How do you play bass like James Jamerson?

How do you play bass like James Jamerson?

For an authentic Jamerson tone, aim for a warm sound with lots of low-end punch, but minimal sustain. James used flatwound strings, which he preferred ‘worn in’ (he rarely changed them) and furthered deadened using the Precision’s bridge mute.

What happened to James Jamersons bass?

There has been some controversy among readers as to the validity of the bass’s actual heritage, with many saying it wasn’t his bass or that if it is, Hayes didn’t have the right to sell it. The bass was auctioned by Heritage Auctions with bidding starting on May 29th and final auction dates of June 17th and 18th.

What song did James Jamerson play on his back?

According to fellow Funk Brothers in the 2002 documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown, Gaye was desperate to have Jamerson play on “What’s Going On”, and went to several bars to find the bassist. When he did, he brought Jamerson to the studio, who then played the classic line while lying flat on his back.

Did James Jamerson play with one finger?

One aspect of Jamerson’s upright playing that carried over to the electric bass guitar, was the fact that he generally used only his right index finger to pluck the strings while resting his third and fourth fingers on the chrome pickup cover. Jamerson’s index finger even earned its own nickname: “The Hook”.

What albums did James Jamerson play?

Legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson single-handedly revolutionized bass playing….James Jamerson.

Year Album/Artist/Credit
1994 Emperors of Soul The Temptations Bass (Upright), Bass
1993 Together: The Eastbound Jazz Years Bass (Electric)
1993 Starbox Boz Scaggs Bass
1992 Hitsville USA – The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Bass

Why did James Jamerson play with one finger?

He also said that JJ simply developed an unusually quick index finger because it was the way he had always done it, and his technique simply kept up with what he heard in his head. This basically reinforces what THE DEVIL’S SWISS MISS already said, with a few less degrees of separation.

How many of the Funk Brothers are still alive?

four Funk Brothers
Just four Funk Brothers are alive now. Jones is survived by his wife, June, and three children.

What bass amp did James Jamerson use?

Ampeg B-15 amp
Steve’s heart skipped a beat when he came across a battered Ampeg B-15 amp with the name “James Jamerson” stenciled on the side. Steve calls Jamerson the Jimi Hendrix of bass players. He says Jamerson’s bass line drove the Motown sound.

Who played bass guitar for the Temptations?

Kerry Turman2017
Willie GreenSince 2016
The Temptations/Bassists

Who did James Jamerson play bass for?

The Funk Brothers1959 – 1972
James Jamerson/Music groups

Where are the Funk Brothers today?

Just four Funk Brothers are alive now. Jones is survived by his wife, June, and three children. Funeral services are pending. COPYRIGHT: (c) Reuters 2009.

What kind of Bass did Jimi Jamerson play in Motown?

This close-knit group of musicians performed on the vast majority of Motown recordings during most of the 1960s. Jamerson’s earliest sessions were performed on double bass but, in the early 1960s, he switched to playing an electric Fender Precision Bass for the most part.

What finger does James Jamerson use to play the bass guitar?

One aspect of James Jamerson’s upright playing that carried over to the electric bass guitar, was the fact that he generally used only his right index finger to pluck the strings while resting his third and fourth fingers on the chrome pickup cover. Jamerson’s index finger even earned its own nickname: The Hook.

Who is Jimi Jamerson?

A true session giant, Jamerson has played on over 30 number one records, laid down stone cold grooves for the biggest artists Motown, soul and funk could throw at him, and has influenced scores of bass players from all genres of music.

How would you describe Jimi Jamerson’s playing style?

By contrast, many of Jamerson’s basslines relied heavily on chromatic runs, syncopation, ghost notes and inversions, with frequent use of open strings. His nimble bass playing was considered an integral part of the “Motown Sound”. He created melodic lines that were nonetheless locked to the drum groove.

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