10 Hard To Play Punk Bass Lines

[@SugarpillProd]

Head on over to my website for info on commission work, mixing & mastering, drum packs, etc:sugarpillcovers.wordpress.com Support me on Patreon (for free tabs, HQ cover downloads & more): www.patreon.com/sugarpillcovers Bass strings I use (because everyone always asks me) amzn.to/32kOw0n

[@hardcore302]

Word.

[@Snaily]

AKA 10 songs that were clearly written by the bassist

[@Daniel19gs]

Not in rancids case, no

[@nxxynx5039]

All the best punk is

[@hardcore302]

​@@nxxynx5039indeed.

[@diabeticmonkey]

Gotta love how technical punk bass is when the guitars are freakishly easy

[@glenndanzigsemployeeplease7638]

Rancid in a nutshell

[@DoNuT_1985]

@@glenndanzigsemployeeplease7638 Yup, that's pretty much 90 percent of Rancid basslines. That's their signature sound, to be honest...

[@mraaronhd]

RKL’s entire catalogue has incredibly hard and technical bass lines

[@wide_awake]

mraaronhd for real, and Joe Raposo has brought those insane bass riffs to Lagwagon! Pretty fucking epic

[@colejmason]

@@wide_awake the bass lines on Rock N Roll Nightmare were written and played by the drummer, Bomer, and they are insane. It's crazy that they found a bassist who could play them.

[@barbaralorentz1074]

Cool dear

[@jonathann.5754]

@Yarnocalypso he did write for the later albums. Famously he wrote "betrayed"

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I've always said that punk rock bass players have the hardest job in rock and roll. They're the only member of the band that truly HAS to know what they're doing (not that there aren't many, MANY very talented punk guitar players and drummers, I'm just saying most punk bass players are pretty damn good and there are a lot of other punk players who are pretty lackluster- it's just a quirk of the genre), and because non-musicians don't know what's going on musically and most bass players aren't frontmen no one cares about them. Not to mention that a bass player's job is automatically hard when the rest of your band is sloppy (again, not all of them, but a disproportionately high percentage compared to, say, jazz, funk, metal, etc.).

[@SprunkCovers]

I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one that thinks this, as a bass player myself, that grow up listening to punk, I noticed that myself too, if a punk bass player (along with the drummer), plays sloppy, everything sounds sloppy, it's hard to explain, but in a band setting is noticeable

[@SprunkCovers]

I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one that thinks this, as a bass player myself, that grow up listening to punk, I noticed that myself too, if a punk bass player (along with the drummer), plays sloppy, everything sounds sloppy, it's hard to explain, but in a band setting is noticeable

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Ricardo Gonveda The rhythm section makes the band. Stevie Ray Vaughan was maybe the best electric blues player who ever lived, but a great deal of his success had to do with the immaculately solid groove laid down by Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon. The same is true all over music. The rhythm section is what makes people dance, or not change the station, the soloists are just accents, flair, easter eggs.

[@stevec6427]

Punk bass is either crazy fast or really complicated

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

@@stevec6427 Yeah, man, just listen to anything from Minutemen. Hell, even early Green Day had some super-gnarly bass lines, and a lot of the Clash’s stuff. I’m not real big into punk (what I like, I like a lot, but I’m not real punk knowledgeable), so I’m sure there are a hundred other examples I can’t think of currently.

[@DaveTex2375]

The bassist from Rancid could fit in with any Thrash, Metal or Punk music he wants to. That bass line from The Horse isn't very 'Punk-ish' but is awesome nonetheless.

[@johnnytmcq]

100%. Matt Freeman is one of the nastiest bassists in punk/hardcore.

[@deadg0at]

You mean Matt fucking Freeman? Check out Devil's Brigade if you want to hear him shred slapping an upright.

[@jstiz88]

A Wilhelm Scream is very punk if you listen past that initial riff of The Horse.

[@matumblackmetal]

This entire list could’ve been Descendants songs, honestly

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

*cries in trying to play 'Merican*

[@colina1330]

Or Rancid songs.

[@mraaronhd]

Rich kids on LSD

[@spamsingles5948]

Or Rancid

[@psycheadfuzzfreak830]

Ian Good a actual punk would never call himself a “true punk” get over yourself that’s totally the opposite of what being a punk is

[@mytesttickles4138]

RKL bass lines are insane

[@kalty]

A Wilhelm Scream can't be punk. I mean, what punk band would hire a bassist who can play tapping? EDIT : For anyone who would like to answer, please do so but keep in mind this was posted a long time ago, and my music culture back then was nowhere near the one I have today. I'm saying this because as of today, this comment wouldn't pop into my mind. Thanks

[@galleryofrogues]

Kaltho They’re more like “melodic hardcore.” They have a lot of metal and hardcore influences.

[@kalty]

@@galleryofrogues oh I see. Interesting nonetheless

[@kalty]

@GD Sparky_01 I'll go with your word, I'm barely listening to Punk so I couldn't tell

[@eviljalapeno]

Brian Robinson is a killer punk rock bass player though. Listen to The Fullblast's first album (Contagious Movement Theory), you'll see what I mean. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHLRfmV7gNmnmq8

[@mandms1466]

lol. Listen the Fullblast please))

[@remigirard8871]

I love how you covered a wide spectrum of punk band.

[@tomace194]

That anti flag bass line is epic

[@jessiemorrison4425]

It's the hardest one on this list

[@raphito1720]

He can now play every anti flag bass lines

[@gtapku1643]

Any anti flag bass line is epic

[@Chemical_Scum]

Yeah Chris #2 is a monster but Matt Freeman is by far the best and it isn't even close.

[@trashcat1031]

It's funny you say that b/c in my top 10 favorite punk bands I rated the bass players and I have Matt #1 and Chris as #2 but for some reason I listen to Anti Flag a bit more.

[@sliccrick3562]

If anybody is into crazy bass lines in pink listen to anything by nomeansno or The Minutemen

[@hailskatean]

RKL

[@youngyvidz716]

If you decide to do a "10 more" version of this video, some suggestions: Less than jake - All my best friends are metalheads Alkaline trio - Mr Chainsaw Streetlight Manifesto - Saddest song Have you ever thought of doing some Catch 22 Keasbey nights covers? There's some sick bass lines on there!

[@benfrank8649]

Hell yeah! Trio and Less than Jake are two of my favorites. Dan and Roger are so underrated

[@mitchellking2590]

Seeing MxPx get some love is awesome!

[@punkrockboy860]

Everybody gansta intill the bass player starts to do tapping.

[@nayfehn89]

Awesome tone as usual dude, great song choices as well. Kinda expected you to do the idiots are taking over for the NOFX track, stoked to see a wilhelm scream in the list

[@silverfoot6079]

He wanted to play the Idiots are Taking over, but he couldn't 😂

[@jessereset10]

This was the first bass line I thought of when I saw the title of the video

[@danm2084]

Ya ive been playing that idiots intro on acoustic for like a year and i still cant nail it consistently. I fucking hate it. Also the intro to death of john smith i have problems with. The shit like gang control and that anti flag one are easy.

[@christopherkimber7679]

I’m just stoked anyone else listens to a wilhelm scream. Such an underrated band.

[@jimiknuckles]

I used to play a couple of these.. that bass solo in the Decline has always kicked my ass.

[@SomeJustice19k]

I was going to be REALLY disappointed if Anti-Flag wasn't on here at least once. Absolutely love their bass. Good stuff man.

[@s.labrador]

I made it my task to learn every single one of these so far I have press Corpse and Honor I All We Know because I already knew those two. I will keep you guys updated if I have learned these riffs.

[@trashcat1031]

That's rad. I would be happy with having the skill to play those songs, but I'm a beginner. The only song I've learned all the way through is Alkaline Trio's "This Addiction".

[@Cuzjudd]

He slapp He tapp He fingerstyle Approv

[@nathanielstaal1941]

Using picc = small pipi☺️

[@tiagolopes2768]

Picc is ilegal

[@peteokopinski2062]

@Jay Anthony or Alex Webster

[@passionrocket]

He use a pic so not epic

[@thomasoreilly92]

@@passionrocket pick players are still amazing players. Davie just made a joke once, and everyone took it too far. songs like maxwell murder and green star have incredible pick basslines. just because some guy on KZbin says it, doesn't mean it's the truth.

[@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660]

Green Day with a copyright claim? That’s not very punk rock is it?

[@Smiddi69]

Poor form from Green Day

[@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660]

PUNK BANTAM My point exactly.

[@mastniburek5386]

You know it’s not Green Day that copierights the song but their label it’s not like Bille Joe is on his computer and is copystriking the videos

[@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660]

Mastni Burek c’mon man. Seriously? Yes I know that thank you.

[@wcm5636]

Attention Deficit Squirrel wow I was thinking this same thing verbatim as I read your comment

[@Tyoitube12086]

This whole video is basically just a flex

[@jarlbalgruuf2162]

Slip Magoo the guy was joking

[@PushSueAside]

Great job! You have one hell of pinky bud. Thank you for sharing. Cheers!

[@amymorley9505]

1:30 though.... damn!! 🤘🏻

[@kallitalonpoika]

Dodged that Idiots Are Taking Over intro, huh?

[@onionheadguy7094]

I can do it for ya.. Bunbudabudabudabudubabuduba bubadubudabudubowbowbow

[@spamsingles5948]

Same as Death of John Smith

[@spankingmonkey53]

I’d say the bass line from the decline is more technical IMO. The Idiots are Taking Over is just fast.

[@Pinecone246]

The intro riff to gang control is so much harder than it sounds

[@jessereset10]

Thank you for throwing some Rufio on here. What an underrated band!

[@indigotheindieghost7214]

To be fair I was expecting Still, but the song here is still amazing

[@mraaronhd]

Agree!

[@jordanaleman8241]

Whats the song in the intro ?!?

[@lemmingbcn]

I still have to see someone playing good Betrayed by RKL. That one is the hardest.

[@deepbluewaterful]

Yeah, he is missing in tempo and some notes here and there 😊

[@dopedurt]

You should try so,e bad brains tabs there pretty fun to play

[@josuemoncho34]

I'm so glad you added some A Wilhelm Scream even though you said before you don't like his style. Nice Move. Kudos to you!

[@mike_tkgchs]

oh man, some nice love for brian and a wilhelm scream . what an amazing band . he's a freaking beast and such a wholesome guy in person - you could have put 30 bass lines from his catalogue and they would all be hard AF to play.

[@etherealnoire]

I used to practice it CONSTANTLY in high school. Still never got it down but got close lol

[@mike_tkgchs]

​@@etherealnoirei gave up honestly

[@whatsthetime5645]

Hey to all the beginners out there don't be intimidated by songs like these especially anti flag. Besides the Wilhelm maybe, bc tapping is a harder technique in general, theyre really not that hard. Just take it one note at a time and then worry about speed.

[@trashcat1031]

All of these bass lines are great but my favorites from an earworm point of view are Anti Flag's The Press Corpse and MxPx's Let's Ride

[@jammyramone3212]

Play guitar riffs or solos of toy dolls

[@francotamayo94]

Yes. Olga is such an underrated guitarist.

[@mailisauro9978]

is it a virtual amp?? it sounds awesome it looks like you connect directly to the HI-Z input on the soundcard? would you share the gear?

[@ToniLovesSkateboarding]

hmmm... you should really listen to band called Cigar.

[@jpt6971]

All of cigar is awesome

[@AcidropOSY]

Cigar is great and highly underrated

[@OpunktSchmidt1301]

🎸🎵🤘🏻 "Call me irresponsible, call me habitual! But when you think of me, do you fill your head witch schemes? Better think again, cause no one knows..."

[@olivertc9494]

No one knows isn't necessarily hard, just not very great for those who don't have callouses developed yet

[@keianbrown8621]

I thought panic song would be here instead

[@Kiwitakimago]

You should do Brand New - The Quiet things that no one ever knows in the sound of Blink!

[@ZlordHUN]

OMG YES

[@mellofan2012]

Need this

[@MUSE1795]

Brand New isn't morally acceptable anymore

[@ZlordHUN]

@@MUSE1795 What Lacey did has nothing to do with the music of Brand New though. So saying Brand New is not morally acceptable is a bit ridiculous IMO

[@mellofan2012]

@@ZlordHUN yes! If anything its morally unacceptable to dismiss the hard work and passion of the other members and producers of the band for something jesse did.

[@lowkeykarnak]

Great video! Any idea where I might find the bass tabs for Sheer Terror's Walls? I can't seem to find them anywhere.

[@insomni_ash]

5:04 sounds great man

[@SCP--dt2hf]

Nice to see some love for LOC

[@randonamegenerator]

Awesome. Cool twin peaks tee also.

[@sxechaos]

I’m just so damn stoked you put Rufio on there I feel they where slept on hard and should have done way better than they did

[@iconsk8er]

AFI - Sacrafice Theory definitely missing here!

[@tomjohnson2418]

Gurl I was just gonna comment this

[@joshuamayes3195]

Yes.

[@thierrybernard3258]

Good JOB!!! Hey... what's the font used for each song's description?

[@carlosjuarezcastro7422]

What effects do you use to sound like that?

[@elsam4097]

Now I sew why all of these are my favorite songs

[@jbess6505]

Glad to hear Leftover Crack on here! Rufio. Wow. Thank you for those nostalgic memories.

[@jprosentreter]

Are you using an amp sim, or a DI from an amp? Killer videos!!!

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! I use an Axe FX for all my bass / guitar tones.

[@nejckuder4459]

Before even watching the video, I was hoping you would include RKL and A wilhelm scream. Good job!

[@calebpratt78]

Great vid!!

[@MarcFarful]

Dude, you can play! Just really discovering this channel. Very cool content!

[@invaderjae]

Just rename this to advanced punk bass lines that are hard to play unless you have been playing for years and learning your instrument better. you can also add of like a crap ton of ska bands bass lines. since a lot of times they're more complex to go along with the horns. But I will say. You're a really good bass player. Nice flex.

[@valasuenos475]

Just started the video and my first thought is yall better be have included Hunter from AFI.Nitro years AFI had those frenetic opening bass lines that just set the tone for the song.

[@engelillop]

That black bass is SO cool , what bass is it ?

[@SugarpillProd]

It's a Stingray Ray34.

[@engelillop]

@@SugarpillProd thanks!

[@rocesboyanthony5343]

I was hoping for rolling strong by MxPx and you delivered

[@MusickopatH]

Absolutely👌 Long live punk ronk n roll!!!

[@dieterfeldkamp1522]

Excellent choice of shirts bro

[@atsubalance]

Cool introduction! Whose song?

[@damiansanchez7873]

great video well played

[@alfred9895]

Go check out Stuart Morrow from New Model Army, some bloody amazing bass lines that man created!

[@doctor4strings]

Ever checked out the "Punk bass intros for punk bassist" playlist on Spotify?

[@Zahrul3]

i was waiting for maxwell murders by ramcid, but if this is the best of what you can do, props to you sir

[@haze4haze]

Condescending much, or just bitchy

[@jordonlees2]

This is punk rock lines, not solos. But go ahead and preach ya wiener.

[@ladochus9849]

Tabs please

[@Christoffer13]

Some of those are fairly easy but still great job.

[@brockrutledge6221]

Mostly all are pretty simple

[@Christoffer13]

@@iangoodisDMX Litterally no one. Ian Good:

[@thierrybernard3258]

Good JOB!

[@nikanno]

Name of the Opening song?

[@SugarpillProd]

It's just something I wrote for the ad, so it doesn't really have a name haha.

[@yomuthabyotch]

you are the man for wearin' an elliott smith shirt. he's a musician's musician, whether he considered himself one or not.

[@unknown6390]

if you make a part two for this video try "Ill in the Head" by Dead Kennedys!

[@monbroe2806]

Would love to see a full decline bass cover from u!

[@SugarpillProd]

I definitely don't have the time or patience for that, haha.

[@monbroe2806]

@@SugarpillProd lol

[@tylerhughes9656]

Love the Elliott Smith shirt and of course your playing.

[@gabrielceolato2]

Awesome!!!

[@greendayforever2k9]

Think I would have gone with Stuck With Me for Green Day

[@PessimiElementiBand]

- Matt Freeman: LOL !

[@dustinthompson6118]

That Elliot Smith shirt is sick

[@snotsoad]

love the damn fine cup of coffee shirt, where’d you get it?

[@chesspunk489]

Nice They Live shirt.

[@PakaTheDog]

Right?!?

[@nes182]

awesome covers as always, hey can i ask you something, which are your top 3 favorites bands ever???

[@Feddzzz]

Nestor Benjumea watch the q & a video

[@NoahBassman]

@@SugarpillProd how much for the steamed hams shirt?

[@NoahBassman]

@@SugarpillProd shidda

[@kane00000]

Mind your own fucking business man. Why are you intruding and prying yourself into his life? Give him a break Jesus.

[@menswear2112]

Hot Digitty! I understood what you meant when you started the tapping.

[@justinkace3890]

Boggt your bundle, got a paypal receipt, no download link?

[@jdb2722]

I was surprised it wasn’t 10 rancid songs

[@hellobiafra]

Kortatu- Nicaragua Sandinista, has a very cool bassline

[@passamal666]

You´re a damn fine bass player with a damn fine twin peaks shirt!

[@d2d2505]

Alternative by the Exploited has a cool bass line that could be tricky for some.

[@barbaralorentz1074]

Cool dear

[@chesspunk489]

Only tricky for beginners. It's a good song though.

[@dreamsbeginatsunrise]

What about rancid’s maxwell murder?

[@dannyoi7173]

Might as well put Rancids entire catalog on. Good picks all around. No Bouncing Souls though?

[@chesspunk489]

Their basslines aren't that crazy.

[@jon-paulchartier8856]

I read the title and was like, "here comes Anti-Flag"

[@loadorreload125]

Rancid Adina is insane with bass

[@drsatv2218]

Top underrated bassline Yohooh..

[@jotarokujo1171]

road to recovery sounds like drowning lessons

[@vinceibarra4553]

Was wondering if you were gonna do RKL... Kinda slopped it up.

[@charlessmyth]

"Muted Due to Copyright Claim" Good title for a song :-)

[@skiptomyloop]

Strong T-Shirt Game.

[@TranzparentMethods]

Most these bass lines were inspired by Matt Freeman, except for Fat Mike. That bass line in "The Decline" is so UNBELIEVABLE!!! He's not even playing in the same time as the rest of the band when they come in. He's playing on the 2, when the rest of the band is playing on the 1.

[@Frankfoot986]

But “punk is easy to play” lol. Love when people say that.

[@markroberts3277]

Good stuff. Have you heard 'Tomorrow's Girls' by the UK Subs. Original Brit Punk band. Tied my fingers in knots.

[@BigChutes]

Subscribed

[@lexalusts3626]

I know how to play some of these 🤘

[@piedpeter1]

RKL = Rich Kids on Lsd. Those were the days!

[@Vulch666]

So Operation Ivy is easy to you, or what? :D

[@emiliomontesdeocagonzalez681]

Rancid.

[@Vulch666]

@@emiliomontesdeocagonzalez681 what are you? A one-word-guy?

[@inzane0ne]

@@Vulch666 yes

[@Vulch666]

@@inzane0ne didn't ask u, sad you didn't understand that

[@inzane0ne]

@@Vulch666 ok