WAR's Greatest Bass Line

[@Harlembrown]

For me, hands down, it's Low Rider. I see that as arguably one of the most iconic and recognizable bass lines in the Western world, and more than a little popular in the East as well. Thanks again for another wonderful and inspiring video, btw.

[@OswaldBatesIIIEsq]

I remember learning that bass line. I would even play along when "George Lopez" came on since it was the theme song.

[@Hakhoumbha]

People will hate on that choice since it’s their most popular song but it’s popular for a reason

[@jagpanzer16]

WAR's music was a soundtrack to my life growing up thru out the 70s, AWESOME!!!! band.

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@jackdolphy8965]

I too grew up on All Day Music, and The World is a Ghetto. Thrilled to hear these recognized here!! These guys and Mandrill forever!!! Hmm how about a nod to Ape is High :)

[@michaelgawel5823]

​@@jackdolphy8965 Mandrill! The beast from the east!

[@1mespud]

Thank you, B.B. Dickerson for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift, talent and bass contribution. Your legacy is sealed, and in the meantime, I'll help keep the music playing.

[@mikebassy]

Let’s not forget they were there the last time Jimmy Hendrix played live at Ronnie Scott’s my favourite club . What a place that was . The last day before …. Love you Jimmy . Actually the guy on the door that took the money was at the club that night and said Jimmy was out . God bless him .

[@Henni63]

Here in Europe they were mostly known for their collab with Eric Burdon, Tobacco Road was a riot at every 70's party. Personally i'd vote for Low Rider, always makes me smile and move at the same time. But they're all great. Thank you for another awesome vid!

[@spencert4840]

Spirit is such a good tune.

[@dtfoel1230]

spill the wine was big here

[@AndrewKerr2406]

I don't know if I agree, I was clubbing from about 73 onwards and War were regular floor fillers, I only discovered the Eric Burdon connection later, maybe a slight generational difference?

[@dtfoel1230]

Maybe generational maybe regional. Spill the Wine was the introduction to War in the area I resided in. I was fortunate enough to see them live in concert

[@Henni63]

@@AndrewKerr2406Maybe that (i'm 60), maybe regional differences. I'm from Germany. As far as i know, Tobacco Road was gigantic here and War were discovered here that way.

[@CackleJack]

This video made me love this channel even more. War is the jam!!

[@CliffHairston]

Low Rider is the most fun to play but I'm a "The world is a ghetto" sitter for best line. It really makes that song. War is also some of my earliest recollections of music (the earliest being Return to Forever: Romantic Warrior). The 70s were an excellent time to be born or growing up. :)

[@haroldbrooks4235]

B.B. Dickerson is grossly underrated. Thanks for this Must Needed Video

[@naev.3344]

My dad used to love this band. His favorite song was "The World is A Ghetto" and we played it at his funeral. Cisco Kid was my favorite bassline. Funny thing though, I played bass for many years and never once tried to play WAR. This video made me want to try.

[@jayb8369]

War is one of my all time favorite bands. I saw them in concert in San Jose CA in 1993. Small auditorium and they were wheeling in their own equipment with no road crew. I was studying the bass at the time and after the concert, I was one of the those people fortunate enough to get a back stage pass to meet the band members. I had a nice conversation with BB Dickerson and took a photo with him. The highlight of my visit was that he taught me how to play the lowrider riff. That is one of my cherished memories. Rest in Paradise BB!!❤🎸🎶

[@jackdolphy8965]

Slipping Into Darkness and the rest of that record, and the entire The World Is A Ghetto was The soundtrack for my first years in high school. It’s thrilling to know that generations after me will know this music. With many thanks to you Paul. These first War records and Mandrill. And Osibisa. 🎊🎉🎊🎉🎈🎈🥳☮️

[@boblob2003]

Low Rider... Wow- what a unique groove! I never realized that tension between the bass and the drums before. That bass is so far behind the beat, it sounds like the drummer is dragging the bass player across a shag carpet floor by the scruff of the neck! I've heard that song a thousand time but now I realize how it gives the whole song its character. Thanks, PDBass- love your channel!

[@Skinner-w9]

Spill the Wine is always my favorite. Thanks professor for great video bringing me down memory lane.

[@messamontana6934]

I only knew “Lowrider” growing up as a kid but then I came across “Don’t Let No One Get You Down” and it’s been the song of my life ever since.

[@michaelkaine3684]

Eye Totally Agree 👍🏾

[@OatmealMegaphone]

I've been saying B.B. was an unsung hero forever. Thank you pd bass.

[@ARealOne_2]

You nailed it WAR. One of my many favs is Heartbeat. "Play it funky for me B.B." Bring in the bass and play it funky Play it funky for me B.B. Play it funky funky funky Play it funky B.B. play it funky funky funky Bring it on down Listen to my bass man play it funky His name is B.B. funky funky B.B. Play it real funky for me *Man, this song will NEVER get old for me* and that bass line & percussions unmatched.

[@davidreichert9392]

The most underappreciated band in history. I'm only slightly older than you, and their songs really bring me back to my childhood.

[@IIIDogNight1]

Incredible group! Took my dad to see them about a decade ago….unreal huge sound!! They even did spill the wine!!

[@Mo_Ketchups]

5:57 - 👀 AND thee most ICONIC album cover since Pepper. 😮‍💨🤘🤘🤘 Anyone remember their comeback record that had “Peace Sign” on it? Kinda wish he’d’ve tossed that in as an honorable mention-that had more stank in it than most of their catalog! ✌️

[@surfaceworldoceanmaster2865]

Man my dad LOVED war so I would hear it all the time in my household. You cant help but to appreciate those eloquent B.B. drives. W.A.R. WE ALL REMEMBER

[@multifacetedman]

“Where Was You At” was always a fave bassline of mine.

[@sirjer73]

A great deep cut!!!

[@MamaRii73]

Mine too!❤

[@Below-Average_Joe]

As a pre-teen and in my early teens, War was my favorite band with the Ohio Players coming in second. The only of those bass lines I did not learn was “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” I had the privilege of seeing War during their prime. I remember them coming out and playing an unnamed instrumental and the crowd of 11,000 was perfectly quiet and listening as if it were a classical concert. Of course, they got funky after that. On a side note, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan was the opening act with the great Bobby Watson on bass. War also sang so many unique songs. I like to say they were six African Americans and a Jew from Denmark, who sang a bunch of songs about Mexicans. They also sang deep social commentary about street life and police brutality like “Slippin’ Into Darkness” and “Me and Baby Brother,” that really talked about the same issues that Gangster Rap would cover 17-15 years later.

[@psychospeakempire]

The World Is A Ghetto. What a great song and sympathetic bass line. Big like... Paul Bradford

[@johncaldwell881]

Galaxy is my favorite bassline from War

[@spikehunter9211]

I 100% agree

[@BassByTheBay]

It's outta sight!!

[@osodelcity]

I’m sick and tired of the rat race

[@johncaldwell881]

@@BassByTheBay It’s gone

[@emanjam45]

Take me to your place in space! 😎

[@alexandergallant6444]

As a bass player these are staple songs to play. Low Rider

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Only later (WAR was huge when I was young), did I recognize how hip and unique their grooves were. Love what you do here - celebrating great bassists throughout time is a great way to honor music and musicians while introducing them to younger players!

[@jajlertil]

Love seeing war get some love, underrated legends

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Love WAR and Low Rider was one of the bass lines I enjoyed playing back in the 70s when I was learning bass. Thanks, Professor Paul!

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

Cholly!

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

@@JosePerez-vz1qq JP?!?! My FAVORITE Wildcat?!?!

[@ruminantmelanoid5444]

Love all of those cuts. One of the lines that gets slept on is Outlaw from 1982.

[@dennyliegerot4021]

Great band...with a fantastic original sound. Grew up at a time when all their songs were playing on the radio.

[@zodak9999b]

My favorite is a toss up between the banger groove of "Low Rider" and the simple groove of "The Cisco Kid". Thanks KZbin for recommending this channel!

[@Jawn-t9p]

This video is the reason I started listening to WAR

[@Jawn-t9p]

I have became a diehard war fan in a span of 2 months.

[@livelikeitshows1802]

My dad had their biggest album on vinyl and 8-track tape. I remember riding around with him in San Diego blast their tunes blasting out of his green Gran Torino. Find memories. Thanks again for this wonderful video.

[@floydthompson8668]

If possible, can you do a video on the group CHANGE? I love all their iconic hits, including bass lines. One of my favorites is in their song HEAVEN OF MY LIFE. The relentless driving bass line almost carries the entire song, and even takes a solo BUT NEVER CHANGES, as if in defiance of the group's name! With the word LIFE in the title, the bass line has an omnipresence like hearing a train track on a journey with someone you love, an unbroken rhythm. I guess you can tell I LOVE CHANGE!!! Them and LOOSE ENDS were my favorite 80s groups!!! Love me some JANE EUGENE!! Sadly, some great groups exist only a short period of time, making their music rare, like UNLIMITED TOUCH, 52ND STREET, THE POCKETS who were produced by EARTH WIND & FIRE, DAYTON probably best known for THE SOUND OF MUSIC and use of the voice box, for example. THANK YOU, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!

[@ep5028]

I loved WAR so much, I name my record store All Day Music. Their albums are masterpieces. On the All Day Music lp, Get Down is amazing. City Country City is one of the greatest r&b instrumentals, off The World is a Ghetto. From the same lp, Where Was You At is great. Deliver the Word is a sweet ballad from the lp of the same name. Either car or motorcycle, Gypsy Man is a great driving song. B.B. shines vocally on Lotus Blossom (Why Can’t We Be Friends lp). The seven minute, Leroy’s Latin Lament with all of its changes could’ve been in a Broadway musical. Platinum Jazz lp is a must have, with tracks like War Is Coming, Slowly We Walk Together and L.A. Sunshine. Galaxy lp has another one of my favorites. Hey Senorita is a playful song about flirting and trying to woo a latin girl. Thanks.

[@01saintgps]

Cisco Kid for me, I'm so glad my neighbors had a diverse library of tunes in the early '70s

[@OlandoMcCall]

I love world is a ghetto, slipping into darkness a close second. Word they have a bunch of dope bass lines. Love the video!

[@Morgatus-JJ]

Man, what a band!!! I'll go hunting those vinyls. Bravo y olé. Greetings from Spain.

[@jmgmarcus808]

My favorite is Get Down from the Slipping Into Darkness album. That is the JAM!!!

[@Jerome-h7j]

Get down, live...much better

[@jmgmarcus808]

@@Jerome-h7j Where does one find?

[@Chewie316]

Truly B.B. Dickerson was the man. Watching the old cop shows like Barretta and the like then hearing War I would think about the grittiness of the LA streets and how cool the soundtrack was and I was just a kid feeling this. Summer must be played ushering in the season and All Day Music feels so good walking through the park on a warm day, especially on a Sunday for me. Just adding my 2 cents. Rock and Roll HOF, don’t wait until they’re all gone to honor them.

[@harmonygritz2839]

The best BB Dickerson bass line is: Slippin into darkness bridge, and the mysterious outro fade-out along with the rhythm section: (evokes an emotion)😮

[@mikebassy]

Slipping into Darkness ! What a track what a groove . Great vocals . Had a 12 inch single of this

[@jamesparker4215]

These lines went so far into me as a kid that, happily, they could never be removed by any means - love 'em more now than ever. Have to go with Low Rider for pure personality.

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

I knew BB Dickinson and he used to come to my friend's rehearsal studio in Riverside in the early 90's. He owned a headshop in San Berdoo at the time named 'The Incense Tree." He was a hilarious and wonderful storyteller and great bass player. So glad i got to know him for a few years.

[@jamesdenny4734]

Low rider! A jam I can play over n over, back to back to back!!!

[@eddieaow42]

I love the Cisco Kid and that opening man I'm done!💯🤣🤩💙🎸📻🎤🎵🎶🎼

[@JP-ii4bd]

The track by the group War which was released in the year 1977 was Galaxy.. That was one 0f my favorite war songs. 🤗 Great video! I think you forgot to mention that one.

[@jakesensi5552]

My vote for best R&B group. B.B was a bad man. Check out Southern part of Texas and Four cornered Room.

[@karl662]

Absolutely great choices. Thanks for giving recognition to Morris Dickerson. He certainly defined their music. I always loved the bass in "Hey Senorita" from Galaxy...."no puedo, no puedo (giggles), no puedo.... ))

[@MikeK910LA]

One of my favorite bands of the 70s. Their musicianship was beyond reproach. And yes, the bassline in Heartbeat is slamming and is my favorite as well. Not one of their most popular songs but if you know their music you know it. A group that deserves much more recognition!

[@charlesthompson2425]

Heartbeat. That was a stepping jam here in Chicago in the 70's

[@Kittygacha_playz]

Just because of the feel, i think Summer time would be my favourite. That bassline is so soothing.

[@JasonSmith-pv1ff]

"Don't let no one get you down" ..fantastic song

[@zaraak323i]

I don't know how you limited it to 4 or 5 songs. So much great stuff to choose from. For me, The World is a Ghetto has me grooving every single time I hear it. I agree with all your choices as well. B.B. was amazing!

[@sandyquiroz8688]

Cisco Kid! That bass is what makes that song

[@jimjacobs1961]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! I'm a child of the 60s and 70s, and WAR's music was a constant part of my experience. I first started playing bass in 1976, so learning some of these bass lines was fundamental! For me, Low Rider is the perfect groove. It's the bass line I use to warm up, almost every time I practice, rehearse, or perform. Thank you for this one!

[@stanstocker8858]

War was one of the great 70s bands, so completely capturing the vibe of the time. I still listen to them fairly often. A great take me back to the time song is Summer, even though it came out later as a single. 8 tracks, street musicians, vans, CBs, people playing bongos in parks, as soon as it begins to play I'm pulled through a pipe back to those wonderful warm weather laid back hanging out days. We had a lot of things wrong in our country then, as now, but some things and many people were truly wonderful. Sort of hopeful times. Baltimore was a living city still, lots of live music, kids drumming on drywall buckets, all sorts of music on the corners, people cheering them on and putting money in the open buckets. Sadly it's a scary place now. Thanks for this video.

[@manuelmendoza6096]

I've had the honor to cover the bass chair for the modern iteration of WAR. WAR usually gets overlooked for their greatness. Thanks for making this video. BB was a special bass player that crafted unique bass lines and should be considered as one of the greats of all time.

[@thewizard___3030]

Low Rider was one of the first songs i remember hearing and getting hooked on, wanting to listen to that bassline over and over again

[@f4windex]

My Big Sister used to play their records when she was home from college in the early 70s, and I was hooked! Fast forward to the 1986-7 timeframe and I heard they were playing in Honolulu in a very small place. Blown away by seeing them live…

[@ladyrichelle]

Don't Let No One Get You Down, The intro is amazing!!! 🔥🥳💃🏾🎶💯❤️

[@Phan211]

Nothing will ever beat You've Got the Power for me

[@murdockscott]

I loved War as a kid. I grew into a person who makes music but have always struggled with crafting bass lines as good as the ones that I adored from my youth. I am a vocalist primarily and I lean towards making music that could be considered “unique” (weird), because of that, I sometimes find it hard to find other musicians with similar tastes (especially where I live). So rather than give up, I often work alone. Your channel is a great resource in helping me understand the subtleties of the great bass lines that inspire me. Hopefully I can apply those techniques to my own work! Thank you!

[@jimpottssoundandvision]

What a fun video! I vote for Cisco Kid Low Rider a close second!

[@joosuee.p]

“Don’t Let No One Get You Down” is probably one of my favorite songs ever. Listen to it a lot, especially when I’m feeling down. Really helps me to lift my spirits as well as help make me groove

[@phynessea247]

That’s my jam

[@generalinformation3507]

Thank you for this, the group war is so so underrated. I always wondered why they never got an unsung. I have sing a happy song from the young blood soundtrack on my phone, Which was sampled by brand nubian for their song feels so good. Plus their song with Eric burden, Spill the wine. This extraordinary group is never talked about🤔

[@breakfreak3181]

My Dad had the 'World Is a Ghetto' album. I loved the hand drawn cover when I was a little kid! When he stopped playing vinyl, he gave me his collection. He didn't have many, but they were all in mint condition, and I've still got them!

[@monkersdunkers7620]

I love the bass, it's my fav instrument, but for a long while my love for it was built on really absurd & flashy bass players, also stuff that's more easily definable as rock. This video is what got me listening to WAR, and as such, allowed Dickerson to quickly become one of my favourite bass players. Dickerson was the first bassist to get me to realise that you can be a master of the instrument without constantly being the centre of the action, he's equally great at leading the tunes and playing support, he's a killer vocalist too, thanks for making this great video & getting me hooked on the band

[@jbrobertson2758]

"Southern Part Of Texas" from the 1973 "Deliver The World" LP.

[@matthw633]

Bro that’s a great album and a great song !

[@sirjer73]

I think I put in a request a couple months for you to highlight the BB Dickson/ Harold Brown rhythm section. I don't know if you choose to honor my request or not but I'm grateful this posting. I would say slippin into darkness for me.

[@ronray1268]

YES!!!!

[@JamesFolkers]

Not possible to pick the best - they’re ALL fantastic!!

[@SixTenVisuals]

Always liked that driving baseline to Galaxy. My second fave song by War ❤

[@PuffinPass]

War was just funky as all hell and they were absolutely a groove band. Got to see them live in the early 80s and they were solid as ever. My favorites are Low Rider, Cisco Kid and Slippin Into Darkness.

[@JuilliardTrainedDermatologist]

So many awesome lines from B.B., but think my favorite’s gotta be his line on “War Drums” (monster part on a monster track). Also the live version of Slippin’, especially the part where he and Howard Scott start trading off on licks right before Howard takes his kick-ass guitar solo. War was sooooo damn good. Another great video Paul, keep ‘em coming!! 🎸🎸

[@Jerome-h7j]

Absolutely

[@cheesesteak59]

WAR was the first music group I fell in love with. The World Is A Ghetto blew my teenaged mind. I believe that The Seven Tin Soldiers is their most underrated song. I can listen to that song every day.

[@jburtonca]

My favorite is "Low Rider". I did a transcription of it in Sibelius. It was also featured in the movie "Up In Smoke".

[@jackv2244]

I know you better mention "Heartbeat" BB was on the one with that bass, and you're absolutely right, another band that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has overlooked

[@dlxone]

"Life (is so strange)". Thank you for sharing your perspective. Keep reminding the world that your opinion matters.

[@timechopper]

SO glad you mentioned bass lagging back on LOW RIDER. The harmonica refrain lays back even more, almost to the next beat. It makes the song. Definitely LOW RIDER for me.

[@Kerray29]

Such a great bass channel covering such a wide range of musical and playing styles. Introducing me to more players and bands ❤

[@nealbradleigh5069]

SO MANY SONGS....SO LITTLE TIME! I'll pass for now on your request for my '74 bassline faves. SHIP AHOY was the high water mark for the O'JAYS, careerwise. Caught a show in '74, stay focused on the bassist and his LESLIE unit, in tow for the tour. Great effect!

[@lockheadanddogrockvideo]

Killer band. Love those early albums with Eric Burdon too.

[@kwabenarasuli8108]

I was about say!! Where is "Heartbeat" - that was the gangstas jam in LA. I still got Slipping Into Darkness at #1!!!! Man we appreciate you posts on the bass!!!

[@trakeya51]

Not me ramdomly singing funky funky funky the other day😂 all these are top tier❤ shoutout to my daddy 💙for making me utterly obsessed with this band 🥰

[@jchapman8248]

I dig Cisco Kid, Low Rider, Sippin' into Darkness and The World is a Ghetto. Been working out on my bass to the first three mostly. Thanks for sharing this badass group from my HS days!

[@MrGolyat1]

When BB starts All Day Music, it sets the mood for the whole song

[@MrGolyat1]

My favorite War Baseline

[@garybond7305]

Summer was my favourite, just close your eyes and your on the beach, and that bass 🫶🏻

[@mongofan1]

I introduced my kids, born in 1996 and 2000, to War when they were in elementary school. They are both fans. I still remember listening to Slippin' Into Darkness on our mono transistor radio back in '71. It and Lowrider are my favorite War pieces. Fantastic band. Alex

[@geraldfriend256]

5:40 yep. Love that maj/ min rub

[@thomaslthomas1506]

War rocked. It came out after I was born. Dating myself here.

[@donaldedmunds9867]

The world is a ghetto was one of my favorite albums. That was a groovin bass line on WHERE WAS YOU AT.

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks pdbass for a great video ! Low Rider is my favourite, especially after you mentioned each instrument plays a hook. Now I know why you're such a dedicated, cool bass player - you were already listening to this music in the womb !

[@ktezri]

'Low Rider' is without doubt one of the greatest bass lines. Ever. But for overall emotional impact, I have to say 'Me and Baby Brother'. Oh, and the title track on 'Deliver the Word'. And the whole of the album 'Jazz - by War The Music Band'. And... wish I could have seen them live. Thank you @pdbass for this. B.B.'s work surely deserves further discussion...

[@tedkay3750]

it's crazy i was just practicing slippin into darkness, cisco kid....city country, the world is a Ghetteo .....those runs in slippin into darkness ..just awesome!! my older sister took me to a War concert In Baltimore city...at the Civic center back in the day! Howard the guitar player lit up a joint on stage ..this was in the 70's i'm a kid watching this saying to myself..he can't do that !t's against the law//LOL!

[@bitegoatie]

I cannot pick a favorite bass part from War. The lines lock into the songs so deeply, and the collective is so vibrant, that my preferences change with my mood - like I choose music to play in my head, or like, sometimes, music chooses itself to play in my head. Lately, interestingly, given your choice of subject today, "The world is a ghetto" and "Low Rider" have suited my groove after a bout with the news. These things change all the time, with this band and others, so I'll have to pass on the favorite question. I will say this band remains a favorite, from formative years of my youth. Thanks, as usual, for the evocative review of these brilliant songs and their bass parts,

[@MtlRedAtheist]

Morris Dickerson up there with my favourite bassists! Learning bass, my teachers were him, Verdine White, Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, Paul McCartney, Ron Carter and Montreal local Charlie Biddle

[@thankful684]

In the area l grew up we remember War for their hit...You got the Power !!

[@tomdchi12]

I've never "broken down" Low Rider in my head - just enjoyed the whole crazy, fun thing. Hearing the bass alone, it's great of course. But something about the song as a whole, the entire collective, makes it more than the sum of its parts. Absolutely amazing!

[@TheStobb50]

Low rider, I was 15 years old when I first herd Low Rider hear in the UK and it woke me up to a whole new genre

[@gordonarnold7465]

BROTHER 💪🏼🎸 Thank "U" For touching on one of the baddest bands back in the day Peace 🙏🏼💪🏼✌🏼

[@paralykeet-]

Howlin' Wolf's Killing Floor and variations on the riff is the bassline, I can't stop playing. Came for the WAR appreciation, wasn't disappointed.

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

Being an old school bass player growing up and playing practically all these grooves, I can't even start to pick a favorite. Hell, all of em😊