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15 Iconic ROCK Bass Intros of the 1980s (that prove the 80s WEREN’T $hit)

Scott's Bass Lessons

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There’s many reasons to remember the ‘80s, some good, some bad, some unforgettably epic! How about Queen, Metallica, Rush and Bon Jovi for starters? In this video, we break down the 15 coolest bass-driven rock intros of the 1980s. We’re also giving you a FREE workbook where we’ve added the tab and notation.

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Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - 01 - Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
01:52 - 02 - Motörhead - Ace Of Spades
03:19 - 03 - Iron Maiden - Wrathchild
04:46 - 04 - Queen - Under Pressure
07:09 - 05 - Violent Femmes - Blister In The Sun
08:44 - 06 - Metallica - For Whom The Bell Tolls
10:23 - 07 - Bon Jovi - Livin’ On A Prayer
13:00 - 08 - Megadeth - Peace Sells
14:05 - 09 - Yes - I’m Running
15:55 - 10 - Rush - Turn The Page
17:18 - 11 - Jane’s Addiction - Mountain Song
18:22 - 12 - Fugazi - Waiting Room
19:44 - 13 - Nirvana - Blew
20:51 - 14 - Mr. Big - Addicted To That Rush
22:54 - 15 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Higher Ground
24:28 - 16 (BONUS) - Guns ’N’ Roses - It’s So Easy

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20 Comments

@matt_baillie 2 years ago

Opening with RHCP/Higher Ground and I'm like 'That's not 80's', googling it and finding it was 89 and now I just feel old.

@rusterkat1188 1 year ago

3:35 Technique issue: You have to put yer foot on the monitor and aim yer bass at the crowd like it's a machine gun.

@NVaughan81 2 years ago

I know it seems counterintuitive, but seeing Scott struggle with that Maiden line is really encouraging and refreshing. So many videos are edited to remove any hint of error, but seeing an obviously great, masterful player stumble a bit can help others who are starting on their bass journey by showing that even the best players have to practice and learn.

@Tracer9GTRider8 2 years ago (edited)

John Deacon just up there in regular street clothes, so understated yet such a fantastic player!

@JonathanToole 2 years ago

Hold Your Fire is such a great rush record.

@tiramisucocolands7952 2 years ago

I love that you guys never shy away from the parts you're struggling with. I am a fresh fresh beginner, so it's kinda reassuring to see even pros having issues every now and then if that makes any sense 😅 Also I highly recommend you guys checking out Japanese bands like Dir en grey and Mucc, they have pretty cool basslines too. Especially Dir's Toshiya. He is such an underrated treasure.

@Rikrik1138 2 years ago

One of the most killer underrated bassists of the 80’s was Eddie Jackson from Queensrÿche. He’s a solid bass player with a killer, prominent tone. I don’t think the dude gets enough love.

@Claythargic 2 years ago

Violent Femmes is not a track I was Expecting, but that Album is a legit Must Listen

@CamiloDiaz 2 years ago

Steve Harris is always light striking plucks on flats with a VERY low action

@shiner2539 2 years ago

Missed Falling to Pieces - Faith No More

@wintyrqueen 2 years ago

Regarding Steve Harris, when he learned to play he didn’t have an amplifier, so he ended up playing really hard so he could be as loud as possible.
That carried forward, & is what gives him his iconic sound

@sweetnsourchick1761 1 year ago

Spandex, leg warmers AND HAIR METAL WIGS!!!!! Come on 1.5 million!

@darwinlindahl9659 2 years ago

The thing that impresses me the most about Sting's playing is his awareness of where he needs to be in time. Ahead of the beet when he needs to push, behind when he needs to drag, and right on time all to support the what the rest of the band is doing in relation to what the melody line needs. It's truly masterful.

@jock-stone 2 years ago

Lemmy! R.I.P we miss you

@benvin10365 2 years ago

My favorite bass intro of the 1980s is Forest Fire by Dead Kennedys. Klaus Fluoride is one of my biggest bass influences. Throughout the Dead Kennedys catalog, the bass stands out and has tasty riffs all over the place.

@spittalmusic 2 years ago

I’m so happy to hear waiting room by fugazi on here. I hadn’t heard them mentioned by another human being for so many years. I thought I was all on my own. Hearing it lifted my soul and reminded me of some great gigs in Leeds and Glasgow in the early 90s

@ironhead108 1 year ago

You guys get major points from me for including Fugazi! Joe Lally is forever my top bass hero, and Fugazi among my very favorite bands.

@siener 1 year ago (edited)

One of the most underappreciated bass lines of the 80's is Nick Beggs's kickass opening to

Kajagoogoo's Too Shy.

@emilstrizsak6325 2 years ago (edited)

Tony Levin's collaborations with Peter Gabriel were also a gem of the '80s

@kjosephine70 2 years ago (edited)

Next to some I’ve seen mentioned, like Rio and Too Shy, Tony Levin’s work with Peter Gabriel (saw him live last year), you gotta give props to the amazing bass on the Graceland album. The 80’s is full of great music.

Also edit to add: gotta mention the bass in The Police (Every Breath You Take and Spirits in the Material World)