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.
Rock bass is about power, aggression, and intent. Tone is incredibly important as is technique.
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.Run Like Hell
Groove along on one note for ages! Excellent for VERY basic ear training as nothing much changes.
2. Livin' On A Prayer
Wedding gold. If you have aspirations to play in a function/society band you'll need to know this. It based around Natural Minor/Minor Pentatonic and listen out for the key change and time signature moment at the end!
4. Sunshine Of Your Love
The currency of rock music is the riff - usually minor pentatonic. Here's a classic.
5. Come As You Are
Simple grunge riff with attidtude.
6. Enter Sandman
Metal tends to be angry and angry = minor key. Listen to the bright stainless steel tone (played with a plectrum: a classic rock move).
7. Sweet Home Alabama
Rock doesn't have to be angry; this song is joyous. It's also three chords all the way through (mostly) with a twiddly riff.
8. Highway to Hell
The bass really anchors the ship on this one, proving that root notes with quarters rule.
9. Born To Be Wild
Melodic, tasteful bass playing over a simple chord progression.
10. King For a Day
Creative and consistent with a hammer-on and vibrato for interest, this bass line really catches the ear.
To learn more about what to learn and why head to Bass Guitar Syllabus.
