Latest BASS LINES: Shakira, “Can’t Remember to Forget You”

Hello Bass Players!

If you like the new wave and the reggae rock, this is the article for you. This month I have the bass grooves of the song “Can’t Remember to Forget You” by the Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira.

A Spanish-language version of the song, entitled “Nunca Me Acuerdo de Olvidarte”, was released on January 21, 2014. The song has some ska influences, also pop and reggae similarities to The Police and Bruno Mars.

* The song was written in the key of B minor, and set in common time signature with a moderately fast tempo.

Fig. 1 – An uptempo bass line full of groove. Look out with the rests and the passing tones.

Fig. 2 – This pattern is an eight-note groove with accents on beats 1, 2& and 4.

JDV