Favorite Most Simple But Effective Basslines?

[Alex Lipscomb]

I've always been impressed how the saying "less is more" can really hold true for bass. Sometimes instead of a melodic approach, a true rhythmic foundation and momentum created from a simple but memorable line. Songs like "Making Plans For Nigel" - XTC, "No Action" - Elvis Costello & The Attractions, or "September" - Earth, Wind & Fire, come to mind.

 

[Hues]

Green Onions - Booker T And The M.G.s

 

[farace]

 

[winterburn69]

Most Police songs.

walking on the moon for example:


Too much information as well

 

[FilterFunk]

"Hollywood Swinging" - Kool & the Gang:

 

[BD Jones]

Most Police songs.

walking on the moon for example:


Too much information as well

This was my first thought. My second thought was some U2 songs. The big three from Joshua Tree - "Where the Streets Have No Name", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", and "With Or Without You." - have bass lines that drive the song, and really are the song, but are simple enough for a beginner to learn after the first lesson or two.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

 

[FilterFunk]

Which they totally stole from the legend Vanilla Ice!!! (ducking rotten produce...)

I kid! I kid! (STILL ducking rotten produce, and assorted rocks and shoes...)

 

[Richland123]

Which they totally stole from the legend Vanilla Ice!!! (ducking rotten produce...)

I kid! I kid! (STILL ducking rotten produce, and assorted rocks and shoes...)

 

[Richland123]

 

[rtslinger]

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE by Cream

 

[grouse789]

 

[Badwater]

Here's a simple one with a bass solo feature.


Here's another easy on the bass and harmonica.

 

[Paulabass]

Wilson Pickett- midnight hour. Deep, deep groove.

 

[Alex Lipscomb]

Wilson Pickett- midnight hour. Deep, deep groove.

Definitely. Moving from guitar to bass, I originally laughed at people saying that bass was harder because of the groove. It was easy at first, but I guess I wasn't truly feeling my groove as opposed to someone else's. When I started playing to a metronome, I had to rely on myself more, and playing this song was one that kicked my a** because of how pocket it is. Got it after a few days, and ever since then, being deep in the pocket has been the most satisfying feeling ever. Especially throwing in a few fills that make you go "whew!"

 

[Richland123]

Definitely. Moving from guitar to bass, I originally laughed at people saying that bass was harder because of the groove. It was easy at first, but I guess I wasn't truly feeling my groove as opposed to someone else's. When I started playing to a metronome, I had to rely on myself more, and playing this song was one that kicked my a** because of how pocket it is. Got it after a few days, and ever since then, being deep in the pocket has been the most satisfying feeling ever. Especially throwing in a few fills that make you go "whew!"

My band plays In The Midnight Hour and I must admit that the bass line drives the song and I have to keep the groove throughout the entire song.

 

[Wasnex]

I've always been impressed how the saying "less is more" can really hold true for bass. Sometimes instead of a melodic approach, a true rhythmic foundation and momentum created from a simple but memorable line. Songs like "Making Plans For Nigel" - XTC, "No Action" - Elvis Costello & The Attractions, or "September" - Earth, Wind & Fire, come to mind.

I always liked this one (mostly two notes and some grease):

 

[seamus bass]

Traffic-gimme some lovin

 

[RileyGoodenough]

I know this thread is older but it's worth keeping going imo.

 

[garp]

"How Long" – Ace (1974) with the amazing Paul Carrack on lead vocal/keys.


"Some Kind of Wonderful" – Grand Funk Railroad (1974)