The Best Bass Guitar Riffs for Beginners

13 Great Bass Riggs For Beginners

Great bass riffs, and the repetitive and catchy phrases played by the bass guitar, are the backbone of any great song. As a beginner, mastering these patterns improves your technique and helps you understand the integral role of the bass guitar in a band setting. They tend to be short, repetitive and instantly recognisable, so you can have fun and impress your friends and family without years of practice. I’ve taught hundreds of bass guitar students of all levels over the years, and the same bass riffs come up time and time again. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bass riffs for beginners and tips and techniques to help you perfect them.

Understanding Bass Riffs

What is a Bass Riff?

A bass riff is a repeated pattern or phrase that constitutes the song’s central theme on the bass guitar. It should be catchy, rhythmic and serves as a hook that makes the song memorable. Some of the most famous songs in music history, like Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” are instantly recognisable by their iconic bass riffs.

The Role of Bass Riffs in Music

Bass riffs play a pivotal role in music. They provide the rhythmic and harmonic foundation upon which the rest of the instruments build. The bass riff helps shape the song’s groove, tone, and overall feel by interacting with the drumbeat and locking in with the other instruments.

Bass Riffs Vs. Bass Lines

While often used interchangeably, bass riffs and bass lines are distinct elements. A bass line refers to the underlying part the bass plays throughout a song, whereas a bass riff is a repetitive pattern that stands out and often serves as a hook. The riff can be part of or even the entire bass line, but not all bass lines are riffs. The great Motown bass player James Jameson would often play an entire song without repeating a single bar of the bass line. The lines are incredible, but this approach can be daunting for beginner bassists wanting to learn a song. Riffs are more accessible and recognisable than long, elaborate bass lines. Understanding these differences is key to getting started on the bass guitar.

The Best Bass Riffs for Beginners

Now that we understand a bass riff let’s delve into some of the best bass riffs that beginners can start learning and mastering. I’ve included video examples of each riff so that you can learn the parts as we go. 

Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

“Seven Nation Army” is a song with a simple yet impactful bass riff. This riff is the song’s backbone and an excellent starting point for beginners. Seven Nation Army is in the key of E Minor and uses notes from that E Natural Minor scale. Pay attention to the variation in the chorus and learn when to add the build-ups into and out of each section. 

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Billie Jean features a prominent bass riff that carries the entire song. The riff is repetitive and catchy, making it ideal for beginners to practice and master. It takes much stamina to keep the 8th notes pumping throughout the song’s verse sections, so get your fingering spot on and build up slowly. Once you’re up to speed, practice playing along with the song to build your finger strength and stamina. 

Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

Another One Bites the Dust is known for its iconic and groovy bass riff. It’s a bit more complex than the previous examples, with a few 16th notes, but it is still accessible for beginners.

Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz

Feel Good Inc is another song with a distinctive bass riff using the natural minor scale. It’s a fantastic riff for beginners to learn, helping to improve timing and finger placement. Pro Tip – Use a plectrum to get the punchy sound on the record. 

Money – Pink Floyd

Money by Pink Floyd features a unique 7/8 bass riff. Although a bit more challenging due to its time signature, it’s an excellent riff for beginners ready to step up.

Under Pressure – Queen

Another immediately recognisable riff from British rock royalty Queen. Under Pressure uses just two notes to create a classic line that forms the intro and verses to the tune. 

Cake By The Ocean – DNCE

Come Together – The Beatles

The bass riff on this track is iconic, yet it’s fairly simple to play. It’s an excellent song for beginners to get the feel of a bass-heavy song.

Sunshine of Your Love – Cream

This song’s main riff, played by both the guitar and bass, is one of the most recognised riffs in rock music. It’s a bit more challenging but definitely within reach for a beginner.

Stand by Me – Ben E. King

The bass line in “Stand by Me” is as memorable as they come. It’s a great way to work on your timing and precision. Pro Tip – Play this track using a palm muting technique to get the short, percussive notes on the record. 

Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple

The main guitar riff of this song is extremely well-known and very simple to play on the bass. The bass part is driving 8th notes that occasionally link up with the guitar. Learn both lines to get an appreciation of the role of each instrument. 

My Girl – The Temptations

This Motown classic has a simple yet soulful bass line perfect for beginners to practice.

London Calling – The Clash

The main bass riff is a repeating line that drives the entire song. It’s great for beginners looking to delve into punk rock bass playing.

Tips and Techniques for Playing Bass Guitar Riffs

Proper Finger Placement

Proper finger placement is crucial to playing bass riffs accurately and smoothly. Ensure your fingers are close to the frets and apply enough pressure to create a clean sound. 

Playing with a Pick Vs. Fingerstyle

Both methods have their advantages, depending on the style of music and the specific bass riff. Experiment with both techniques to see which suits you. Pick vs finger style comes down to a stylistic or tonal choice. If you play a lot of rock music, a pick will be fairly commonplace in the bass guitar tones you listen too. Funk and RnB tend to be more fingerstyle based. Great bass players can play either technique confidently and perfectly adapt their approach to the music they are playing. 

Getting the Timing Right

Perfecting the timing of a bass riff is critical. Use a metronome or play with the song to ensure you lock in the rhythm.

How To Practise Bass Riffs

Consistent Practice

Regular practice is key to mastering bass riffs. Set a consistent practice schedule, even for just a few minutes daily.

Slow Practice

Start practising at a slower tempo before speeding up. This helps in improving your accuracy and timing.

Using a Metronome

Practising with a metronome can significantly improve your timing and rhythm. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become comfortable with the riff.

Conclusion

Learning and mastering these beginner-friendly bass riffs will significantly enhance your bass-playing skills. Remember, it’s not just about learning the notes but understanding how these riffs contribute to the song’s overall feel. Keep practising, stay consistent, and enjoy your journey of learning the bass guitar!