Essential Listening For Bass Players?

[HeavyAxe]

any and every song you hear can teach you something...the style doesnt matter, theres some lesson to walk away with

learn to play drums at least some, your meter will improve

learn to listen as a bass player, then as a writer, then as a listener that has no musical knowledge...then youll have it

I actually started on drums before becoming a bass player so thats covered!

 

[JamesFoxBass]

Just listen, explore EVERYTHING! That latest Lady Gaga number on the radio, listen to it, it might be rubbish in your musical tastes but just listen to it, notice the bass line, the vocal melody, the groove. Then listen to the most obscene and intricate classical pieces. It's all music and it shows you how to appreciate and improve your own bass lines and general musicianship!

Also don't just listen, but also read! Read music and learn theory, read the autobiographies of the greats, Pete Townshend is a good one as is Nile Rodgers!

Just make sure you live music!

 

[WBasstrolo]

James Jamerson should be at the top of your list.

 

[Rocktometrist]

In addition to what was already said:

Chris Wood from MMW-- Plays mostly upright, but lays down a fat groove that translates to electric. His most listenable work might be on the John Scofield "A Go Go" album (a classic)!

Flea from RHCP is a monster (might go without saying). Plays everything from aggressive slap to pretty finger-style melodic lines. Any album is good. Blood Sugar Sex Magic kills it.

Les Claypool: Big points for creativity. His style won't work in all (most) genres, but worth a listen just for originality. Sailing the Seas of Cheese is a good intro.

James Jamerson (!). Plays on half of everything that came out of Motown. A legend!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Lots of great advice in this thread. Listen to the bass in everything you hear, whether it's an electric bass, a fretless, an upright, a synth, a tuba, whatever. Learning the role and the purpose of bass (as opposed to the bass) is crucial.

EXCELLENT call on the Tuba - that's something I didn't discover until I started listening to some second-line swing.

My playing really took off twice as a younger player - First when I started really working on learning Yes songs (mostly from Fragile and The Yes Album) and later when I discovered Marcus Miller. So I guess my two key "influences" (lord I hate that word) are Chris Squier and Marcus... and I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one who can say that!

 

[Blah114]

Lots of great advice in this thread. Listen to the bass in everything you hear, whether it's an electric bass, a fretless, an upright, a synth, a tuba, whatever. Learning the role and the purpose of bass (as opposed to the bass) is crucial.

yeah, there's nothing more annoying, to me, than an overplaying guitarist, drummer, or bassist live. Seriously. It's funny where I live the "best" bassists in town have lost jobs with national touring acts because they go in and audition playing scales, modes, lightning quick, tons of slap stuff like Flea.. when the bands in question just want a guy whom can play THE SONG. And THAT goes back to my stating to learn Judas Priest, etc, etc. Just because we "can" overplay doesn't mean we should. The latter is precisely why I can't listen to bands like Dream Theater or other bands because I don't like their songs (that's just me). This all goes to know the role of the bass. While we can shatter preconceived notions about what bass "should be," we need to be mindful as players as to what a good song should be(!) and how a bass guitar can support or drive it.

 

[fearceol]

Essential Listening For Bass Players?...........your drummer's kick drum.

 

[jav]

Jazz Standards....even if you don't like Jazz.

 

[Tom Bomb]

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[cnltb]

Hey there! As a 16 year old bass player, I'm constantly on the hunt for music that will help me become a better player. Fundamentally and creatively. As of now, I usually listen to death metal, black metal, prog, blues, psychedelic, a little jazz, and some others. Just wondering what are things every bass player should listen to? You know, I already got my Jaco and my Stanley Clarke, but I'm looking for more. Any help is appreciated.

Listen to al you can.
To me there is no 'essential listening for bassists anymore.( I used to think otherwise when I was young)
Knowing loads of different things will help you find a voice.
Try some choral music and folklore from various countries as well, to widen your horizon, be it japanese gagaku to bulgarian womens' choirs to mongolian throat singing. All will contribute to maturing you as a player and musician.
Classical music too will help as there you find 'proper ' composition and complex arrangements.
Rock and pop is relevant as that is what is happening these days although it usually is quite basic in terms of writing and arrangements. The approach is different but equally relevant to educating oneself.
Knowing much will also inform decisions you make in terms of the music you want to play.
You are likely to encounter jazz along the way so knowing jazz standards and being familiar with a few players work will also help. I'd say try some miles davis, charles mingus, lennie tristano, horace silver, george russell and others.