I need a new inspiration.

[JLW]

Alright, so I've been practicing really technical slap stuff (Flea on the rock/mainstream side of the spectrum, and Wooten with the super technical stuff).


As a result of this, I never have found a REALLY good groovy fingerstyle influence.

I was thinking I would start listening to Mo Town and stuff so I could maybe study someone on the very opposite end of the spectrum.

Anyone have some recommendations on bands/people I could listen to that sort of have something like a Mo-town sound so I could add that to my limited repertoire?

I was thinking stuff that sounds similar to stuff like "The Jackson 5" (such as the song "I want you back" which I learned the other day), etc.


Oh by the way I've been playing for about 6-7 months, but I practice constantly so I'm not terrible.

[WJGreer]

Originally Posted by JLW

Anyone have some recommendations on bands/people I could listen to that sort of have something like a Mo-town sound so I could add that to my limited repertoire?

Check out Tower of Power, with Frances Rocco Prestia on bass. He has a singature staccato fingerstyle approach that has made him a legend in his own time. His interplay with the drums makes for a lifelong study. It's Oakland versus Motown, but I think you would like it.

You started out by asking for a recommendation for a non-slap player before you got more specific. Going back to your initial point, I highly recommend Gary Willis. He plays fingerstyle and fretless pretty much exclusively. I find his chops to be dazzling, his creativity to be humbling, his musical sense of humor to be refreshing. You can hear him on any of the Tribal Tech recordings, on either of his solo CDs "No Sweat" and "Bent", and as a sideman in myriad places.

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Steve Bailey

[Baryonyx]

Jaco Pastorius will do for you!

Also look into learning Mark King's bassline from the Level 42 song "Sun goes down", its amazing finger funk.

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Steve Bailey

[JLW]

Thanks for all the recommendations guys.

Anything else you guys would recommend?

[vegas532]

Tony Levin - Peter Gabriel, King Crimson
Jimmy Haslip - Yelllowjackets
Juan Alderete De La Pena - The Mars Volta, Big Sir, Racer X
Otiel Burbridge -Aquarium Rescue Unit, solo
Trip Wamsley - SICK solo artist
Micheal Manring - need I say more
Leland Sklar - I could spend hours listing his credentials
John Entwistle - RIP The Who, solo
Geddy Lee - Rush
Chris Squire - Yes
Doug Pinnick - King's X, Poundhound, solo
Jonas Hellborg - truly in a class by himself!!
Colin Hodgkinson - fairly unknown in the US, but a monster
Pino Palladino - Paul Young, The Who, John Mayer

[JLW]

Um...I guess that just about covers it.

Thanks a lot man.

[Chunk-O-Funk]

If you would like to find where Rocco and Jaco got their finger style funk from check out Jerry Jemmott.

He's been on hundreds of recording. Best to check out his website to find out what he's been on.

Find or download a copy of "Memphis Soul Stew". It's a good example.



Another great finger style player of the Staxx records era is Duck Dunn.

Check out Paul Jackson too.

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Also, forgot to mention, Steve Bailey.

[Baryonyx]

Originally Posted by vegas532

Jonas Hellborg - truly in a class by himself!!

a big +1 to that!

I am an absolute nut for this guy. He certainly inspires me!

[Doctor J]

Bernard Edwards of Chic

[AmazingGracePlayer]

JEFF SCHMIDT! Very nasty, he isn't as well known as other players, but he isn't much worse than STEVE BAILEY.

[Baryonyx]

I get the feeling you're a Steve Bailey fan, would this be a safe assumption?

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Yes, I even have his Signature bass! And the Ampeg Amp and Cab he and Wooten designed! And all his Books! And all his CDs! And I love playing false harmonics, sounds soo cool. And when I play those on stage, the people that don't know anything about harmonics get so amazed.... I love the looks on their faces.