When you look up any list of “greatest bass players of all time”, James Jamerson will show up, and he’s usually in the top 5.
Why is James so highly regarded? It’s not because of being flashy nor the most technically adept. It’s because he knew how to contribute the best possible bass that made the song better. And that is ultimately why he is considered by many to be the ultimate session player.
One song in particular is said by some to have the “prettiest bass line ever”, Darling Dear by The Jackson 5, in which James did the bass line for.
The reason why some believe Darling Dear is the prettiest bass line is emotion, as in an emotive play style. James plays under both major and minor 7th chords where every note seems to fit just right, complementing the other instruments heard.
For those chasing after James Jamerson tone…
In earlier Motown recording sessions, James used a double bass, but then switched to the Fender Precision Bass. The strings he used were flatwound. Specifically, the “1954” set by La Bella that is still made today.
However, be warned: If you have never used that string, they are thick, very tight at pitch and feel like bridge cables. For a double bass player, this was a feel they were accustomed to. But for a modern bassist, you may want something that has the great flatwound sound without the super-tight tension. You get that with Low Tension Flats, also made by La Bella.
Do you need a P-Bass to get Jamerson tone?
No, but you do need an electric bass that is a top-loader since flats will get wrecked at the saddle when installing them on a thru-body.
Does Darling Dear have the prettiest bass line?
It’s definitely one of the best. Smooth tones, impeccable note choices, very clear sound in the mix, and genuine emotion in the play style. It doesn’t get much better than that. This is the kind of sound that many bassists chase after because it’s just that good.
This bass line is pretty amazing, but then all of Mr Jamerson’s basslines are incredible and right from the time I picked up my first bass, he has been my inspiration.
You can definitely use flatwounds through the body. They may get a bit damaged if bent where they exit the holes, but they will stay put over the saddles – no problem, great tone.
Yeah, I’ve had flats through the body of my ‘78 Stingray for years with no problems. Beautiful tone. Didn’t know you weren’t supposed to do that.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is the most sublime bass line Jamerson played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF1EAQfC_yk
There are obviously others..Jaco has some pretty ones.
All those syncopated funky lines plucked with one finger!
Amazing! Hence his nickname … “The Hook”
Maybe not the prettiest, but possibly the funkiest. Thanks, Mr. Jameson! Someone needs to totally isolate that. Here’s some notation…don’t know how correct it is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzj5TRf4VxU
A beautiful line indeed! Note on the 54’s; They are huge! A bass I took in trade 40 some yrs ago) had them & I’d never seen gauges that big….& talk about dead! 1st thing I did was put a regular set of Fender flats on…didn’t like those either……..
Sublime is a good description. It’s a really nice mix…Percussive, yet soft. Continuous movement, but not cluttered. Out front, but not overbearing.
I’m not sure what the definition of prettiest in the context of this bassline, but it’s not my favorite regarding Jamerson. His playing on “I Was Made to Love Her” and “What’s Going On” are my favorites. Absolute compositional genius!
Completely agree!
I Agree with Keith – there are some others of JJ’s that are better, IMHO. And as for prettiest – I have to think that Sir Paul has the lead there with several of his compositions.
My favorite bass line of his is Bernadette by the four tops.Sweet yet driven.Baddass.
My favourite is his part in ‘What’s goin’ on’, but this one is mighty fine too.
Yes it is great but a bit too busy! But that was the style then!
Not sure about the prettiest, but it is a fine bass line. I have long thought that James really showed us all how to play the electric bass. I have had many beginners ask for lessons and I tell them to snag some old Motown records and learn as many of the Jameson bass lines as possible.
The What’s Gion’ On album has several of his best. Listen to “Save The Children” and “Who Really Cares?” Both sublime in my opinion and have always been my inspiration. Driving, inventive and just groove like no-one else. James was one of a kind and we are so lucky to be able to hear him again and again. So sad his life was cut short.
The syncopation and note placement of this bassline is almost unworldly. While some might say it’s busy (not me) it is accomplishing what the bass was meant to do and that is provide a musical structure by which all the other instruments and voice can find a place for expression. That bassline to me is spiritual man. It is powerful, yet as some said sublime.
I put flat rounds thru the body of my Precision and my E string unraveled between the nut and tuning peg
Amazing base playing! Didn’t miss a beat and kept the rhythm throughout the song. The bass kept the rhythm so well would have sounded great without the drums! I see why he is consider on of the best.