15 Iconic ROCK Bass Intros of the 1980s (that prove the 80s WEREN’T $hit)

There’s many reasons to remember the ‘80s, some good, some bad, some unforgettably epic! How about Queen, Metallica, Rush and Bon Jovi for starters? In this video, we break down the 15 coolest bass-driven rock intros of the 1980s. We’re also giving you a FREE workbook where we’ve added the tab and notation.

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Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - 01 - Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
01:52 - 02 - Motörhead - Ace Of Spades
03:19 - 03 - Iron Maiden - Wrathchild
04:46 - 04 - Queen - Under Pressure
07:09 - 05 - Violent Femmes - Blister In The Sun
08:44 - 06 - Metallica - For Whom The Bell Tolls
10:23 - 07 - Bon Jovi - Livin’ On A Prayer
13:00 - 08 - Megadeth - Peace Sells
14:05 - 09 - Yes - I’m Running
15:55 - 10 - Rush - Turn The Page
17:18 - 11 - Jane’s Addiction - Mountain Song
18:22 - 12 - Fugazi - Waiting Room
19:44 - 13 - Nirvana - Blew
20:51 - 14 - Mr. Big - Addicted To That Rush
22:54 - 15 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Higher Ground
24:28 - 16 (BONUS) - Guns ’N’ Roses - It’s So Easy

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[mattrb]

Opening with RHCP/Higher Ground and I'm like 'That's not 80's', googling it and finding it was 89 and now I just feel old.

[Rikrik]

One of the most killer underrated bassists of the 80’s was Eddie Jackson from Queensrÿche. He’s a solid bass player with a killer, prominent tone. I don’t think the dude gets enough love.

[stryfer]

The two bass players I know inside and out on this list:

Steve Harris - His technique is lightly striking the strings with the tips of his fingers and very low action. That creates the pick-like sound while maintaining speed. To get it down, start by striking a string with one finger, then go lighter and lighter and see how light you can go while still producing the same sound.

Flea - Don't mute. Flea lets his slaps and pops ring out, muting only with his fretting hand. It's different from the usual clean, elegant funky approach we're used to. Playing thumb-down/bounce-off makes this easier because it keeps your palm away from the strings. Especially audible in Nobody Weird Like Me

[tiramisucocolands]

I love that you guys never shy away from the parts you're struggling with. I am a fresh fresh beginner, so it's kinda reassuring to see even pros having issues every now and then if that makes any sense 😅 Also I highly recommend you guys checking out Japanese bands like Dir en grey and Mucc, they have pretty cool basslines too. Especially Dir's Toshiya. He is such an underrated treasure.

[ShinkazeVT]

One of my favourites is Duran Duran - Rio. Absolutely powerful syncopated bassline. John Taylor has a video where he breaks the whole bass track down from basic principles, it rocks.

[grandamdrvr]

you 2 are awesome. Just 2 Buddies just jammin out. Seeing Scott struggle with the Iron Maiden makes me feel like I am not alone in struggling with some lines. Glad that wasn't edited out. Thanks for making the bass awesome for all of us.

[jonamadatsu]

Steve Harris's Rhyme of The Ancient Mariner is the first song I played along to on CASSETTE!! The reason I became a bassist 😎

[TracerGTRider]

John Deacon just up there in regular street clothes, so understated yet such a fantastic player!

[JasonMcNamara]

I’m Running and Turn The Page!!! I’m grateful you included these, particularly I’m Running because Big Generator is one of the most ignored Yes albums along with Talk. Thank you so much.

[darwinlindahl]

The thing that impresses me the most about Sting's playing is his awareness of where he needs to be in time. Ahead of the beet when he needs to push, behind when he needs to drag, and right on time all to support the what the rest of the band is doing in relation to what the melody line needs. It's truly masterful.

[brianschoner]

So excited to hear "I'm Running" on this list - it's one of my all-time favorites!

[brentheathersimons]

Ohhh I was thinking Geddy's line on "Turn The Page" and here it is! Thanks Gents!

[CamiloDiaz]

Steve Harris is always light striking plucks on flats with a VERY low action

[NVaughan]

I know it seems counterintuitive, but seeing Scott struggle with that Maiden line is really encouraging and refreshing. So many videos are edited to remove any hint of error, but seeing an obviously great, masterful player stumble a bit can help others who are starting on their bass journey by showing that even the best players have to practice and learn.

[BarefacedAudio]

Steve Harris’s trick to playing so fast for so many years and sounding like that is low action, brand new strings (on each take!) and playing super light.

[Moonwatch]

These two are so animated. Best duo 10/10. (and so is higher ground)

[Claythargic]

Violent Femmes is not a track I was Expecting, but that Album is a legit Must Listen

[bassmanmicah]

One of my favorites from the era was always the bass intro to No More Tears. Such a great bass line.

[pmxevious]

How ironic was it in 1990 when Mr Big was opening for Rush on the Presto tour playing "Addicted To That Rush"!

[Jeff-rdhb]

I literally lolled at the Billy Sheehan clip. He's talking to the camera & playing as though he assumes anyone on this planet can just follow along with him. 🤣