Surviving the Tone Zone
Have you ever found yourself spending too much time fiddling with knobs, twisting them this way and that, trying out this bass – no, wait, that bass ̵...
Does today's music really suck?
It’s time for a good old-fashioned rant, wouldn’t you agree? I’ve heard it said before that music used to sound so much better back in the day...
Is the Music Industry Doomed?
In the modern era of streaming, cell phones, social media and the vastness of the internet at our fingertips, it seems that the future of the music industry is ...
EQ Nonsense
Mistakes happen, what are you gonna do? Admit your faults and carry on, I suppose 🙂 I don’t know what I was smoking when I filmed last week’s episod...
Chuck Rainey, Tommy Tedesco & Grace
Do yourself a massive favor and take 6 minutes away from whatever it is that you’re doing now to watch this clip from the Wrecking Crew extras. And if you’ve se...
Happy Birthday! School Days turns 40
I’ll never forget the first time my dad played this record for me. He came home from work to find me trying to figure out how his emerald-green Fender Pre...
What kinds of effects pedals do I need?
I’ve seen this question come up a few times in some different Facebook Pages like Bass Players United, and it usually goes something like this: What kinds...
These tools will make your music career easier
I say it over and over again in different conversations, lessons, videos, podcasts and interviews: “This is such a great time to be a musician.” And...
It only happens once
I was working with a guitar player recently who played a really bad note. I mean, REALLY bad. Like, there was no chance of coming back from it; it was one of th...
What if we all spoke the same language?
My goal is not to ask this question through a political lens, nor do I have any intention of persuading any one culture to adapt the language of another simply ...
Wait, some people actually do what I tell them to?
So I was completely blown away by the diligence of one of my students last week named Joey. Joey is a 12 year-old guitar player who I have been working with for...
Your Very Own Practice Routine Part Two
Ok… So we’re about a month late on this one, but we’re back in full swing here! I announced on my podcast that we’d be taking a few week...
Your Very Own Practice Routine Part One
I’ve blogged before on practice tips and tricks, the importance of practicing regularly, how to practice perfectly (as opposed to rehearsing), and probabl...
The Evolution of Bass (in 8 minutes or so)
Besides the ‘Fact Man’ and the severe (and obviously intentional) awkwardness of anyone NOT playing an instrument, this video is just killer. I̵...
Time Enough at Last
The title of this post comes from my favorite Twilight Zone episode in which the quirky Mr. Henry Bemis, a charter member in the fraternity of dreamers, finds h...
The best advice Victor Wooten ever gave me
I’ll never forget something that Victor Wooten told me one morning while attending one of his Bass & Nature Camps back in 2005? 2006? A long time ago...
The Book of Five Rings
I just got done reading a phenomenal book called The Book of Five Rings and I fell in love. It’s the kind of book you can read in a single day because it&...
Sweating the 80%
I’m a big fan of Joe Rogan’s podcast for a number of reasons. Sure, he’s funny and inspiring, but I always find myself coming back because the...
Three Years Since the Worst Day of my Life
The worst day of my life was precisely three years ago today. I had just spent three restless days and two sleepless nights in the hospital with my wife, who wo...
Kind of Like Christmas…
There’s an interesting story behind this particular set of stairs. There’s also an interesting reason as to why I am expressing my blatant feelings towards thes...
Stay Young
I wrote last week about your brain, and noted some simple steps about how to make it healthier. I take my physical health very seriously, and for good reason &#...
This is your Brain. Any Questions?
I’ve felt, as of late, somewhat stagnant in my level of creativity. I guess what I mean to say is that I have a hard time getting away from myself, or getting o...
Create Something That Critics Will Criticize
I’m reading an really awesome book right now called Tribes by Seth Godin, and I just came across a spectacular passage in a chapter talking about how the fear o...
Setting a Deadline
I love being productive. Nothing irks me more than seeing the sun go down without achieving my goals for the day; I love progress and I love productivity. And I...
Two Years After They Told You It Was Cancer
Two years ago today it was a Friday. I know that because we had checked into the hospital on a Wednesday afternoon after my wife’s CT Scan showed a large ...
Radioactive
This is Jayme’s wife, Sara. Yes, I know. It has been over a month since our last post. That must mean there isn’t much to report. Well, I guess that’s tru...
Points!
I’m a big fan of a man named Chris Hardwick. You may know him from his late night Comedy Central television show called @Midnight, or you may also know hi...
Tunnel Vision
Lately, I’ve had a hard time finding motivation and inspiration to do, well, anything. Really. I’ve tried writing new music but nothing is coming ou...
Cancer and more
So I’ve been away for quite a while, and I’d like to explain why. My wife was diagnosed with Stage Four Large B Cell Lymphoma (a somewhat aggressive...
The Watch
I’ve had this watch for a little over three years, I think. I know that I got it just after Christmas, about a week after I had LASIK (yes, those of you who kno...
When Drummers are Hard to Follow
Joe leaves a comment on my video Locking with the Kick Pattern from the How to Get Hired series here at TB.N: The problem is when you have a drummer who isn’t t...
Cutting Through the Mix: A Comment Response
Bass Juju writes: Hey again… I want to run something past you and get your opinion. A few facts to get started. Issue: lack of being heard in the mix Equi...
fuckcancer.org
Dean writes: Hi Im not asking this as a put down, Im really want to know your feelings and here another side. I saw your video and you are wearing the F cancer ...
Pinky Finger Pain: A Comment Response
Doc writes: I would love to hear your opinion on pinky technique, though. It is so short that it only reaches the E string when completely stretched, with a lot...
To Study Music or Play by Ear? A Comment Response
Scotty writes: Glad to see you back my friend I hope everything and everyone is doing well, hey will studying music help me to start playing by ear completely? ...
Right Hand Speed: A Comment Response
Julian writes: Hi Jayme Huge fan of your podcasts, YouTube content and your vibe and dedication in general. As as you play for the Man too is a win. I have a q...
About Revamping Your Technique: A Comment Response
Hi Tunu, great to hear from you again! I know what you mean about wanting to give up when you’re learning a new technique; the process is slow, it feels uncomfo...
Music Directing Through Transitions: A Comment Response
Hi Elim, Good question! As a Music Director, especially at a church, one of our most common jobs is to ensure a smooth transition from one song to the next. Thi...
CONCERNING BASS PICKUPS: A COMMENT RESPONSE
Hi Luis, thank you very much for following me on YouTube. I’m glad you’re enjoying the material! Gear can be a touchy subject, because it is highly ...
How to Sync with Drum Fills when Playing Live
Hi qbass600, thank you! I’ll do my best to help elaborate on this for you. First, let’s establish group-performed music as two scenarios: Orchestrat...
How to Hear the Kick Drum Better
Hi SanDanV! First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to share your excitement, experience and question with me. I’m very happy that you were ab...
Evan Marien – Gratitude, Patience and Persistence 09/12/2018
Bassists, meet Evan Marien. He quickly became one of my favorite bass players the moment I first heard him play. His musicality is off the charts and I’m ...
Adam Neely – Ever Upward & Onward 08/22/2018
Bassists, meet Adam Neely. He truly is an amazing bass player, educator, composer, YouTuber… and probably a lot more. Adam was kind enough to answer a few...
Kellyeann Keough – The Real Thing
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When Will Then Be Now – Limited Run Anniversary Vinyl Pressing
I’m so excited to announce that we’re accepting pre-orders for a Limited Run Anniversary Edition vinyl pressing of When Will Then Be Now! Click Here...
Real Life Church Music – Hope
Many of you may not be aware of this, but I am a Music Director at Real Life Church in Valencia, CA. I’m excited to announce that we just released a 5-son...
Jamerson Irish Whiskey T-Shirt Presales: Get 25% Off!
I don’t always groove like someone else, but when I do, I prefer Jamerson. A true classic, perfectly aged and refined in Hitsville USA, this timeless prod...
Ignite Musical Training – Digital Download Now Available
You’ve been asking for it – so here it is! Ignite Musical Training is now available as a digital download! The entire program includes a 220 page eB...
J*A*C*O T-Shirt Presales: Get 20% Off and Free Shipping
The best care anywhere! I’m pleased to announce the presale of the very first t-shirt available at The Bassist Store! Now you can show your love for the g...
Back in the Saddle Again
I’ve been listening to a lot of Aerosmith lately, hence the title. But I find it to be suiting, because lately I’ve been hearing this question for a...
A Christmas album, eh?
So this isn’t just going to be a blog post that plugs my new Christmas album, entitled Merry Christmas from the Jayme Lewis Band, which is of course avail...
Playing Without a Drummer
Nathan sends this message via Facebook: Hello Jayme I’m not sure where I should ask you just question, hopefully you’ll read it here. I’ve bee...