"Toby Peterson-Stewart, a renowned contemporary bassist, demonstrated his exceptional skills in a tribute to AC/DC, employing slapping and tapping techniques alongside heavy parallel distortion."
In the realm of modern-day electric bass heroes, Toby Peterson-Stewart stands out as a trailblazer. His recent cover of AC/DC's iconic track, Thunderstruck, showcases his exceptional skill and innovative technique.
Peterson-Stewart's interpretation of Thunderstruck is a testament to his mastery of slapping and tapping, as demonstrated by the use of a fanned-fret Dingwall NG bass. The riff remains faithful to the original, yet Peterson-Stewart introduces changes in speed, tuning, and combines it with another riff, creating a unique twist on the classic tune.
Peterson-Stewart's advice for bass players aiming to hone a similar technique is to work on tapping octaves with both hands, a method that allows for seamless connection across the whole fretboard. He also emphasises the importance of clarity and distinct note attack, ensuring that every single note is heard rather than blending into the background.
To achieve this articulate sound, Peterson-Stewart suggests experimenting with different playing styles, such as pick usage versus finger techniques. He encourages bassists to approach their playing creatively, as he did when he created a djent-inspired version of Thunderstruck, focusing on the precise articulation of those motifs.
Recording his cover of Thunderstruck was a meticulous process, involving multiple takes and parallel processing. Peterson-Stewart also added lots of parallel distortion, but chose to pick and choose how many layers are happening in sections with automation.
Peterson-Stewart's love for tapping was inspired by his bass hero, Evan Brewer, whose song, Currency, is melodic, expressive, and super clean. The influence of Brewer is evident in Peterson-Stewart's playing style, particularly in his covers and original compositions.
Peterson-Stewart has collaborated with various musicians, including Jacob Umansky, Clay Gober, and Australian three-piece The Omnific, with whom he plays in the band. The Omnific, composed of Peterson-Stewart, Matt Fackrell, and Jerome Lematua, continues to push the boundaries of electric bass music.
For more insights into Peterson-Stewart's plugins and routing, his breakdown videos are available on his Patreon page. His advice for aspiring bassists is clear: focus on note definition and clarity, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find your unique sound.
- Toby Peterson-Stewart, a notable figure in modern bass guitar heroes, utilized a fanned-fret Dingwall NG bass guitar in his innovative cover of AC/DC's Thunderstruck, showcasing slapping and tapping techniques.
- To hone a similar technique, aspiring bass players are advised by Peterson-Stewart to work on tapping octaves with both hands, facilitating seamless connection across the whole fretboard, and focusing on clarity and distinct note attack.
- In his cover of Thunderstruck, Peterson-Stewart employed a variety of playing styles, including pick usage and finger techniques, and experimented with different techniques, such as djent-inspired motifs, for a unique twist on the classic tune.
- Peterson-Stewart's musical journey was influenced by bass hero Evan Brewer, as evidenced in his playing style, particularly in terms of tapping technique, a trait that can also be seen in his collaborations with musicians like The Omnific.
