If you are looking for accurate bass tabs and sheet music for “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park, you are stepping into a defining era for the band. This massive stadium-rock anthem from their 2007 album Minutes to Midnight bridges the gap between their early nu-metal sound and their expansive rock era, earning its place in both the Platinum collection and the Spotify Billions Club. Below, you will find the officially licensed sheet music, my Session Notes on how to capture that punchy rock tone, and a timestamped breakdown to help you practice along.
Get the Accurate What I’ve Done Bass Transcription (PDF & Sheet Music)
Feel free to just jump straight in to the tab and sheet music at the links below, but make sure you come back to check out my session notes on tone, technique, and the song’s breakdown!
👉 Download from Sheet Music Direct
👉 Download from Sheet Music Plus
👉 Download from MuseScore
👉 Download from Musicnotes
You can also find our sheet music for sale in over 5,000 Hal Leonard InStore digital retailers with print-on-demand options available (availability may vary per store)!
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Listen To The Original Track
Before you dive into the sheet music, press play below and listen closely to how the bass provides an unstoppable, driving engine underneath the piano hook and guitars.
Song Structure:
- 0:00 – Intro: The song opens with the iconic piano motif. The bass enters alongside the heavy guitars, establishing the heavy Drop D foundation with driving power.
- 0:43 – Verse 1: The bass drops out completely here. Let the vocals and drums carry the track and use this time to prep for the massive chorus entrance.
- 0:59 – Pre-Chorus 1: Bass remains out, letting the tension build organically.
- 1:07 – Chorus 1: The progression opens up. Come in hot on the downbeat and dig in for an aggressive attack to perfectly support the wall of guitars.
- 1:23 – Verse 2: Bass drops out again.
- 1:39 – Pre-Chorus 2: Bass remains out.
- 1:47 – Chorus 2: The heavy chorus returns. Keep the low-end anchored, punchy, and driving.
- 2:05 – Solo: The instrumental break. Maintain the heavy, driving eighth-note foundation to fully support the soaring guitar lines above you.
- 2:23 – Bridge: The arrangement strips back. Instead of driving rhythm, you are holding a single, powerful sustained G note on the 5th fret of the low D string. Let it ring out fully as the tension builds.
- 2:41 – Chorus 3: Give it everything you have for the final chorus. Anchor that heavy progression and lock in for the loudest section of the track.
- 2:57 – Outro: The final instrumental section. Keep the groove consistent and locked in until the final note.
Song Information
Title: What I’ve Done
Artist: Linkin Park
Album: Minutes To Midnight
Bassist: Dave “Phoenix” Farrell
Difficulty: Beginner
Tuning: Drop D
Key: G Minor
Tempo: 120
Bass Diary Entry: Proof Evolution Beats Repetition
This song — and the album it came from — will always have a special place for me.
I remember when it dropped, and a lot of people weren’t on board at all. It wasn’t as heavy as the first two albums, it sounded different, they were trying new things… you heard it all. But honestly? None of that ever mattered to me.
This was a great song on a great album. Simple as that.
If anything, it showed that the band weren’t content to just repeat themselves. They stripped things back, leaned more into atmosphere and songwriting, and proved they could hit just as hard without relying purely on heaviness.
And of course, this track took on a life of its own thanks to its use in Transformers. That ending scene cemented it as something bigger — one of those moments where music and film just click perfectly. Since then, it’s basically become part of internet culture too, constantly popping up in memes and reels tied to that same iconic vibe.
From a bass perspective, it’s all about restraint and purpose. The line supports the song’s build and atmosphere rather than driving it aggressively. It’s subtle, but it plays a key role in giving the track its weight and space.
It might not have been what people expected at the time, but looking back, What I’ve Done feels like a turning point — a band evolving, taking risks, and still delivering something that stuck with people long after release.
Session Notes: Tone & Technique
The Groove & Harmony
Sitting at a driving 120 BPM in the key of G Minor, “What I’ve Done” relies heavily on a relentless, pulsing eighth-note rhythm. The challenge here isn’t complex fretboard acrobatics; it is stamina and absolute metronomic consistency. You have to lock in perfectly with Rob Bourdon’s kick drum. Utilizing the open D string allows you to anchor the heavy progression while keeping your fretting hand free for melodic shifts.
Dynamic Restraint
The most important part of Dave “Phoenix” Farrell’s bassline on this track is knowing when not to play. With the bass completely dropping out during every verse and pre-chorus, the song is defined by its massive loud/quiet dynamic shifts. The challenge is re-entering cleanly and aggressively on the exact downbeat of the chorus after resting. During the bridge, absolute control is needed to hold that single sustained G on the 5th fret of the low D string without letting the underlying energy drop.
Emulating the Alt-Rock Tone
To nail Phoenix’s tone on this record, you want a solid, punchy rock tone. If you are playing a standard electric bass, here is how you dial it in:
- Use a Pick: This track demands the sharp, defined attack of a pick to cut through the heavy guitars and drive the chorus rhythm.
- Pickup Selection: Favor the bridge pickup slightly to get a tighter, more focused midrange that will articulate your picking.
- Compression & Grit: Add a moderate amount of compression to keep those pulsing chorus notes completely even in volume. Dial in just a touch of tube-style overdrive so the bass cuts through the mix during the heavy sections without getting muddy.
The Bass Diaries “The Studio Sessions” Cover
I covered this song as part of my “Studio Sessions” back in 2020 during the height of COVID, you can check out the playthrough and list of gear I used below:
Gear I Used For This Session:
- Fender Jaguar
- Line 6 Studio UX2
- BIAS FX 2
- Clayton USA Ultem Rounded Triangle 1.2mm Picks
Get the Official Sheet Music
You’ve made it this far, so don’t settle for “close enough” tabs that often miss the nuances that make a bass line groove.
This What I’ve Done bass transcription is the result of hours of deep listening and research, ensuring you’re playing exactly what’s on the record.
Whether you’re prepping for a session or mastering your favourite tracks at home, get the professional edge with our officially licensed sheet music that ensures songwriters and performers are respected.from the below retailers!
👉 Download from Sheet Music Direct
👉 Download from Sheet Music Plus
👉 Download from MuseScore
👉 Download from Musicnotes
Affiliate Note: This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full details on affiliate links, please see the Affiliate Link Policy.
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Mastered What I’ve Done and want to learn more?
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