
Bass Player magazine compiled quotes of many amazing bassists giving tips for musicians that played the instrument. Some of those were Jack Bruce (Cream), Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead), Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) and Les Claypool (Primus).
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“I heard James Jamerson, and it turned my electric bass playing around; it turned everybody’s bass playing around. I started striving to play melodies on the instrument; to play lead bass, in other words. That’s what I do now, while maintaining the bass’s function as an anchor.“
“I was a guitar player first, so I’m used to playing chords. It’s just like playing the guitar without the top two strings. I just made chords out of what strings I had left. It’s unorthodox, but it works for us.“
“Just listen to who you’re playing with – listen to the others. Too often, it seems younger players are just blasting away on their own. Be part of a unit and listen to other players and what’s going on around you. Persistence is a wonderful thing.“
“I like jazz chords in rock, and I use chords that are usually a no-no for most rock guys – a lot of triads and major sevenths. A minor nine is a very sad yet sexy chord.“
“I never anchor my thumb anywhere. That’s why I wear my bass quite low – I’m playing at arm’s length. It feels comfortable. Some people play with their bass very high up, and that’s fine, but I suppose that would change the sound because you’re attacking with the fingers from the underneath more.“
“When you’re young, jumping around the stage and waving your dick around – ‘Here I am! Look at me go!’ Now we can sit back, play, and experience the music more.“
I am a Brazilian journalist, a Classic Rock and Heavy Metal lover. Music has always been part of my life, helped me through tough moments and was with me to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After college I did a postgraduate degree in digital communication. This has helped me to make the website better and bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG