From iconic classics to hidden gems, this article explores the best bass intros of all time, showcasing the undeniable impact and artistry of these unforgettable musical moments.
Glad to see you here!
This list of best bass intros is in no particular order.
And if you’re wondering, my favorite bass guitar intros are:
- Schism, by Tool
- I Wish, by Stevie Wonder
- Jerry Was a Racecar Driver, by Primus
With that out of the way, check out the full list!
Table of Contents
Chic – Everybody Dance
- Album: Chic (1977)
- Bass Player: Bernard Edwards
- Release Date: 1977
Queen – Another One Bites The Dust
- Album: The Game (1980)
- Bass Player: John Deacon
- Release Date: 1980
Metallica – For Whom The Bell Tolls
- Album: Ride the Lightning (1984)
- Bass Player: Cliff Burton
- Release Date: 1984
The O’Jays – For the Love of Money
- Album: Ship Ahoy (1973)
- Bass Player: Anthony Jackson
- Release Date: 1973
Pearl Jam – Jeremy
- Album: Ten (1991)
- Bass Player: Jeff Ament
- Release Date: 1991
Pink Floyd – Money
- Album: The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
- Bass Player: Roger Waters
- Release Date: 1973
The Beatles – Come Together
- Album: Abbey Road (1969)
- Bass Player: Paul McCartney
- Release Date: 1969
Led Zeppelin – Dazed and Confused
- Album: Led Zeppelin (1969)
- Bass Player: John Paul Jones
- Release Date: 1969
Graham Central Station – Hair
- Album: Graham Central Station (1974)
- Bass Player: Larry Graham
- Release Date: 1974
Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
- Album: Thriller (1982)
- Bass Player: Louis Johnson
- Release Date: 1982
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Around The World
- Album: Californication (1999)
- Bass Player: Flea
- Release Date: 1999
Muse – Hysteria
- Album: Absolution (2003)
- Bass Player: Chris Wolstenholme
- Release Date: 2003
Janelle Monáe – Come Alive (The War of the Roses)
- Album: The Electric Lady (2013)
- Bass Player: Marcus Miller
- Release Date: 2013
Stevie Wonder – I Wish
- Album: Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
- Bass Player: Nathan Watts
- Release Date: 1976
The George Baker Selection – Little Green Bag
- Album: Little Green Bag (1970)
- Bass Player: Jan Visser
- Release Date: 1970
Black Sabbath – N.I.B.
- Album: Black Sabbath (1970)
- Bass Player: Geezer Butler
- Release Date: 1970
The English Beat – Mirror in the Bathroom
- Album: I Just Can’t Stop It (1980)
- Bass Player: David Steele
- Release Date: 1980
Dream Theater – Panic Attack
- Album: “Octavarium” (2005)
- Bass Player: John Myung
- Release Date: 2005
Kiss – Sure Know Something
- Album: Dynasty (1979)
- Bass Player: Gene Simmons
- Release Date: 1979
Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion
- Album: Toys in the Attic (1975)
- Bass Player: Tom Hamilton
- Release Date: 1975
Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side
- Album: Transformer (1972)
- Bass Player: Herbie Flowers
- Release Date: 1972
Primus – Jerry Was A Racecar Driver
- Album: Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991)
- Bass Player: Les Claypool
- Release Date: 1991
Green Day – Longview
- Album: Dookie (1994)
- Bass Player: Mike Dirnt
- Release Date: 1994
Motorhead – Ace of Spades
- Album: Ace of Spades (1980)
- Bass Player: Lemmy Kilmister
- Release Date: 1980
Tool – Schism
- Album: Lateralus (2001)
- Bass Player: Justin Chancellor
- Release Date: 2001
Top 25 Bass Intros Conclusion: What’s Next?
Thanks for reading!
If you’re a bass guitarist, make sure you check out lessons from our comprehensive bass guitar blog.
For example, if you want to write awesome bass guitar intros, you’ll need to know a few things:
Knowing bass notes will give you the foundation for creating your music and songs, and will make it easier for you to communicate with other musicians.
Understanding bass modes will improve your bass style versatility. This is because modes help you recognize the sounds of other notes as they relate to the root note.
Lastly, every bassist needs to know the 5 bass pentatonic shapes. These shapes will make it extremely easy for you to navigate the fretboard, ultimately making you a better composer and improviser.
Cheers!
