The Bassist and the Bass: Paul McCartney and the Fender Jazz Bass
When it comes to bass playing, there are few names as legendary as Paul McCartney. The former Beatle is considered by many to be one of the greatest bassists of all time, thanks in no small part to his work with the Fab Four. In particular, his bassline on “Come Together” is one of the most recognizable in rock history, and it was played on a custom-made Fender Jazz Bass. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Paul McCartney and this iconic bass.
Paul McCartney: The Bassist
Before we dive into the Fender Jazz Bass, let’s take a moment to appreciate Paul McCartney’s bass playing in general. McCartney’s influence as a bassist is hard to overstate. His melodic approach to the instrument, which often saw him playing a counter-melody to the vocals or guitar parts, helped to change the way bass was approached in rock music. Rather than simply serving as a foundation for the other instruments, McCartney’s bass parts were an integral part of the songs themselves.
Some of McCartney’s most iconic basslines include “Something,” “Hey Jude,” and, of course, “Come Together.” The latter is a great example of McCartney’s ability to craft a memorable bassline that drives the song forward. The bassline is deceptively simple, but it’s remarkably effective. It starts with a catchy riff that acts as the song’s main hook, before settling into a more straightforward groove for the verses. It’s a prime example of McCartney’s ability to create bass parts that are both catchy and functional.
The Fender Jazz Bass
So, what bass was McCartney playing when he recorded “Come Together”? As it turns out, it was a custom-made Fender Jazz Bass. The Fender Jazz Bass was first introduced in 1960 as a more versatile alternative to Fender’s earlier Precision Bass. While the Precision Bass was designed with a heavier sound and a simpler pickup configuration, the Jazz Bass was created to offer players more tonal options.
The Jazz Bass features two single-coil pickups, which give it a brighter, punchier sound than the Precision Bass. The bridge pickup is notably crisp, while the neck pickup offers a warmer, rounder tone. The two pickups can be blended together in various ways, giving the player a wide range of tonal possibilities.
For McCartney’s Fender Jazz Bass, he requested that the instrument be modified slightly. In particular, he wanted the neck to be thinner and the body to be lighter than a standard Jazz Bass. The result was an instrument that McCartney found to be more comfortable to play and easier to maneuver on stage.
The Importance of “Come Together”
While McCartney’s Fender Jazz Bass is certainly an interesting piece of equipment, it’s the song that he played on it that really matters. “Come Together” is one of the most iconic songs in the Beatles’ catalog, and its bassline is a big part of its appeal.
As we mentioned earlier, McCartney’s bassline on “Come Together” is both catchy and functional. The riff that opens the song is immediately recognizable, and it grabs the listener’s attention right from the start. When the verse kicks in, the bassline settles into a more traditional groove, but it still manages to stand out. McCartney’s playing is tight and focused, and it propels the song forward.
It’s also worth noting that “Come Together” was a bit of a departure for McCartney as a bassist. In many of the Beatles’ earlier songs, his bass parts were much more reserved. He typically played simple, supportive lines that helped to hold the song together. “Come Together,” on the other hand, gave McCartney an opportunity to step out of the background and into a more prominent role.
The Legacy of the Fender Jazz Bass
While McCartney’s custom Fender Jazz Bass is certainly a cool piece of equipment, it’s worth noting that the bass itself has had a huge impact on rock music as a whole. The Jazz Bass quickly became a favorite of many prominent bassists, including Jaco Pastorius, Geddy Lee, and Marcus Miller.
Today, the Fender Jazz Bass is still a popular choice for bassists of all genres. Its versatility and tonal options make it a great choice for players who need an instrument that can handle a wide range of musical styles. Whether you’re playing funk, jazz, rock, or anything in between, a Fender Jazz Bass can help you get the sound you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Paul McCartney’s bass playing has had an enormous impact on rock music, and his work on “Come Together” is just one example of his prowess as a musician. His custom Fender Jazz Bass is an interesting piece of equipment, but it’s his playing that really matters. McCartney’s melodic approach to the instrument helped to change the way bass was viewed in rock music, and his work continues to be an inspiration to bassists around the world.
If you’re a bassist looking for an instrument that can help you achieve a versatile, dynamic sound, a Fender Jazz Bass might be just what you need. Its ability to blend different tonal options together makes it a great choice for a wide range of musical styles, and its influence on the history of rock music is undeniable. So, whether you’re playing “Come Together” or something completely original, a Fender Jazz Bass might be the perfect bass for you.
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