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Jamerson's open string raking technique!

jeffmaccora

jeffmaccora

Jan 27, 2003
379
455
Los Angeles, California
www.instagram.com
#1
I recently did a YouTube video where I transcribed 5 Jamerson deep cuts and a technique kept popping in my transcriptions that I didn't quite expect Jamerson to be using as much as he was - right hand raking utilizing the open string above as a percussive note. Specifically where he plays an open string and rakes down to a fretted note. (IE - open G string to 3 fret D string) Granted there are many times where he uses the same open string and the fretted note. It seems to come down to preference based on sound. For me, the technique worked the best on a P with Flatwounds... I wish there was more information from the man himself... RIP

Jamerson has an incredible body of work - IMHO because of the Standing In The Shadows of Motown book (which I highly recommend) we bassists focus on 1959 to 72. His LA years starting in 73, while maybe not as prolific, still showed his genius. I agree with Anthony Jackson - Jamerson was a Bach level talent. Transcribing these deep cuts - I couldn't believe the low end melodies come from this man's fingers. :bassist:

I put together a Spotify list of my favorite deep cuts, what are yours????

 
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#4
jeffmaccora said:
I recently did a YouTube video where I transcribed 5 Jamerson deep cuts and a technique kept popping in my transcriptions that I didn't quite expect Jamerson to be using as much as he was - right hand raking utilizing the open string above as a percussive note. Specifically where he plays an open string and rakes down to a fretted note. (IE - open G string to 3 fret D string) Granted there are many times where he uses the same open string and the fretted note. It seems to come down to preference based on sound. For me, the technique worked the best on a P with Flatwounds... I wish there was more information from the man himself... RIP

Jamerson has an incredible body of work - IMHO because of the Standing In The Shadows of Motown book (which I highly recommend) we bassists focus on 1959 to 72. His LA years starting in 73, while maybe not as prolific, still showed his genius. I agree with Anthony Jackson - Jamerson was a Bach level talent. Transcribing these deep cuts - I couldn't believe the low end melodies come from this man's fingers. :bassist:

I put together a Spotify list of my favorite deep cuts, what are yours????

Click to expand...

Great Video! I can listen to Jamerson all day long. So much talent! I agree that his upright experience transfers to the P bass with a unique flair!
 
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#7
J R Knots said:
Thank you Jeff.

Great video!!!

I really appreciate the subject, your perspective and the detailed explanations you provide… keep it up. Wish we could like it more times.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much - I love hunting for bass information, transcribing, and exploring gear. My buddy told me I should make videos, so I'm trying it out. I have two videos... :laugh: More on their ways. I guess quality over quantity??? LOL
 
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