This collection of some of the most important and influential bass lines in the history of rock & roll and pop music will be expanded continually. The order is alphabetical and doesn’t include any value judgement.

Mail your suggestions to tom@four-strings.com

Famous Basslines from A - Z

Bon Jovi - Keep the faith Level 42 - Lessons in Love Rage against the Machine - Bombtrack
Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters - Chameleon The Police - Walking on the moon Stevie Wonder - I wish
Queen - Another One bites the Dust

Bon Jovi - Keep the faith

Bon Jovi - Keep the Faith

Released: 1992

bass player:

The bass groove pushes the song ("it's not diesel, it's 100 octane"). Probably played with a pick.

Bon Jovi - Keep the faith (notation)

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Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters - Chameleon

Herbie Hancock - Headhunter released in 1973

bass line played by Paul Jackson

Actually, the bass part is played on a synth, but it’s a lot of fun on the real thing as well. This album has written fusion and funk rock history. The other tracks are "Watermelon Man", "Sly" and "Vein Melter". Their bass lines are just as groovy, and they’re played on a real bass.

Herbie Hancock - Chameleon (notation)

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Level 42 - Lessons in   Love

Level 42 - Running in the family Released: 1987

bass player: Mark King

Here the slapping maestro proves he can also do it with simple elegance. A monster groove that really supports the song. At that tempo I’m regularly running out of steam. The ultimate right hand fitness trainer.

Level 42 - Lessons in Love (notation)

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The Police - Walking on the Moon

Police - Regattadeblanc released in 1979

bass player: Sting

Simple but ingenious! The highly atmospheric bass line really stands out due to the sparse song arrangement. Play with a shuffle feel, i.e. the anticipated notes are ternary eighths.

Police - Walking on the Moon (notation)

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Stevie Wonder - I wish

Stevie Wonder - Songs in the key of life released in 1976

bass player: Nathan Watts

The whole album is a masterpiece, and the basslines of "Sir Duke" or several other classics on that disc could be included here. "I Wish" is a prime example that simple eights really groove if the articulation is right. Be flexible with the staccato signs and try various ways of articulating until you groove along with the CD. The verse contains additional rhythmic variations.

Stevie Wonder - I wish

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