The Who's John Entwistle: Bass Guitar Techniques | Reverb Learn to Play

Treat yourself or find the perfect gift for your favorite music maker. John Entwistle (The Who) is not only the bassist of one of the most notable bands on the planet, he was also a bit of a revolutionary when it comes to the role of the bassist within a rock group. With a background in French horn, a propensity for improvisation, and a necessity (due to the unpredictability of Keith Moon) for grounding a rhythm, Entwistle's work is certainly worth studying.

[TheBassfresh]

old interview: Q; "what are you most proud of John", A; "I'm probably the only bass player who could have played w/ keith moon."

[fendersunburst]

Pete asked John to really take the lead on Quadrophenia as he wanted the Bass to be at the forefront. John took up the challenge and that is why we hear so many Bass solos on the LP. Quadrophenia is my favourite Who LP for Entwistle's bass playing

[vinorama]

I met John in Mexico and asked him about the 16th notes in The Real Me and he quickly corrected me by explaining that they were 32nd notes. Then he sat in on "Mustang Sally" using his 4 finger technique and the sound was monstrous.

[weedywet]

It's important to add that John Entwistle played really softly with the amp cranked unbelievably loud; so he could barely touch the strings and still get a full growly sound. That cranked amp is what made his typewriter touch possible.

[alanjamesh.zamorano]

When I heard Live at Leeds for the first time, that's when I wanted to learn how to play bass. He'll always be an inspiration for me and many other bass players.

[TheRastaDan]

Entwistle clearly holds the record on even for a bass player

[danielhill]

The rhythm section in the Who was Pete (guitar) an Roger (vocals), the melody/lead section was Keith (Drums) and John (Bass). The complete opposite of convention.

[Carpythesharky]

I think your analysis is spot on. Especially when talking about how John and Pete play together. Pete is a good guitarist, but he's not often playing the front line, just chords. John and Keith fill in all the gaps. I think Pete mentioned in an interview that after John's passing, he had to bring a whole backup band to try and create the sound that John was putting out all by himself.

[andrewpappas]

Entwistle was one of the greats, he didn't get the nickname "Thunderfingers" for nothing

[ashpighetti]

Don't play bass, but I sure do love John Entwistle

[garymorrison]

Entwistle was a generation ahead of his time. His technique was so advanced that other bassists who admired his playing had difficulty integrating the influence of his style into their own work, The idea of being half of a rhythm section opposite Kieth Moon would have been all but impossible for anyone else, I think the idea of a power trio began with this group.

[soulagent]

Saw Entwistle improvise a five minute bass-solo during "5.15", live in concert with the Who back in 1997. It was just mind blowing.

[thomasbrennan]

I started playing bass in 1977. Entwistle was by far my favorite Rock bassist. His speed and virtuosity were just stunning. He handled some pretty intense background vocals as well. I read in one place that Townsend said that The Who all just soloed the whole time, and it somehow held together. I think there is some truth there. The energy that each of them bring, as well as the ferocity of the attack is simply savage, and threatens to train wreck at any second. But it doesn't. It stays together, and all that raw power was recorded, and translated into some of the greatest Rock songs ever. They have never been the same since the loss of Keith, and nobody could replace John.

[masterlowsferatu]

This is all well a good but... show us how to do the Boris the Spider voice, please.

[toicat]

John’s bass guitar work is how I justify my 15” sub-woofer! Fantastic musician, sure miss him.

[stevenzwier]

I became a fan after seeing John's performance of a quick one while he's away on the rock and roll circus. What was specifically notable to me apart from his effortless technique, was how well he balanced Keith. They were like light and shadow.

[mrfrosty]

Great presentation. My favorite live performance of all time not just the Who was them performing Young Man Blues at the Isle of Wight festival. Its an incredible high energy performance and Entwistle is fantastic on it.

[triv]

Love it when instructors try to tell us what Entwistle did and how he does it and it never works

[FredHerrman]

Very nice and sincere appreciation of John; my favorite bass player of all time. The way I listen to music was shaped by his playing and by Pete’s writing. Just such incredible artistry and talent there. Thank you for remembering him. ❤️

[TheBoscho]

actually its: john plays solo git, pete plays the drums and keith is an orchestra... pete townshend said once...