10 Beginner Bass Songs That Make You Sound Awesome
Beginner bass students know that practicing is the key to success. Yet, it’s not always easy to build enthusiasm over the same old classical pieces and compositions designed for students. In fact, you can make your practice sessions more effective by playing easy bass songs that you like to hear, and those that really make your playing sound great. Because the better you sound, the more you’ll want to practice.
These 10 easy bass songs incorporate both requirements. They are suitable for playing bass for beginners, but they are also iconic classics that display the powerful influence that the bass line has in modern music. Although many of these titles are typically played on bass guitar, the sheet music downloads are appropriate for a double bass. Try mastering a few of these and before you know it, you’ll be sounding great and reaching new heights in your playing ability.
“Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson. If you’ve ever seen the Two Cellos perform this pop classic, you know that the unforgettable bass rifts have helped orchestrate its lasting fame. View the easy bass music for free, and play along as you are learning this popular tune that will delight your listeners.
“Frankenstein” by Edgar Winter Group. This unforgettable instrumental rock tune is impossible to compare. With a rift heavy arrangement, the bass forms an essential role. This sheet music has been written for those beginning bass players and although it’s a bit pricey, includes all of the jazz band parts as well. So if you’re looking for a great composition of this memorable song, this jazz ensemble is superb.
“Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass. Classic Motown sound, this easy bass song has remained popular for decades. This piano arrangement also includes guitar tablature, but the flowing, easy bass music is what steals the show and will make your playing sound fantastic.
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry. Although this well-known hit might take you some time to master, it is always a crowd favorite; and the predominate bass line will make your efforts stand out. Nothing but pure funk, this is a great beginning bass song to try. Moreover, you can purchase this sheet music in a variety of key signatures.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash. Another iconic hit that is defined by the bass line, this easy bass song will energize your listeners. Plus, it’s just super fun to play. The tempo increases as the song progresses, giving you a great opportunity to work on your rhythm and fingering skills.
“I Got You” (I Feel Good) by James Brown. Absolutely the undisputed godfather of soul, James Brown’s memorable bass lines are both well-recognized, and fun to play. This easy bass music collection includes the arrangement for 12 of James Brown’s popular tunes and is worth the small investment.
“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. This beautiful but easy bass song will make you sound awesome. This instrumental arrangement is in F Major, and really worth the effort.
“Good Riddance” (Time of Your Life) by Green Day. This nostalgic tune is a must know for any student and sounds fantastic on the double bass. Everyone will recognize this popular “graduation” staple, and it’s a fantastic song to include in your repertoire.
“Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift. Another great song that will make you sound great, this Taylor Swift tune is perfect for beginning bass students. The instrumental sheet music is easy to download and inexpensive at less than $4.
“Money” by Pink Floyd. No list of easy bass songs would be complete without one of the iconic classics written by Pink Floyd. As each new generation discovers this incredible band, they remain firmly entrenched in our popular culture. Many of their songs feature a commanding bass line that defines the music. This collection includes bass sheet music (and guitar tablature), and some of their most recognizable songs like “Wish You Were Here,” “Comfortably Numb,” and “Another Brick in the Wall.”
Learning to play the double bass is challenging. In addition to different bowing, plucking, and slapping techniques, you’re learning to read sheet music. These songs feature easy bass music that will help you improve because they incorporate walking lines and other beginning bass techniques that you’ll need to master, but also because they are just cool and super fun to practice.