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If you’re learning how to play bass , you likely don’t want to practice scales or other dull exercises. You want to play songs, right? That’s what most of us signed up for when we picked up a bass and started playing.
Here’s a list of 5 easy songs for those learning how to play bass :
- With or Without You by U2.
This is an excellent song for beginners to grasp. It has only 4 notes (D, A, B, and G), and each note is played for a bar at a time in straight 8th notes. This makes it a great exercise for your plucking hand, ensuring each note you play is even and consistent.
- Stand By Me by Ben E King.
This song has more notes than the U2 track mentioned above, but it’s still relatively simple, with an 8-bar pattern that repeats from the beginning to the end of the song.
- Every Breath You Take by the Police.
A simplified version of this song is great for beginners. Similar to the U2 song, there are many 8th notes, testing your plucking hand technique and ensuring that all the notes are played evenly and consistently.
- Dancing In The Dark by Bruce Springsteen.
Garry Tallent, the bass player for the E Street Band, is often underrated. His playing on ‘The River’ is full of excellent, melodic bass lines. Like With or Without You and Every Breath You Take, the focus in this song is on the plucking hand. So, practice consistent 8th notes.
- My Girl by the Temptations. Bass by James Jamerson.
If you’re serious about the bass, James Jamerson is a must-study musician. More articles about him will be coming soon. My Girl is a fantastic, simple bass line to a great song. It’s enjoyable to play along with the recording, and it features one of Jamerson’s most iconic bass line sub-hooks.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
Thanks a lot for your great and useful guide. This is very helpful for the guitarist. Thanks for the shearing.
Nice, With or without you was pretty easy! Thank you!