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Preference of finger-played bass over pick use by Billy Corgan in a discussion about the nuanced low-end sound he creates in his Smashing Pumpkins studio recordings is revealed.

Distinguished guitarist Billy Corgan, a key figure in his musical generation, has taken on the additional role of bassist, contributing to nearly every album in the comprehensive discography of the Smashing Pumpkins band.

,   and  ASMedia
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"Billy Corgan discusses his preference for finger-played bass in the studio, stating that using a...
"Billy Corgan discusses his preference for finger-played bass in the studio, stating that using a pick carefully preserves the guitar's aggressive tone with the Smashing Pumpkins"

Preference of finger-played bass over pick use by Billy Corgan in a discussion about the nuanced low-end sound he creates in his Smashing Pumpkins studio recordings is revealed.

The Smashing Pumpkins: The Unsung Heroes Behind the Iconic Sound

The Smashing Pumpkins, one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the '90s, have sold over 30 million records worldwide [1]. At the heart of the band's unique sound is the multi-talented Billy Corgan, the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter. However, the role of the bassists in the band's development and live performances is significant and often overlooked.

In the studio, Corgan typically handles bass recordings for precision and artistic control [4]. Despite being a guitarist, he approaches the bass as a creative outlet [2]. Corgan prefers bassists who play with their fingers, but he acknowledges that using a pick requires a fine balance to not interfere with the guitar's tonality [3].

In live performances, bassists provide the essential groove and interaction that characterizes the band's energetic shows [1][5]. Members like D'arcy Wretzky, Melissa Auf der Maur, and others have enriched the band's sound and contributed to its evolution, influencing its chemistry and stage presence [1][5].

After Wretzky's departure, bassists like Auf der Maur joined for tours, supporting the band during critical transitions and sustaining the group's presence and fan engagement [5]. The interplay between live bassists and the rest of the band contributes to the complex sonic textures that define the Smashing Pumpkins' music, especially in concert versions which can differ from studio recordings [1][3].

Corgan tends to see the bass in a support-and-enhance role, preferring it to disappear and reappear at will, supporting the song and drawing attention when necessary [6]. In songs like The Everlasting Gaze and Bullet With Butterfly Wing, the bass gets a moment in the spotlight [7]. Corgan's bass collection includes a 1958 Fender P-Bass, a 1963 Fender Jazz Bass, a 1968 Guild Starfire, a 1968 Höfner violin bass, a 1968 Fender Coronado, various '70s P-Basses, a '60s Gibson EB-2, and various Reverend basses [8].

Corgan's influence as a guitarist is undeniable, earning him a place amongst the most influential guitarists of his generation [9]. Despite his preference for the bass to serve a supporting role, he has written bass parts that harmonize or blur with his guitar, adding depth and complexity to the band's sound [10].

In an interview with Bass Player magazine, Corgan discussed his approach to the bass and his collection of instruments [11]. The Smashing Pumpkins' landmark albums, such as Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness, and Adore, showcase the band's distinct layered and richly textured alternative rock sound, a testament to the collaborative efforts of all band members, including the bassists.

References:

  1. The Smashing Pumpkins
  2. Billy Corgan
  3. Billy Corgan on Bassists
  4. Billy Corgan on Bass
  5. The Smashing Pumpkins: The Bassists
  6. Billy Corgan on Bass Role
  7. The Everlasting Gaze Bassline
  8. Billy Corgan's Bass Collection
  9. Most Influential Guitarists of the '90s
  10. Billy Corgan's Bass Playing
  11. Billy Corgan Interview with Bass Player Magazine

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