Whats up all? Im new here and picked up the bass a litle less than a year ago...Ive kept a routine of everyday (i have honestly played everyday) for at least 3-4 hours. I just want to know some thoughts about top 10 bass songs you should know...looking forward to the feedback
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10 "Must Know" songs for bass
- Thread starter Pushitonme
- Start date
I play a lot of Tool, Metallica......recenlty a lot of Metal. Im learning Between the Buried and me right now.
Other than that, I play Earth Wind Fire, and stevie wonder.
Other than that, I play Earth Wind Fire, and stevie wonder.
Welcome, Push! I'm new here as well. It's hard to suggest what "Top 10" songs someone should learn if you've never actually heard them play.
But...I strongly suggest a list of a Top 10 songs you are working on list that you constantly add to as you cross off things you already know. Pick songs that won't take you 6 months to learn. You've been playing for a year already, so you probably know what your strengths are, and what is beyond your reach. Get some Sabbath, Led Zep, Police, James Jamerson/Motown stuff, and maybe some 311. Or pick your own stuff. Just keep it diverse and changing. I could probably suggest more at some point...
But...I strongly suggest a list of a Top 10 songs you are working on list that you constantly add to as you cross off things you already know. Pick songs that won't take you 6 months to learn. You've been playing for a year already, so you probably know what your strengths are, and what is beyond your reach. Get some Sabbath, Led Zep, Police, James Jamerson/Motown stuff, and maybe some 311. Or pick your own stuff. Just keep it diverse and changing. I could probably suggest more at some point...
As a resident old $art, I like a lot of different musical styles.
From Tony Bennet to Radiohead. I tend to love Surf (Beachboys) Roadhouse Blues (ZZ and SRV and Bugs Henderson) and even Johnny Mathis (Mr. Silver Throat) since they all need and use bass guitars for holding the music together even if they don't actually play them themselves.
If I were to pick the Ten-Best or Most-Necessary songs for a bassist to learn ASAP - it'd be like this -----------
The others are basically for a broad example of what a bass player should be CAPABLE of when seeking work as a pro or semi-pro.
Flexibility is key to finding work and if you at least have some idea of a few jazz and blues boxes, you can get into a groove and "learn as you go" in what you can then channel down to the type of music you want to play for $$$.
You may notice that I didn't include any pop-slap bass and/or speed metal. It's not MY style and this was asked as an opinion and so this is MY opinion.
From Tony Bennet to Radiohead. I tend to love Surf (Beachboys) Roadhouse Blues (ZZ and SRV and Bugs Henderson) and even Johnny Mathis (Mr. Silver Throat) since they all need and use bass guitars for holding the music together even if they don't actually play them themselves.
If I were to pick the Ten-Best or Most-Necessary songs for a bassist to learn ASAP - it'd be like this -----------
1) Louie, Louie - but make it your own version 
2) Girl - by The Beatles
3) Samba Pa Ti - The Santana version
4) ANYTHING - by Gino Minelli,
5) China Grove - by The Doobies
6) Something - by The Beatles
7) Show 'n Tell - by Al Wilson
8) Poison - by All The Pretty Horses (they're weird - no, make that: "different" but have a good bass player!)
9) In A Week Or Two - by Diamond Rio
10) Misty - by Johnny Mathis
I think learning songs that you can at least hum the bass-line to are the best - and that's why I picked on The Beatles for at least two songs. They are quite recognizable to almost everyone. 2) Girl - by The Beatles
3) Samba Pa Ti - The Santana version
4) ANYTHING - by Gino Minelli,
5) China Grove - by The Doobies
6) Something - by The Beatles
7) Show 'n Tell - by Al Wilson
8) Poison - by All The Pretty Horses (they're weird - no, make that: "different" but have a good bass player!)
9) In A Week Or Two - by Diamond Rio
10) Misty - by Johnny Mathis
The others are basically for a broad example of what a bass player should be CAPABLE of when seeking work as a pro or semi-pro.
Flexibility is key to finding work and if you at least have some idea of a few jazz and blues boxes, you can get into a groove and "learn as you go" in what you can then channel down to the type of music you want to play for $$$.
You may notice that I didn't include any pop-slap bass and/or speed metal. It's not MY style and this was asked as an opinion and so this is MY opinion.
1. Message in a Bottle (police)
2. Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
3. Bad... the main riff (Michael Jackson)
4 Limelight (Rush)
5. Give it Away (RHCP)
6. With or without you (U2)
7. Money (Pink Floyd)
8. Anything (Dramarama)
9. Oye Como Va (Santana)
10. My world is empty without you (done by Afghan Whigs)
just my very quick spontaneous list ...although i really like surferjoe46's concepts something blues would be good,pretty much something somewhat easy and memorable.
not should know but worth taking a spin
2. Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
3. Bad... the main riff (Michael Jackson)
4 Limelight (Rush)
5. Give it Away (RHCP)
6. With or without you (U2)
7. Money (Pink Floyd)
8. Anything (Dramarama)
9. Oye Como Va (Santana)
10. My world is empty without you (done by Afghan Whigs)
just my very quick spontaneous list ...although i really like surferjoe46's concepts something blues would be good,pretty much something somewhat easy and memorable.
not should know but worth taking a spin
I would recommend anything from the Grateful Dead (live versions) because they had a tendency to "switch it up" constantly so it really keeps you on your toes and gives you a complete workout up and down the neck. Also, its really great stuff that you'll never get tired of. However, do not limit yourself to any one particular style. Bassplayer/vocalists are good too. Beatles, Rush, Police, etc. Must-know songs should never be limited to less than 30 or 50. Happy playing, jb.
Also, put yourself together a 3-set list with about 5-7 songs each consisting of various musical formats, (blues, country, etc.). Mostly classic rock. This can definitely help you in a pinch. Don't find it impossible when you go to a club as an audience member to wind up on stage because the band's bassplayer failed to show up. Tone is of course god but being ready to rock and roll at all times no matter what is what defines preparation as key. Keep this set list solid because you might find yourself playing live with a band of strangers whom you've never had a chance to rehearse with before and doing this on the fly. Remember, EVERY band needs a bassplayer.
The songs that have come in Handy, is how this list come out. 1) Fever (patty page) 2) roger rabbit theme (hit the road jack,16 tons, why don't you do right, etc.) 3) Twisted (Joni Mitchell) 4) the "A" train(Mingus) 5) woodchoppers ball (woody herman) 6) I shot the sheriff (barrett and shakespeare versions) Past that what ever the band genre is you have your "sea legs" and got a chance at going wherever you need to.
