When learning any instrument, your sound is formed in part as a result of those who have inspired you. For example, the renowned guitarist Eric Clapton has many of the characteristics of those who inspired him to play the guitar: BB King, Robert Johnson, Albert King.
So having a good and varied “musical diet” is important no matter what instrument you play, this is true for bassists, but out of a wide range of bassists, who should you listen to? Well, for starters, we suggest you a wide range of music; listen to your favorites, but don’t limit yourself to just that genre. To help you with this, we’ve put together a list of the top ten bassists who have been an inspiration to many who have taken up bass. Get yourself some CDs and learn some of his skills. Soon you will see the benefit!
1/Paul McCartney
Former Beatle, famous for his clever and innovative phrasing, was one of rock’s first true bassists, inherently melodic, has a variety of techniques from playing with his thumb to playing with a pick, one of the most influential bassists of all the times.
2/ Palladino Pine
The renowned session musician, known for his fretless playing, has played with everyone from Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck, recently joining The Who to replace the late John Entwhistle, Pino appears on the Who’s new album.
3/ inch
Innovative bassist for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, with a unique enhanced funk style with lots of handclapping and improvisation, Flea is also a renowned session bassist and has played with the likes of Tracy Chapman and Alanis Morissette.
4/ Jaco Pastorius
The choice of bassists – widely called the most innovative bassist of all time – with his own fretless bass (a fretless Jazz Bass) Jaco has influenced a generation of bassists – with an effects-colored tone and his unique sound” Jaco Growl” – his talent is still recognized almost 20 years after his death.
5/ Mark King
1980s bassist with English band Level 42, popularized funk and slapping, one of the fastest players, used a combination of percussion effects that gave him a unique tone.
6/ Tony Levin
Another renowned session musician, Tony Levin has played with everyone from Peter Gabriel to Carly Simon, perhaps most famous for his “funk fingers”, Levin used drumsticks attached to his fingers to create an innovative sound. Levin is also one of the best known players for using the Chapman Stick.
7/ Geddy Lee
Bassist for the band Rush – Lee has proven to be a huge influence among rock bassists – effortless technique – pure style – and great tone – if you want to be a metal bassist – start here.
8/ Bootsy Collins
King of Funk: Bootsy has influenced countless bassists and pioneered the often imitated but never equaled funk sound.
9/ Charlie Haden
Superb jazz double bassist, one of the most respected jazz bassists of all time, having played with the likes of Ornette Coleman to Pat Metheny.
10/ John Paul Jones
The legendary bassist for Led Zepplin and a renowned session musician before that, Jones along with the rest of the band, inspired a generation and helped create modern rock and roll, with a powerful sound and a rich appreciation of time.
