0:00 The Kinks - You Really Got me 0:14 Cream - Sunshine of your love 0:31 Cream - Politician 0:44 Led Zeppelin - Ramble on 1:04 Black Sabbath - Iron Man 1:16 Free - Right Now 1:32 Yes - Roundabout 1:43 The Doors - Riders on the storm 1:51 Lou Reed - Walk on the wild side 2:00 Pink Floyd - Money 2:14 War - Low Rider 2:27 FleetWood Mac - The chain 2:40 The clash - London Calling 2:53 The Police - Walking on the moon 3:07 Joy division - Love will tear us apart 3:20 Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train 3:34 Queen - Another one bites the dust 3:43 Queen - Under Pressure 3:52 Rush - YYZ 4:03 The Jam - Town called malice 4:13 RHCP - Give it away 4:24 Rage Against The Machine - Killing in the name 4:33 Green day - Longview 4:48 Tool - Schism 5:02 The White Stripes - Seven nation army 5:17 Muse - Hysteria 5:28 Gorilaz - Feel Good Inc. 5:41 The Foster People - Pumped up kicks 5:56 Artic Monkeys - Do i wanna know 6:08 Tame Impala - The less I know the better I honestly think anything by Jamiroquai should be up here. The band creates the funkiest basslines ever.
The list he made seems to be a bit biased towards US and British bands only. 😅 Not only that, it's really weird that he only included one RHCP and Muse's song, on top of not a single Japanese bands made it to the list, especially Casiopea.
Fun fact: my parents used to be really strict about what music I listened to. One time they bought me an ipod nano, and they scrubbed it of all the music that was on it except for one song that they somehow missed. That song was Low Rider, and I spent so much of my childhood listening to it because it was so different from what I was allowed to listen to. Absolutely iconic bass line
@@riverscuomofromgreen yeah that is horrible. I couldn't live without being able to listen to music. I am grateful my parents really showed me some of the best stuff they discoed to during the 70's and 80's. Abba, Boney M, Queen, Def Leppard, Modern Talking, Michael Jackson... it goes on.
When someone tells you that the bass guitar is unnecessary and useless, ignore it, clearly that person is unaware of the importance and significance of such an instrument.
@@catsteinhilb2880 Paul wrote quite a few exceptional bass riffs, though I think the most iconic Beatles bass riff, _Come Together,_ was written by John.
hey josh i've had a bass that my uncle got me about 2 years ago sitting around collecting dust and i'd just like to thank you for making such good guides that when I was actually interested and came around to learning bass it wsa made a lot easier and less painful with your videos im about 1 month in and I can't thank you enough!
Fun fact about Low Rider that I only found out recently, the bassline isn't off-beat, the drummer started off-beat by accident, (either during rehearsal or recording a demo tape) but decided to keep it that way because it sounded cool, and the rest is history!
@@wozzywick "Save a Prayer" from that album is one of my favorite songs of all time. Amazing bass lines everywhere. Duran Duran is a great band in many aspects.
No love for Tina Weymouth? Two note bass lines don't get more iconic than Once in a Lifetime and Psycho Killer definitely deserved to be included as well.
I love the fact that Josh's playing a Squier to demonstrate these timeless basslines. Goes to show that it's not about the expensive gear, but your actual technique.
This is just a friendly reminder that the most memorable bass lines are often the simplest and being a good and functional bass player doesn't necessarily mean incredibly difficulty and a whole lifetime of playing.
I was just thinking the same. I’d put those short muted notes at the beginning of running with the devil by Van Halen. Perfect timing with a slightly distorted tone to give it just enough growl.
Two stand out as misses: Anything by Les Claypool, but specifically "Jerry Was a Racecar Driver" is a killer use of bass. Slap & tap in the high notes and then dropping down to a grungy low. The guitar is a side instrument in this song. Steve Harris from Iron Maiden. He plays the bass lines so fast and his bass holds the backing of so many iconic songs of theirs. Wrathchild, Killers, Phantom of the Opera, Number of the Beast, The Trooper, Run to the Hills, Wasted Years, and I could keep going. Just Phantom of the Opera, his bass 'in sync' with the lead guitar on the opening is beautiful. The galloping he goes through with Run to the Hills makes that song what it is.
Nice list! My personal additions: Metallica - For Whom The Bells Toll (often mentioned here, but they're right!) Michael Jackson - Billie Jean or Beat It Sade - Smooth Operator just to name a few of sooo many more cool or even iconic bass riffs worth learning ...
Good track list of most iconic bass riffs. My personal additions : M. Jackson : Billie Jean or Smooth Criminal J. Jackson : I want you back, Let’s get serious Chic : Good Times Billy Océan : Stay the night Madonna : Holiday Prince : I’m Yours Megadeth : Peace sells Metallica : From whom the bell tolls Iron Maiden : Killer or Prowler or Running free Sade : Smooth operator Deep purple : I need love & Keep on mooving The Cure : A Forest or Fascination street Duran Duran : New religion Cindy Lauper : Change of heart Wham : Young guns or Ray of sunshine
Roundabout and Geddy Lee are the reason i bought a bass finally! Seeing Geddy play with Yes on their Hall of Fame induction just blew me away even more tha being a Rush fan since the late 90's! Thanks for the awesome content Josh!
Awesome job! I'd add Blister in the Sun. Has to be one of the most recognizable bass lines off all time. It's played in sports arenas! (along with Seven Nation Army...I'm glad you counted that as bass)
I was waiting for Hysteria to roll around the entire video! The only riff I feel like is missing is the Number of the Beast, or Wrathchild. I just can’t imagine a list of iconic Basslines without Steve Harris!
I think Cliff Burton's part in the Chorus of the Four Horsemen is my favorite. The guitars are both playing whole note chords and Cliff is jamming 8th notes
Cliff Burton is thee most overrated bass player in human history. Had he not died tragically at a young age, he'd be considered just 'another bass player' in a metal band. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden is waaaaaaaay better anyway.
My Generation - The Who Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple One of these Days - Pink Floyd But after saying that, who cares what was missed off, you are an absolutely brilliant bass guitarist!!
Roundabout is definitely the better rep from Yes for this, but shoutout to Heart of the Sunrise for another extremely good baseline. Love Squire's style so much
Words cannot describe how happy I am that you mentioned The Jam, one of the most underrated bands of all time, Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton are all legends.
I can't agree more. Even "Town called malice" doesn't shows enough of Bruce Foxton's talents. Songs like "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" or "The Eton Rifles" have amazing basslines.
These are some of me and my dad's favorite songs. He grew up with them and introduced them to me throughout my whole life. Some of these songs were such a nostalgia trip for me.
While I have to agree that Killing In The Name Of has RATM's most iconic bass, I'd like to point out that Bullet To The Head has an AMAZING bassline and it deserves to be recognised for that :)
Loved this list! My personal favs: Primus - John the Fisherman Dirty Loops - Hit Me Coheed and Cambria - The Suffering The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Carol Kaye) I could go on and on 😍
Yes!! Carole Kaye is so underrated, but she is an extremely talented bassist. She is part of the Wrecking Crew who have been session musicians on so many famous recordings.
Wonderful video… many thanks for sharing. I just missed some great bass lines: from Andy Rourke (RIP) with Morriseys’ “Charming Man”; from Mike Inez with AIC, “Rotten apple”; from Flea, “Airplane”. Special mentions to Mike Inez with Ozzy “No more tears”, Steve Harris for “The number of the beast”, “Phantom of the opera “, and “Rime of the ancient mariner”, and finally, John Paul Jones in “The song remains the same”, and “The Ocean”.
I would have added something by John Entwistle like "My Genertion", "Boris The Spider", "Baba O'Riley" and many more. And Motorhead, like "Stay Clean" or any of the classics.
You don’t get the credit you deserve my friend. The way your fretting hand is so rigid and relaxed at the same time and the constant alternating fingers while thumping is what bass playing should be all about. People like you that put those hours in it really shows in your technique.
5:02 in my experience, it's the people who just take songs at "face value" that helped Seven Nation Army to be claimed as a bass riff. Whenever my old roommate had people over for a drinking party, & they found out I played bass, it was always the first song they'd ask me to play.
Your channel helped a 40+ year old dude learn BASS from nothing and some music theory. I can see it now - my favourite BASS lines are played ska/reggae style. I'm still tone deaf but I'll find you on a BASS.
Great List! Can't really argue with it because they're all good, but a few I'd include might be: A Taste of Honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie Sublime - Santeria Daft Punk - Around the World Alice In Chains - Would? Weezer - Tired of Sex The Cure - Close to Me
McCartney's bass lines in 'Rain,' 'Hey Bulldog,' 'Penny Lane' and 'Something' are amazing. Bernie Worrell's synth bass line/main riff in 'Flashlight' is another amazing part.
Setting the rock genre aside, in my humble opinion, one of the most iconic bass lines ever is Flea’s bass line in Young MC’s “Bust a Move.” It doesn’t matter who you are or what genre of music you prefer. Easily one of the most recognizable bass lines for any Gen Xer or Millennial of any race or preferred genre of music.
Nice list... Off the top of my head I'd also add... Filter's "Hey Man Nice Shot", Bowie's "China Girl", "Wrahchild" by Iron Maiden, "For Whom The Bell Tolls" - Metallica, "Grove is in the Heart" Deee Lite. Another fun, but maybe not so iconic bass line that i love is "Sure Know Something" by KISS.
Some obvious misses: - Nothing at all by Bootsy Collins? That guy pretty much defined a decade with his base playing. - Janice Marie Johnson's opening line in "Boogie Oogie Oogie".
First time watching one of your videos. Great selections. A few of my favorites are Grass Roots - Midnight Confessions, The Temptations - Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Marvin Gaye - What's Going On, Gladys Night and the Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia, and Steely Dan - Josie.
Mike Dirnt wrote the bass line for Longview tripping on LSD and recalling his days as a guitarist. Theres some writings of Mike cranking his bass while tripping on LSD writing this riff getting enjoyment from pissing his neighbors off but he never confirms or denies this
@@transformationgenerationCould probably do 30 on just Beatles/Wings/solo the first that come to mind are Silly Love Songs, Taxman, Come Together, Drive My Car
I just joined a cover band and had to learn “all right now “ definitely a classic!!! I have always loved that bass part not to get to play it to entertain people is awesome!! Also learning Tom Sawyer!!
Wow this was cool. I love how you crammed all those in there. I would have also included New Year's Day by U2. So much fun to watch you play. Thanks for sharing this one, and the tabs.
A lot of these are just following the guitar note for note. The most iconic ones are the ones where the riff BELONGS to the bass. (Like Roundabout and Hysteria)
I don't know if they're considered "iconic" but Paul McCartney's basslines for Silly Love Songs and Coming Up are both really good and severely underrated
That was awesome! I know about 1/3 of these bass lines but I would love to learn more! That Joy Division line was sweet! The only band I would say was omitted is The Beatles. Hard to forget the goat Paul McCartney 😁 Great video!
Great choices. So many great lines to choose from. "New Dawn Fades" is my current riff I am trying to get my head around. Going OK but the beautiful run on the G string has yet to be played well.
@1:03 Oh Josh, you said it: Geezer was the man who mostly inspired my will (the first was Cliff Burton, but listening to the sound of Geezy was shocking for me at first listening) to play bass almost twenty years ago and also my style on it, because I've officially adopted his way to pluck the strings to produce a consistent "clack-clack". Today I play various instruments and also produce my own music, but I'll eternally grateful to Geezer Butler for his influence on me. The thing I most appreciate about Josh is that he always played a honest and affordable SQUIER, rather than a (sometimes useless) hi-end bass! This aspect is totally coherent with the philosophy reflected on this channel: focus yourself on playing, rather than the price tag of your bass! I consider him as the "human Wikipedia" of bass teachers.
Thanks for watching! What riffs did I miss? Maybe I'll hit em next time. 🤘
Considering how much "good times" was sampled, it's definitely very iconic.
"Rio" and "Under The Bridge"! Loved the addition of the Tame Impala tho, and I miss your hilarious commentary.
For Whom the Bell Tolls - Metallica and Sunflower - Vampire Weekend
Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer. Tony Levin's iconic bass line need to be included
Duck Dunn stuff
Fun fact: Mike Dirnt wrote Longview while on an acid trip, and the version we hear is his best attempt at remembering it after coming down
@Nathaniel Del Angel really ?
We've all been there surely. Getting high out of your mind, coming up with some great ideas, and trying to remember them as you come down
Sooooo this is just a tribute?
@@reuelsansregret418 I see what you did there
XD MOMENT 🔥😂😂
0:00 The Kinks - You Really Got me
0:14 Cream - Sunshine of your love
0:31 Cream - Politician
0:44 Led Zeppelin - Ramble on
1:04 Black Sabbath - Iron Man
1:16 Free - Right Now
1:32 Yes - Roundabout
1:43 The Doors - Riders on the storm
1:51 Lou Reed - Walk on the wild side
2:00 Pink Floyd - Money
2:14 War - Low Rider
2:27 FleetWood Mac - The chain
2:40 The clash - London Calling
2:53 The Police - Walking on the moon
3:07 Joy division - Love will tear us apart
3:20 Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
3:34 Queen - Another one bites the dust
3:43 Queen - Under Pressure
3:52 Rush - YYZ
4:03 The Jam - Town called malice
4:13 RHCP - Give it away
4:24 Rage Against The Machine - Killing in the name
4:33 Green day - Longview
4:48 Tool - Schism
5:02 The White Stripes - Seven nation army
5:17 Muse - Hysteria
5:28 Gorilaz - Feel Good Inc.
5:41 The Foster People - Pumped up kicks
5:56 Artic Monkeys - Do i wanna know
6:08 Tame Impala - The less I know the better
I honestly think anything by Jamiroquai should be up here. The band creates the funkiest basslines ever.
I returned to this video because I knew somebody is going to post this. Don’t worry I liked your comment first
The list he made seems to be a bit biased towards US and British bands only. 😅
Not only that, it's really weird that he only included one RHCP and Muse's song, on top of not a single Japanese bands made it to the list, especially Casiopea.
@@hadifelani he probably heard a lot of these bassline when he was growing up so it is “iconic” to him
Geezer Butler's missing....
Add in almost any bass track from Radiohead (the Bends onwards…)
Fun fact: my parents used to be really strict about what music I listened to. One time they bought me an ipod nano, and they scrubbed it of all the music that was on it except for one song that they somehow missed. That song was Low Rider, and I spent so much of my childhood listening to it because it was so different from what I was allowed to listen to. Absolutely iconic bass line
Haha, I thought you were gonna say U2, their album was like hardcoded into every Mac and iPod for a while.
that is fucking insane. imagine restricting your child's music taste
Bro, your story reminds me of Metal Family
@@riverscuomofromgreen yeah that is horrible. I couldn't live without being able to listen to music. I am grateful my parents really showed me some of the best stuff they discoed to during the 70's and 80's. Abba, Boney M, Queen, Def Leppard, Modern Talking, Michael Jackson... it goes on.
I am 41 years old and I am restrictive with the music that our daughter listens to, now she knows more about rock than I do... And she is 11 years old
When someone tells you that the bass guitar is unnecessary and useless, ignore it, clearly that person is unaware of the importance and significance of such an instrument.
In reality it is the guitar that can be easily replaced by many different things
@Kinkyminky i strongly disagree unless you are describing anything not in rock or metal then i think you are absolutely insane
Thank you @@dalemurman this guys delusional
Bro I play guitar and I always sit there wishing it sounded as good as my bass 😂 just dry DI bass sounds better than any fx you throw on guitar haha
Let's have a round of applause for the Four String Brotherhood! (aka Bass players.)
The bass in the Beatles “I want you/she’s so heavy” is wicked good
I actually think the bass in paperback writer is exceptional
@@catsteinhilb2880 Paul wrote quite a few exceptional bass riffs, though I think the most iconic Beatles bass riff, _Come Together,_ was written by John.
Psycho Killer...really simple but totally anchors the song. Tina Weymouth rocks!
Buhm-Buhm-Buhm-Buhm-Buhm-Buhm-Buhm-Bah-Buhm.... nailed it!
100%. It's insane that there isn't a Talking Heads song in this list. Also, iconic ≠ complex. A hook is a hook, no matter the complexity.
Exactly! I've seen a lot of these lists, and none of them have had it mentioned! It's a masterpiece of a bassline, and really deserves more attention.
Hell yes
Come together should have been here. Such an iconic bass line
ooh i forgot about that one, that is one of those the basslines is the song moments
Absolutely, Come Together should be on here. Foster The People most iconic??
Or something Beatles related
I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
@@aviationlba747 The Beatles bass lines are ingenious
hey josh i've had a bass that my uncle got me about 2 years ago sitting around collecting dust and i'd just like to thank you for making such good guides that when I was actually interested and came around to learning bass it wsa made a lot easier and less painful with your videos im about 1 month in and I can't thank you enough!
Love this post...stick with it one day at a time.
Fun fact about Low Rider that I only found out recently, the bassline isn't off-beat, the drummer started off-beat by accident, (either during rehearsal or recording a demo tape) but decided to keep it that way because it sounded cool, and the rest is history!
John Taylor (Duran Duran) did some amazing work on the Rio album. The title song and Hold Back the Rain are incredible.
I agree. They aren’t the famous bits of the song but they make a massive contribution to the sound
@@wozzywick "Save a Prayer" from that album is one of my favorite songs of all time. Amazing bass lines everywhere. Duran Duran is a great band in many aspects.
No love for Tina Weymouth? Two note bass lines don't get more iconic than Once in a Lifetime and Psycho Killer definitely deserved to be included as well.
Is that a short scale bass , or a really tall guy ?
@@santosmadrigal3702 Josh has about 2m, so really tall guy
@@simongabriel5958 I have a short scale bass . I love it . But I'm a short guy . It looks like that .
Found A Job is hands down one of the best bass compositions ever
Its a subjetive top, otherwise Jamiroquai should be here.
I love the fact that Josh's playing a Squier to demonstrate these timeless basslines. Goes to show that it's not about the expensive gear, but your actual technique.
exactly !
True but buying new gear is always fun.
@@robertp457also true 😎
I was looking for this comment. Right on.
hi, what squier is he using in this video? im still new to bass and looking around, trying to know more ~
This is just a friendly reminder that the most memorable bass lines are often the simplest and being a good and functional bass player doesn't necessarily mean incredibly difficulty and a whole lifetime of playing.
I was just thinking the same. I’d put those short muted notes at the beginning of running with the devil by Van Halen. Perfect timing with a slightly distorted tone to give it just enough growl.
Two stand out as misses:
Anything by Les Claypool, but specifically "Jerry Was a Racecar Driver" is a killer use of bass. Slap & tap in the high notes and then dropping down to a grungy low. The guitar is a side instrument in this song.
Steve Harris from Iron Maiden. He plays the bass lines so fast and his bass holds the backing of so many iconic songs of theirs. Wrathchild, Killers, Phantom of the Opera, Number of the Beast, The Trooper, Run to the Hills, Wasted Years, and I could keep going. Just Phantom of the Opera, his bass 'in sync' with the lead guitar on the opening is beautiful. The galloping he goes through with Run to the Hills makes that song what it is.
That Feel Good Inc. to Pumped up Kicks transition was CLEAN
Give it Away to Killing in The Name was good too
Nice list! My personal additions:
Metallica - For Whom The Bells Toll (often mentioned here, but they're right!)
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean or Beat It
Sade - Smooth Operator
just to name a few of sooo many more cool or even iconic bass riffs worth learning ...
Chic - Good Times, too...
Smooth operator ❤️
Good track list of most iconic bass riffs. My personal additions :
M. Jackson : Billie Jean or Smooth Criminal
J. Jackson : I want you back, Let’s get serious
Chic : Good Times
Billy Océan : Stay the night
Madonna : Holiday
Prince : I’m Yours
Megadeth : Peace sells
Metallica : From whom the bell tolls
Iron Maiden : Killer or Prowler
or Running free
Sade : Smooth operator
Deep purple : I need love & Keep on mooving
The Cure : A Forest or Fascination street
Duran Duran : New religion
Cindy Lauper : Change of heart
Wham : Young guns or Ray of sunshine
Roundabout and Geddy Lee are the reason i bought a bass finally! Seeing Geddy play with Yes on their Hall of Fame induction just blew me away even more tha being a Rush fan since the late 90's! Thanks for the awesome content Josh!
Awesome video, but honestly, the bassline and intro to Peace Sells by Megadeth is pretty iconic. It was even used as MTV's theme for a while.
Yes!
The bass on Sabotage by the Beastie Boys is brilliant.
Awesome job! I'd add Blister in the Sun. Has to be one of the most recognizable bass lines off all time. It's played in sports arenas! (along with Seven Nation Army...I'm glad you counted that as bass)
I was waiting for Hysteria to roll around the entire video!
The only riff I feel like is missing is the Number of the Beast, or Wrathchild. I just can’t imagine a list of iconic Basslines without Steve Harris!
Hard to believe Harris didn't make it to this list!
Yeah and cliff burton too
Take the Power Back was somehow missed
I think Cliff Burton's part in the Chorus of the Four Horsemen is my favorite. The guitars are both playing whole note chords and Cliff is jamming 8th notes
also with cliff's bass intro in for whom the bell tolls
yeah man I was waiting for at least one of those
Seek and destroy bass line probably is the best one
Yea should have included at least ONE bass riff from Metallica
Cliff Burton is thee most overrated bass player in human history. Had he not died tragically at a young age, he'd be considered just 'another bass player' in a metal band. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden is waaaaaaaay better anyway.
I feel like Blister in the Sun deserves a spot if only for being the most iconic acoustic bass riff ever
do-do do-do
nah, Soul Coughing‘s “ Super Bon Bon” 😉
My Generation - The Who
Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
One of these Days - Pink Floyd
But after saying that, who cares what was missed off, you are an absolutely brilliant bass guitarist!!
I would like to throw in Dance, Dance by fall out boy as a contender, that drums and bass opening is killer.
3:52 The rhythm for YYZ on the bass is actually Morse code for YYZ.
The fact that I'm still learning cool things about Rush is what makes that band one of the coolest
Which is the Airport code for their hometown of Toronto
Roundabout is definitely the better rep from Yes for this, but shoutout to Heart of the Sunrise for another extremely good baseline. Love Squire's style so much
I cut my teeth on my brothers' Yes albums. I was already playing guitar, but Squire got me interested in bass.
I like that you didn't just play a selection of riffs without comment. Your insight into what made each one unique was great. Good stuff as always!
Holy diver, very simple but extremely effecitve, and timeless.
Words cannot describe how happy I am that you mentioned The Jam, one of the most underrated bands of all time, Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton are all legends.
💯 I lost my crap when I saw the jam in there😂
“Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears has one of the most underrated basslines ever
Also their "Pale Shelter" has a very cool bassline in the later verses, and Curt Smith casually plays it while singing the tune!! Incredible.
Agree and talking about 80s where is Duran Duran?
deffo!!
Thanks for putting The Jam in there. They were one of the biggest bands in the UK for 5 years, but sadly went largely unnoticed in the USA
I can't agree more. Even "Town called malice" doesn't shows enough of Bruce Foxton's talents. Songs like "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" or "The Eton Rifles" have amazing basslines.
Bruce Foxton is one of my favorite bass players
Bruce Foxton is a fantastic bassist!
As someone who’s listened to Tame Impala since 2010, Kev has been putting out amazing bass lines throughout his whole discography.
These are some of me and my dad's favorite songs. He grew up with them and introduced them to me throughout my whole life. Some of these songs were such a nostalgia trip for me.
While I have to agree that Killing In The Name Of has RATM's most iconic bass, I'd like to point out that Bullet To The Head has an AMAZING bassline and it deserves to be recognised for that :)
One of my favorites is Evil from Interpol sounds so dark and deep, but elegant
pretty much any Carlos D riff would be a good shout, i'd probably go for the high part in the outro of PDA if i had to pick just one
Stella was a diver also has a great bass track.
Loved this list! My personal favs:
Primus - John the Fisherman
Dirty Loops - Hit Me
Coheed and Cambria - The Suffering
The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Carol Kaye)
I could go on and on 😍
I've had dirty loops on repeat since I found out about them not terribly long ago. So damn good !
FINALLY ANOTHER COHEED FAN OMGGGGGGGGGG AHHHHHH
The fact that nothing by Claypool is on this list is criminal.
Yes!! Carole Kaye is so underrated, but she is an extremely talented bassist. She is part of the Wrecking Crew who have been session musicians on so many famous recordings.
Listen to Horsell Common and the Heat Ray. Genuinely slept on.
Two of my 80s favorites deserves a place here: "Rio" by Duran Duran and "Too Shy" by Kajagoogoo.
yes!!!! rio!!!!! 😂 I loved all the ones he included but we're missing rio here!
My name isn't Rio
I was looking for this comment
For some reason, Rio always rubbed me up the wrong way, but the bass line for Girls on Film is a banger. Top marks for Too Shy though!
John Taylor is so unfairly underrated
Wonderful video… many thanks for sharing. I just missed some great bass lines: from Andy Rourke (RIP) with Morriseys’ “Charming Man”; from Mike Inez with AIC, “Rotten apple”; from Flea, “Airplane”. Special mentions to Mike Inez with Ozzy “No more tears”, Steve Harris for “The number of the beast”, “Phantom of the opera “, and “Rime of the ancient mariner”, and finally, John Paul Jones in “The song remains the same”, and “The Ocean”.
Un message de FRANCE. Juste envie de te dire MERCI. Super choix de Riff et de bass. La miniature est top aussi. 😉
Merci beaucoup!
@@BassBuzz 😉
I would have added something by John Entwistle like "My Genertion", "Boris The Spider", "Baba O'Riley" and many more.
And Motorhead, like "Stay Clean" or any of the classics.
Yes to John Entwistle and his bass playing on the song ‘The Real Me’ is phenomenal
Josh: "I can’t resist a good 90’s bass riff"
You should have included the Breeders bass riff from Cannonball.
Or really any Pixies bass riff.
Come as you are.
You don’t get the credit you deserve my friend. The way your fretting hand is so rigid and relaxed at the same time and the constant alternating fingers while thumping is what bass playing should be all about. People like you that put those hours in it really shows in your technique.
This guy just made my day by having The Clash, The Jam, and The Police bass lines all in one video.
Your videos just keep getting better! Helped me so much on my bass journey
The strenght of the bass in the 2015 Tame Impala album is it's sound. Amazing mixing and effects !
Always loved the bass line in Ramble On!
I always come back to this video to remind myself why I love bass
same!
5:02 in my experience, it's the people who just take songs at "face value" that helped Seven Nation Army to be claimed as a bass riff. Whenever my old roommate had people over for a drinking party, & they found out I played bass, it was always the first song they'd ask me to play.
Your channel helped a 40+ year old dude learn BASS from nothing and some music theory. I can see it now - my favourite BASS lines are played ska/reggae style. I'm still tone deaf but I'll find you on a BASS.
Stratus. Lealand Sklar with Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer and Tommy Bolin. The drive and tension created by the main riff is incredible
Today's 50th anniversary album on Sea of Tranquility. I just listened to it for the first time today.
That riff is insane!
@BassBuzz the whole album is chock full of insane bass riffs. Between Leland and Ron Carter how can there not be?
They also have the krieghoff fg42 from the premium paratrooper squad
@@n0k148 do what, now?
Great List! Can't really argue with it because they're all good, but a few I'd include might be:
A Taste of Honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie
Sublime - Santeria
Daft Punk - Around the World
Alice In Chains - Would?
Weezer - Tired of Sex
The Cure - Close to Me
I think Only in Dreams by Weezer is more iconic than Tired of Sex
If I had to choose a base riff by The Cure it'd be The Forest.
Love this kind of Top something lists, I always end up with a few more songs in my playlist.
All awesome. Instead of "Love Will Tear us Apart," you could have said, every Peter Hook bass line ever written. ♥️
Ouch. Looks like it's gonna hurt.
@@regislourenso good catch. 👍 I have big hands. 😆 🤣 😂
Yes, you instantly recognize Peter Hook's unique sound...
Id add:
- Come As You Are, Nirvana
- Good Times, Chic
- Cant Stop, RHCP
Always loved the sound of the bass in Comedown by Bush.
McCartney's bass lines in 'Rain,' 'Hey Bulldog,' 'Penny Lane' and 'Something' are amazing. Bernie Worrell's synth bass line/main riff in 'Flashlight' is another amazing part.
Donald 'Duck' Dunn's bass line on the cover of She Caught the Katy from the blues brothers movie has always been a favorite of mine.
Great list, many more to learn, but I have to name Psychokiller, I love that bass line 🔥
Setting the rock genre aside, in my humble opinion, one of the most iconic bass lines ever is Flea’s bass line in Young MC’s “Bust a Move.” It doesn’t matter who you are or what genre of music you prefer. Easily one of the most recognizable bass lines for any Gen Xer or Millennial of any race or preferred genre of music.
Thanks for the tip so much!
Nice list... Off the top of my head I'd also add... Filter's "Hey Man Nice Shot", Bowie's "China Girl", "Wrahchild" by Iron Maiden, "For Whom The Bell Tolls" - Metallica, "Grove is in the Heart" Deee Lite. Another fun, but maybe not so iconic bass line that i love is "Sure Know Something" by KISS.
The camera work on this video is as exciting as the music itself.
Some obvious misses:
- Nothing at all by Bootsy Collins? That guy pretty much defined a decade with his base playing.
- Janice Marie Johnson's opening line in "Boogie Oogie Oogie".
Amazing list, would loved to see "Come Together" or My Girl on here :)
Yeah, McCartney has so many talents in so many directions that I sometimes think people forget how tasty his bass playing was and is.
I know’s a different genre than the songs here, but Peggy Lee’s “Fever” should be on this list. Iconic lick that carries the entire song.
I think Joy Division's She Lost Control 12" and Transmission one of the best bass riffs anyone could heard
You hit some great riffs man! great list. I'm sure there are plenty others but it's solid !
First time watching one of your videos. Great selections. A few of my favorites are Grass Roots - Midnight Confessions, The Temptations - Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Marvin Gaye - What's Going On, Gladys Night and the Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia, and Steely Dan - Josie.
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but what about Sweet Emotion? Pretty iconic in my book.
I can’t exactly remember it but I know without bass that intro would be wayyyy crappier!
The pre-verse, the verse, or the chorus? Not unpopular, most certainly iconic, but I think he's avoiding basslines that will take a minute to finish.
A list that don't have primus in is a incomplete..
The bass intro is the whole thing.
That bass intro is my cue to crank it up, every time.
Love it!!!! Petition to have "Old Josh" and "salesman Josh" as recurring characters in the next videos.
I’d add ‘Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick’ by Ian Dury and The Blockheads … classic riff by Norman Watt-Roy 👍🏻🙂
YES!
The live track from Hammersmith Odeon (here on UTube last I checked) is a work of transcendant art.
Mate, every one, pure class, and so well played!!!!! Not sure if it counts, but the bass from David Bowie Let’s Dance, always a winner for me.
Every track on Let's Dance has amazing bass! Carmine Rojas tearing it up.
I appreciated your commentary as opposed to just another list!
Not a huge Korn fan but the bass on Here to Stay is worthy of a mention.
I'm surprised "Disco Inferno" didn't make the list, easily one the best and most recognizable basslines of all time.
What about Galveston?
Speaking strictly for me, Krist Novoselic's bass riff on "The Man Who Sold the World" was the reason why I picked up a bass!
You mean David Bowies bass riff on David bowies song that Krist and nirvana covered without really rearranging much at all.
I'm so glad I found your channel!!!!
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel (Tony Levin)
Forget Me Knots - Patrice Rushen
Good Times - Chic
Tony Levin has some great ones. Sleepless, Big Time, Love to be Loved but the most iconic might be the gorgeous bass line for Don't Give Up.
For Whom The Bell Tolls?
The greatest Metal Bass Riff of all time
Mike Dirnt wrote the bass line for Longview tripping on LSD and recalling his days as a guitarist. Theres some writings of Mike cranking his bass while tripping on LSD writing this riff getting enjoyment from pissing his neighbors off but he never confirms or denies this
Thank you for sacrificing your monetization so we could see this amazing list of riffs.
Tx for adding the bass of Tame Impala to your favourite 30 !!
Thank you very much, I used your video on my school presentation and my teacher loved it!
Bowie's Man Who Sold The World needs some love too! There's something mesmerizing about that major scale climb during the chorus...
Should do a whole video just on Bowie bass riffs, so many good ones!
so true! instantly thinking station to station or heroes...
True! (Although with that minor seventh it's the dominant scale / mixolydian, not the major scale / ionian.)
Sir Paul should be in there, but we're starved for choice.
Same for some Abba's and more.
I listed "my" Paul Pics in the comments. What would yours be?
Totally! Chose to omit Beatles since the video would probably get taken down by TH-cam's copyright system. But I miss Paul too!
@@transformationgenerationCould probably do 30 on just Beatles/Wings/solo
the first that come to mind are Silly Love Songs, Taxman, Come Together, Drive My Car
Something has a great bass line
I just joined a cover band and had to learn “all right now “ definitely a classic!!! I have always loved that bass part not to get to play it to entertain people is awesome!! Also learning Tom Sawyer!!
Nice! I'd love to play All Right Now live, so fun.
@@BassBuzz I’m looking forward to it! 🤘
The Coral - Dreaming of you is the reason I picked up the bass. Thanks for another great video!
Wow this was cool. I love how you crammed all those in there. I would have also included New Year's Day by U2. So much fun to watch you play. Thanks for sharing this one, and the tabs.
so happy muse was on here! hysteria slaps and the bass always impresses me. each band member is so talented it's unreal
Muse is my favorite band of all time and the music they create is mind blowing their talent is insane
Nailed the list! Had it come out closer to the holidays, "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses of all people had an amazingly cool bass line!
A lot of these are just following the guitar note for note. The most iconic ones are the ones where the riff BELONGS to the bass. (Like Roundabout and Hysteria)
I don't know if they're considered "iconic" but Paul McCartney's basslines for Silly Love Songs and Coming Up are both really good and severely underrated
agreed
and Come Together/most of Abbey Road. His line for Goodnight Tonight is also so fun!
That was awesome! I know about 1/3 of these bass lines but I would love to learn more! That Joy Division line was sweet! The only band I would say was omitted is The Beatles. Hard to forget the goat Paul McCartney 😁 Great video!
Jeremy from Pearl Jam is actually pretty sick. It's one of my favorite lines
Pearl Jam bass lines are so underrated
5:42 that was surprisingly pleasant!
I really liked the crazy train one. I 've never noticed how nice it is. I hope to hear "louder than hell" a nice mellow bassline.
Was really going to be upset if "Ramble On" was overlooked. Nice post.
Great choices. So many great lines to choose from.
"New Dawn Fades" is my current riff I am trying to get my head around. Going OK but the beautiful run on the G string has yet to be played well.
@1:03 Oh Josh, you said it: Geezer was the man who mostly inspired my will (the first was Cliff Burton, but listening to the sound of Geezy was shocking for me at first listening) to play bass almost twenty years ago and also my style on it, because I've officially adopted his way to pluck the strings to produce a consistent "clack-clack". Today I play various instruments and also produce my own music, but I'll eternally grateful to Geezer Butler for his influence on me.
The thing I most appreciate about Josh is that he always played a honest and affordable SQUIER, rather than a (sometimes useless) hi-end bass! This aspect is totally coherent with the philosophy reflected on this channel: focus yourself on playing, rather than the price tag of your bass! I consider him as the "human Wikipedia" of bass teachers.