• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

One Song Every Bassist Should Know

#45
I dont really know, or care to know anyone's songs....

I play in an all original band, however, when we do the occasional cover... we all play in key, but play our own basslines, solos, etc. There are rare exceptions, such as "Sunshine Of Your Love" or "Born Under a Bad Sign" when I play note for note someone else's bassline.

This is totally not a dig at anyone who plays other people's music. It's simply not my forte. Ill never be one of these guys who can nail a cover note for note. I was only a fair to average player when Im playing other people's songs (back in the days when I used to play Brown Eyed Girl and all those old favorites). It wasnt until I just "played what I felt" that I became, IMO, an accomplished, respected bassist in my local music community.
 
#49
moondance - van morrison
the joker - steve miller
american girl - tom petty


I believe EVERY cover/fill in gig i've done has played these songs. ugh


For some fun (and you want to play rock), learn the entire Double Nickels on the Dime album -- 45 songs to keep you busy
 
#53
cranberrysauce said:
I dont really know, or care to know anyone's songs....

I play in an all original band, however, when we do the occasional cover... we all play in key, but play our own basslines, solos, etc. There are rare exceptions, such as "Sunshine Of Your Love" or "Born Under a Bad Sign" when I play note for note someone else's bassline.

This is totally not a dig at anyone who plays other people's music. It's simply not my forte. Ill never be one of these guys who can nail a cover note for note. I was only a fair to average player when Im playing other people's songs (back in the days when I used to play Brown Eyed Girl and all those old favorites). It wasnt until I just "played what I felt" that I became, IMO, an accomplished, respected bassist in my local music community.
Click to expand...

this post makes me think you misunderstood the purpose of this exercise.
think of a bassline that you heard that made you go "wow! how'd he do that?"
that's the idea. now learn it. you'll be a better bassist for it.
i've never been in a cover band. don't plan on ever being in a cover band. but i learn other's basslines as a way of expanding my own knowledge of my bass and what can be done on it.
 
#57
TrevorOfDoom said:
this post makes me think you misunderstood the purpose of this exercise.
think of a bassline that you heard that made you go "wow! how'd he do that?"
that's the idea. now learn it. you'll be a better bassist for it.
i've never been in a cover band. don't plan on ever being in a cover band. but i learn other's basslines as a way of expanding my own knowledge of my bass and what can be done on it.
Click to expand...

Ok... fair enough.

Here are the songs that I have heard and thought to myself, "damn I wish I had written that bassline first"...

1) She's So Heavy- The Beatles
(totally before it's time...genius)

2) Crossroads- Cream
(Jack Bruce just walks all over Clapton on this, and I defy anyone to knock out a better solo with better tone as he dual solos with EC on the solo part)

3) Silly Love Songs- Wings
(that bassline just makes me happy as hell for some reason)

4) Im going to just hand the whole Live At Leeds over as my favorite body of work by The Ox.... ever heard the "isolated" bass parts?

Here is my fave... Wont Get Fooled Again..

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IfDE-ZvfOwU&feature=related


And of course I have sat around at home and learned other's basslines.. it has made me a better musician. Just was saying I dont play them live... I missed the point, but was able to redeem myself :)
 
#60
pbass2 said:
Good call on "Ramble On"
Click to expand...

+1

I also like Good Times, Bad Times by Zep. It is a very impressive tune to watch a bassist play as the fingers are all over the place. It JUST LOOKS DAMN COOL!!! Plus a couple of bass solos (easy ones) add to the coolness.:bassist:

Funky ones I have been gigging lately that are timeless classics and heavy on the bass:

I Wish - Stevie Winder
Play that Funky Music - Wild Cherry
Brick House - Commodores
Higher Ground - Stevie, but I prefer the RHCP version. This is the easiest slapping tune there is.

:)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back