Who's your favorite bassist and why?

cliffburtono

cliffburtono

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Oct 17, 2015
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#1
I find it's impossible to aspire to play a particular instrument or have that motivation to practice and be good at it without any sort of inspirational figure, be it a tutor or a famous solo artist or band.

I nearly gave up the bass because I couldn't find any inspirational figure after 3 years of playing. Then I read the Rolling Stone's greatest bassists of all time catalog and was surprised to discover Metallica's Cliff Burton listed as #9. I never heard of him so checked him out some vids of him playing live on youtube and man..I've been hooked since then. I've been playing 4-6 hours daily after that and I've never regretted a minute of it, trying to attain that technique, reach that sound that was buzzing in my brain like a bolt of lightning, aggressive, creative and melodic. I'm not there yet, but I'm pretty damn close and I don't plan on giving up till I've more than mastered all the songs/solos I liked, I want to be able to play it better. (Anesthesia Pulling Teeth - Metallica, one example of Cliff Burton's solo virtuoso, check it out!)

So I'm wondering if anyone else had a similar experience, coming across some piece of music or performance that completely changed your mindset and ignited the passion that comes with your bass play. Share your stories I'm genuinely interested :D
 
#2
Geddy Lee and James Jamerson are tied for first... Following that, I have about five others tied for third.

Geddy Lee isn't just a beast, but his phrasing is amazing, and I don't think he gets a lot of credit for it. Also, I've listened to every Rush song, and I don't think I've heard any basslines that reminded me of another. Before becoming a bassist, I didn't like Rush, mainly because of Ged's voice. Talkbass influenced me to get a few of their albums (I think I started with Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures). After that I was hooked. Rush is now my all-time favourite band.

James Jamerson is just amazing. His grooves, busy (while not sounding busy) style of playing blows me every time. Every note he played was gold. I've loved Motown's basslines since I was a little kid. When I found out it was practically one man behind all of those tracks, I was shocked.

Every time I listen to these two, it inspires me to get better. Few others inspire me the way these two do.
 
#4
So many for so many different reasons.

I have a few that are always at the top but the next tier rotate depending on my mood.

For Groove - James Jamerson, Duck Dunn, Reggie Richards, Tommy Shannon and no. 1 - Nathan East

All Out Talent - Geddy Lee, Alex Webster, Jeff Berlin, John Myung

Other favourites - Steve Harris, Matt Wong, Matt Freeman, Jack Bruce, Paul McCartney, Pino, Guy Pratt
 
#5
Justin Chancellor of Tool. He does a good job locking in with some utterly bizarre drum rhythms, and uses effects in creative ways.

Geddy Lee is a close second, his phrasing and talent is always on point.
 
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#6
Probably Nathan East for playing on all sorts of records I grew up on. Also Chuck Rainey was on a whole lot that inspired me. My dad raised me on Eric Clapton and Steely Dan since he was a guitar player (I was too, starting out) so those guys were always there. I also was really into John Paul Jones when I started out.

The best bass concert I've ever seen live was Stanley Clarke. Hearing his electric sound live is something else. His records are classic and cannon, but I was really blown away by his sound live.

I have to give a shout out to my teacher Phil McNeese. That guy is amazing, so knowledgable, tasteful, and varied. If you can get lessons with him I've got to recommend them, he can help anyone.

I saw Michael League in concert last year and that was fantastic, very inspiring to hear.

I would say OP to make sure to go see some live bassists that will inspire you every once in a while. A quality teacher and the occasional Victor Wooten concert (even though I don't really love his music) can go a long way to keeping you going.

For stuff you can do on your computer, John Patitucci has a nice instructional DVD and lots (loads) of recording credits for inspiration. I really admire his bass work. Different genres pose different problems for instruction. As a jazz student, I never had trouble finding people to look up to who had lots of instructional material, but for rock it can be a lot harder. Cutting edge metal I imagine is even harder.

Watch the Jaco lesson if you haven't. That's a classic for inspiration. It looks like it's no longer up on youtube anymore unfortunately.

In short, I'm always rotating bass heroes and styles. It keeps me constantly inspired and learning new stuff. One week I'm digging up Wilton Felder's work with the Jackson 5, the next it's Chon. Thanks to the internet there's a ton of material to look up for instruction, listening, gear, interviews. I've never lacked for things to check out.
 
#7
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#10
For incredible grooves: Adam 'Nolly' Getgood, Amos Williams, Victor Wooten
For being an absolute all-out virtuoso: Jean Baudin, John Myung, Victor Wotten (He's that good, he deserves to be mentioned twice).
 
#13
Billy Sheehan.

I was starting to get serious on the instrument when Eat 'Em and Smile came out, and I used that as my benchmark. I got to the point where I could play the album note for note, and the chops I got from that album helped me get into college as a music major (I auditioned with Flow My Tears by Stu Hamm).

Once I got into college, my focus shifted dramatically, and I started playing jazz, and stopped shredding.

But I still love his playing, although I sound and play nothing like that anymore.
 
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#15
My whole view on bass playing changed when I heard Jeff Berlin on the Bruford albums. My eyes opened to how a bass line can be melodic (and busy) while still a functional bass line. And it was the first bassist I heard playing fast, using notes that were clearly thought out, instead of just grabbing anything that's under your fingers.
I'm still practising his stuff.
 
#20
Anthony Jackson, without fail. He inspired me to pick up the six-string bass for use in jazz. What a great player! I've moved on from the six to P bass, but I still incorporate what I've learned from his playing.
 
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