Bass Shredding

[Journey55]

I'm pretty new to playing bass (started the electric and upright in august) however I was wondering, out of interest, guitarists always seem to play able to play those wicked fast runs (for lack of a better term) to show off and such. Now I don't care too much for showing off but I am curious as to what people usually play when they 'shred'. While I haven't seen any bassists do it (I'm sure someone has), I can't imagine the general idea would be different....thanks for you help

[Tanner5382]

‪John Entwistle bass solo‬‏ - YouTube

[TylerSteiz]

‪billy sheehan bass solo‬‏ - YouTube - Billy Sheehan is a monster

[ZanaZulu807]

It's a little secret of mine but who cares... I don't really play anything, rather I always try to emulate someone singing/vocalizing beautifully; hell I even hum to myself when I'm playing. Trying not to brag but it really does make for some pretty good sounding solos or "shredding". It's the only thing that would make me want to purchase a 6 string bass, just to get some extra notes here and there.

[Journey55]

Although those videos are great examples of what I'm talking about......I was wondering the theory behind them, like how they decide which notes to play and such

[Tanner5382]

To be honest with you, a LARGE amount of "shredding" is just noodling. No theory behind it. However if you want to shred in a song, at the simplest level you would just need to make sure you were staying within the key.