Video summary

Bird brained bass players SCHOOLED: The CLANKY BASS: DD Verni, Dan Lilker's CHEAP thrash bass amp!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Summary of the video (general ideas)

The speaker argues that a “clanky” metal bass tone shouldn’t be gatekept as something only achievable with specific playing techniques (such as fingerstyle or slap). They claim that a large portion of “clanky” sound is created by using a pick, and they criticize online commenters who insist otherwise as ignorant or overly rigid about “correct” technique.

They address viewer criticisms claiming you can’t get a good metal bass tone with a pick (or that pick players are “lazy” or “weak”). The speaker flips the argument: the industry and classic recordings demonstrate that many well-known metal/bass tones were made with picks, and they suggest that commenters are effectively “programmed” to be anti-pick.

The speaker then provides practical advice for getting a clanky bass tone, including:

  • Use a metal pick
    • They compare it to using a regular pick: metal picks increase clank, while regular picks are fine for practice.
  • Play closer to the bridge
    • This helps notes “ring out” and emphasizes the clanky character.
  • Use round-wound stainless steel strings
    • They discourage flatwounds for this goal.
  • Consider pickups/gear choices that support clank
    • They mention PJ Bass hybrid-style pickups and suggest moving toward the bridge pickup for more clank.
    • They discuss bridge setup, arguing that bridge design and how the string contacts the saddle can affect clank.
      • They note that a roller bridge isn’t ideal, though it can still produce some clank.
  • Pay attention to string/fret buzz and overall setup
    • They say buzz can be part of the chaotic metal bass sound.
    • They cite examples where tone differences come partly from low action and intentional/acceptable buzzing, specifically mentioning Peter Steele as someone whose tone involves string buzz.

Throughout, the speaker criticizes “guitar nerds” and negative commenters, claiming the harshest critics are a small portion of viewers but still influence creators. They encourage embracing criticism rather than avoiding comments, and the video ends with more “watch the comments / embrace negative feedback” messaging.


Speakers (identified from the subtitles)

  • Main YouTuber / Host (unnamed in subtitles; speaks throughout; hosts the “Circle Tone” intro/outro)
  • Christristen Cole (academy producer / YouTuber mentioned)
  • Bob Greasie III (commenter mentioned)
  • DD Verni (mentioned as a clank/Overkill figure)
  • Dan Lilker (mentioned in the video title)
  • Danny Carey (mentioned as “Danny Lar” in subtitles; context suggests a musician figure)
  • David Ellison (mentioned as a clank/technique reference)
  • Owen (thanked as “Bass players, thank you, Owen” — likely a commenter or viewer)
  • Frank Bow (likely referring to Frank Bello; name appears distorted in subtitles)
  • Peter Steele (mentioned)
  • Dave Mustain (likely Dave Mustaine; appears as “Dave Mustain” in subtitles)
  • Metallica (band referenced; not a speaker)
  • Andy Sneap (referenced, likely a producer/engineer)
  • James Hetfield / other Metallica figures (implied by discussion such as “Metallica cheated”; not explicitly named as speakers)
  • Faith No More members / “Peter Gold” (referenced; likely a name distorted in subtitles)
  • “YouTube commenters / bird brains” (a group referenced, not a single speaker)

Note: The subtitles are messy, so some names may be slightly misrecognized. The “Main YouTuber / Host” is the only clearly consistent speaker throughout.

Original video