We’ve all got our favorite bass players who we admire or idolize. But which ones have actually most influenced your playing style?
When first taking up bass, I had favorite bassists who I most admired and idolize: John Taylor, John Paul Jones, Chris Squire.
While learning to play bass, this evolved into ones who I came to appreciate more deeply: Sklar, Levin, Pino.
But while learning, I’ve had totally different ones that have most influence my playing style: Tina Weymouth, George Porter Junior (of the Meters). (I’d like to add Pino to this list, but I’m less certain of that.)
I think one bassist has remained constant across all three lists for me: Donald “Duck” Dunn.
What about the rest of you? Who has most influenced your playing style (aside from Josh)?
Hm, tricky one… (I am, as often, probably overthinking it though )
There are many bass players that have wowed me (and still do), especially also when I started playing. Some of the “wow” I can now much better understand, and it probably lost a bit of its magic since…
The more I learn about the instrument and playing it, the more I try to absorb from a whole host of different players (with new ones added to that list almost daily). Some of them I admire, even though I would likely never play like them (e.g., Chris Squire). Some of them I try to emulate. Still, I can learn from all of them!
I do certainly have a preference for certain players (and the style of music they play) and that definitely has influenced my style significantly. As does the desire to play a certain kind of music (over other styles).
When it comes down to who influenced my playing style the most, both in terms of telling me how “small” things matter and pay attention to them, and how to find my own voice (without just trying to emulate others), then that honor goes to my current teacher.
I’ve been a Talking Heads fan most of my life. My Dad liked them when I was a little guy and to a 5/6 year old, their music sounded fun and happy. I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been a super fan or anything. Coming into playing bass, I had a list of players who I wanted to influence my style and play like them. I’ve found out that what I appreciate about watching players tends to be fairly different than what I appreciate as just a fan of the music itself. Tina is without a doubt my favorite bassist. Not that she’s the most technically proficient or anything but I love the way she expresses herself with a bass guitar. It just speaks to me more than other folks (like Hooky and Simon Gallup for example).
This is why she’s the first bassist I really noticed influencing my style. Her stuff is simple, but it’s expressive and interesting. Just enough going on to have distinct shape and not just playing roots. But solidly groove focused. And like… exploring all the little ways she can work tiny nuances into a simple line.
I especially love the way she controls her notes. Especially distinctive how she lifts off. Weight and swagger.
I absolutely idolize Les Claypool. He’s not an influence on my playing, though, because I don’t play Primus-esque music. And probably never will. I’m influenced more by “classic rock”, “blues rock”, and “alternative rock” bassists because that’s the kind of music I play.
I think I kind of idolize our very own Henny Vrienten (from the Dutch band “Doe Maar”).
He seems to be one with his bass, and does not “masturbate” on his bass, but just plays what’s necessary! Never seen anybody play as relaxed (especially in his last years on earth), his bass being an extension of his body…
And the bassist that influences me the most is our own @Al1885. Not his playing style though, but everything else
Hahaha! No, my girlfriend and me both think @Al1885 is crazy in that respect - though I wish she would relax the “three bass max limit” to five basses, but that’s another story.
My godbrother, Steve, has influenced me the most in learning to play bass.
He’s good at slap skills. So the first bass I bought is Sire Macrus Miller V3 to learning. I hope I can play the slap too someday.
Also, my brother is bringing me to attend Joe Dart’s masterclass this week.
As a bass beginner, I am very lucky to have opportunities to know and meet so many good bass players.
Here is Steve’s IG, he is a music composer. hope you guys join me to follow him!
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