221 - My bass teacher was a NIGHTMARE!

Ever walked out of a lesson feeling worse than when you walked in? Scott and Ian swap stories about incredible teachers, downright traumatizing lessons, and why learning bass has never been one size fits all. Hit play... you might never look at bass lessons the same way again.

What does Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt never leave home without?Scott sits down with Mike to uncover the 10 things he can't live without, from always having a bass within reach to the surprisingly personal items that keep him comfortable on the road. Expect great stories, a few unexpected picks, and a peek into the daily life of one of punk rock's most iconic bass players.

Fender just lit the gear world on fire.Scott and Ian dive into the backlash surrounding Fender's cease-and-desist letters, why builders across Europe are furious, and what this could mean for some of the most iconic guitar and bass shapes ever made. Is Fender protecting its legacy, or creating a PR nightmare?

Josh Paul’s bass playing has powered everything from the aggressive energy of Suicidal Tendencies to the deep funk grooves of Infectious Grooves. In this conversation with Ian, he breaks down the lines, tone, and gear behind some of his most recognizable parts, along with the stories and approach that shaped his playing along the way. Turn it up and dig in.

This band broke the internet… and you’re not ready for who’s behind it. In this episode, we dig into Angine de Poitrine, where one player is somehow covering guitar and bass at the same time, stacking warped microtonal riffs while the drummer drives these unpredictable, high-wire grooves. It’s chaotic, it’s locked in, and it keeps you on edge the whole time. Trust us… the reveal is worth it.

Scott and Ian dive into the story behind the Walrus Audio Mantle DI, the pedal that somehow managed to make the internet furious. Ian shares why he reached out to Walrus to build it, what he was chasing after years of using boxes like the Noble and Jad Freer Capo, and the studio gear that inspired the design. Along the way they get into transformer tone, simple vs overcomplicated pedals, gig reliability, and what bass players actually want from a great DI.

Ian is joined by Mike Dirnt to break down the bass lines that shaped the sound of Green Day. From “Longview” to “Basket Case,” Mike shares how he builds his parts, what inspired them, and how simple ideas turn into massive, melodic bass lines that drive the song. Tone, attack, feel, and singing while playing — it’s all here.

Scott sits down with bassist Ellen Alaverdyan to break down some of her favorite bass lines, from iconic grooves like Money by Pink Floyd to Come On, Come Over and more. Ellen shares what makes these lines stand out, how she learns them, and the practice habits that help her really lock them in and make them feel great.

What makes a bass line stick with you for life? Joe Dart sits down with Scott to talk through some of his all time favorite bass lines and the songs that shaped his playing from day one, digging into influences like Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power, and Red Hot Chili Peppers that still influence him today.

Ian and Sharon start 2026 by putting the focus on bass players you should be paying attention to right now. No throwbacks, no nostalgia, just ten modern players who are shaping the sound of today. They each bring five picks and talk about what makes these players stand out and why bass is moving in exciting directions.