'The Machine Stops' is the final track on Level 42's 1983 album Standing in the Light and features a superb bass part from lead vocalist/bassist Mark King. As well as featuring a killer slap groove based around King's unique linear slap style, the track features strummed harmonic chords, neck bending and popped triplet fills. For subscribers to our video courses, the backing track used in the main performance is available to download using the link above, and a full transcription of the piece can be found in The Level 42 Bass Book. Please note that these videos were originally used as part of a Facebook campaign. As a result, there are some references to liking and commenting and ways to access the next video - these can be ignored here.
This video is a full demonstration of 'The Machine Stops', performed on a Jaydee Supernatural Series 3 bass. The bass was signed by Mark King.
In this video you'll learn how to play the Intro section, which features some strummed harmonic chords.
In this video you'll learn how to play the first slap bass groove from the Verse sections of the track.
In this video you'll learn how to play the second slap bass groove from the Verse sections of the track.
In this video you'll learn how to play THAT fill from the final section of the track...