Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes has the most recognizable "bass line" in modern rock. (Trivia: the original is Jack White playing a guitar through an octave-down pedal, since the band has no bassist. But it's been covered by bassists everywhere.)
The line (in E minor)
Just five notes, repeated:
Tab form, on the A string:
A|--7--7--10--7--5--3--2--
Or in note names: E - E - G - E - D - C - B.
The rhythm
A long E, a short E, then G, E and D fill bar 1; C and B take two beats each in bar 2. The line repeats every two bars.
The original is about 124 BPM. Slow it to 80 BPM to learn the moves; bump up as you nail it.
How to play it
- All on the A string.
- Ring on fret 7 (E), pinky on fret 10 (G), then shift down through 7, 5, 3, 2.
The whole song
The same line plays for the entire verse. A louder section moves to G and A. For now, master the verse riff.
(All but the C of this riff is in E minor pentatonic, useful reference for improvising around the song.)
Try it with the original
Play the song on YouTube at full volume, headphones on. Play along on the A string. The riff is loud and clear; you'll know immediately if you're on the right notes.
Next: bass in a band, your job and how to find your place.