| The bass guitar is both the pivot and the drive of | | | | playing style are |
| manypop, rock and jazz groups. Most times the bass | | | | Bootsy Collins and Donald "Duck" Dunn. |
| is whatholds it all together, but then sometimes it just | | | | These examples of fine bass players are just a |
| emergesfrom the mix and seems to pulse through | | | | samplingof some great artists who've inspired many |
| your whole body. | | | | men and womento pick up the bass and to influence |
| The bass is one of the most emotive instruments | | | | their techniques. |
| around. | | | | As with any instrument, if you truly want to be |
| While the bass is versatile, the instrument tends totake | | | | good,you first have to love the sound (as played by |
| a backseat in a group. Few group leaders play | | | | thegreats, which isn't you just yet). Not only that, |
| thebass. Take Paul McCartney, who's a bassist | | | | youalso have to appreciate the music created by the |
| predominantly. | | | | bass. |
| Also, Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott covered bass duties and | | | | These starting points and examples of great players |
| Level 42's Mark King is the singer and bassist. | | | | justscratch the surface. Many more great players |
| However,these examples defy the rule. The role of | | | | come fromthe Jazz world and deserve exploration, |
| the bassguitar in a band in comparison to a regular | | | | especially thegreats from early modern Jazz. |
| guitar isvery different since most bass guitars are | | | | This is the point where you get to begin playing. |
| never heardsolo, except for a few short breaks or in | | | | It'schild's play to get the notes from an electric |
| jazzarrangements. One reason why bass guitar solos | | | | basssince basic bass playing is mostly single-note |
| are rareis that most folk singer voices rarely blend will | | | | action. |
| withjust the bass sound. | | | | For this reason, bass is considered one of the |
| Offering an exact explanation for preferring a | | | | easierinstruments to play. So, even though it doesn't |
| bassguitar is very difficult for most players. Still, lotsof | | | | take alot to get down the basics, it does take a lot |
| bassplayers are quick to ID their favorite bassistssince | | | | ofpractice (like with anything) to make it sound great. |
| so many great players have influenced their style. | | | | In order to progress in playing the bass, you have tonot |
| One player often mentioned is The Who's John | | | | only grasp the fundamentals but also possess |
| Entwistlewho has led many bass solos. Bassist and | | | | aninstinctive ability to keep time. This is why it's |
| lead bandmember Jack Bruce of Cream is another | | | | soimportant to begin bass playing with a great teacher |
| frequentlymentioned top bass player. Eric Clapton, | | | | soyour technique doesn't suffer. If finding a teacher |
| another famousguitarist, has recorded with Cream. | | | | isout of the question, then get your hands on lots of |
| Red Hot Chili | | | | booksand study their instructions so you can work on |
| Pepper's Flea, Adam Clayton of U2, and | | | | yourstyle. Above all else, observe other bassists |
| (sometimesvocalists, sometimes bass player) Geddy | | | | wheneveryou can and listen to their music. Then, listen |
| Lee of Rush areother bassist popular with young | | | | tomore music. And, then, listen some more... |
| players. On top ofsome lists for their funkier bass | | | | |