The Four Tops – ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’

‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ was written by Holland/Dozier/Holland, the acclaimed songwriting team at Motown Records. It was recorded by The Four Tops for their album of the same name and was released as a single in August 1966. It reached the top spot on the US Rhythm & Blues chart, and on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also ranked as number 206 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The bassline for this song was recorded by Motown legend James Jamerson. Although many of Jamerson’s lines are complex, this one is relatively simple, making it agreat place to start when studying Jamerson’s work. Although not as challenging as many of Jamerson’s other lines, this one contains all of the key elements of his playing: use of chord tones, dominant approach, ghost notes, chromatic passing notes, use of open strings and more.

The isolated bass part for this song can be heard on YouTube. You can check it out HERE.

To download the transcription (with TAB and without), please visit the Free Stuff page.