This song was a huge hit for soul duo Sam & Dave back in 1967. Written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, it topped several US charts on release and was successful all around the world. ‘Soul Man’ has since been covered by many artists, notably The Blues Brothers, who performed it on Saturday Night […]

This song is from Blood Sugar Sex Magik, the fifth album from Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song features some killer fingerstyle funk grooves from Flea, as well as some overdubbed lines. The bassline for this song was performed on a 4-string bass with each string detuned a whole step (D-G-C-F). Tuning in this way […]

This piece was originally written to represent virtuoso bassist Victor Wooten.  It is representative of his work both as a solo artist, and as a member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. The majority of this piece is based around a relatively simple chord progression over which slapped parts are played that gradually increase in […]

‘Lady Marmalade’ was written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan and was originally recorded by Labelle back in 1974. It was a number one hit for the group and is now regarded as a funk/soul classic. Since its original release, the song has been covered many times, by artists such as All Saints, Christina Aguilera, […]

This piece was originally written to represent Larry Graham’s pioneering bass techniques and reflects the work that he recorded with his own group, Graham Central Station. As a result, it features a powerful slap groove, and many of Larry’s preferred phrasing techniques, such as vibrato, trills, and shakes. His use of effects pedals is also […]

‘6:00’ is the opening track from Awake, the third album from progressive metal giants Dream Theater. Released in 1994, the album is held in high regard by the group’s fans, and features some of their best-known songs. This piece is an excellent introduction to the band’s music, and to the bass work of John Myung. […]

This song was written by Otis Redding and STAX guitarist Steve Cropper. It was recorded in December 1967, shortly before Redding’s untimely death in a plane crash. It was released posthumously in 1968, topping the charts in the U.S. and reaching number 3 in the UK. This song was recorded with the STAX house band […]

This classic song is the opening track from Abbey Road, the eleventh album from The Beatles. In the UK, it was released as a double A-side single with ‘Something’, also from the same album. This song features one of Paul McCartney’s most recognisable basslines. This song was recorded in July 1969, at Abbey Road Studios. […]

This song is from Level 42’s eponymous debut album, which was released in 1981. A mainstay of the band’s live set to this day, the song features a killer line from Mark King, one that features all elements of his distinctive playing style. The bassline for this song is predominantly built around a slap bass […]

This piece was originally written to reflect the contributions that Stanley Clarke has made to the development of the bass guitar as a solo instrument. As a result, it features strummed power chords, slap and pop grooves, chordal fingerstyle passages, manipulated harmonics, and an aggressively played bass solo. Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources […]