Sean Hurley Breaks Down His Most Iconic Basslines

Sean Hurley is a renowned bassist of both studio and stage, known for his dynamic playing and musicality among the top artists in Pop and Rock Music. He gained significant recognition as sideman for John Mayer, dating back to the Battle Studies tour (2010), and then continuing on as a session bassist, contributing to some Mayer's most popular hits on Born and Raised, Paradise Valley, and Sob Rock. Hurley also played a crucial role in Robin Thicke's break-out album (The Evolution of Robin Thicke), laying down smooth, groove-driven basslines that helped define Thicke's signature sound and R&B style. Additionally, Hurley toured and recorded with Vertical Horizon during their debut album, adding depth and precision to the band’s alternative rock vibe, ultimately leading to several chart-topping hits. Here I'll sit down with Sean to talk about his extensive session career, his iconic bass playing, the gear uses to get his signature sound, and get him to re-create some of his most iconic tones for the biggest hits he played on.

*SPONSORS*
Sweetwater Gear Exchange | Sweetwater's Used Gear Marketplace
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Sean's Preferred Amplifier | Ampeg B15
Check out Ampeg's NEW pedal-format B15 & SVT all-in-one DI
https://ampeg.com/products/pedals/sgt-di.html

Sean's Preferred Strings | LaBella
La Bella 760FL (43-104)
https://www.labella.com/product/760fl/
La Bella RX-N4D (45-65-85-105)
https://www.labella.com/product/rx-n4d/

Sean's Preferred Overdrive | EBS Valve Drive
https://ebssweden.com/content2/effects/ebs-valvedrive-di/

Sean's Preferred Tuner | Peterson StroboStomp
https://www.petersontuners.com/shop/promo/sean10

Sean's Preferred Cables | Asterope
Pro Studio: https://www.asterope.com/custom-shop/pro-studio-series-st-to-st
Pro Stage: https://www.asterope.com/custom-shop/pro-stage-series-st-to-st

*GIVEAWAYS*
Peterson StroboStomp Mini ($119 value)
1) Head to the Vertex Instagram here: https://instagram.com/vertexeffects
2) Find any of the posts about Sean Hurley starting on November 12, 2024
3) Follow Vertex, Peterson, and Sean and tag a friend in any of the posts between 11/12-11/26
4) One (1) winner will be announced 12/2

EBS Valve Drive ($399 value)
1) Head to the Vertex Instagram here: https://instagram.com/vertexeffects
2) Find any of the posts about Sean Hurley starting on November 12, 2024
3) Follow Vertex, EBS, and Sean and tag a friend in any of the posts between 11/12-11/26
4) One (1) winner will be announced 12/2

Asterope Pro Studio Cable - 10ft. Straight/Straight ($75 value)
1) Head to the Vertex Instagram here: https://instagram.com/vertexeffects
2) Find any of the posts about Sean Hurley starting on November 12, 2024
3) Follow Vertex, Asterope, and Sean and tag a friend in any of the posts between 11/12-11/26
4) Five (5) winners will be announced 12/2

*TABLE OF CONTENTS*
00:00 - Sean Plays "Queen of California" (John Mayer)
03:58 - Recording John Mayer's Born and Raised Album
09:46 - Gear Used on Born and Raised
13:21 - Sean’s Preferred Strings
14:45 - The Development of his Signature Fender P Bass
18:51 - Recording John Mayer’s Sob Rock Album
28:23 - Sean Plays “Last Train Home” (John Mayer)
31:30 - Gear Used on Sob Rock
33:48 - Preferred Overdrive Pedal (EBS Valve Drive)
37:22 - The Bass Used on “Last Train Home”
41:32 - Recording “Wild Blue” (John Mayer)
50:37 - Sean Plays “Wild Blue” (John Mayer)
55:09 - Tips for Session Bass Players
01:01:32 - Sean’s Cable of Choice (Asterope)
01:06:15 - Working with Robin Thicke
01:20:48 - Sean Plays “Lost Without U” (Robin Thicke)
01:24:25 - Joining Vertical Horizon
01:46:47 - Sean Plays “Everything You Want” (Vertical Horizon)
01:51:58 - Working with Lizzy McAlpine
01:57:37 - Sean’s Favorite Tuner (Peterson)
02:02:20 Sean Plays “Ceilings” (Lizzy McAlpine)
02:08:02 - Story Time
02:16:27 - Thanks for Watching!

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⬇PODCAST⬇
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⬇DIY BUFFER DIAGRAMS & TEMPLATES⬇
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⬇RECOMMENDED MATERIALS⬇
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CREDITS
Host/Producer: Mason Marangella
Videographer: Ricky Chavez
Video Editing: Mason Mejia
Audio Editing: Hunter Harrison
Audio Engineer: Michael Pappas

LOCATION
Canyon Studios - Bel Air, CA

#SeanHurley #thebassistbehind #bassplayer