Bass Player is the world's most comprehensive, trusted and insightful bass publication for passionate bassists and active musicians of all ages. Each issue delivers the latest tips and techniques that are guaranteed to make you a better player.

WELCOME • Bass isn’t just an instrument. It’s a philosophy, a code and a way of life.

Bass Player

BEST BASSISTS REVEALED! • You voted for the Bassist Of 2020... and the results are in.

STANLEY CLARKE SIGNATURE PREAMP INBOUND • EBS launches an acoustic pre in collaboration with the jazz icon.

Boxing Clever • New PJB cab incoming.

Love Lines • A great bass-line, saluted in 85 words or less.

Rest In Peace

Introducing • These incoming bass players answer the burning questions of the month. Do you agree with their views?

Jason Newsted

In 1968, Cream say goodbye... for now, anyway • A historic moment in bass world—recalled by those who were there to see it

WAYS TO LEAD YOUR BAND • Lead from the front... and thrill your audience

EFFECTS LOOPS EXPLORED • Thrown for a loop? Find your way out here

ARPEGGIO AND INTERVALLIC COMBINATIONS

FLOWER POWER • The Dead Daisies is a supergroup with a stellar line-up, in which the great Glenn Hughes brings a career’s worth of songwriting, singing and playing bass to the table. “I’ve fallen in love with bass again,” says our hero, looking back at his days with Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Country Communion, and more...

Glenn recalls his first major band—the long-lost Trapeze

How Black Country Communion began

Stardom with Deep Purple...

HELP US, RHONDA • Current Jeff Beck and former Prince bassist Rhonda Smith is a force of nature, even faced with a pandemic. Listen up as she reports from the front line of the low end...

JOHN MYUNG DREAM THEATER • The acclaimed prog-metal bassist shares essential tips that will help you become a better player

GROOVE MASTER • “I don’t care if you can solo. Make people groove,” says the great Etienne Mbappé. Alison Richter digs into the philosophy behind the bass-lines

GEAR of the YEAR 2020 • So, how was 2020 for you? Despite a mutant virus, presidential upheaval, and the end of all our gigs, we’ve had plenty of new bass guitars, amps, and effects to enjoy. Mike Brooks brings us the best of the best, divided into helpful categories. Did your favorite bass-related product make the cut?

GEAR Reviews • Welcome to our expert road-tests of state-of-the-art basses, amps and effects.

CORTEX Napoleon Deluxe 4 and 5 • Stuart Clayton says bonsoirto these luxurious Gallic Cortex basses...

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

SIRE Version 2 Marcus Miller U5 Short Scale • Miller time again—but now with a reduced scale length. On your Marcus, get set, go, says Joel McIver

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

BLACKSTAR Unity Elite U700H Amp and U410C Cab • The Unity amp and cab range from Blackstar has got people talking. Mike Brooks finds out if it’s a contender...

UNITY ELITE U700H AMP

UNITY ELITE U410C CAB

Bass Lessons • Making you a better bass player in every issue, our state-of-the-art team of educators will guide you every step of the way. Say hello to them here!

BP Notation Legend • The following is a guide to the notation symbols and terminology used in Bass Player magazine

MAJOR ARPEGGIOS

CHROMATIC NOTES EXPLORED

EXPLORE MINOR PENTATONICS

DOUBLE-THUMBED TRIPLETS EXPLORED

INSIDE YOUR AMP: PART 2 • Dan signs off with another dig inside your amp. Learn more about the big noises here!