Are you a beginner bassist looking for some easy songs to get started with? Look no further! In this blog, we have compiled a list of easy bass riffs and tabs for beginner bassists. From the classic “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen to Nirvana’s “Come As You Are,” we have got you covered. We also offer tips for beginner bassists, including practicing regularly, learning basic music theory, and investing in good equipment. Whether you are into punk rock or pop music, there is something on this list for everyone. So, pick up your bass guitar and let’s get started!
Easy Bass Beginner Songs for Beginner Bassists
For those just starting out on the bass guitar, it’s crucial to begin with some simplicity. Easy songs that are great for beginner bassists include classics like “Seven Nation Army” from The White Stripes or Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”. Groove to the beat of Hysteria by Muse and others like it such as “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson or “Longview” by Greenday.
As you progress in your repertoire try playing along to popular songs from Nirvana or Pink Floyd. Remember that practice makes perfect when playing any instrument but especially for beginners learning scales and understanding the fretboard.
What Are Some Easy Bass Riffs for a Beginner Bassist?
For those new to the bass guitar, starting with easy and repetitive bass lines like “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen and “Come As You Are” by Nirvana can help build confidence and skills. Other beginner-friendly songs include “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. Practice slowly for correct rhythm and timing, but don’t forget to have fun while learning.
Playing Bass: A Beginner’s Guide

Learning how to play bass guitar is an incredibly enjoyable experience that can be mastered by anyone. It is important to acquaint oneself with the fundamental techniques and jargon of bass playing before starting. To begin with ease, try learning “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen or “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple as they contain simple bass lines at a slow tempo. Don’t overdo it initially; gradually move towards more challenging bass riffs. Make sure you regularly practice for improved stamina and simplicity in your repertoire.
Nirvana Songs for Beginner Bassists
For those starting out in the world of bass guitars, Nirvana provides some excellent easy bass songs for beginner bassists. “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, the band’s most iconic hit, features a simple yet groovy bassline at around 120 bpm that will get your fingers moving across the fretboard in no time. Novice players can also try their hands at “Come As You Are” and “In Bloom”, two more easy songs with memorable basslines that help build skills and confidence on the instrument. With these three great tracks in your repertoire, you’ll be ready to jam with fellow musicians in no time!
Found this quick 2 minute tutorial that’s absolutely perfect and good to start out with…
The Beatles’ Bass Songs for Beginner Bassists
If you’re looking for some iconic bass songs to add to your repertoire of easy bass songs for beginner bassists, then look no further than The Beatles! “Come Together” and “Twist and Shout” are two of the best songs you can learn as a beginner bassist. Not only are they in standard tuning with simple yet groovy basslines that are easy to remember but they also have tempo changes, chorus breaks and catchy riffs which make it interesting for any bass player to jam along.
Here’s a tutorial to Come Together I found on YouTube:
James Brown’s Easy Bass Lines
For beginner bassists who want to improve their skills and develop a sense of groove, James Brown’s easy bass lines are a great place to start. With simple yet groovy bass lines in songs like “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” you can practice basic techniques such as fingerstyle and rhythm. Playing along with James Brown’s music can help you develop your timing and sense of groove – essential skills for any bassist.
Greenday’s Longview Bass Tab for Beginners
Looking for an easy way to practice your bass skills as a beginner? Look no further than Green Day’s “Longview,” which features a simple yet catchy bass riff that’s perfect for beginners to master. With its slow tempo and use of just four chords in standard tuning, this song is an ideal choice for any novice bass player looking to improve their repertoire. So why not give it a try today and see how far you can take your playing?
Coldplay’s Yellow Bass Tabs for Beginners
For beginner bassists looking to expand their repertoire of easy songs, Coldplay’s Yellow is a great choice. This popular song features a simple bassline that repeats throughout the entire song, allowing beginners to memorize it easily.
With a slow and steady tempo, this tune is perfect for practicing playing in time and developing stamina. The chords used in the song are basic, which makes it easy for beginners to follow along and incorporate alternate bass lines.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques like fingerstyle or adding your own personal flair to the melody. Try out other popular songs like “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen or “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes to further develop your skills.
Punk Rock Bass: An Octave Guide for Beginner Bassists
Looking to explore beyond just the basics? Give punk rock bass a shot! It’s an excellent genre for beginners to dive into. Octaves are an essential element of this music style that you’ll master quickly. You can practice with popular tracks like “Holiday in Cambodia”, “London Calling”, or even classics like the “Blitzkrieg Bop”. These tunes will help build your finger strength, timing, and rhythm, making you a better bass player overall.
Gorillaz’s Feel Good Inc. Bass Tabs for Beginners
If you’re just starting on the bass guitar, “Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz is one of the best songs to learn. This funky tune features a simple yet groovy bassline with catchy melodies that make it impossible not to groove along. With standard tuning at 139 BPM, this song is perfect for building your stamina and improving your simplicity while playing 16th notes. Additionally, this tune also incorporates octave playing techniques that beginners can use in other songs. So jam along with the lyrics and Little bit of melody, incorporating your own style into the bass part.
Easy Bass Riffs for Beginner Bassists
If you’re just starting out as a bassist, developing your skills with beginner-level riffs is key. Some great options to start with include classic basslines from songs like “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes or “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen. For more upbeat options, “Longview” by Green Day is a popular choice. You can also explore other genres like funk or R&B for some variety in your repertoire. And don’t forget to practice playing octaves on the fretboard! Ultimately, just remember to keep things simple and have fun while learning.
“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen
Mastering the catchy bass riff from “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen is crucial for any beginner looking to improve their skills. Starting with a simple 4-note bassline in E minor and gradually progressing to more complex variations can help develop finger dexterity and stamina. By adding fills and experimenting with different rhythms, you can personalize the timeless groove to suit your style. Other popular songs with easy bass riffs for beginners include “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes and “Money” by Pink Floyd.
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
The easiest way to start playing the bass guitar is with Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. With just three notes in the main riff and a simple tempo of 120 bpm, this beginner bass song can be mastered quickly. Impress your audience with the iconic bassline that has become one of the most recognizable in rock music. Playing Seven Nation Army helps develop stamina and simplicity on the fretboard while improving fingerpicking technique. Practice playing along with other popular songs from Nirvana or Michael Jackson to build up your repertoire.
“Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson
If you want to learn an easy song on Bass guitar then “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson is a great option. This song has a simple but catchy bass riff that uses just four notes in standard tuning and at a moderate tempo of around 118 bpm. As you play this song on the fretboard you can try using some alternate fingerings and groove a little bit with the drummer. With its simplicity and melody “Smooth Criminal” is definitely among the most popular songs for beginner bassists all around the world.
“Come As You Are” by Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is a top pick among novice bassists owing to its simplicity. With just four chords to master and numerous possible variations of the catchy bassline, this song has it all! Perfecting the rhythm and timing of this piece will go a long way in improving your overall performance. Use different strumming techniques and finger placements as you explore various styles of playing the bass guitar.
“Money” by Pink Floyd
If you’re looking for a great song to practice your bass skills, Pink Floyd’s “Money” is perfect. With a simple but catchy bassline consisting of just four notes, this easy bass song can help improve your finger dexterity and timing. As you progress, try adding variations to the tempo and incorporating techniques like slides or hammer-ons/pull-offs. This classic rock tune is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash
The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is an ideal pick for those who want to start with easy bass beginner songs. With a simple yet catchy bassline, this song allows beginners to learn quickly and improve their finger dexterity and rhythm skills. It also serves as an excellent introduction to the punk rock genre, inspiring beginners to explore more such songs. So go ahead and add this gem into your repertoire!
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” is a classic bass riff that’s both simple and repetitive. It’s perfect for beginners looking to develop their timing skills and finger dexterity. To master the song, you need to practice regularly. Other easy songs for beginners include “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes and “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. With this simplicity and groove, “Stand By Me” can be a part of any beginner bassist’s repertoire.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the best songs for beginner bassists to learn. With its easy-to-play bassline, this song has become an iconic track in rock music history. Played in standard tuning, it’s based on four simple chords played in the verse, followed by power chords in the chorus. The tempo of the song is around 116 BPM, making it perfect for beginners to practice their timing. To add a little bit of complexity to your repertoire, try adding alternate notes or playing with different melodies inspired by your favorite songs from artists like Bob Marley or Fleetwood Mac.
Beginner Bass Tabs You Need to Master
As a beginner looking to learn how to play the bass guitar, starting with easy songs is crucial. One way to do this is by mastering beginner bass tabs that can help you build your skills such as muscle memory and technique. It’s important to take things slowly when playing these simpler songs and focus on accuracy before moving on to more challenging tunes like those from the White Stripes or Green Day. You can find plenty of free bass tabs for beginners online and investing in good equipment will ensure that your sound is of the highest quality just like famous players such as Paul McCartney or John Deacon.
“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen
Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust” is an excellent choice for novice bass players looking to improve their skills. This widely recognized tune boasts a simple, yet catchy bassline that can be mastered with ease. Learning this classic song will aid in developing essential techniques such as finger dexterity and timing. Numerous online resources provide free tabs to help you learn this hit without any difficulties.
“Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson
If you’re a beginner bassist looking to build up your repertoire of easy songs, then the “Smooth Criminal” bassline by Michael Jackson is an excellent place to start. This beginner-friendly bass riff has a simplicity that belies its groovy feel, making it one of the best songs to learn if you’re new to playing bass. Not only does it help with your stamina and timing; it’s also one of the most popular songs for jam sessions and performances.
“Come As You Are” by Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” is one of the best songs for beginner bassists who are looking for simplicity and stamina. It has a slow tempo with a groovy bass line that consists of just four notes. This easy bass song helps novice players develop finger dexterity and timing skills while keeping them motivated with its dark lyrics. Its steady rhythm and simplicity make it an ideal pick for beginners who want to start their repertoire with something popular yet easy to play.
“Longview” by Greenday
If you’re looking for easy bass beginner songs with a simple but groovy bass part, “Longview” by Greenday should definitely be on your repertoire. The song’s tempo is around 70 bpm and is played in standard tuning. It starts with a simple intro that sets the mood for the rest of the song. The verse has a steady bassline with occasional variations that add some excitement to the groove. The chorus features a catchy bass riff that complements the lyrics perfectly. As one of the most popular songs for beginner bassists to learn, “Longview” will help you develop your finger dexterity and timing while having fun playing rock music.
“Money” by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s “Money” is one of the most iconic songs for beginner bassists to learn. With its simple use of the pentatonic scale and basic four-chord structure, it’s an excellent starting point for aspiring musicians. The song’s slow tempo allows beginners to keep up with ease while working on their timing and rhythm skills. Add this classic tune to your repertoire for an easy-to-master bass part.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash
The popular song “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash is an excellent addition to any beginner bassist’s repertoire. This track has a simple yet catchy bassline that only features four chords which makes it easy to master. It’s an ideal song choice for developing rhythm and timing skills on the bass guitar while also improving your ability to play in sync with other musicians. Not only is this tune easy to learn but also provides ample opportunity for expansion both musically and creatively.
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” is one of the best songs for beginner bassists looking to develop their skills. This classic tune features a simple yet groovy bassline that’s played in standard tuning, with a tempo of approximately 120 BPM. The intro starts with a short bass riff that sets up the verse and chorus sections, which are built around an easy-to-play four-chord progression. With its simplicity and catchy melody, this song has become a favorite among both guitarists and bass players alike.
To master this song, start by practicing the bassline at a slow tempo and gradually build up your stamina until you can play it smoothly at full speed. Focus on getting the timing right, paying attention to the rhythm of the drums and how your notes fit into it. Once you feel comfortable with the basic groove, experiment with adding some variations or fills to make it your own.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the best songs for beginner bassists thanks to its simplicity and groove. With a classic riff that flows smoothly along the F minor scale, this tune has a unique bassline that any aspiring bass player can learn in standard tuning. As you play along, your stamina and finger speed will improve while getting familiar with basic techniques like root notes and power chords. It’s no wonder why “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains a favorite among rock music enthusiasts worldwide.
Tips for Beginner Bassists
To master the art of playing bass guitar, start with learning basic techniques like fingerstyle and scales. Broaden your repertoire by listening to different genres. For beginners, joining an online community or taking lessons can help you learn from experienced players. Experimentation with different instruments and equipment can help you find your unique sound.
Practice Makes Perfect
To become a great bassist, it’s essential to have a repertoire of easy bass songs under your belt. But how do you build up your stamina and simplify complex riffs? Regular practice plays an integral role in improving bass playing skills for beginner bassists. By creating a consistent practice schedule and beginning with simple tunes like “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King or “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, you can quickly improve your proficiency on the fretboard. Remember to focus on proper techniques like finger placement, hand positioning, and posture while playing and gradually progress to more complex basslines like Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” or Pink Floyd’s “Money”. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, so don’t be afraid to try new things and jam with other musicians.
Learn Basic Music Theory
Understanding basic music theory is crucial for beginner bassists looking to improve their repertoire beyond easy bass songs. To get started, focus on understanding the structure of music and creating your own bass lines. Familiarize yourself with notes, scales, chords, and rhythm to improve your playing skills. Practicing major and minor scales can help build finger strength and dexterity while enabling better communication with fellow musicians in a band setting.
Listen to Different Types of Music
As a novice bassist, it’s important to expand your repertoire by listening to various genres and playing styles such as rock music like Pink Floyd’s Money or Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain; punk like Clash’s Should I Stay Or Should I Go or Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit; R&B like Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal or Gorillaz’ Feel Good Inc.; pop like Coldplay’s Yellow or Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie. Listen for tempo changes in Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne or Little Bit by Lykke Li while expanding your stamina with Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds or Sunshine Of Your Love by Cream. Remember to experiment with alternate tunings, fretboard techniques, and incorporate two-sixteenth notes per beat into your melodies.
Play with Other Musicians
To enhance your bass beginner songs repertoire, it’s imperative to play with other musicians as collaborating helps in improving bass playing skills. Playing in time with others helps develop a sense of rhythm while joining a band or jamming with friends exposes you to different music genres and styles. Working alongside experienced musicians offers vital feedback and guidance on technique and performance. Invest your time in practicing with others for better stamina and simplicity while enjoying the groove of the bassline.
Invest in a Good Bass Guitar and Equipment
To get the best out of your bass-playing experience, investing in good quality gear is essential. Research different brands and models to find the perfect bass guitar that fits your playing style and preferences with regards to shape, weight, and material. Additionally, it’s recommended that you invest in an amp, cables, and other necessary equipment to ensure optimal sound quality while practicing or performing. Remember that investing in quality equipment pays off in the long run, making your bassist journey more enjoyable.
Have Fun While Playing Bass.
To enjoy playing bass as a beginner, it’s essential to choose easy bass beginner songs within your skill level, such as “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes or “Longview” by Green Day. Experiment with different genres like rock music or funk and try out different tempos like the ones in Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” Develop your stamina by playing popular songs like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Playing bass should be enjoyable while building your repertoire with easy songs like Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” which has an excellent bassline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing bass is a fun and rewarding experience. With so many easy beginner songs, riffs, and tabs available online, it’s never been easier to learn and master the instrument. Remember to take your time, practice consistently, and invest in good equipment for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re into punk rock or classic rock, there’s something out there that will suit your taste. So start playing today and discover the joy of creating music with others.
Want to learn more about playing bass? Download our free guide on how to improve your bass playing skills now (Contact me and I’ll send it your way)!
Eager is a guitarist and has been playing guitar for over 15 years now. He is often found explaining his guitar obsession with this quote, “To me, a guitar is kind of like a woman. You don’t know why you like ’em, but you do”. When he is not jamming with his crew, he can be found writing content here.