Here is the riff from War’s “Low Rider” by bassist B.B. Dickerson. This is a fairly simple bass riff that is mostly just an ascending minor pentatonic scale, but is a very distinctive and recognizable line.
(Video Bass Lesson)
Low Rider Bass Riff – Tablature
Low Rider Bass Riff – Drum Jam Track
Jam along with this drum jam track.
G Minor Pentatonic Bass Scale Ascending
Below is the fingering for the minor pentatonic scale that is used. It’s an extended scale which requires a couple of position shifts. The riff itself stays on the bottom 3 strings only, but I’ve included the notes that would be on the first string as well.
When ascending you will make the shift with your 4th finger. You could also use your 3rd finger in place of your 4th finger.
G Minor Pentatonic Bass Scale Descending
When descending make the shift with your 1st finger.
War – Low Rider (Recording)
For some inspiration here is the recording of “Low Rider” from War.
