Mellowship starts in E
major for the
intro, then goes into a
funky B major bass line in the verse. They probably wrote the song around the
verse bass and
guitar, so that's where it got the name. Then it goes into an E
minor chorus (good god etc.) then back into the verse. After the next chorus it goes into an B minor
modulating to A minor guitar solo. Then back into the B major verse and finally back into the E major intro. Contrary to what
Tabs says, Flea does not fully show off his popping and slapping skills. He just plays very funky and close to the bridge, with a lot of treble, which can sound a bit like slap.