How Bill Wyman’s Bass Style Differed from Dick Taylor’s in the Early Rolling Stones

Dick Taylor was the Rolling Stones’ original bassist, but he quit in late 1962 to attend art school—he later co-founded The Pretty Things. His playing was rooted in Chicago blues and rockabilly, mostly straight root-fifth patterns with a fingerstyle attack that stayed close to the guitar parts.

Bill Wyman replaced him that December and brought a completely different feel. Wyman played with a pick, giving each note a sharp, percussive attack that cut through the mix. He also favored a more melodic, almost lead-bass approach—often adding chromatic walk-ups and unexpected runs that gave songs like “Not Fade Away” and “It’s All Over Now” their distinctive bounce. While Taylor held down a simple, low-end groove, Wyman’s style turned the bass into an active, rhythmic voice that helped define the Stones’ early swagger.