Bassists
Latest about Bassists

Why Paul McCartney’s violin bass was essential in creating his most playful bassline on Sgt. Pepper’s
By Karl Coryat published
The Beatles took Lovely Rita into Studio Two of Abbey Road on February 23rd, 1967 – McCartney’s faithful Höfner came along for the ride

Bootsy Collins’ Space Bass design was turned down everywhere he went – his ‘last straw’ proved the winner
By Janelle Borg published
Back in 1975, the funkateer had a larger-than-life vision for his dream bass – one which would see him knock on the door of many a luthier and music store before it became a reality

Carol Kaye on why it is not who you are but how and what you play that defines you as a musician
By Nick Wells published
As one of L.A.’s top studio musicians during the ‘60s, Carol Kaye’s credits rival anyone's. In this classic 2009 interview, she talks influences, teaching, and how she feels about being a role model

Krist Novoselic achieved harmony through Kurt Cobain’s chaos – and was the making of this Nirvana classic
By Bryan Beller published
All great bands have players that fit together, and Nirvana was no exception

This Kiss superfan just paid $12k to be Gene Simmons’ roadie for a day
By Phil Weller published
The eye-wateringly expensive package has been billed as “Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience” – but is it worth the money?

Lemmy honored with a towering bronze statue unveiled in the Motörhead legend's hometown
By Phil Weller published
The statue – which depicts Lemmy wielding his iconic Rickenbacker – contains some of his ashes, and arrives 50 years after the formation of Motörhead

David Hood on Aretha, what Otis Redding taught him, and tales from Muscle Shoals' golden age
By Nick Wells published
In this interview from the Bass Player archive, Hood reflects on his career as a ‘Swamper’, playing on hits by Paul Simon, the Staple Singers Aretha Franklin and more

Alice in Chains’ Mike Inez on Paul McCartney, why Cliff Burton ruled and what John Entwistle told him
By Nick Wells published
Inez is a rock bass powerhouse, holding it down with AIC, Ozzy, Heart, guesting with Slash. Here he discusses a life in low-end and the evolution of his style

Billy Corgan asked Jenna Fournier to go back to bass, and she says the timing is perfect
By Andrew Daly published
The guitarist-vocalist’s band Niights, solo project Kid Tigrrr, and visual arts projects are one thing, but hitting the stage as part of Corgan’s Machines of God band as a four-stringer is another

From Veruca Salt to Smashing Pumpkins and now Garbage, Nicole Fiorentino thrives on challenge
By Andrew Daly published
Traditionally a tube amp user, the Reverend Decision fan is hitting the Helix-powered stage with Shirley Manson and co., with in-ear monitors and no pedals – and delivering her own bass take on the band's classics
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!