The fastest way to fall in love with the bass is to play real music — and some of the greatest bass lines ever recorded are well within a beginner's reach. In this lesson I count down ten classic tracks with epic basslines: learn these and you are well on your way.
Each line earns its place by teaching you something — groove, note placement, stamina, or simply how a great bass part locks a whole song together.
Why learn famous bass lines?
- They build technique in context — far more fun than dry exercises
- You train your timing against some of the greatest grooves on record
- Every one is a tune you can play with other people, immediately
Brand new to the instrument? Start with Bass Rhythms and Notes for Beginners first, then come back and pick a line.
When you are ready to understand why these lines work, dive into Triads and Arpeggios and Unlocking the Bass Fretboard.
No band handy yet? The free Groove Trainer gives you rock, funk, swing and reggae drum grooves to run any of these ten against.
Stuck on one of the ten? Bring it to an online bass lesson (or in person in South Wales) and we will crack it together.