Perhaps best known for his work with Sly and the Family Stone during the 60’s and 70’s together with his own band (Graham Central Station). Larry Graham is best known for bringing the slap technique to the electric bass.

Graham’s technique provides a fast percussive texture by slapping the bass strings with his thumb and plucking with his index finger. His right hand technique utilizes hammer on’s and pull off’s adding to the percussive effect.

Graham’s tone was obviously formed by his technique but he’s often credited with using effects such as distortion to color his sound.

With a rich and varied career Graham has played with a variety of artists over the years including the likes of Lenny Kravitz, and Prince.

Graham is one of the most influential bassists of the last 40 years and with his unique style is often cited by modern bassists.

Gear wise during his “Sly and family stone” period Graham was known to have used Fender Jazz basses, these days he has a custom bass built by the Japanese moon guitar company.