Bonus Episode: Sean Hurley Breaks Down His Most Iconic Basslines

Sean Hurley is a renowned bassist of both studio and stage, known for his dynamic playing and musicality among the top artists in Pop and Rock Music. He gained significant recognition as sideman for John Mayer, dating back to the Battle Studies tour (2010), and then continuing on as a session bassist, contributing to some Mayer's most popular hits on Born and Raised, Paradise Valley, and Sob Rock. Hurley also played a crucial role in Robin Thicke's break-out album (The Evolution of Robin Thicke), laying down smooth, groove-driven basslines that helped define Thicke's signature sound and R&B style. Additionally, Hurley toured and recorded with Vertical Horizon during their debut album, adding depth and precision to the band’s alternative rock vibe, ultimately leading to several chart-topping hits. Here I'll sit down with Sean to talk about his extensive session career, his iconic bass playing, the gear uses to get his signature sound, and get him to re-create some of his most iconic tones for the biggest hits he played on.

 

SPONSORS

Sweetwater Gear Exchange | Sweetwater's Used Gear Marketplace

Sign up FREE with no seller fees when you put your earnings on a Sweetwater gift card https://sweetwater.com/used

 

Sean's Preferred Amplifier | Ampeg B15 

Check out Ampeg's NEW pedal-format B15 & SVT all-in-one DI https://ampeg.com/products/pedals/sgt...

 

Sean's Preferred Strings | LaBella 

La Bella 760FL (43-104)

https://www.labella.com/product/760fl/

La Bella RX-N4D (45-65-85-105) 

https://www.labella.com/product/rx-n4d/

 

Sean's Preferred Overdrive | EBS Valve Drive 

https://ebssweden.com/content2/effect...

 

Sean's Preferred Tuner | Peterson StroboStomp 

https://www.petersontuners.com/shop/p...

 

Sean's Preferred Cables | Asterope Pro Studio: 

https://www.asterope.com/custom-shop/...

Pro Stage: https://www.asterope.com/custom-shop/...

 

GIVEAWAYS

Peterson StroboStomp Mini ($119 value)

1) Head to the Vertex Instagram here: vertexeffects  

2) Find any of the posts about Sean Hurley starting on November 12, 2024

3) Follow Vertex, Peterson, and Sean and tag a friend in any of the posts between 11/12-11/26

 4) One (1) winner will be announced 12/2

 

EBS Valve Drive ($399 value) 

1) Head to the Vertex Instagram here: vertexeffects  

2) Find any of the posts about Sean Hurley starting on November 12, 2024

3) Follow Vertex, EBS, and Sean and tag a friend in any of the posts between 11/12-11/26

4) One (1) winner will be announced 12/2

 

Asterope Pro Studio Cable - 10ft. Straight/Straight ($75 value)

1) Head to the Vertex Instagram here: vertexeffects  

2) Find any of the posts about Sean Hurley starting on November 12, 2024

3) Follow Vertex, Asterope, and Sean and tag a friend in any of the posts between 11/12-11/26

4) Five (5) winners will be announced 12/2