Underrated Bass Lines: Top 5 Hidden Gems that You Need
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With these underrated bass lines, you won’t be able to stop playing! Here are some cool tracks that you may not have considered learning. But, what are they? Stay tuned and all will be revealed.
Underrated Bass Lines
Top 5 Underrated Bass Lines
Welcome to this pick of 5 bass lines that deserve more recognition. Sure, they might have done well in the charts, but we’re looking at their respective value from a bass player’s perspective.
Whether they’re a total groove, or they teach valuable lessons, these 5 will hopefully progress your bass playing. From octaves to hammer-ons, there are new techniques to learn.
So, let’s take a closer look at these underrated bass lines. Who knows, you may find your next favourite bop.
Taxman – The Beatles
Our first pick comes from The Beatles’ sixth studio album, Revolver. Released in 1966, from a time in Britain when the Government took the vast majority of your hard-earned cash in taxes.
Paul’s bass tone and style are pretty low and punchy here. Unlike the usual chirpy walking bass lines that fans had previously been familiar with.
This bass line revolves around a D note, playing an octave pattern with a hammer-on thrown in. That same pattern then moves to a G, where we can play the same rhythm, just on different strings. Overall, it’s funky and aggressive.
Two basses of choice from Beatles bass player, Paul McCartney. Earlier in his career, you wouldn’t see him without his Hofner. However, as the decade developed, he favourited a Rickenbacker which he later modified.
Boogie Nights – Heatwave
The 1970s called! They said, ‘are you ready to get your funk on?’. Following an idyllic harp intro, this subtle bass part is a syncopated masterpiece and is bound to get you to boogie on down.
Heatwave are arguably a lesser-known group. Having charted a couple of times, Boogie Nights is definitely their biggest hit. Despite being a repeated pattern, this underrated bass line provides a solid groove for the verses of this track.
Similarly, we’ve got some octaves going on, and we’re playing very off-beat. Thankfully, we stick around the same couple of frets and as a result, this part becomes memorable and fun to play.
For any 70s bass parts, I’d totally recommend a Fender P Bass of any description. This Squier Classic Vibe is a great example at a fair price.
Y.M.C.A. – The Village People
Moving on to the end of the decade, this 1978 track is recognised globally. Somewhat of a karaoke parody, let’s look at why this is an underrated bass line.
Everyone knows the words, and everyone knows the dance moves, but hardly anyone knows the bass part! In fairness, it is very low in the mix and there is a lot going on instrumentally.
Coupling 1/8th and 1/16th notes together creates a wicked disco vibe. It’ll take its toll on your plucking fingers, but wow is this one a fun song to play. Watch out, it’s fast!
Run To You – Bryan Adams
Moving forward to the mid-1980s, we’ve got one of Bryan Adams’ lesser-known tracks. Sure, there are lots of other amazing songs by the artist, but we’re here for the bass part.
I think that this underrated bass line is well-suited for beginners. Featuring a basic repeating pattern, its simple yet effective groove forms a solid pulse for the verses.
Working around an F#m arpeggio, we’ve got our old friend Mr. Octaves. Sensing a theme? Moreover, this track is at a reasonable sedate speed, so another win for beginners looking at learning.
I Want You Back – The Jackson 5
Finally, we’re concluding our look at underrated bass lines with a sublime all-rounder from The Jackson 5. With young Michael Jackson’s virtuoso vocals, it’s a song that will live on forever.
Despite the overall knowledge of this song, the bass part isn’t as discussed as perhaps it should be. It’s hidden in plain sight as it forms the main melody of the song. Accompanied by a slick guitar note, this offers a funky and catchy groove.
Technique-wise, this is nothing testing. However, the syncopation and combination of various rests are enough to test the temper of a saint. Stick with it, you won’t regret it.
Underrated Bass Lines – New Tracks Unlocked?
So, there we are. A brief look at some bass lines that should get more credit. There will be more, are there any that you know of? Be sure to let us know of your suggestions!
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