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Scott Cushman

Musician

Scott Cushman is a musician specializing in the bass guitar based in Portland, Oregon. Scott strongly believes in a DIY approach to music and the importance of fostering a good music community on and off the stage. His band, Rad Max, has released two full-length albums, played shows all around the Pacific Northwest, and started their own music-and-movie series called "So Bad, It's Rad!". They have been featured on Drunk Dials Records, PDX Pop Now!, & Tender Loving Empire compilations, in a short horror film, and played with touring acts such as SPELLS, Daikaiju, and MDC.

Education

  • BA, English Literature, University of Oregon

Favorite Piece of Advice

When someone compliments you after a show, don't say what you did wrong. Take the compliment.

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Q&A Comments (4)

How can I improve my bass guitar tones?
Get used to using your fingers. One of the most effective ways to improve is to try to play along with some of your favorite music. Focus on the bass parts, really listen, and try to match how it sounds. You can search for bass tabs on the internet to learn the notes, but the real magic happens when you begin to recognize and re-create these tones. Then, as you get better, keep challenging yourself. Try learning some new songs or exploring various styles of playing. You could go to the academic side of things by learning scales, which can help you understand the instrument better, especially major and minor scales. Take note that while they’re useful, don’t stress too much about mastering them right away—they’ll make more sense as you progress. For now, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
How do I achieve a clean bass tone when recording or playing?
Achieving a great bass guitar tone starts with your equipment. Use fresh strings to ensure a bright, and defined sound, especially for recording. Consider changing your strings before recording to avoid dull or muddy tones. Your amplifier's settings could also significantly impact the tone so adjust your EQ (bass, mids, treble) to shape the sound to your liking. For a clean tone, minimize or eliminate distortion and overdrive effects. Avoid excessive gain to maintain a clear, precise sound.
How do I compose a good baseline for R&B or Country?
When composing a bassline for R&B or country music, it’s important to recognize how the genre influences the role of the bass. In R&B, especially more upbeat or groove-driven tracks, the bassline tends to be more active, moving around the fretboard and driving the song’s energy. It often jumps between notes, creating a dynamic feel that makes the song "hop." In contrast, for ballads or country music, the bassline is typically simpler, sitting more in the background and supporting the melody by focusing on the root notes. It’s less about movement and more about providing a steady foundation. But regardless of the genre, the one thing that remains consistent is that the bassline needs to anchor the song by hitting those root notes and locking in with the rhythm of the drums. This creates a solid foundation, and from there, you can get creative—whether it’s keeping the bassline simple and letting other instruments take the spotlight or adding complexity to emphasize key moments in the music. A good bassline is just like telling a great story where it should enhance the song, be rhythmically tight, and adapt to the needs of the track. 
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Co-authored Articles (5)