10 Beginner Songs for Bass (Plus 5 Easy Slap Riffs!)

If you’re just starting to play bass guitar, and you're feeling a mixture of excitement and overwhelm, then learning to play your favorite songs is a MUST.

Along your musical journey, you’ll come across:

But here's a secret all bassists know:

Jamming to your favorite songs is one of the best ways to practice. It’s a history lesson, ear training, and rhythm practice, all wrapped up into one.

It’ll boost your confidence, maintain your motivation, and give you the fuel to keep going.

However, it’s important to choose songs that are both fun and appropriate for your skill level.

Otherwise, learning becomes frustrating, and you’re more likely to get discouraged. Which defeats the purpose of playing those songs in the first place!

So today I’m going to show you how to play 10 iconic basslines that are easy for beginners. Pick your favorite one, commit to learning it, and see how much your love for the bass increases!

Here are 10 songs that will impress your bandmates at your next jam session! I’ve included songs from multiple genres—all of them are simple basslines a beginner can grasp.

To follow along, grab the workbook for this lesson – it contains ALL of the tabs for the songs below.

If you're a member and you'd like to download the workbook, just click the link below. If you're not a member yet and you'd like to grab the FREE workbook just click here!

Download this workbook to get tabs for each of the songs below.

A classic rock gem that’s famous for its iconic riff, “You Really Got Me” was a chart‑topper in 1964, at the height of the so‑called British Invasion.

While it might seem intimidating at first, once you break it down, you'll see that it's a super simple riff with just two notes!

It’s all played on your low E string. Practice slowly with a metronome until you can play at speed with the song.

This track is groovy, bluesy, and incredibly satisfying to play! It contains a classic bassline from the Spencer Davis Group in 1966.

It’s got a repetitive and catchy motif that you'll find yourself nodding along to. There are no fills or frills. This song will help you understand how rhythm and melody can dance together.

There are only two notes in this riff and the rhythm is straightforward—just practice slowly and work your way up to the actual song speed.

Next up is another two-note banger. This time from the lead single off Queen’s tenth studio album “Hot Space”. You might also recognize this iconic bassline from another chart-topper, Ice Ice Baby.

Under Pressure is one of the greatest basslines of all time. It's a great example of how the bass can be both the foundation and the driving force of a song.

To play this one, you'll have to practice your timing and finger control. Play with a pick.

The bassline is actually a little muted, so place the side of your palm right on top of the bridge and keep it there as you play the notes.

This track is the epitome of the '90s alternative rock scene. And if you want to tap into that grunge spirit, this is an excellent song choice for a beginner.

What makes it great for beginners is its simplicity. There are only four notes. It's repetitive yet powerful. The bassline follows a straightforward riff that sticks to the root notes of the guitar.

Play using a pick. The trick to mastering this riff is to play the whole thing on one note first. Then, once you’ve got the rhythm down, play all four notes.

This song debuted in 1965 and became the title track of the singer’s first album for Atlantic Records. It’s a soulful classic that's both beginner-friendly and downright fun to play. It's all about finding your groove and locking in with the rhythm.

As you follow the tabs and play along, you'll notice how the bassline interacts with the drums and sets the tone for the entire song. It’s also a great harmony lesson because it only plays chord tones.

You'll play across three strings for this riff. The key to mastering this one is to practice the fretting pattern that repeats itself across the strings.

A massive hit in August of 1964 that broke all previous sales records worldwide, “Oh, Pretty Woman” has a bassline that's both melodic and straightforward.

This groove will help you develop a keen sense of timing and a deeper understanding of how the bass works in harmony with other instruments.

The pattern for this riff is played similarly to the previous song and also uses three strings. Play along with the recording to get the right feel.

Originally released in 1961, Stand By Me was written with help from Mike Stoller, who also wrote Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock.

It’s an excellent choice for a beginner because it introduces you to the world of walking basslines. Playing it will strengthen your finger dexterity and help you develop a sense of melody within your basslines.

The trick to learning this riff is to break it into four segments. So instead of trying to play the entire bassline right away—learn one segment at a time, then play them all together.

Superfreak was a mega-hit in 1981 and is listed at #477 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

You might also recognize it thanks to MC Hammer’s 1990 hit U Can’t Touch This.

What makes it great for beginners is the repetition of patterns, which allows you to build muscle memory.

It’s a little tricky because of the syncopated bassline—a technique where you play offbeat notes to create that infectious funk feel. So don’t worry about playing at full speed with the original. That’ll come with practice.

Next up is a classic reggae bass line with “Stir It Up.”

This bassline is like a gentle Caribbean breeze—it's soothing and rhythmic. Reggae often emphasizes the first and third beats of a measure, creating a distinct groove.

This riff will help you develop a solid foundation for playing laid-back basslines. Which is about finding the pocket and locking in with the drums and other instruments.

Many beginners feel intimidated about using the full fretboard, so this is the perfect song to relax and start exploring what playing higher up on the neck feels like.

We're wrapping up with a rock anthem that’ll get you feeling like a rockstar!

“Another One Bites the Dust” is an iconic bassline written by bassist John Deacon. The song rocketed to the top of the charts following some gentle nudging from Michael Jackson.

To play this bassline is pretty straightforward. It starts off with three open E’s. But instead of letting them ring out, mute the string by placing your finger back on it after you pluck it.

Slap bass is a technique that can add a funky flair to your bass playing. Plus, it sounds awesome!

The greatest bass players make it look effortless—but don't be intimidated! Slap riffs are all patterns that can be broken down.

Stuart Zender’s funky and syncopated bassline is the perfect introduction to slap style.

It’s a simple exercise in down thumbs on root notes and pops on octaves!

The key is mastering the slap-and-pop technique. Slap the string with your thumb and then pop it with your index or middle finger.

As the man who invented slap bass, this classic Larry Graham bassline kicks off with a simple slap and pop riff that brings his blend of funk and R&B to the table.

The difficulty here is in maintaining that steady, groovy rhythm. It weaves in and out, creating a dynamic feel.

Master this slap pattern by dividing it into four sections. In the last section, let that open E ring out!

Take the Power Back can be intense. But it’s a masterclass in slap bass, and a must-learn for budding bassists everywhere.

The bassline is ferocious, demanding precision and power. Be prepared for a thumb workout! It might seem challenging at first, but as you practice this beast, you'll unlock a new level of mastery.

When you hear Flea's funky bassline, you can't help but tap your foot and nod your head. Higher Ground created air bassists out of all of us!

It’s another perfect entry point to playing slap bass. There’s never more than one note sounding at a time. The difficulty here is in nailing that funky rhythm while keeping your slaps and pops crisp and clear. Try playing the notes first, then focus on the rhythm.

I’ll end with another Red Hot Chili Peppers gem. This song has a playful and energetic bassline that's like a trampoline for your fingers.

The difficulty level makes it an excellent choice for a beginner.

The key to mastering this slap riff is to start with the rhythm. It’s like an engine, where your right hand is alternating between slapping and popping. Once you get the hang of it, then you just add the notes with your left hand.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a legendary bassist. Every great bassist started as a beginner, just like you.

It takes practice, patience, and a willingness to learn. But guess what?

You've already taken the first step. Learning these beginner songs and riffs is something to be proud of.

So, what's next?

I’ve put together some wicked resources that’ll ramp up the results you see from your practice sessions!

Don’t waste another day in the practice room without them. Get your free bass toolkit today!