Bassists
Latest about Bassists

ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis was saddled with his 17-string bass after a joke appearance went viral – now he’s experimenting with a 2-string build
By Matt Parker published
The former guitar tech turned ’Top man is continuing to tinker with his live setup, with amusing results

Bass journeyman Phil Soussan looks back at his storied career – and why he picked Ozzy Osbourne over Jimmy Page
By Andrew Daly published
The Last in Line member recalls his weird experience of recording bass on The Ultimate Sin, what it was like being in the room for Zakk Wylde’s Ozzy audition, being frustrated with Vince Neil’s band, and his amazing chemistry with Steve Lukather

ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis on the latest weird bass he takes on stage
By Andrew Daly published
The guitar tech-turned-band member already struggled with a 17-string monstrosity, before adding a 15-string to his arsenal – and says he can’t forget his days cleaning the band’s fuzzy guitars

Veteran bassist Nathan East on recording one of Eric Clapton's most personal – and well-loved – songs
By Janelle Borg published
East reflects on the deeply emotional behind-the-scenes moments of the Tears in Heaven recording sessions

Geddy Lee reflects on his 50 years atop the prog-rock heap
By Brian Fox published
The Rush frontman charts his experiments in bass tone, and why he'd sometimes tackle the instrument like a lead guitarist

How Marcus Miller found his voice – and became one of the most-imitated bassists in the biz
By Chris Jisi published
The bass icon breaks down his formative influences, and how he gave everyone from Prince to Beethoven a low-end makeover via his '77 Fender Jazz

Recorded for Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Cliff Burton’s bass masterpiece has earned its place in the pantheon of great rock solos
By Bill Leigh published
Recorded for Metallica’s genre-sparking Kill ’Em All, Burton’s complex snarl of notes has captivated bassists for years. Dial in your favorite fuzz-wah tone and let it rip

B.B. King had his breakthrough blues guitar moment with The Thrill Is Gone – but it was Jerry Jemmott’s bass that made it groove
By Chris Jisi published
For The Thrill Is Gone, Jemmott played his 1964 Jazz Bass – which would be stolen soon afterward
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