Bass Songs for Beginner

Rico509 · #1 02-28-2009, 10:59 AM

I am an absolute beginner. I am teaching myself using Leonard's book, but I was wondering if there are any books that have sheet music for beginners. On the violin one of the first songs they teach you is Ode to Joy because it is so simple, is there an equivalent for the bass? Trying to get the sight reading and practice, but after playing Leonard's little songs for a couple hours straight I think I need something different to change it up a bit.

Thanks

bhass · #2 02-28-2009, 11:09 AM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pink-Floyd-A...5844542&sr=1-1

Apart from being my favourite band, they have really nice basslines. I bought this book and I still enjoy it today. Makes great fun to play along to.

dbassman59 · #3 02-28-2009, 11:40 AM

Look up bass instruction on google

martyman5000 · #4 02-28-2009, 11:45 AM

Ya...finding books is the best. You will find that if you try to find TAB online most of it is incorrect. I have a book with beatles songs and its fun to play along because its correct.

Aurel · #5 02-28-2009, 11:46 AM

Pretty much every Pixies basslines are some of the easiest things to play.

VisualShock · #6 02-28-2009, 02:37 PM

personally, i'd say Kings of Leon have nice simple basslines that are quite effective. once you get going start searching for bass lessons on youtube. you may not be able to learn what they are trying to teach, but you will learn something. I've never had an actual lesson in my life, but i've picked up everything i know from online, and seeing other bassists play it live.

bass12 · #7 02-28-2009, 02:56 PM

It depends on what kind of music you enjoy listening to. There's no point in my naming some R&B stuff if what you're into is alternative rock.

martyman5000 · #8 02-28-2009, 03:44 PM

Kings of Leon is fun...I've been going through the Pixies songs on youtube and they are very simple and fun also..I'm working on my pick technique and the Song Gigantic is so simple

GDE BDE

millsbass5 · #9 02-28-2009, 04:28 PM

I'm not talking Mel Bay books here.I'm talking get something fun to jam to and roll with it, Dawg!(I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO SAY THAT).

Here's a list of song/albums off the top of my head that's super easy to learn:

Anything by AC/DC
Another One Bites the Dust-Queen(First tune I ever learned)
I'm indulging in some alcoholic beverages,for once.(I don't drink;once in a blue moon.)That's all I can come up with for now,sorry.
You get the idea.

Cameronj · #10 02-28-2009, 04:46 PM

With or Without You - U2. You can figure that one out without the sheet music. Take the bass out of that one and the song is nothing.

Rico509 · #11 02-28-2009, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure what kind of music I like to play, I will listen to pretty much any kind of music minus country and gospel. So when it comes to songs I am pretty open to try anything, besides why limit myself to just one genre of music? I guess I will cruise over to B&N and see if they have anything before I make the trek over to GC. When I say beginner I am talking about I am just learning the A string from the Leonard book, which I am moving right along through.

ac1710 · #12 03-01-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico509

I am an absolute beginner. I am teaching myself using Leonard's book, but I was wondering if there are any books that have sheet music for beginners. On the violin one of the first songs they teach you is Ode to Joy because it is so simple, is there an equivalent for the bass? Trying to get the sight reading and practice, but after playing Leonard's little songs for a couple hours straight I think I need something different to change it up a bit.

Thanks

Why not learn Ode to joy on the bass then?
Get someone to write it out in bass clef for you (or better still work it out by ear...)

Just because its not a bassline doesn't mean you can't play it on a bass instrument.

bass12 · #13 03-01-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico509

I am not sure what kind of music I like to play, I will listen to pretty much any kind of music minus country and gospel. So when it comes to songs I am pretty open to try anything, besides why limit myself to just one genre of music?

In that case, I would recommend you check out some R&B and reggae. These genres will get you focusing on what is, for many people, the most important aspect of being a good bassist - possessing the ability to groove.

Some R&B/Soul:

"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King (one of the first bass lines I learned)

"Groove Me" by King Floyd

"Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers

Some Reggae:

"Waiting In Vain" by Bob Marley & The Wailers

"54-46 (That's My Number)/(Was My Number)" by Toots And The Maytals

"Stir it Up" by Bob Marley & The Wailers

"Prison Oval Rock" by Barrington Levy

"Rat In The Kitchen" by UB40

Have fun!!

Cameronj · #14 03-01-2009, 05:03 PM

yeah good suggestions bass12. I think I am going to go do some Reggae tonight!

Blown Cone · #15 03-01-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass12

"54-46 (That's My Number)/(Was My Number)" by Toots And The Maytals

+1 ! One of the first basslines I learned. Good for the fingers.

But in general, I reccommend:
1. Blues (tracy chapman - gimme one reason is a wicked start, because it'll get you jamming)
2. Blues
3. Blues
4. Blues

(recognize a pattern?)
I personally think that stuff is the best for beginner ear training.

dontcallmeQRACK · #16 03-02-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhass

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pink-Floyd-A...5844542&sr=1-1

Apart from being my favourite band, they have really nice basslines. I bought this book and I still enjoy it today. Makes great fun to play along to.

+1

Atoz · #17 03-02-2009, 08:26 PM

Any Ramones song.

Stuntie · #18 03-03-2009, 08:17 AM

Find some tab for your favourite songs from the first couple of albums by your favourite bands.
Chances are they were written by relatively new bassists - it being their first band etc. so won't be over complex or difficult to play.
Stay away from the latest hits of that 20 year old band you like as it may be too technically difficult. Get their first album instead.

Even some of the daunting sounding ones can be real easy to pick up.
Often it is a couple of rifs you can pick up pretty fast and 80% of the song in sorted you can play along with it. Rest is some breaks and bits you can add in as you learn the song structure.

If you go for one you like you will enjoy it more.
There is more chance of me learning Stranglers Nice and Sleazy, because I like the band and the song, than my learning some Michael jackson bass line no matter how good that bass line actually is.

Cheers
Stuntie.