How to write a bassline..

[lars-h]

Hi..

This maybe a stupid question but im new on bass.. I want to write a bassline and the chord is C7. Wich notes can be used to write the line? I know the root, C, can be used and also the 5 (G) and the octave. Are there any other? What about all the notes in the C major scale?

Thanks in advance for helping.

[j.a.e.r.i.p]

C-D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C

those are the main notes, but you could obviously use chromatics, you could also take a modal approach and try using a Dmin approach, same notes different feel

[jaebee]

C7 is dominant chord, use dominant chord tones

C(1) E(3) G(5) Bb(b7)

read up on chord types and how they work with scales and keys, it is really helpful to know

[dhemstra]

any tips on resources for that?

[Bassist4Life]

We need more information.

What's the style? What's the tempo? What else is going on in the song? Is the song already busy with other things going on, or is it sparse?

You never have to apologize for playing the Root and the 5th.

Joe

[jackthestripper]

you could make something out of the root (c) and tritone (e and Bb)
(there should be a flat and sharp key on a typing keyboard!)

hey, you could play anything and make it sound good.

[j0n0j0n0]

seriously u can use any note in any scale, whatever sounds good works, i mean using acidentals can be a great way to get a unique sound, just mess around with it.

[Linkert]

Originally Posted by j0n0j0n0

seriously u can use any note in any scale, whatever sounds good works, i mean using acidentals can be a great way to get a unique sound, just mess around with it.

+1
I hate the thought of limiting your self with music theory..

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by j.a.e.r.i.p

C-D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C

those are the main notes, but you could obviously use chromatics, you could also take a modal approach and try using a Dmin approach, same notes different feel

That's a big assumption based on one chord. C7 could be a V7 chord for any number of scales it could also be a secondary dominant as in the case of the 4th mode of Melodic Minor.

If you are trying to write a bassline around that one chord, strictly speaking you have the notes C E G and Bb. Which other notes you use depend on the context of the piece in terms of stlye, rhythm, scale, chord progression and so on. One thing I would point out though is that that chord will have a strong tendency to resolve to the note F.

[edit]: This thread probably belongs in general instruction

[Jazzerbone]

I think the answer depends heavily on what style and speed you are playing. In a pretty ballad I might only play C but in a straight ahead jazz tune I might use C, E, G, and Bb... but if the chord is longer than a measure or so than I would definately use several passing tones. In a good funk line, I could choose C, Bb, E, F, F# and G. In a latin feel like Bossa Nova C and G get the job done well. The question is situational.

But really, I would consider rhythm before notes. Much more important.

[skaliwag66]

Whats the key of the song?

[EADG mx]

Whatever sounds good to you is right. Chord tones and in key notes are a very safe bet.

+1 on root and 5th (kind of bland at times, but very very safe bet)

+1 on rhythm being more important than pitches.




When I write basslines, my goal is always to bridge the gap between the drums and guitar. That said, take rhythms from the drums and tonality from the guitars (or any other tonal instrument, ex. piano)

[El-Bob]

just hit any note. it's an old music school trick. (any metalocalypse fans?)

[purduebass]

Originally Posted by El-Bob

just hit any note. it's an old music school trick. (any metalocalypse fans?)

Grandpa's guitars?!?!?!?!

[the_fonz]

Originally Posted by purduebass

Grandpa's guitars?!?!?!?!

I CAN'TS READS MUSICS!

[Koki]

Originally Posted by Linkert

I hate the thought of limiting your self with music theory..

now that's just wrong.

[El-Bob]

Originally Posted by purduebass

Grandpa's guitars?!?!?!?!

Originally Posted by the_fonz

I CAN'TS READS MUSICS!

[Grantrudd]

the root and the fifth are a very safe bet. bass is an instrument that is mainly meant to hold together the band harmonically and rhythmically. that said, you should not try to go too crazy with adding too many passing tones, or notes not included in the chord. depending on what type of music you are playing, a solid groove on the root would be the bassline for the song. it doesn't always need to be complicated. or even a simple walking bassline using quarter notes and notes included in the chord (C, E, G, Bb,). just do what sounds good. you will hear it and feel it when you play something that fits, and likewise when you play something that doesnt fit.

Good luck!