Why This Bass Line Is Iconic (and Tricky)
Groove is everything
The Billie Jean bass line is instantly recognisable not because of complex notes, but because of its feel. Getting the pocket right is harder than it sounds.
Subtle ghost notes and dynamics
Between the main notes there are muted ghost notes that give the line its bounce. At full speed they're easy to miss. Slowing down reveals every detail.
Consistency over a full song
Playing this line once is one thing. Playing it locked-in for 5 minutes without drifting requires the kind of muscle memory you only build through repetition.
How to Practice This Bass Line
Open the pre-configured practice session
Click the button above to load PracticeLoop with the bass intro looped from 0:00 to 0:16 at 65% speed.
Focus on the rhythm first
Forget the notes for a moment. Tap along or mute the strings and lock into the rhythmic pattern. The groove comes before the melody.
Add the notes once the rhythm is solid
Now play the actual notes while keeping that locked-in feel. If the groove drifts, drop back to rhythm-only practice.
Speed up gradually
Move from 65% to 80% to full speed. The groove should feel effortless at each level before you increase.
Getting the Groove Right
Play behind the beat slightly
The Billie Jean bass line sits just behind the click. Don't rush it. At 65% speed, focus on landing each note a fraction late rather than early. This is what gives it that deep pocket feel.
Keep your right hand consistent
Whether you're using fingers or a pick, the attack on every note should be even and controlled. Slowing down helps you develop consistent tone and dynamics.
Don't skip the ghost notes
The muted notes between the main beats are what make this line groove. At 65% speed you can clearly hear them and practise adding them in.
Loop it until it's automatic
This bass line needs to be in your muscle memory. Set PracticeLoop to loop the 16-second intro and play along for 5-10 minutes straight. That repetition is what makes it groove.
Built for Bass Practice
Speed Control 0.25x - 2x
Fine-grained slider with presets. Pitch is preserved at all speeds so the bass stays in tune for playing along.
AB Looping
Loop the intro, the verse, or any section. Set start and end points to repeat the passage you're working on.
Saved Loops
Name and save loops like "Intro groove" or "Chorus variation". Pick up where you left off next session.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Space to play/pause, [ and ] for loop points, L to toggle loop. Keep your hands on the bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Billie Jean bass line hard to play well?
The notes themselves are not complex, but the groove and timing are everything. The line has a specific pocket feel with ghost notes and subtle dynamics that make it deceptively hard to replicate convincingly. Many bassists can play the notes but few can match the feel.
What speed should I start practising at?
65% is a good starting point. The original is around 117 BPM which is moderate, so you don't need to go as slow as you would for a fast guitar solo. Focus on locking in the groove before speeding up.
Can I loop just the bass intro?
Yes. The pre-configured link loops the iconic bass intro from 0:00 to 0:16. You can adjust the loop points in PracticeLoop to cover any section of the song.
Does slowing down change the pitch?
No. PracticeLoop preserves the original pitch at all speeds. The bass sounds in tune whether you're at 65% or 100%, so you can play along at any speed.