Chris Squire Bassist of the band 'Yes' Date of Birth: 03.03.1948 Country: Great Britain

1. Chris Squire: The Legendary Bassist of Yes
2. Early Life and Influences
3. The Rickenbacker Bass
4. Amplification and Effects
5. Innovative Techniques
6. Legacy and Impact

Chris Squire: The Legendary Bassist of Yes

Christopher Russell Edward Squire (4 March 1948 – 28 June 2015) was an English musician best known as the co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of the progressive rock band Yes.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Kingsbury, London, Squire developed a passion for music at an early age. He taught himself bass guitar and was influenced by bassists such as Jack Bruce and John Entwistle.

The Rickenbacker Bass

In 1965, Squire acquired a cream-colored Rickenbacker RM1999 bass, which became his signature instrument. It was the fourth RM1999 imported into the UK and developed a unique, warm, and growling sound. Squire played this bass throughout his career, customizing it with repairs, refinishing, and weight reduction.

Amplification and Effects

Squire's bass tone was renowned for its aggressive, melodic, and dynamic qualities. He utilized a dual-amplification setup, sending the low frequencies to a bass amplifier and the high frequencies to a guitar amplifier. This layering created his distinctive "growl" while maintaining the powerful low end of the bass.

Innovative Techniques

Squire was one of the first rock bassists to experiment with guitar effects pedals on his instrument. He incorporated tremolo, wah-wah, and phaser effects to add depth and variety to his playing. Additionally, he used a pick instead of fingerpicking, resulting in a percussive and sharp attack.

Legacy and Impact

Throughout his career, Squire played a crucial role in shaping the sound and identity of Yes. His aggressive and melodic bass lines became a defining characteristic of the band's prog-rock style. He also contributed significant songwriting credits to Yes's most iconic albums, including "Roundabout" and "Starship Trooper." Chris Squire passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and revered bassists in rock history.