10 Best Slap Bass Songs to Learn for Bass Players

If you’re a bass player who wants to learn how to slap, then you need to check out this list of the 10 best slap bass songs. Slapping is one of the most fun and impressive techniques that you can learn on the bass guitar. These songs will teach you all the basics of slapping and will get your fingers moving in no time!

Learning songs is the key to success!

Slap bass is a technique that every bass player should learn. Not only does it add a new dimension to your playing, but it also forces you to develop a better sense of groove and timing.

However, learning slap bass can be a challenge, and many students give up before they really get started.

That’s why it’s important to learn some easy slap songs early on. By starting with simple songs, you’ll be able to build up your technique slowly and avoid getting frustrated.

However, learning slap bass lines is a much more engaging and inspiring way to practice than simply playing the same boring exercises over and over again.

In addition, learning songs will also help you develop a better understanding of how to use slap bass in a musical context. So if you’re serious about learning slap bass, make sure to add some easy songs to your practice routine.

From Larry Graham to Les Claypool, discover the technique of ten slap bass greats

Slap bass is a technique that can be used to add a unique sound and style to a bass line.

Though the basic principles of slap bass are the same, each player develops their own personal technique and nowhere is this fact more apparent than in the differing styles of the world’s best slap bass players.

These differences can be influenced by factors such as the type of instrument they are playing, their musical background, and even their personal preferences. As a result, no two slap bass players sound exactly alike.

Each has their own distinctive style that they use to create interesting and catchy bass lines.

Now let’s take a look at some of the world’s best slap players and the music that they play!

Flea

Flea is one of the world’s most famous bass players who is best known for his work with the alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Born in Australia, Flea moved to the United States as a child and quickly developed a love for music.

He began playing the trumpet at an early age, but it was the bass that really captured his imagination.

Flea’s unique style combines elements of funk, jazz, and punk, and he has become one of the most influential bass players of his generation.

In addition to his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Patti Smith and Johnny Cash.

He is also an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as The Big Lebowski and Back to the Future.

Slap Bass Riff #1 – Higher Ground

Higher Ground was originally written by Stevie Wonder but Red Hot Chili Peppers made an iconic version of their own on the band’s “Mother’s Milk” album.

This particular cover version owes a great deal of its character to the slap line that Flea adapted from the original keys part that Stevie played.

The part is hardly an example of easy slap bass parts but it’s certainly one of the most iconic so well worth a mention on any list.

The verse riffs is incredibly syncopated and, owing to the fact that the bass starts the song alone, is very exposed.

If you tackle this great song then make sure your technique is in good shape.

Larry Graham

Larry Graham is a bass player who helped to shape the sound of R&B in the 1970s. He was a member of the hugely successful group Sly and the Family Stone, and his innovative style of playing influenced a generation of bassists.

After leaving Sly and the Family Stone, Graham went on to have a successful solo career, releasing several albums and touring extensively.

He has also worked with a number of other well-known artists, including Elton John and Stevie Wonder.

In recent years, Graham has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the most influential bass players in history.

Slap Bass Riff #2 – Thankyou Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin

“Thankyou Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin” is a song recorded by Sly and the Family Stone. It was written by Sly Stone and was originally released as a single in 1969.

The song became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart. The song is noted for its use of profanity, which was uncommon in popular music at the time.

The lyrics also contain a reference to the Vietnam War. “Thankyou Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin” has been covered by several artists, including Elvis Presley and The Temptations.

Mark King

Mark King is a well-known bass player who is best known for his work with the band Level 42.

King began playing the bass at the age of 13, and he quickly developed a unique style that blended funk and rock.

He joined Level 42 in 1979, and the band achieved success with a string of hit singles in the 1980s.

King’s signature playing style was a major contributor to the band’s sound, and he continues to be an important member of Level 42 today.

In addition to his work with the band, King has also released several solo albums and has toured extensively as a solo artist.

He has won multiple awards for his musicianship, and he remains one of the most respected bass players in the music industry.

Slap Bass Riff #3 – Love Games

Love Games is one of Level 42’s most famous songs and features a truly iconic bass line written and performed by Mark King.

King get’s his signature sound by using much lighter strings and, these lighter strings will make some of the mind-bending fast licks, runs and fills much easier to play.

Food for thought if you choose to learn this song.

Tim Commerford

Tim Commerford is best known as the bass player for the rock band Rage Against the Machine.

He was born in 1968 in Los Angeles, California, and began playing the bass guitar at the age of 12.

He quickly developed his skills as a bass player, and went on to play in a number of punk and hardcore bands in the 1980s. In 1991, he joined Rage Against the Machine, and helped the band to achieve success with their debut album, which was released in 1992.

Commerford has continued to play with Rage Against the Machine over the years, and has also played with other bands such as Audioslave and Prophets of Rage.

He is widely considered to be one of the best bass players in rock music.

Slap Bass Riff #4 – Take The Power Back

“Take the Power Back” is a song by American rock band Rage Against the Machine and the fourth single from their self-titled debut album.

The lyrics call for a revolution against an oppressive government. “Take the Power Back” peaked at number 12 on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart.

The music video for “Take the Power Back” was directed by Gus Van Sant and features the band playing on top of a building surrounded by rioting people.

The video was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards.

Freddie Washington

Freddie Washington is a world-renowned bass player who has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Freddie began playing thebass guitar at an early age. He quickly developed a unique style that blended funk, soul, and jazz.

After honing his craft for years, Freddie finally made his recording debut on Miles Davis’ album “Tutu.”

Since then, he has gone on to play on countless records, including works by Sting, George Benson, and Diana Krall.

In addition to his work as a sideman, Freddie has also released several solo albums, which have received critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike.

Slap Bass Riff #5 – Forget Me Nots

Forget Me Nots is a song written and performed by R&B singer Patrice Rushen. The song was released in 1982 as the second single from her album, Straight from the Heart.

It peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of Rushen’s signature songs.

The song is notable for its use of the drum machine, which was still a relatively new invention at the time.

The song helped to popularize the use of drum machines in pop music and has been sampled by a number of artists, including Queen Latifah and Janet Jackson.

Doug Wimbish

Doug Wimbish is a bass player best known for his work with Living Colour. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1958 and began playing the bass guitar at the age of 12.

He was influenced by a wide range of music, including James Brown, Led Zeppelin, and Miles Davis. In 1983, he joined Living Colour and helped them to achieve mainstream success with their debut album Vivid.

He has also worked as a producer and session musician, collaborating with artists such as Madonna, Depeche Mode, Mick Jagger, and Annie Lennox.

Doug Wimbish is a highly respected figure in the world of bass guitar, and his unique style has influenced a generation of players.

Slap Bass Riff #6 – New York New York – Grandmaster Flash

Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller is a highly accomplished bass player, composer, and producer. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and David Sanborn.

Miller is a true innovator, and his unique style has influenced generations of bass players. He has won multiple Grammys and continues to tour and record today.

Marcus Miller is one of the most important musicians of our time, and his contributions to the world of music are immeasurable.

Slap Bass Riff #7 – Power

Stanley Clarke

Stanley Clarke is a world-renowned bass player who has been performing since the 1970s. He is best known for his work with the jazz fusion band Return to Forever, but he has also had a successful solo career.

Clarke’s style combines technical virtuosity with a deep understanding of groove, making him one of the most influential bassists of his generation.

In addition to his work as a performer, Clarke is also an accomplished composer and producer. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Stanley Clarke is a true legend of the bass guitar, and his contributions to music will be felt for generations to come.

Slap Bass Riff #8 – School Days

Louis Johnson

Louis Johnson was born on October 13, 1955, in Los Angeles, California. He began playing the bass guitar at the age of 12 and soon developed a unique style that would come to be known as the “slap bass.”

Johnson’s first big break came when he was asked to join the funk band The Brothers Johnson in 1975.

The band enjoyed great success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, scoring several hit singles including “Strawberry Letter 23” and “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now.”

In 1982, Johnson left The Brothers Johnson to pursue a solo career. He went on to release several solo albums and collaborate with a number of big-name artists including Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

Slap Bass Riff #9 – Get On The Floor – Michael Jackson

Victor Wooten

Victor Wooten is considered one of the best bass guitarists in the world. He has won 5 Grammy Awards and is a founding member of the band Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Victor was born in 1963 in Virginia, and started playing the bass when he was just six years old. He was influenced by his brothers, who were also musicians.

Victor’s style is unique, and he is known for using a variety of techniques, including slapping, tapping, and plucking.

He has also developed his own teaching method, which he uses to teach students of all ages. In addition to his work with the Flecktones, Victor has released several solo albums and has collaborated with a number of other artists.

Slap Bass Riff #10 – You Can’t Hold No Groove

In Conclusion

Bass players will enjoy these slap bass lines that are both easy to learn and fun to play. These slap bass riffs are some of the best in the business, and they will help you improve your skills on the bass guitar. So sit back, relax, and get ready to groove with some of the best slap bass lines out there!

Slap bass is a style of playing the bass guitar popularized in funk music that uses fast and percussive finger-snapping to produce sound. For beginners, it is important to develop a good foundation by mastering some of the most classic slap bass lines. Tal Wilkenfeld’s performance of “Amazing Grace” illustrates some of the more basic techniques for beginners. This can provide inspiration for those just starting out on their journey of learning how to play this unique instrument.

For more advanced players, female bassists such as Ellen Alaverdyan and Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon have long been trailblazers in the realm of slap bass playing. Many consider them two of the greatest female bassists of all time, if not some of the greatest bassists regardless of gender. They have each created signature sounds that are inspiring other female bassists and pushing the boundaries of playing rhythmically complex slap lines on both acoustic and electric instruments.

At its core, playing slap bass is about skill, expression and creativity. By developing fundamental technique while challenging yourself with different tempos and rhythms it is possible to create your own unique expressions on this classic instrument. While these songs may provide direction for learning how to play slap base, ultimately it will come down to practice and experimentation with different styles!