This is part of my Bass Guitar Syllabus post where I recommend songs in different genres to listen to (and then ultimately try and figure out by ear). Listening to good music is a form of practice and there is a lifetime of great bass playing to be learnt from these songs!
Make sure to check out the other genres.
Reggae is one of those genres that sound like it'll be easy to play. It's anything but. The feel and tone have to be so spot on that even experienced players can sound inauthentic when attempting it. It's an infectious style of music that feels like no other. And bass is at the heart and soul of it!
These songs are all easy to play and many have one main section that goes round and round. Start with these simple songs and use them to strengthen your ear whilst aiming to play from beginning to end without stopping.
1.Three Little Birds
Major triad relaxed grooves. Listen to the dubby bass tone and the behind the beat placement. It wouldn't be reggae without those elements.
2. No Woman, No Cry
Slow tempo live version of a classic.
3. Pressure Drop
More triads with lots of space for the groove to breathe.
4. Wonderful World, Beautiful People
Simple and sparse and you can hear the bass well. A good one for your ear training.
5. 007 (Shanty Town)
Another root note, easy-to-follow bass line.
6. I Am Still in Love with You
Beautiful and hypnotic bass groove.
7. Private Life
When pop royalty calls in the reggae heavyweights.
8. Love So Nice
Simple yet so effective. That sums up a lot of reggae!
9. Through The Fire I Come
Genius bass line. Octaves with a classic reggae rhythm. A lesson in restraint and the perfect part.
10. Chase The Devil
Covered many times, the original features reggae riffs at their very best.
To learn more about what to learn and why head to Bass Guitar Syllabus.
