Without a doubt, Victor Wooten has to go down in history as one of the greatest bass players of all time. In particular, in his interpretation of the song “Amazing Grace”, Victor Wooten has shown his charming ability to play the entire melody with harmonics with virtual ease. Listening to Victor play “Amazing Grace” over the years, I realized that he actually improvises over the melody with ease using harmonics. I truly believe that whatever comes to his mind, he can play it on the spot!
When you hear him play solo, it makes you feel like you’re listening to a trio. For example, during the middle part of “Amazing Grace”, he begins to accompany himself with small rhythmic beats with his right hand while holding the melody with his left hand at the same time. Watching him do this number, Victor really makes this technique look easy. Trust me, it looks easy until you try it! Who knows, Victor may inspire you to play bass by listening to this song. When I first heard him play “Amazing Grace”, I wanted to play the melody for the sheer beauty of how the bass sounds! If you are a music lover, you will love it mainly because you like good music! I really like Victor’s version of “Amazing Grace” not only because of his bass playing experience, but also mainly because of the sheer musical taste he brought to the song on his bass! Victor uses open harmonics for the melody, so in doing so he also accompanies himself by playing the root notes of each chord. Victor also accompanies himself with a steady bass drum rhythm with his right hand while he plays the melody with his left hand. (He is playing this bass drum sound on his bass.)
Can one imagine what this would sound like? Well, let me tell you exactly how it sounds: it sounds like three people playing at the same time! Victor rarely looks down to see what he is doing! It’s literally amazing!
I have personally heard many versions of this beautiful hymn! In fact, this is the first time I’ve heard this song played on the bass. Even if you are reading this article just because, or if you have already heard Victor play this song, I suggest you go to YouTube to listen and see how he plays “Amazing Grace”, Victor Wooten Yes!
