In Learning any instrument your sound is partly formed as a result of those who have inspired you. For example the renowned guitarist Eric Clapton bears a lot of the hallmarks of those that inspired him to play guitar BB King, Robert Johnson, Albert King.

Therefore having a good and varied musical diet is important no matter what instrument you play this is certainly true of bassists but from a vast array of bass players who should you listen to? Well to start with wed suggest a broad range of music sure listen to your favorites but dont limit yourself just to that genre to help you with this weve put together a list of the top ten bass players that have been an inspiration to many who have picked up the bass guitar get yourselves some CDs and learn some of their chops youll soon see the benefit!

1/ Paul McCartney

The former Beatle famed for his thoughtful innovative phrasing, was one of the first true rock bassists intrinsically melodic he has a variety of techniques from playing with his thumb to playing with a plectrum one of the most influential players of all time

2/ Pino Palladino

Renowned session player known for fretless playing hes played with people from Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck recently joining The Who replacing the late John Entwhistle Pino appears on the new Who album.

3/ Flea

Innovative Red Hot Chilli Peppers bass player with a unique souped up funk style with plenty of slapping and improvisation - Flea is also a renowned session player and has played with the likes of Tracy Chapman to Alanis Morisette

4/ Jaco Pastorius

The bassists choice - widely called the most innovative bass player ever with his self made fretless bass (a de-fretted Jazz Bass) Jaco has influenced a generation of bassists with a tone coloured from effects and his unique Jaco Growl sound his talent is still renowned nearly 20 years after his death.

5/ Mark King

1980s Bass player with English band Level 42 popularized funk and slapping - one of the fastest players around he used a mix of percussive effects that gave him a unique tone

6/ Tony Levin

Another renowned session player Tony Levin has played with everyone from Peter Gabriel to Carly Simon perhaps most famous for his funk fingers Levin used drumsticks taped to his fingers to create an innovative sound. Levin is also one of the players best known for using the Chapman Stick.

7/ Geddy Lee

Bassist for the band Rush Lee has proven a huge influence with rock bassists effortless technique pure style and great tone if you want to be a metal bassist start here.

8/ Bootsy Collins

King of funk Bootsy has influenced countless bassists and pioneered the funk sound often mimicked but never matched.

9/ Charlie Haden

Superb Jazz double bassist one of the most respected Jazz bassists ever having played with the likes of Ornette Coleman through to Pat Metheny.

10/ John Paul Jones

Legendary bassist with Led Zepplin and a renowned session player prior to that Jones along with the rest of the band inspired a generation and helped create modern rock and roll with a powerful sound and a rich appreciation of timing.

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