Behind the Player: Tim Skold: Bass Guitar DVD

This DVD offers rare transparency into the working methods of a professional session and touring bassist. Rather than isolated exercises, students see Skold deconstructing actual recorded material and jamming with Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), which demonstrates how bass functions within a real ensemble context at the highest level.

Industrial and heavy, with precise rhythmic demands beneath layers of distorted guitars and synthesizers. The bass work is melodic and intentional rather than purely rhythmic, requiring both technical accuracy and an understanding of how to serve the song's dark, atmospheric production.

Advanced students and young professionals interested in contemporary rock bass, particularly those drawn to industrial and alternative metal. Musicians preparing for auditions or session work will benefit from seeing how a working bassist approaches complex material and collaborates with other musicians.

• Study the VideoTab animation to internalize the physical location of notes on the fretboard before attempting the piece at performance tempo.
• Lock into the rhythm framework before worrying about embellishments; Skold's approach emphasizes groove and timing over technical flash.
• Watch the behind-the-scenes footage to understand how 'Putting Holes in Happiness' sits within Marilyn Manson's production approach, then consider how bass serves the song's larger arrangement.
• Jam along with the accompaniment tracks at slower speeds first, using the video as your visual guide for hand position and dynamics.

This works best as a supplemental learning tool for individual bass study rather than ensemble rehearsal material. Assign the video and transcription to advanced players working on contemporary repertoire, or use it in masterclasses focused on bass in rock production and session musicianship.

• Transcribing bass lines from recorded tracks using visual and audio reference
• Playing syncopated rhythms with precision in a distorted, layered rock context
• Navigating fretboard geometry across multiple octaves and string positions
• Locking with drums and understanding groove in industrial and alternative rock