10 Songs that Taught Me Bass (Easy to Effin’ Hard)

No, it ain’t just a vanity post - I’m gonna give you tips on soloing, rhythm, speed, endurance and more through these 10 songs.

Yes, here we go, on a colorful journey through 10 songs that taught me bass… what’s that? You’re just scanning the description for the song titles?

Tsk tsk. You’ll have to watch the video, where I’ll tell you cool stuff like:
How Ray Charles helped me get started (not personally)
What it took to learn my first Ramones song
Life lessons I learned from AC/DC
The coolest walkup ever from The Headhunters
How to take prettier solos
Paul McCartney is good at playing with a singer
How to swing 16ths like The Meters
That time my hand fell off trying to play Muse
That time my other hand fell off playing the Mark Guiliana track at the end

#BassLines #NoobJoshApproved

[bryansteele]

You are very fortunate to grow up in a musical family.

[sumnerheights]

The first song on bass I learned at age 64 was the Beatles “Love Me Do”. I’ve now learned about 64 Beatles songs since. Your videos teach me a lot of basics. I practice to several of your videos regularly. Many thanks from Toronto.

[rome]

"Something" is my favorite bass line ever. That fill after "don't want to leave her now" is so gorgeous.

[jrusovich]

As a guitarist, the toughest part about bass for me is remembering the notes to songs. On guitar there are chord structures that are easy to remember - same with keyboards - but bass involves notes all over the fret board that fall in what almost feels like random patterns. This from a beginner. I assume it will come together for me in time. Thanks for all your help!

[automaticjonesthestellarto]

I think the lead vocals on "Something" were by George, not John.

[lemonyaii]

My very first song was "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac. I've only been playing for four months but the hardest song I can play (at least partially, I'm still practicing) is "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath. The solo is really fun haha

[antoniocontrerasmonterrubi]

The first song I learned on bass was "Reptilia" by the Strokes

[CHEESEDIP]

yyz is the hardest song ive taught myself to play. once u finally nail the main riff, u will not stop attempting to do it again until u literally cant anymore because ur arms get so stiff and ur fingers get shredded up

[BassBuzz]

What was the first song you learned on bass? 🎸

Timestamps for this lesson:
0:29 - Song #1
1:16 - Song #2
2:03 - Song #3
3:07 - Song #4
4:25 - Song #5
5:22 - Song #6
6:40 - Song #7
7:58 - Song #8
9:10 - Song #9
10:08 - Song #10
10:44 - Secret Song #11

[ellianavonseggern]

5:59 George Harrison actually has lead vocals on this song. He even wrote it. That being said it is Frank Sinatra’s favorite “Lennon/McCartney” song

[Philippians--ever]

I fiddled around with a guitar for a while but never made progress. My little brother has a band, and 2 weeks before a battle of the bands he calls me and says his bassist walked out. So I had 2 weeks to learn 4 songs on an instrument I'd never played. Simple Man, Every Rose, Knockin' on Heaven's Door (GnR) and Free Bird. I had to fudge a lot (80%ish) of Free Bird. 4 months later and it's now OUR band with 12 songs under our belts. That's not a lot, I know, but we're just getting started. I never saw myself playing bass, but man I'm falling in love. Still can't nail Free Bird all the way, but then again Ed King is a beast. I've watched several of your videos recently and they've given me a lot of tools to add to my box. Thanks man, and keep them coming.

[Thedagda]

‘Stand by Me, ’ was the first complete song.

[MHamdy-gwox]

Ive been playing bass for nearly 1 month and your shapes videos made it so much easier, people are impressed by how fast Im learning but the shapes are all I know lol :D

[voyagur]

first song for me was “sunshine of your love” by cream, and i recently got my bass a month ago. best purchase i’ve ever made.

[jacobdufour]

First song was Feel Good Inc. Hardest song currently is Tommy the Cat ( still can’t play it 100% yet but one day )

[julianpischler]

'My first song on bass, ever'
Huh... yup that's about right, sounds easy as hell.
*notices key signature*
DEAR GOD YOU WERE A PRODIGY!

[alexmurrin]

I played bass during for a Nirvana tribute show and the bassline for "Lounge Act" seriously made me better at the instrument! Playing the riff isnt hard but playing it RIGHT was definitely a challenge

[timetomeowthefuckouttahere]

My dad had always owned a bass, but it wasn't until this year that I felt motivated to learn so I could play at my school's chapel. I already practiced "Hit the Road, Jack" and "I want to be sedated." I want to practice each song every day until I get to the last one! Wish me luck ^_^

Edit: ok, I can now play “You Shook Me All Night Long.” I was struggling a bit but I'm a bit more flexible with my small hands now! XD

[stellaanneee]

My first song was "Boulevard of broken dreams" and I'm currently working on "Won't get fooled again" (john entwistle is awesome) and "Hysteria".

[johannvantassel]

"the less i know the better" by Tame Impala has a great bassline, probably my favourite right now, next to Take Five