Introduction to Nate Mendel
As the bassist for Foo Fighters since 1995, Nate Mendel has been an integral part of the band’s iconic sound and success over the past 25+ years. Though often overshadowed by frontman Dave Grohl, Mendel’s solid bass lines and creative collaborations have helped cement Foo Fighters as one of the most popular rock bands of all time.
Hailing from Richland, Washington, Mendel got his start playing in local bands before joining the influential emo/indie group Sunny Day Real Estate in the early 90s. However, it was his fateful pairing with Grohl that truly launched him to stardom. Mendel’s versatility, technique and keen melodic sense perfectly complemented Grohl’s songwriting, forging a musical chemistry that still drives the band today.
While flashier bassists may capture more headlines, Nate Mendel deserves credit for providing the firm rhythmic foundation upon which the Foo Fighters’ hits are built. His signature winding bass lines and locked-in grooves are essential ingredients in the band’s sonic recipe. Over a dozen albums and countless sold-out shows later, Mendel remains the steady yet creative force propelling Foo Fighters forward.
Early Life and Beginnings
Nate Mendel was born on December 2, 1968 in Richland, Washington. Growing up, he became interested in music at an early age. Mendel first started playing the piano as a child, but found himself drawn more to the guitar and bass.
In his early teens, Mendel began playing bass in local bands in Richland, which allowed him to start honing his skills on the instrument. During this time, he was exposed to a range of music genres, from punk and hardcore to classic rock. Mendel cites bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the Ramones as early influences.
While attending Hanford High School in Richland, Mendel played bass in a hardcore punk band called Diddly Squat. The experience of playing aggressive fast-paced punk music helped shape his early hard-hitting bass style. Diddly Squat frequently played shows in Seattle, which introduced the young Mendel to the emerging Northwest punk scene.
After high school, Mendel attended the University of Washington. He continued developing his musical talents by playing in bands around Seattle. During this period, he began crafting his signature melodic bass lines and adopted a more refined playing style, laying the foundations for his future success.
Joining Foo Fighters
In 1995, Foo Fighters founder and frontman Dave Grohl was seeking a replacement for the band’s original bassist, Pat Smear. Grohl was introduced to Nate Mendel through Sunny Day Real Estate drummer William Goldsmith, who was also joining Foo Fighters at the time.
Mendel was coming off a short-lived yet influential stint with the emo/indie pioneers Sunny Day Real Estate. His melodic yet hard-hitting bass playing style made him a great fit for the grungy, hook-driven sound Grohl was crafting for the Foo Fighters.
After jamming together and quickly hitting it off, Mendel officially joined Foo Fighters just in time for the recording of their self-titled debut album in 1995. His arrival finalized the band’s initial lineup, which also included Grohl on vocals and guitar, Goldsmith on drums, and Pat Smear on guitar.
Mendel stepped seamlessly into the role of Foo Fighters bassist, putting his own spin on their songs while retaining the core melodies and grooves of the original demos. His solid yet imaginative playing elevated tracks like "This Is A Call" and "For All The Cows" into alt-rock classics.
The instant chemistry between Mendel and Grohl was clear, with Mendel becoming an integral part of shaping the iconic Foo Fighters sound right from the start. His joining was the start of a decades-long collaboration that continues to this day.
Contributions to Foo Fighters’ Sound
Nate Mendel has been a pivotal part of shaping the iconic Foo Fighters sound since he joined the band in 1995. Coming in to replace their original bassist, Nate made an immediate impact with his melodic yet hard-hitting bass lines and collaborative spirit.
Some of Mendel’s most iconic bass contributions can be heard on classic Foo Fighters tracks like "Everlong", "My Hero", and "Learn to Fly." For "Everlong", Nate locks in with drummer Taylor Hawkins to create an instantly recognizable intro riff that powers one of the band’s most beloved songs. His bass line weaves around the chord progression, accentuating the dynamics while providing a strong rhythmic foundation.
On "My Hero", Nate shows his versatility by crafting a melodic bass line combining half-note pulses with syncopated 16th note runs. His playing on this track highlights his ability to write memorable yet supportive bass parts that complement the song. For "Learn to Fly", Mendel lays down one of his funkiest bass grooves, giving the song its propulsive drive.
Beyond memorable bass lines, Nate Mendel has also significantly contributed to Foo Fighters’ songwriting over the years. He often collaborates with Dave Grohl and the rest of the band during the songwriting process, bringing his musical ideas to the table. Mendel has co-writing credits on numerous Foo Fighters tracks, demonstrating his influence melodically and harmonically on the band’s catalog.
His collaborative spirit, versatility, and knack for crafting iconic bass lines have cemented Nate Mendel as an essential component of Foo Fighters’ signature sound. Over decades playing together, he has developed an almost telepathic musical connection with Grohl and the rest of the band. Nate’s contributions on bass form the foundation of the Foo Fighters’ impactful music.
Mendel’s Signature Bass Techniques
Nate Mendel has developed a very distinctive bass playing style during his decades-long career. He is known for his intricate fingerstyle technique, creative use of effects, and ability to effortlessly switch between musical genres.
A hallmark of Mendel’s style is his dexterous fingerpicking approach. He has an exceptionally fluid right hand that allows him to play complex bass lines and walkups. Mendel favors using his index and middle fingers to pluck the strings, alternating between the two to play rapid sixteenth note passages. This fingerstyle approach gives his playing both accuracy and fluidity.
In addition to fingerstyle, Mendel incorporates slapping and popping techniques at times. On funkier grooves, he will thump the strings to accentuate the backbeat. Slap bass adds a percussive dynamic to his playing that complements the heavy Foo Fighters drum beats. Mendel’s ability to integrate slapping seamlessly showcases his versatility.
Effects pedals are an important part of Mendel’s sound. He makes liberal use of distortion, chorus, flangers, and delays to craft his tone. The distorted fuzz bass on songs like "Monkey Wrench" has become a signature of the Foo Fighters sound. Mendel also utilizes modulated and filtered effects on cleaner passages to add depth and interest. His tasteful use of effects expands the sonic possibilities of the bass.
Over his career, Mendel has synthesized all these techniques into a cohesive personal style. His playing evokes influences ranging from Paul McCartney, to post-punk, to 80s funk. But ultimately his approach remains uniquely his own. After 25+ years with Foo Fighters, Mendel’s signature sound remains a vital part of the band’s musical identity.
Nate Mendel’s Bass Rig and Equipment
Nate Mendel has used a variety of bass guitars, amps, and effects pedals throughout his prolific career. When it comes to basses, he has mostly stuck with Fender Precision and Jazz models. His main Precision bass during the early Foo Fighters days was a black 1969 model with a maple neck. He eventually had Fender make him a signature model based on this bass. Mendel has also frequently used Fender Jazz basses, including older 1970s models and reissue versions. He tends to prefer the thinner necks and brighter tone of Fender basses.
For amplification, Mendel has had a long partnership with Ashdown dating back to the late 1990s. They worked together to create his signature Ashdown NM-2 2×10" 300-watt bass amp head, which delivers the crunchy overdriven sound he loves. This amp has been a staple of his live rig for years. In the studio, he’ll often use a variety of vintage amps like Ampeg SVTs to capture different tones. His pedalboard includes effects like distortion, chorus, compressor, and octaver pedals to shape his signature bass tone.
When crafting his ideal bass sound, Mendel looks for a punchy, distorted tone with a growly midrange. He usually dials in a decent amount of overdrive from his amp, then layers on additional distortion and fuzz from pedals. The octaver pedal helps him achieve the thick, full bass tones on Foo Fighters tracks. While he likes to experiment with different gear, his Fender bass into an Ashdown amp forms the foundation of his distinctive bass rig.
Side Projects and Collaborations
Outside of his work with Foo Fighters, Nate Mendel has been involved in several notable side projects and collaborations throughout his career. His musical journey began in the late 1980s and early 90s as the bassist for Sunny Day Real Estate, an influential emo/indie rock band from Seattle. Mendel recorded two albums with the group – Diary in 1994 and LP2 in 1995 – before departing to join Foo Fighters. His driving bass lines and creative spirit helped establish Sunny Day Real Estate’s unique sound during their initial run.
In 2009, Mendel struck out on his own to form the alternative rock band Lieutenant. As the lead singer, songwriter and bassist, Mendel described Lieutenant as a project to explore his own musical identity outside of Foo Fighters. The band released two EPs and the album If I Kill This Thing We’re All Going To Eat For A Week in 2011, showcasing Mendel’s versatility across various rock subgenres.
Beyond his major side projects, Mendel has been involved in a range of collaborations and guest appearances over the years. He played bass on several tracks for the Foo Fighters side project The Fire Theft in the early 2000s. Mendel also joined Chris Shiflett to perform in his country rock outfit Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants. In the studio, he’s contributed bass to albums by bands like Nirvana, Eddie Vedder, and The Presidents of the United States of America. Mendel’s side work demonstrates his eagerness to expand his musical horizons.
Mendel’s Influence on Modern Rock Bass
Nate Mendel has had an immense influence on the modern rock bass scene, inspiring a new generation of players and shaping the post-grunge sound. His signature tone and playing style with Foo Fighters helped define the quintessential alt-rock bass approach for the 2000s and beyond.
For many up-and-coming bassists getting into rock music, Nate Mendel’s bass lines served as a masterclass in crafting driving grooves. His syncopated parts on songs like "The Pretender" and "All My Life" exemplified how bass can be melodic yet aggressive. Mendel blended intricate riffs with a punchy, distorted tone that had a huge impact on bassists gravitating towards post-grunge and alternative genres.
Beyond technique, Mendel inspired rock bassists with his tasteful playing that always complemented the song. He knew when to hang back in the pocket or when to emerge with an iconic line. This nuanced style showed young players how bass can shape a track without overplaying. Mendel also illustrated how effects like chorus and distortion could be used dynamically to enhance parts.
As the decades passed, Nate Mendel continued leaving his mark on up-and-coming bassists. His work on recent Foo Fighters albums like "Wasting Light" and "Sonic Highways" demonstrated how his playing had evolved yet retained his signature flair. For bass students learning iconic Mendel lines like "The Sky Is a Neighborhood," his influence was as strong as ever.
From the post-grunge era to today, Nate Mendel remains a revered figure among rock bassists. His body of work exemplifies how bass can provide the rhythmic backbone yet also the melodic hook that defines a song. Mendel’s lasting impact secures his status as a true icon of modern rock bass.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of his storied music career, Nate Mendel leads a relatively quiet personal life focused on family and various interests. Though intensely private, he has shared glimpses into his life off the stage over the years.
Mendel resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters. He values spending time with family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In interviews, Mendel has emphasized the importance of carving out personal time and not letting his rock star status define him entirely.
An avid reader, Mendel enjoys getting lost in sci-fi and fantasy novels whenever he can. He’s mentioned authors like Philip K. Dick as favorites. Reading provides a mental escape and sparks his creativity.
Mendel is also passionate about charitable causes. He has been involved with Sweet Relief, a non-profit providing assistance to career musicians struggling with illness, disability or age-related problems. Their annual charity concerts aligned with his desire to help fellow artists in need.
Though reserved in public, those close to Mendel describe him as kindhearted and lighthearted with a dry, sarcastic wit. He takes his music seriously but doesn’t take himself too seriously. Mendel has a penchant for self-deprecation and not feeding into rock star egos.
Above all, he values authenticity in both music and life. Mendel strives to stay grounded, keeping focused on the joy of creating with his Foo Fighters brethren. This attitude has endeared him to fans and fellow musicians alike.
Legacy and Impact
Nate Mendel has cemented his status as one of the most legendary and influential rock bassists of his generation. Over his 25+ year career, he has made an immense impact on rock music through his work with Foo Fighters and other projects.
Mendel’s signature bass lines and playing style are instantly recognizable to any rock music fan. He has defined the rhythmic foundation of the Foo Fighters’ sound, contributing massively to their success and popularity. Songs like "Everlong", "My Hero" and "Learn to Fly" feature iconic bass parts written and performed by Mendel.
As a result, Mendel has inspired and influenced countless up-and-coming rock bass players. His technical yet melodic approach has shown what the bass can contribute in a rock context. Aspiring bassists study and learn his bass lines, aiming to emulate his skill and style.
Even after decades anchoring one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Nate Mendel still has more to accomplish. He continues to push himself and evolve as a musician. Fans are eager to see what he’ll contribute to Foo Fighters’ next album.
Beyond Foo Fighters, Mendel seems intent on further exploring his creative outlets. His side project Lieutenant hints at his desire to keep growing artistically. There’s also speculation that Mendel may release some solo material in the future.
Regardless of what comes next, Nate Mendel’s legacy is already firmly cemented. His iconic bass work will continue inspiring generations of musicians for years to come. Mendel has more than earned his status as a true rock legend.