Any band needs bass because it establishes the foundation for the music, making it a crucial component. The low-end sound produced by the bass guitar or other bass instruments lends the music depth and richness. Supplying the beat and groove that the other instruments can build upon, it aids in stabilizing the rhythm section.
The bass guitar can also play melodic lines, lending a feeling of melody and harmony to the music. Music without percussion can sound flat, lackluster, and impactless.
John Paul Jones, the bassist for Led Zeppelin, was a crucial band member who provided the group with a special combination of musical ability and versatility. He was a multi-instrumentalist who contributed depth and intricacy to the band’s sound by playing bass guitar, keyboards, mandolin, and other instruments. His abilities as a songwriter and arranger were also crucial in forming the sound of Led Zeppelin.
Jones should share some of the blame for the lack of recognition, despite the fact that his contribution to the band’s success is indisputable. Jones, who resembled a Chameleon in some ways, enjoyed disguising himself and disappearing into the crowd. He conned people into thinking he was shy and courteous while secretly engaging in all sorts of mischievous activities. Despite being a founding member of Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones didn’t enjoy the same level of fame as Jimmy Page or Robert Plant did during the band’s heyday.
As a result, we have compiled 5 bass tracks that demonstrate John Paul Jone’s divine bass talent:
John Paul Jones’ 5 best basslines
Heartbreaker
Some of the band’s most recognizable tracks were found on the previous album, Led Zeppelin II. One of them, “Heartbreaker,” began the album’s second half. The opening Page guitar riff and solo that introduces this tune are instantly recognizable. Jones’ unwavering bass guitar backing, however, deserves some recognition. Following the guitar and drums, a straightforward but effective bassline creates a strong base for the song’s heavy blues-rock sound. The riff is built on a series of notes that descend and is performed with a lot of grooves and a light swing.
What Is and What Should Never Be
The Gibson Les Paul melody Page played was superior to the others’ contributions. Therefore, it is all the more important to focus on Jones’ individual bass recording, which is sweet and out-there in this one. The song’s chord progression is followed by the bassline, which gives the music a rhythmic basis. Syncopated, groovy repeating rhythms make up the majority of the bassline. Throughout the tune, the bassist uses several variations of these patterns, which gives the music more interest and dynamics.
Immigrant Song
The music was included in the 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, but it was also made available as a single and quickly rose to the top of the charts. The intense and energizing music of “Immigrant Song” is driven by the bassline. John Paul Jones plays the bass guitar, which has a distinctive riff that is played throughout the tune. The riff’s simple ascending and descending note pattern gives it a feeling of urgency and forward motion. Jones’ bassline is also notable for its use of distortion and effects, which give it a raw and aggressive tone.
Ramble On
Jones did his bit by sincerely enhancing Page’s solos and subtly elevating Led Zeppelin to the status of rock gods. The song’s upbeat pace and blues-inspired guitar riffs are complemented by the bassline’s driving rhythm. Jones’ playing is rhythmic and melodic, giving the rest of the band a strong base upon which to build. Jones’ technical mastery and flexibility as a bassist are also highlighted by the bassline’s numerous fills and variations. Overall, “Ramble On”‘s bassline is an important part of the song’s tone and a showcase of John Paul Jones’ musicianship.
Whole Lotta Love
The track starts off with a laid-back blues intro and builds up its jazz structure over time. Jones’ middle section’s semi-muted bass line created an intriguing sonic environment. The bassline is distinguished by its frequent repetition of the pentatonic scale and its dynamic yet repetitive beat. It establishes the song’s hypnotic riff as well as the scene for Robert Plant’s commanding vocals.
