Category

Bass Guitar Songs

Category

Are you ready to dive into the world of bass guitar? Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, playing songs with simple chords is a great way to build your confidence and groove. In this blog, we’ll explore some easy songs that are perfect for new bass players, complete with simple chord progressions to get you started. Grab your bass, and let’s jump in!

Guitar Chords for Beginners | School of Rock

Starting with simple chords allows you to focus on the fundamentals of playing the bass guitar, such as timing, rhythm, and technique. As a bass player, your role is to provide the foundation of the music, so mastering these basics will serve you well as you progress. Plus, playing familiar songs makes practice more enjoyable!

1. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

This iconic riff is a favorite among beginners. The song revolves around a simple, repetitive bass line that’s easy to pick up. The main notes are E, G, and D, making it a great choice to get comfortable with your fretboard.

2. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

Known for its legendary guitar riff, “Smoke on the Water” has a straightforward bass line that follows the chords. The song primarily uses G, Bb, and C, allowing you to focus on playing in time with the band.

3. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This classic rock anthem features a catchy bass line that complements its simple chord progression. The main chords are D, C, and G, making it accessible for beginners and perfect for playing along with friends.

4. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

With its timeless melody and easy chords, “Stand By Me” is a fantastic choice for new bass players. The bass line is simple yet effective, primarily using A, F#m, D, and E. You’ll enjoy the groove while practicing your timing.

5. “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens

“La Bamba” is a fun, upbeat song that’s perfect for beginners. The bass line follows a simple progression of C, F, and G. Its lively rhythm will help you develop your sense of timing and playfulness on the bass.

6. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

This classic hit features a straightforward bass line that’s instantly recognizable. The song revolves around a repetitive pattern based on the chords F#m, B, and E. It’s a great way to practice maintaining a steady groove.

7. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

A staple in rock music, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” has a simple bass line that complements the driving rhythm of the song. The main chords are A and D, making it easy to follow along while you play.

8. “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles

This energetic classic is perfect for getting your audience moving. The bass line follows a simple progression of D, A, and G. It’s an excellent opportunity to work on your stamina and timing while having fun.

9. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

Another Beatles classic, “Hey Jude,” features a simple and memorable bass line. The song primarily uses chords like C, E, and F, allowing you to practice your transitions smoothly.

10. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

This folk-rock favorite has a straightforward progression of G, D, and A. The bass line is simple and repetitive, making it a great choice for beginners looking to practice their timing and dynamic.

Starting your journey on the bass guitar doesn’t have to be daunting. These simple chord songs are perfect for beginners, allowing you to practice your skills while having fun. As you master these tunes, you’ll gain confidence and be ready to tackle more complex pieces. So pick up your bass, enjoy the music, and let your journey begin!

 

Choosing the Top 10 Best Bass Lines is an impossibility. What makes it “the best,” anyway? Is it the hardest to play? The catchiest? The most innovative?

We’ll try to include the best bass lines that cover as many of these categories as we can. We won’t make everybody happy. We might not make anybody happy, but for what it’s worth to you, a professional bass player since the 80s will be compiling the list.

Whether you’re already familiar with the following bass lines or this will be your first introduction, we hope you’ll enjoy our list of the top ten – and again, these will be in no particular order since they can be ranked in any number of ways.

Teen Town— Weather Report, Played by Jaco Pastorius

Why not start with the greatest player of all time? Jaco did things on the bass no one thought possible. In “Teen Town,” Jaco did something quite rare— he created a bass line that is technically complex and stuffed to the gills with music theory knowledge, but at the same time, it’s listenable.

Someone unfamiliar with the bass can listen to the snaky sixteenth-note lines and enjoy the melody. Oh, also, the bass has a melody, which is unusual and terrific. Sure, bass players worldwide hear it and want to quit, but only because “Teen Town” is legendarily tricky stuff.

“Birdland” gets an honorable mention here, not because it’s incredibly complex, but because it’s so recognizable, and hearing only a few notes of it can lift your mood. Try it.

Freewill— Rush, Played by Geddy Lee

Prog-rock gods have given us some great basslines (I’m looking at you, Chris Squire from Yes), but arguably none better than Canadian trio Rush.

In “Freewill,” Lee plays a punchy, syncopated line that moves through weird time signatures because it’s Rush, but like Jaco, he’s not playing only the hardest stuff he can think of. He lays down a line that complements what the rest of the band is doing while still being incredible.

Once the song goes into 12/8 for the guitar solo, Lee’s driving, a serpentine eighth-note line is one of those that music store employees have to hear amateurs play every day. Whenever a bass line inspires new artists, who could argue about its greatness. Lee also gave us “YYZ,” which hews a little closer to, “Check out what I can do and you can’t.”

Another One Bites the Dust— Queen, Played by John Deacon

When it first came out in 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” did two things— it made some Queen fans feel like the band had sold out for some disco-pop success, and it made every human being on the planet hum the bass line.

While not technically complex, John Deacon’s line— built out of only four pitches— is one of the more recognizable pieces of Western music. The same goes for the even simpler line from “Under Pressure.”

Freddie Mercury turns in an outstanding vocal performance, and Brian May’s guitar work is stellar on “Another One Bites the Dust,” but be honest— have you ever noticed? Probably not, because the bass line might be the textbook example of “iconic.”

Come Together— The Beatles, Played by Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is the undisputed king of playing melodic bass lines that add to a song rather than pull focus from the rest of the band. He’s also incredibly innovative. The bass line from “Come Together” is rumbly and recognizable, but it’s also weird in a terrific way.

Big intervallic leaps and throwaway triplets don’t seem like quintessential parts of a great bass line but leave it to Paul to make it work. It’s not the toughest bass line ever played, but it’s not super easy, either. For his more melodic lines, there’s “I Saw Her Standing There,” which is quick, all over the place, and somehow doesn’t distract.

Rio— Duran Duran, Played by John Taylor

Another god of melodic bass, John Taylor, has served as the foundation of Duran Duran since the band formed in 1978 (minus the four-year break he took from ’97 to ‘01). In “Rio”— arguably the group’s best single—Taylor plays a funky line that pulls the song’s feel away from disco, but it’s also imminently singable, which is odd for a bass line.

Taylor plays sixteenth notes, throws in some slaps, and is just all over the freaking place in this song. The measures at the end of the verses where he takes a breath and plays a whole note are so effective— when he comes back in on the chorus with an entirely different but still jaw-dropping bass line, you know you’re hearing greatness. Oh, and he sings while playing it. Impressive.

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic— The Police, Played by Sting

Playing a whole-tone scale on the verses of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” Sting sets us up to think this will be a lazy line throughout, but he gets a little busier heading into the chorus where he and drummer Stewart Copeland merge some syncopated rhythms.

Yet another great practitioner of the melodic bass line, Sting opens up in the chorus with syncopated sixteenth notes that give the tune a distinct islands feel, and the unfettered joy you hear coming from your speakers is solidly rooted in that bass line.

The version on 1981’s “Ghost in the Machine” is the one we all know, but this final product is a far cry from the first recording, which Sting made about 45 minutes after he wrote it. Literally. The bare-bones recording shows that it’s a great song, but it also makes glaringly apparent how much of the version we all know depends on Sting’s bass line.

Money— Pink Floyd, Played by Roger Waters

Say what you want about Waters (some Floyd fans love him, some not so much), but the 7/4 bass line he played on “Money” ranks up there with the most recognizable bass lines ever. Consisting of quarter notes with just a couple of eighths thrown in, the line is technically simple, provided you can play in 7/4, a decidedly stutter-step feel of a time signature.

It’s the catchiness of the line that makes it great. “Money” gave us another bassline that people absentmindedly hum. The fact that it drives the song so superbly makes it all the better.

The Chain— Fleetwood Mac, Played by John McVie

You’ll have to start the song after the halfway point to get to the good stuff, but it’s not like “The Chain” is a bad song at the beginning. It’s Fleetwood Mac, after all. Anyway, this song was spliced together from riffs and lines each band member created, so it’s no surprise that bassist John McVie’s contribution was an epic bassline.

If there exists a checklist for a great bass line, it might come from this one. Driving eighth notes in a minor key? Check. Some syncopation thrown in for good measure? Check. Rhythmic propulsion of the rest of the band? Check. A hook to hang the song on? Check.

Good Times— Chic, Played by Bernard Edwards

Can you think of a single person who’s never heard this bass line? Even if she can’t identify it, your grandmother has heard in “Good Times” or behind “Rapper’s Delight.”

Bernard Edwards created a bass line that grooves like crazy, is busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest, and pretty much dares the listener not to shake SOMETHING when listening to it.

One of the best things about this bass line is the spaces between the notes. Edwards will lay out here and there for a beat and a half, letting everything else in the band have their own spaces to explore. Also, it’s one of those instantly recognizable lines, too.

Walk on the Wild Side— Lou Reed, Played by Herbie Flowers

This one is actually played on two basses, although there are ways to reproduce it live on one. And it’s also not a hard line to play. But if there’s a two-measure riff that defines the music of the 1970s, it’s the bass line from “Walk on the Wild Side.”

Herbie Flowers played the upper notes on electric bass and the lower ones on an acoustic, so the sound is distinctive. The slides from one note to the next are the things that catch the listener’s ear, and the simplicity of the line, coupled with tasty snare drum brushwork and the “Doo, de-doo, de-doo” backing vocals, make for a beautiful groove.

Conclusion

Yes, we left Entwistle out. And Burton. Stanley Clarke and Les Claypool are missing, too. Honestly, you could fill this list solely with Rush songs. It is nigh impossible to include everyone’s favorites, so we’re sorry if yours didn’t make it. Ultimately, we are here to pay homage to the bass lines that have made so many great songs that much more memorable.

Experienced musicians will tell you that the bass guitar player is the crucial element of the band and often holds the song’s rhythm to an equal or greater degree than the drummer.

If you’ve ever experienced a live jazz or rock show, you may have witnessed the drummer go out on outlandish solos while the bass guitar kept the song’s rhythmic framework tight.

Basslines do not only hold the song in place rhythmically; if they’re catchy or technically challenging, they can create an unforgettable melody and live on in our ears and minds. Fans will spend their lives trying to learn the most difficult bass parts.

Bass guitar is important because it fills many essential roles in a composition. It gives a necessary low-end tone that offsets the guitar, vocals, keys, and drum parts. Bass parts help hold the tempo of a song and can carry rhythms alone or work in conjunction with drums and guitar to trade rhythms. Bass guitars can be used to create both rhythmic tension and flow.

Bass players are the undervalued foundation of the band. Beloved bass players like Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, Bootsy Collins, Carol Kaye, Les Claypool, and John Paul Jones have set the standards for the instrument by building and defining their respective genres of jazz, funk, classic rock, and alternative rock.

Modern bass players continue to entertain us with proficiency and eccentricity, such as Thundercat, or versatility and a uniquely feminine approach, such as Esperanza Spalding.

Michael League of Snarky Puppy demonstrates how to be a phenomenal instrumentalist on bass guitar, but also how to be a team player, as he weaves his way through large ensemble pieces without overbearingly pursuing individual attention.

Techniques such as hammer-ons and -offs, slapping, popping, tapping, pizzicato, and how a bass guitar player composes and utilizes unique time signature changes, chord expressions, solos, or six-string bass, are what makes the parts difficult.

These harder songs tend to gain the love of fans and provoke lifelong attempts by fans at mastering their favorite players’ techniques.

Here are five of the hardest songs on bass guitar:

#5 – Teen Town by Weather Report

Jaco Pastorius is a jazz fusion bass guitar legend known for his funk style and innovative harmonics and solos. In Teen Town, by Weather Report, an early jazz fusion treat, Jaco Pastorius plays the bass guitar like a chatty friend at the start of the song. Throughout the song, the bass guitar continues to carry the conversation. The listener can hear chaos, call/responses, and drama, which is exactly what you would expect to hear from conversations in a place called Teen Town.

The bass guitar part in Teen Town is one that new bass players strive to learn. It takes time and practice to nail down the melodic complexity and swiftness of the bassline, but it’s a bass part that players feel compelled to know.

#4 – Roundabout by Yes

Chris Squire from Yes is one of the original influencers of bass rock sound. The bass guitar part in Roundabout is one of the pillars of this influence. Bass guitar players will tell you that the bass guitar riff from Roundabout is a riff every bass player should know as they build their repertoire.

The riff is fun and recognizable, and it’s a fan-favorite expression of classic rock bass guitar style. The tone of the guitar includes more high- to mid-range than is expected of bass guitar parts, and this unique tonality defined the Yes sound in the early 1970s.

Fans love when a songwriter can take the song in many unique directions but somehow make all the sections work together. That songwriting technique is used in Roundabout, and the bass guitar plays an integral part in helping with the direction and tone changes, which adds another layer of challenge (and deserved respect) to the bass guitar part.

#3 – YYZ by Rush

Geddy Lee drove the Rush sound of the 1970s with his driving bass guitar style and created some of the most iconic bass lines ever. Rush also pushed the progressive rock sound of that entire decade, in part because of Lee’s influence on bass guitar.

The exciting and challenging rhythms of all the instrument parts in YYZ catch listeners in the first bars. Within the first 30 seconds, it is well-established that all players had to work so hard to execute the rhythms of this song in unison.

As the song plays on, the listener realizes that the bass part matches the lead guitar rhythms note for note and continues to hold the rhythmic melody as the lead guitar takes longer notes.

This isn’t often a part or role reserved for the bass guitar in music, so it’s both an extreme challenge for the player and a treat for bass guitar fans. It’s fun to listen to every part in this song, but it’s clear to the ear that the bass guitar carries YYZ.

#2 – The Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin

John Paul Jones created a beloved electric bass style for the rocking Led Zeppelin sound. The bass guitar is clear and present in the mix of The Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin, which gives listeners full ease to hear John Paul Jones showing off signature moves throughout. Many feel this bass guitar part in The Lemon Song represents an apex in electric bass guitar playing in rock music.

John Paul Jones leads the way with his own melodic bass guitar lines that fit perfectly around the guitar part. The song features one of the most technically challenging and luscious expressions of bass guitar, and many Led Zeppelin fans feel this was John Paul Jones’ most funky bass part he ever recorded.

#1 – Tommy the Cat by Primus

Les Claypool is a bass guitar legend. He defined the Primus sound with his slap bass techniques in the 1980s, and he is known for making some of the weirdest and most beloved bass guitar expressions of all time. Les used chordal strums and a slap/pop groove to create the ultimate riff for Tommy the Cat.

Writing a good song is about telling a story or taking the listeners on a journey. In Tommy the Cat, Les also used the bass guitar as one of the key storytellers of the song. In the first half of the song, each time the song changes mood or direction throughout the sections, it’s the bass guitar that takes us there, and the vocals and the rest of the parts soon follow.

Les Claypool’s signature style redefined the role and prominence of bass guitar for Primus and alternative rock, and Tommy the Cat is a perfect representation of this style and sound.

The Bottom Line

It is difficult to narrow down a list of the hardest bass guitar songs from so many incredible selections. Honorable mentions include other songs from bands on this list, like Primus and Rush, and songs from the legendary bands that were excluded, like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica.

Bass guitar parts can range from a simple, rhythmic placeholder to a front-and-center star of time signature manipulation and storytelling. The songs on this list were truly defined by the technique, composition, and style of the bass guitar players and parts.

Since Leo Fender began mass-producing bass guitars in the 50s, they have played an essential role in music. Whether you’re playing funk or punk, music isn’t the same without cranking up the volume on the bottom end.

Unfortunately, bass players are often the unsung heroes of the band and are criminally underappreciated. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 8 songs with bass solos.

Keep reading to pay your respects to the fathers of the four-string.

8 Songs with Bass Solos to Listen to

The Who (John Entwistle) – My Generation

John Entwistle took the bass solo to a dizzying new height in The Who’s 60s defining hit, “My Generation.” While polite solos abound in jazz music of the era, Entwistle’s crushing flits of melody sound poised to rip the doors off the music establishment.

Entwistle is notorious for his hard-playing style on the bass, one that mimicked the chaotic stage show of The Who. But he wasn’t attacking the bass merely for looks – by plucking the strings aggressively, Entwistle produced a unique sound from his bass.

Often imitated but never duplicated, Entwistle is considered one of the greatest rock and roll bassists of all time. If you’re looking for proof of his greatness, look no further than his frantic bass solo in “My Generation.”

Ben Folds Five (Robert Sledge) – Song for the Dumped

Ben Folds Five confounded many music fans after gaining notoriety with their 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen. To begin with, the band only had three members, leaving many to question what the deal with the “five” was. Even more perplexing was the band’s total lack of guitar.

That’s where Robert Sledge comes in. The bass guitarist for Ben Folds Five, Sledge had one of the most outsized gigs that any bassist could imagine, as his playing was responsible for melody and texture throughout the band’s catalog.

With the help of a Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal, Sledge has a melodic style of playing that often helps fill in the gaps left by not having a guitarist. This style, along with an impressive solo, can be heard on the Ben Folds Five classic “Song for the Dumped.”

Rush (Geddy Lee) – YYZ

Perhaps no name looms as large as Geddy Lee’s in the arena of progressive rock. As Rush’s bass guitarist, Lee’s influence on modern bass guitarists, especially those in heavy metal and rock bands, cannot be overstated.

Lee is known for his highly proficient playing, though he rarely took bass solos. Lee generally wove his intricate playing with the rest of the elements that built each Rush song. This dedication to the craft of songwriting made Rush stand apart from its prog-rock peers.

On “YYZ,” Lee does allow himself to indulge in his skills. The instrumental is a workout for the entire band, as per usual, but without Lee’s signature falsetto to work around, the bass has more room to shine. And shine it does. Blink and you’ll miss it, but between musical breaks, Lee lets his Rickenbacker bass twist and snarl.

Marvin Gaye (James Jamerson) – At Last (I Found a Love)

Between the 60s and early 70s, if you were recording for Motown Records, odds are your backing band was the Funk Brothers. Though this group of musicians did not receive credit for their work at the time, their fingerprints are all over the era’s hit pop and soul records.

James Jamerson was the regular bassist for the Funk Brothers and played on scores of Motown tracks. Because his fluid and melodic style is on display on the biggest hits of soul, Jamerson is highly influential. Rolling Stone magazine named him the best bassist of all time.

On Marvin Gaye’s “At Last (I Found a Love),” Jamerson gets the opportunity to show his stuff, making the most of a rare solo to bolster Gaye’s impassioned vocals and send the song to an even higher level of funk.

Ween (Mean Ween) – Joppa Road

The credits on Ween’s 1994 album Chocolate and Cheese list Mean Ween as the bassist for the album. Obviously, Mean Ween is not a real person. The band seems to revel in the mystery, answering fan questions regarding the identity of Mean Ween with subterfuge and nonsense.

So who is it that is playing the bass solo on Ween’s sublime “Joppa Road?” While recording Chocolate and Cheese, Ween did not have a dedicated bass player. Either principal member, Gene Ween or Dean Ween, could have played on the song. Or perhaps the album’s producer, Andrew Weiss, is the culprit.

Maybe the mystery is part of the appeal. Regardless of who is playing the bass solo on “Joppa Road,” it’s a surprising turn for the largely acoustic tune, one that rewards the listener with a dose of funk.

Foghat (Nick Jameson) – Slow Ride

Foghat stumbled upon “Slow Ride” while jamming with their new bassist, Nick Jameson. After the group locked into the riff, they knew they were on to something good. It wouldn’t be long until the entire song was fleshed out, and a classic 70s rocker was born.

There are two versions of the classic Foghat single “Slow Ride.” One is a little under four minutes long, is played heavily on classic-rock radio stations, and has found its way onto several different movies and tv shows. The other is an eight-minute epic that delivers on the titular promise of the track.

If it’s a bass solo you’re looking for, be sure to listen to the LP version of “Slow Ride” on the album Fool for the City. After about five minutes of a slow ride, that’s when Jameson shines.

Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea) – Aeroplane

Rarely do bass players become household names, but Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is one of the most famous names in modern rock. Though stage antics and pop chart appeal have propelled the Red Hot Chili Peper’s career, the band is just as highly regarded for their musicianship.

Flea’s unique brand of punkish slap bass brought funk music to an alternative audience, injecting rhythm into the flannelled grunge terrain of the 90s. His popularity has transcended music. As an actor, Flea has appeared in dozens of movies, including My Own Private Idaho and The Big Lebowski.

But music is Flea’s true passion, and on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Aeroplane,” a song about the power of music, Flea gets a musical star turn with his grooving bass solo.

Led Zeppelin (John Paul Jones) – The Lemon Song

There are more technically impressive bass solos, but few have the bluesy swagger of John Paul Jones’ line in Led Zeppelin’s “The Lemon Song.” Jones’ ability to craft melodic basslines that still resonated melodically came from his experience as a composer, which Jones did before his stint in Led Zeppelin.

Jones’ impact on bass guitarists is impressive. He has influenced some of the best rock bassists of all time, and music fans often cite him as the best in rock polls. Jones’ notoriety led to post Zeppelin work scoring an orchestra for R.E.M. and playing mandolin with The Foo Fighters.

But “The Lemon Song” is all about that bass. Jones plays loose and groovy before Jimmy Page rips the song to shreds with a blazing guitar solo. The potent one-two punch makes this song one of Zeppelin’s best.

Final Thoughts on Bass Solos

Whether it’s smooth like butter or crashes like thunder, the bass plays an essential role in music. Though basslines generally define the structure and rhythm of songs, the best bass players always have more to add.

A bass solo is a wondrous thing, which is why we made a list of 8 songs with bass solos. Enjoy these rare sightings of bass guitarists in the spotlight and cherish all the funky fun they provide.

The lead singer is often the frontrunner and face of every band, but the bassist is equally important in the group. They have that steady presence in a group that holds it together and they tend to be the actual leader behind the scenes.

The deep strum of a bass guitar may not dazzle everyone like a good electric guitar riff or throaty singing in the mic, but it enhances the song from the shadows. The bassist lurks in the background, armed with their guitar and vibing with the music mysteriously.

Here is a list of a few songs that will explain how a good bass line takes a song a level above, from good to perfect.

Get ready to get blown away by some good music and beats that will raise the admiration you hold for both the instrument and its player.

16 Songs With Good Bass

Song # 1: Superstition by Stevie Wonder

It is hard to choose only one of Stevie Wonder’s songs to include in the list as an excellent underlying bass line is a hallmark of his. Stevie Wonder’s jazzy voice goes perfectly with the bass, making it a wildly popular hit.

Song # 2: Money by Pink Floyd

You will rarely find bands where the bassist is also the lead singer. This is why it comes as no surprise that Pink Floyd ended up defying all odds to become one of the few bands that do.

Roger Waters filled in as the leader that took Pink Floyd to new heights, all while playing his guitar and occasionally singing alongside Richard Wright.

Their song Money is famous for its iconic bass that resounds well when you listen to it with its official video.

Song # 3: Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

When you say Queen, Freddy Mercury automatically comes to mind. He is arguably the best frontman of a band to ever grace the stage.

However, while his vocals were a very strong point, they often took away the spotlight from equally talented band members.

Another One Bites the Dust is the perfect example of how the upbeat music and bass of John Deacon made a song the hit it is today.

Song # 4: Come Together by The Beatles

It comes as no surprise that The Beatles make the list. They were the band that singlehandedly revolutionized the whole music industry.

Their rock-n-roll songs, coupled with Paul McCartney’s iconic bass line, made Come Together just another one of the Beatle’s routine hits.

Song # 5: Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz

What makes the Gorillaz one of the most fabled bands is that we have not been able to put a face to their voice.

Their animated music videos and elaborate storylines that follow their songs are mysterious and exceptional enough for us to love them.

Song # 6: Give it Away Now by Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Let’s be honest; Red Hot Chilli Peppers deserve a whole new list of the best bass songs ever made. Even then, their next strongest competitor will still end up being the Red Hot Chilli Peppers themselves – that’s how good they are!

Flea is right up there with the best bassists ever, and his bass lines are what set Red Hot Chilli Peppers apart from other rock bands.

Song # 7: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

The song starts with an upbeat bass line which is probably the most famous and recognizable everywhere in the world.

This song became an instant hit, and what makes it a classic is that it introduced us to Michael Jackson’s famous Moonwalk.

Song # 8: The Chain by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is a very underrated band which is a pity. They are unique in the sense that they often sing together in a group instead of having a solo lead vocalist.

The bass lines of this song go perfectly with the rise and fall of their voice pitches.

Song # 9: So What by Miles Davis

Even if you are not into jazz, you can’t escape this song. So What is the most famous jazz song in the world, and its alternating piano and horn are further enhanced by the masterpiece of a bass line.

It is true that you probably hear the horn the most throughout the song, but its deep bass made it one of the most recognizable songs in the world.

Song # 10: My Generation by The Who

The Who walked so My Chemical Romance could run. Not many people know this but The Who were the front runners of punk rock music and incorporated bass into it.

The Who created a classic rebellious punk rock song showered here and there with a few solo bass parts, which just goes to show how talented John Entwistle was.

Song # 11: Ramble On by Led Zeppelin

John Paul Jones is widely recognized as the most influential bassist, and this song showcases his expertise.

Led Zeppelin wouldn’t be one of the best rock n roll bands today if Jones couldn’t harmonize his bass with Jimmy Page’s guitar and Robert Plant’s voice.

Song # 12: Hysteria by Muse

This song ranks on top of the list of the best bassline of all time. You will probably agree with the ranking if you have heard the song too.

Chris Wolstenholme let’s all his talent flow through his hands as he absolutely nails the masterpiece.

Song # 13: The Ace of Spades by Motorhead

Motorhead is the second British rock band to be included in the list. Lemmy Kilmister, the frontman of the band, singer, songwriter, is also the bassist.

The wild bass line is so skilled that it almost makes you believe you are hearing somebody shredding a guitar and is the reason behind this being Motorhead’s most hit single.

Song # 14: Under Pressure by David Bowie and Queen

When two legendary rock stars come together, it can only result in the production of a legendary song. This is exactly what happened when David Bowie and Queen collaborated during Under Pressure.

The song was an instant hit, and its introductory bass line was one of the main reasons why. It proved instantly popular, and many other artists copied it to include it in their songs too.

Ever wondered why Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” sounds so familiar? It has the same bass line as Under Pressure.

Song # 15: What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye

No, it’s not that song by 3 Non-Blondes, but it’s just as good. What’s Going On kick-started Gaye’s illustrious career and proved that good bass lines don’t exist in rock songs only.

Song # 16: Come As You Are by Nirvana

We simply couldn’t conclude the list without including the rock legends Nirvana in it. Nirvana had a career that burnt like a fire short but very bright. They were at their peak in the ’90s when Come As You Are was released.

The song had an epic opening bass line followed by a set of lyrics that took the world by the storm. The lyrics complemented the bass line and vice versa, making this song perfect.

The Bass Line

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog on ’16 Best Bass Songs’ and will definitely add some in your playlist.

Which one of these songs is your favorite? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Hang around musicians long enough, and you will hear a joke or two about bass players. Though often the butt of jokes, without their bottom-end, music would not move us in quite the same way.

People always remember a charismatic lead singer. Fans swoon over rip-roaring lead guitar licks. As for the bass player? Well, they get relegated to the back of the stage. But a bass line has the power to make a good song great. We’ve compiled 10 famous bass lines in appreciation of these unsung heroes. Come groove along with us.

Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side

Lou Reed’s biggest hit, 1972’s “Walk on the Wild Side,” is one of the most recognizable bass lines in rock and roll and hip-hop history. This notoriety is due to A Tribe Called Quest sampling “Walk on the Wild Side” on their iconic 1990 single “Can I Kick It.”

Bass player Herbie Flowers, who played with iconic acts such as T. Rex and David Bowie, used two separate basses to get the sound you hear on “Walk on the Wild Side.” The primary bass is an acoustic stand-up bass. Listen closely, however, and you can hear an electric bass ascending to a higher octave while the stand-up descends. The results were legendary.

Freddie Hubbard – Red Clay

When Freddie Hubbard joined fledgling CTI Records in 1970, jazz was undergoing a sea change. The trumpeter had prior success on Blue Note and Atlantic Records with his brand of hardbop, but as the 60s came to an end, jazz began fusing with rock and soul. Hubbard took note, and Red Clay became the standard for 70s jazz.

Ron Carter deserves the credit for the groove “Red Clay.” A legend in jazz circles, Carter played on 2,221 recording sessions over his career. His bass playing on “Red Clay” serves as the funky anchor that allows the rest of the players to explore experimental solos without fear of sending the song off into the ether.

James Brown & The Famous Flames – I Got You (I Feel Good)

People can’t help but dance when “I Got You (I Feel Good)” starts playing. The groove is infectious, and when coupled with James Brown’s waling delivery, audiences were left powerless to do anything but shake it. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” would become a top ten hit in 1965 and the biggest hit of Brown’s storied, fifty-year career.

Thanks in part to its placement in film, television, and advertising throughout the latter half of the 20th century, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” has managed to outlast even the extraordinary long career of Brown himself. Due to its famous bassline, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” served as a precursor to the 70s funk explosion.

The Breeders – Cannonball

Initially formed as a side project by Pixies bassist Kim Deal, by 1993 the Pixies had broken up. In turn, The Breeders became Deal’s main project. With grunge and alternative music sweeping the nation, The Breeders released their slinky, supercharged single “Cannonball” to unexpected chart success.

Despite her notoriety as the bassist of the Pixies, Deal isn’t playing bass on “Cannonball.” Josephine Wiggs was enlisted as The Breeders’ bass player and wrote the simple bass line that opens the song. The simplicity of Wiggs’ bassline is immediately recognizable to alternative rock fans and is a classic representation of grunge ethos.

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell had a string of hits in the mid-60s, but none are as enduring as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The song has all the benchmarks of a classic Motown tune: great songwriting, stunning vocal performances, and a masterful bass line.

James Jamerson isn’t a household name, though you have heard him play. As part of the Funk Brothers, the Motown Records house band, Jamerson played bass on nearly everything from Motown between 1963 and 1968. Jamerson’s playing on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” highlights his talent for writing bass lines that sound like conversations with the rest of the melody.

Queen – Another One Bites the Dust

Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” is a perfect example of what happens when a band lets their bass player write a song. The John Deacon penned number is a simple, danceable composition that topped the charts, sold millions of records, and has since become an immediately recognizable entry in the band’s canon.

John Deacon co-wrote quite a few of Queen’s biggest hits, including the equally infectious and bass-heavy “Under Pressure.” None of these hits stack up to “Another One Bites the Dust” though, as its plodding bass line provides the track with rhythm, melody, and a menacing attitude. It’s a masterclass in composition and space – a surefire dancefloor hit.

CHIC – Good Times

With the bass line to “Good Times,” CHIC’s Bernard Edwards single-handedly changed music history. “Good Times” topped the Billboard Chart in 1979 and could be heard in Discos across the country, but more importantly, the bass line became the basis for Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.”

Credited as the first song to bring hip-hop to a mainstream audience, the effect of “Rapper’s Delight” on modern music cannot be overstated. With Edwards’ recognizable bass line serving as their anchor, Sugarhill Gang laid the groundwork for the hip-hop genre. Their effort would help usher the genre from underground phenomenon to mainstream acceptance.

Buzzcocks – Why Can’t I Touch It?

Bouncy, dancefloor-ready anthems probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about punk rock, but Buzzcocks’ “Why Can’t I Touch It?” might go a long way in changing that stereotype. The song, the b-side to their single “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays,” has become a staple at hipster dance parties.

Buzzcocks and “Why Can’t I Touch It?” serve as a stepping stone for punk and independent music, bringing rhythm and melody to the forefront of their songwriting. Though the band would barely make it into the 80s, their influence reverberated throughout the decade, and their mark on the pop-punk genre remains today.

Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love

Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” bass line is immediately recognizable, though you might not know exactly which song you’re hearing. Though Tom Tom Club had Top 40 success with “Genius of Love” in 1981, the song has become iconic primarily due to its second life. Through the 80s, “Genius of Love” was tirelessly sampled by hip-hop producers. Then in 1995, Mariah Carey had a worldwide hit sampling the song in her single “Fantasy.”

We have Tina Weymouth to thank for this timeless groove. Her bass composition for “Genius of Love” would be enough for a special place in conversations surrounding bass, but as a founding member of the Talking Heads, she also played iconic bass lines on classics like “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime.”

Commodores – Brick House

It doesn’t get much funkier than the Commodores’ “Brick House.” Though the band is primarily remembered for their lead singer Lionel Richie’s smooth vocals on ballads like “Easy,” they could let it all hang out with Ronald LaPread on the bass.

The funky, gold-standard bass line of “Brick House” came together accidentally. During a technical issue in the recording studio, LaPread started jamming alone on an improvised bass riff. Pretty soon, the whole band joined in. When their producer heard the resulting jam session, he suggested the band shape it into a song. Later that year it would reach #5 on the Top 40 charts.

10 Famous Bass Lines Conclusion

While casual listeners might not know the names of famous bassists, they can certainly recognize their bass lines. Without these memorable and melodic contributions to music, we would never experience the propulsive rhythms that call us to dance — or their contributions to exciting new genres. Now go ahead and shake your groove thing.

Pin It