90s Bass Lines: The Secret Behind Their Timeless Groove
A decade of riffs with TABs
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These 90s bass lines have so much character and energy. Working across pop, rock and grunge, let’s see how to play these awesome bass parts.
90s Bass Lines:
90s Bass Lines: Bucket Hats and Suspicious Substances
Again, I wasn’t around in the decade in question. Nonetheless, welcome back to another run down of songs from one decade. This time, we’re focusing on 90s bass lines.
Back when an Oasis ticket didn’t cost a small fortune, Nirvana were a band and not just a logo on a random t-shirt, and when bass lines were cooler. Our pick this time works across gentle pop songs, peak grunge tracks and nearly everywhere in-between.
Some harder than others, each of these 90s bass lines come with TABs. Let’s see what we’re working with.
Would – Alice In Chains
A relatively new discovery for me, this bass line compliments the dark melody and atmosphere of this Alice In Chains number.
Released at the start of the decade, this was just 10 years before the death of lead singer Layne Stanley. Also, a year before bass player, Mike Starr departed the group. Not a good start, is it?
Before his departure, we got this 90s bass line. A steady bpm, but littered with semi-quavers. So, it feels fast. We’re also in the key of Eb, therefore you’ll need to tune down by half a step. Alternatively, look for a version in standard tuning to practice with.
Ideal for the heavy nature of this track, Starr used a *Spector bass whilst in Alice In Chains. It looks mean with the gold hardware and swamp ash body.
Come As You Are – Nirvana
From one grunge track to another, this song from Nirvana defines the genre. Even lower than before, we’re now an entire step down. Low, loud and mean.
Overall, this is a very simple song. The structure is repetitive and it’s easy to get the hang of. The main melody also forms the foundation for the bass part. Likewise, the vocals and the guitar solo both work around the same theme.
I’ve tabbed this one in a basic form. Complete with open strings, this one should feel better to play if you’re just starting out on bass. It’ll still sound the same, but this way the notes are more accessible.
To get down to the required tuning, you may want to look at getting a pedal tuner. This one from *Rockboard, has a simple ‘flat‘ button, to switch tunings.
Remember The Time – Michael Jackson
Sticking with 1992, but we’re moving away from grunge. A little bit more upbeat, this Michael Jackson hit is 90s pop perfection.
Learning this 90s bass line will help with your timing. Unlike the other tracks that we’ve looked at, this one is plagued with various rests. Don’t worry though, it’s easy to spot where to play.
Despite the dotted eighth notes, we want to focus on playing beat 1 of each bar. It’s short and precise, but the minimalism is what makes it so effective. This theme continues throughout the intro and into the verse.
Girls And Boys – Blur
Across to distinct breed now, the Boy Band. Blur gave us this catchy disco brit-pop anthem in 1994, and is overshadowed by one of their other big hits, Song 2.
The entire vibe of this track personifies the decade. Moreover, this 90s bass line in particular is exciting, flavoursome and charismatic.
The TAB below shows the 2nd half of the intro, just before the verse kicks in. Really, the only thing to look out for are the cheeky 16th notes in the middle of the 1st and 3rd bars. All the need is a quick double finger pluck to get them effectively.
The chunky bass part comes from Alex James. In this track, he’s using a *Fender Precision bass. One of the G.O.A.Ts of bass guitars!
Don’t Speak – No Doubt
Concluding our look at 90s bass lines, we’re slap bang in the middle of the era. This 1995 hit for No Doubt features a steady verse, but then a punchy chorus.
The aforementioned verse is so steady, that there isn’t even any bass in it. Therefore, nothing for us to play. But we’ll need the rest by the time we get to the chorus. It’s relentless!
Arguably the most relaxed song on this list, it has the most chaotic bass line here! We don’t need to move very far around the fretboard, however it’s our plucking hand that does all of the work. In fact, if I were to gig this, I’d probably use a plectrum.
90s Bass Lines: New Parts to Discover!
If I’m being perfectly honest, the music of the 1990s has never done it for me. I can appreciate it, but it’s never really appealed. However, from a bass player’s perspective, these tracks are all great fun to play. Moreover, each one of these 5 couldn’t be more different. That’s the secret behind the groove.
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