“It’s aggressive in a different way.”

According to Robert Trujillo, there are noticeable differences in his approach to playing bass in Metallica and his supergroup Infectious Grooves.Although someone of Rob’s caliber is more than capable of dealing with both roles and although both are technically metal bands, Metallica and Infectious Grooves are two entirely different gigs. Now that he’s back with his former Suicidal Tendencies bandmate Mike Muir, tackling both of these bands can come with its set of difficulties.

After admitting that it’s a “challenge” in a recent interview with “Wall of Sound,” Robert discussed the actual differences between these two bands when it comes to playing bass (transcribed by Killer Guitar Rigs):

“Metallica is certainly challenging, and there’s a physical thing that goes with that. And with the bass playing in Infectious Grooves, I feel like I’m using different muscles, different techniques.”


Along with drummers, bassists also have this incredibly tough — and insanely underrated — task of defining the overall groove and feel of the music. And that’s where the biggest challenge is, despite now having a great drummer like Jay Weinberg as his rhythm section partner. Rob continued:

“The style is a bit different, the feel. It’s a challenge in a lot of ways, but [it] kind of opens my eyes to being a musician in what, ‘Wow, I used to do this!’ It’s fun to reconnect, but it is a challenge.”

To fully get himself into this new role within a new band, Trujillo has his own method of getting accustomed to things. He added:

“I’ve been doing certain types of scales every night before I go to sleep and just trying to get my stamina up for that style of playing because it’s different, and it’s aggressive in a different way.”

Nonetheless, he admits that”it’s a lot of fun” and that he’s “looking forward to it.” “I feel like I’ve been playing more than ever lately,” Trujillo concluded.

In a recent interview, drummer Jay Weinberg discussed what it’s like to play with the Metallica bassist. They’re not only doing live shows but are also preparing to release new material.

“It is truly unreal,” Jay said.”To play with all those guys is an absolute honor. Whenever you get in a room with new guys, and you’re playing together for the first time, there is that crazy energy of just kind of feeling each other out.”

“As a [part of the] rhythm section, finding the pocket with Robert Trujillo is one of the greatest, most exciting things I’ve ever been fortunate enough to experience in my life.”