# Favorite Basslines **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 5, 2007, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661 "2007-10-05T18:00:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/1 "2007-10-05T18:00:30Z")
I’m looking for fun, moderately challenging bass lines to play by myself or with a small group. But first: What’s the difference between a Bass Player and a large, deep-dish pizza? A large deep-dish pizza can feed a family of four. Point being, I’m not trying to join a band, become famous, feed myself or even get free beer, I just like to learn bass lines. I admire Paul McCartney for his musicality, but I tend to like riff-like lines that are fun to play and somewhat recognizable on their own; at least for just playing alone or with a couple of other people. For example, I recently picked up Express Yourself, NWA, which has only two measures repeated throughout. Amon Tobin’s, Stoney Street, has a great, repetitive bass riff similar to the Cure’s, Love Cats. (Both are played on upright bass.) Primus’ version of Have a Cigar is great, IMHO, and the bass line drives the song. I also like classical melodies that are well-suited to the bass and I enjoyed learning both Crazy Train and Hotel California despite the fact that I’ve heard each one way too many times. Most recently, I stumbled on the bass tab for Peg, Steely Dan, and I have a new appreciation of the song because of it. If you are able to glean some trend from such a short list, please dismiss it immediately! What I most want is bass lines you like, especially if you play bass or have taken lessons and learned some key technique from a particular song, riff, solo or transition. Any and all styles are welcome and if you have links to Bass Tab or music that’d be funky! ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/2 "2007-10-05T18:05:54Z")
Pump it Up - Elvis Costello Love is the Drug - Roxy Music Give it Away - RHCPeppers Steppin’ Out - Joe Jackson Good Times/Rapper’s Delight - Chic/Sugarhill Gang (SG sampled Chic’s bass line) So What - Miles Davis (off Kind of Blue, Paul Chambers on bass) Radio Free Europe - REM Bust a Move - Young MC, featuring Flea on bass All are solid, bass-driven songs that work as songs first, but have great bass lines… ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/3 "2007-10-05T18:14:15Z")
Old Brown Shoe (Beatles) & Sympathy for the Devil (Stones) quickly come to mind. ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/4 "2007-10-05T18:22:34Z")
nick lowe - “i love the sound of breaking glass” porno for pyros - “tahitian moon” Talking Heads - “mind” ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/5 "2007-10-05T18:35:29Z")
I still remember the first time I heard **Shabby Doll** from Elvis Costello’s _Imperial Bedroom_. I’d just bought the CD that night but I was exhausted, so I decided to listen to it until I fell asleep. Within minutes I was fast asleep, until the bassline at the end of Shabby Doll woke me straight up into a sitting position. I thought it was just about the coolest thing I’d ever heard. And I’m a huge Rush fan- so pretty much I love every sound that comes out of Geddy Lee. But I am no bass-ophile, so the above’s just my humble opinion! ---
**Author:** ![fishbicycle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aeb1de/32.png) [@fishbicycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fishbicycle)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/6 "2007-10-05T18:50:59Z")
The Beatles - Come Together Steely Dan - Deacon Blues Steely Dan - Black Cow Steely Dan - Rikki Don’t Lose That Number Squeeze - Pulling Mussels From A Shell The Fifth Dimension - Wedding Bell Blues Ten Years After - Let The Sky Fall Led Zeppelin - Black Dog Led Zeppelin - Nobody’s Fault But Mine These are some of my favorite songs to play along with the record on bass. I can’t remember which technique I learned from whom, though, because I’ve played bass since 1969. I’m pretty sure I stole something good from a lot of guys. Watch out for that Squeeze number; you really gotta be on your toes! And the middle eight (the section that leads up to the solo) of “Black Cow” was an eye opener for me. It’s a special kind of ability that allows a person to write chord changes that sound like a key change, but aren’t. I am so in awe of Donald Fagen…I don’t know what I’d say to him if we ever met (of course, we won’t). ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/7 "2007-10-05T19:09:25Z")
Given that Steely Dan and The Beatles have been covered, I’d submit Taste of Honey’s [_Boogie Oogie Oogie_](http://youtube.com/watch?v=LiMgxNp-cMM) featuring vocals and bass by the lovely and talented Janice Marie Johnson. **fishbicycle** , I couldn’t agree more regarding Donald Fagen. Genius times ten. ---
**Author:** ![Chez\_Guevara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aeb1de/32.png) [@Chez\_Guevara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chez_Guevara)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/8 "2007-10-05T19:10:38Z")
[QUOTE=VCO3] Talking Heads - “mind” [/QUOTE] Another vote for Tina on _Girlfriend is Better_. Also, Roger Waters on _Time_. ---
**Author:** ![Yeticus\_Rex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a698b9/32.png) [@Yeticus\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeticus_Rex)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/9 "2007-10-05T19:26:00Z")
[QUOTE=Chez Guevara] Also, Roger Waters on _Time_. [/QUOTE] Also, add the very funky 7/4 beat of “Money”, and the absolutely finger grinding of “One of These Days (I’m gonna cut you into little pieces)” ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/10 "2007-10-05T19:47:37Z")
[QUOTE=Yeticus Rex] [T]he absolutely finger grinding of “One of These Days (I’m gonna cut you into little pieces)” [/QUOTE] Isn’t that all of two notes and a delay? Or is it that the right fingers get the grind? Keep 'em coming, everyone! Time is a good example of what I’m looking for. (I also have, So What, Give it Away, Pump it Up and Love is the Drug on deck as well as a bookmark for this thread!) I learned this one a long time ago because it’s fairly recognizable and I can “sing” along as I play, which helps to learn it in the first place. Another Beatles tune I like for the bass line is Oh! Darlin’. I am open to songs outside the classic rock milieu, but I have a pathetic CD collection and no good way to download. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/11 "2007-10-05T19:49:42Z")
Luniz- “I Got Five On It”. I’ll go away now. ---
**Author:** ![Aioua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@Aioua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aioua)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/12 "2007-10-05T19:52:18Z")
I’m not a bassist, but I do know _one_ bassline, cause I love it so. Chick Magnet, by **MxPx**. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/13 "2007-10-05T19:53:40Z")
Whipping Post - The Allman Brothers Band Les Brers in A Minor - ABB [I’m not sure if people would recognize either one, but they’re two of my favorites to play] Jungle Love - The Time Hey Bulldog - The Beatles Spoonful - Willie Dixon/Howlin’ Wolf/Cream I feel bad saying this, but somebody has to: Play That Funky Music, by Wild Cherry. I don’t think you should play it in public, but if you want a list of recognizable basslines, that has to be on it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/14 "2007-10-05T19:56:31Z")
“Old Time Rock & Roll” - Bob Seger. “Smoke on the Water” - Deep Purple, although you probably know this one already. 🙂 “Iron Man” - Black Sabbath. ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/15 "2007-10-05T20:01:58Z")
There are so many great James Jamerson bass lines it’s hard to narrow them down. If I had to pick two, I’d say “You Can’t Hurry Love” by the Supremes, and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson. The bass in both songs gives me chills! ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/16 "2007-10-05T20:04:01Z")
The theme to _Barney Miller_ is pretty cool. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/17 "2007-10-05T20:04:55Z")
[QUOTE=Lute Skywatcher] “Smoke on the Water” - Deep Purple, although you probably know this one already. 🙂 [/QUOTE] Similarly, there’s In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. ---
**Author:** ![MrPeabody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7cd45c/32.png) [@MrPeabody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrPeabody)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/18 "2007-10-05T20:37:12Z")
The Beatles “Paperback Writer” I the most played bass line in my collection. I freaking love it. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/19 "2007-10-05T20:44:29Z")
Heart - Crazy on You Clapton - Cocaine Cream - Sunshine of Your Love ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2007, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661/20 "2007-10-05T20:55:50Z")
Geezer Butler wrote great bass lines for Black Sabbath. Pretty much every song has one, but I especially like Rat Salad, NIB, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Fairies Wear Boots. I’m sure I’m forgetting a couple of favorites. The Beastie Boys “Gratitude” is also a lot of fun to play. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-basslines/421661.md?page=2)