15 and fearless: In Conversation with bass prodigy Deshna Chettri

About Deshna Chettri

At just fifteen, Deshna Chettri is already carving out a powerful space in the global bass community. With thunderous slap techniques, fearless experimentation, and a musical maturity far beyond her years, Deshna is redefining what the bass guitar can be. From blending rock and metal energy with Indian classical nuances to earning endorsements from leading global brands like Markbass and Sadowsky, her journey is as inspiring as it is electrifying.

Interview Highlights

On choosing the bass: "I chose the bass. Something about the sound and the feel pulled me in right away, and I knew it was the instrument I wanted to grow with."

On endorsements: "The most surreal moment was being endorsed by Markbass and Sadowsky, the brands I’ve loved and admired for years. I used to look up to the artists who played their gear, so having them recognize me felt unreal."

On blending genres: "I enjoy playing rock and metal bass, but my dad always says every instrument has a depth beyond its usual role. Since bass is mostly seen as a backing instrument, he encouraged me to bring it to the forefront by adding Indian classical elements and taking a soloist approach, which lets me explore the bass in a whole new way."

On collaborating with her father: "I think I was 12 when I first started recording bass on my dad’s tracks after doing a few bass covers. There haven’t been many funny moments, but a lot of chaotic ones. Whenever I was playful or didn’t give the perfect take, my dad would get frustrated, and we’d end up arguing. Sometimes he’d even walk out of the recording room, but it was all part of the process, and we’d always laugh about it afterward."

On fan messages: "I’m just 15 and still learning, and when I get messages from people saying their 5- or 6-year-olds have picked up instruments after watching my videos, it makes me pause and think, ‘Wow, this is real.’ It’s truly amazing to be able to inspire others."

On explaining the bass to a child: "The bass is the big guitar that makes you want to dance."

On staying grounded: "Likes and views are always exciting and encouraging, and I have immense respect and gratitude for all my followers, but I stay grounded by focusing on my love for music and on learning and creating every day."

On dream collaborations: "I have immense respect for legends like Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, and Marcus Miller for their contributions to the global bass community, as well as for the iconic Indian bassist Mr. Keith Peters, whose bass playing has shaped Indian cinema’s music. My dream trio, however, would be Vincen Garcia, Brian Burkheiser, and Rhythm Shaw. Jamming with them would be an unforgettable experience, a mix of groove, emotion, and guitar mastery."

On success: "For me, success right now is about growth, consistency, and loving the process rather than being perfect. It means practicing, improving each day, and enjoying playing bass while learning to become a better musician."

Rapid Fire

• Slap, tap or groove: Slap!
• Guilty pleasure song to play on bass: Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
• One pedal you would save in a fire: My Tuner Pedal
• Morning practice or midnight practice: Afternoon Practice
• Fast riffs or deep pocket grooves: Fast riffs
• One musician you would love to prank on stage: My Dad
• Biggest bass flex you secretly enjoy: Being able to Slap and TAP
• Song you wish you had written the bassline for: G O A T by Polyphia
• Worst mistake you ever made on stage that no one noticed: I kicked my bass processor off during a solo and no one noticed
• If your bass could talk, what would it complain about the most: My bass would probably scream: “NO MORE SLAP.”