Yes has become one of the most commercially successful progressive rock bands despite having experienced multiple member changes over time. Squire’s Rickenbacker bass provided an anchoring sound which inspired many bassists.
He took John Entwistle’s distinctively roundwound tone and added his classical intuition and keen sense of harmony, creating his own distinctive sound that became instantly recognisable. We miss him dearly.
How he got into it
Christopher Russell Edward Squire was an iconic bassist in rock history and an important influence for generations of modern bassists. Known for his signature style and innovative approach to the instrument, Squire became famous for his signature multi-layered compositions featuring progressive rock, blues and classical influences, including multi-layered multi-instrument compositions from Yes that have since become classics of rock history. Additionally he played an essential part in helping Yes become one of rock music’s most important bands ever formed.
Fragile was Yes’ third studio album and represents its musical peak, combining all the elements that would define their sound. Orchestral touches like opening string fanfares don’t create pomposity or pretentiousness but add depth and color, while original songs branch out more complex than ever while maintaining high energy levels – Jon Anderson stands out with memorable vocal melodies on “Then” and “Astral Traveller”, while Bill Bruford’s drumming and Tony Kaye’s Hammond organ showcase are great displays of what set Yes apart.
“Roundabout,” one of the band’s most inventive and creative songs, boasts pastoral beginnings characterized by processed guitar sounds, racing bass lines, Anderson’s rich vocal harmonies and melodies and Wakeman’s keyboards, culminating with Squire bass pulsation: creating an innovative work of art. At its climax is Wakeman’s keyboards alongside Squire’s bassline that culminates with an unforgettable chorale which showcases their creative growth and exploration as artists.
His rig
Bass players are responsible for connecting the harmony (chords) of a song to its distinctive rhythmic groove, or groove. This gives songs their distinctive style or feel and helps decide whether it falls under rock, jazz or Latin genres. Bassists provide strong and consistent pulse or beat that is essential to successful musical performance – making them essential members of every group from small combos to full orchestras alike.
A bassist’s main task is to provide the harmonic structure of a song while supporting vocalists and any other instruments taking solos (such as guitarists or saxophonists). Furthermore, their rhythm must remain consistent with that of their drummer and they should practice playing together regularly – this requires listening closely to your drummer as well as practicing your part often together in practice sessions and rehearsals. For an ideal result, excellent bassists know how to balance between practicing together often as well as adapting quickly when necessary to different circumstances quickly!
Geddy Lee of Rush was one of the greatest bassists of all time. His outstanding playing helped conquer multiple musical territories while his legendary tone earned the respect of both bandmates and audiences alike. His basses included Fender Precisions and Ibanezs; amps included Tech 21 Sans Amp RPM preamp and Orange 200-Watt amp heads; in addition to playing foot-operated keyboards such as Moog Taurus 2s.
Bassists should strive to develop a comprehensive musical background and learn to write and read music, in order to increase their versatility in performances and make booking sessions or gigs easier. Furthermore, developing business skills such as self-promotion, networking and socializing with others in the music industry are equally essential – taking music classes at Conservatories or schools may be one way of developing these capabilities; the ideal school will offer courses covering performing, production as well as music business aspects.
His gear
Chris Squire’s death at age 67 came as a shock to progressive rock fans everywhere, appearing on all 21 studio albums of Yes while serving as its guide through numerous member changes such as an unsuccessful attempt at replacing singer Jon Anderson with keyboardist Rick Wakeman and subsequent addition of drummer Trevor Horn and guitarist Geoff Downes.
Squire was known for creating deep and intricate bass lines with his distinctive sound, weaving intricate patterns that were unique to every song he played. Squire was widely recognized as one of the best bassists in music; his style was heavily influenced by various genres. Additionally, Squire was an accomplished songwriter; writing some of their best songs himself.
Boss CS-2 Compressor/Sustainer was his go-to choice for compression on stage, while Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan pedal was often employed to add soundscape effects and depth to his tone. Guitar was connected directly into a Gallien-Krueger amp head while cabinets provided additional storage capacity; bass had stereo outputs so separate effects could be used with each neck and bridge pickup separately.
Bassists may often go unnoticed in bands, yet they play an essential part in setting the rhythm and tempo for an ensemble. Achieving solid rhythmic skills is crucial; otherwise your performance won’t sound right to your audience and could fall flat on its face. A skilled bassist should be capable of creating their own pulse as part of an ensemble’s beat without needing help from any drummers.
Squire was one of the founding members of Yes and is widely considered one of the greatest bassists of all time. He appeared on every album by Yes, playing over 30 live recordings as well. Later in life, Squire participated in other projects or collaborated with other musicians; including Conspiracy with White and Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page as well as working with Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett before finally releasing a solo album in 2007.
His solos
The bass player is an integral component of any band. They provide the foundation for all other instruments and vocalists while creating riffs and chords to support melodies, playing solos when needed and fitting perfectly with songs – like in “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” where their solo is louder than usual with lots of rhythmic layers to add dynamic sound effects.
Bass players typically don’t take time for solos because their role is to provide rhythm for the rest of the band, yet an exceptional bassist can still give an impressive solo that fits the song perfectly and delights their audience by changing up tempo, adding notes or using different voicings for greater contrast and diversity.
Chris Squire was Yes’ guiding light and revered deity of bass guitar worshippers. Squire appeared on all 21 studio albums the band recorded, including sidelong suites like “The Gates of Delirium” and “Tales From Topographic Oceans”.
Squire was also adept at crafting his own musical language. He could effortlessly combine classical, rock, and pop into one cohesive whole; one of his crowning achievements being his epic symphony-rock composition “Roundabout.” Squire’s Rickenbacker guitar became the gateway through which any musical adventure could be explored.
Squire died tragically at age 67 in 2015, leaving behind an incredible legacy of progressive music that will live on in perpetuity. While his presence will be sorely missed, his music continues to influence young bass players today and he will always be remembered as the Godfather of prog bass – without him it wouldn’t exist!