Bass lines are the unsung heroes of modern music. They’re the link between rhythm and harmony, the emotional foundation of a track. While guitar solos and vocals often take center stage, it’s the bass that locks in the groove, sets the mood, and gets your head nodding, sometimes without you even realizing it.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the most famous bass lines of all time, looking at what makes them timeless, who played them, and how to bring them into your own practice. Whether you’re new to bass or leveling up your skills, you’ll walk away with grooves worth learning and stories worth remembering.
Bass Lines That Changed Music History
Bass lines do more than just hold down the low end. Some grooves helped shape entire genres, launched careers, and defined eras. Here’s a curated list of iconic bass lines, complete with context and listening examples to inspire your next practice session.
1. “Good Times” – Chic (Bernard Edwards)
One of the most sampled bass lines in history, Bernard Edwards' groove in “Good Times” laid the foundation for hip-hop and dance music. The riff is pure movement — funky, repetitive, and impossible not to feel.
This line later inspired “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang, helping to birth an entire genre. It’s a masterclass in simplicity, tone, and rhythmic control.
2. “Come Together” – The Beatles (Paul McCartney)
McCartney’s sliding, bluesy line on “Come Together” is atmospheric and hypnotic.McCartney’s bass doesn’t just hold down the rhythm — it sings. It moves like a second vocal, weaving through Lennon’s lines with its own quiet charisma.
It’s a great example of how the bass can shape the entire mood of a song.
3. “Money” – Pink Floyd (Roger Waters)
Set in a groovy 7/4 time signature, “Money” features one of the most distinctive bass lines in rock. Roger Waters’ line is gritty, syncopated, and rhythmically adventurous.
The uneven rhythm gives the bass line a tense, unpredictable energy — like the uncertainty and cultural shifts of the 1970s. It fits the song’s message about capitalism and control, showing how a great bass line doesn’t have to be loud to make a bold statement.
Waters proves here that a bass line doesn’t have to be flashy to be bold—it just has to make a statement.
4. “Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen (John Deacon)
Inspired by Chic and late '70s disco, John Deacon’s bass line became Queen’s biggest U.S. hit. It’s sleek, simple, and unforgettable — just a few notes, each one placed with purpose.
It’s also a favorite for beginner bassists because it’s a perfect lesson in groove, timing, and feel. It teaches you how to say a lot with a little.
5. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (Louis Johnson)
That dark, driving pulse? That’s the genius of Louis Johnson. The “Billie Jean” bass line is a loop you never tire of — a tightly controlled groove that repeats with hypnotic precision.
Johnson strikes a rare balance between restraint and flair. It’s a perfect case of less is more and a reminder that pocket is everything.
6. “Under Pressure” – Queen & David Bowie (John Deacon)
Arguably one of the most recognizable bass riffs in pop, the line from “Under Pressure” is stripped-down brilliance. John Deacon delivers a repeating, syncopated groove that sounds simple but hits hard.
Its legacy spans decades, from live shows to the iconic sample in Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.” Proof that a few well-placed notes can carry an entire track and live on in culture.
7. “Hysteria” – Muse (Chris Wolstenholme)
Modern, aggressive, and technically demanding, the bass line in “Hysteria” has become a benchmark for 21st-century players. Chris Wolstenholme lays down a relentless riff full of distortion, drive, and precision that powers the whole song.
It’s a favorite among rock bassists and a bold reminder that bass isn’t just the backbone anymore; it can take the lead.
The Legends Behind the Lines
From the deep grooves of funk to the melodic roots of pop and rock, the bassists behind these iconic lines didn’t just hold down the rhythm; they shaped the sound of entire songs. Each brought their own tone, timing, and touch, turning great tracks into timeless classics.
Curious about Deacon’s minimalist groove, Johnson’s funk mastery, or Wolstenholme’s modern rock attack? There’s a lot to learn from the stories behind the sound. Check out our guide to The Best Bass Players of All Time to go deeper.
What Makes a Bass Line Iconic?
What do “Good Times,” “Billie Jean,” and “Under Pressure” have in common? They get stuck in your head. They make you feel something. And they keep the groove alive long after the song ends.
So what makes a bass line truly iconic? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the most unforgettable lines tend to share a few key traits — from the way they lock in with the drums to the way they shape the soul of a song.
1. Groove First
Whether it’s a funk pocket or a rock pulse, an iconic bass line feels good. Groove means locking in with the drums and driving the rhythm forward. It’s what makes you nod your head or start to move. Think of Bernard Edwards’ bounce in “Good Times” or Louis Johnson’s steady pulse in “Billie Jean.” They own the groove without stealing the spotlight.
2. Simplicity & Space
Most legendary bass lines aren’t complicated; they’re clear, intentional, and easy to lock into. John Deacon’s “Under Pressure” line is a perfect example. Just a few notes, but each one hits right where it should. These kinds of lines remind us that sometimes, playing less says a lot more.
3. Memorable Melodic Shapes
Some bass lines are so melodic, you could hum them like a lead vocal. They’re catchy, singable, and unforgettable. McCartney’s “Come Together” or Deacon’s “Another One Bites The Dust” aren’t just part of the song—they are the song. That’s the power of a bass line that doubles as a hook.
4. Tone, Texture, and Technique
Sound matters. From the rubbery slap of a StingRay to the growl of a Rickenbacker, the tone of a bass line plays a huge role in its identity. Chris Squire’s gritty tone on “Roundabout” or the warm thump of a Motown line brings personality and color to the low end. There are many different techniques for playing bass; some universal, some genre-specific. Each one adds a new tool to your kit and helps you lock in any style you want to explore.
5. Emotional or Cultural Impact
Some bass lines hit you beyond the music. They define eras, genres, and emotions. “Money” doesn’t just groove; it feels like capitalism is unraveling.
“Seven Nation Army” became more than a hit. It turned into a global sports anthem. Some bass lines take on a life of their own, embedding themselves into the culture of their time. As Jack White said of his song, “It becomes folk music when things like that happen—when it just becomes ubiquitous.”
Groove, tone, simplicity, melody, and emotional weight—these threads connect generations of iconic bass lines. Whether you're analyzing a jazz fusion solo or riffing through “Another One Bites the Dust,” the DNA of greatness is often the same.
How to Learn and Play Famous Bass Lines
Learning iconic bass lines goes beyond hitting the right notes. It’s about locking into the groove, feeling the rhythm in your body, and understanding how the bass supports and drives the rest of the band.
Whether you’re picking up the bass for the first time or looking to level up your playing, here are a few hands-on tips and tools to help you groove like the greats.
1. Use Stem Separation Tools to Isolate the Bass
Isolating the bass track is one of the best ways to understand what makes it work. With tools like Moises, you can create custom backing tracks by muting vocals, drums, or other instruments, so you can zero in on the bass.
This is incredibly helpful for ear training and identifying nuance. When doing this practice, notice how the bassist uses space, articulation, and variation throughout the song.
2. Start with Simple, Repetitive Grooves
If you’re just starting out, go for bass lines that are simple and repeat often. These grooves usually stick to one or two rhythmic ideas, which makes them perfect for building confidence.
Start with something like “Another One Bites the Dust” or “Billie Jean.” These tracks are great for locking in your timing, feeling the groove, and having fun while you learn.
3. Watch Performance Videos and Play-Alongs
YouTube is full of tutorials, play-alongs, and breakdowns that can help you visually learn finger placement, posture, and technique. Watching original performances is a great way to absorb style and feel.
Check out Moises’ partner artist, Mohini Dey, in this inspiring video as she shares how she developed her bass voice—from technique to timing and tone.
4. Break It Down by Sections
Don’t try to learn an entire song in one go. Start with the main groove or intro riff, loop it at a slower tempo, and focus on building muscle memory. Once that feels comfortable, move on to the verse, chorus, or bridge. Most iconic bass lines build on small variations of a core pattern, so take it step by step, and use tools like Moises to loop or slow things down when needed.
5. Practice with a Metronome or Drum Loop
Groove starts with timing. Practice your bass lines with a metronome or use a basic drum loop to lock in your rhythm. The Moises app makes practicing easy with built-in click tracks and custom drum backing. As you improve, try playing slightly ahead or behind the beat to explore different feels—this is how you develop your pocket.
6. Play Along with the Full Band Mix
Once you’ve nailed the part, jump back into the full mix and play it in context. This helps train your ears to blend with the rest of the band and understand how the bass interacts with drums, vocals, and harmony. With the Moises App, just mute the original bass track and play along with everything else, like stepping into the band yourself.
7. Learn by Ear, Not Just Tabs
Tabs are a great starting point, but training your ear takes your playing to another level. With Moises, you can slow down tough sections, loop them, and figure things out note by note. The more you rely on your ears, the more connected—and confident—you’ll feel in your playing.
8. Adapt and Improvise
Once you’ve learned a bass line, make it your own. Shift the groove, experiment with fingerings, and throw in some fills. This is where the fun begins—where technique turns into expression. Playing around like this helps you internalize the groove and unlock your unique voice on the instrument.
Final Notes: Bass Lines as Cultural Milestones
Bass lines might live in the background for most music listeners, but their influence is front and center in the story of modern music. From disco dancefloors in the ’70s to stadium stages in the 2000s, these grooves have done more than support a song; they’ve launched genres, shaped culture, and delivered some of the most iconic tracks of the last century.
Whether it’s Bernard Edwards’ infectious funk, Paul McCartney’s melodic storytelling, or Chris Wolstenholme’s modern, distortion-driven edge, these bass lines prove just how expressive and powerful the instrument can be. And with tools like stem separation, practice apps, and play-along tutorials, there’s never been a better time to dive in.
Ready to dig in? Use Moises to isolate your favorite bass line and start playing.
And if you’re just getting started, don’t miss our guide to 7 Easy Bass Songs for Beginner Bassists.
