Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the mesmerizing bassline of Radiohead's Street Spirit (Fade Out). This track, a cornerstone of The Bends album, isn't just a song; it's an experience. Known for its haunting atmosphere and Thom Yorke's ethereal vocals, "Street Spirit" also boasts a subtly brilliant bassline that perfectly complements the song's overall mood. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or just starting out, learning to play this song on bass can be incredibly rewarding. So, grab your bass, tune it up, and let's get started!

Unpacking the Bassline

Before we start playing, let's dissect the bassline of "Street Spirit." Colin Greenwood's approach in this song is all about serving the song, not overpowering it. The bassline is relatively simple, focusing on root notes and subtle variations that add depth and texture to the track. It's a masterclass in how to create a compelling bass part without being overly flashy. The song is primarily in the key of A minor, giving it that melancholic feel that we all associate with Radiohead. Understanding the key and chord progressions is crucial for nailing the bassline accurately.

Key Elements of the Bassline:

• Root Notes: The foundation of the bassline lies in the root notes of the chords. This provides the harmonic backbone and ensures that the bass locks in with the rest of the band.
• Subtle Variations: Greenwood introduces small variations in the rhythm and note choices to keep the bassline interesting without drawing too much attention to itself. These variations often involve adding passing tones or slightly altering the rhythmic pattern.
• Emphasis on Groove: The bassline emphasizes the groove of the song, creating a hypnotic rhythm that pulls the listener in. This is achieved through precise timing and a focus on the interplay between the bass and drums.
• Dynamic Control: Greenwood uses dynamics to great effect, varying the volume and intensity of the bassline to match the emotional arc of the song. This adds depth and nuance to the performance.

Gear and Tone

To get that authentic Street Spirit bass tone, you don't need a ton of fancy equipment. However, a few key elements will help you get closer to the original sound. First off, any decent bass will do, but a Precision Bass or a similar style with a split-coil pickup will get you closer to Colin Greenwood's sound. These basses are known for their punchy, defined tone, which is perfect for this song.

Amp Settings:

As for amplification, aim for a clean, round tone with a touch of warmth. Here’s a good starting point for your amp settings:

• Bass: Slightly boosted to provide a solid foundation.
• Mid: Cut slightly to avoid muddiness.
• Treble: Rolled off to avoid harshness.
• Presence: Adjust to taste, but keep it relatively low.

Effects:

Greenwood's bass tone on "Street Spirit" is relatively clean, so you won't need a lot of effects. However, a subtle compressor can help even out your dynamics and add a bit of sustain. A touch of chorus or reverb can also add some depth and atmosphere to the sound, but be careful not to overdo it.

Breaking Down the Song Structure

"Street Spirit" follows a fairly straightforward song structure, which makes it easier to learn and memorize. The song is built around a repeating verse and chorus, with a bridge section that provides a change of pace. Understanding the structure is crucial for playing the bassline accurately and confidently.

Song Structure:

1. Intro: The song begins with a sparse, atmospheric intro featuring clean guitar arpeggios and a subtle keyboard pad. The bass enters shortly after, establishing the main groove.
2. Verse 1: The first verse introduces Thom Yorke's haunting vocals. The bassline remains relatively simple, focusing on root notes and a steady rhythm.
3. Chorus 1: The chorus is slightly more intense, with the bassline becoming more prominent. Greenwood adds subtle variations to the rhythm and note choices to create a sense of lift.
4. Verse 2: The second verse follows a similar pattern to the first, with the bassline providing a solid foundation for the vocals.
5. Chorus 2: The second chorus is even more intense than the first, with the bassline becoming increasingly dynamic.
6. Bridge: The bridge section provides a change of pace, with a more melodic bassline and a different chord progression. This section builds tension and leads back into the final chorus.
7. Chorus 3: The final chorus is the most intense of all, with the bassline reaching its peak. Greenwood pulls out all the stops, adding fills and variations to create a powerful climax.
8. Outro: The song fades out with a repeating guitar riff and a simple bassline that gradually disappears.

Step-by-Step Bass Tab and Tutorial

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a simplified bass tab to get you started. Remember, listening to the song is key to getting the rhythm and feel right. This tab focuses on the main verse and chorus parts.

Verse:

G |------------------------------------------------|
D |------------------------------------------------|
A |-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5----------------|
E |---------------------------------5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|

Chorus:

G |------------------------------------------------|
D |------------------------------------------------|
A |-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3----------------|
E |---------------------------------5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|

Tips for Playing:

• Start Slow: Don’t try to play it at full speed right away. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
• Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the original recording to get the feel and nuances of the bassline.
• Focus on Timing: The timing is crucial for this song. Use a metronome or drum machine to help you stay in time.
• Experiment with Dynamics: Don’t be afraid to experiment with dynamics to add your own personal touch to the bassline.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a relatively simple bassline like Street Spirit, there are a few common mistakes that players often make. Recognizing these pitfalls can help you avoid them and play the song more accurately.

Common Mistakes:

• Rushing the Beat: One of the most common mistakes is rushing the beat, especially during the faster sections of the song. This can throw off the groove and make the bassline sound sloppy.
  • Solution: Use a metronome or drum machine to practice playing the bassline at a consistent tempo. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and avoid rushing ahead of the beat.
• Playing Too Loud: Another common mistake is playing the bass too loudly, overpowering the other instruments in the song. This can muddy the mix and make it difficult to hear the other parts.
  • Solution: Pay attention to your overall volume and adjust your amp settings accordingly. Aim for a balanced mix where the bass complements the other instruments without overpowering them.
• Ignoring Dynamics: Many players neglect the dynamics of the bassline, playing everything at the same volume. This can make the performance sound flat and lifeless.
  • Solution: Pay attention to the dynamic markings in the sheet music or tablature and vary your volume accordingly. Use dynamics to add depth and emotion to the bassline.
• Not Listening to the Original: Some players try to learn the bassline without listening to the original recording. This can lead to inaccuracies and a lack of understanding of the song's feel.
  • Solution: Listen to the original recording multiple times and pay close attention to the nuances of the bassline. Try to emulate Greenwood's tone and phrasing as closely as possible.

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you've mastered the basic bassline of Street Spirit, you can start exploring some advanced techniques and variations to add your own personal touch to the song. These techniques can help you take your playing to the next level and create a more dynamic and engaging performance.

Advanced Techniques:

• Adding Fills: One way to add interest to the bassline is to incorporate fills in between phrases. These can be simple melodic lines or more complex rhythmic patterns that complement the song's groove.
• Using Harmonics: Harmonics can add a unique and ethereal quality to the bassline. Try experimenting with natural and artificial harmonics to create interesting textures and sounds.
• Varying the Rhythm: Another way to add interest is to vary the rhythm of the bassline. This can involve adding syncopation, changing the note durations, or incorporating different rhythmic patterns.
• Experimenting with Tone: Don't be afraid to experiment with your tone to create different sounds and textures. Try using different effects, adjusting your amp settings, or even using a different bass altogether.

Why This Bassline Matters

Street Spirit is more than just a song; it's a mood, a feeling, a piece of art. The bassline, while seemingly simple, is integral to creating that atmosphere. It's a lesson in restraint, in serving the song, and in the power of simplicity. By learning this bassline, you're not just learning notes; you're learning about musicality and the art of crafting a compelling bass part that elevates the entire song.

So there you have it! A deep dive into the bassline of Radiohead's Street Spirit (Fade Out). I hope this guide has been helpful and inspires you to pick up your bass and start playing. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it, and you'll be nailing this bassline in no time. Happy playing!