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Writer's pictureDani Heggie

The 10 Best Bass Lines Of All Time!

Updated: Nov 28, 2023

There is a lot that goes in to making a great song, but sometimes the first thing that hits you deep in your core is the bass, and in turn nothing can make a song more than a truly great bass line! So today we will be having a look at 10 of the best bass lines of all time! Here we go, in no particular order!



Jamiroquai - Runaway


Starting us off is the kings of groove Jamiroquai and their massive tune Runaway! This bass line has an incredible groove that works incredibly well with the drums and against the rhythm of the funky guitar line played through out the song. bassist Paul Turner brings a brilliant blend of melody and rhythm in this song and he will have you dancing for days!



Queen - Another One Bites The Dust


It really wouldn't be a best bass lines list without this song would it? John Deacon's iconic bass line is likely the first thing that comes to mind when most people to name a great bass line! It may be regularly mentioned but it is for a reason I say! Not only is the main line firmly in the public conciseness because of how catchy it is, the bass line in the chorus is monstrously underrated as a result, it's always my favourite part of the song to play!



James Brown - I Got You (I Feel Good)


You are probably noticing a theme here, but if a bass line makes you want to dance, it's up there, because that is the whole point! David "Hooks" Williams is the man responsible for giving us that all mighty groove but it is hard to tell where he got the name, whether it be from his big hooky fingers perfect for playing bass, or for being the man behind so many great bass hooks!



Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke


Let's keep that groove rolling! Next up we have the Stevie Wonder classic that is Sir Duke! Named in tribute to legendary jazz pianist Duke Ellington, this song is all go with brilliant vocals (no surprises there) great song writing, a powerful horn section all supported by an absolutely timeless bass line performed by Funk, Soul and R&B legend Nathan Watts!



Rage Against The Machine - Bullet In The Head


Let's get some rock on the go next with one of my personal favourite bass lines, Bullet In The Head by Rage Against The Machine! While we are in rock and metal territory now, that doesn't mean there is any less groove. The primary bass line for this song is full of groove, a few chords and some fun licks and fills before it comes into the song's B section with an absolutely ferocious riff that comes to a mighty crescendo by the end!



Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills


Keeping things in the world of rock and metal, we have a bass line from the brilliant Steve Harris of Iron Maiden with their classic hit Run To The Hills! Best known for the iconic bass line gallop rhythm, Harris also shows off his skills with blistering speed especially in the building bridge section just after the guitar solos!



Beyoncé - Love On Top


Now in stark contrast, we have a delightfully funky R&B Pop song by Beyoncé and one of the most fun bass lines I have ever played curtesy of the song Love On Top! While it may for the most part be one groovy bass riff, the way it follows the rising key changes in the second half of the song keeps things fun and fresh!



Chic - Good Times


Keeping that groove going, next up is one of the most iconic funk bass lines there ever was in Chic's Good Times! Bernard Edwards is the bassist and a founding member of Chic who brings an astounding amount of groove. Pairing that with Nile Roger's guitar lines cutting across the bass line and we have an unforgettable groove!



The Beatles - Lady Madonna


Next up we have a rock classic from the one and only, The Beatles with their under rated single Lady Madonna! Not only is the song irresistibly catchy, the bass line keeps you dancing the whole way through with it's consistent and thumping walking bass line carrying the whole song from start to end!



Rush - Spirit Of Radio


Last but not least we have a bass line from Prog Rock masters Rush and their song Spirit Of Radio! From start to end their is something to take away whether it be the fun and melodic line of the verse, the blisteringly fast into line or the charming and fun groove during the reggae style breakdown in the bridge! Geddy Lee of Rush is an absolute master of the instrument and he really showcases this fact on Spirit Of radio!



And there we have it, 10 of the best lines ever! What was your favourite on this list? What is your favourite bass line of all time? Let me know, I'd love to know! In the meantime, play loud, stay safe and I will see you all soon!

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