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5 Easy Bass Tabs You Can Learn To Impress Your Friends

As soon as you tell someone you play bass, that person will probably ask if you can lay down the groove of a classic track. When that moment comes, you should be ready to knock out at least one or two all-time favorites. Cue up your playlist and grab the easy bass tabs to jam along with the following hits.

1. ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Queen

Queen had more than a few great bass songs, and legend John Deacon laid down the heavy tracks. He wrote what is probably the bass riff that stands above all, the instantly recognizable “Another One Bites the Dust.”

This infectious hit has people bobbing their heads as soon as you descend into that first low E. The song is so popular it remains a top request on sites with easy bass tabs, such as Musicnotes.

2. ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ by Cream

Here is another classic that starts with an unforgettable bass line. Jack Bruce got the inspiration for the song after seeing Jimi Hendrix in concert. The group then worked together to create this timeless rocker.

The music starts on a standard I-IV-I blues progression until moving into an eight-bar that shifts its key to the V chord. Once you master the notes and rhythm, add some extra flavor by mimicking the bends on the original recording.

3. ‘Seven Nation Army’ by The White Stripes

This entry might seem to be a little bit of a cheat because, surprisingly, Jack White didn’t play the bass on this number. Instead, he used an octave pedal to drop the tone on his hollow-body semi-acoustic for this crowd-pleaser.

However, you won’t hear any complaints when you play this on the bass. From sports stadiums to political rallies, everyone knows and loves this song. Though the refrain is simple and repetitive, it never gets old, so this should be one of the first easy bass tabs you learn.

4. ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder wrote this funk banger for Jeff Beck, but Stevie’s version became the smash sensation. Bass players worldwide have presented their take on the tune, so grab an easy bass tab and start jamming along with a drum track or the first funk group you can find.

5. ‘Everyday People’ by Sly and the Family Stone

If you want to delve a little more into the world of funk, “Everyday People” is a great place to start. You only have to deal with single notes on this song, but the spice lies in learning the slap bass technique that Larry Graham pioneered.

Beginning with a simpler line like this helps you settle into the funky rhythm and nail the slap bass feeling before you move into more challenging territory.

A Few Others To Try

You have a world of bass lines that will keep you inspired and please a crowd. Find easy bass tabs for:

  • “Come As You Are” by Nirvana
  • “Come Together” by The Beatles
  • “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison
  • “Under Pressure” by Queen
  • “Super Freak” by Rick James

Remember that you don’t have to stick to songs with memorable bass lines. Learn the melodies of popular songs you love, too. Start with easy bass tabs and augment your repertoire gradually to build your chops.

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