Best Bass Intros: 25 Iconic Lines Ranked

Most iconic songs are built on a guitar riff. But the truly timeless ones? They often start with a bass line. A great bass intro does more than just set the tempo; it establishes the song's entire mood, groove, and identity in just a few notes. We've dug through decades of music to find the absolute best bass intros that have become as famous as the songs they belong to. These are the lines that are instantly recognizable, endlessly influential, and an absolute joy to hear.

What Makes a Bass Intro Great?

A song's introduction is its first impression, and a bass intro has a unique power. Unlike a flashy guitar solo, a great bass intro is all about foundation and feel. It's the musical handshake that pulls you into the track. The greatest bass openings aren't always the most complicated; sometimes, four perfect notes are all it takes.

The criteria for this list included:

1. Instant Recognition: Can you name the song within the first two or three notes? These recognizable bass riffs are part of our collective musical DNA.
2. Groove and Feel: Does it make you want to move? The best intros establish an undeniable pocket that the rest of the band falls into.
3. Song-Defining Impact: Is the intro essential to the song's identity? Take it away, and the song feels completely different. Many of the most iconic bass lines of all time start right at the beginning.
4. Influence and Legacy: How many other players and songs did this intro inspire? Many of these lines became templates for entire genres.

Now, let's count down the 25 greatest bass intros in music history.

The Foundation Layers: Intros Ranked 25-16

These intros are fantastic, setting the stage and providing the perfect foundation for what's to come. They are essential learning material for any aspiring bassist.

25. "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith (Tom Hamilton)

Tom Hamilton's looping, hypnotic intro is the sound of 70s rock swagger. While the talk box on the guitar is famous, it's Hamilton's bass that creates the tension and atmosphere. The line is deceptively simple but oozes cool, a perfect example of a bass riff that is both melodic and rhythmic.

24. "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed (Herbie Flowers)

The gentle slide and warm tone of this intro are unforgettable. What makes it truly special is that Herbie Flowers recorded and layered two bass tracks: one on a standard electric bass and another on an upright. This technique, as detailed in various session recounts, gives the line its unique depth and character.

23. "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac (John McVie)

While the song's most famous part is the outro, the tense, minimalist bass that opens the track is just as important. John McVie's patient, pulsing notes create a sense of foreboding that hangs over the entire song, perfectly capturing the band's internal turmoil. It’s a masterclass in using space and silence.

22. "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea)

Flea is a master of energetic, percussive bass playing, and this intro is a prime example. The muted, funky, and ridiculously tight line that kicks off "Can't Stop" is pure adrenaline. It's less of a melody and more of a rhythmic engine, showcasing Flea's incredible right-hand technique.

21. "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 (Wilton Felder)

This intro is pure joy. Wilton Felder's bubbly, melodic line is the engine of one of pop music's most perfect songs. It's a walking, talking, dancing bass line that feels alive. The way it moves around the chord changes is a textbook lesson in Motown groove.

20. "Longview" by Green Day (Mike Dirnt)

For a generation of 90s kids, this was the bass line that made them want to pick up the instrument. Mike Dirnt reportedly wrote this iconic intro while on acid, and it has a wandering, stoned-out quality that perfectly fits the song's theme of suburban boredom. It’s melodic, memorable, and surprisingly complex.

19. "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea)

Another Flea classic, his take on Stevie Wonder's masterpiece is a slap bass explosion. The intro is a percussive frenzy that transforms the song into a funk-rock anthem. Learning this line is a rite of passage for many bassists looking to master slap technique. If you're just starting, there are many easier slap bass songs for beginners to build your skills.

18. "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream (Jack Bruce)

While often played by guitarist Eric Clapton, the core riff of "Sunshine of Your Love" was conceived and doubled by bassist Jack Bruce. This thick, bluesy line is one of the cornerstones of hard rock. Its raw power and simple, looping pattern made it instantly memorable and endlessly imitated.

17. "The Lemon Song" by Led Zeppelin (John Paul Jones)

John Paul Jones is the unsung hero of Led Zeppelin, and his work on this track is phenomenal. The intro is a slinky, funky, and incredibly nimble line that shows off his deep understanding of soul and R&B. He doesn't just follow the guitar; he weaves around it, creating a fluid and dynamic groove.

16. "Runnin' with the Devil" by Van Halen (Michael Anthony)

The descending, bomb-like notes of this intro are the sound of an impending rock and roll apocalypse. Michael Anthony's simple, powerful bass line provides the perfect anchor for Eddie Van Halen's guitar pyrotechnics. It's not flashy, but its weight and presence are undeniable.

The Heavy Hitters: Intros Ranked 15-6

We're now entering the territory of legendary bass lines. These intros are not just parts of songs; they are cultural touchstones.

15. "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes (Jack White)

Yes, it was played on a guitar through an octave pedal, but this is functionally one of the most famous bass intros of the 21st century. Its simple, menacing stomp is chanted at sports stadiums worldwide. It proved that a powerful low-end riff could conquer the world, regardless of the instrument it's played on.

14. "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King (Lloyd Trotman)

Pure elegance. Lloyd Trotman’s upright bass line from 1961 is one of the most recognizable patterns in music history. It's a simple root-fifth-octave pattern, but its warmth and soulful bounce give the song its timeless quality. It’s a perfect demonstration of how a simple idea, executed perfectly, can become legendary.

13. "Schism" by Tool (Justin Chancellor)

This intro is a challenge for any bassist. Justin Chancellor's tapping, pull-offs, and complex timing define Tool's progressive metal sound. It’s a winding, intricate riff that constantly shifts and evolves, setting the stage for the song's mathematical and aggressive journey. For metal players, this is one of the best metal bass lines ever written.

12. "Roundabout" by Yes (Chris Squire)

Chris Squire’s bright, aggressive tone from his Rickenbacker bass is iconic. The intro to "Roundabout" is a flurry of notes, combining harmonics and a rapid-fire fingerstyle that set a new standard for progressive rock bass. According to a retrospective by music analysts at Guitar World, his use of a pick gave the line its signature snappy attack.

11. "My Generation" by The Who (John Entwistle)

John "The Ox" Entwistle redefined the role of the bass guitar in rock. This intro features one of the first-ever bass solos in a rock song. His aggressive, distorted "lead bass" style was revolutionary, capturing the chaotic energy of the song and elevating the bassist from background player to a main attraction. The raw energy influenced countless rock bassists, including legends like Duff McKagan; you can read more about the Guns N' Roses bassist's incredible career and net worth.

10. "Hysteria" by Muse (Chris Wolstenholme)

A modern classic. The driving, distorted, and relentless sixteenth-note pattern of "Hysteria" is the song's main riff and a true test of a bassist's stamina. Chris Wolstenholme's line is complex, melodic, and powerful, taking center stage and proving the bass can be the lead instrument in a modern rock anthem.

9. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (Louis Johnson)

That instantly recognizable, pulsating groove is the heartbeat of one of the biggest songs ever made. Session legend Louis Johnson laid down this iconic line, a masterclass in feel and precision. Every note is perfectly placed, creating a sense of tension and release that drives the entire track. It’s a simple line on paper, but replicating its exact feel is incredibly difficult.

8. "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen (John Deacon)

Written by bassist John Deacon himself, this is one of the most famous bass intros of all time. It’s unbelievably simple but impossibly groovy. The staccato notes and use of rests create a percussive effect that is pure disco-funk genius. Music experts often point out that its genius lies in its simplicity and the precise, short notes required to play it correctly, as noted in an analysis by music theory platforms.

7. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica (Cliff Burton)

Many people hear this intro and think it's a guitar. But that's the late, great Cliff Burton playing his bass through a wah pedal and distortion. This chromatic, menacing intro set a new standard for bass in metal music. It’s played high on the neck, showcasing Burton's innovative approach to the instrument as a lead, melodic voice.

6. "Money" by Pink Floyd (Roger Waters)

The odd 7/4 time signature of this intro is immediately captivating, but it’s Roger Waters’ dry, punchy bass line that locks it all together. The riff is simple, bluesy, and has an undeniable authority. It acts as the song's central hook, proving that a great bass line can be just as memorable as a vocal melody. Its airtight groove is a textbook example of a bassline serving as the main riff, a technique analyzed by bass education websites.

The Top 5: The Most Iconic Bass Intros of All Time

These five intros are more than just music; they are moments in history. They represent the absolute pinnacle of what a bass intro can be.

5. "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder

This intro is pure, unadulterated funk joy. Played by the legendary Nathan Watts, the bass line is a syncopated, bouncing masterpiece that perfectly captures the song's nostalgic feeling. It's complex yet feels completely effortless. The interplay between the bass and the drums creates an impossibly deep pocket that has been studied by funk musicians for decades. This line is a must-learn for anyone serious about understanding the genre and sits at the top of any list of the best funk bass lines.

4. "Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin (John Paul Jones)

John Paul Jones delivers one of the most beautiful and melodic bass intros ever recorded. The line is light, lyrical, and almost sounds like a classical guitar piece. It's played high up on the neck of his Fender Jazz Bass, and its intricate, flowing melody provides a stunning contrast to the heavy rock the band was known for. It showcases his immense musicality and proves the bass can be as delicate and expressive as any other instrument.

3. "Come Together" by The Beatles (Paul McCartney)

Paul McCartney's intro on "Come Together" is the definition of "less is more." The line is swampy, slinky, and instantly recognizable. The dead notes, the slides, and the heavy, muted tone create a mysterious and cool atmosphere. Recorded with heavy compression and tape delay, the sound is thick and unforgettable. It's a testament to McCartney's genius that he could create something so simple yet so incredibly effective. He didn't just play a bass line; he created a character.

2. "Good Times" by Chic (Bernard Edwards)

This is it. The bass line that launched a thousand ships. Bernard Edwards' intro to "Good Times" is arguably the most influential bass line in modern music. It's the gold standard of disco grooves, a masterclass in syncopation, tone, and feel. Played on his famous Music Man StingRay bass, the tone is bright, punchy, and perfect. The line was famously sampled for "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang, helping to kickstart hip-hop. Its influence is immeasurable, a true testament to the power of a perfect groove. The track's impact echoes in the work of many funk pioneers, like the legendary group whose story is explored in this piece on the Earth, Wind and Fire net worth.

1. "My Girl" by The Temptations (James Jamerson)

The intro to "My Girl" is six notes. Six perfect notes that feel like a heartbeat. Played by the legendary Motown session bassist James Jamerson, this intro is the sound of pure love and warmth. It’s a simple ascending figure, a major pentatonic scale run, but the way Jamerson plays it with his single "hook" finger is pure magic.

It's not just the notes; it's the timing, the tone, and the soul behind them. This intro establishes the entire emotional landscape of the song before a single word is sung. It is the single greatest example of how a bassist, in just three seconds, can define a song for all time. It is simple, profound, and utterly perfect. For these reasons, it stands as the best bass intro ever recorded.

The Gear That Created the Groove

The sound of these iconic intros isn't just about the notes; it's also about the gear. The combination of a specific bass, strings, and amplifier created the tones we know and love.

• Fender Precision Bass: The P-Bass is the workhorse of rock and soul. Its thick, punchy, and fundamental tone is the sound of James Jamerson, Roger Waters, and countless others. It's the ultimate plug-and-play bass.
  

Fender Jazz Bass: With its brighter, more articulate tone, the Jazz Bass was favored by players like John Paul Jones and Jaco Pastorius. Its two single-coil pickups offer a wider range of sounds.

Rickenbacker 4001/4003: This bass is responsible for the aggressive, treble-heavy tones of players like Chris Squire and Cliff Burton. Its unique "Rick-O-Sound" stereo output allowed for creative signal processing.

Music Man StingRay: The sound of funk and disco. Bernard Edwards' StingRay on "Good Times" defined the active bass sound: bright, clear, and punchy. It’s also a favorite for slap bass players, but getting the right tone also requires the best bass strings for slap.

When it comes to recording these instruments, engineers often used a combination of direct input (DI) and a microphone on an amplifier like the classic Ampeg SVT. The way these tones were captured is just as important as how they were played. Understanding the basics of recording gear, like knowing if condenser mics need phantom power, is part of appreciating the craft behind these classic records. The viral nature of these riffs on social media today also shows the importance of social media marketing for musicians in keeping classic music alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most recognizable bass intro ever?

While subjective, the intros to "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, and "Come Together" by The Beatles are arguably three of the most instantly recognizable bass lines in popular music history.

What is a good but easy bass intro for a beginner to learn?

"Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes is one of the easiest and most satisfying intros to learn. "Another One Bites the Dust" is also a great starting point for learning rhythm and muting, as its simple pattern is very repetitive.

Who is considered the most influential rock bassist?

This is heavily debated, but names that always come up include Paul McCartney for his melodicism, John Entwistle for his aggressive lead-bass style, John Paul Jones for his versatility, and James Jamerson for fundamentally defining the role of bass in soul and pop music, which heavily influenced rock.

Can I play these bass intros on a regular guitar?

You can play the notes on a regular guitar, but it won't sound the same. Bass guitars are tuned an octave lower and have thicker strings, giving them a depth and punch that a standard guitar cannot replicate. Using an octave pedal with a guitar, like Jack White did for "Seven Nation Army," can get you closer to the sound.

Why do so many famous intros feature the bass?

A bass intro can immediately establish a song's groove and harmonic foundation in a way other instruments can't. It provides a rhythmic and melodic anchor that hooks the listener and sets the mood for the entire track, leaving space for vocals and other instruments to enter on top.