Quote:
Originally Posted by Depth_Charge  +1. Gouge Away is a good example. |
+2 the Pixies have a number of bass lines that are rather simple and easy to learn. They're one of the first things I started learning.
Specifically "Gigantic"
All eighths
Code:
G ----------------|---------------|
D ----------------|---------------|
A ---------5-5-7-7|2-2-2-2-3-3-5-5|
E -3-3-3-3--------|---------------|
Ignore the first note when you start, then just repeat this riff for the entire song (aside from a brief guitar break in the middle). So simple you'll probably get tired of it. So then move on to the only vaguely more challenging "Where Is My Mind?" which is simple enough that you can probably learn it in about 5 minutes even if you've just started learning the bass (hell, I'm barely past that stage myself). Moving on from there "Here Comes Your Man" is tougher. The main hook/chorus will probably take some good time practicing before you have it down solid and switches across all four strings. The verses make some nice use of eighth rests that will help develop your timing and rhythm and, at least based on the tab I've been using and what I can hear on the album the basic pattern is subtly changed each time.
Plus, if you don't like the Pixies something is terribly wrong with you
I'd also recommend you look into some Weezer as they also tend to have pretty simple bass lines. "In the Garage" was another one of the first few songs I learned.
Likewise Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight, Tonight" is doable for a slightly tougher tentative second-step level about on par with "Here Comes Your Man".
Ben Folds Five, while generally some tougher lines, has the advantage of being arranged as only piano, bass, and drums so you can actually hear the bass line easily. Based on my casual listening "Where's Summer B.?" was one of the few songs I'd recommend to a beginner. Again, one of the early things I started learning after only playing for a month or so.
