Does Michael Jackson's Thriller Really Have 7 Basslines? Greg Phillinganes Explains

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join keyboard legend Greg Phillinganes and me in this special video, as we dive deep into the 7 distinctive bass parts on Michael Jackson’s "Thriller"! Together, we'll deconstruct all the unique bass lines, showcase Greg's incredible artistry and share behind-the-scenes insights into the song's groundbreaking arrangement by Rod Temperton....with some silly sidebars by Greg along the way.

In this video, you’ll discover:

Greg’s approach to adding fills and interpreting songs when perfroming.
Lessons learned from working with Stevie Wonder.
The creative process behind Rod's arrangement
How to play these parts on classic synths

From the growling 'Verse Sustain Bass' to the gothic 'Pipe Organ Bass Pedal' and the funky 'Froggy Bass,' every detail is explored in this masterclass in keyboard performance and arrangement. Plus, experience the full song to hear how it all comes together at the end.

We made this video together with love to pass along our knowledge to you. We hope you enjoy it!"

"Thriller" Relived Production
Produced by Anthony Marinelli
Produced, Directed & Edited by Dante Marinelli
Recorded & Mixed by Ben Rachlis
David Alfonso - Music Preparation

"Thriller" Relived Performers
Rhodes Piano and Synthesizers: Greg Phillinganes
Synth Programming & Additional Synthesizers: Anthony Marinelli
Guitar: Tariqh Akoni
Trombone: Ryan Porter
Tenor Saxophone: Sean Sanderegger
Trumpet: Josef Leimberg

"Thriller" Original Team
Lead and Background Vocals: Michael Jackson
Songwriter: Rod Temperton
Producer: Quincy Jones
Synthesizers: Rod Temperton and Brian Banks
Rhodes Piano and Synthesizers: Greg Phillinganes
Synthesizer Programming: Anthony Marinelli
Guitar: David Williams
Trumpets and Flugelhorns: Jerry Hey and Gary Grant
Saxophone and Flute: Larry Williams
Trombone: Bill Reichenbach
Horn Arrangement: Jerry Hey
Vocal, Rhythm, and Synthesizer Arrangements: Rod Temperton
Effects: Bruce Cannon and Bruce Swedien
Voice-Over: Vincent Price
Additional Recording: Matt Forger"