From Guitar World · · 1m
Paul Simon's 5 Basslines That Made Him a Superstar
Paul Simon's bass players created iconic sounds for 5 hits, including a fretless bass on Graceland.
In brief
Paul Simon's bass players created iconic sounds for 5 hits, including a fretless bass on Graceland. Paul Simon's bassists, including Bakithi Kumalo, crafted 5 legendary basslines that defined his music career. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Paul Simon's Bass Players
Paul Simon hired skilled bassists to create iconic sounds for his music.
Bakithi Kumalo's Fretless Bass
Kumalo played fretless bass on Graceland, using it to create a melodic groove.
“Paul said, 'Do you need another bass?' He sent somebody to the music store and got me a Fender.”
David Hood's Muscle Shoals Bass
Hood played a deep bassline on Kodachrome, inspired by the Staple Singers.
“Paul had heard us on I'll Take You There by the Staple Singers.”
Tony Levin's Simple Bassline
Levin's bassline on 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover uses a single note for effect.
“The verses are all about Simon's witty chord changes.”
Anthony Jackson's Pre-Chorus
Jackson's guitar sequence adds levity to Slip Slidin' Away's melancholic theme.
“Listen at 00:39 and imagine getting thrown these simple chord changes on a studio session.”
Graceland's Fretless Bass
Kumalo's fretless bass on Graceland created a unique sound that defined the album.
“The first step is to get the right sound. It shouldn't be bottom-heavy; it needs to have a presence in the midrange, like a trombone.”
The one thing
Paul Simon's bassists, including Bakithi Kumalo, crafted 5 legendary basslines that defined his music career.
