Stanard songs I should learn

[JimmyAZ]

Hi guys. Trying to motivate myself. I am an amateur and transitioning acoustic guitarist to bass electric. Every year I visit Thailand for partying and most bars have a band that would allow me to sit in (for a tip). Most of these bands aren't great either so it's not too intimidating for a schlub like me. Question I have is which songs or 10 songs would you recommend that almost every cover band knows?

Also any online sources for tab/sheet music of these songs appreciated.

Thanks

Oh, and so far I am learning/have learned Lady Madonna and Riders on the Storm. Loving Riders.

 

[HardNHeavy]

i'd choose the top ten hits of each year for the past 4 decades...it's a start.

 

[JimmyAZ]

Thanks. Good idea. I am making a list and will check them to see if I can play them at my level. So far:

Mustang Sally
Knocking in Heavens Door - ballad version
Texas Flood

 

[sean_on_bass]

it's hard to define standard songs at this point in time. instead i'd refer to what you are hearing at these places and if you don't know something, take note to learn it at home for next time.

 

[thewildest]

Finally ol’Jim is getting some attention. I’d check here: Biography | Jim Stanard

I’d go with “Same River”, which may create an unparalleled bliss never encountered by your senses.

 

[Bass]

How about Folsom Prison Blues?

 

[jimmydean]

Wagon Wheel , Mustang Sally , Brown Eyed Girl ...........stop me when you get that Deja Vu feeling .

 

[Justinian]

How about Folsom Prison Blues?

I'd say that's a great song to learn on guitar or bass!

 

[Bob_Ross]

Texas Flood

Wagon Wheel

fwiw, I've been a professional musician for close to 50 years, and as far as I know I not only have never had to play "Texas Flood" nor "Wagon Wheel" but I'm not sure I even recognize what those tunes are!

 

[Derek Kay]

So many, but also
Learn some blues and (I've Got) Rhythym changes and lines.

 

[JimmyAZ]

Shocked that anyone would not recognize Texas Flood by Double Trouble (Stevie Rae Vaughan). I also have never heard Wagon Wheel.

And yeah I think the advice by Derek Kay is solid. Blues so I can at least shuffle along with a band.

 

[FunkHead]

Hi guys. Trying to motivate myself. I am an amateur and transitioning acoustic guitarist to bass electric. Every year I visit Thailand for partying and most bars have a band that would allow me to sit in (for a tip). Most of these bands aren't great either so it's not too intimidating for a schlub like me. Question I have is which songs or 10 songs would you recommend that almost every cover band knows?

Also any online sources for tab/sheet music of these songs appreciated.

Thanks

Oh, and so far I am learning/have learned Lady Madonna and Riders on the Storm. Loving Riders.

Doors songs are always great to play on bass. "Love Her madly" is awesome. The sucky part is fing a band that wants to play them and CAN play them.
I like "Listen to the Music" by the Doobies. Use your pinky on that one and practice staying in on position with your fretting hand. You'll see how the Scales fit into bass playing...

 

[dc-upright]

I would say go see a few of the most popular bands in your area, write down what songs they do and when you see multiple bands doing the same songs that’s the ones to work on first!

 

[Killing Floor]

What about that one Van Morrison song? People like that crap.

Also any Stones song, even the really deep album tracks go over very well.

 

[JimmyAZ]

Yeah Brown eyed Girl is a must add. Not a fan of Stones (hope I don't get banned for that) but yeah there are some songs there I could add.

 

[turf3]

Hmm,

When I hear "standard songs" I think "Stella by Starlight", "My Funny Valentine", "Georgia", "Summertime", "Stardust", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Body and Soul", etc.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Hmm,

When I hear "standard songs" I think "Stella by Starlight", "My Funny Valentine", "Georgia", "Summertime", "Stardust", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Body and Soul", etc.

For a second I thought this was a cross-post from the Tell me you're old without telling me you're old thread!

 

[hrodbert696]

Hmm,

When I hear "standard songs" I think "Stella by Starlight", "My Funny Valentine", "Georgia", "Summertime", "Stardust", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Body and Soul", etc.

If the mediocre Thai bar band is a swing jazz combo, I guess those would be the standards. I strongly suspect that's not what the OP is talking about.

What counts as standards in a Bangkok bar may not be the same as in my market, but if you want 8 or 10 -

Mustang Sally
Sweet Home Alabama
Hard to Handle
Hit Me with your Best Shot
Summer of 69
My Own Worst Enemy
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Wagon Wheel
Brown-Eyed Girl
Margaritaville

Also, get good and familiar with the 12-bar blues format if you aren't already (and ideally a couple of variations like a quick-change). There's tons and tons of Stevie Ray Vaughn, ZZ Top, etc., that you can fake your way through if you know the form.

 

[pepj]

Keep going because you get to do gigs, you'll need 200 plus up your sleeve to just throw out.
Or join a band and just do what they do...but the end goal is play a catalogue from 60's to today.
That's a lot of listening...