Ringo Starr once praised Paul McCartney as “the finest, most melodic bass player in the world,” and their musical chemistry in The Beatles helps explain why.
A great rhythm section depends on the connection between the drummer and the bassist. No matter how adventurous the guitars or vocals might be, a song can easily lose its foundation if these two musicians aren’t working in harmony.
Starr and McCartney developed a remarkable musical partnership. While Ringo kept the rhythm steady with his distinctive drumming, McCartney brought an entirely different dimension to the bass guitar. He wasn’t interested in simply following the conventional approach of playing root notes. Instead, he created melodic basslines that became essential parts of the songs themselves.
Tracks like ‘Dear Prudence’ and George Harrison’s ‘Something’ demonstrate just how inventive McCartney could be. His bass playing added movement, emotion and depth, often becoming just as memorable as the melody itself.
Their relationship wasn’t always smooth. Following the Beatles’ breakup, disagreements over Allen Klein and the band’s business affairs created serious tensions between the former bandmates. At one point, McCartney was so frustrated that he even threw Starr out of his house.
Yet their musical respect for each other never disappeared. Years later, Starr made his admiration clear in an interview with Rolling Stone:
“If he’s in L.A., and I’m making a record, he’s on a track. He’s still, for me, the finest, most melodic bass player in the world, and I love what he does.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that great musical partnerships aren’t necessarily about showing off. They’re about understanding each other, listening closely and knowing exactly what a song needs.
McCartney may be celebrated for his songwriting and unmistakable voice, but his bass playing deserves just as much attention. The next time you listen to Abbey Road, take a moment to focus on what’s happening beneath the surface. You might discover that some of the album’s greatest musical moments are hiding in the basslines.