I've got a gig backing a hip-hop act. I've never done this before, and the music is pretty simple/grooving - Got any tips?

moog

I've got a gig backing a hip-hop act. I've never done this before, and the music is pretty simple/grooving - Got any tips?

You gave the answer. Job number one is Groove. Lay it down and don't worry about playing a lot of notes. Keepin it in the pocket will make everyone happy. :bassist:

You gave the answer. Job number one is Groove. Lay it down and don't worry about playing a lot of notes. Keepin it in the pocket will make everyone happy. :bassist:



Yeah - I've got a copy of the album that we're to be playing, most of the basslines are one-two notes. We could put in some cool syncopated funky stuff.. I'm really excited for this.

And use the less is more approach and make every note count even if it's a minum or half note

And use the less is more approach and make every note count even if it's a minum or half note

+1

I take the approach that hip hop is basically stripped down funk. Same rhythms, just generally slower with more space.

Keep good time and don't overplay. Simple grooves. If you do want to get a little busier and play a funky syncopated part, do it on the turnarounds or at the end of lines. Just don't crowd the MC since that's the focus of the show.

I take the approach that hip hop is basically stripped down funk. Same rhythms, just generally slower with more space.

Keep good time and don't overplay. Simple grooves. If you do want to get a little busier and play a funky syncopated part, do it on the turnarounds or at the end of lines. Just don't crowd the MC since that's the focus of the show.

+1

great advice. Also, get the album The Roots - The Roots Come Alive. I wonderful example of Hip-Hop bass at its best.

+1

I take the approach that hip hop is basically stripped down funk. Same rhythms, just generally slower with more space.

Keep good time and don't overplay. Simple grooves. If you do want to get a little busier and play a funky syncopated part, do it on the turnarounds or at the end of lines. Just don't crowd the MC since that's the focus of the show.

+1 on that. Also from experience in this, you might want to talk to the group and see what musical freedom you have. Alot of times in hip hop, depending on the song, they want the exact same bassline all the way through the song (so you might be like a live sample on some tunes).

I do some 'bluegrass techno', weird eh?

But anyways, the techno stuff I really almost just keep the same bass line through the parts, barely any filles, and I love lines that aren't real busy so you can really let the bass note ring out and decay.

Also, though I do some slap and use that tone, I really like that no-treble-really bassy tone that you think of when people are driving by with the bass turned up way too loud. Thinking p-bass with tone mostly rolled off.

But, that is just personal preferences, i am sure if you don't get in the way of things you will do great!!!!

+1

great advice. Also, get the album The Roots - The Roots Come Alive. I wonderful example of Hip-Hop bass at its best.

+1

Hub and Amir are a great rhythm section, definitely check out The Roots.