Bass lines/songs that everyone should learn

TheVoiceless · #1 07-06-2010, 01:47 PM

Hey TB,

I've been learning some covers of late, and was wondering what songs are a MUST to learn in becoming a better bass player. Like what is "Stairway to Heaven" to guitar would be to bass?

I was hoping to get a list and start learning them. The only thing I ask when people reply, I would like them to leave a link to the song (if possible) and why they chose the riff/song as a MUST know bass part. Also if they want to say "best for beginner" or "for advanced players". Also consider the genre of music. Like I would nominate Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth), by Metallica as a must learn in the metal category.

Here is mine,

Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WX_4FNoto4

Great for beginners. Easy to recognize riff. No one is disappointed when you pull this one off at a party and your a beginner.

TSkills · #2 07-06-2010, 02:25 PM

Stir It Up

Stumbo · #3 07-06-2010, 02:35 PM

Learn all the blues progressions/turnarounds you can.

1 "Must know" blues tunes
2

TheVoiceless · #4 07-06-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSkills

Stir It Up

By who?

TheVoiceless · #5 07-06-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Learn all the blues progressions/turnarounds you can.

Can you be specific? Songs? Players?

JTE · #6 07-06-2010, 06:23 PM

The same ones in the previous thread about this...

A. The part Bill Wyman recorded for the verses of "Honky-Tonk Women", which bears an uncanny resemblence to Andy Fraser's verse part on "Alright Now" by Free, and Price's line on "When Doves Cry". Why? 'Cause most beginners need to learn to do what the SONG needs, and sublimate thier musical ego.

B. Jack Bruce's line for "Badge". But learn the studio version from "Good-bye Cream" AND the different way he approaches the song for the Albert Hall reunion concerts. Why? To see theb simple use of chord tones to outline the harmony and still have a distinctive and interesting line- and to learn that there ain't no need to assume what is played on "the record" is the only way to play a song. See also Bill Wyman's live version of "Honky Tonk Women" from the Stones' live "Get Your Ya-Ya's Out".

John

FromTheBassMent · #7 07-06-2010, 06:26 PM

Man, every time there's a thread about essential/influential/inspiring/challenging bass lines, I always throw out the same one. No one ever responds. I never get a +1. Sometimes I think I dreamed up this song in my own head. But once more, for what it's worth:

"If You Want Me To Stay" by Sly And The Family Stone

It's one of the first and only bass lines I ever learned to note-for-note, and it was a bear... but worth every hour I put into it!

Shakin-Slim · #8 07-06-2010, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoiceless

By who?

Bob Marley and The Wailers

omnimutant · #9 07-06-2010, 07:41 PM

I'll Throw out a few beginner tunes I like which are both confidence boosters that teach you a little technique and sound cool at the same time.

Funk:
Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Pusherman - Curtis Matfield
Naked in the Rain - RHCP (good starter slap)

Rock/Metal:
Fire- Jimi Hendrix
Aerials - System of a Down
Unsung - Helmet
War pigs (intro) - Black Sabbath

Punk:
March of the SoD - Storm Troopers of Death
America - Agent Orange
Sour Grapes - Decendents
Salad Days - Minor Threat

the general · #10 07-06-2010, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromTheBassMent

Man, every time there's a thread about essential/influential/inspiring/challenging bass lines, I always throw out the same one. No one ever responds. I never get a +1. Sometimes I think I dreamed up this song in my own head. But once more, for what it's worth:

"If You Want Me To Stay" by Sly And The Family Stone

It's one of the first and only bass lines I ever learned to note-for-note, and it was a bear... but worth every hour I put into it!

+1 because Sly is awesome.

the general · #11 07-06-2010, 09:28 PM

My choices are:
Cream - Outside Woman Blues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ig4IJgRjGU
A fairly simple song that gives a good introduction to blues/rock genre and is catchy to boot.

Green Day - Longview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy5XR-oxCus
Lots of hammer-ons and pull offs to practice with and lets you be in the spotlight.

and Sly and the Family Stone - Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=des0hOyzgRs

simple song thats gives people a chance to practice slap and pluck technique

Shakin-Slim · #12 07-06-2010, 09:37 PM

Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes - Paul Simon
Maybe Sly & The Family Stones Everyday People? :P

masterfader87 · #13 07-06-2010, 09:43 PM

"I Want You Back" Jackson 5
"Ramble On" Led Zeppelin
"Come Together" The Beatles
"Money" Pink Floyd

just a few off the top of my head

**Staccato** · #14 07-07-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromTheBassMent

..."If You Want Me To Stay" by Sly And The Family Stone...

+1

Absolutely!

TheVoiceless · #15 07-07-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

The same ones in the previous thread about this...

John

I had a feeling this was done before. My bad, but I will learn every song listed as part of my personal challenge to learn as many songs on bass as I can.

Thanks!

TheVoiceless · #16 07-07-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromTheBassMent

Man, every time there's a thread about essential/influential/inspiring/challenging bass lines, I always throw out the same one. No one ever responds. I never get a +1. Sometimes I think I dreamed up this song in my own head. But once more, for what it's worth:

"If You Want Me To Stay" by Sly And The Family Stone

It's one of the first and only bass lines I ever learned to note-for-note, and it was a bear... but worth every hour I put into it!

+1000000000

Thanks for participating!!

TheVoiceless · #17 07-07-2010, 10:02 AM

Let me add,

Throw in some hard ones. Songs that took you weeks to learn. Like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorious. Songs you feel are a MUST learn for any bass player trying to master the instrument.

the general · #18 07-07-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoiceless

Let me add,

Throw in some hard ones. Songs that took you weeks to learn. Like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorious. Songs you feel are a MUST learn for any bass player trying to master the instrument.

i don't know how true it is for everyone's song list on here but Green Day - Longview did take me probably 2-3 weeks to learn. A song i find extremely difficult is Mudvayne - Death Blooms but this guy has it down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33csgXCppNU

he's using techniques and speed that still elude me. but i'll keep trying

darkhorse9 · #19 07-07-2010, 02:41 PM

If you're talking something that beginners should learn and veterans should know, I'd have to say "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. That is classic Motown and can be used in many songs like Please Mr. Postman and other oldies.

It is an instantly recognizable progression that stands on its own. May be a bit below your skill level, however.

TheVoiceless · #20 07-07-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the general

i don't know how true it is for everyone's song list on here but Green Day - Longview did take me probably 2-3 weeks to learn. A song i find extremely difficult is Mudvayne - Death Blooms but this guy has it down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33csgXCppNU

he's using techniques and speed that still elude me. but i'll keep trying

Great example!! Yeah Ryan is a unique player. And learning his style will definitely make someone a better player. I'm on it!

I have Longview also as one to learn.