Easy Bass Songs for Beginners: Public-Domain Tunes, Root-Note Style
Quick answer
Start with songs that use two to four chords and play just the root note - the note each chord is named after. Old public-domain songs like Amazing Grace and When the Saints Go Marching In are ideal: you probably know how they go, and the chords are simple. Then add the fifth or a walk between chords.
How to play a song from chords
- Find the root of each chord (table below).
- Play it on beat 1 of each bar; then on every beat.
- Change exactly when the chord changes. Count out loud.
- Keep time with the metronome at a slow tempo.
Where the root notes are
| Chord | Root note to play |
|---|---|
| G | E string 3rd fret |
| G7 | E string 3rd fret (root G) |
| C | A string 3rd fret |
| D | A string 5th fret, or open D |
| Em | open E string |
| F | E string 1st fret |
| A | open A string |
| E | open E string |
The songs
Amazing Grace
Key: G, in 3/4 (three beats per bar)
Chords (one common simple arrangement; versions vary): | G | G7 | C | G | G | Em | D | D | G | G7 | C | G | G D | G |
Bass idea: Play the root on beat 1 of each bar. Then try root on 1, fifth on 3.
When the Saints Go Marching In
Key: G, in 4/4
Chords (one common simple arrangement; versions vary): | G | G | G | G | G | G | D | D | G | G7 | C | C | G D | G |
Bass idea: Root on beats 1 and 3. Walk G-A-B-C into the C bar once it's comfortable.
Down in the Valley
Key: G, in 3/4
Chords (one common simple arrangement; versions vary): | G | G | G | D | D | D | D | G | (repeat)
Bass idea: Only two notes: G (E string 3rd fret) and D (A string 5th fret or open D).
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Key: C, in 4/4
Chords (one common simple arrangement; versions vary): | C | C | F | C | F | C | G | C |
Bass idea: Two notes per bar on the root. Find C on the A string, 3rd fret.
12-bar blues in A (a pattern, not a song)
Key: A, in 4/4
Chords (one common simple arrangement; versions vary): | A | A | A | A | D | D | A | A | E | D | A | E |
Bass idea: Play the root of each bar on every beat: open A, open D and open E. This is the most common pattern in blues and early rock.
Next steps
- Hum the melody while you play; it keeps you in the right bar.
- Learn the notes on the E and A strings with the fretboard chart.
- Want songs from records? Most courses in best online bass lessons include licensed songs; BassBuzz lists a 100-song pack with its course.
Safety notes
- Stop and rest if your hand, wrist or forearm aches; tension is the usual cause.
- Keep amp and headphone volume low to protect your hearing.
FAQ
Why only public-domain songs?
These songs are free to share, so we can show the full chord chart. For modern songs, use a licensed source or a lesson platform.
What is a root note?
The note a chord is named after: the root of G is G. Playing roots is the backbone of most bass parts.
Do I need tab for these?
No. The root table tells you where each note is. If you prefer tab, see how to read bass tab.
Sources checked
- Song choices: traditional and public-domain melodies; chord charts are common simple arrangements written by FretCompare (checked Oct 22, 2026): fretcompare.com/learn/
- BassBuzz 100-song pack (checked Oct 22, 2026): bassbuzz.com/beginner-to-badass (checked Oct 22, 2026)
Not hands-on testing: FretCompare explains standard technique in its own words and links official pages for prices and terms.