Bass styles

[Pastafarian]

Originally put this in the 'Bassists' forum (because of the second question), but should really have gone here... (will try and delete the other one to avoid crossposting). Help much appreciated.

Very dumb question coming up...

I'm still relatively new to bass, having previously played the guitar, albeit to a rubbish standard. For some reason - probably the pitch of the notes - I still find it much easier to distinguish guitarists' styles from one another than those of bassists.

Moreover, it seems to me - probably wrongly - that bassists adapt more to the genre of the song and their fellow musicians than others in the band do. For example, Flea's basslines are very distinctive, but often sound to me like the only correct line to play - that's probably a compliment, but also (for me) a reflection of the song that's already there, if that makes sense. In other words, I find it tricky to recognise genuinely great bassists if it seems like they're only playing what they had to play. Flea may not be the best example, given how prominent the bass is in the RHCP sound, but hopefully you get my drift.

So, first question: is there a grain of truth in any of what I've put above?

Second one - a bassist I enjoy listening to, but find hard to characterise, is John Paul Jones. A bit like with Flea above, I find it hard to discern which aspects of his playing are distinctively his style, and which aspects were what anyone would have to play (e.g. doubling the the guitar on the main riff of Whole Lotta Love). On the flipside, the melodic line in the verses to Ramble On is clearly of JPJ's own devising, but I wouldn't be able to fit basslines like that into a broader style of his, if that makes sense. So the question is: how would you describe JPJ's style? What are some of the things he does that distinguish him from other bassists? Be as extensive as you like on this one; would certainly help!

Cheers.

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by Pastafarian

So, first question: is there a grain of truth in any of what I've put above?

Yes. It's because any style of music will be heavily dependent on its rhythmic phrasing, and the bass is a rhythm instrument. Melodies can be adapted to a variety of styles, but a bass line carries a stronger stylistic Identity

Second one - how would you describe JPJ's style? What are some of the things he does that distinguish him from other bassists?

Blues /Jazz influenced hard rock. JPJ is a more educated musician than most hard rock players, even before led zep he was arranging and music directing. He contributed a great deal to zep's writing and arrangement and so had quite an advantage when approaching his basslines. I don't think he was doing anything a seasoned Jazz or Mowtown guy might think up...he just put it in a new context.

[Bakursa]

Well, the bass is a complex instrument to the beginner. Not technical skill complex, but rather in understanding. The bass has to keep the rhythm going while also supporting the guitar(s) and/or singer(s) in the band. You kind of smack dab in the middle of the drums and guitar. Its hard to explain, but with experience comes the understanding.

P.S. If you really wanna hear Flea break loose, listen to the OLD stuff, like Black Eyed Blonde and Skinny Sweaty Man.

[TheFrogPrince]

Good bass players can blend in anywhere and so I'd say to listen to see if the song overall is good. The point of playing bass is to propel the song harmonically in addition to keeping time. There isn't much room for much else or else things would fall apart. You become a chameleon of sorts.