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.
Stuck on one of the ten? Bring it to a one-to-one lesson and we will crack it together.