Great, simple bass lines!

gweimer · October 29, 2013, 06:36:36 PM

The first song I ever learned

And the second...I think....

Somehow, my friends expected me to go from those to Nantucket Sleighride in a matter of months.

gweimer · October 29, 2013, 06:43:56 PM

This is actually very simple and straight. It's all in the timing.

uwe · November 06, 2013, 07:11:28 AM

Did Mark beat me to this? You can't get any simpler or more fundamental, but utterly apt than with this slow-rolling root note shuffle:

Among my first bass runs (still played on the E string of a nylon strung classical guitar!) was this:

Didn't BTO look absolutely adorably unfashionable even back then?

Today, they could all get a job as extras in Game of Thrones.

I won't mention how I played this here too:

ack1961 · November 06, 2013, 07:39:15 AM

I came home in a totally crappy mood (I'd share pictures as to why, but it's just too disgusting)...anyway, there's a 'Heep video with Gary Thain, and everything is great again. Goodonya LBO!

BTW, I've been trying to play Easy Livin' since I first picked up the bass. They'll probably get someone to play the bassline at my funeral.

uwe · November 06, 2013, 07:54:06 AM

Thain sure still has a lot of fans here.

ilan · November 06, 2013, 08:08:44 AM

This is the simplest I know

Only one fretted note.

gweimer · November 06, 2013, 10:51:18 AM

Quote from: uwe on November 06, 2013, 07:54:06 AM
Thain sure still has a lot of fans here.

AMEN!

patman · November 06, 2013, 04:09:51 PM

How 'bout "My Girl" or "Just My Imagination"

played with one finger.

gweimer · November 06, 2013, 07:04:59 PM

Quote from: patman on November 06, 2013, 04:09:51 PM
How 'bout "My Girl" or "Just My Imagination"

played with one finger.

It wouldn't surprise me if "Bernadette" was also done with one finger. Never underestimate the versatility of that single digit. I saw Jack Bruce up close with WB&L (there is a live clip of that '72 show in our Dropbox folder), and I watched him do figure-8's with one finger all night. I wanted to go home and throw rocks at my bass after that night.

slinkp · November 06, 2013, 08:14:04 PM

What blows my mind is that What's Goin' On is also one finger (on the right hand).
Jamerson. Still amazing.

patman · November 07, 2013, 05:50:49 AM

"What's Goin On" is probably my favorite tune by James. The time feel is wonderful. Marvin Gaye was pretty good too.

4stringer77 · November 07, 2013, 07:41:47 AM

This guy's got the one finger technique down. He's done his Jamerson homework. Check out all his other vids. Jerry Scheff was great with single finger technique too.

nofi · November 07, 2013, 08:24:31 AM

index finger only.

ilan · November 07, 2013, 10:12:49 AM

Jamerson was God but I really don't see why anyone else should restrict themselves to using only the index finger. Even upright players use two fingers for fast riffs. I think NHOP used three for crazy speed.

patman · November 07, 2013, 10:32:26 AM

Agreed...but I think the one finger technique may have contributed something to the "feel" inherent in his playing...

I just like the relaxed laid-back feel in some of these tunes.

Have always been a big Motown fan...

To me there are two kinds of music...hillbilly music and soul music...