Funk music’s infectious grooves and rhythms make it an excellent genre for beginner bassists. Here are ten simple funk songs with iconic bass lines that are perfect for beginners, along with more detailed information about each track.
1. “Brick House” by The Commodores
Release Year: 1977
Album: Commodores
“Brick House” features a strong, repetitive bass line played by Ronald LaPread. The song is in E minor and relies heavily on syncopated rhythms. The bass line stays within a few notes, making it easy to learn while maintaining a solid groove.
2. “Super Freak” by Rick James
Release Year: 1981
Album: Street Songs
The bass line in “Super Freak” is played by Rick James himself. It’s a simple, catchy riff in E that repeats throughout the song. The main challenge is keeping the groove consistent and playing in time with the iconic drumbeat.
3. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
Release Year: 1969
Album: Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5
Bassist Wilton Felder lays down the memorable bass line in this hit. The riff is melodic and moves around the neck more than some other funk songs, providing a good exercise in finger dexterity. It’s in the key of A major and features a bouncy, syncopated feel.
4. “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” by James Brown
Release Year: 1970
Album: Sex Machine
Bootsy Collins, the bassist, plays a straightforward and repetitive line that defines the groove of this track. The song is in D and relies on a simple, driving riff that helps beginners practice locking in with the drums and maintaining a steady rhythm.
5. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry
Release Year: 1976
Album: Wild Cherry
This song’s bass line, played by Allen Wentz, is in E minor and features a repetitive, funky riff that is easy to grasp. The groove is consistent throughout, making it perfect for beginners to focus on rhythm and timing.
6. “Le Freak” by Chic
Release Year: 1978
Album: C’est Chic
Bernard Edwards, Chic’s bassist, crafted a simple yet effective bass line in this song. The main riff is in A minor and is repetitive, helping beginners to develop a strong sense of timing and groove.
7. “Good Times” by Chic
Release Year: 1979
Album: Risqué
Another gem from Bernard Edwards, “Good Times” has a bass line that’s not only easy to learn but also incredibly influential. The riff, in E minor, is repetitive and perfect for practicing a steady groove. It’s also a great introduction to the “disco octave” technique.
8. “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band
Release Year: 1974
Album: AWB
This instrumental track features a funky bass line by Alan Gorrie. The main riff is simple and repetitive, making it a good exercise in playing with a band. The song is in the key of F and has a strong rhythmic drive.
9. “Cissy Strut” by The Meters
Release Year: 1969
Album: The Meters
Bassist George Porter Jr. plays a straightforward groove in G minor that is easy to learn and perfect for beginners. The repetitive nature of the bass line helps to focus on timing and groove, essential elements in funk music.
10. “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & The Gang
Release Year: 1973
Album: Wild and Peaceful
The bass line in “Jungle Boogie,” played by Robert “Kool” Bell, is simple yet very funky. The riff is in E and repeats throughout the song, making it an excellent piece for beginners to practice playing tight, rhythmic patterns.
Tips for Learning Funk Bass Lines
Practice Consistently: Funk is all about the groove, so practice playing these bass lines consistently to develop your sense of rhythm.
Focus on Timing: Use a metronome or drum machine to practice staying in time. Funk bass lines often rely on tight, precise timing.
Listen Actively: Listen to the recordings of these songs and pay attention to how the bass fits into the overall groove. Try to replicate the feel and dynamics.
Keep It Simple: Don’t worry about adding fancy techniques or fills. Focus on playing the basic groove accurately and consistently.
By learning these simple funk songs, you’ll develop a solid foundation in rhythm and groove that will serve you well in any style of music. Happy grooving!