Slipknot bassist Alessandro “Vman” Venturella joined the group back in 2015 replacing the band’s late co-founder, Paul Gray. Venturella has appeared on three of the band’s studio albums.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, the bassist talked about working with current drummer Eloy Cassagrande saying: “I’ve never played with a drummer of his calibre. When we’re locked in together, everything just sounds bigger. And that gives the guitars more space.”
He also talked about playing bass with a pick as opposed to his fingers, and he revealed the type of comments via social media that get him fired up. “I’ve tried to use my fingers, but if you’re playing 16th notes really fast, I don’t care how good you are, you’re never going get the same ‘whack’ as you do with a pick,” he said. “But learning how to play with a pick can be like learning to play a whole new instrument.”
Venturella continued: “I very rarely reply to comments on social media, but I get infuriated by people who insist I should play a 5-string. If I was playing a Dingwall or a multi-scale instrument, then it would make more sense. But I can use a 105-gauge string on a 4-string bass guitar and still tune it low. I get annoyed with really thick strings.”
He also shared advice for aspiring bassists looking to improve their sound. “Look at the gear your favourite bass players are using, and go try it out. Find out if it works for you, and then just see what evolves from there. Sometimes buying a new pedal can lead to something that’s unique to you. Even a string change can be enough to change the way you play. I actually change my strings every set, but I’ll use the same pick for the whole show.”
