Is Paul the best bassist? | Page 5 | Fab Forum | The Beatles Bible

Late to the party but anyway…

As a musician myself (not on the same level as the Fab Four, would like to but…):

1 Technically: number of other bass players are/were better. Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Chris Squire, Ray Shulman (Gentle Giant) and the jazz guys like Pastorius.

2 melodically: Paul is one of the first with Jamerson to give the bass a more melodic role. He’s a master of melodic lines. Listen to some isolated tracks like the one on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps ” (easily found on YouTube, tried to add the link but it messed my post, sorry) and admire the way he created a beautiful melody by itself.

3 ears: listening to the music and complement with the right notes and feel. He got it wonderfully. As said before: singing and playing those bass lines is a challenge…

4 As a musician (whole) and member of a group: Paul is a strong group member. Some players are able to surpass him in virtuosity but it could detract from the band’s music or being a platform to “show off”. Also, he had to accept to switch from guitar to bass. Looks easy you think? Yes, two string instruments but really different techniques. He also plays decently keys and can play a bit of drums, wow!

To conclude with another aspect: it’s a thing being able to shred a lot of notes in your basement in front of a camera but being able to sing, plays like Paul, listen to the music and the three others in studio or live is another one. Again, I would like to have a fraction of his talent and be happy. I actually learn to play bass since December and it’s hard to play a decent simple bass line without having the other strings ringing… Oh, and I forgot his mastering of songwriting.

He paved the way for modern pop/rock bass playing so thanks Sir Paul!

Patrice

Forgot: Peter Cetera (Chicago) is similar in his way of playing and singing at the same time: melodic, tight and punchy.