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 tuned an octave down, since the band has no bassist. But it's been covered by bassists everywhere.)
The line (in E minor)
Just five notes, repeated:
E string: 0 ---- 3 - 2 - 0 --- X - 0
E (open) | repeat | G F# E | ghost | low E
Tab form, on the E string only:
E |--0----0----3----2----0----0----0--
Or in note names: E - E - G - F# - E - E - E.
The rhythm
Quarter notes mostly, with a slight emphasis on beats 1 and 3 (the strong beats). The whole line repeats every 4 beats.
120 BPM is the original tempo. Slow it to 80 BPM to learn the moves; bump up as you nail it.
How to play it
- All on the E string.
- Index finger on fret 0 (open E), index again on fret 0, ring finger jumps to fret 3 (G), middle to fret 2 (F#), back to open E.
- All quarter notes. Each note gets one beat.
The whole song
The same line plays for the entire verse. The chorus shifts the riff up to higher notes (G, B). For now, master the verse riff.
(The notes of this riff are all 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 E string. The bass 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.