What are the best one-string songs?

[Eldon Tyrell]

I recently watched the excellent (but sad) documentary "Cure for Pain: The Mark Sandman Story". Mark was known for his two-string slide bass but he actually started with a one-string bass. This made me think, what are cool songs that only use one string? Ok, I'll make a start with this one:

 

 

[mike f]

PiL - Public Image 

[Lozz196]

Waterfront by Simple Minds

[NHM]

Air on a G string

[Nail Soup]

Not sure that Dee Dee played it one one string, but stuff like Blitzkreig Bop springs to mind.

[SteveXFR]

Rocket Skates by Deftones is a great song which only uses the low B on my 5 string. 

 

 

[EssentialTension]

As all twelve notes are available on a bass string then surely any song could be played up and down a single string.

[Count Bassy]

Peter Gunn, if you're prpared to go above the 5th fret!

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

Kiss by Prince goes one better and uses a zero string bass

[Nail Soup]

Quite a few 'one fret' songs too. 

[TheGreek]

All of them will drive you to tears from boredom after about 10 mins though.

[Eldon Tyrell]

5 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

All of them will drive you to tears from boredom after about 10 mins though.

Well, I really enjoy playing Sea of Sorrow and playing it loud, very loud. I think it is great but, as a diehard AIC fan, I am probably a bit biased 🙂 

[Eldon Tyrell]

23 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

All of them will drive you to tears from boredom after about 10 mins though.

 

14 minutes ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

Well, I really enjoy playing Sea of Sorrow and playing it loud, very loud. I think it is great but, as a diehard AIC fan, I am probably a bit biased 🙂 

 

And if I cannot convince you, maybe Nicki can 😉

 

 

[neepheid]

"The National Anthem" by Radiohead springs to mind.  Dunno if you class it as "best" or even "good" but it's definitely a one string wonder.

[Eldon Tyrell]

5 minutes ago, neepheid said:

"The National Anthem" by Radiohead springs to mind.  Dunno if you class it as "best" or even "good" but it's definitely a one string wonder.

"a one string wonder" - I like it 👍

[steantval]

Pretty sure this is played on just one string.

 

 

[Maude]

19 hours ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

 

 

And if I cannot convince you, maybe Nicki can 😉

 

 

0:46 Bb to C, not going above the third fret, on only the E string? 🤔

 

My bass must be tuned wrong. 😁

 

 

[bearhart74]

Once in lifetime - Talking heads

[StickyDBRmf]

Everyday People. Sly & The Family Stone. One note.

[Dazm66]

Transmission by Joy Division. First bassline I ever learned

[Hobbayne]

Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles.

Never mind one string, Its only one note!