John Baldwin. Every time I have to write a line I think "What would John do?"
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If you could take lessons from any bass player...
- Thread starter bondibox
- Start date
Bobby Vega, and ...
Not so much because I want to pick up any technique tips, but mostly because I love the feel that both of these guys bring to their playing. I really want that kind of expressiveness in my own playing, and that's what I'm striving for these days.
To echo what a few others have said regarding great players not necessarily being great teachers: yeah, I agree. Being a great teacher of anything really comes down to being a great communicator and being able (and willing) to adapt your teaching style so that the message comes through. Two of the best instructors I ever worked with were a guitar player, and a bass player who was less experienced than I was, but knew some things I did not (and knew how to impart that knowledge to me).
Not so much because I want to pick up any technique tips, but mostly because I love the feel that both of these guys bring to their playing. I really want that kind of expressiveness in my own playing, and that's what I'm striving for these days.
To echo what a few others have said regarding great players not necessarily being great teachers: yeah, I agree. Being a great teacher of anything really comes down to being a great communicator and being able (and willing) to adapt your teaching style so that the message comes through. Two of the best instructors I ever worked with were a guitar player, and a bass player who was less experienced than I was, but knew some things I did not (and knew how to impart that knowledge to me).
- Sep 14, 2009
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It can only be the one and only Carol Kaye:
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Carol Kaye
James Jamerson
George Harrison (he played bass on Oh Darlin', not Sir Paul) - I like the way he thinks about music.
James Jamerson
George Harrison (he played bass on Oh Darlin', not Sir Paul) - I like the way he thinks about music.
For me it would have to be Peter "Mars" Cowling (Pat Travers Band).
He blended funk,blues and rock all in one tune!
Plus, I also loved the way he held his bass like a violin!
R.I.P. Mars.
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I am heartened by the love shown on this site for Mars, despite being English himself I have never met anyone here in the UK who has the same admiration as me....a unique player.
Great player does not mean great teacher. Teaching is different than playing, and a person really needs to be passionate about teaching, and spend regular time improving that craft. Personally, I'd say Joe Hubbard. The good news is that he does give Skype lessons.
I've been watching Lee Sklar's YouTube videos lately and learning a lot not only about bass, but life as a session musician as well as his political views. Lol. Gotta love Lee!
Also been watching Guy Pratt do the same thing, but I think I could learn a lot more from Lee.
Victor Wooten would also be fantastic. Maybe Michael Manring as well.
Also been watching Guy Pratt do the same thing, but I think I could learn a lot more from Lee.
Victor Wooten would also be fantastic. Maybe Michael Manring as well.
Oteil Burbridge - love his playing and seems like a really nice guy
Yea, definitely Leland Sklar. (Come on...!)
Yup, all mine are gone, sadly.
Maybe Kasim Sultan. Anybody that can play all of TR's convoluted stuff has to be pretty good at explaining things.
Hopefully I didn't come across as unfairly harsh earlier. I've had the good fortune to be blessed by many "best case" teachers in a variety of disciplines and trades over the years. But that wasn't entirely due to the luck of the draw. I actively sought out good teachers whenever I had a say in the matter.
It's probably worth pointing out that the adult student shares some responsibility for finding good teachers to study under as well. If an instructor isn't working out after the inevitable adjustment period, it's incumbent on the student to seek their education elsewhere and not try to assign full fault to their teacher.
If you're a child in a public school classroom, your options may very well be limited or nonexistent. But an adult has no excuse for remaining with a teacher he or she isn't benefiting from. Because personal style, teaching techniques, and individual preferred learning modes all affect the outcome. So there's a shared responsibility when it comes to getting an education.
Also Fernando Saunders. I really have always thought that Lou Reed paid special attention to the bass in a lot of his music, he let the instrument manage the breath of the song. That kind of "freedom" takes a lot of discipline and I'd love to learn from Saunders, a master of balance. Very talented player, writer, but I think he brings a horizontal view to music that some very dexterous bassists lack. I have learned a lot about musical layering from listening to his work. And yes, I know Herbie Flowers did the session that everybody recognizes from Take a Walk on the Wild Side so I got him covered too.
