This week we’re looking at the 20 MUST KNOW bass riffs for beginner bassists. Each of these riffs are perfect for the beginner and each one contains at least one technical hurdle you’ll need to overcome.
Riff Tabs and Tracks
1. You Really Got Me – The Kinks (4:03)
2. In The Midnight Hour – Wilson Pickett (6:17)
3. Stand By Me – Ben E. King (8:49)
4. Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream (14:14)
5. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes (16:43)
6. All Day & All Of The Night – The Kinks (18:59)
7. Gimme Some Lovin’ – Spencer Davis Group (22:23)
8. Iron Man – Black Sabbath (24:31)
9.Super Freak – Rick James (27:44)
10. Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz (30:30)
11. Living On A Prayer – Bon Jovi (33:06)
12. Thriller – Michael Jackson (36:07)
13. Peter Gunn Theme – Henry Mancini (38:35)
14. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana (40:11)
15. Walking On The Moon – The Police (43:20)
16. Stir It Up – Bob Marley (46:25)
17. Lady Marmalade – Labelle (49:22)
18. Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison (51:38)
19. Under Pressure – Queen (53:41)
20. Another One Bites The Dust – Queen (56:08)
Great list, but it prints terribly!
Where is a printable version so I can put pages near my (sons) bass and not need a full computer?
I just sent you a private note re your question a few weeks ago.
This list is brilliant, by the way!
lot’s of fun Mark, thank you…
would like to learn even more :)…
i am very unhappy. my bass broke sad face
Thanks mark, coming for tomorrows session at 3:25 am at your studio. many thanks
– steve
Thanks, those fingers can really do wonders, especially last night.
– jerome
can you do megalovonia for my son he says it’s a undertake game please
Hey Mark! Thank you so much for last night. I finally learnt to play the G string. :)
– Jerome
thanks mark for the session, im now going to proceed to spend my life savings on your courses in hope to be a street performer and live next to homeless people <3
These riffs are perfect for where I am at in my playing! I was a pro horn player so I know theory and how to read and understand everything on paper. I’ve been playing for about a year and have developed good technique just don’t know any songs! This is exactly what I need!
I enjoy your style Mark and energy…please keep teaching me tunes! And THANK YOU for making it free.
Thanx,
Steve (Dj Horn) James
Just joined. I am complete beginner but played piano so know my theory. These riffs will be a great start for me.
Neil (Parky)
Hey Mark!!! Awesome exercises – this will certainly enhance timing Greetings from Lima, Peru lml
You say the tabs are available to download but I cannot find a download link anywhere
I Want to know which bass are you playing on Top 20 MUST KNOW Bass Riffs For Beginners
I have watched the lesson ( 20 bass riffs) with great interest. You advise that the music is transcribed and downloadable as a PDF. I have to disagree with you – having spent a considerable amount of time trying to download, this facility does not exist. You talk of a download button – there is no button. I have logged into the web site and can find the free lesson but cannot download the music notation.
Peter Hughes
As a total beginner, I have so much fun trying to play some of those riffs. I just started yesterday without any previous knowledge. I will continue to practice with your lessons for sure.
hey mark im missing half of my ring and middle finger can i still do these with 1st and 4th fingers.
thank you russell
Hey Mark love this list
Wow🕵️👍 great fun, I love a gud base sound, just looking for ideas to introduce into my guitar playing, very clear, easy on the eye, excellent, thank you so much