Chuck Rainey playing the Xotic 4

[bubinga5]

bejeezus this guy can play the bass.. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TAFWwqeHko[/media]

Edited December 27, 2011 by bubinga5

[JTUK]

Notice how most renowned groove orientated players..as opposed to soloists.. tend to have that closed grip.

[Coilte]

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1325022067' post='1479260']
Notice how most renowned groove orientated players..as opposed to soloists.. tend to have that closed grip.
[/quote]

Agreed. He seems to break all the "rules" for L/H technique doesn't he ? Like Jack Bruce, who has a similar fretting style, I think it is because they come from a time when there was not such an emphasis on technique. His R/H technique is unusual too. Regardless of all that, he is a legend. His work with "Steely Dan" is amazing. He gave us all a scare a while back when he suffered a stroke, but I think he is on the mend now.

[bubinga5]

i dig playing with that closed paw like grip... it gives you a great control over sympathetic string noise..can keeps things very clean..

[JTUK]

I have to say, I prefer to hear him do it..rather than watch him.

I also think the closed grip is only pertinent if you can't close the strings with your little pinkie..which might be a historic thing with high actions and poor string availability in the formative years...possibly

[Musicman20]

Always liked his playing. The thumb over the board was always a 'NOOOO' moment from my tutor when I started. It can lead to early arthritis and wrist problems, apparently!

Not keen on the Xotic aesthetics though.

Edited December 27, 2011 by Musicman20

[thisnameistaken]

Impressive use of dynamics. Something the modern funk folks totally ignore, especially the slaptards.