The 20 best bass lines of all time?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 тра 2024
- Yeah... the 20 best bass lines of all time...
Do I need to say anything else?! ;)
In this video you're going to hear 20 of the best bass lines that have ever been recorded.
You'll be learning about the gear they used, when it was recorded, and everything inbetween...
And yes.
I'm 110% sure that I'll have missed some awesome bass lines out (when making this list I had over 50 bass lines I wanted to feature, but I had to whittle it down to 20).
So with that in mind, lemme know in the comments which bass lines you would've added to the list, and of the bass lines that are featured in the video... what are your top 5?!
As always, see you in the shed...
Scott :)
=================================================================
GET MORE BASS TIPS 👇
_________________________________________________________________
🙌 Be the first to know - SUBSCRIBE now → bit.ly/sub-to-sbl-yt
🔓 Unlock your FREE trial to transform your bass playing → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
ABOUT SCOTT’S BASS LESSONS (SBL)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the largest online bass education platform in the world, with an ever-expanding course library and 40,000+ active members, Scott’s Bass Lessons (SBL) has everything you need to master the bass, all in one place.
Featuring beginner level bass lessons, engaging courses from expert instructors, step-by-step development curricula, direct feedback on your playing, real-time mentorship from A-list bassists and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, SBL is the perfect platform to uplevel your bass playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level bassist.
Try SBL Membership today! → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
RECOMMENDED BASS PLAYLIST
-------------------------------------------------------------
Catch up with SBL Content you’ve missed:
➡️ • SBL Full Video Playlist
#bassguitarlessons #bassforbeginners #easybasslines
LINKS
--------------
Tune in to our Weekly Podcast:
🎧 sblpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Explore our FREE courses:
🎸 freebasscourses.com
Try our FREE GrooveTrainer App:
📱 scottsbasslessons.com/groove-...
For reference, here's Scott's list:
"Good Times", Chic (Bernard Edwards)
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (James Jamerson)
"Cissy Strut", The Meters (George Porter Jr.)
"What is Hip?", Tower of Power (Rocco Prestia)
"Hair", Graham Central Station (Larry Graham)
"Runaway", Jamiroquai (Paul Turner)
"I Wish", Stevie Wonder (Nate Watts)
"Another One Bites the Dust", Queen (John Deacon)
"Come On Come Over", Jaco Pastorius
"Come Together", The Beatles (Paul McCartney)
"Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick", Ian Dury & the Blockheads (Norman Watt-Roy)
"I Want You Back", The Jackson 5 (Wilton Felder)
"Give It Away", Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea)
"Master Blaster", Stevie Wonder (Nate Watts)
"Never Too Much", Luther Vandross (Marcus Mller)
"Take the Power Back", Rage Against the Machine (Tim Commerford)
"Billie Jean", Michael Jackson (Louis Johnson)
"Power", Marcus Miller
"Wherever I Lay My Hat", Paul Young (Pino Palladino)
"Hysteria", Muse (Chris Wolstenholme)
@ Louis Rios: Thanks for that!
Thanks a lot :)
We dont deserve heroes like you! THX!!!
Hysteria bassline was created by Matt, not by Chris
Thanks so much!
Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life with Jamerson on the bass. The most beautiful bass line i have ever heard!
Jamerson is great and all, but Bob Babbit's line on "Inner City Blues" has to rank up there as a "beautiful" bass lines .I just don't think Bob ever got the props he deserves.
Have to add "I Was Made To Love Her" JJ putting it down.
You can't include James Jamerson in this list. He is in a league of his own . Although the term 'bass line' probably came into existence because of his style, it has been abused to describe stuff that are a million miles inferior to his music just because they have dance value. Maybe we change the phrase to 'story telling baselines'. This is the type of music not meant for mad limb/head shaking through enthusiasm or any physical reaction. Jamerson's music is cerebral meaning you are meant to sit still in your living room with no interruptions while listening intently to music of the highest standard humanity has ever produced, much as you would do if you were listening to classical music. There is no sensuality of any sort in James's music most of it is pure cerebral like the example you have produced of Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life incredible 'bass story'. All great musicians hold all exterior aspects 'still' thereby pointing you directly to the music. In Jamerson's case there are no crazy slaps (he hated slap bass), Basses with sharp tones or anything fancy leaving just the musical notes to carry his message. The single finger technique might have been a decision born out of that line of thought as multiple fingers add an extra expressive dimension not necessary for what he wanted to say musically. In Mozart's case he instructed that his piano music should not be played with any dynamics (velocity variations) thereby again pointing you to the fact that the notes by themselves are enough to tell the complete story.
I prefer I was made to love her
(in no particular order)
1. Walking on the Moon // The Police
2. Roundabout // Yes
3. Dear Prudence // The Beatles
4. Listen // Chicago
5. Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) // The Temptations
6. Too Rolling Stoned // Robin Trower
7. Detroit Rock City // KISS
8. Hotel California // Eagles
9. Schism // Tool
10. September // Earth, Wind and Fire
11. Tell Me Something Good // Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
12. Psycho Killer // Talking Heads
13. Dazed and Confused // Led Zeppelin
14. The Real Me // The Who
15. Jungle Boogie // Kool and the Gang
16. Sweet Emotion // Aerosmith
17. Longview // Green Day
18. Master of Ceremony // Bad Company
19. Jailbreak // Thin Lizzy
20. Hejira // Joni Mitchell
hot list!!
Without a doubt, Eagles Hotel California...KISS DRC also has iconic basslines
1 tool
2 sweet emotion
Only ones I know really good
There is not walking on the moon
Roundabout for sure but siberian khatru
Hope you'll enjoy Scott's Top 20 Best Basslines Ever (the order below is the song's order in the video):
1) 0:40 Chic - Good Times (bass: Bernard Edwards)
2) 1:27 Marvin Gaye - Ain't No Mountain High Enough (bass: James Jamerson)
3) 1:58 The Meters - Cissy Strut (bass: George Porter Jr)
4) 2:53 Tower of Power - What is Hip? (bass: Rocco Prestia)
5) 3:32 Graham Central Station - Hair (bass: Larry Graham)
6) 4:06 Jamiroquai - Runaway (bass: Paul Turner)
7) 5:07 Stevie Wonder - I Wish (bass: Nate Watts)
8) 5:57 Queen - Another One Bites The Dust (bass: John Deacon)
9) 6:19 Jaco Pastorius - Come On Come Over (bass: Jaco Pastorius)
10) 6:58 The Beatles - Come Together (bass: Paul McCartney)
11) 7:14 Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (bass: Norman Watt-Roy)
12) 7:56 Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (bass: Wilton Felder)
13) 8:21 Red Hot Chili Peppers - Give It Away (bass: Flea)
14) 8:53 Stevie Wonder - Master Blaster (bass: Nate Watts)
15) 9:02 Luther Wandross - Never Too Much (bass: Marcus Miller)
16) 9:43 Rage Against The Machine - Take The Power Back (bass: Tim Commeford)
17) 9:56 Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (bass: Louis Johnson)
18) 10:37 Marcus Miller - Power (bass: Marcus Miller)
19) 11:23 Paul Young - Wherever I Lay My Hat (bass: Pino Palladino)
20) 11:46 Muse - Hysteria (bass: Chris Wolstenholme)
Thanks a bunch!
Thank you!!!
You won a subscriber. Thanks ! Shame the uploader didn't have the class to include timestamps in the description box.
Let's Work - Prince
Solid list my friend but how does a guy with you accent leave Cream's Badge off this list. I am a huge Tower of Power guy, but the opening on Badge is instantly identified in the name that tune world. Sometimes simple is better when the other two dudes in the band are Ginger Baker and Clapton.
Just the same you hit on a lot of great tunes here.
Freddie Washington on Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots” is a classic.
Defenitly
I'm surprised it wasn't on his list!
I think it is Theee best bass line ever!
Agree
Ah, Man, that's taking me way back to when I got to play with her when she came to LBCC... Must have been end of 70s more like maybe beginning 80s? She was a super sweet person, and just a monster of a player, singer, writer, arranger... Man she can probably rebuild carburetors, fly rockets and heal the sick...
"Papa was a rolling stone" by The Temptations, that's a classic.
Not really a bass line.
Ramble on led zeppelin has the most glorious bass line in rock
Are you a jpj lover?
Maybe my favorite LZ tune, yes
Agree. So cool.
And, according to JPJ, he struggled to get that one right. Fortunately for us, he nailed it.
Nothing unusual about that, of course.
Please allow me to give some of my fav's.
Tighten Up. - Archie bell and the drells.- A MUST!
Scopio - Denis coffey - (the solo)
I want you to be my girl - the Teenagers - (walking bass)
Bernadette - The four tops - (very tricky)
Will we ever come together - Black Ivory Super R&B Bass ballad
Misdemeanor - Foster Sylvers - A must!
If you practice to these you will be super!
"Fantastic Voyage" by Lakeside, Level 42 had a couple good songs, "Something about you" and "Lessons in love", Hall and Oates, "I cant go for that."
Samoa Solidarity! Don't worry about your ancient race. We know all about you, as Scottish people.
I was thinking of a song but couldn't remember "Level 42". That bassist, Mark, was promoted
as the best bassist in the world at the time, even if I wished they hired a vocalist because he
sounded to slow and tired singing while he played a very complicated bass style.
Billy Sheehan used to play a bar in our city when he was in Pegasus, and I jammed with him
at a Saturday matinee, but I wouldn't put him on a top ten list because I never heard him get funky.
Steve Arrington with group Slave, Bass Player of the group Aurra "Are You Single," John Pattatucci, Fred Hammond (Commissioned), Lady from the Group Taste of Honey, Abraham Laboriel, Andrew Gouche, Joel Smith (drummer and Bass player), Nathan East (Four Play),
The bass player of the group Slave was Mark Adams
He’s right as Mark Adams didn’t play for Aurra or Steve Arrington. Steve Arrington was the drummer/vocalist. Buddy Hankerson played bass for Aurra & Steve Arrington Hall of Fame. Steve Washington played rhythm guitar for those two bands and Slave( Mark Hicks was Slaves main guitarist).
Just take any 20 James Jamerson songs and voila!!! Shoo-be-do-be-doo-da-de by Stevie Wonder is no 1 of all time!!! But then again Alphonso Johnson on Lusitanos with Weather Report.....but then again Teen Town Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report on the album Heavy Weather.....but then again Nate Phillips He Had a Hat Live with Jeff Lorber on UA-cam!!!!.......but then again
You're absolutely right to cite Slave. The bloke in this video has a wretched list.
Shaun Stokes. Your bassist from Taste of Honey is Janice Marie-Johnson. She was ahead of her time
She's the only surviving member of her band now. Her co-writer & lead guitarist have passed away, unfortunately... But she, among others, had a huge impact on me as a 70's kid. Here was a classy lady that allowed no fixed gender role, nor her lead guitar partner, and man could they GROOVE!
So I'm grateful to be a 70's "boogie child." It's doubtful I would've ever picked up a bass guitar were it not for artists like her, Rita Cooledge, The Brothers Johnson, Freddie Washington (Bassist for Patrice Rushen, Anita Baker, and many others), and a handful of other artists
I've always read that one of the most recognized bass lines in music history is the bass line in Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain'
John wrote so many great bass lines.
Also quite memorable ‘Go Your Own Way’
I like his playing on Sara and Gold dust woman
I can see that!!!!!
You got them all. Great job! You hit literally every single one! I dont have any to add or correct!
Yay! First time in the history of comments on lists! Congratulations!
“I’ll Take You There” bass line, David Hood gotta be one of the best of all time
DEFINITELY
Thank you! I was gonna bring that one up
Really good bass line.
Louis Johnson on M.J's, GET ON THE FLOOR / James Jamerson on Four Tops, SAME OLD SONG / Marshall Jones on Ohio Players, SKIN TIGHT / Bootsy Collins on STRETCHING OUT
Love this!! Honorable mention to The Brothers Johnson's "Strawberry Letter 23"!😁❤️
One of my all-time favorites.
Talk Talk- It’s My Life. This is how bass is supposed to sound. Not flashy, but solid and moving and interesting.
Tom Browne - Funkin' for Jamaica definitely should be on the list!
Another power house bass line.
That baseline is epic!!
synth bass though, right?
gegloff1 No it’s not snyth bass. I’ve seen Tom Browne live at the Orpheus in San Francisco and there was no snyth bass used. Maybe in the studio for the recorded version. Maybe. Nice try though. If you get proof there was a synth bass used for the recording hit me up.
Marcus is credited as playing bass. But listen to the recording. They def doubled with piano in places.
Ain't no stopping us now - McFadden and Whitehead. That's the only one I can think of right now that needed to be included
More bounce to the ounce...…………………………………………………………...Zapp!
Great!
If anyone was wondering, Cissy strut appears in Jackie Brown
Good job
Kinda figured. Just seems like the right movie for a song like that.
I knew rhat!
Thank you, didn’t want to tab out to google
I was gonna say where's hysteria BUT THANK GOD YOU PUT IT IN THERE, such a powerfull bassline!!
Bob Babbitt on Super Natural Thing -Ben E King-, Bob Babbitt on Ball Of Confusion -Temptations-, Babbitt on Mercy Mercy Me -Marvin Gaye, just to name a few.
I would add for consideration:
- Chuck Rainey on Steely Dan's "Peg"
- James Jamerson on Gladys Knight's "Heard It Through The Grapvine"
- Tommy Cogbill on Wilson Picket's Funky Broadway
Orion by Metallica, the bass riff has so many layers. It's calm, it's hyper, it's laid back, it's in your face, it's deep, it's fat. The bass in Orion does a lot of the stuff you can do on bass
Cliff Burton was by far the best Metallica bass player and Orion was one of the best. along with For Whom The Bell Tolls.
Great vid! I love Mark King's work with Level 42 and Something About You; and of course Send Me Forget Me Nots!
Great list Scott but I'd add Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Nots" care of "Ready" Freddie Washington.
James Jamerson bass line for Marvin Gaye's "What Going On". Intricate and hard to repeat.
You can't include James Jamerson in this list. He is in a league of his own . Although the term 'bass line' probably came into existence because of his style, it has been abused to describe stuff that are a million miles inferior to his music just because they have dance value. Maybe we change the phrase to 'story telling baselines'. This is the type of music not meant for mad limb/head shaking through enthusiasm or any physical reaction. Jamerson's music is cerebral meaning you are meant to sit still in your living room with no interruptions while listening intently to music of the highest standard humanity has ever produced, much as you would do if you were listening to classical music. There is no sensuality of any sort in James's music most of it is pure cerebral like the example you have produced of 'What Going On' incredible 'bass story'. All great musicians hold all exterior aspects 'still' thereby pointing you directly to the music. In Jamerson's case there are no crazy slaps (he hated slap bass), Basses with sharp tones or anything fancy leaving just the musical notes to carry his message. The single finger technique might have been a decision born out of that line of thought as multiple fingers add an extra expressive dimension not necessary for what he wanted to say musically. In Mozart's case he instructed that his piano music should not be played with any dynamics (velocity variations) thereby again pointing you to the fact that the notes by themselves are enough to tell the complete story.
He improvised that line , too drunk to stand, lying on his back, & reading the chord charts!
And also James Jameson comes for jazz house of jazz that's why he was able to do all that stuff most of the Motown musician came from the house of jazz that's why they couldn't be stopped. It was mainly the band that put Motown on top yes good good
1. Bob Babbitt..Inner City Blues Marvin Gaye
2. Verdine White...Running
Earth Wind & Fire
3. Jamerson...I was Made to Love Her
Stevie Wonder
4. Nate Watts...Do I Do
Stevie Wonder
5. Sly or the Bass player on 'If you want me to Stay'
Sly and the Family Stone
6. The Bass player on Suit and Tie
Justin Timberlake
7. Bernard Edwards...He's the Greatest Dancer... and all of CHIC
Chic
8. The Bass player on 24K Magic
Bruno Mars
9. The Bass player on Hotel California
The Eagles
10. Nathan East...After the Dance
Fourplay
I humbly recommend these Bass lines...Babbitt and Edwards are 1a and 1b to Jamerson...White, Watts, and East in my top ten along with Bootsy, LGraham, Marcus Miller, Michael Henderson
@@rhythmcdr I'm familiar with Bob Babbitts music didn't he also do living for the city and sign sealed delivered I'm yours and many other songs that I like. They also forgot one of my favorites which is RAY BROWN I'M MAINLY INTO JAZZ ARTIST. BUT BOB BABBITT IS ALSO A MONSTER ON THE BASS THAT'S VERY TRUE. THANKS FOR THE REMINDER AND THE RUNDOWN OF BASS PLAYER'S IT'S APPRECIATED
i would call give it away RHCP’s most recognizable baseline but goddamn, Mellowship Slinky in B Major is one of their most underrated and funky songs. i can’t wait for the day i see a list with that song on it.
it really is, one of my favourite tracks of blood sugar sex magik
These lists are impossible to make Lol. So many great bass lines and musicians out there. John Entwistle from the Who, talking bout my generation is iconic. Chris Squire from Yes wrote some amazing bass lines as well. Geddy Lee , Nelson Braxton, Victor Wooten, Donald Dunn……… ❤
John Entwistle - The Real Me.
Roger Waters - Money
Geddy Lee - Spirit of Radio or YYZ
Money by Floyd has to time signatures.
David Battaglia The Real Me #1 - ridiculous bassline.
RIP John Entwhistle
Smooth Operator check out TheBassManOnTheHill cover of the song. Freaking amazing.
ua-cam.com/video/AOXPbpzn9vo/v-deo.html&feature=share
Ya man.... The Real Me. whew man... ~`:+o
The Real me! As soon as I saw the title of this video. I thought of this first.
“For the Love of Money” by Anthony Jackson for The O Jays
“Money” by Roger Waters (I think) for Pink Floyd
Airik Luna yeah, that’s a great line!
@Brendan Mather Didn't know that.
I only learned recently that it was Anthony Jackson on The O Jays albums. I only came to know of him ... 30 years later? ... through his work with Michel Camilo, Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez, and Giovanni Hidalgo. I'm going to go back and listen to the O'Jays. They played in Albuquerque just a couple weeks ago. Of course, Anthony would not have been with them. :D
@Brendan Mather Pigs and Young Lust also were Gilmour I'm pretty sure
@Brendan Mather "Pigs", "Sheep", and "Young Lust" were all David Gilmour. Gilmour also contributed bass (with Waters) to "One of these Days" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
If we're going to mention Bernard Edwards---"I Want Your Love" has some of the tastiest lines and fills I've ever heard a bassist play without disrupting the tune
True
Everybody dance!!!
Megadeth: Peace Sells... but who’s buying
The bass line for an entire generation and the signature title track for MTV.
Knee Deep by Funkadelic? Bootsy Collins? Ohio Players? The masters got left out? Swing down sweet chariot, Mothership Connection? Can’t get any funkier on the bass. The list goes on.
No mention of William 'Bootsy" Collins is unforgiveable.
One of my favorite bass players of all time is the criminally underrated Simon Gallup from The Cure. Pick just about any Cure song and it's going to have a killer bass track. His bass lines are beautifully melodic and as rock solid as they come. He brings craftsmanship to every bass part he writes.
For example, Fascination street 👌🏻👍🏻
Other Voices by The Cure has a killer bass line.
Great call. Forgot about him. Just goes to show that a bass line doesn’t have to be super hard to play to be impactful and catchy.
@@MUSICSEARCH1200 yessss!
one word: Disintegration
Scott your lessons are awesome man. I’m a Rush guy but to learn all of these older Motown area bass lines is so sweet man. You’ve inspired me or learn that Jaco bass line bro! Killer man!
I am not a bass player, but I just love your videos! Thanks for that, and keep on such cool content!
Brothers Johnson- Strawberry Letter 23
Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots
Fosters- Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor - was the first bass line I thought of...pure genius.
Sly family stone I wanna thank for let me be myself Larry Graham on bass
Hearts of Stone version was even better. Not sure who played bass but I have my suspicions.
Fabulous. Outstanding.
I was just going to suggest this one.
Larry Graham on this song is the ORIGIN of that string-slapping that became so prevalent in Funk and Jazz-Fusion, definitely a huge innovator.
YESSSSS!
In no particular order...my Top 10
The Real Me - John Entwistle
Groove is in the Heart - Bootsy
Rain - Paul McCartney
Goodnight Tonight - Paul McCartney
Won’t Get Fooled Again (Live isolated bass version 1978)
John Entwistle
Sledgehammer - Tony Levin
Silly Love Songs - McCartney
Cinderella Man - Geddy Lee
The Chicken - Jaco
Reflections - James Jamerson
Some cool stuff. I would have expected "Money" and "Roundabout" on this list, but I definitely need to check out some of these songs.
Some good shouts Scott.
Money - Pink Floyd - Roger Waters, cracking 7/4 line
Manifest Destiny - Jamiroquai - Zender ( If you're gonna have Paul Turner, you gotta have Zender in there somewhere; one of many great lines he wrote ;) )
Jimmy Mack manifest Destiny 🙌🏾 Traveling without Moving as well
Jimmy Mack money annoys me in a way that i cant explain. god how i hate that song...
@@diogenessantana 😂 I can understand that. Like 'Good Times' it's an instantly recognisable Line, particularly noteable being a groove that doesn't sit in a popular 4/4 groove.
I totally agree: the both are worth to mention. Money is simply the classic riff without a doubt. And Zender is a modern grooviest bass player who adopted that old school funk in the best way and also was the foundation of Jamiroquai sound.
One of these days. Pink Floyd
An obvious choice, but Anthony Jackson on the O'Jays' For the Love of Money is unparalleled.
Good pull.
I wish I’d thought of that!!
Absolutely!!!!
Yes you have to do this over How could you Miss Anthony Jackson Money Money Money also Check out Barry White Esctasy
Unparallelled certainly is the word. FTLOM has one of the greatest bass lines in modern music to this day. A playing style way ahead of its time and along with those drum smashes, absolutely KILLER music. One of my all time top 5.
Just watched this for the first time...great list. I’d personally add Willie Weeks’ genius bass line on “Little Ghetto Boy”, Mark King’s greatness on “Something About You”, and Louis Johnson’s brilliance on “Strawberry Letter 23”. 👊🏽💪🏽
Great video, awesome comments in the comments section, you got a like from me! But I could have sworn paul used the hofner on come together. You probably know more than me about it! He returned to the hofner alot on abbey road, when he wasn't playing the rickenbacker or the fender jazz
Aurra - Why don’t you make up your mind
Aurra - Are you single
Vaughn Mason & Crew - Bounce, Rock, Slate, Roll
Tom Browne - Funkin for Jamaica
Dynasty "I've just begun to love you"
A few of my faves:
-Rush - Digital Man
-Duran Duran - Rio
-The Police - Spirits in the Material World
-Jethro Tull - Bouree
Digital Man is Geddy's best bass line in my opinion
I agree, Digital Man is amazing!
John Taylor is one of the best Bass players ever! Massively underrated
Fantastic choices
Can’t forget “Yes” “close to the edge” !!!🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love RHCP thanks for documentary tip, so glad I found you
Only now do I realise the similarity between Paul McCartney's bassline on Come Together & Flea's bassline for Give It Away. Great video!
Mark King Level 42 Lessons in Love....was my challenge as a teen on bass.
This is probably one of the hardest to play as the slapping is relentless. For anybody interested, the song was based on the chord progression of Vera Lynn's "We'll meet again"
Love that song bro!!...
"We Supply" Stanley Clarke. & Louis Johnson. Rocks, pebbles and Sand album.
@@intrepidmercenary_1
Mannnnn, you just brought back some memories with that one.!
@@produza111 There's a band from back in the day called *_The T Connection._*
That bassist is one of the most unheralded players imo.
Check on UA-cam songs like:
*.* Do what you wanna do.
*.* Everything is cool
*.* Saturday night
*.* At Midnight..
Just to name a few.
Enjoy...
I like the bass lines "regular" people actually hum:
"Under pressure"-Queen
"Money"-Pink Floyd
"Stayin' Alive"-Bee Gees
Your list's first is also my favourite of all time, Good Times!
"Darling Dear" - by The Jackson 5 is one of my favorites. Jamerson really was greatest to ever do it.
Papa Was A Rolling Stone! The first two notes are a semitone shift (a lot of bassists miss this). Pure genius figure against an offbeat bass drum which later shifts to the onbeat. Doesn't get simpler or funkier than this!
Martin Heath: Marcus Miller said this is his favorite bass line of all time because...you have to wait for it!
@@nancyhopp4173 Yes! And so delicious when it enters. Never gets old!
Martin Heath So true!! Shout out to my uncle the late Wah Wah Watson! He did all of the guitar work on that song! RIP Melvin Ragin!!!!!!! The greatest ever!!!!!
@@djcoolcliff And much more, divine musical expression, richly blessed! RIP Funk Brother Melvin.
So glad I was not the only person feeling Papa Was A Rolling Stone as an amazing bass line! It's what made me fall in love with the bass long before I knew I wanted to learn the bass. And so right about..."You have to wait for it!" Great call! Thanks...
Rush's Limelight, YYZ, and Spirit of Radio and Rufus/Chaka Khan's Tell Me Somethin' Good
freewill
How can you include Rush without including 2112 Overture?
BeeGees Stayin' Alive is always overlooked.
“Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick” definitely has the best bass line ever, Norman Watt-Roy is a bass beast!! 😀👍
Few of my personal favorites:
Justin Chancellor of Tool on 46 and 2, Schism, 10000 Days, and Reflection.
Cory Flanagan he’s my favorite bassist.
he's incredible. LOVE tool!!!
Great vid👍I really agree with your picks. Muse is my favourite band. I'm going to see them in June in Manchester. They have epic bassline.
Great video Scott - thanks for sharing. Here are a few more songs with exceptional bass lines:
James Brown’s Get off offa that thing
Weather Report Birdland
Lenny Kravitz My Mama Said
The Police Walking on the Moon
Miles Davies New Blue
Maybe you could do 20 more top bass lines?
Really enjoyed your video - thanks.
Such a great video. I’m looking into learning how to play bass guitar but don’t know where to start
Lets GROOVE Tonite/BOOGIE WONDERLAND: earth wind and fire
Cameo: skin im in
Most definitely...
Tony Levin on Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" !!! Such an amazing one !
I love Tony Levin. He makes every note count, and he doesn't step on anyone else.
Love watching him dancing concert too!
Yes!!! Ian mentioned that one tho so it’s not unnoticed!!!
That is a brillint piece of bass.....played on a very special set-up.
One of the most recognizable and best bass lines of all times starts off as a synth bass line before being picked up by the bass - Chameleon by Herbie Hancock
Great list!! Late to the game I know but for my money "The Lemon Song" has got to be there! Probably already mentioned but had to throw it out there.
James Brown, Sex Machine..."BOOOT'-Sehhh!". The bass line that started the 70s Funk Revolution!🎸
ua-cam.com/video/hnZ3TcZs1iU/v-deo.html
Great picks! I love the bass so much it is so hard to pick a few. Awesome video, thanks Scott.
“Blue Öyster Cult” the Bass line for “Burnin’ For You” is an often over looked grove that carries the entire song.
ua-cam.com/video/kn-8n4QKUS4/v-deo.html
Been watching your channel for a few years now and have not heard you talk about the most recorded bass player of all time chuck rainey. Please cover this amazing talent and man
Hi Scott,
I really liked your selection. Back in about 2005 I started maintaining a list of bass tracks I really liked. I was amazed how many of the bass players and tracks matched your selection. Below is my list (artist, group, track(s)):
Wilton Felder, Jackson 5, I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save ---- James Jamerson, For Once in My Life (Stevie Wonder), Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye) ---- Norman Watt-Roy, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick ---- Pino Palladino, Paul Young, Where Ever I Lay My Hat, Tear Your Playhouse Down ---- Nathan Watts, Stevie Wonder, I Wish ---- Dean Sutherland, Skunkhour, Horse ---- Jaco Pastorius, Jaco Pastorius, Kuru/Speak Like a Child, Portrait of Tracy ---- Sweet Charles Sherrell, James Brown, Get Up Offa That Thing ---- Verdine White, Earth Wind and Fire, September, I Can’t Let Go ---- Johnny ‘Flip’ Flippin, The Fatback Band, Boogie With the Fatback ---- Chuck Rainey, Aretha Franklin, Rock Steady ---- Kenneth Kinsey, The Kinsey Report, Poor Man's Relief ---- Myra Singleton, The Family Stand, Plantation Radio ---- John McVie, Fleetwood Mac, Dreams ---- Michael Peter Balzary (Flea), Red Hot Chili Peppers, Knock Me Down ---- Alan Gorrie, Average White Band, Pick Up the Pieces ---- Louis Johnson, Michael Jackson and Brothers Johnson, Working Day and Night (Michael Jackson), ---- James Ingram, James Ingram and Michael McDonald , Yah Mo Be There (synth bass) ---- Winston Blissett, Kylie Minogue, Spinning Around (synth bass) ---- David "Hawk" Wolinski, Chaka Khan and Rufus, Ain’t Nobody (synth bass) ---- Robert “Pops” Popwell, Swamp Dogg, Total Destruction to Your Mind ----
cheers
Brothers Johnson - Ain't We Funkin' Now!, Heat Wave - Boogie Nights
Yep.... almost anything bi Louis Johnson!
oh yea brothers j was really funkin
Stomp!!!
I should be ashamed of myself because I forgot about the Great Lois Johnson.
"Rock With You" Michael Jackson - and Willie Weeks "Fame" David Bowie !
OMG can't belive YES's Chris Squire playing Roundabout is not in that list… All your picks were great so you need a top 21... lol ;-)
a few favorites:
Overture-Cotton Avenue by Jaco on Joni Mitchell Don Juan's Reckless Daughter
Fresh Garbage by Spirit played, i think, by Mark Andes
Open Your Eyes You Can Fly by Flora Purim-bass by Alphonso Johnson
Vas Dis by Wishbone Ash-bass by Martin Turner
First off your list is awesome and very versatile. Awesome job.
One of my favorite bass lines is in the song Paradise by Sade. I believe the bassist is Paul (I cant think of the last name). Awesome stuff....
Super smooth and silky bass line
Paul Denman is Sade's fantastic bass player :-)
I agree. The bass on many of Sades songs were awesome.
Paul Simon's "You Can Call me Al" That flow of Bakhiti Kumalo! Whooosh
That solo break? It was pieced together in the studio. Kumalo never played it.
I know that Paul was already on the list for Come Together, but the bass line in Something is one of my favorites
If Macca had played root notes on Nowhere Man, it would have sounded like a dirge. It's perfect the way it is. And that's the genius of the Fab Four.
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel is a killer bassline. Steve Harris, John Entwhistle, John Muyang, Billy Shehan should be included on the list
Rock On by David Essex,
Crossroads by Cream,
Turn To Stone by Joe Walsh,
Miss You by The Rolling Stones,
Tom Sawyer by Rush,
2112 Overture by Rush,
Limelight by Rush,
Whipping Post by The Allman Brothers Band
Louis Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23, actually anything by The Brothers Johnson
Yep!
At least Louis was in there for Billy Jean.
I learned to play bass because of Brothers Johnson. Too dope!!!
So very true my brotha
Gary King who played the Bass lines on Grover Washington Jr's; "Knucklehead and Black Frost." Been listening, loving and playing strings out on them two jazz/phunk tunes since the seventies. And it dont get no better.
Midnight Train to Georgia-Gladys Knight and the Pips. Great P bass tone and amazing rhythm. The dotted 8th 16th notes really drive the tune.
Son of a Preacher Man-Dusty Springfield. My personal favorite bassline of all time. Great use of the high register and again the 16th notes over the lazy groove the rest of the band is doing are just amazing.
Stanley Clarke's School Days, I've played this to bass players who shake their heads in disbelief
Stanley's a monster on the bass.
I love the bass line on Maxwell's "Ascension". Smooth, catchy, and prominent in the track. Also fun to play.
My all time favourite basslines are:
Orion - Metallica
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder
Defenestration - Crytpopsy
Panic Attack - Dream Theater
Dark Necessities - RHCP
Tom Sawyer - Rush (RIP Neil Peart)
I'm first and foremost a metalhead and there sadly aren't that many memorable basslines, but the ones that are are amazing. There are definitely more than the ones I included but these are just my favourite ones. Also all of Sir Duke is amazing
There are so many great basslines in music history but some that truly stand out for me
Boogie Ooogie Ooogie-A Taste of Honey (Janice Marie Johnson)
Glide-Pleasure (Nate Phillips)
Rio-Duran Duran (John Taylor)
I Can Make It Better-The Whispers (Leon Sylvers III)
Le Freak-Chic (Bernard Edwards)
Forget Me Nots-Patrice Rushen (Freddie Washington)
Just a Touch of Love-Slave (Mark Adams)
Jamersons Bernadette by four tops is my favorite as well as what's going on
You can't include James Jamerson in this list. He is in a league of his own . Although the term 'bass line' probably came into existence because of his style, it has been abused to describe stuff that are a million miles inferior to his music just because they have dance value. Maybe we change the phrase to 'story telling baselines'. This is the type of music not meant for mad limb/head shaking through enthusiasm or any physical reaction. Jamerson's music is cerebral meaning you are meant to sit still in your living room with no interruptions while listening intently to music of the highest standard humanity has ever produced, much as you would do if you were listening to classical music. There is no sensuality of any sort in James's music most of it is pure cerebral like the example you have produced of Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life incredible 'bass story'. All great musicians hold all exterior aspects 'still' thereby pointing you directly to the music. In Jamerson's case there are no crazy slaps (he hated slap bass), Basses with sharp tones or anything fancy leaving just the musical notes to carry his message. The single finger technique might have been a decision born out of that line of thought as multiple fingers add an extra expressive dimension not necessary for what he wanted to say musically. In Mozart's case he instructed that his piano music should not be played with any dynamics (velocity variations) thereby again pointing you to the fact that the notes by themselves are enough to tell the complete story.
Everytime a new bassline would play, i got chills. man some of those basslines are just soo funky! i can't even explain the feeling.
Also one of my favourite basslines would have to be Beastly or Dean Town from Joe Dart of Vulfpeck. It's not a huge hit or whatever but it's pretty sick.
Summer Madness - Kool & The Gang
Dr Funkenstien - Parliament
More Bounce To The Ounce - Zapp
Funkin For Jamaica - Tom Browne
Outstanding - The Gap Band
Take Your Time DO It Right - S.O.S. Band
Seven Minutes Of Funk - Tyrone Davis & The Whole Darn Family
UFO - ESG
Heartbeat - Taana Gardner
Genius Of Love - Tom Tom Club
Isley Brothers "Climbin' up the ladder"
It's not one of their most popular tracks, but the bass line is fire!!
Patrice Rushen - forget me nots
Taste of Honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie
Kevin Parker Those same two were the first to come to my mind.
@@Loanme5 great taste! 😁
Kevin Parker. Since you're mentioning Patrice Rushen & "Forget Me Nots," might as well add another classy soul woman: Anita Baker. Freddie Washington also played bass on her "Same 'Ol Love" & "Sweet Love."
And for whatever reason that it comes to mind, I don't remember the bassist's name just now, but Ray Parker Jr's "You Can't Change That," from 1979. And finally the fretless bass part from The Commodores "Night Shift" in 1985... the list goes on & on
Long live the 70's, man. Just keep on groovin' ;o) !
The bass player for the funk group
Lakeside was nasty. The song was " It is all the way live".
Parliment Funkadelic's bass player should have been included too.
Paul Macarthy of the Beetles had a few great bass lines too.
You missed some great ones in your list.
Randy Krank. I know this is totally disparite, but with a user-handle like that, I can only wonder if you were ever a high performance car stereo nut like me, when I was in my 20's: "Crank It or YANK IT."
They'd have these Crank-it-or-yank it contests at the local swap meet, (Vikon Village in Garland TX, & the "Swap Meet Grounds" of Mountain View Lake, in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas) and they weren't kidding around. I really enjoyed it though, 'cause the contest winner almost always was someone who'd built his own "systems," and it almost became customary for the winner to use the prize money to build a new system in the "loser's" car, right there on the spot
Well, thank you for the suggestions. I'll have to hunt down Lakeside's "It Is All the Way," live. This is the first I've ever heard of them. And ANY hit by Parliament- - right on. Or FUNK ON, rather!
I'm practically in euphoria, thanks to this particular comment chain... Looks like Scott's sparked a Funk Revival :) ;) !
I Was Made To Love Her - James Jamerson! The reason why I picked up the bass!
I was about to post that! Glad I read down.
Knut Henriksen. I second, third, & fourth that motion: "I Was Made To Love Her," & "Uptight (Everything Is Alright)," both by Stevie Wonder in 1967 if memory serves, & both by James Jamerson!
Songs that MADE you go buy a bass guitar & start learning! !
Jamerson on Grapevine Gladys Knight.
i cam here to hear the best bass lines of all time - walked with a playlist that'll define my Self Forever.
GOOD LAD!!
A man with taste, talent and knowledge of some of the greatest bassist.
If you're going to mention John Deacon for "Another One Bites The Dust," then you must include Carol Kaye for "The Beat Goes On." Word is she saved that song from potential oblivion by making up the opening bass line the day of recording.
You got it, that song is in the toilet without Carol Kaye's bassline.
When I'm on explaining to someone older than 50 how a bass sounds and what makes it important, I use that song, Come Together, and The Chain. You don't have to know much about music to understand the role of the bass using those three songs.
Anybody have other simple songs with an easy to hear bass for teaching the musically clueless?
My other option is to stop being clueless myself, and observe which friends run away anytime I start talking about the bass, or really anything about music that goes beyond whether they like a song or not.
Rio, Duran Duran, John Taylor, one of my favs.
John Taylor is a really underrated bass player.
@@aprilkurtz1589 I agree!
I really love this bassline. So underrated! Melodic
I agree..totally underrated!
Ron Hochhalter John Taylor was a beast
“Slide” by Slave has a slamming base solo that gets my head bopping every time!!
Bernard Edwards, James Jamerson, Marcus Miller & Pino Palladino - fantastic list. Many of my favorites.
Henry E. Davis = Back in Love Again by LTD and the best bass line of the era: Love Hangover by Diana Ross.
Just take any 20 James Jamerson songs and voila!!! Shoo-be-do-be-doo-da-de by Stevie Wonder is no 1 of all time!!! But then again Alphonso Johnson on Lusitanos with Weather Report.....but then again Teen Town Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report on the album Heavy Weather.....but then again Nate Phillips He Had a Hat Live with Jeff Lorber on UA-cam!!!!.......but then again
Lovely Day by Bill Withers is one of my favorites, but great list
Great choice, Scott...I agree completely though of course a list of 20 pieces can't be the source of all wisdom...
What came in my mind first was...
almost everything from the 2 first Jamiroquai albums. .. one example: Manifest of Destiny's
I'm freaking out with:
Incognito- Jacob's Ladder
Faith No More - The Morning After
Iron Maiden - Die with your boots on (live version)
Mother ' s Finest- Love Changes; Baby Love (both in live version)
Sting- It's probably me ( live version- great)
Living Colour- Funny Vibe
... the list goes on and on. ..
Many greetings from Stuttgart, Germany - Alex
Love your pics for bass lines man! Please add Willie Weeks to your list from Donny Hathaway Live- " Everything is Everything".
That Willie Weeks solo... One of my favourite pieces of live bass recording ever! So good 🔥 !