10 Essential Bass Guitar Songs for Beginners
So, you’ve just picked up a bass guitar and you’re itching to start playing some killer tunes? Well, look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 essential bass guitar songs specifically tailored for beginners like you. Whether you’re a complete novice or have a little bit of experience under your belt, these songs are guaranteed to get you grooving and build your skills as a bassist. From classic rock anthems to funky bass lines, this diverse collection will not only keep you entertained but also help you develop a solid foundation in bass guitar playing. So, grab your bass, tune those strings, and let’s dive into the world of bass guitar awesomeness!
1. Stand by Me by Ben E. King
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Stand by Me” is simple and melodic, making it a great choice for beginner bassists. The song’s chord progression is in the key of A major, and the bassline is centered around the A note, providing a solid foundation for the song. The bassline follows the root notes of the chords, complementing the melody and creating a groovy feel.
Techniques to Focus On
One technique to focus on when playing the bassline of “Stand by Me” is maintaining a consistent rhythm. The song has a steady rhythm, and keeping a tight groove is essential. Pay attention to the timing and try to lock in with the drummer and the rest of the band. Another technique to focus on is playing with the right hand technique. Experiment with using your fingers or a pick to find the tone and attack that best suits the song.
Tips for Beginners
As a beginner playing “Stand by Me,” start by practicing the basic chord progression and the root notes of each chord. This will help you develop a solid foundation and understand the relationship between the bassline and the chords. Focus on playing the rhythm accurately, paying attention to the duration of the notes and the timing. Practice slowly at first and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the song. Lastly, listen to the original recording of “Stand by Me” to capture the feel and style of the song, and try to incorporate some of those elements into your playing.
2. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
Bassline Overview
“Another One Bites the Dust” is known for its iconic bassline that propels the song forward. The bassline is centered around the D note and played in a rhythmic and driving manner. The song’s key is D minor, and the bassline follows the chord progression with a funky and energetic feel. This bassline is a great exercise in playing repetitive patterns with precision and groove.
Techniques to Focus On
An important technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Another One Bites the Dust” is muting. The song relies heavily on palm muting to achieve its distinctive sound. Practice muting the strings with the edge of your hand while playing to achieve a percussive and tight tone. Additionally, pay attention to the rhythmic accuracy of the bassline. Each note should be played with precision and in sync with the drums and other instruments.
Tips for Beginners
When tackling “Another One Bites the Dust” as a beginner, start by getting comfortable with the basic groove of the bassline. Practice the rhythmic pattern at a slow tempo, gradually increasing the speed as you become more confident. Pay attention to muting the strings properly to achieve the desired sound and feel of the song. It may also be helpful to watch live performances or video tutorials of the song to observe the technique used by the original bassist, John Deacon, and try to incorporate some of his style into your playing.
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3. Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Rapper’s Delight” is one of the most recognizable and influential basslines in hip hop history. It is a repetitive pattern that is played throughout the song, providing a solid foundation for the rap verses and the catchy chorus. The bassline is primarily based on the notes of the E minor pentatonic scale and showcases a combination of rhythmic groove and melodic phrasing.
Techniques to Focus On
One technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Rapper’s Delight” is fingerstyle playing. The song requires precise and fast fingerwork, and practicing fingerstyle will help you achieve the necessary speed and accuracy. Another technique to focus on is muting and popping. The bassline incorporates both muted notes and pops, which add a percussive element to the groove. Practice muting the strings with your left hand while playing and experiment with adding pops to create variations in the bassline.
Tips for Beginners
As a beginner, “Rapper’s Delight” may seem challenging at first, but with practice and patience, you can master it. Start by breaking down the bassline into smaller sections and practice each section separately before putting them all together. Focus on the fingerstyle technique, maintaining a consistent rhythm, and incorporating the muting and popping techniques. It can be helpful to listen to the song’s original recording and study the bassline closely. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to perfect the bassline, as it is an advanced piece for beginners. Keep practicing, and you will eventually nail it!
4. Money by Pink Floyd
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Money” is instantly recognizable and demonstrates the importance of the bass in creating a memorable hook. The song is in the key of B minor, and the bassline revolves around a repeating six-note riff. The groove is characterized by a syncopated rhythm and a walking bass feel, which adds a dynamic and driving element to the song.
Techniques to Focus On
One key technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Money” is using slides. The bassline features slides between certain notes, which create a smooth and fluid transition between the different parts of the riff. Practice sliding from one note to another with accuracy and control. Another technique to focus on is playing with a pick. The song’s bassline has a punchy and aggressive tone, and playing with a pick can help you achieve that desired sound.
Tips for Beginners
“Money” may be a challenging bassline for beginners due to its complexities, but don’t let that discourage you. Start by breaking down the bassline into smaller sections and playing each section slowly, focusing on accuracy and timing. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Pay attention to the slides and practice them separately to ensure smooth transitions between notes. Using a metronome can also be helpful in keeping a steady rhythm. Finally, listen to the original recording of “Money” to understand the nuances of the bassline and try to incorporate them into your playing.
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5. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Sunshine of Your Love” is a classic example of a bass riff that defines a song. The riff is played in the key of D minor and revolves around a melodic phrase that repeats throughout the song. The bassline adds a driving and groovy element to the song, elevating the overall energy and creating a memorable hook.
Techniques to Focus On
When learning the bassline of “Sunshine of Your Love,” one technique to focus on is string muting. The bassline incorporates muted notes, which give it a percussive and tight sound. Practice muting the strings with your left hand while playing the notes with your right hand to achieve the desired effect. Another technique to focus on is playing with a pick. The song has a gritty and aggressive sound, and using a pick can help you achieve that tone.
Tips for Beginners
As a beginner learning “Sunshine of Your Love,” start by familiarizing yourself with the main riff, which is the foundation of the song. Practice playing the riff slowly, focusing on accuracy and timing. Once you feel comfortable with the riff, try playing it at a faster tempo, gradually building up speed. Pay attention to muting the strings properly to achieve that tight and percussive sound. It can also be helpful to listen to the original recording and study the bassline closely, as it will give you a better understanding of the feel and style of the song. Experiment with adding your own variations to the bassline to make it your own.
6. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Bassline Overview
“Seven Nation Army” is known for its instantly recognizable bassline that is played on a guitar instead of a bass guitar. The main riff of the song is simple yet powerful, consisting of only three notes. The song is in the key of E minor and the bassline showcases the intensity and energy that can be achieved with minimalistic playing.
Techniques to Focus On
One technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Seven Nation Army” is maintaining a consistent and tight rhythm. The song’s driving pulse is a fundamental part of its appeal, and it is essential to stay in sync with the drums and other instruments. Pay attention to the timing and try to replicate the rhythmic precision of the original recording. Another technique to focus on is using slides to transition between the notes. The slides add a smooth and seamless quality to the bassline’s phrasing.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re a beginner learning “Seven Nation Army,” you’re in luck! The bassline, despite being played on a guitar, is relatively simple and a great way to start playing recognizable riffs. Begin by learning the main riff slowly, focusing on accuracy and timing. Practice sliding smoothly between the notes to achieve a seamless transition. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Experiment with using different techniques, such as fingerstyle or using a pick, to find the approach that suits you best. Lastly, listen to the original recording of the song to capture the feel and attitude of the bassline, and try to incorporate that into your playing.
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7. Longview by Green Day
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Longview” is a driving force that adds depth and energy to the song. The main riff of the bassline is centered around the E note and is played with a fast and aggressive punk rock style. The song is in the key of E major, and the bassline follows the chord progression with a catchy and melodic approach.
Techniques to Focus On
An important technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Longview” is palm muting. The song’s aggressive sound relies heavily on palm muting to achieve its distinct punk rock vibe. Practice muting the strings with the edge of your hand while playing to achieve a tighter and more controlled tone. Another technique to focus on is playing with a pick. The song requires a fast and aggressive attack, and using a pick can help achieve that desired sound and intensity.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re a beginner tackling “Longview,” start by getting comfortable with the main riff of the bassline. Practice playing the riff slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more confident. Pay attention to your palm muting technique, ensuring that the notes are crisp and subdued. Experiment with different hand positions to find the most comfortable and effective way to mute the strings. Using a metronome can also be helpful in developing a steady rhythm. Lastly, listen to the original recording of “Longview” to capture the energy and attitude of the song, and try to incorporate that into your playing.
8. Come As You Are by Nirvana
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Come As You Are” is an integral part of the song’s signature sound. The riff is based on a repeating pattern that is centered around the F# note. The song is in the key of E minor, and the bassline complements the guitar parts and adds depth to the overall arrangement.
Techniques to Focus On
One technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Come As You Are” is playing with a pick. The song’s bassline has a prominent punch and aggression that can be achieved by using a pick. Experiment with picking techniques and find the attack and tone that best suits the song. Another technique to focus on is string sliding. The bassline incorporates slides between certain notes, which give it a smooth and fluid feel. Practice sliding between notes accurately and smoothly.
Tips for Beginners
As a beginner learning “Come As You Are,” start by mastering the main riff of the bassline. Practice playing the riff slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to your pick technique, focusing on accuracy and fluidity. Experiment with different picking angles and pressures to achieve the desired tone. When it comes to sliding, practice the transitions between notes separately, ensuring that each slide is smooth and controlled. Listening to the original recording can provide valuable insights into the feel and style of the bassline. Lastly, have fun with the song and allow your own musical personality to shine through in your playing.
9. Hysteria by Muse
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Hysteria” is a showcase of technical prowess and complex playing. The song is in the key of E minor, and the bassline features a combination of intricate fingerstyle patterns and fast-paced sections. The bassline adds a driving and dynamic element to the song, propelling it forward with its melodic and rhythmic complexity.
Techniques to Focus On
When learning the bassline of “Hysteria,” one technique to focus on is fingerstyle playing. The song requires precise and fast fingerwork, and practicing fingerstyle will help you achieve the necessary speed and accuracy. Another technique to focus on is string skipping. The bassline incorporates sudden jumps between strings, requiring precision and dexterity. Practice skipping between the strings while maintaining a steady rhythm and accuracy.
Tips for Beginners
“Hysteria” is an advanced bassline, so as a beginner, it may be challenging. However, with perseverance and practice, you can master it. Begin by breaking down the bassline into smaller sections and practicing each section separately. Focus on accuracy, timing, and fingerstyle technique. Start by playing the sections slowly, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to proper hand positioning and finger placement to ensure optimal technique. If needed, consult tutorials or instructional videos to help you understand the complexities of the bassline. Finally, listen to the original recording of “Hysteria” and study the bassline closely for inspiration and guidance.
10. Superstition by Stevie Wonder
Bassline Overview
The bassline in “Superstition” is a true classic, known for its infectious groove and funkiness. The song is in the key of E minor, and the bassline centers around the E note, providing a solid foundation for the song’s rhythmic and melodic elements. The bassline features syncopation, slides, and variations that contribute to its unique and captivating sound.
Techniques to Focus On
One technique to focus on when learning the bassline of “Superstition” is syncopation. The song relies heavily on syncopated rhythms, which give it its distinctive groove. Practice playing the off-beats and accents accurately and with a strong sense of groove. Another technique to focus on is the use of slides. The bassline incorporates slides between certain notes, adding a smooth and fluid quality to the phrasing. Practice sliding between notes accurately and smoothly.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re a beginner learning “Superstition,” start by mastering the main groove of the bassline. Focus on the rhythm and timing, practicing slowly at first and gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to your hand positioning and finger placement to ensure accuracy and optimal technique. When it comes to slides, practice the transitions between notes separately to achieve smooth and controlled slides. Listening to the original recording can provide valuable insights into the groove and nuances of the bassline. Remember to have fun with the song and feel free to add your own flair and improvisations to make it your own.
In conclusion, these ten bass guitar songs are essential for beginners. Each song offers unique challenges and opportunities to develop fundamental techniques. By focusing on the bassline overview, techniques to focus on, and tips for beginners for each song, you can advance your skills and build a solid foundation for your bass playing journey. Remember to practice with patience and persistence, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the music you’re playing!
