Ricky Phillips
Styx bassist opens up about The Mission, the band’s new studio release, and producing Ronnie Montrose’s final recording
Read MoreWelcome to this collection of first-hand stories from some of the most influential bass players in the world.
Since waaay back in 2009, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with bass players from every corner of the music world — legends, innovators, sidemen, bandleaders, and players whose work you’ve heard far more than you realize. Now at over 900 interviews (934, to be precise), this has grown into a deep archive of bass history — not just about gear or technique, but about musical choices, instincts, and real-world careers.
What I’ve heard consistently over the years is how motivating these conversations are. Hearing how great players think, adapt, and grow often sparks the desire to pick up the bass and take learning seriously. That idea — turning inspiration into action — is exactly what led to the creation of the Bottom Line Club, my membership for learning bass, right here inside For Bass Players Only. Want to learn bass? Check out the Bottom Line Club here.
Styx bassist opens up about The Mission, the band’s new studio release, and producing Ronnie Montrose’s final recording
Read MoreBonnie Raitt bassist and session all-star talks about what drew him to Kala’s U-Basses, playing Fenway Park and more
Read MoreEarth, Wind & Fire bassist opens up about his classical background, his late brother Maurice and more
Read MoreJazz fusion luminary shares his thoughts on music education, why he prefers four-string basses and more
Read MoreFrench bassist talks about how Robert Trujillo and Flea helped inspire his multi-genre-spanning bass career and more
Read MoreNashville bassist and producer Dave Pomeroy talks about his new album, fighting on behalf of musicians and more
Read MoreDistinguished jazz bassist talks about starting out on trumpet, how Jaco and James Jamerson influenced him and more
Read MoreTrivium bassist Paolo Gregoletto opens up about the influence of Cliff Burton, Steve Harris and Billy Sheehan among other topics
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