by Bill Bruford, Andrew Pryce Jackman, Mel Collins (King Crimson!) and Patrick Moraz. The first song I learned from it was "Lucky Seven" and then "Hold Out Your Hand." Parallels, Siberean Khatru, wow, the list goes on and on. But my favorite song by Chris has become "Onward," due to the memorial Yes had at the beginning of their shows, and while I always loved it and Tormato, I completely tear up when I hear it now. Other great work he did was with Billy Sherwood and Conspiracy, Squauket with Steve Hackett, and even though I'm not Christian, I LOVE "Chris Squire's Swiss Choir!"
Your addition to “I’m Yours” sounds great! I love that song in its original form, but I’d probably be even more stoked on it with bass like that.
That was some gnarly Bass Face you had going there Josh! I remember being mesmerized by the Bass in this song when it was released. Now those were the good old days.
Love it!!
Thanks Mark! Dug your Roundabout vid too. (here for anyone reading - czcams.com/video/Wnrgc8dkuds/video.html )
Regarding tone, I caught Yes on the first tour they did after Chris had passed away. Apparently Chris had gotten the diagnosis while he was planning that tour and he got Billy Sheridan to fill for the tour since he was not going to be able to make it. Anyway Sheridan was playing a Specter bass and sounded right one the money like Chris sounded. I was amazed at how well he played and sounded.
Sherwood, not Sheridan
"If Geddy Lee can play this on a Jazz Bass with his fingers, then you can too." nominated for most presumptious statement in a CZcams video ever.
I really liked this breakdown. Also, please give your editor a raise immediately.
Been enjoying the Beginner to Badass course a lot~~~
I have a grand-spanking new bass arriving tomorrow; I’m finally starting a collection ❤️ 🎉
Glad you're digging the course LJ!
He’s heavier then any metal bassists using their fingers. He knows more about leaving space than everyone, & he’s heavy while being amazingly melodic. The bass in south side of the sky is even heavier. CHRIS SQUIRE!!
Love this! Thank you Josh! To me this is the absolute most awesome bass line ever! And when Geddy played it it just made it even more incredible! Main reason i, as a guitar player, bought a bass! Love your channel and definitely love the lessons! Keep em coming!
Thanks for making these lessons enjoyable and awesome! I've been playing bass for almost a year now and you have helped me progress so much more than I thought I would! Cheers buddy and thanks again!
You're welcome Justin!
Excellent breakdown/analysis Josh!!! Really enjoyed it. Squire/Bruford say'ie no mor. Squire & Bruford were head spinning, brain twisting syncopating machines. BTW Josh, not too shabby yourself there on the ol' Pancake!!!! Well Done!! .
Thank you!
I KNEW THERE WAS GOING TO BE A JOJO REFERENCE! LMAO
great information! I'm not a musician but watching and learning from videos like this has greatly increased my appreciation and "ear" for music! thanks!
Only heard this last week and honestly thought it dated from the late 70'/early 80's not '71 because it's so funky! Surely this is one of the first funk style bass lines. It must be perfect to play as slap.
Damn Josh. How did you know I wasn't in a popular 70's band?!
You could’ve called it. “Yes, this bass riff is ridiculously good.”
Excellent analysis! I think you've nailed every aspect of Chris's playing on this song and more.
Great video. You really break it down, every little thing going on in a bass line, in all your videos, you probably hit on ideas that the writer of the bass line didn't even think about.Thanks for explaining everything so thoroughly. And great bass face.
I can't believe there's almost no Jojo references in the comments.
At last ok anime maybe good but we are listening to a song that till this day you still discover new things about it after 53 years....
Rock, Blues, Jazz: the 4-string Guys drive the music!
Rick Beato covers "Roundabout" in one of his "What makes this song Great" videos.
Fantastic video. No more words. I love Chris' unique sound and his technique. And you have a deep knowledge of all. Thank you!
Jamerson’s wtf moment is the greatest thing ever!
That was hilarious!
Can't fault your choice of favourites, but I'd add Parallels and Ritual. Then again I can't think of a Chris Squire baseline that's not outrageously awesome. Great video. I'll be tweaking knobs later to try to find that tone! Yes, more of these breakdown videos please.
I damn nearly died at the "To Be Continued" meme. 😂
As I'm learning to play the bass, (Thanks Senpai Josh!), I'm discovering through your videos that I really like the "nasty, clacky" bass sounds. Hopefully I develop this style of playing! 😝
Holy cow- the size of Chris Squire's hands!!
The man was a giant (6'7" or so)
Thinking back I now humorously recall that everybody on the planet went out and bought Rotosound Bass Strings!
Instant inspiration!
Cheers!