Dood Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Good Times - Bernard Edwards (Chic) - E min (?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 How about Dancing in the Moonlight, Thin Lizzy , Phil Lynot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerstodge Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) Sir Duke, Stevie Wonder. Nathan Watts, key of C i think? Edited August 12, 2015 by rogerstodge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnythenotes Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 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.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger2611 Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Start, The Jam, starts in G so hopefully that's the key....it shows my lack of musical theory doesn't it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Peaches , white wedding,overkill, nib, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beedster Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 [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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highfox Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Creep - radiohead, we care a lot - fnm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Nada Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Pump It Up - Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello & The Attractions) - F#7 modulating to B7 (mixolydian?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
booboo Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.I.P. Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bassman7755 Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameltoe Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 I want you back by Jackson 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 This. Just to highlight general bass awesomeness! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 The Stranglers - Nice & Sleazy. B minor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 The Chicken by Pee Wee Ellis as done by Jaco. Bflat7? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 These are must knows? Crikes, I've not played or learnt a single one put foward. Will i be thrown off the forum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Stevie Wonder, 'I Wish". Nathan Watts. Eb minor (Gb). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Money Pink Floyd, Roger Waters.....if i tried to tell you the mode i'd just expose my lack of music theory knowledge 😨 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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