Melissa Auf der Maur – and her inimitable bass lines – was a key force of the ’90s alt-rock movement, and defined the likes of the Smashing Pumpkins and Hole, two bands she ended up lending her bass chops to.
Speaking about her journey to picking up the instrument, Auf der Maur recounts on Greatest Basslines, “I had begun to notice girl bass players, of course, you know Kim Gordon, obviously, and then Kim Deal from the Pixies – and, like I said, all in one week, I saw the Pumpkins and Hole, and they both had girl bass players who seemed really cool and stoic.
“They’re just ******* cool girls who were wallflowers, who just wanted to be in a band,” she continues. “I don’t even know if I looked at their fingers. Those women seemed like they could be me, and the moment I discovered what it feels like to teach yourself a ******* riff that you love, I was hooked. Feels like you’re riding the universe, like you’re in with the magic.”
In last year’s interview with Bass Player, Auf der Maur recalled how her stints with the two bands were distinct – yet equally formative.
“Courtney and Billy were both very different,” she divulged. “But I have so much respect for both of them. My time with Hole was more character definition, creating me as a person, and then my crash course in music, one on one, was with the Pumpkins, who refined and defined my musicianship.”
“the Moment I Discovered What It Feels Like to Teach Yourself a Riff That You Love, I Was Hooked. It Feels Like You’re Riding the Universe”: Melissa Auf der Maur Reveals the bassists Who Inspired Her
Melissa Auf der Maur: The Self-Taught Bass Prodigy Behind Hole and Smashing Pumpkins
Melissa Auf der Maur,renowned for her pivotal role as bassist in iconic rock bands Hole and Smashing Pumpkins,has captivated fans not only with her music but her raw and passionate approach to learning the bass guitar. Her journey from novice to influential bassist was fueled by a profound moment: self-teaching a riff that truly resonated with her soul. Melissa once described this experience as “riding the universe”, a sensation ignited by immersing herself into the music and mastering riffs on her own terms.
Self-teaching riffs: The Thrill of Discovery
The journey of teaching oneself a riff is a transformative experience,especially for aspiring bassists. The moment Melissa discovered what it feels like to nail a riff that she loved was a turning point in her life and career.This process involves:
- Active ear training: Listening closely to songs and replaying riffs repeatedly.
- Experimentation: messing around on the bass until the notes and rythm match what’s in your head.
- Perseverance: Overcoming initial failures and frustration to succeed.
Melissa’s excitement highlights a common theme among many bass players and musicians: self-teaching is empowering and creates a deep connection to music that formal lessons might sometimes miss.
The Bassists Who Compelled Melissa to Pick Up the Instrument
Melissa Auf der Maur credits several iconic bassists for inspiring her to pick up the bass and pursue a career that broke boundaries. Let’s explore some of these influential figures:
| Bassist | Influence | Notable Work | Why They Inspired Melissa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim gordon | Innovative and raw basslines in choice rock | Sonic Youth | Her fearless attitude and integration of bass as a core sonic force |
| Krist Novoselic | Powerful, melodic, and groove-driven basslines | Nirvana | Showed how bass could drive energy in grunge rock |
| Jean-Jacques Burnel | Technical prowess and distinctive tone | The Stranglers | Inspired a sense of mastery and individuality on bass |
| Paul McCartney | Melodic and memorable bass riffs | The Beatles | Elevated bass to a lead instrument with rich harmonics |
First-Hand Experience: Riding the Universe One Riff at a Time
For Melissa, the bass guitar was more then an instrument – it was an extension of her inner self and creative expression. Her account of teaching herself riffs is both enthralling and relatable:
“The moment I discovered what it feels like to teach yourself a riff that you love, I was hooked.It feels like you’re riding the universe.” – Melissa Auf der Maur
Learning riffs independently means grappling with challenges, but every success feels cosmic. Melissa explains that these moments provided not only technical skills but also emotional satisfaction and confidence to express herself boldly on stage and in the studio.
Benefits of Teaching Yourself Bass Riffs
- Develop Creativity: Crafting your own riffs encourages unique styles and innovation.
- Deepened Musical Ear: Improves listening skills and understanding of harmony and rhythm.
- Increased Confidence: Mastery over self-chosen riffs builds the courage to perform and improvise.
- Personal Connection: Self-learning often leads to a more profound emotional bond with music.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Bassists Inspired by Melissa Auf der Maur
Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your bass skills, here are some actionable tips inspired by Melissa’s journey:
- Start with Songs You Love: Choose riffs that emotionally connect with you to stay motivated.
- Use Slow Playback Tools: Slow down recordings to catch every note accurately.
- Break Riffs Into Chunks: Learn in small segments before combining them.
- Practice regularly: Consistency beats cramming; daily practice builds muscle memory.
- Record Yourself: Listening back helps track progress and identify areas for advancement.
- Don’t Fear Mistakes: Experiment freely – errors are part of the learning process.
Case Study: Melissa Auf der Maur’s Rise in the Alternative Rock Scene
Melissa Auf der Maur’s musical evolution is a testament to the power of self-driven learning. Starting with just an intense passion for bass riffs, she transitioned into professional roles in Hole and later Smashing Pumpkins, two of the most influential bands of the ’90s and early 2000s. Key aspects of her career trajectory include:
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Joined Hole as bassist | Introduced unique riffs, solidified band’s sound |
| 1999 | Solo debut album release | Displayed her independent artistry and bass mastery |
| 2010 | Played with Smashing Pumpkins on tour | Exposed to wider audience, affirmed versatility |
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Auf der Maur captures intimate, never-before-told stories of this pivotal decade in music in her upcoming memoir, Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A ’90s Rock Memoir, out in March 2026.
