Are you a beginner bass player looking to add groovy slap bass songs to your repertoire? Look no further! This article has compiled a list of the top 10 easy slap bass songs for beginners like you. These songs are fun and will help you develop your slap bass technique.
This list covers a wide range of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone from classic rock to funk and pop. Whether playing alone or jamming with a band, these songs will have you slapping and popping in no time.
And don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the slap bass technique yet. These songs are specifically chosen for simplicity, making them ideal for beginners still mastering the basics.
So grab your bass guitar, warm up those fingers, and get ready to groove to the beat with these top 10 easy slap bass songs for beginners. Let’s dive in and start playing some funky tunes!
Table of Contents
Benefits of learning slap bass
Slap bass is a popular technique used in various genres of music, including funk, rock, and pop. Learning slap bass adds a unique flavor to your bass playing and helps you develop your rhythm, timing, and finger dexterity. Here are a few key benefits of learning slap bass:
1. Improved rhythm and timing: Slap bass requires precise timing and coordination between picking and fretting hands. By practicing slap bass, you’ll develop a strong sense of rhythm and timing, benefiting your overall musicality.
2. Finger dexterity and strength: Slapping and popping the strings with your thumb and fingers requires finger strength and skill. Regular practice of slap bass exercises will strengthen your fingers and improve your technique.
3. Expanded musical vocabulary: Slap bass opens up a new world of musical possibilities. By learning slap bass techniques, you can add funky grooves and percussive elements to your bass lines, making your playing more dynamic and exciting.
Now that you know the benefits of learning slap bass, let’s explore the top 10 easy bass slap songs that will help you kickstart your journey.
Easy Bass Slap Songs
10 Easy Slap Bass songs
1. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen is a timeless classic with a catchy bassline and a simple yet groovy slap bass technique. This song is perfect for beginners as it introduces you to the basic slap and pop technique.
To play the slap bassline in “Another One Bites the Dust,” start by slapping the open E string with your thumb and popping the D string with your index and middle fingers. Practice this technique slowly, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.
Remember to remember your timing and dynamics to capture the song’s feel. With its infectious groove and iconic bassline, “Another One Bites the Dust” will have you rocking out in no time.
This iconic bassline by John Deacon is a must-know for any bass player. The song’s simple yet infectious groove will have you tapping your foot and nodding your head in no time. Start by practicing the main riff, which consists of a combination of slaps, pops, and muted notes. As you get comfortable with the technique, you can add variations and embellishments to make it your own. Remember to keep the rhythm tight and the notes crisp for that classic Queen sound.
Another One Bites the Dust Bass Tab
2. “Higher Ground” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Higher Ground” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is another excellent song for beginners who want to learn slap bass. Originally performed by Stevie Wonder, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ cover version adds their signature funk-rock twist to the song.
The slap bassline in “Higher Ground” is simple yet incredibly catchy. It mainly revolves around the E and A strings, with occasional pops on the D string. Focus on nailing the rhythmic timing and accents to capture the song’s infectious groove.
This song is a fantastic opportunity to practice your slap and pop technique while jamming along with the energetic sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
3. “Super Freak” by Rick James
If you want to add funk to your slap bass repertoire, “Super Freak” by Rick James is a must-learn song. This funky anthem features a bouncy slap bassline that will get you grooving from the first note.
The central groove in “Super Freak” revolves around slapping the E string and popping the A string. Maintaining a consistent rhythm and crisp attack is essential to capture the song’s funky feel.
Don’t be intimidated by the speed or complexity of the song. Take it slowly, break it into smaller sections, and gradually increase your speed and accuracy. With practice, you’ll be able to master the slap bassline in “Super Freak” and have a blast playing this funk classic.
4. “Give It Away” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
No list of slap bass songs would be complete without a Red Hot Chili Peppers track. “Give It Away” is a high-energy song that features Flea’s signature slap bass style. The main riff is built around a fast-paced slap-and-pop pattern that will test your speed and accuracy. Take it slow at first and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Please pay attention to the nuances in Flea’s playing, such as slides, hammer-ons, and ghost notes, to capture the essence of his unique style.
5. “Brick House” by The Commodores
“Brick House” is a funk anthem guaranteed to get people on the dance floor. The bassline, played by Ronald LaPread, combines slaps, pops, and slides to create a bouncy and infectious groove. Start by mastering the main riff centered around a repetitive slap pattern. Once you have that down, experiment with variations and fills to make the bassline your own. Remember to lock in with the drummer and drive the song’s rhythm.
6. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
“I Want You Back” is a Motown classic that features a catchy bassline played by Wilton Felder. The main riff is based on a combination of slaps, pops, and slides that give the song its signature groove. Start by practicing the main riff slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Pay attention to the timing and dynamics to capture the feel of the original recording. This song is a great way to showcase your slap bass skills and get people moving on the dance floor.
8. “Funky Monks” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Funky Monks” is another Red Hot Chili Peppers song that showcases Flea’s impressive slap bass skills. The main riff is built around a fast-paced slap-and-pop pattern that will challenge your speed and accuracy. Take it slow at first and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Pay attention to the dynamics and accents to capture the song’s energy. This song is a great way to showcase your slap bass skills and get people grooving.
10. “Sex Machine” by James Brown
“Sex Machine” by James Brown is a classic funk song perfect for beginners to practice their slap bass technique. This song features a simple yet infectious bass line that will get you grooving from the start. The repetitive nature of the bass line allows you to focus on your technique and timing, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Start playing this song by getting comfortable with the basic slap technique. Slap the strings with your thumb and then pop them with your index or middle finger. The main bass line of “Sex Machine” consists of a repetitive pattern of slapping and popping, with occasional slides and hammer-ons. Take it slow at first and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable with the technique.
Once you have mastered the main bass line, you can add your variations and improvisations to make it your own. Experiment with different rhythms and accents to give the song your personal touch. Remember, the key to an excellent slap bass performance is to feel the groove and let your fingers do the talking.
So grab your bass guitar, wear funky attire, and get ready to channel your inner James Brown with “Sex Machine.” This song is a great introduction to slap bass and will set you on the path to becoming a funk bass master. Let’s get down and get funky!
Conclusion
There you have it – the top 10 easy slap bass songs for beginners. Whether you’re a classic rock, funk, or pop fan, these songs will help you groove and develop your slap bass technique. Remember to start slow, practice regularly, and have fun with the music. With time and dedication, you’ll be slapping and popping like a pro in no time. So grab your bass guitar, crank up the amp, and get ready to groove to the beat!
