What's this bass line?

[MichelD]

I'm trying to play the bass line on this song and though I think I'm getting close, I still can't get it.

 

[MichelD]

Found it:

 

[P. Aaron]

You have a fairly common song formula there with a predictable pattern. The second video has handy notation there for readers and just watching the player's hands gives you position clues. Just sound it out, use your ears and if you're close, put the bass down and listen w/o the instrument and then clean up what seems - sounds incorrect.

Then, find another song you wanna learn and keep at it. After a few weeks, you'll get even better at sorting out these things.

 

[MichelD]

You have a fairly common song formula there with a predictable pattern. The second video has handy notation there for readers and just watching the player's hands gives you position clues. Just sound it out, use your ears and if you're close, put the bass down and listen w/o the instrument and then clean up what seems - sounds incorrect.

"Then, find another song you wanna learn and keep at it. After a few weeks, you'll get even better at sorting out these things."

Thanks. I have been trying to do that for 55 years but I have a tin ear and the only songs I ever figured the bass line out out by ear were Sunshine of your love, Politician and Born under a bad sign, all off Cream records.

 

[P. Aaron]

Thanks. I have been trying to do that for 55 years but I have a tin ear and the only songs I ever figured the bass line out out by ear were Sunshine of your love, Politician and Born under a bad sign, all off Cream records.

Start simple and train your difficult ears...to the best you can. It isn't easy, and seems like some people just 'have it' but, most talented people have been training for many years. Enjoyment comes from playing along.

You can do all this too. Start with simple songs and keep at it. Keeping at it is key. Watching others and learning from others.

 

[AGCurry]

OR you could learn from Chuck Berry's original of the song, which is called "You Never Can Tell." Totally different bass part!

 

[MichelD]

OR you could learn from Chuck Berry's original of the song, which is called "You Never Can Tell." Totally different bass part!

I know, but I really like the way Emory Jordy Jr. quotes the original backup sax part from Chuck Berry's original in his bass line.

 

[pmatz2]

I know, but I really like the way Emory Jordy Jr. quotes the original backup sax part from Chuck Berry's original in his bass line.

I think it's always a good idea when there are multiple versions of a song to learn the basics of the versions that have different bass lines. It helps to improve your ability to play over a chord chart (giving you different ways to play the same chord changes)