Bass players often stay in the background and remain out of the spotlight. We could even say that, most of the time, they are undervalued or overlooked. But that’s only true if you’re listening to anything but funk or soul!
The truth, however, is far from that.
The bass is one of the most important instruments in any ensemble. It’s the backbone of every song you’ve ever listened to. It’s the instrument you dance to. The bass drives all the groovy songs you love.
I want you to think about the grooviest song you know… Yeah, its bass line is probably the first thing that comes to mind, right?
As the legendary soul session bass player Carol Kaye once said, “The bass is the foundation,” and “Whatever you play puts a framework around the rest of the music.” This perfectly sums up the bass’s role and how important it is.
In soul music, the bass is neither overlooked nor undervalued. Among all genres, soul and funk are two of the most bass-heavy styles. The bass lines are the core and driving force behind the songs.
We know it’s tough to narrow it down to just 10 songs that define this style, but we’ve put together the 10 MUST-KNOW Soul and Funk Bass Lines of All Time, in no particular order.
1. The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
All the songs on this list are considered “classic” bass lines, but the song we’re starting with is the ultimate “classic” bass riff. It is The Jackson 5’s very first national single released in 1969, “I Want You Back”.
It features one of the most melodic and unique bass lines, not in soul music, but music in general.
Fun fact, contrary to popular belief, the bass player on this song was not James Jamerson, it was saxophonist Wilton Felder playing the bass. He was best known as the founder of “The Crusaders”.
2. Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You
Next up, we have another iconic song released in 1969: “Thank You” by Sly & The Family Stone. This is a must-know track for every bass player.
It was the first recorded song to feature the “slapping” technique. Larry Graham developed this technique while playing in his mother’s band. They didn’t have a drummer, so Larry had to come up with a way to keep the groove going. He began to mimic the sound of the bass and snare drums, and voila—he created the slap technique, or as he called it, the “thumpin’ and pluckin'” technique.
3. The O'Jays - For the Love of Money
This song has one of the most memorable bass lines of all time. Anthony Jackson composed and played this bass line for O’Jays 1973 release, “For The Love of Money”. It was nominated for a Grammy and in 2016 inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
This bass line is unique because it features Anthony Jackson playing a percussive line with a pick through a phaser effect.
4. The Brothers Johnson - Stomp
Next up is “Stomp!” by the Brothers Johnson, featuring the legendary Louis Johnson on bass.
“Stomp!” became one of their biggest hits, soaring to number one on the dance charts. The track also boasts a powerful bass solo by Johnson that became iconic in its own right.
While Johnson was renowned for his work with the Brothers Johnson, he’s perhaps best known for his collaborations with Michael Jackson.
5. The Temptations - Papa Was A Rolling Stone
This song was released by Motown recording act “The Undisputed Truth” but later was covered by “The Temptations”. The later version became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1972.
The 12-minute long jam has a smooth bass line that every bass player should know. It is not challenging like Stomp or Thank You, but it’s groovy for sure.
6. Bill Withers - Use Me
Bill Withers was famous for his groovy and catchy tunes, and “Use Me” is no exception.
The song has an open, laid-back feel that gives bass players plenty of space to groove. The repeated bass line blends seamlessly with the complex guitar, piano, and drum parts, creating a unique and irresistible mix. “Use Me” became Bill Withers’ second-biggest hit, climbing to the top of the Billboard charts.
7. Stevie Wonder - I Wish
It is a known fact that one of the best bass players in the music industry is Stevie Wonder’s left hand. His synth bass riffs are some of the grooviest and tastiest bass lines you can hear in modern recorded music.
“I Wish” was the lead single from his 1976 album “Songs in the Key of Life“ which also won Album of the Year at the 1976 Grammy Awards.
Most of the bass lines on this album are played by Stevie Wonder. But on this song, it is Nathan Watts playing the groovy bass line.
8. The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There
Next up is a true soul classic. This 1972 hit, released on Stax Records, features the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, with the bass line laid down by Alabama bassist David Hood. The entire song is built around this bass line, which gives it that unmistakable “feel-good” vibe. One of the highlights is the unique bass melody that appears unexpectedly in the middle of the second verse—it’s a surprise, but it fits perfectly. This is an essential bass line for any soul-loving bass player!
9. Ben E. King - Stand By Me
“Stand By Me” is the only song on our list that features a double bass instead of an electric bass. Its main bass riff is one of the most recognizable bass lines ever recorded. This iconic track was not only included in Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, but it was also inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” song.
10. The Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg
Last but not least, we have another Temptations classic, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.” Released in 1966 on the Motown label, the song reached number one on the Billboard R&B Charts and features the legendary Funk Brothers, with James Jamerson on bass.
