Master the Iconic Bass Riff from Muse's Hysteria!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Requested Bass Riff from "Hysteria" by Muse
- The Original Sound and Pedals Used
- Breaking Down the Main Riff
- Fingering Techniques
- Learning and Practicing Tips
- Exploring Other Muse Bass Riffs
- Conclusion
- Resources
🎸 The Requested Bass Riff from "Hysteria" by Muse
Muse's "Hysteria" is undoubtedly one of the most popular bass riffs of all time. The driving force behind the song is Chris Wolstenholme's incredible bass playing. In this article, we will break down the main riff of "Hysteria" and explore the techniques and effects used to achieve that iconic sound. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bassist, this guide will help you learn and master this highly requested bass riff.
The Original Sound and Pedals Used
Chris Wolstenholme is known for his heavy use of effects pedals, and "Hysteria" is no exception. To achieve the signature tone, Wolstenholme used a combination of pedals, including the Human Gear Animato and a Big Muff distortion pedal. Additionally, the bass signal was split into three separate channels and doubled with a Roland GAAP 8000 synth. While these effects may be difficult to replicate exactly, we will provide alternative options to achieve a similar sound without breaking the bank.
Breaking Down the Main Riff
The main riff of "Hysteria" is built around open string pedal tones, emphasizing the chords as they progress. The riff begins with an A minor chord, followed by an E7, a D minor, and back to A minor. The notes are played on the open strings, with some variations and chromatic runs in between. We will go through the tab and explain each section in detail, allowing you to follow along and learn the riff note by note.
Note: For the complete breakdown of the tab, please refer to the accompanying video or visit the Talking Bass website.
Fingering Techniques
When it comes to fingering the main riff of "Hysteria," you can use the first three fingers of your left hand for most of the notes. However, there are a few sections where you have a choice between fingerings. For instance, you can either use the second finger followed by the first finger to slide down the neck, or opt for a shift and play the notes with the fourth finger instead. The choice ultimately depends on what feels more comfortable for you.
Learning and Practicing Tips
To effectively learn the "Hysteria" bass riff, it's best to break it down into smaller parts. Start by practicing one bar at a time, gradually adding more notes as you become comfortable with each section. This approach allows you to focus on specific segments and practice them at a slower pace, ensuring accuracy and building muscle memory. Additionally, maintaining consistent technique and using the same picking patterns throughout the riff will yield better results. Don't rush the learning process, take your time to master each segment before moving on.
Exploring Other Muse Bass Riffs
While "Hysteria" is undoubtedly a fan favorite, Chris Wolstenholme has played many other incredible bass riffs throughout Muse's discography. Whether you're a die-hard Muse fan or simply looking to expand your bass playing repertoire, we encourage you to explore other riffs by Chris Wolstenholme. The Talking Bass lesson map page provides a vast collection of over 350 free bass lines, conveniently organized for easy navigation. Feel free to visit the website and discover more iconic bass riffs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning and mastering the bass riff from "Hysteria" by Muse is an exciting journey for any bassist. By breaking down the original sound, exploring the fingering techniques, and following the provided tab, you'll be well on your way to playing this iconic riff. Remember to focus on consistent technique, practice with patience, and have fun along the way. So grab your bass and start jamming to the infectious energy of "Hysteria." Rock on!
Resources
- Link to Talking Bass website
- Video link to the breakdown of "Hysteria" bass riff
