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[Dave the bass]

OK, it's not so much how he played, but his note choices. He was very creative in making his bass parts melodic.

Here's a clip of his bass isolated in Stevie Wonder's 'For once in my life'.

See how it sings it's own little song alongside the lyrics and melody?




That's what he was so clever at. It's more about his note choice than the technique IMO with JJ.

The 'odd' single finger (hook) style he used was just the way he chose to play those lines. Other bassists may use a plectrum or fingers or thumb technique that creates a very different sound. Marcus Miller and Mark King are both very distinctive Thumb slap style players. Their approach and sound is very different to what JJ did.

[Nick]

Any song suggestions to appreciate his virtuosity?

Sometimes (a lot of the time), its not about being a "virtuoso". Sometimes what is important is playing what supports the music. YouTube and a lot of social media stuff can make you think that doing something just because its hard is the goal.