Reggae is a lot of fun for bass players as the bass plays a dominant role in the groove. The feel can be straight or swung but is usually straight.

A distinctive part of Reggae is the emphasis on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar, usually played by a guitar.

Examples L1 & 2

The chord progression for this jamming spot is G to F. Try writing several different parts as there are many possibilities.

Example L3

This jamming spot is swung in Bmin.

Examples L4 & 5

This jamming spot fits together with the previous example as both parts are from the same song.

Example L6

Example L6 follows a chord progression of:

A ' ' ' A ' ' ' D ' ' ' E ' ' '

As these are all major chords the bass is able to play major chord tones which creates a happy, almost comical sounding line. The great reggae singer Bob Marley is reported to have described reggae as a sad melody sung over happy music.