Slipknot’s Vman Explains Why He Uses a Pick and Dismisses the 5-String Bass Debate
Since joining Slipknot officially in 2015, British bassist Alessandro “Vman” Venturella has become an integral part of the band’s chaotic, aggressive, and theatrical sound. Stepping into the massive shoes left behind by the late Paul Gray, Vman has carried forward Slipknot’s low-end legacy with remarkable precision and tone. But unlike some modern bassists who experiment with extended-range instruments or flashy playing styles, Vman is unapologetically grounded in what works best for the job — and for him, that means playing with a pick and sticking to a four-string bass.
In a recent interview with GuitarWorld, Vman opened up about his approach to playing in Slipknot, his gear choices, and the misconceptions fans and fellow musicians sometimes have about his methods. Chief among them is the criticism he gets for not using a five-string bass — something he finds “infuriating.”
Locking in With Eloy Cassagrande
One of the major shifts in Slipknot’s lineup over the past year has been the introduction of Eloy Casagrande, the Brazilian powerhouse drummer formerly of Sepultura. Casagrande has brought new energy and technical prowess to Slipknot’s rhythm section, and Vman has relished the opportunity to lock in with a drummer of such elite skill.
“I’ve never played with a drummer of his calibre,” Vman said. “When we’re locked in together, everything just sounds bigger. And that gives the guitars more space.”
That extra space is crucial in a band with nine members, each contributing aggressive, layered elements to the sonic onslaught. From percussionists to turntables and samples, Slipknot’s soundscape is dense, and the bass has to carve out its own identity amidst the chaos.
Why the Pick Is Essential
To Vman, the clarity and punch of a pick are essential to ensuring that his basslines don’t get buried in Slipknot’s thunderous mix. While many bassists — especially in genres like jazz, funk, and progressive rock — take pride in fingerstyle playing, Vman doesn’t hesitate to argue in favor of the pick when the music demands it.
“I’ve tried to use my fingers, but if you’re playing 16th notes really fast, I don’t care how good you are, you’re never going to get the same whack as you do with a pick,” he explained. “But learning how to play with a pick can be like learning to play a whole new instrument.”
That raw attack, especially on low-tuned, high-gain basslines, is what helps the bass punch through and support Slipknot’s signature wall-of-sound. It’s not just about being heard — it’s about contributing to the overall brutality of the band’s performance.
Vman also revealed his personal pick preference: “I used to use 0.88mm Dunlop Triangles, and then I went to 1.0mm. That made all the difference for playing live.” The slightly heavier pick gives him better control and attack, ideal for tight, fast passages and heavy chugs.
The 5-String Debate: “It Infuriates Me”
One of the more surprising moments in the interview came when Vman expressed frustration with fans and commentators who insist he should be using a five-string bass.
“I very rarely reply to comments on social media,” he admitted, “but I get infuriated by people who insist I should play a 5-string.”
To Vman, it’s not about the number of strings — it’s about choosing the right tool for the job. While five-string basses offer an extended low range (often down to B0), they’re not inherently better or worse. For his purposes, a four-string with proper setup and heavy strings is more than capable.
“If I was playing a Dingwall or a multi-scale instrument, then it would make more sense,” he said. “But I can use a 105-gauge string on a four-string bass guitar and still tune it low.”
Indeed, in genres like metal and hardcore, many players down-tune standard four-string basses with thick gauge strings to reach the necessary low end. And for Vman, it’s not just about low notes — it’s also about feel and control. In fact, he says he actually gets annoyed with “really thick strings,” despite tuning low, because they can impact playability and responsiveness.
Advice for Aspiring Bassists
Beyond the gear talk and performance insights, Vman also shared advice for bassists looking to shape their own tone and identity. He encourages players to study their heroes — but not to blindly copy them.
“Look at the gear your favourite bass players are using, and go try it out,” he suggested. “Find out if it works for you, and then just see what evolves from there.”
He emphasized experimentation, explaining how even something as small as a string change can completely transform your tone or approach. “Sometimes buying a new pedal can lead to something that’s unique to you. Even a string change can be enough to change the way you play.”
In a fun and revealing detail, Vman admitted that while he changes his bass strings before every set, he uses the same pick for the entire show. That contrast highlights just how personal and nuanced each element of his setup is — tailored for comfort, consistency, and maximum sonic impact.
Team Player in a Juggernaut
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Vman’s insights is his mindset as a team player. Slipknot isn’t a band that revolves around soloists or egos. With eight other members vying for sonic real estate, Vman’s role is to enhance the whole, not outshine it. That humility and precision have earned him the respect of both fans and peers.
He plays to the song, not to the spotlight — something Paul Gray was also known for. Vman has honored that legacy while bringing his own identity into the mix. Whether it’s using a pick, sticking to four strings, or locking in with a drummer like Eloy Casagrande, Vman has made his mark not through flash, but through discipline and sound judgment.
And while some online critics might continue to complain about string counts or technique, Vman knows exactly what Slipknot needs — and he delivers it with every crushing note.
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