This song has the same chord progression throughout which makes it easy to learn.  The only difference between the verse and the chorus is a few additional melodic notes in the chorus.  The verses can all be played on the low E string.  I believe that's how it was played in the original recording because you can hear the finger slides between notes.

This song has the same chord progression throughout which makes it easy to learn. 

Bad Dreams

Billions of views and streams in less than a year, this song is familiar enough now that we think we can pull this off in clubs that attract younger crowds.  As good as the song is, if people don't know it, they won't stick around.  It's always interesting to see what songs get people on the floor.

Billions of views and streams in less than a year, this song is familiar enough now that we think we can pull this off

APT.

My mountain biking buddy, David, from Southern California -- the guy who got me into the sport almost 15 years ago -- made this request.  I had never heard the song before yesterday. He said it's been popping up frequently on his Pandora feed.  114+ million streams on Spotify.  Not this band's most popular song, but very hooky.  It's uptempo, fun, and fairly easy to play with 4 basic notes Bb, Gb, Db, and F.   The 5-string helps to hit that low Db.

My mountain biking buddy, David, from Southern California -- the guy who got me into the sport

Living In A Haze

This song is another do over.  I recorded nearly all of these videos around the time I was learning how to play them.  We've played this frequently with Copy/Paste in several rehearsals and gigs.  As a result, I'm learning to play it better and thought I would update the channel.

Paramore's studio version of this song was recorded in Drop C# tuning, which means all published tabs and music notation assumes a 4 string bass with each string tuned down 3 half steps. At a gig, you usually would have to grab a different instrument or tune down for this song. Then you have to reverse the process immediately after.

The benefit of a 5-string bass is that you can play those low notes on the B string and remain in standard tuning. I looked around but thought it would be easier to just tab out my own version, which I've done here.

This song is another do over.  I recorded nearly all of these videos around the time I was learning

Ain't It Fun

The bass line for this bouncy little 80s europop song is literally only 4 different notes (E, F, G & A) and can be played entirely on the E string.  The rhythm is a little tricky though.

There is one little bridge where the bass is tacit.  I added a few notes there just for fun :).

The bass line for this bouncy little 80s europop song is literally only 4 different notes

The Look Of Love

This 1998 pop song surfaced on a one-hit wonder playlist I was listening to this weekend.  The original arrangement has the bass sitting on a C# for the verses, which sounds great!  But it made me start to think about how I might play it a little differently.

This 1998 pop song surfaced on a one-hit wonder playlist I was listening to this weekend.  The original arrangement has

Crush

One of my cover bands added this song for our New Years Eve and Early January 2025 gigs.  This is the arrangement I played at those gigs.  It's a simple song with only 2 parts.  The verses are basically quarter notes on F.  I took a bit of inspiration from other YT covers to enhance it just a bit.  The choruses are simple Bb - C - D - F, and I played with octave 8th notes.

One of my cover bands added this song for our New Years Eve and Early January 

1999

Highlights from our gig at O'Reillys/San Francisco January 25, 2025.

O'Reillys - San Francisco - 25 Jan 2025

Looking forward to playing this song with Copy/Paste this Saturday night at O'Reilly's Irish Pub in San Francisco this Saturday (1/25/2025).  For those of you who can't make it or who missed it, here's my part...

This 2013 song is also pretty easy for bass.  It's mostly F - Db and Ab.  For the chorus, you add in Eb.  

It will be fun to see how the crowd reacts to this.

Looking forward to playing this song with Copy/Paste this Saturday night

Cool Kids

Here's some of what you missed, if you weren't in Livermore, CA on New Years Eve 2024.  Our lead vocalist , Taryn, got us started early in the evening.  Close to midnight, we were joined by special guest vocalist, Kate.  Later, the local band "The Vigilantes" stopped by and we coaxed the lead singer to join us for a few songs at the end.

Here's some of what you missed, if you weren't in Livermore, CA on New Years Eve 2024

New Years Eve Highlights

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**Mark Carlson - SF East Bay (Walnut Creek) Bass Player**

I learned to play bass in elementary school and played in [jazz & pep bands throughout junior high and high school](/gear/1973-fender-jazz/). But after graduation, the bass remained tucked in its case for decades. During COVID lockdowns, my younger daughter expressed an interest in learning to play guitar. I began playing again too, hoping to enjoy the occasional practice sessions with her.  Now, I play (or sub) in a few local cover bands:

- [Retroflection](https://retroflection.band)
- [Copy/Paste](https://copypasteband.com)
- [CrossTown 5](http://www.crosstown5.com/)
- FourPlay
- Rottin & Friends

Check out [my schedule of events](/events/).

My bass collection has grown from that original [1973 Fender Jazz to include 4 others](/gear/).  My wife says I'm going through a midlife crisis.  Well, ok.  Yeah.  Maybe.

Preferred music styles:

- Pop (70s/80s/90s through contemporary hit)
- Rock (Pop/Alternative/Modern/Classic)
- Contemporary Christian
- R&B/Soul/Funk
- Cover/Tribute
- Or any other style with fun, interesting bass lines!

Other stuff I'm into:

- [Bikes](https://www.strava.com/athletes/147331) (road & mountain, but prefer mountain)
- BBQ
- Beer (IPA - West Coast & New England Hazy)

Stuff I'm not into:

- Metal or ear-blistering hard rock.
- Singing.  I marvel at those [who are able to play bass and sing simultaneously!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDEqrOumzi0)
- Unstructured jam sessions.  Prefer to work on songs, sets, and creating exceptional performances.
- Drugs/Smoking.
- Touring - I am [employed full time](https://mc.dev).

Recent Bass Cover Videos

Who Am I?