The forgotten one
We do not intend to sound too dramatic, but it is true, the bass might go unnoticed for some people and that is quite a shame. This dark, low, four-stringed instrument, is usually placed beneath layers of music: the lead voice, the backing vocals, guitars, drum set, keyboards… Only to those who pay attention will notice the amazing work that the bassist is doing.
Also, how many bass players can you name in – let’s say, one minute? Zero? One? When we think of a bass player we always picture this long-haired guy standing up, doing his thing at the left of the singer, right?
But that is fine, because today we are gonna make the bass an unforgettable instrument for you.
Keep reading! Let’s make a trip back in time to the most epic bass riffs of the last century
We have put together a few of the most iconic bass riffs of the last century so you can put music to our words.
Here we go:
1. Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
If you are Queen fans as much as I am, you will remember from last year’s blockbuster Bohemian Rhapsody that John Deacon, Queen’s bassist wrote this bass solo that will endure until the end of our time. In this particular case, decided to give the bass riff more importance than they gave to the Brian May’s guitar that you will only hear from time to time playing beneath the bass.
It’s never a bad time to revisit this grea thit. Do it here!
2. Money – Pink Floyd
And from Queen to Pink Floyd, from one legend to another. The ringing cash register and the jingle of coins blend perfectly with Roger Water’s epic bass riff that can be heard trhoughout the whole song.
Money was the first single from The Dark Side of the Moon and even 46 years after its release it still remains as one of the greatest albums of all time. If you have not listen to it, shame on you! Go do it right now!
3. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
We could not forget about Seven Nation Army! How many of you have jumped while singing this unforgettable bass riff? Besides from the feel of the eighties rock this song might give us, it is only from 2003! Also, did you know that the riff is NOT played with a bass?! Shocking, huh? It is actually played by a semi-acoustic guitar connected to a Pedal that has been lowered down one octave and that makes the guitar resemble a bass. How many of you did not know that?
4. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
We could never forget the king of pop, the one and only Michael Jackson. Thanks to this single, Jackson’s album Thriller became the best-selling album of all time. How crazy is that? It also made famous one of Jackson’s most characteristic trademarks, the moon walk.
The music video of this song is definitely a work of art, and if you have not seen it in a while, you can take a look at it here.
5. Orion – Metallica
Cliff Burton, Metallica‘s bassist is known as one of the best bass players of his time. His bass solos might not be as famous or as catchy as the ones we have previously mentioned but it is still worth it. His playing style is commonly confused with a guitar because of the sound effects he uses, but if you pay attention you will be able to clearly distinguish it. Orion was Burton’s favorite Metallica song and his bass riffs were so epic that even the lead vocalist and guitarist had them tattooed on his arm! What do you think? Any other bass riffs you miss from this list? If you want me to tell the truth, there’s one more bass riffs I cannot leave without adding! A few years ago, one of the most epic band joined with a legendary singer. Out of that encounter, a great song with a more than memorable bass riff was made… Wanna know which one?
Take a listen to it here.
Thank you for reading! I will be seeing you all again soon!
