Any advice on writing melodic bass?

the_kev · #1 09-09-2003, 09:09 AM

I've just gotten my head around theory and scales and stuff and I want to write some melodic basslines that i can use if i want to get graded, but i don't know where to star

Howard K · #2 09-09-2003, 09:17 AM

...at the beginning.

Play as much as you can, and develop any parts you like.

Listen to music for inspiration.

Learn to play the tunes that pop into your head from time to time.

jive1 · #3 09-09-2003, 11:04 AM

Sing a bass line. Doesn't matter if you can sing or not. You can sing it in your head, or sing an approximation of what you want to do. Singing tends to be more melodic than playing bass, so it's an appropriate method. Singing helps, especially if you do not have adequate mastery of the instrument. Once you can sing a cool bassline, transfer it to your bass. Do that enough, and you'll be singing with your bass instead of your voice.

the ombudsman · #4 09-11-2003, 06:27 AM

I go with Howard and Jive. Listen to the song without your bass in your hands, so you won't be distracted or tempted to play the song too early. Then sing a bassline in your head. This way, muscle memory won't get in the way of creativity (i.e. you won't come with the same lines over and over again).

Well, this kinda works for me anyway! Good luck!

wulf · #5 09-11-2003, 07:43 AM

You could also try working on what has gone before - transcribing bass lines that fit your description of 'melodic' and playing any melodies that come to mind (even if you begin by improvising around Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). It's called 'paying your dues'....

Wulf

**Pacman** · #6 09-11-2003, 08:06 AM

Want to learn to play more melodically? Play more melodies.

Sound sophmoric, but it's true.

the_kev · #7 09-11-2003, 08:42 AM

Any advice on what i should listen to? I think that Jaco's melodic stuff's amazing but i can't get my head around them.

Bass Aficionado · #8 09-11-2003, 08:48 AM

Jaco might be jumping into the deep end. Try out some Paul McCartney first - Rubber Sould onward in the Beatle catalog is a good place to start.

CrawlingEye · #9 09-11-2003, 01:04 PM

If you're not opposed to modern rock, I'd suggest Hot Water Music. Their bassist and drummer are both jazz artists, in a rock situation. I suggest songs like "Trademark" or "Our Own Way."

I think a lot melodic playing comes from utilizing melodic intervals, as silly as it sounds. Also, thinking in core chord progressions helps well. I use a lot of major 2nd chords. Droning your root in conjunction with other notes in the respective key always works too.

...just a couple pointers.

the_kev · #10 09-12-2003, 08:10 AM

Speaking of hot water, do you have any ideas of level 42 tunes that are worth listening to? Ive mastered dune tune but can't find any other songs like it

Jacob Bartfield · #11 09-15-2003, 02:15 PM

I agree with Bass Aficionado. Paul McCartney is an incredible bass player when it comes to melodic stuff. The bass lines on Abbey Road are all great, especailly "Something." Sgt. Pepper's got some good ones too. Off that album, I'd recomend checking out "With A Little Help From My Friends." On Rubber Soul, he plays the only real bass melody or solo on any Beatles song in "Michele."