Top 5 Cool Bass Songs Every Beginner Should Learn

I’ve compiled a list of top 5 songs every bass player that is getting started on the instrument should learn to play.

These songs are definitely classics in different genres, relatively easy to play – yet fun!

You can be a complete beginner a still work them out on the instrument.

So, if you’ve been looking for a recommendation on which songs to learn on bass when starting out, I’m sharing my list.

These are one of the first songs that got me going on the bass.

Another One Bites The Dust – The Queen

This is probably the most famous bass riff ever that even non-musicians know how to play on bass.

Since the riff uses open E string, it is really easy to play yet sounds cool.

Heck, this is probably the equivalent of “Nothing Else Matters” intro in the guitar world, you know that song that your friends who don’t play guitar, like to try out and play on your precious instrument when visiting?

Black Sabbath – Paranoid

Another great classic.

This one will get your picking hand up to speed and help you practice your timing.

Features a classic intro and great straight 8ths feel throughout the song.

Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana

This is a really easy song to learn on the bass when starting out.

The intro is classic and you get to showcase your skills during verse parts where drums and bass take the spotlight.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go – Clash

Very famous intro where bass follows the guitar riff.

The chorus part is where you get to go crazy on the bass. This song is really fun to play.

Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Yes, this song features slap bass playing and yes – you should learn it (even if you don’t know how to slap).

This is surely a classic and you can learn how to slap with this song as inspiration.

Take it slowly until you get the basic slap movement down.

I hope that this list has inspired you to practice and learn new songs on the bass.

Just getting started on bass and need direction on things to work on?

I’ve been there and I can tell you that learning bass on your own can be so lonely and frustrating, trying to find quality lessons and materials to dive into. At best you end up half-knowing a dozen of songs or lesson examples and that’s it.

If you’d like to get more clarity and speed things up, click on this link to find out how my online bass courses membership can help you get on a right path: YES, TELL ME MORE PLEASE