Bobby Sheehan is an Irish musician best known as the bassist for the rock band Mr. Big. He is known for his innovative bass playing style, which incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and classical music.
Sheehan was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1959. He began playing bass at the age of 14 and quickly developed a reputation as a talented musician. In 1989, he joined Mr. Big, which at the time was a relatively unknown band. However, the band's 1991 album, Lean Into It, was a huge commercial success, and Sheehan's bass playing was a major factor in the album's success.
Sheehan continued to play with Mr. Big until his death in 1999. He was 39 years old. He is considered one of the greatest bass players of all time, and his influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary bassists.
Bobby Sheehan
Bobby Sheehan was an Irish musician best known as the bassist for the rock band Mr. Big. He was known for his innovative bass playing style, which incorporated elements of funk, jazz, and classical music.
- Musician
- Bassist
- Songwriter
- Innovator
- Teacher
- Legend
Sheehan was a true pioneer on the bass guitar. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques. Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter, and he wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart." In addition to his work with Mr. Big, Sheehan also played with a number of other bands and artists, including David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, and Tony MacAlpine.
Sheehan was a major influence on a generation of bass players, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today. He was a true master of his instrument, and his music will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.
1. Musician
Bobby Sheehan was a musician in the truest sense of the word. He was a master of his instrument, and his playing was characterized by its innovation, passion, and technical virtuosity. Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter, and he wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart."
- Innovator
Sheehan was one of the most innovative bass players of his generation. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques.
- Songwriter
In addition to his bass playing, Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart."
- Performer
Sheehan was a captivating performer. He was known for his energetic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
- Teacher
Sheehan was also a passionate teacher. He loved sharing his knowledge and experience with other musicians, and he was always willing to help others improve their playing.
Sheehan's legacy as a musician is immense. He was a true pioneer on the bass guitar, and his influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary bassists. He was also a gifted songwriter and a captivating performer. Sheehan was a true master of his craft, and his music will continue to inspire and entertain fans for years to come.
2. Bassist
Bobby Sheehan was a bassist in the truest sense of the word. He was a master of his instrument, and his playing was characterized by its innovation, passion, and technical virtuosity. Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter, and he wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart."
As a bassist, Sheehan was responsible for providing the low end and rhythmic foundation for Mr. Big's music. However, he was much more than just a rhythm player. Sheehan was a true lead bassist, and his solos were often the highlight of the band's live shows. He was also a master of harmonics and other extended techniques, which he used to create a wide range of sounds and textures.
Sheehan's influence on the bass guitar is immense. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques. His playing helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar in rock music, and he inspired a generation of bassists to come.
3. Songwriter
In addition to his bass playing, Bobby Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart." Sheehan's songs are known for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and complex arrangements.
- Lyricist
Sheehan was a gifted lyricist. His songs often dealt with themes of love, loss, and redemption. He had a knack for writing lyrics that were both personal and universal, and his songs resonated with fans on a deep level.
Sheehan was also a gifted. His songs are full of catchy melodies that stay with you long after you've heard them. He had a natural ear for melody, and his songs are often praised for their melodic beauty.
Sheehan was also a skilled arranger. His songs are often complex and intricate, but they never lose sight of the melody. He had a gift for creating arrangements that were both musically interesting and accessible to listeners of all levels.
Sheehan's songwriting skills were a major factor in the success of Mr. Big. His songs are still played and enjoyed by fans around the world. He was a true master of his craft, and his legacy as a songwriter will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.
4. Innovator
Bobby Sheehan was a true innovator on the bass guitar. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques. His innovative playing style helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar in rock music, and he inspired a generation of bassists to come.
- Tapping Technique
Sheehan was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique. This technique involves tapping the strings with the right hand, rather than plucking them with the fingers. This allows for a wider range of sounds and textures, and it gives the bass a more percussive sound.
- Use of Harmonics
Sheehan was also known for his use of harmonics. Harmonics are created by lightly touching the strings at specific points, which creates a higher-pitched sound. Sheehan used harmonics to create a wide range of sounds, from shimmering bell-like tones to screaming feedback.
- Other Extended Techniques
In addition to tapping and harmonics, Sheehan also used a variety of other extended techniques on the bass guitar. These techniques included slapping, popping, and fretless playing. Sheehan was constantly experimenting with new sounds and techniques, and he was always pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the bass guitar.
Sheehan's innovative playing style had a major impact on the development of bass playing in rock music. He helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar, and he inspired a generation of bassists to come. He was a true pioneer on the instrument, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today.
5. Teacher
Bobby Sheehan was a passionate teacher. He loved sharing his knowledge and experience with other musicians, and he was always willing to help others improve their playing. Sheehan taught bass lessons to students of all ages and levels, and he was known for his patience and enthusiasm.
Sheehan's teaching style was based on the belief that everyone can learn to play bass guitar. He started understanding the basics of bass guitar, and he would often encourage his students to experiment with different sounds and techniques.
Sheehan's teaching had a major impact on the lives of his students. Many of his former students went on to become successful musicians themselves. Sheehan's legacy as a teacher continues to inspire musicians today. He was a true master of his craft, and he was always willing to share his knowledge with others.
Here are some of the key insights we can learn from Bobby Sheehan's teaching:
- Everyone can learn to play bass guitar.
- It is important to be patient and enthusiastic when teaching others.
- It is important to encourage students to experiment with different sounds and techniques.
- A good teacher can have a major impact on the lives of their students.
6. Legend
The term "legend" is often used to describe someone who has achieved great fame and admiration, typically for their achievements in a particular field. In the case of Bobby Sheehan, his legendary status is due to his immense talent as a bass player, his innovative playing style, and his songwriting skills.
- Musical Virtuosity
Sheehan was a true virtuoso on the bass guitar. His technical skills were unmatched, and he was able to play with a level of precision and fluidity that few other bassists could match. He was also known for his innovative use of tapping and harmonics, which helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar in rock music.
- Songwriting Skills
In addition to his bass playing, Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart." His songs are known for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and complex arrangements.
- Influence on Other Musicians
Sheehan's influence on other musicians is immense. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques. His playing helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar in rock music, and he inspired a generation of bassists to come.
- Legacy
Bobby Sheehan died in 1999 at the age of 39, but his legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the greatest bass players of all time, and his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
Bobby Sheehan was a true legend in the world of music. His talent, innovation, and songwriting skills were unmatched, and his influence on other musicians is immense. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest bass players of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bobby Sheehan
Bobby Sheehan was an Irish musician best known as the bassist for the rock band Mr. Big. He was known for his innovative bass playing style, which incorporated elements of funk, jazz, and classical music. Sheehan was a true pioneer on the bass guitar, and his influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary bassists.
Question 1: What was Bobby Sheehan's playing style like?
Answer: Sheehan's playing style was characterized by its innovation, passion, and technical virtuosity. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques.
Question 2: What was Sheehan's role in Mr. Big?
Answer: Sheehan was the bassist for Mr. Big, and he was responsible for providing the low end and rhythmic foundation for the band's music. However, he was much more than just a rhythm player. Sheehan was a true lead bassist, and his solos were often the highlight of the band's live shows.
Question 3: What was Sheehan's songwriting style like?
Answer: Sheehan was a gifted songwriter, and he wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart." His songs are known for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and complex arrangements.
Question 4: What was Sheehan's influence on other musicians?
Answer: Sheehan's influence on other musicians is immense. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques. His playing helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar in rock music, and he inspired a generation of bassists to come.
Question 5: What is Sheehan's legacy?
Answer: Bobby Sheehan died in 1999 at the age of 39, but his legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the greatest bass players of all time, and his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
Question 6: What can we learn from Bobby Sheehan?
Answer: We can learn a lot from Bobby Sheehan. He was a true master of his craft, and he was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. He was also a passionate teacher, and he loved helping others to improve their playing.
Bobby Sheehan was a true legend in the world of music. His talent, innovation, and songwriting skills were unmatched, and his influence on other musicians is immense. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest bass players of all time.
Please note that this is just a brief overview of some of the most frequently asked questions about Bobby Sheehan. For more information, please consult a reputable source such as Wikipedia or AllMusic.
Bobby Sheehan's Tips for Bass Players
Bobby Sheehan was one of the most innovative and influential bass players of all time. His unique playing style and songwriting skills helped to define the sound of Mr. Big, and his influence can be heard in the playing of many contemporary bassists.
Here are a few of Bobby Sheehan's tips for bass players:
1. Practice regularly.
The more you practice, the better you will become at playing bass. Sheehan recommended practicing for at least 30 minutes each day.
2. Learn music theory.
Understanding music theory will help you to play bass more effectively. Sheehan recommended learning about scales, chords, and progressions.
3. Be creative.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different sounds and techniques. Sheehan was known for his innovative use of tapping, harmonics, and other extended techniques.
4. Play with others.
Playing with other musicians will help you to improve your timing and groove. Sheehan recommended playing with a variety of musicians, from beginners to experienced professionals.
5. Listen to your favorite bass players.
Listening to your favorite bass players will help you to develop your own style. Sheehan recommended listening to a variety of bassists, from Jaco Pastorius to John Entwistle.
These are just a few of Bobby Sheehan's tips for bass players. By following these tips, you can improve your playing and develop your own unique style.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Practice regularly.
- Learn music theory.
- Be creative.
- Play with others.
- Listen to your favorite bass players.
By following these tips, you can become a better bass player and achieve your musical goals.
Conclusion
Bobby Sheehan was a true pioneer on the bass guitar. He was one of the first bassists to use a tapping technique, and he was also known for his use of harmonics and other extended techniques. His innovative playing style helped to redefine the role of the bass guitar in rock music, and he inspired a generation of bassists to come.
Sheehan was also a gifted songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote many of Mr. Big's biggest hits, including "To Be with You" and "Just Take My Heart." His songs are known for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and complex arrangements.
Sheehan was a true legend in the world of music. His talent, innovation, and songwriting skills were unmatched, and his influence on other musicians is immense. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest bass players of all time.
Sheehan's legacy continues to inspire musicians today. His music is still played and enjoyed by fans around the world, and his innovative playing style continues to be studied and imitated by aspiring bassists.
We can all learn a lot from Bobby Sheehan. He was a true master of his craft, and he was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. He was also a passionate teacher, and he loved helping others to improve their playing.
The next time you pick up a bass guitar, take a moment to think about Bobby Sheehan. His music and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain us for generations to come.
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