Peace, Love and Bass: Five 1960s-Era Songs To Add To Your Bass Repertoire

Many songs of the 1960s featured the bass guitar very prominently. Good to know, good to learn, and if you’re in a band, these can easily expand your set list to include stuff that’s “new” and different.

I did my best here not to go with the songs everyone knows and pick some lesser-known tracks.

1. Little Green Bag by George Baker Selection

If you’ve ever seen the movie Reservoir Dogs, you know this song. The bass is the first instrument heard, loud and proud.

2. Blue’s Theme by Davie Allan and the Arrows

Some consider this to the “the first heavy metal song”. Is it? That’s debatable. But what isn’t debatable is that it’s very easy to play but at the same time has a good groove to it.

3. Psychotic Reaction by Count Five

This song has a good-and-loud bass track that can be heard start to finish, and is very clearly separated from the guitars.

4. Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) by John Fred and His Playboy Band

This tune is admittedly a total pop song from the era. But it’s also very fun to play.

5. Here Comes the Judge by Pigmeat Markham

A “weird song”, but when you hear that bass kick up at 40 seconds in, it’s incredibly groovy. You will love learning this one.