Guitars & Basses

Thundering bass lines, not to mention Michael Anthony’s instantly recognisable backing vocals, play a crucial role in the unique sound of high-octane rockers Van Halen, a band that has been Michael’s musical home since their formation in the mid ‘70s. 

With recording, performance and co-writing credits as varied as Eric Clapton, Babyface, Al Jarreau and Phil Collins, Nathan East has deservedly gained a reputation as much for musical versatility as his profound skills on bass. Few players are in more constant demand. 

Few guitarists have extended their playing horizons like Rik Emmett. From rock and blues, through jazz and fusion, to folk and classical, his long and flourishing career underlines his ability as one of the world’s most accomplished and versatile exponents of the instrument. 

Australian-born Frank Gambale is a man dedicated to the guitar, not only as a fine player and composer, but as a teacher of the instrument, whether face to face or through his instructional books and videos. Many are the players who have progressed through his guidance and inspiration. 

From power ballads, chopping rhythms to soaring fretboard forays, Matthias Jabs guitar work has been intrinsic to the hard-rocking Scorpions’ sound and repertoire since joining the band in the late ‘70s. Along with founder members Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker, he remains at the heart of an outfit that just keeps on rockin’. 

Abraham Laboriel is one of the world’s most sought-after session bassists, playing for a roster of top artists that reads like a who’s who of the jazz, crossover and popular music fields. He also has solo albums to his name and was a founding member of the internationally acclaimed fusion groups, Koinonia and Friendship. 

Straddling the musical world as few other bassists have, John Patitucci’s solo, session, composing and collaborative work has encompassed everything from classical and Afro-Cuban to blues, pop and jazz. His association with Chick Corea during the ‘80s assured his international fame, and he remains one of the world’s most consummate players. 

With his trail-blazing heavy-rock technique, Billy Sheehan has scooped more readers’ poll ‘Best Bass Player’ awards than most players could dream of, including an unprecedented 14 years in a row from Player Magazine, Japan’s number-one music mag. Mr Big might no longer be together, but Billy rocks on. 

Establishing a pedigree profile through his work in the ‘70s and early ‘80s with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Billy Cobham and particularly Miles Davis, Mike Stern has proved a giant innovator in his field, earning the unalloyed praise of peers and fans alike. As Guitar World once said: “One of the true guitar greats of his generation.” 

From bluegrass to gain-laden rock seems an unusual transition, but that’s the way King’s X guitarist Ty Tabor has done it, also showing the extent of his considerable fretboard dexterity with a number of innovative solo and collaborative projects including his latest ambient-flavoured instrumental CD release.