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Bass lines/songs that everyone should learn

TheVoiceless

TheVoiceless

Guest
Jun 11, 2008
1,233
3
New Jersey
www.thevoiceless.tv
#1
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.
 
#6
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
 
#7
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!
 
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#9
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
 
#10
FromTheBassMent said:
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!
Click to expand...

+1 because Sly is awesome.
 
#16
FromTheBassMent said:
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!
Click to expand...

+1000000000

Thanks for participating!!
 
#18
TheVoiceless said:
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.
Click to expand...

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:

he's using techniques and speed that still elude me. but i'll keep trying :)
 
#19
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.
 
#20
the general said:
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:

he's using techniques and speed that still elude me. but i'll keep trying :)
Click to expand...


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.
 

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