Top 33 Best Easy Bass Songs For Beginners (2024)
Learning to play the bass guitar can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Starting with easy bass songs can build your skills while boosting your confidence.
I’m excited to show you a variety of easy bass guitar songs suitable for beginners. They will help you develop your playing technique and grasp the fundamentals of this versatile instrument in no time!
So, grab your bass, and let’s get into it!
Classic Easy Bass Songs
1. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
“Sunshine of Your Love” is a great song for beginner bassists to learn. The iconic riff by Cream is memorable, and the bass line is relatively simple to play. As you practice this song, you’ll develop your skills in playing walking bass lines and maintaining a solid groove.
2. Come Together by The Beatles
The Beatles’ “Come Together” is another classic song with an easy bass guitar part. Paul McCartney’s bass line is instantly recognizable and repetitive, making it a perfect choice for beginners. You’ll also get the opportunity to explore some syncopation and octaves in this famous track.
3. Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
In the realm of famous songs, Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust” stands out for its accessible bass line. The driving groove, created by the legendary John Deacon, is fun to play and will help improve your timing and precision.
4. Under Pressure by Queen
“Under Pressure” is another excellent bass line by John Deacon. This collaboration between Queen and David Bowie features a catchy, syncopated rhythm. As you learn to play it, you’ll understand how to lock in with the drumbeat and create a solid foundation for the song.
5. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Nirvana is significantly impacted by “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and the bass line is worth learning by novices. The iconic grunge anthem includes a simple but effective bass part that focuses on root notes. It’s a perfect tune to master power chords and changes between them.
6. Come As You Are by Nirvana
Another Nirvana hit, “Come As You Are,” presents a bass line that is a nice combination of melodic and rhythmic playing. It’s an excellent song for bassists wanting to explore an alternative rock style while still keeping things manageable.
7. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” is a fantastic choice for beginner bass players. The song’s catchy bass line and driving beat allow you to practice your fingerstyle technique and get a feel for playing syncopated rhythms.
8. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
“Smooth Criminal” is another Michael Jackson hit with a straightforward yet effective bass line. The song’s bass is repetitive, making it ideal for beginners to develop groove-playing abilities.
9. Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” features a bass line that samples Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” Learning this song allows you to practice playing a sampled bass line within the context of a different genre.
10. Money by Pink Floyd
“Money” by Pink Floyd is a fantastic song to learn for its distinctive bass groove that plays throughout the track. It’s an excellent opportunity to get comfortable with a 7/4 time signature, which is unique compared to the more common 4/4 time.
11. Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple
Deep Purple’s classic tune, “Smoke On The Water,” is another great song for beginner bassists. The simple bass line follows the famous guitar riff, helping build confidence when synchronizing with other instruments in a band setting.
12. I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown
James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)” will have you practicing your bass playing in a funkier style. This upbeat song’s simple bass line is perfect for mastering syncopation and playing with a tight rhythmic groove.
13. I Love Rock ‘n Roll by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” is a fantastic and straightforward rock song to learn on the bass guitar. The simplicity of the bass line allows you to focus on establishing a solid rhythm and maintaining a steady tempo.
14. Should I Stay Or Should I Go by The Clash
The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” is a brilliant song for beginner bassists. With its catchy bass line and simple chord progression, you’ll quickly learn to play along and enjoy this famous punk rock track.
15. Red House by Jimi Hendrix
“Red House” by Jimi Hendrix is a superb song for bass players interested in exploring blues music. The slow tempo and repetitive bass line make it an accessible entry point for beginners.
16. Wicked Game by Chris Isaac
“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaac offers a smooth bass line perfect for beginners. The distinctive melody lets you work on finger placement and accuracy while also focusing on creating a fluid, seamless sound.
17. Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry is an irresistible choice for any beginner bass player who wants to delve into the world of funk. The catchy bass line and overall groove will help you hone your skills in playing funk music.
18. Dream On by Aerosmith
“Dream On” by Aerosmith is an excellent choice for learning how to play a more melodic bass line. This classic rock song showcases a bass part that supports the harmonic structure of the track, making it ideal for beginners working on their note choices and overall musicianship.
19. Message In A Bottle by The Police
The Police’s “Message In A Bottle” features a memorable and approachable bass line played by Sting. This song allows you to work on various techniques, such as palm muting and syncopation, while also exploring some reggae-inspired rhythms.
20. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
Lastly, “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne is an excellent beginner bass song that features a driving bass line with a classic hard rock feel. As you practice this tune, you’ll begin to understand the role of the bass guitar in a heavier rock context.
Modern Easy Bass Guitar Songs
21. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
You’ll enjoy playing “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes as a bassist. With its simple and catchy bass riff, this song lets you focus on your timing and groove. The repetitive nature of the riff allows beginners to feel confident while learning the song.
22. All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor
For a more recent hit, try Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass.” The bassline is simple enough for beginners yet embodies that James Brown-inspired funk that will make you feel like a bass pro as you play along. Focus on your slapping and popping techniques for that extra touch of groove.
23. Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty
Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” may be a famous acoustic guitar tune, but it also features a simple bassline perfect for beginners. With minimal chord changes and a straightforward rhythm, it’s an excellent song to practice playing bass while maintaining a consistent tempo.
24. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” offers a catchy bass riff that fits perfectly within the song’s structure. Although the bass is simple, pay attention to the timing and dynamics as you practice this song.
25. Other Side by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Chili Peppers’ “Other Side” is a great song to practice your slap bass technique. Apart from focusing on slap and pop, spend time on finger positioning and accuracy to get that distinct Flea sound.
26. Under The Bridge by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Another Chili Peppers classic, “Under The Bridge,” allows you to develop your bass skills while playing a melodic and iconic bassline. With slow chord progressions and arpeggios, concentrate on your timing and tonal control.
27. Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz
“Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz features a memorable bass riff that’s simple yet effective. As a beginner, you’ll enjoy the catchy melody and straightforward rhythm that will keep your fingers tapping.
28. Enter Sandman by Metallica
Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” may be a heavy metal classic, but it’s also perfect for beginner bass players. The main riff is played in unison with the guitars, making it easy to follow. Focus on your timing and note consistency throughout the song.
29. Symphony Of Destruction by Megadeth
For those who enjoy a challenge, “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeth is a great choice. The bassline is straightforward but requires precision and accuracy. Nail the rhythm and pay attention to the song’s speed.
30. Nighttrain by Guns N’ Roses
“Nighttrain” by Guns N’ Roses features a steady bass riff that beginner bassists will appreciate. With the straightforward rhythm and minimal chord changes, focus on your note consistency and keeping the groove tight.
31. Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name” might be an aggressive rock song, but its simple and groovy bass riff is perfect for beginner bassists. Practice your timing and dynamics to bring out the groove.
32. Don’t Cry by Guns N’ Roses
“Don’t Cry” by Guns N’ Roses is another great song for beginners, with its slow tempo and melodic bassline. It allows you to explore bass techniques like slides and hammer-ons while keeping a steady groove.
33. Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” is a fun and funky song that beginner bassists will enjoy. With its repetitive groove and catchy rhythm, you’ll find yourself dancing along as you play. Perfect your slap-and-pop technique to bring out that funky charm.
Best Easy Bass Songs For Beginners: The Basics
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Even if you’re starting as a complete beginner, don’t fret; we all started from there. Even the best bass players in the world once were at that starting line.
What matters is your passion, drive, and dedication.
One of the best ways to help that fire and drive is to learn easy bass songs from diverse genres, so you’ll find something that resonates with your musical taste.
From timeless classics by The Beatles to today’s hottest, modern hits by Olivia Rodrigo, these songs offer the perfect stepping stones for beginners eager to improve their bass-playing abilities.
Tecnology changes have changed the sound of modern music, but there’s one constant – the bass! No matter what era the music is from, there’s always awesome bass lines to be learned!
Whether you’re just starting or a gigging musician looking to expand your repertoire, these simple yet engaging bass guitar songs will provide a solid foundation for your musical growth.
Why Start With Easy Songs?
As a beginner bassist, starting with easy songs is a good idea because it helps you build a solid foundation in technique and playing skills. And it gets you enjoying playing your instrument immediately. After all, music is fun and should always remain that way.
Learning The Fundamentals
The first step is to focus on learning the fundamentals by choosing songs with simpler basslines without getting overwhelmed by complex structures or rhythms.
Easy songs also boost your confidence as you can quickly learn and play them, experiencing a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue learning. This confidence is essential for your growth as a musician, making tackling more advanced songs in the future easier.
Develop Muscle Memory And Finger Strength
Moreover, working on easy bass songs helps you develop muscle memory and finger strength, both crucial components for improving your playing abilities.
As you become more familiar with the bass guitar and different playing techniques, it will be more comfortable for you to approach challenging materials.
Explore Various Genres And Styles
Another advantage of starting with easy songs is the opportunity to explore various music genres and playing styles. This exposure allows you to identify your preferences, from funky grooves to rock rhythms, and ultimately shape your playing style as you progress.
In short, starting with easy bass guitar songs benefits you as a beginner bassist by building your skills, confidence, and musical tastes. By choosing simple, accessible songs, you set yourself up for success and make learning enjoyable.
Understanding Bass Tabs and Sheet Music
As a bass guitar player, knowing how to read and understand bass tabs, chord symbols, and sheet music is essential. This knowledge will help you learn new songs and techniques more efficiently and effectively.
Bass Tab
Bass tabs are a notation system specifically designed for bass guitar, combining symbols and numbers to represent fret positions and strings. In a bass tab, you’ll see a series of horizontal lines representing the strings, with the lowest or thickest string (usually the E) at the bottom. Between these lines, numbers indicate the fret on which you should place your finger for each note. For example:
G|------------------------|
D|--------2---------------|
A|-----2----2-----3-------|
E|--0------------3--------|In this tab, you would play the open E string (0), followed by the A string on the 2nd fret (2), then the D string on the 2nd fret (2), and so on.
Chord Symbols
Chord symbols, such as “C” or “G7”, are another essential part of reading bass guitar notation. These symbols indicate the chord’s root and quality (major, minor, diminished). When you see a chord symbol, you can either play the single root note of the chord or explore different voicings and patterns within that chord. For instance, if you encounter a “C” chord symbol, you can play:
- The single root note, C (e.g., on the A string 3rd fret)
- A C major arpeggio (C, E, G)
- A C major scale pattern or other variations
Sheet Music
Lastly, sheet music is a standardized musical notation system that can be used across various instruments, including bass guitar. When reading sheet music, you’ll encounter elements such as the staff (a set of five horizontal lines), treble or bass clefs, time signatures, key signatures, and notes indicating their pitch and duration.
For bass guitar players, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the bass clef, as this is where your notes will be written. Understanding sheet music notation is crucial to delve into more complex pieces or collaborate with other traditional notation musicians.
Remember, mastering bass tabs, chord symbols, and sheet music will ultimately expand your playing possibilities, allowing you to easily tackle different genres and styles.
Selecting the Right Songs for Your Skill Level
As a bass player, choosing songs that match your skill level is important to build a strong foundation and develop good techniques. Picking the right songs can significantly improve your progress, confidence, and enjoyment of playing bass guitar.
Starting with simple songs lets you focus on proper finger placement and basic rhythms. Easy bass lines are often repetitive and less complex, allowing you to gain confidence in your playing. As your skills improve, you can incorporate more advanced songs that challenge your technique and offer new learning opportunities.
When selecting your favorite songs to play, consider the following factors:
Bass Tabs Availability
Look for songs with easily accessible bass tabs or sheet music. This will save you time and frustration while trying to learn new songs.
Genre Preference
Choose songs from genres you enjoy listening to and would like to play. This will make practicing more enjoyable and motivate you to keep learning.
Skill Level Progression
As you grow as a bassist, gradually increase the difficulty and complexity of the songs you choose to play. This will help you consistently challenge yourself and develop your skills over time.
Some easy bass guitar songs for beginners to consider include:
- Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
- Come As You Are by Nirvana
- Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
- I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown
By selecting bass guitar songs appropriate for your skill level, you will set yourself up for success and build a strong foundation for your playing. Remember, practice is key, so commit to playing regularly, challenge yourself with new songs, and enjoy the the process along the way. It’s about the journey, not about the destination!
Learning Techniques and Approaching Songs
Eighth Notes
As a bass guitarist, you must familiarize yourself with eighth notes. These notes can help bring groove and rhythm to a song and are essential for starting in genres like funk and rock. Try playing songs with simple basslines, such as “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer or Red Hot Chili Peppers tunes to practice eighth notes. This will allow you to get a feel for the rhythm and timing while playing the bass guitar.
Standard Tuning
To effectively approach easy bass songs, ensure your bass guitar is in standard tuning (EADG). Standard tuning ensures you can play various songs without encountering issues with notes or chords. Remember that before diving into any song, always tune your bass guitar; it is a critical step for every musician to remember.
Pentatonic Scale
One essential scale that every bass guitarist should know is the pentatonic scale. This five-note scale can be easily applied to various music styles and is particularly user-friendly for beginners. By practicing the pentatonic scale, you can enhance your understanding of the fretboard and develop your ability to create catchy basslines. Some songs that use the pentatonic scale include tunes by the Grammy Award-winning band Red Hot Chili Peppers or well-known artists like Billie Eilish.
Half Step
When it comes to adding a little bit of flair to your basslines, mastering the half-step technique is crucial. A half-step is a small interval between two notes, achieved by moving one fret up or down on the bass guitar. This technique can create tension or convey emotion in a song. Experimenting with half-step movements can help you to understand odd time signatures and add depth to your playing.
By focusing on these four key areas, you can effectively approach easy bass songs and build a strong foundation as a bass guitarist. Stay dedicated to your practice; soon enough, you can tackle complex songs and techniques confidently.
Helpful Resources to Expand Your Repertoire
As a bass guitar player, having a wide variety of songs in your repertoire is essential. Expanding your song list can help improve your skills and keep you engaged while practicing. To help you along, we’ve compiled a list of some great bass songs that are fun and challenging to play. The best part is these songs suit beginners, so don’t be shy about diving in!
Here are some super-fun bass songs you can start with:
- Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
- Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
- Come Together by The Beatles
- Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
- Longview by Green Day
- Come As You Are by Nirvana
- Money by Pink Floyd
- Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
- Sunshine Of Your Love by Cream
In addition to the songs listed above, don’t hesitate to explore different genres and artists, as this will help you become a more versatile bass player. Keep an open mind and remember that every genre offers something unique. One approach is to list songs you’d like to learn and add new ones as you come across tunes that pique your interest.
As you develop as a bass player, practicing regularly and finding different resources to enhance your skills is crucial. Online tutorials and bass guitar tabs are great sources to keep you challenged and motivated while learning new songs. Websites like Killer Guitar Rigs, Guitar Lobby, and Music Industry How To offer many helpful resources, including easy bass songs for beginners with tabs.
By steadily expanding your repertoire and practicing diverse songs, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a good bass player. Stay curious, confident, and open to exploring various styles and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top beginner-friendly bass lines?
As a beginner, you may want to start with some iconic and straightforward bass lines. Some popular choices include “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, “Come As You Are” by Nirvana, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, and “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People.
Which bass solos are easy for beginners?
For simple bass solos, consider starting with “Money” by Pink Floyd, “Longview” by Greenday, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown, and “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor.
These solos will help familiarize you with different playing techniques while staying within a beginner’s skill range.
What are some accessible songs for guitar and bass duos?
If you’re looking to jam with a guitarist, try learning songs like “I Miss You” by Blink-182, “This Charming Man” by The Smiths, I Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, and “Wonderwall” by Oasis.
These songs feature easy-to-play bass lines that complement the guitar parts, allowing you to practice playing alongside another instrument.
What 5-string bass songs are suitable for beginners?
For those new to a 5-string bass, try tackling songs like “Your Song” by Elton John, “All Of Me” by John Legend, and “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. Although these songs might require more familiarity with the instrument, they still offer manageable challenges for a beginner.
Which are the best bass guitar songs for newbie players?
To get started on your bass journey, some of the best songs to learn include “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple, “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.
These songs showcase essential bass skills and are readily recognizable, making them enjoyable for you and your listeners.
What are 10 simple bass riffs to start with?
Start your bass journey with these ten easy riffs:
- “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
- “With or Without You” by U2
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
- “Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz
- “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
- “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics
- “Clocks” by Coldplay
- “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- “Zombie” by The Cranberries
These riffs will help you build a solid foundation in bass playing, and you’ll be ready to tackle more advanced songs in no time.
Conclusion
Incorporating easy bass songs into your practice sessions is a great way to build a solid foundation as an aspiring bassist.
By starting with simpler tunes, you can focus on honing your technique and familiarizing yourself with the instrument.
As you gain confidence and improve your skills, you can gradually progress to more challenging pieces.
Selecting songs with catchy bass lines and enjoyable melodies will keep you engaged and motivated. These accessible tunes provide a great introduction to playing bass guitar and help you develop a strong sense of rhythm and groove.
Remember, practice makes perfect. So, dedicate ample time and effort to practicing these easy bass guitar songs. As you become more proficient in playing, you’ll unlock the opportunity to explore various genres and styles, further enriching your musical palette and versatility.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Playing music is an incredible experience, and by starting with these beginner-friendly songs, you’re well on your way to becoming a confident and knowledgeable bassist.
