Greatest Song without a Bassline!

[GrooveWarrior]

What is your favorite song without a bassline?

I think the greatest song without a bassline has to be Aerial Boundaries by Michael Hedges. That is how music should sound. If that doesn't inspire you musically, check your pulse!

[Stingraymund]

"When Doves Cry" by Prince.

I believe every song NEEDS a bassline, but this song proved that there's an exception to the rule.

[GrooveWarrior]

Nice one! I am going to see Prince in Cincinnati on Tuesday! I can't wait!!!

[Wrong Robot]

'Prince' By kiss


I wouldn't count that michael hedges song(even though it is a sweet song), just because it's not played on a bass doesn't mean that it doesn't have a bass part ya know? Didn't he play that on his harp guitar too? that certainly provides extra bass too.

[GrooveWarrior]

Originally Posted by Wrong Robot

'Prince' By kiss


I wouldn't count that michael hedges song(even though it is a sweet song), just because it's not played on a bass doesn't mean that it doesn't have a bass part ya know? Didn't he play that on his harp guitar too? that certainly provides extra bass too.

No Harp Guitar, just a top string tuned down to about A.

[P. Aaron]

"Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin

[Wrong Robot]

Originally Posted by crhoton

No Harp Guitar, just a top string tuned down to about A.

Still, there is undeniably a bass part in the harmonic riff sections. Though some of the chordal stuff is a little airy, and sans bass.

[Benjamin Strange]

John Cage's 4'33". No bassline, no melody, no words, no music. Pretty catchy too.

[Adam Barkley]

Eleanor Rigby doesn't have an electric bassline - that count?

Just bowed fills on upright

[JimK]

...yep, "Eleanor Rigby" is orchestral.
On a tangent-
McCartney's "Blackbird" is all acoustic guitar; Jaco did a pretty job of doing it as a solo bass piece.



One of my favourite sub-sub-genres of Jazz is sax and drums...no bass, keys, etc.
Example: Coltrane/Rashied Ali on Interstellar Space.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by basstriaxis

John Cage's 4'33". No bassline, no melody, no words, no music. Pretty catchy too.

Not "catchy", IMO.

...the piece is supposed to be different each & every time you 'hear' it.

[Adam Barkley]

Changes- Black Sabbath

[jrthebassguy]

Bright Eyes - Waste Of Paint

[Adam Barkley]

Tried to find a JPJ pic with a mandolin, any of the live Zeppelin songs with mandolin, didn't have bass.

[Lackey]

"Straws Pulled At Random" - Meshuggah

Incredible, yes, and moving also...

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by JimK

Not "catchy", IMO.

...the piece is supposed to be different each & every time you 'hear' it.

I like to re-interpret that one every time I play it in a different style. Some nights I do it reggae style, other nights I do it as if Meshuggah and Dillinger Escape Plan got together over cappicinos and discussed the merits of Chuck Mangione. I like variety, what can I say?

[Adam Barkley]

When I saw Meshuggah open for Tool they might as well not had a bassist. I honestly couldn't understand any sound they made (vocals,super detuned 8 string guitar,) other than drums. They were the worst band I have ever seen live.

[Mark Latimour]

One by Metallica (as recorded on and Justice for All....)




Edit: Sorry wasn't responding to your quote re Messugah - I like AJFA, it would just be nice if it had bass!

[Adam Barkley]

That hurts man

I guess I am the only bassist here that actually likes Justice.
Course I liked it before I was a bassist so thats probably why.

[Adam Barkley]

Ok maybe Meshuggah wasn't the worst, the Deftones were pretty pathetic live. Singer was out of his gourd on something, and the sound was just drum and bass throbbing for 45 minutes. They were actually louder than anybody else that played that day.