What makes a bass line cut through in a heavy band like Pantera? In this episode, Ian Allison sits down with Rex Brown to find out. Rex walks us through a few of his most iconic lines—including the growling groove of “I’m Broken” and shares what it took to hold down the low end in one of metal’s loudest, heaviest bands. If you’re into classic hard rock riffs, thunderous tone, or just want to hear a legend talk shop, this one hits hard.

What really happens when you go to one of the most famous music schools in the world? In this episode, Sharon pulls back the curtain on her time at Berklee College of Music as Scott digs into the highs, the lows, and the stuff you don’t hear in the brochures. From late-night jam sessions to lessons learned side by side with other hungry young musicians, Sharon reflects on how community—not curriculum—shaped her most. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means to come up in a place like Berklee, you’ll want to hear this.

Scott’s got a brand new 5-string, and it’s shaking things up. In this episode, he and Ian dig into what makes it so special and why 5-strings deserve way more love. 

From tone and feel to gig-ready setups, it’s a deep dive into the gear, the playing, and the choices that shape your sound. Whether you’re thinking of switching it up or just curious what all the fuss is about — this one’s worth a listen.

Ready to stretch out beyond your usual comfort zone? In this episode, Scott and Ian explore five epic bass lines that make full use of the fingerboard. We're talking top to bottom, end to end.

Along the way, you’ll pick up tips on fretboard visualization, targeting key notes, and making the entire neck feel like home.

These riffs aren't just cool. They're a masterclass in using the whole instrument.

PS. If you're a member and you'd like to download the workbook for this lesson just click the link below. If you're not a member yet and you'd like to grab the FREE workbook just click here!

What’s it like to be one of the most recorded bass players of all time?

In this episode, Scott sits down with session legend Leland Sklar, the bassist behind classic records from Carole King, Phil Collins, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Toto, and Diana Ross—just a glimpse into a career that spans over 2,000 albums. Lee shares unforgettable studio stories, his most memorable moments, and the bass lines that have defined his legendary career.

From decades in the studio to life on the road, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Exciting things are on the way!

Scott and Ian sit down to talk about major updates coming to the SBL YouTube channel, including a brand-new series featuring some of the best bassists in the world. With 12 days of back-to-back sessions in Los Angeles, they’re bringing top-tier talent straight to your screen.

Who’s involved, and what can you expect? Hit play to find out.

What happens when you commit to writing a brand-new two-bar bass line every single day for a year?

In this episode, Scott sits down with Ian Trusheim to talk about his 365-day bass line challenge. From the creative process to the quality of tracks, they dive into what it takes to craft hundreds of unique grooves. Ian breaks down his approach to feel, pushes his creativity to the limit, and shares his fundamentals of bass playing after a year of nonstop experimentation.

How did he keep the ideas flowing? Hit play to find out.

What makes a bass legend? Is it flawless technique or breaking the rules in just the right way? Today, we’re having a raw, unfiltered conversation about bass technique—what works, what doesn’t, and when “bad” technique actually makes a player great.

From Flea’s slap to Geddy Lee’s plucking, Bobby Vega, and more, we’re breaking down the mechanics of legendary players. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled to sound clean and tight, we’ve got some tips that might just change the game for you.

It’s never been easier to capture pro bass tones at home without waking up the neighbours. Whether you’re taking your first steps into home recording or planning a multi-layered bass masterpiece, in today’s podcast, we break down some essential advice that will help you get the best results possible, whatever your budget. Looking to deck out an affordable home recording setup? Let this be your guide!

There's something about playing a bass guitar that’s older than you that just feels incredible. But just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s great. Mojo aside, do vintage basses really sound better than their new counterparts? In today’s episode, we’re delving into some of these key questions that often come along, namely: is the vintage bass you’re thinking of buying likely to be a bargain or a money pit?