Top 5 ROCK riffs for every beginner bassist

Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate bass player, you’ll probably have a few rock riffs on your must-learn list! From Nirvana to The Kinks, John Deacon to Jack Bruce, we’ve prepared a shortlist of some of the best bass riffs every bassist should know! We’re also giving you a PDF workbook where we’ve added the tab and notation from the video!

The Kinks - You Really Got Me

A UK chart‑topper in September 1964, and a number seven hit in America at the height of the so‑called British Invasion, there are few records whose influence can be so strongly felt after nearly 60 years as the Kinks’ You Really Got Me. Try both finger and plectrum styles and practice slowly with a metronome or a drum machine first.

Cream - Sunshine of Your Love

Jack Bruce was probably responsible for more young musicians heading towards the bass guitar racks in the late ‘60s than any other bass player of the time. His bluesy bass line on Cream’s signature hit was inspired by a Jimi Hendrix Experience show at London’s Saville Theatre in January 1967. Ginger Baker then came up with his distinctive tom-tom rhythm and Eric Clapton added the song’s guitar riff.

Bon Jovi - Livin’ On A Prayer

A staple at wedding gigs and karaoke nights, Livin’ On A Prayer is taken from one of the biggest selling rock albums of the 1980s. A typically dynamic rock bass line in E minor propels the intro along with just the right amount of attitude, while the chorus features one of the most melodic bass parts in hair rock history. Look out for the key change for the last chorus, modulating from E to G minor.

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit

Even a complete beginner can learn how to play one of the biggest songs of the ’90s: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. The bass follows a pretty straightforward riff that sticks to the root notes of the guitar. Rhythmically, try to keep things tight throughout, and make sure that you play it accurately and in time. In terms of technique, there’s not that much to worry about.

Queen - Another One Bites the Dust

Ask anyone to sing Another One Bites The Dust and chances are they begin with the bass line. It’s the band’s best selling single, and is arguably bassist John Deacon’s finest moment on record. Written by Deacon, the song featured on the band’s eighth studio album and entirely hinges on that bass line. Keep the timing as ‘in the pocket’ as you can, and notice that John Deacon is very sparing with his fills and embellishments throughout.