Comprising guitarist John Squire, Ian Brown on vocals, Alan “Reni” Wren on drums, and the late bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the Stone Roses emerged from the vibrant Manchester music scene in the late 1980s with a brand-new sound that combined ’60s guitar pop with contemporary dance grooves.
Powered by one of the best rhythm sections of the decade, their self-titled debut album filled the dancefloors of student unions everywhere, and introduced a whole generation of rock fans to the joy of dance music and club culture.
Taken from their highly influential self-titled debut album, released in 1989, Waterfall is classic Roses stuff: a jangly guitar riff propelled along by a double time drum groove, searing vocal melodies, and an understated bassline played high up the neck, which complements the song’s ’60s vibe perfectly.
“Ian and John are both big Sly Stone and Northern Soul fans – I suppose you can’t help but wear your influences on your sleeve. We were always – I wouldn’t call it pinching – recycling our favorite grooves. We were very eco-friendly about it.”
Written in the key of F#, Waterfall uses primarily diatonic chords with the exception of the E major (VII) that kicks off the chorus and provides a contrast from the predominant tonic chord riff.
The main bass riff is constructed from the root (F#), fifth (C#) and octave, consciously avoiding the major third, which allows Squire’s jangly guitar (that emphasises the 3rd and 4th of the chord) to ring clearly.
It’s played entirely in ninth position using only the first and third fingers of your fretting hand. Don’t emphasise the hammer-on at the end of the bar – this should be subtle and not detract from the song’s floating groove. For the rest of the song Mani doubles Squire’s descending bass patterns an octave lower.
“You always get some guitar player stealing everyone’s thunder. Bass is mega-notable – anyone who’s got an ounce of groove in them realises that”: How a Hypnotic ‘Mani’ Bassline Propelled One of the Stone Roses’ Finest Moments
The Underrated Power of Bass in Rock Music
In any band lineup, the guitar often grabs the spotlight. It’s flashy, melodic, and frequently the centerpiece of solos and riffs. But when it comes to creating the groove, mood, and foundation of a track, bass guitarists quietly shape the musical landscape. Mani, the bassist for The Stone Roses, exemplifies how essential bass lines can not only provide rythm but also elevate a song into something hypnotic and timeless.
As the famous saying goes, “You always get some guitar player stealing everyone’s thunder. Bass is mega-critically important – anyone who’s got an ounce of groove in them realises that.” This rings especially true for Mani, whose playing has been a pillar behind the distinct sound of the Stone Roses, one of the most influential bands of the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Mani’s Signature Style and Its Impact
Mani’s basslines are memorable for their:
- Mesmerizing simplicity: His lines are catchy, repetitive but never boring, making listeners lock into the groove.
- Rhythmic precision: Mani’s timing locks perfectly with the drums, creating a tight rhythmic foundation.
- Melodic invention: Unlike many bassists who simply follow root notes, Mani crafts melodies that complement and enhance the guitar and vocals.
These qualities are brilliantly displayed in tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “Fools Gold,” where Mani’s bassline effectively drives the song, captivating audiences and critics alike.
Case Study: The Hypnotic Bassline of “Fools gold”
“Fools Gold,” released in 1989, features arguably one of Mani’s finest moments. The song’s hypnotic bassline entwines funk rhythms with alternative rock, creating a groove that’s both danceable and deeply atmospheric.
| Element | Why It Works | Effect on Song |
|---|---|---|
| Syncopation | Mani plays slightly off the main beats, creating a push-pull feel | Generates tension and keeps listeners hooked |
| Repeating riff | Simple but addictive bass riff loops throughout the track | Provides a hypnotic anchor under the complex layers |
| Dynamic range | Subtle changes in intensity and attack | Makes the bass feel alive and evolving, adding depth |
The bassline’s understated complexity proves that in many ways, the bass is the heartbeat of the Stone Roses’ sound, perfectly setting the mood and encouraging listeners to move.
Why Mani’s Bassline Stands Out Among His Peers
Bassists are frequently enough overlooked in rock history, but Mani’s playing defies this norm. Here’s why:
- Groove-centric mindset: Mani understands that bass should serve the song’s rhythm and feel first and foremost, which appeals broadly to musicians who value groove above flashy solos.
- Fusion of genres: Drawing from funk, punk, and psychedelia, Mani’s lines avoid pigeonholing into one style, making his playing timeless and versatile.
- Emotional resonance: Mani’s basslines carry emotional weight, complementing the lyrical content while evoking moods from euphoric to introspective.
Tip for Bass Players Inspired by mani
If you aspire to capture some of Mani’s magic, consider these practical tips:
- Focus on groove: Prioritize locking in with the drums. Practise with a metronome or drum loops to improve rhythmic accuracy.
- Keep riffs simple but expressive: Avoid overplaying. Sometimes repetition and subtle variation are more impactful than complex runs.
- explore melody on bass: Don’t just play root notes; try incorporating slides, ghost notes, and chord tones for texture.
- Listen deeply: Study Mani’s work with the Stone Roses and other groove legends like Bootsy Collins or James Jamerson to expand your tonal palette.
Firsthand Experience: The Groove of Mani in Live Performances
“Watching Mani live is a lesson in subtle power. His fingers dance across strings with a hypnotic fluidity that commands the stage without screaming for attention. You feel the bassline in your chest-it’s the foundation and the fun all at once.” – a longtime Stone Roses fan.
In concert, Mani’s bass creates a communal vibe, encouraging crowd participation and highlighting his role as the band’s rhythmic backbone. The energy of his basslines transforms venues into near-spiritual spaces of groove, making every show unforgettable.
Mani’s Legacy: Elevating Bass in Alternative Rock
Mani’s approach helped challenge the stereotype that bass is “just background noise” in rock bands and encouraged a generation of musicians and fans to appreciate the mega-important bass role in shaping a song’s identity.
- Inspiring subsequent bassists to blend groove with melody.
- Contributing to the Stone Roses’ unique fusion of indie rock, dance, and psychedelia.
- Proving that great bass playing transcends technical showmanship by focusing on feel and emotion.
| Aspect | Result |
|---|---|
| Popularity Boost | Helped the stone Roses become key figures in the Madchester scene |
| Musical Innovation | Fused funk rhythms with indie rock sensibility |
| Influence | Inspired bass players worldwide to focus on groove and melody |
Final Thoughts on Mani’s Enduring Groove
The Stone Roses’ success owes much to Mani’s hypnotic basslines that built the perfect foundation beneath swirling guitars and soaring vocals. His work redefines what bass can do in rock music: pinning down a groove so essential that it compels everyone – from casual listeners to die-hard musicians – to acknowledge its mega-importance.
For bands and bassists aiming to “steal no thunder” but rather create the groove that steals the show,Mani remains the ultimate blueprint: groove-first,melodic,emotive,and timeless.
Delivered in the rolling, groovy style for which he was well known, Mani’s bassline came out without much forethought. “I think the more knowledge you have, the more constrained you are,” he told Bass Player in 2010. “That’s just my way of looking at it.”
“What I’ve done in my playing career is try not to learn anything – scales, and the circle of bloody fifths and thirds and what have you. I don’t want to know how it works, because then you’re missing out on all the other stuff by looking at the parameters that you’re supposed to abide by.
“I think the more knowledge you have, the more constrained you are. Ignorance is bliss. I’d take passion over technical knowledge any day. I just play what comes straight out of my heart.”
The Stone Roses – Waterfall (Live On The Other Side Of Midnight) 1989 1080p 60fps – YouTube
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In the Roses, Mani famously played a paint-splattered Rickenbacker bass through a Mesa/Boogie rig.
“I think it’s a 3000 or an El Dorado or something. It’s as rare as rocking horse ****. It’s getting a bit tatty now – there’s nothing left on the truss rod – and l’ve just managed to find another one. I just really like the tone and the attack and everything you get on them. It’s a ******* man’s bass!”
