I'm Only Sleeping - Bass Line Video

Paul's bass line on the Beatles' song "I'm Only Sleeping" from Revolver (1966) is bouncy and melodic. Much of the line is based on a root-fifth motion, but this isn't a simple "country" groove. Measures 1-2 provide a good example. He plays the root on beats 1 and 2, moves down to the 5th on beat 3, and then beat 4 is 5th-root in 8th notes. The bass line on the refrain is similar though slightly more embellished. But the basic idea is the root on beats 1 and 2, the 5th on beat 3. 

With all of McCartney's other bass highlights like "Something," "Rain," and pretty much all of Sgt. Pepper, his Revolver bass lines are often overlooked. But this is a great bass line and is very fun to play.



I am playing a 1985 Rickenbacker 4003 through a SansAmp VT Bass Deluxe. My bass is strung with LaBella flatwound strings. 

Music and lyrics by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

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