BASS RIFF as a "Song"

plangentmusic · #1 11-11-2010, 05:20 PM

Well, as "incidental music" at least.

A little 1:14 ditty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7GMVhC8ZN4

This was all done with a pick on an Ibanez 4 string SR500. No overdubs. (On the bass). The guitars act as a sonic cushion for the main bass riff.

More atmospheric than the rest of the album, (which is hard driving surf rock) but I couldn't resist a few shots of the female form. (Can't help it).

All feedback is welcome.

plangentmusic · #2 11-13-2010, 09:59 PM

No responses eh? Okay, now I'm wondering if the picking is clear or if it just sounds like a guitar.

pukeorama · #3 11-13-2010, 10:18 PM

The picking is clear infact its way too clear. It sounds like a baratone guitar. To the untrained ear people with think it may not be a bass. However; its not a bad a thing art is yours period. Something to keep in mind really. I would reccomend using your fingers instead of a pick because it will give it a more natural tone. Iam also biast with picks anyways because properly trained fingers can give more tones than a pick in the long run. Look at re EQing the tone too. What i look for with any bass tone is very lush, big, mid range and growl. Your tone is very cold and hollow. Listen bassists like Dean Deleo or Alex Katunich and well Jaco. Their tones are a very good staples to work with. However; if its what you are going for than you have achieved your goal.

The melody you have written along with the accented bass chords is very good. There is definatly something to work with there. I are playing with good players your melody can be created into something more grand than what you have. If your drummer gives a good spicey drum beat and your guitar players or keyboard players can give you a counter melody against what you wrote on bass you can lay in the pocket with the drums and have a really groovey song.

Hope thats the feedback you were looking for and good luck with your musical endeavors.

plangentmusic · #4 11-13-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukeorama

The picking is clear infact its way too clear. It sounds like a baratone guitar. To the untrained ear people with think it may not be a bass. However; its not a bad a thing art is yours period. Something to keep in mind really. I would reccomend using your fingers instead of a pick because it will give it a more natural tone. Iam also biast with picks anyways because properly trained fingers can give more tones than a pick in the long run. Look at re EQing the tone too. What i look for with any bass tone is very lush, big, mid range and growl. Your tone is very cold and hollow. Listen bassists like Dean Deleo or Alex Katunich and well Jaco. Their tones are a very good staples to work with. However; if its what you are going for than you have achieved your goal.

The melody you have written along with the accented bass chords is very good. There is definatly something to work with there. I are playing with good players your melody can be created into something more grand than what you have. If your drummer gives a good spicey drum beat and your guitar players or keyboard players can give you a counter melody against what you wrote on bass you can lay in the pocket with the drums and have a really groovey song.

Hope thats the feedback you were looking for and good luck with your musical endeavors.

I presume that's a typo, but couldn't figure it out.

Thanks for the feedback. You're right, it does sound like a baritone guitar but as a composition it's just some incidental music. I do write traditional songs, but this was just a bass thing.

And just because this is played with a pick doesn't mean I don't play (or know how to play) with my fingers. In fact, it's the only track where I use a pick. I also play upright bass

And I'm the drummer and guitarist on the track.

DrSmaggs · #5 11-13-2010, 10:34 PM

I like it. To me, it is obvious that you're playing a bass... with fresh strings, good EQ and a pick...

I think your tone and playing are fantastic. It's a cool piece. Maybe bring the guitars up a notch, because I like what they're doing and they just sound tucked a little too far back.

Nice work!!

plangentmusic · #6 11-13-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrSmaggs

I like it. To me, it is obvious that you're playing a bass... with fresh strings, good EQ and a pick...

I think your tone and playing are fantastic. It's a cool piece. Maybe bring the guitars up a notch, because I like what they're doing and they just sound tucked a little too far back.

Nice work!!

Thanks, I appreciate that. Yep, new strings and a new Ibanez SR500 with Bartolinis. The sound (and thin neck) just called for a pick and I came up with this the first day I got it.

You may be right about the guitars. I guess I was afraid of cluttering the articulation of the bass. Bass as a lead instrument can be tricky!

DrSmaggs · #7 11-13-2010, 10:46 PM

yeah, well I feel that your technique and the EQ of the guitars and bass will compliment each other well when mixed so the guitars pop a little. Give it a shot and see how you like it.

pukeorama · #8 11-14-2010, 02:26 AM

lol ya man its full of typos all over and under the place. I only write in those kinds

Iam glad we got some feedback going on.

plangentmusic · #9 11-14-2010, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukeorama

lol ya man its full of typos all over and under the place. I only write in those kinds

Iam glad we got some feedback going on.

Ha! No problem.

And Smaggs, I took your advice and raised the guitars, but had to lower the drums to compensate. It's funny how a slight alteration can change the vibe of a song. I'm going to live with it for a while, but I think I like it!

DrSmaggs · #10 11-14-2010, 10:36 AM

That's the cool part about having masters... you can keep tweaking them until the song is the best it can be.

NielsBass · #11 11-14-2010, 11:02 AM

Wow love it, how did you get such a clear and bright sound?

plangentmusic · #12 11-14-2010, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NielsBass

Wow love it, how did you get such a clear and bright sound?

Thanks. It was done on garage band DI. No external effects aside from the interface.

As mentioned, it was an Ibanez with Barts. That's a very specific sound.

All my basses are cheapo's.

I think the sound is a matter of articulation. It's easier to pick by the bridge but I found I got a clearer sound picking more toward the front pu. It takes a little more control but it's a fuller, yet clearer tone.

The blend is toward the front pu and the EQ was what i usually do -- pump 80hz, 400hz and 4 k and cut 800 a little.

And there's a little reverb -- which I usually avoid on bass, but I felt this piece needed it for "atmosphere."