• 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.

Songs every Bassist should know/learn....

X

Xeones21

Jun 20, 2009
11
0
Fayetteville, NC
www.myspace.com
#1
What are the top 5 songs (any genre) that a bass student should learn to develop his playing ability?

I am trying to make a list of 25 cover songs from various different genres and skill levels that I plan to learn over the next several months to improve my skills and musicianship.

Hope to hear everyone's thoughts.
 
#5
In the Stone and September, both by Earth, Wind, & Fire are good songs to learn. September is a pretty darn easy song but really helps with groove. In the Stone is a bit trickier. Try learning them by ear as much as possible. I'll give you a hint (I'm not sure what your playing level is right now, so I don't mean to insult you with this) they do chromatic stuff quite a bit, so think outside of the box (see what I did there? :p)
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeoFromPortland
#7
I've been playing on and off for 8 years. During those years I never learned any cover songs. I played in a original alternative metal/ hard rock band for 2-3 years and we never performed covers live or practiced them. Since I started playing, I've always found it easier and more natural for me to write songs/ bass lines rather than cover them. I've had a two year hiatus from playing bass and recently decided to start playing again. During this reconnection with my instrument, I decided to go back to the basics and learn everything I never learned. Scales/ modes, music theory, and covers. I'm not planning on joining another project for at least a year and until I feel I'm at certain level on my instrument. Who knows...maybe I'll join a cover band.
 
#8
What Bill Wyman plays on the verses of the studio recording of "Honky Tonk Women", which is surprisingly much like the verse part of Andy Fraser's line on "Alright Now", and bears an eerie similarity to Prince's electric bass line on "When Doves Cry".

These all have the same lesson for bass players, which is that what you don't play is at least as important as what you DO play.

John
 
#10
JTE said:
What Bill Wyman plays on the verses of the studio recording of "Honky Tonk Women", which is surprisingly much like the verse part of Andy Fraser's line on "Alright Now", and bears an eerie similarity to Prince's electric bass line on "When Doves Cry".

These all have the same lesson for bass players, which is that what you don't play is at least as important as what you DO play.

John
Click to expand...

Well said JTE !! ;)


My suggestion is Jethro Tull's "Bouree".

 
#11
JTE said:
What Bill Wyman plays on the verses of the studio recording of "Honky Tonk Women", which is surprisingly much like the verse part of Andy Fraser's line on "Alright Now", and bears an eerie similarity to Prince's electric bass line on "When Doves Cry".

These all have the same lesson for bass players, which is that what you don't play is at least as important as what you DO play.

John
Click to expand...

What he said!
 
#13
Anything Duran Duran, John Taylor is a monster. Rio, Girls on Film, Come Undone, just to name a few should keep ya busy for a while. It takes more than just mechanics to emulate John. You'll need a real sense of time, space, groove, feel, and tone to nail his work. Lord knows I've been chasing it for years.
Have fun

PS: a little Steely Dan wouldn't hurt either ;)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back