Ross Valory

Ross Valory is Journey's noted bass player. In a band that creates its vibe with haunting bass lines and bass and chord contrasts, he plays an essential role.

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One of the innovations that Ross Valory uses (it is not known if he is the inventor) is to string a four-string bass with the top four strings of a 5-string set. Thus, instead of the usual 4-string arrangement--E-A-D-G--his bass is strung as B-E-A-D. This adds the five string depth to the songs, while allowing the quick fingering of a four-string neck.

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Unlike many bass players for major bands, Valory is not a showboat. He demonstrates little or no affectation that requires leaping, jumping, power stances, etc. His performance can perhaps best be described as "it's all about the music." Valory's calm but steadily powerful bass presence plays straight man to Neal Schon's pyrotechnic guitarship.

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However, it is important to note that Valory, while not playing the self-promotion game, is an incredible bassist. His bass is never "busy," but in perfect alignment with the vibe of the song. He is a bass hero for knowledgeable bass players, and the bedrock sound of Journey.

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Ross Valory also briefly played for the Steve Miller Band.

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