Transcriptions
Learn from the legends through full transcriptions, guided breakdowns, and practice tools that bring their language into your playing.
James Jamerson - “It’s The Same Old Song”
James Jamerson’s bassline on “What’s Going On” is a landmark of expressive, fluid soul playing. His line moves with effortless lyricism while grounding the track with deep emotional pocket, creating one of the most recognizable and influential bass performances in modern music.
James Jamerson - “It’s The Same Old Song”
James Jamerson’s bassline on “It’s the Same Old Song” is a perfect blend of drive, melody, and rhythmic lift. His playing gives the tune its infectious forward motion while weaving countermelodies that elevate the vocal and push the entire arrangement into classic Motown energy.
James Jamerson - “For Once In My Life”
James Jamerson’s bassline on “For Once in My Life” is one of Motown’s most joyful explosions of rhythmic drive and melodic invention. His line propels the song with unstoppable momentum while weaving countermelodies that lift Stevie Wonder’s vocal to a euphoric level. It’s Jamerson at his brightest — energetic, lyrical, and overflowing with musical life.
James Jamerson - “Bernadette”
James Jamerson’s bassline on “Bernadette” is one of the most explosive, emotionally charged performances in the entire Motown catalog. His driving pulse, melodic invention, and fearless rhythmic push make the song surge forward with urgency and fire. This is Jamerson at his most commanding — powerful, lyrical, and completely in control of the music’s emotional engine.
“Knock On Wood” - Donald “Duck” Dunn
Donald “Duck” Dunn’s bassline on “Knock on Wood” is a masterclass in groove clarity and soul-pocket authority. His part is simple, steady, and deeply supportive—driving the song with a clean, confident pulse that locks perfectly with the drums and leaves space for the horns and vocals to shine.
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay -Donald “Duck” Dunn
Donald “Duck” Dunn’s bassline on “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a masterclass in feel, support, and quiet authority. His warm tone, laid-back placement, and understated movement create the emotional foundation of the song, proving how powerful simplicity can be when delivered with absolute conviction.
“Scorpio” - Bob Babbitt
Bob Babbitt’s bassline on “Scorpio” is a landmark funk performance — fast, relentless, and anchored by machine-like precision. Featuring the only recorded Bob Babbitt bass solo, the track showcases his incredible articulation, stamina, and center-pocket control, making it an essential study for high-level groove players.
“Rubberband Man” - Bob Babbitt
Bob Babbitt’s bassline on “The Rubberband Man” is a masterclass in groove personality — elastic, bouncy, and full of rhythmic character while still completely locked in. His tight articulation, lifted pocket, and clever motifs show how to add identity to a funk-soul classic without ever stepping outside the role of the groove.
“Midnight Train To Georgia” - Bob Babbitt
Bob Babbitt’s bassline on “Midnight Train to Georgia” is a masterclass in emotional groove playing — warm, grounded, and perfectly in step with the song’s story. His centered pocket, tasteful voice-leading, and subtle articulation create the foundation that allows the arrangement and vocals to rise and fall with effortless clarity.
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) - Bob Babbitt
Bob Babbitt’s bassline on “Just My Imagination” is a masterclass in melodic restraint—warm, lyrical, and deeply supportive of the song’s emotional atmosphere. His even pocket, gentle articulation, and elegant voice-leading show how subtlety and intention can carry an entire arrangement without ever drawing attention to the bass.