Learn the Bass Line to “I Wish” by Skee-Lo (No Talking Tutorial)

Introduction:

Some grooves don’t need words—just feel. If you’ve been itching to learn the bass line from Skee-Lo’s “I Wish”, this lesson gives it to you straight, with zero talking and maximum pocket. What many players don’t realize is that this iconic 90s hip-hop track was built on a sample from “Spinnin’” by Bernard Wright—featuring none other than Marcus Miller on bass.

In this post, you’ll get the breakdown, the context, and the tools to play this line with the same bounce and tone that made it a sample-worthy classic. Let’s get into it.

 Where the Groove Came From — Marcus Miller’s Bass Line on “Spinnin’”

Before Skee-Lo made it a hip-hop anthem, “I Wish” was already legendary in fusion circles. The bass line comes directly from Bernard Wright’s “Spinnin’,” released in 1985.

• Bass by Marcus Miller, whose signature tone, phrasing, and slap articulation define the line

• Recorded during Miller’s peak studio years—tight, clean, and groove-driven

• Built on syncopated 16th-note phrasing, with ghost notes that give it feel over flash

Learning “I Wish” is more than learning a rap groove—it's learning from one of the most influential bassists of the 20th century.

 How to Approach the Line — Even Without Tabs or Talking

This no-dialogue lesson teaches the line visually and aurally—so you build your ears and your muscle memory.

Here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Loop small sections and play along slowly until the groove settles into your hands

• Focus on finger placement and muting—Marcus Miller’s tone is as much about control as speed

• Watch the plucking hand carefully—note the timing, ghost notes, and attack

Pro Tip: Don’t rush to play it fast. Groove > speed. Let it breathe.

 Groove Feel & Tone Tips

To get closer to the sound of the original sample:

• Use a bridge pickup tone with a bit of brightness—Marcus was likely using an active Jazz-style bass

• Add light compression to even out ghost notes and slapped accents

• If using a pick or fingers, dig into the accents subtly—this line is played, not pounded

• Keep your muting game tight—those 16th rests matter as much as the notes

Want to Build a Groove Vocabulary Like This?

Learning one looped groove is great—but building the muscle to recognize and create grooves like this across genres is what Groove School is all about.

Inside the membership, you’ll find:

• Full genre modules (Funk, Hip-Hop, Soul, Blues)

• Lessons that build fretboard fluency and groove awareness

• Practical breakdowns of sampled bass lines and originals

• Tools to help you play by ear and break free from tab dependency

Key Takeaways:

• Skee-Lo’s “I Wish” bass line is lifted straight from Marcus Miller’s pocket in “Spinnin’” by Bernard Wright

• The groove demands control, ghost-note awareness, and a strong sense of timing

• Watching, listening, and mimicking builds both your technique and groove vocabulary

• Groove first. Always.

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• 🎓 Join Groove School (Free Trial): https://grooveschool.co/store

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FAQ Section:

Q: Who played bass on “I Wish” by Skee-Lo?
The bass line is sampled from “Spinnin’” by Bernard Wright, featuring Marcus Miller on bass. Miller’s playing forms the rhythmic and tonal backbone of the track.

Q: How can I learn bass lines without tablature or talking?
By slowing down the video, looping short sections, and watching both hands closely, you can train your ears and muscle memory. This method builds stronger internalization than tab alone.

Q: What gear should I use to get a tone like this?
Use a Jazz-style bass with active pickups if possible. Dial in a bright but controlled tone, and use light compression to smooth out dynamics. Focus more on feel and muting than effects.