There is nothing more satisfying than the sound of a bass guitar. It is the instrument which brings a song together and which leaves people mesmerized by its sound. When it comes to bass lines, however, there are so many out there which exceed expectations.
Naturally, it is difficult to narrow down the all-time favorite bassline, but we have still put together a list displaying some of the best basslines out there.
After reading through this list, you will have no choice but to take out your bass and challenge yourself playing one of these brilliant basslines. Do you have what it takes?
Table of Contents
The Bass Line
So, what do we mean by the words ‘bass line’? Well, it is exactly how it sounds. The bass line is the lowest pitched part of a song, played using a bass guitar, and this is the sound which brings a song together.
With a bass line, you are not subjected to one genre either. There are many famous bass lines out there covering jazz, rock, even disco.
What makes the bass line unique is how it stands out amongst the other instruments and sets the tone for the song. It takes an acquired skill to be able to master a bass line and have it be remembered by everyone.
Because of these famous bass lines, people are encouraged to play them themselves and they work to aid beginner bass learners too.
Not everyone can master a bass line but when they do, it turns into something incredible. The bassist may not be center stage but without them a band would be nothing.
The bassist is the one who creates these incredible bass lines and is the reason for listing the best bass lines.
Best Bass Lines
With so many bass lines out there, it is hard to know where to start. That is why we have put together this list of the best bass lines. Read on below to check out our favorites!
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye, Tammi Tarrell
This is one of the best bass lines if you are looking for one with class and soul. James Jamerson is the bassist for this notable song, known for his involvement in Motown songs.
With this bass line, you are able to feel the soul with every sound played and this truly cements the entire song.
I Want You Back – Jackson 5
Bassist Wilton Felder blew everyone away with his bass line for Jackson 5. This is a song much loved and remembered not only for the group but for the bass too. The bass guitar in ‘I Want You Back’ drives the song, filled with soul and feel.
This is also a bass line which many are drawn to, especially for beginner bassists.
Come Together – The Beatles
This bass line is simple yet very memorable. The way Paul McCartney plays the bass in ‘Come Together’ is a classic and well done.
His bass playing leads the song which is unusual for a band, yet this is what was needed to make this one of the best bass lines and to make its way onto our favorites list.
Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
Aside from Freddie Mercury’s amazing voice and stage presence, it is John Deacon who takes lead in ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ with his bass. This is a classic bass line filled with enough funk to make it memorable.
Whilst this bass line is simple, it is a bass line which sticks in people’s minds and creates a lasting impact. This list would not be complete without John Deacon.
Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song blasted into popularity, and it is fair to give credit to Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary because of it. The bass in this song leads the rest of the group with its signature repetition and clean bass slide.
This is another ideal choice for beginners when practicing their slide.
I Wish – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is known for his funk and what makes this possible is the bass in his music. Thanks to bassist Nathan Watts, ‘I Wish’ is one of Stevie Wonder’s catchiest songs. From the introduction alone, the bass plays the leading role and captivates the listeners.
Because of this bassline, ‘I Wish’ is still loved to this day and is recognized for the sheer amazement of the bass.
London Calling – The Clash
Paul Simonon mastered the bass line in this song, adding a flare of rock with reggae to create this unique masterpiece. Through all the instruments, the bass still sticks out showing the power of this classic bassline.
Hysteria – Muse
This list wouldn’t be complete without Muse in the mix. Chris Wolstenholme plays this outstanding bass line, tackling something that not just any bassist can play. Not only does the bass lead the song but it is done with such precision and detail.
This is a bassline you have to hear to believe and it definitely deserves to be one of the best bass lines.
Final Thoughts
We have only listed a few of our favorite bass lines but the list is endless. In most bands, the electric guitar seems to be center stage, but it is the bass which drives and leads the song.
Without great bass lines, songs would not be as notable as they are.
The great thing about the bass guitar is that it is not limited to one specific genre. Whether you play punk, jazz, funk, rock or reggae, you can create a bass line which will transform a song.
Above, we have listed some of the best bass lines but there are plenty more which could have been added. We cannot forget about Stevie Wonder’s ‘Sir Duke’, ‘Money’ by Pink Floyd, James Brown’s ‘Sex Machine’ and many others.
Not anyone can master a bass line which drives the rest of the song and to be able to do so is a big achievement.
Try learning some of the bass lines for the songs listed above and fall in love with the bass!
