Learn to Play Rock Basslines with LickLibrary.com
Ever dreamt of grooving to the same rhythm as your favourite rock icons? Aspiring to understand the intricacies of the basslines that set the foundation for timeless classics? With our product "Learn to Play Rock Basslines," we bring those dreams to reality, providing note-for-note guitar lessons that cater to all levels of bassists. Here, you'll explore bass lessons from renowned songs like Thin Lizzy's "Dancing in the Moonlight," U2's "Vertigo," Extreme's "Get the Funk Out," Guns N Roses' "Sweet Child O Mine," Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog," and more. This lesson is taught by Lick Library tutor Phil Williams.
Dancing in the Moonlight by Thin Lizzy
The bassline for "Dancing in the Moonlight" is a testament to Phil Lynott's skills, offering a playful blend of the Dorian and Mixolydian scales. It helps carry the song's melodic undercurrent and provides a smooth platform for the other instruments to shine. Phil's penchant for melodic bass playing comes to the fore in this song, where he ingeniously uses octave melodies. This lesson will guide you through mastering this sophisticated bassline, highlighting how Phil Lynott contributed to this timeless song.
Vertigo by U2
Adam Clayton's contribution to "Vertigo" is undeniably significant, providing the driving force behind the song's rhythm. The song operates predominantly in the E Mixolydian scale. Clayton employs a palm-muting technique on the syncopated rhythms, resulting in a unique timbre that cuts through the mix while retaining the groove. By taking this lesson, you'll learn the bassline nuances that help create U2's iconic sound.
Get the Funk Out by Extreme
Funk-infused rock at its finest, "Get the Funk Out" features Pat Badger laying down an intricate and funky bassline that stands out for its groove and complexity. Working within the E minor pentatonic scale, Badger employs a mixture of hammer-ons and pull-offs to inject a sense of fun and vitality into the song. This lesson will offer a detailed analysis of the bassline, helping you understand the essence of the bassist's technique.
Sweet Child O Mine by Guns N Roses
Bassist Duff McKagan's contribution to "Sweet Child O Mine" is an excellent example of how simplicity and repetition can create an unforgettable bassline. He makes extensive use of the Mixolydian scale throughout the song, with octave leaps that bolster the main theme. This lesson focuses on Duff's style and how he uses it to strengthen and complement the song's iconic guitar riffs.
Black Dog by Led Zeppelin
John Paul Jones, with his advanced musical understanding, laid down a groove-heavy bassline for "Black Dog" that sits beautifully within the song's intricate rhythmic structure. Working within the A minor pentatonic scale, Jones incorporated chromaticism, adding depth and a bluesy feel to the song. Our lesson will take you through this iconic bassline, demonstrating how Jones's unique style contributed to Led Zeppelin's legendary status.
These song-based lessons will not only enhance your understanding of the scales, but also guide you in interpreting and replicating the techniques and styles of these incredible bassists. But that's not all. As a part of our learning suite, we provide a detailed analysis of each bassline, allowing you to understand the bassist's approach and how they contribute to the song's overall appeal.
Techniques Used
To help solidify your learning experience, we've compiled a list of bass techniques used in these lessons. Visit the links to learn more about each technique:
"Learn to Play Rock Basslines" is more than just a series of lessons—it's a journey that explores the depth and diversity of rock music, brought to life by the hands of its most iconic bassists. By the end of this course, you will not only have developed a strong repertoire of basslines, but also an understanding of the role, responsibility, and musical prowess of a bass player. Happy learning!
