The worst basslines ever....

[SwansonEricJohn]

Jerry Garcia's bass playing on his first solo album is tentative at best. Where was Phil? All of those songs were improved when played by the band live. Still, I love the record!

 

[Zooberwerx]

WOW! ..... Slagging Pet Sounds? ..... I never heard anyone do that before. .... It's Carol Kaye, who's playing the root of the cord an octave down. (I hear the tune in Ab, but whether it was played in A and tuned down later, I don't know)..... But, if Brian said it was OK, I think it's a good choice of notes. ...... Nothing musical got past that man.

Absolutely. I think overall both tunes are still noteworthy after 45 years. The "Sloop" bass line, whether I like it or not, is of little consequence in the grander scheme. The "gallop", present in both, is what I found most bizarre. Nothing wrong with either tune or host albums, for that matter.

Riis

 

[Aarix]

I love the Beatles, but John Lennon's bass on The Long and Winding Road is just terrible. Combine that with Phil Spector's somewhat campy orchestration you can see why there are rumors that it led to the band's breakup.

 

[JPaulGeddy]

I've heard a newer version of All Right Now, by Paul Rodgers himself, and the bassline makes me weep. Lowered an octave and simplified, completely pissing on one of the more creative lines out there.

 

[sricks3]

"When Doves Cry" by Prince (if I'm allowed to call him that at the present) is probably one of my least favorite bass lines. Though I must say, I've heard worse... lol

 

[Music_for_life]

Ever played She Sells Sanctuary by the Cult?, pretty horrible.

what is bad with that one??? very simple but incredible stingray tone!!!!!!

 

[john_g]

Seven nation army.....ugh

 

[bggeezer]

maggie may by Rod Stewart has some horrible gaffs in the middle

 

[jpTron]

Don't Stop Believing. I HATE that tone. It just bothers me. Then when you're at a bar or club and everyone starts singing along. Ugh, just terrible.

 

[martyman5000]

Seven nation army.....ugh

its not a bass line is it? I thought he was playing it with his guitar?

 

[nickbass79]

Pork Soda by Primus...I'm a HUGE Primus fan, but that song is just noise...which I think is what Les was going for

 

[GaryLC]

In general, even if a part isn't especially creative, in order to get on record, it has to be in tune and in time and that makes it alright.

I guess I would say Johnny Winter Live's version of "Johnny B Goode", where the bass player is playing the last verse in a different key is as bad as I've ever heard. But I'm sure that was the heroin talking.

 

[Burlington]

Van Halen's "Runnin' With the Devil"
E... E... E... E... E... E... E... E...
Does more than just about any other song to further "bass is easy" stereotypes. Boring as hell.

So because it's simple and fits the song it's one of the worst basslines ever? I guess it should have some slap in it huh

 

[agreatheight]

I am a huge Jeff Ament fan, but I really don't like the bass line in Just Breathe. It's a beautiful song, but Jeff's line and tone are clunky and distracting. I actually think all of the orchestration is bad. I'd love to get the master and "fix" it.

 

[perfektspace6]

Not sure I get why any of the aforementioned songs have bad basslines? Simple sure.

I am a huge Jeff Ament fan, but I really don't like the bass line in Just Breathe. It's a beautiful song, but Jeff's line and tone are clunky and distracting. I actually think all of the orchestration is bad. I'd love to get the master and "fix" it.

I do agree the Ament line leaves something to be desired. A great fretless part called but the phone wasn't picked up.

 

[mccartneyman]

WOW! ..... Slagging Pet Sounds? ..... I never heard anyone do that before. .... It's Carol Kaye, who's playing the root of the cord an octave down. (I hear the tune in Ab, but whether it was played in A and tuned down later, I don't know)..... But, if Brian said it was OK, I think it's a good choice of notes. ...... Nothing musical got past that man.

On Sloop John B at 2:22, bass is playing the third. Don't see a thing wrong with that. If there is, then Chris Squire was wrong a lot.

 

[Rockmusician]

I don't really think about it too often. As long as the bass line fits the song it's ok with me. "She Sells Sacntuary" doesn't bother me. It sounds right for the song. There are plenty of boring bass lines but some songs would be ruined by a bass player who over plays them. However, I think the bass line in The Clash's "Should I Stay" and Green Day's "When I Come Around" are pretty lame.

 

[bolophonic]

Don't Stop Believing. I HATE that tone. It just bothers me. Then when you're at a bar or club and everyone starts singing along. Ugh, just terrible.

Dude, have you ever played that bassline? It feels so good!

 

[Kyon`]

Are we just talking about bass parts being played by bass or basslines in general?

 

[Govier966]

"Cannonball" by the the Breeders. Aweful.

my band plays this song for fun, with a small line up change: me on guitar, the drummer on bass and th guitar player on drums.