Why This Riff Is Trickier Than It Sounds
The chromatic run needs even timing
The notes walk chromatically and each one needs to be evenly spaced. At full speed it's easy to rush through certain notes or let the timing become uneven. Slowing down reveals exactly where you're speeding up or dragging.
Note transitions must be clean
Each note needs to ring clearly before the next one starts. Sloppy transitions create buzzing or overlapping notes that muddy the riff. At slower speeds you can focus on lifting each finger cleanly.
The pick attack and tone matter
Krist Novoselic's tone on this riff is dark and even. The pick attack needs to be consistent across every note - not too hard, not too soft. Slowing down lets you match the attack style note by note.
How to Practice This Bass Riff
Open the pre-configured practice session
Click the button above to load PracticeLoop with the bass riff looped from 0:00 to 0:15 at 65% speed.
Listen for the timing between notes
At 65% speed, focus on how evenly spaced each note is. The chromatic walk should be metronomic. Notice the pick attack on each note.
Play along and focus on clean transitions
Play along with the loop. Focus on each note ringing clearly without buzzing or overlap. Keep your pick attack consistent.
Speed up gradually
Move from 65% to 80% to full speed. The riff should sound effortless and even at each level before you increase.
Speed Progression Plan
This riff is about precision, not speed. Only move up when every note is clean.
Get every note clean
Focus on clean fretting, even timing and consistent pick attack. Each note should ring clearly with no buzz or dead notes.
Build the flow
The chromatic run should start to feel smooth and connected. Focus on keeping the timing even as you speed up - don't rush the easier notes.
Match the tone
At near-full speed, focus on matching the dark, even tone of the original. Adjust your pick position and attack to get closer to the recorded sound.
Full speed
Play along with the original. The riff should feel automatic and relaxed. If any notes get sloppy, drop back to 80% and clean them up.
Practice Tips for This Riff
Focus on Clean Transitions
Each note should stop cleanly before the next one starts. At 65% speed, concentrate on lifting your fretting finger precisely as you fret the next note.
Keep the Timing Even
The chromatic walk should be metronomic. Count along if needed. Slowing down reveals where you naturally rush or drag.
Match the Pick Attack
Novoselic uses a consistent, moderate pick attack. Practise playing every note at the same volume and intensity for that signature even tone.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Space to play/pause, [ and ] for loop points, L to toggle loop. Keep your hands on the bass as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Come As You Are bass riff easy?
The notes are straightforward, but playing it well requires precision. The chromatic run needs even timing, clean note transitions and a consistent pick attack. Many beginners can play the notes but miss the subtle timing and tone that make it sound right.
What speed should I start practising at?
65% is a good starting point. The original tempo is moderate, so you don't need to go extremely slow. 65% gives you enough time to focus on clean transitions and even timing without the riff feeling unnaturally sluggish.
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 without retuning.
Can I loop just the opening riff?
Yes. The pre-configured link loops the opening bass riff from 0:00 to 0:15. You can adjust the loop points in PracticeLoop to cover any section of the song.