Famous String Theory Bass Lines: More Than Just the Root

These bass players go above and beyond just holding down the low end. This week we’re featuring our “Top Famous Bass Lines” from String Theory. Each artist featured played riffs that were recognized on the radio around the world, creating their own space with hooks and melody that has remained iconic throughout the years.

Mike Dirnt

Mike Dirnt is featured playing the song “Longview” in the intro which was Green Day‘s debut single off of their 1994 album, Dookie. The single also went to #1 on the Modern Rock charts in the US and is often credited to being the band’s breakout single into the mainstream.

Bass playing to me is the anchor, but it’s also finding your song within the song.

Mike plays Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass strings to achieve his iconic bass lines.

Justin Chancellor

You’ll catch EB family member Justin Chancellor playing the song “Schism” (10:08) off of TOOL‘s third full-length album Lateralus, released in 2002. The band won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance for this song and it was their first single off of the record. This track was just as much a hit on the radio as it was with music lovers for the use of uncommon time signatures that still felt melodic to all that listened. The song hit #2 on both the Billboard US Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock Song charts. 

Playing bass for me is the ultimate freedom. When I play music, expressing myself is a lot easier.

Justin Chancellor‘s hard hitting bass lines are made with the use of his Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Bass strings.

Shavo Odadjian

You can catch our beloved friend Shavo playing the iconic track “Spiders” from System Of A Down‘s self-titled 1999 debut album. The song was featured on the Scream 3 Soundtrack and also solidified the band’s place in the rock world when the song landed on ever-popular video game, Rock Band. The single peaked at 25 on the Mainstream US Rock charts and was almost the predecessor to their major hit, “Aerials” from their 2002 album, Toxicity. 

I’m a musician and an artist. I was born to create things and make music. It makes me happy.

Shavo plays Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass 5 strings out on the road and in the studio.