The Definitive 5-Step Guide To Mastering The 'Feel Good Inc.' Bass Tab (Updated 2024)

The "Feel Good Inc." bass line is one of the most recognizable and infectious grooves in 21st-century music, and as of December 2025, it remains a benchmark for aspiring bassists. This definitive guide cuts through the confusion to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to play Gorillaz's iconic track, covering everything from the essential tuning to the subtle techniques that make the riff so funky and memorable. Forget outdated tabs; this is the fresh, step-by-step breakdown you need to master the legendary bass part from the Demon Days album.

The song’s success is built on a deceptively simple, repetitive, and incredibly catchy riff, often mistakenly attributed solely to the cartoon character Murdoc Niccals. However, the real-life genius behind the studio recording is session musician Morgan Nicholls, whose performance cemented the track as a modern classic. We'll dive deep into his technique and the exact notes that power this 2005 Grammy-winning smash hit.

The Essential Biography and Technical Blueprint

Before diving into the tablature, understanding the context of the bass line is crucial for achieving the correct tone and feel. The true architect of the studio bass line is a seasoned professional whose work spans multiple genres.

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The Real Bassist: Morgan Nicholls

• Role on "Feel Good Inc.": Studio Bassist for the Demon Days album (2005).
• Background: A highly respected multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and session musician.
• Notable Collaborations: Played bass and keyboards with Muse, The Who, The Streets, and was a founding member of the punk band Senseless Things.
• Gorillaz Involvement: Toured with Gorillaz in 2005-2006 and contributed to the album's recording, providing the funky bass line that became a signature element of the song.
• Instrument (Lore): The animated bassist, Murdoc Niccals, is often seen playing his signature El Diablo Bass Guitar in the music video.

Crucial Technical Requirements

You cannot play the song correctly in standard E-A-D-G tuning. The bass line is written in the key of E-flat minor, which necessitates a specific tuning.

• Required Tuning: Eb Standard (E-flat, A-flat, D-flat, G-flat).
• Notes: This is achieved by tuning every string down a half-step from standard E-A-D-G.
• Key: Eb Minor.
• Tempo: Approximately 138 beats per minute (BPM).

Step 1: Mastering the Eb Standard Tuning (The Foundation)

The biggest mistake aspiring bassists make is attempting to play the riff in standard tuning. The entire song is tuned down a half-step, which gives the bass line its signature depth and menacing tone. If you try to play the notes in E Standard, the pitch will be noticeably wrong against the original track.

To tune your bass to Eb Standard (Eb Ab Db Gb):

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1. Tune your low E string down to Eb (E-flat).
2. Tune your A string down to Ab (A-flat).
3. Tune your D string down to Db (D-flat).
4. Tune your G string down to Gb (G-flat).

Pro Tip: Use a digital tuner with chromatic capabilities or a dedicated Eb tuning preset to ensure accuracy. A slight detuning can ruin the sound.

Step 2: The Main 'Feel Good Inc.' Bass Riff Tablature

The entire song is essentially built around a single, repetitive four-bar phrase. The key to nailing this groove is the timing—it is a study in offbeats and syncopation.

The main riff uses only the Eb and Ab strings (your new E and A strings) and is focused on the 3rd and 5th frets. The riff is played mostly on the off-beats, creating the funky, driving feel.

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Main Riff (Played repeatedly throughout the verse and chorus):

G|------------------------------------|

Db|------------------------------------|

Ab|--5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5---| (A-flat string)

Eb|------------------------------------|

Simplified Tab Breakdown (Eb Standard Tuning):

• Note: The riff is played entirely on the A-flat string (which is the second thickest string).
• Fingering: Use your Index Finger (1) for the 3rd fret and your Ring Finger (3) or Pinky (4) for the 5th fret. This minimizes movement and helps with speed.
• Rhythm: The pattern is a series of eighth notes. Pay close attention to the silence (rests) between the notes. The groove feels like it’s "stuttering" or "bouncing" because of the precise timing.

Step 3: The Verse Variation and the Signature Slide

While the main riff is the core of the song, there is a subtle variation that adds a dynamic texture, particularly during the verses. This variation introduces the low Eb note (the open E-flat string) and a crucial, fast slide.

Verse Riff Variation:

G|------------------------------------|

Db|------------------------------------|

Ab|--5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5---| (Bar 1, same as main riff)

Eb|------------------------------------|

G|------------------------------------|

Db|------------------------------------|

Ab|--5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5---| (Bar 2, same as main riff)

Eb|------------------------------------|

G|------------------------------------|

Db|------------------------------------|

Ab|--5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5---| (Bar 3, same as main riff)

Eb|------------------------------------|

G|------------------------------------|

Db|------------------------------------|

Ab|--5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5-5-5-3-5---| (Bar 4, same as main riff)

Eb|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---| (The low Eb is played underneath the main riff in some versions, or as a variation)

The Slide (The "Trick"):

The most famous technical flourish is the quick slide that often occurs at the end of the four-bar phrase, right before the riff repeats. This slide is a key element that gives the bass line its distinct "pop" and energy.

The slide is typically played from the 3rd fret down to the 1st fret (or even an open string) on the A-flat string, or sometimes as a quick slide up to the 5th fret. The exact execution varies slightly, but the goal is a rapid, percussive fret noise.

Step 4: Achieving Morgan Nicholls' Funky Tone and Feel

Simply playing the notes won't capture the song's energy. The tone and feel are just as important as the notes themselves. Morgan Nicholls' performance is all about precision and a slightly aggressive attack.

Playing Technique

• Attack: Use a pick (plectrum) for a sharper, more defined attack, which helps the bass cut through the mix. Alternatively, use your fingers with a strong, percussive pluck near the bridge pickup for a similar effect.
• Damping: The bass line is extremely tight and staccato. Practice palm muting or using a foam mute near the bridge to prevent notes from ringing out. This creates a punchy, deadened sound that is essential for the groove.
• Dynamics: Keep the volume consistent. The bass line is a constant, driving force, so avoid any major fluctuations in volume.

Gear and Effects

While studio secrets are complex, you can get close to the sound with these settings:

• Bass Type: A four-string bass is all you need.
• EQ: Boost the Mid-range slightly to give the bass line a "honky" or nasal quality that helps it stand out. Cut the extreme Lows to prevent muddiness.
• Compression: This is vital. Use a compressor pedal to even out the attack and sustain, making the repetitive notes sound uniform and punchy.
• Chorus/Flanger: Some listeners detect a very subtle chorus or flanger effect, especially on the album version, which adds a slight wobble to the tone. Experiment with a low-mix chorus effect.

Step 5: Practice Strategy for Speed and Groove

The final step is to build the speed and endurance needed to play the riff for the entire song (over 3 minutes). The key to this is slow, deliberate practice with a metronome.

1. Start Slow (60 BPM): Set your metronome to 60 BPM and play the main riff, focusing only on the timing of the offbeats. Count "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and" and ensure you are hitting the "ands."
2. Increase Incrementally: Gradually increase the tempo by 5 BPM only after you can play the riff perfectly 10 times in a row at the current speed.
3. Play with the Track: Once you reach about 120-130 BPM, start playing along with the original Gorillaz track (138 BPM). This is the best way to internalize the subtle rhythmic pushes and pulls that a metronome can't fully replicate.
4. Focus on Endurance: The riff is repetitive, which makes it tiring. Practice playing the riff non-stop for the full duration of the song to build the necessary stamina in your plucking/picking hand.

By following these steps, focusing on the correct Eb Standard tuning, and mastering the subtle syncopation and attack technique, you will be able to play the "Feel Good Inc." bass tab with the accuracy and swagger of Morgan Nicholls' original performance.