BassChat 50 must know bass riffs!

[Dood]

So, we've had a superb Spotify playlist from BassChatters of the very best bass lines and that got me thinking...

Let's have a list of (at least) 50 'must know' bass lines to learn.

They could just be good ole classic rock, easy or difficult or they could highlight a particular mode or scale!

So, go for it:

Song Name, Band (Bassist), Scale Or Mode if known

Edited August 12, 2015 by dood

[ezbass]

Good Times - Bernard Edwards (Chic) - E min (?)

[kodiakblair]

How about Dancing in the Moonlight, Thin Lizzy , Phil Lynot.

[rogerstodge]

Sir Duke, Stevie Wonder. Nathan Watts, key of C i think?

Edited August 12, 2015 by rogerstodge

[jonnythenotes]

Geraldine and John by Joe Jackson, Prove It by Television and Ships In The Night by Be Bop Deluxe....... Pretty easy to learn, but they all cover a lot of the fret board...fantastic..

[lowdown]

[quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1439398492' post='2842495']
Sir Duke, Stevie Wonder. Nathan Watts, key of C i think?
[/quote]

I thought it was a song in the key of life?

B major - Nightmare for the blowers.

[Roger2611]

Start, The Jam, starts in G so hopefully that's the key....it shows my lack of musical theory doesn't it!

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

Peaches , white wedding,overkill, nib,

[Beedster]

[quote name='Roger2611' timestamp='1439400279' post='2842523']
Start, The Jam, starts in G so hopefully that's the key....it shows my lack of musical theory doesn't it!
[/quote]

Or Taxman by The Beatles as it's otherwise known

On the subject of which I will nominate Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Macca, key of G major I believe. Never liked the song or the bassline that much until I played it live. Now it's an absolute fave, and introduced me to just how clever Macca was and what a driving force his lines were to the music

[Highfox]

I guess Norman Watt Roys and the Blockheads, "Hit me with your rythmn stick" would have to be in there. Think it's in F

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

Creep - radiohead, we care a lot - fnm?

[James Nada]

It almost makes me gag to suggest this, but Alright Now by Free has to be a 'must know'.
As overplayed as it is, it's still a great example of a tastful, restrained and effective playing.

Oh, and Guns n Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine. Many of the same reasons as above, plus a beautiful 'cello' intro and the verses snake their way though the song, all the time playing accents in sync with the drums.

[ezbass]

Pump It Up - Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello & The Attractions) - F#7 modulating to B7 (mixolydian?).

[booboo]

Great thread. I'd just like to spoil it by suggesting mustang sally, endless slap riffs in 'e', and that Fleetwood Mac F1 thing. I'll get my coat and await an email from forum admin confirming the length of my ban.

Edited August 12, 2015 by booboo

[Raslee]

Stir it up - Bob Marley & the Wailers A maj. So What - Miles Davis ...i'm led to beleive mostly D & Eb dorian modes (ish). Soul Man, Sam & Dave Key G

Edited August 12, 2015 by Raslee

[R.I.P.]

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1439401864' post='2842551']
overkill[/quote]

Overkill...I haven't heard that name in a long time

Okay, how about "Another one Bites the Dust" by Queen

Edited August 12, 2015 by R.I.P.

[paul_5]

Eton Rifles by the Jam - great for learning your A minor 7 arpeggios.
Chameleon - Herbie Hancock's Headhunters. Great foe 'one finger per fret' chromaticism.

[Guest bassman7755]

[quote name='James Nada' timestamp='1439404476' post='2842582']
It almost makes me gag to suggest this, but Alright Now by Free has to be a 'must know'.
As overplayed as it is, it's still a great example of a tastful, restrained and effective playing.
[/quote]

Seconded, this is probably the most murdered bassline of all time, by including it in the list we increase probability that I will hear someone play it properly before I die.

[cameltoe]

I want you back by Jackson 5

[paul_5]

This. Just to highlight general bass awesomeness!

[Hobbayne]

The Stranglers - Nice & Sleazy. B minor

[yorks5stringer]

The Chicken by Pee Wee Ellis as done by Jaco. Bflat7?

[Marvin]

These are must knows? Crikes, I've not played or learnt a single one put foward. Will i be thrown off the forum?

[lowdown]

Stevie Wonder, 'I Wish".
Nathan Watts.
Eb minor (Gb).

[Number6]

Money Pink Floyd, Roger Waters.....if i tried to tell you the mode i'd just expose my lack of music theory knowledge 😨