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

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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.
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[@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."

[@Hahaa99]

Greatest rhythm section in rock history.

[@koreypaul6698]

@@Hahaa99 It's Cream for me 😬

[@nathihello]

@@Hahaa99 Led Zep tho…

[@philippgrunert8776]

Black Sabbath also had some great rhythm section moments

[@thecolourrose9022]

And the only bass guitarist that cant be copied

[@fendersunburst4832]

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

[@allbottledup9513]

Quadrophenia has John’s best bass, Who’s Next had Kieth’s best drumming, Quadrophenia had Pete’s best writing and guitar, Who’s Next and Who are You had Roger’s best vocals!

[@willthomas3122]

@@allbottledup9513 100% agree on everything but Roger on Quadrophenia man! Love Reign O'er Me is one of the best vocal performances, period

[@cartiernt1981]

Same. Took awhile even for me to realize his bass playing was most of the reason Quadrophenia was my favorite album

[@vinorama58]

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.

[@tomduerr6409]

Matthew Gillenberg not worthy

[@warrenosborne1539]

Wholley Fuck, U are lucky to the 32 nd degree. U were in the presence of one of he best bass players to have ever existed

[@pilummurialis6490]

Did you ask him anything else about his playing style and how he played most songs?

[@jondunmore4268]

God DAMN what an epic story!

[@tntstorms7969]

Yes. I got confused about the 16 or 32 notes because to play it his style you have to have "thunder fingers" and the thing was he had the technique down in the 60s long before The Real Me. I am not aware of players who can play his 32nd note style so effortlessly.

[@TheRastaDan]

Entwistle clearly holds the record on "most-bored-looking-while-on-stage" even for a bass player

[@itsshrike1237]

Imagine bill bruford and John entwistle playing together

[@gardeningwithscience1317]

He always looks like he is thinking something like " Wonder what I should have have for dinner tonight"

[@scottfunkhouser7491]

nope bill wyman is almost asleep

[@mtp4430]

glObix Maybe so, but what he played sure as hell wasn't boring.

[@rafaelandrade7627]

Which gets even funnier when you consider that all the other members of the band were completely losing their minds on stage

[@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.zamorano1677]

weedywet Those distorted Hiwatts were a unique part of his tone. Also he EQed the amp like a guitarist would, using a lot of treble

[@weedywet]

Alan James H. Zamorano yes. “Full treble” as he described it. I once got to pick up and play his bass in a sound check and, with my ‘normal’ touch, i nearly killed everyone in the room. His amps were set SO loud for his super delicate touch. I can’t play that lightly and feel it, but he certainly could!

[@crimsun7186]

That's how Gary Willis plays as well. That allows him to set the action really low and have the same volume.

[@josephdrach2276]

@AU I am not going to get into brands of amps.In general,when you need a thousand watts as Max and you get a 2-3000watt head and 2double cab stacks of speakers,you can play clearly without distortion.Getting too much amplification and plenty of 15-18" speakers and groups of 10" speakers is enough to sound ok even at 1600-2200watts.When you have enough for double what you need, everything sounds clear,can be adjusted the way the bass player wants and as an added bonus,the setup will last longer because there is less stress on it.Experience early on taught me that it's better too much than not enough when it comes to bass amps and speakers.Brands are another matter.Your favorite brand of amp,rated for 100watts Max and split between two 15" JBL speakers in excellent cabs is still not enough when you need 800-1000 watts.It is still better to run a 500 watt amp through double the number of speakers to gain in volume and projection.The speakers really push what the amplifier gives them.Try it and you will see.

[@petebradt]

Full volume, full treble.

[@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.

[@jonnysongs]

@@LeeGee he's a very skilled rhythm player actually

[@garymorrison4139]

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.

[@nkmcfrln]

You can’t really be into The Who if you’ve never heard of Cream and you haven’t, obviously.

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

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.

[@jsilence418]

Alan James " Young man Blues" alone on LAL probably started more guys on Bass .

[@chairmankaga101]

I heard Live at Leeds and suddenly realized I had five fingers on my right hand, and started using 'em all.

[@petebradt]

Several times a year, I put my cans on, kill the right channel (guitar) and just bask and positively BATHE my soul in the mad fury of John Entwistle and Keith Moon. Best bass guitarist and drummer in rock and roll. Nobody was ever better.

[@hotrods27]

So true AJHZ! LAL was a total game changer for me too. The first time I heard Shakin All Over, I was like "how did he do that". John riffs the whole song but the bass lead is just amazing. I listened to it a thousand times and to this day when I'm trying out speakers I go to it to put them to the test.

[@andrewpappas9311]

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

[@och70]

There's a great story, not sure if it's 100% true or just a part of The Who's rock and roll legend. During the recording of the song "My Generation" he was playing a Danelectro bass and kept breaking the strings because of his aggressive playing style. No replacement strings were available for those basses, so they had to keep sending someone out from the studio to the local music store to buy a new Danelectro bass every time he broke a string.

[@mogmason6920]

och70 Yep, that’s true, it got to the point that he had special strings developed for him, what ended up being the legendary Rotosound Swing Bass 66 string set, which, to my knowledge, is still the industry standard when it comes to roundwound bass strings.

[@och70]

I love the Swing Bass 66 strings, they're my go-to set. Can't beat that sound and feel.

[@mogmason6920]

och70 They’re my go-to strings as well, to the point I won’t use anything else. All my main influences used Roto 66’s, so it makes sense for me to use them.

[@randyzeitman2859]

See the size o' dem log fingers?

[@danielhill9129]

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.

[@dominiquefarese8061]

Sooo true

[@cashewpistachio1826]

Sooo true

[@jaspergillgannon4991]

It sounds wrong to say that Daltrey and Townshend are the rhythm section, let's just say they are all the lead section

[@elliottpereda5724]

If Pete had an Acoustic Guitar, the whole Bass topic would had changed. Electric Guitar is always important with Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals and other fill in Instruments.

[@thomasbrennan9025]

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.

[@soulagent79]

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.

[@NmpK24]

Whats even more amazing was that he was probably stone deaf back then. All those 'loudest gigs in the world' in stadiums back in the 70s

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

soulagent79 What's amazing is that I saw The Who in Toronto in 1982 on their Farewell Tour (It's Hard Tour) and yet they were still rocking in 97..... so much for retirement!

[@soulagent79]

And Pete and Roger are even still rocking in 2018!

[@bennymalone]

Saw that at the MEN in Manchester, amazing.

[@flavoie]

Yup! Saw them on the same tour, in mtl this solo was the highlight of the whole gig. He stole the show . I was in tears. RIP John.

[@stevenzwier8974]

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.

[@toicat]

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

[@ashpighetti6970]

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

[@kd0duj]

I'm a bass player and I learned John's technique and I will tell it is not easy and what I learned is not for beginners

[@JonHop1]

John Enwistle had perfect pitch as well that not many talk about. He could hear any chord/note and know it immediately in his head.

[@triv7252]

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

[@mrfrosty3]

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.

[@TheFredismShow]

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. ❤️

[@emirsinanokmen]

Best bass guitarist in the history of mankind. I worship you for doing this video. The ultimate bass video on the internet.

[@Anonymous-rp4hn]

Emir Okmen easy buddy

[@sportcompactdc5]

Oh yeah....he's totally better than clarke, miller, wooten, jamerson, grahm, and Pastorius.....cause those guys suck right?

[@emirsinanokmen]

Tommys Timeless Treasures I don't know how old you are but even victor wooten or marcus miller would rank entwistle much higher than himself. www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/rolling-stone-readers-pick-the-top-ten-bassists-of-all-time-10325/10-victor-wooten-102828/ and also search for "thunderfingers promo'" on youtube to know the difference between bassist and bass guitarist.

[@sportcompactdc5]

Emir Okmen yeah i know lol i was trying to be funny. Entwistle is definitely one of the greats. Keep rocking. (Im 26 btw)

[@synchronicity492]

Emir Okmen: I also like Jack Casady, best known as a member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. Check out his bass playing on Jefferson Airplane's 'Volunteers' record, or better yet on Hot Tuna's 'First Pull Up, Then Pull Down' (1971) where Casady's solo on "Candy Man" also shows his ability at carrying the melody rather than just playing rhythmic scales, a key characteristic of his bass solo work. Some exquisitely intricate playing is evident on the 1972 album 'Burgers', particularly the sparkling instrumental track "Water Song", which Casady has described as featuring "lead bass". Water Song - Hot Tuna kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJjMmox6odaFh9U

[@s.d.d.6063]

He has been undoubtedly one of the greatest ever, surely the one who transformed the way of being the bassist in a rock band. Thank you Mr. Entwistle

[@tvacchino]

"The Ox". A legend among legends and totally untouchable still!

[@haydenbosler2880]

SO many great Entwistle songs. His little mid-chorus solos in Sister Disco, gliding through The Punk Meets The Godfather, killer riff in Boris the Spider, and how he stays so cool the whole time he plays, like his bass in even still underwhelming him. Amazing.

[@paulsimmons5726]

You mentioned his low string height and that was a key to the Ox's sound. Another was his "typewriter" use of the end of the fingerboard, sort of a precursor to tapping and the use of harmonics. Great video! 👍

[@petedunn795]

Eminence front is my favorite. brilliant bass line!

[@bak1386]

I'm discovering his genius here lately. He always had very interesting spontaneous lines. I really like how his lines are one big performance in a way

[@Robbob9933]

John's joining with The Who was on the condition that he could play the bass as a lead instrument. People try to rag on Keith because of his lack of technique but you can't imagine the songs he played on without him. If you really pay attention, Keith is pairing up with the other members as a duo.

[@carlbaker9817]

Robbob9933 I go back and forth listening to Keith’s best work ( most of The Who’s songs haha) and “You Better You Bet” and while Kenny is a good drummer, his drums were so basic for the energy of The Who. I just try to imagine what it would sound like if Moonie was on the track.

[@Erdnase23]

The greatest rock bassist, full stop. And a very nice tutorial/tribute to boot.

[@TheDobleQ]

I saw The Who first time two years ago, they're my favorite band of all time and I just wished John Entwistle were alive... Pino's good but John is still one of the great bassist of all time.

[@warrenosborne1539]

Hey dude, I'm 67 years on the planet. My parents never gave me hell for cracking the plaster off the walls,. Thanks, I really mean Thanks, I made my fingers bleed trying to work up Entwhistles Lead bass lines. You do a great job,, now back to the woodshed. oz

[@toddcrane6422]

Incredible. Simply the best demonstration and explanation of the greatness of John Entwistle. The Who should’ve picked you as his replacement.

[@paoloantonio1531]

I'm a simple man, I see an Entwistle video, I hit like (Great job by Jake also, he's one of the few music "hosts" that sounds cool and not cringy)

[@johnnymossville]

Interesting the reference to his french horn playing. I knew he played french horn, but didn't really think about how it influenced his bass playing is genius. It's so melodic.

[@MarkBond8987]

I really appreciate your clear articulation of Entwhistle's style. It's very informative but also easy to follow as well. Thank you.

[@jambi5096]

LOL congrats to Jake from Reverb A lot of people don't know this story but then again, a lot do too. This position to DEMO Bass guitars and sort of highlight these artists the way Jake from Reverb does came down between him and myself. They even sort of made us audition for this job too because obviously they want you to be able to play Bass somewhat. Anyways, when the day came for them to decide who was more suitable for the position, they actually had me and Jake from Reverb meet at David Kalt's office in Chicago. They asked us a few questions like why the other one was more suitable for this position and what not and then after it was all said and done. They announced that Jake from Reverb was going to take the gig. I'm not a sore loser but of course it hurt not getting the job I was counting on but what happened after is what pissed me off. In front of everyone there, Jake from Reverb stuck his hand out to shake mine and even said "pretty close huh, bud?" and when I went to shake his hand, he faked me out and ran his hand through his hair and the entire room burst into laughter. They immediately asked me to leave and I had to basically walk out of there with my tail tucked between my legs. Congrats on the gig Jake from Reverb but you'll always be a fat jerk in my book.

[@mikeartz1069]

Would have punched him right in the face and said sorry my hand slipped

[@jambi5096]

Mike Artz haha that’s hilarious 🤣 This guy also had the gall to send me a picture of his first paycheck too. Like I get some people are a little cocky but Jesus.

[@josephdrach2276]

Entwhistle was certainly one of the best and remains an historic figure.He had an amazing solo while holding things together approach sometimes.Sometimes he carried the lead in a very creative way,while others held the band together.He was always innovating,both in how he playing and what he played it on,making his own basses to fit his desires.He was a true one of a kind Musician and was critical to the Who's artistic and financial success.A man who one can learn a lot from.

[@TheBoscho]

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

[@arthurbishop3173]

Good point, and probably why a lot of people didn't/don't 'get' The Who, b/c their set up wrt to musicians was very different than the Stones or the Beatles, or just about anyone else.

[@thegreatergrief]

I was going to say, Pete is the real holder down of the beat in The Who

[@galetynan2018]

@@thegreatergrief Entwistle isn't a bass player he's a one player band cause he's so different then all other basses like Keith cause a lot of drummers would use a lot of hi hat then ride and crash and drum fills

[@johnsmith5669]

It's half important to note that John was a horn player, and those horn parts on 5:15 are his overdubs.

[@finlaybalfour1064]

John Smith Because of course the ox played ANOTHER instrument

[@jerryhello]

Yes, exactly. And he arranged any horn parts he didn't play on an album. Musically, the band didn't work without him.

[@petebradt]

@@jerryhello And doesn't to this day but no one, NO ONE ranks with Entwistle. The prototype for the modern bass guitarist.

[@williamolson5728]

John also played piano, that's why he mostly bangs on the strings with his fingertips with the sound cranked up

[@allankemler7223]

I love the way you talk about music. You articulate what the players are doing in a very colorful and illustrative way. It's really fun to listen to and helps me appreciate each artist on a new level and how their contributions shape how we feel and experience these classic songs.

[@paulsimmons5726]

While there are a number of great bassists in the Rock genre, John Entwistle is at the top of any list most folks would ever imagine. Just like Jaco was at the top of the electric jazz bassists list, Entwistle was the R&R equivalent. I miss both of these musical giants! Thanks for sharing this great mini-lesson about some of the Ox's tricks of the trade!

[@SonicRave1]

With out John The Who doesn’t sound the same! I am glad I got to see them before he died.

[@jduff59]

And Pino doesn't insult John's memory by trying to clone his lines. He just plays the way Pino would play, and I think that's right. You had a group with some unique stylists in Moon, John and Pete, and there's no cheap imitations allowed.

[@vincentm614]

John Entwhistle was one of my bass heros in the 70s. "Who's Next " was constantly on my turntable and I was just starting out on bass. I could not begin to figure out what the hell he was playing! When "Wont Get Fooled Again" became a top 40s hit I thought the messiah arrived because there was never a work of raucous rock n roll so fucking brilliant since The Stones " Jumpin Jack Flash" (being the brilliant Stones recorded version). The 4 members of The Who sounded raw, angry with a musical anarchy that somehow cobbled the 4 individuals together and made them play with a brilliant cohesion!! Entwhistle rocked!!!

[@potsos1]

I like how you say that these are very rough outlines because you’re right they are. I play in a who tribute band and it’s really extremely tough to play like him nearly impossible. He was extremely unique one of a kind dude.

[@celticfury7328]

1. Keith Moon didn't just play "out of control fills on fills"...his bombastic, lyrical drumming was always perfectly in sync with Roger's vocal phrasing. John was the primary soloist in the band, providing so many melodically stunning fills while also keeping the band anchored with his flawless time...in that aspect, you're absolutely right. 2. If your internal organs aren't liquified by the subsonic mayhem created by playing ala THE OX, then you're not doing it right! John's bass style was just as reliant on his howling, massive, screaming, seismic destruction bass tone and volume levels as it was on his virtuoso technique...his amps and preamps were just as important to his playing style as his godlike abilities, inhuman speed and Olympic level dexterity! 3. At least you used a Thunderbird for this demo...nice choice on my fave rock and roll thunder machine! Would've been even better if you put a vintage Jazz neck on it and recreated the mighty "Fenderbird", or got your hands on one of Entwhistle's signature Buzzard basses! 4. Next Ox based lesson should be "how to look absolutely disinterested to the point of abject boredom while surrounded by Armageddon inducing levels of sonic destruction, all while playing perfectly crafted, blistering 1024th note bass licks without even breaking a sweat"! Nice primer on the mighty Ox's style...it takes an ambitious player/teacher to even attempt to analyze and explain John's *highly* improvosational approach, I'm impressed! Now...CRANK IT UP!!!

[@5jerry1]

~ No "h" in Entwistle. It's irritating, how many people do this.

[@celticfury7328]

5jerry1 dude, if something that mundane irritates you to the point that you MUST comment on it, your life must be pretty sweet! Myself? I choose not to bust balls over a simple spelling error. In rl, approximately 7 out of 10 people mispronounce my last name, to my face...a name of Irish heritage which is written in plain English. Maybe this should irritate me? Naaaaah...I laugh light heartedly at the sight of adults stumbling over five consonants and three vowels, and their ensuing tongue tied embarrassment...watching someone try to spell my name after I say it is even funnier! In short, it's just a name, and not even yours...or is it? Either way, stay cool!

[@DMSProduktions]

I didn't KNOW Fury was an IRISH name! Ta be shoor! ;oP

[@crimsun7186]

1 - Keith Moon, much like Lars Ulrich, never practiced drums or anything related to drumming when he wasn't recording or touring. His time was not even close to flawless. John was responsible for making his bass lock with the drums so you wouldn't have a disjointed drummer playing random stuff that wouldn't fit the song at all. This is also the very reason why it's very hard for people to play like Keith Moon. 2- Greg Lake had a much larger and louder rig than John did, even to the point of having sub-woofers to further enhance the bass range of his sound. Certainly not as loud as people like David Gilmour, whose solo tone had to be muted off the PA because it was loud enough.

[@unionjack515]

Celtic Fury I agree with 5jerry...you spent so much time writing a multi-paragraph KZbin comment and don’t take the extra seconds to spell the character of primary focus’ name correctly? Kinda lame.

[@dogshark9]

Huge Entwistle fan since I was 9... Love his bass solo in Substitute - was supposed to be a guitar solo, but he felt differently & saw no point in discussing the matter, so just cranked his volume at that part of the recording. Or Baba O'Reilly, where he plays mostly powerful single notes, but with odd little accents that give the song life. The Ox forever.

[@hudentdw2]

Guys like John only come once in a lifetime but You did a tremendous job demonstrating his technique.

[@josephmorgan1453]

Jake is an awesome analyst, musician, and narrator. Please give us more of him!

[@MLFranklin]

This was well done. Your knowledge and playing are awesome. The camera, editing, and audio production are great, too. I like how you'd play it clearly first and then cut to the video clips so we could see where it fit into the songs. Please keep up the excellent work!

[@AmpasaurusWrecks]

Entwhistle was extraordinary, and arguably advanced the instrument as much as anyone.

[@RCAvhstape]

Love that eyeroll Ox does in the My Generation clip. Dude was awesome.

[@machia0705]

I’d say you’re a fine student ofJohn Entwistle’s musicianship.🎸

[@taddarita75]

Probabilmente il più grande bassista rock di sempre.

[@DannOfSteel]

His work on The Real Me is just awesome

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

During an interview, John was asked how he would like to be remembered. He stated (you can watch that interview anywhere on the Internet) his bass guitarist style is "uncopiable".

[@joseppi2382]

I play guitar but john made the bass look like art and interesting ! like he held the band together with his bass

[@kevmc8791]

John and geezer butler were the two rock bass players that made me pick up the bass as a teen.

[@ericrunstrains]

Great video! Entwistle has been my main influence for 15 years. Dreaming From The Waist is another great song. What should be important to mention also was he used a Bi or even a tri amp set up to get a huge, massive rich sound. Whotabs.net has a pretty extensive record of The Who's equipment used throughout the years. Even the PA system they used! Thanks for posting the video, guys!

[@TheRflynn]

Eric OMalley thewho.net

[@NmpK24]

Great video. Proving that Entwistle was the greatest rock bass player. Like he said, before him bass players (like drummers) in popular music just kept time and didn't really express themselves. He changed all that. He and Moon turbo-charged Townsends compositions and you can really hear the difference without both of them.

[@soberjudd]

Never knew I had a favorite bassist until I started hearing his bass lines under the music.

[@bjfornash9976]

Jake, very much appreciate your professional talents, skill as an instructor. This was a very informative demo of a bass legend and hero in Entwistle. (Thunder fingers)🎸🇬🇧⚡️⚡️

[@RBWDharma]

Fantastic, great touch to show us how he did it... he was definitely a leader!

[@masterlowsferatu]

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

[@AndreaAustoni]

sounds like the kargyraa style of throat singing, or what the Tibetan monks do.

[@jay_thedog_man5169]

That was one of the first songs I ever learned. Love it.

[@Dyadactic]

BurningVelvetTarquin Just look up how to do a gutteral growl. It's the same root technique.

[@masterlowsferatu]

Promiscuous Dope Fiends Official Haha I’m familiar with it - used to sing in a death/black metal band.

[@angustibbitts6970]

James_42_Art Same

[@rickeguitar9086]

John's riffs were pentatonic in nature (Relatively basic). What set him apart as a bassist from the others was how he plucked the strings using 1 to 4 of his fingers working in harmony with each other. In my opinion, that is the value add to an instruction video. Showing the notes is not gong to create John's unique attack as proven in this video. I suppose that is what sets John apart from other rock bassists. I have struggled for years just to get more than 2 fingers to rhythmically roll without smashing into each other. 40 years later, and I am still not satisfied with my rolls.

[@brownrich]

John's contribution to the Who was completely underrated.

[@Barnekkid]

Thanks for this. JE was a favorite of mine because of his attack and his melodic approach. As with Moon, there was no other like him.

[@AlexVonCrank]

Nice lesson. My favourite Entwistle track is Boris The Spider. Always made me chuckle.

[@chrismawson8935]

That bassline in The Real Me is flippin' epic!

[@pompom7x728]

I am just an amateur singer without any intention to play the bass guitar some day. I came here because Lemmy Kilmister 🤘🏼♠️🤠 said he admired John Entwistle a lot and failed to understand how he did what he did 😊🌺🎼

[@garymorrison4139]

With all due respect to JP Jones and Bonzo, the greatest R&R rhythm section was Entwistle and Moon. Whatever they were together has not been seen since.

[@ssorcdivad]

Great video and a very faithful nod to John's incredible skill as a bass guitar player

[@JSE2015]

Best R&R Bass Player Ever. Great job.

[@roosolini7105]

I wouldn't call The Who R/B...

[@carm44035]

I love the bass on "Going Mobile".

[@deathmaybeyoursantaclaus]

I can't stop grinning. This is great also a good breakdown of what made The Who so unique

[@Apemopo]

right there with ya man :D

[@HadesWTF]

John was a legend. Fun video.

[@pacman1789]

Is* John Entwistle IS a legend.

[@rafaelm7260]

Missing the entire “Thunderfingers” sound while explaining how to sound likeThunderfingers

[@TheMemo659]

Was amused by this. This video was next recommended immediately after a kid spent 15 min explaining how to sound like Geddy while not sounding anything like Geddy either.

[@ashura9706]

No one can sound like The Ox!

[@Ausomedays]

EXACTLY 💯. Weak guide tbh

[@ajbianchi85]

I love the who and will always draw inspiration from them. Always gravitated towards Pinball Wizard the the two bass parts on the intro

[@dcs002]

I have a favorite that would be cool to hear you take on: Sparks from the Tommy album. It is SO full of Entwistle innovations (like his steady 16th notes in the D part - huge energy, from one repeated note, sorta rapid-fire pedal bass), and that solo - he waits and waits to begin, and the timing is absolutely perfect when he does. Underneath that solo, Mooney beats on the floor toms or something, I think Pete goes acoustic, so the whole soundscape changes, even though they're playing the same part of the song. It massively cranks up the chaos and suspense early in the (instrumental) song. Amazing Journey/Sparks is also one of my fave Mooney songs. BTW, Bend that first note in the My Generation solos :) It sounds way better, and you're already in position for the rest of that break. You might notice that Ox was very, very efficient that way. He rarely used a single muscle he didn't have to (including those that controlled his posture and facial expression :-P ). His forearms were scrawny! That's where all those finger muscles are. After playing bass my whole life, I have Popeye forearms. Given how busy he was when he played, and how long he'd been doing it every day, I was sure he'd have massive forearms and massive strength. When I met Ox, I felt I needed to be delicate when I shook his hand. People who are the best at complex physical tasks are the ones who develop this muscular efficiency. Less efficient people like me might build more muscle, but that means we have a lot more muscle to cramp, if it gets bad. I wonder if Ox ever cramped? I wish I'd asked him. (It was just an autograph session in his dressing room after a show.) I still cramp, rarely, at gigs, after gigging since 1982.

[@RBWDharma]

Jake, This is really the ONLY Entwistle display/example I have even found! So much thanks! it's so hard to even find the music that is correct to learn it these days too. Thanks so much! Richard

[@LittleJohnaton]

paul del bello .. check him out

[@matthewblack7206]

I just loved 'The Ox'. Still a big inspiration.

[@nicolasisaksson1175]

About time you guys gave this beast some recognition. My fav song is You Better, You Bet.

[@dougjones2063]

Jake is easily 1 of my favorite bass player love these videos that he plays in

[@louismazzei5862]

A lot of great suggestions here, but I’d love to see you analyze Heaven and Hell from Live at Leeds. That was SO killer and no matter how many tries at a studio recording, they were never happy with it. Hence, the studio recording was never officially released until Who’s Missing. The Live at Leeds version is phenomenal!

[@Floating_Lotus]

Bring back Bass Solo! John's Bass and crazy huge arse amps were 100% the driving force behind The Who!

[@jonathanmayhew-price7861]

Great homage to a great bass guitarist. Excellent presentation and exposition of particular song lines in a short period of time. Well done. If only all utube guitar tuition video were presented to such a high standard. Keep up the good work.

[@davidmckean955]

This video was pretty interesting. I'd never heard an isolation bass track from a Who song before. Ox seems to approach his bass lines the way a lot of guitarists would approach a guitar solo.

[@hotrods27]

The bass line in Shakin All Over on the Live At Leeds album is epic. John pulled off some the most incredible riffs and moves ever recorded and simply killer tones to ever be extracted from a Fender P bass. Any insight into this 4:37 minutes of bass legend would be so interesting. Thanks for this video too.

[@jay_thedog_man5169]

Some Chris Squier of Yes would be great to see.

[@jmpsthrufyre]

Richard Buse His bass solo almost brought the roof down at the Hartford Civic Center in Ct. on the 90125 tour. It was incredible.

[@petebradt]

@@jmpsthrufyre Chris aped Entwistle like crazy. Big, dumb copycat.

[@johnflanagan9153]

@@petebradt Yeah, Heart of the sunrise sounds just like Behind blue eyes, dumbass.

[@ltyr-mr2if]

@@petebradt Come on dude! Entwistle himself would disagree. They were BOTH great.

[@richsackett3423]

Maybe they could get someone more knowledgeable and capable than this guy.

[@STSGuitar16]

Ah, General Kenobi.....

[@Dyadactic]

Look, he's crawling up my wall cloaked and hairy, very small Now he's up above my head Hanging by a reinforced thread. General Kenobi General Kenobi Now he's dropped on to the floor Heading for the hangar door Maybe he's as scarred as me Where's he gone now, I can't see General Kenobi General Kenobi Sneaky, Jedi Sneaky, Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi There he's wrapped in a force ball Doesn't seem to move at all Perhaps he's dead, I'll just make sure Pick light sabers off the floor General Kenobi General Kenobi Sneaky, Jedi Sneaky, Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi Sneaky sneaky, Jedi Jedi (Obi Wan's perspective) He's come to a burning end Don't think he will ever mend Never more will he maul 'round He's embedded in the ground General Kenobi GENERAL KENOBI

[@DMSProduktions]

Nice try...

[@devinthierault]

DMSProduktions For you

[@DMSProduktions]

Aww thanks!

[@jonmuir13]

r/prequelmemes

[@garymorrison4139]

Entwistle did for electric bass what Jimi Hendrix did for rock guitar. You have to wonder what might have come of a collaboration between the two, Townsend the composer had the good fortune to draw on the talents of the Who's seminal rhythm section and the quintessential rock vocalist of all time Roger Daltry. This band inspired set the stage for a half dozen styles fro Punk to Prog, They set out to break all the rules and ended up setting the standards for others to aspire to.

[@franbass5041]

Leccion magistral. Gracias por los subtitulos en castellano👍👍

[@sdingeswho]

As far as “the” John Entwistle piece, you were hitting all around it: Gotta be “The Real Me” on Quadrophenia! 😁❤️ If Jimi Hendrix played bass, he would sound an awful lot like JE 😎❤️!

[@elbadnruin]

Outstanding! That was just that was just tremendous

[@MountSellout77]

Please do part two with more songs like Heaven and Hell. Also go into more detail about how he played live

[@stanleyburke3533]

THE best bassist to ever live bar none

[@fuzzcous]

My Size was a great song. Love John's playing, good video.

[@mygirlpiper]

Fuzz Cous I agree if you mean " my wife" also I loved John's bass in " can you see the real me" John was unique and a beast on the bass, a sound that never will be duplicated. The WHO !!!

[@fuzzcous]

Lisa Moreno Those are great tunes. My Size was a song off John's solo album 'Smash Your Head Against the Wall'. Pretty heavy sounding, the riff was a little like Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

[@mygirlpiper]

Fuzz Cous OK thanks and I'm a huge WHO fan - That John Entwistle song escaped me and I'll have to check it out ! - Thanks buddy.

[@luizsouza2034]

Fuzz Cous That album is fucking amazing, and very underrated also

[@deaterk]

Really nice presentation Jake! Thank You.

[@RSTI191]

The John Meister was huge fan of the pentatonic scale. Lived and died by it. Legend has it, he was playing a pentatonic scale in his sleep when he checked out in Vegas.. Drummer from Spinal Tap was in the room at the time and exploded at the same time. Go figure.. This, of course as legend has it..

[@riverotter68]

On thing I noticed about this, is that Entwhisle made it seem so effortless.

[@davidbakerscuba]

Eminence front what is a fantastic performance and probably my favorite song of all time.

[@theuso.educacaomusical]

Great analysis!