JPJ got fingered…

[Michedelic]

For these Led Zeppelin classics, one finger was all John Paul Jones needed — Guitar World

Using just the index finger may not seem like the most “efficient” way to play, the low-end legend wrote in his GW column, but he loved the consistent attack and dynamic control that he got from using one finger

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[ryco]

The one finger index finger "hook" certainly worked well for Jamerson.

 

[brianrost]

After a few years of playing the DB where one finger is the norm, I started using just one finger on the bass guitar a lot. As JPJ wrote, the consistency of sound is the reason. I think the hardest part of alternating fingers is trying to get each finger to sound the same. When I’m pumping roots, it’s my default to use one finger.

 

[roccobass]

It doesn't surprise me JPJ did this. Upon retrospect, it sounds like it. Wasn't he fan of Jamerson too?

I do it quite a bit. I also tend to keep my finger nails long on my right (plucking) hand. I like it for certain songs or a particular feel.
The one finger technique is good (for me) to approximate a picking attack at slow to moderate speeds. However, for songs that need really fast pedal or rapid fire baselines, it's a pick.

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

It doesn't surprise JPJ did this. Upon retrospect, it sounds like it.

I do it quite a bit. I also tend to keep my finger nails long on my right (plucking) hand. I like it for certain songs or a particular fee.
The one finger technique is good (for me) to approximate a picking attack at slow to moderate speeds. However, for songs that need really fast pedal or rapid fire baselines, it's a pick.

So, you charge more for nailing a part?

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I've been doing this for years in the studio. Most of my sessions are primarily one finger, though I'll use more if the passage calls for it. Lots of session players over many years have advocated the same.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Jpj is da man. He’s why I play a jazz with flats and took up mandolin this year.

 

[Michedelic]

Jpj is da man. He’s why I play a jazz with flats and took up mandolin this year.

Yeah, but do you have the 360? Don’t be half-stepping.

 

[J Wilson]

Chuck Rainey one-fingers things when required as well.

John Paul Jones is a master musician, arranger, producer, player. If you ignore him, don't study him, you are missing out on a LOT.

I always include this when talking about JPJ. Years ago, in an interview in GUITAR WORLD, he was asked about he and John Bonham being the pattern for so many heavy rock rhythm sections that followed. He allowed he wasn't sure that was true, but he was certain that the ones that followed them had skipped something he and Bonham considered absolutely vital: They were both huge Motown nuts, and that the younger cats that followed them lacked that grounding and were all the poorer for it.

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

Yeah, but do you have the 360? Don’t be half-stepping.

Also, organ, piano, synths, and a Mellotron.

 

[Michedelic]

Also, organ, piano, synths, and a Mellotron.

And Alembic, 8-string, rounds, bass range lap steel…

 

[roccobass]

Yeah, but do you have the 360? Don’t be half-stepping.

Yes indeed. Had one of those beasties for a couple of years. Loved the sound, but it was load to move.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Yeah, but do you have the 360? Don’t be half-stepping.

Always wanted one til I lifted one… I think I’ll stick to my ashdown hah.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

His pick playing is also astounding.

 

[Peteyboy]

And Alembic, 8-string, rounds, bass range lap steel…

Mudshark optional.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Also, organ, piano, synths, and a Mellotron.

Plus long hair and flared jeans.

 

[OldManNewBass]

Plus long hair and flared jeans.

That's where the real toan comes from...! ;^p

 

[SolangeLaBete]

Strongly recommended...

 

[BigDrew]

Dude is such a beast!

 

[Guitalia]

The one finger index finger "hook" certainly worked well for Jamerson.

Jack Bruce is another one who started out on upright bass in jazz bands and continued to use only his index finger when he switched to electric. When he met James Jamerson while touring with Cream, they were both amused to find that they used the same technique.