INTERVIEW: David Ellefson :: Ted Brown Music

METAL BASS LEGEND DAVID ELLEFSON
PERFORMS AND SPEAKS AT TED BROWN MUSIC

by David Guzman
Photos by Michael Vebber

David Ellefson, metal bassist extraordinaire and a founding member of Megadeth, paid a visit to Ted Brown Music's Tacoma location on Monday (July 11). Dave was in town for the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, where Megadeth played alongside Disturbed, Godsmack, Machine Head and other notable heavy rock acts at the White River Amphitheatre on July 12.

Dave answered questions from the audience, played a few songs, and broke down some of his famous bass riffs, to the joy of the numerous Megadeth diehards in the audience. Afterwards, he sat down with fans for photos and autographs (check out the photos below).

I sat down with Dave before the clinic to talk about his gear, technique, and advice for up-and-coming rock superstars.

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Megadeth just completed some shows in Europe. What's new with you guys now?

We're on a full US tour now [Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, with Disturbed, Godsmack, Machine Head and others]. We started this week in California and it'll go till mid-August.

And you have a new album [titled "TH1RT3EN"] coming out soon? What can we expect this time around?

I think the last album [2009's "Endgame"] kind of re-established our thrash metal strengths. So I think the new album is a combination of that, with some big riffs, some heavy rock riffs. We're looking at a late September release date.

Does the new album bring to mind any past Megadeth releases?

I would say it's a combination of "Countdown to Extinction," "Youthanasia" and "Cryptic Writings."

You've had a history with B.C. Rich, Peavey, and other brands during your career, but now you've gone back to your old Jackson and Hartke combination. What made you go back?

When we were ramping up our 20th anniversary [tour] of the "Rust in Peace" album last year, it was imperative I recreate the original look and sound of that album -- from the bass and and type of amps I used, all the way down to the sweatbands and stretch jeans. (laughs) Jackson basses are what I recorded and toured with during late 80s and early 90s, around when we recorded "Rust in Peace." For me, it's home. I'm using a Harke LH1000 amp with two Hartke HX810 cabinets.

You're using the exact same rig now as you did during the Rust in Peace era?

Yes, exact same thing. I've played every type of arena to the biggest venues you can play, and these amps have more than enough power for that. 1,000 watts!

Any advice for beginning or aspiring young bass players?

Take lessons. Learn the fundamentals of music, for one, as well as the basics of your instrument. Once you learn all the notes on the fretboard and the fundamentals of the instrument, you can apply it and use it in the music you write. Networking is another thing. That's the biggest key to your success in music. It's who you know, who you meet. Play with as many different people you can, whether it's with a rock band, jazz band, church band, or anything else. I know I'm more known as more of a hard rock or metal bass player, but I've always played with a lot of different musicians. Even country music nowadays is more rock, like a rock-crossover thing.

Growing up, who was YOUR ideal bass player?

For me, I grew up listening to everything from BTO, to KISS, to Sweet, whatever is considered classic rock now. My ideal bassist is anywhere from Gene Simmons to Geddy Lee.

More of the bass frontman type?

Yeah. There's that element of spitting blood and breathing fire! It's about being a showman, and there's more to being a showman than just hitting the notes. Steve Harris [from Iron Maiden] is an aggressive bass player. He's another influence.

You're known as a pick-oriented bass player. When I was growing up, you showed me that playing bass with a pick can sound cool, and not be lame!

Well, a pick is necessary for real aggressive bass playing. For me starting out, the pick was a sound technique, before I could afford the big amps and be heard. Eventually the pick became part of the sound of Megadeth. It gave me a certain tone, that certain sound, and a playing advantage. The pick is kind of like an extra finger for me.

Do you have any musical adventures on the horizon outside of Megadeth?

I'm always writing, especially after coming off the recording of a new album, so there's always new material. People have asked about a solo album, and I'll be working on that. I definitely have enough material for it. But for the next 18 months, I'm locked down with Megadeth. It's a good time for me to start compiling ideas and doing things with a band.

Any non-musical adventures?

I have kids. So I'm involved with a lot sports and other activities with them. That keeps me grounded. My kids are a big priority for me -- first thing's first!

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PHOTOS FROM THE DAVID ELLEFSON CLINIC
(visit our Flickr page to view and download photos -- -- if you have any issues, please e-mail the webmaster)

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.