Why This Bass Line Is Harder Than It Sounds
The sliding notes need precise control
The Come Together bass riff is built around slides between notes that need to land on exact fret positions. Too fast or too slow on the slide and the whole riff loses its character. At full speed, these slides happen quickly and are easy to fumble.
The syncopated timing against the drums is unforgiving
The bass line locks in with the kick drum in a syncopated pattern that gives the song its hypnotic groove. Playing the right notes at the wrong time sounds immediately off. You need to feel exactly where each note sits against the beat.
The tone and attack are unique
Paul McCartney's tone on this track uses a distinctive muted string technique that gives each note a thick, percussive attack. Without this technique, the riff sounds thin and lifeless even if the notes are technically correct.
How to Practice This Bass Riff
Open the pre-configured practice session
Click the button above to load PracticeLoop with the opening bass riff already looped from 0:00 to 0:20 at 50% speed.
Focus on the slides between notes
At half speed, you can clearly hear where each slide starts and ends. Map out the exact fret positions before picking up your bass.
Nail the timing against the kick drum
Play along at 50% and focus on locking in with the drums. The bass and kick drum work together - listen for where they line up and where they diverge.
Work on the muted string technique
Once the notes and timing are solid, focus on getting that thick, percussive attack. Rest the palm of your right hand lightly against the strings near the bridge as you play.
Speed Progression Plan
Build up speed gradually. Only move on when the slides and timing feel locked in.
Learn the slide positions
Identify every note and where each slide starts and ends. Get the fret-hand movements smooth and accurate at this slow tempo.
Lock in with the drums
Start feeling the syncopation against the kick drum. The bass and drums should feel like one unit. Focus on the pocket.
Add the muted tone
Now bring in the palm-muting technique. The notes should have a thick, percussive quality. Match the feel and attack of the original.
Full speed
Play along with the original. The riff should feel effortless and groovy. If the slides get sloppy or the timing drifts, drop back to 75%.
Practice Tips for This Bass Riff
Focus on the Slides
The slides between notes are the signature of this riff. Practise sliding from fret to fret slowly, making sure you arrive at the target note cleanly and on time.
Lock In with the Kick Drum
The bass and kick drum share a syncopated pattern. Listen carefully to where they hit together and where the bass plays between kick hits.
Muted String Technique
Rest the side of your picking hand lightly against the strings near the bridge. This gives the thick, percussive tone that defines the riff.
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
Why is the Come Together bass line harder than it sounds?
It sounds simple because it sits deep in the mix and has a hypnotic, repetitive quality. But the sliding notes need precise fret-hand control, the syncopated timing against the drums demands careful listening, and the muted string tone is a specific technique. Getting all three right simultaneously is what makes it deceptively tricky.
What speed should I start practising at?
Start at 50% speed. This gives you time to hear exactly where the slides land and how the bass locks in with the kick drum. Once you can play it cleanly at 50%, move to 65%, then 75%, then full speed.
Can I loop just the intro riff?
Yes. The pre-configured link loops the opening bass riff from 0:00 to 0:20. 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 playing at 50% or 100%, making it easy to play along.