How to write a bassline...

[Limelight]

I know this seems like an obvious question, but I'm wondering if there are any tips on sitting down with a bass and writing a bassline. Any scales or exercises? So far, the ones I've written lately were based on luck, or written with all the other instruments finished.

[mutedeity]

This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer since there are as many answers as there are bass players. It can also depend on the situation you are writing in, for example if you are trying to write a bass part to music that is already written, or if you are trying to write something from a bass part, if it is a solo part or if it is meant to be part of an ensemble.

If I am writting for a piece of music that needs a bassline I will take several things into consideration. Firstly, what elements of other instruments dictate what I should play, for example what rhythmic elements and scale and chord progressons are involved or key parts of a melody so I can decided whether to play unison or counterpoint. Then I look at the scale and chord progression again to see what elements I can use to improvise within a certain parameter and also what non scalar tones will work and so on. Lastly I will consider the style of music and think about whether I should be more "busy" or whether I should keep it simple.

If I am writting music starting with a bassline there are many more factors involved. I might start with something I have been humming to myself. Other times I might decide to use a certain idea from a etude I have been working on or a certain technical exercise. I might start out with a simple idea and develop and embellish it as I go. Other factors I might consider are style and what ideas I am trying to project with the piece, also what other instruments might be doing. I might also consider how I can use an interesting scale or chord progression, or how I can play a certain rhythm or time signature.

The main thing is to experiment and keep developing your ideas. One piece of advice I will give you, though. Don't be too precious about anything you write by trying to make every single bassline the best one written. Allow yourself to develop even if you are writting some parts you think are less than perfect. You might be supprised that after a while you might revisit those parts and think they are great. Also the more you write and experiment the more your ideas will develop and come to you more easily.

Good luck.

[jsingles]

Thats great advice man. +1

[a e i o u]

could you explain playing in unison versus counterpoint??? i've noticed it sounds like the band Modest Mouse will have clean single noted (non chord) guitar parts and it sounds as if the bass is playing almost exactly after the guitar note is plucked. im almost positive this is what is happening but then again it might just be a delay effect.. but i really do think this is the bass playing after the guitar. is that counterpoint?

[pretaanluxis]

Originally Posted by a e i o u

the bass playing after the guitar. is that counterpoint?

no. "counterpoint is the relationship between two or more voices that are independent in contour and rhythm, and interdependent in harmony." Counterpoint

I think Counterpoint is too advanced for a beginner.

I just think of it as playing a separate melody. I will still at least keep the notes in the same basic key or chord as the guitar..listen to Turn It Again by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a good example of playing different parts but having them fit well.

[tswd]

http://cnx.org/content/m11634/latest

[nysbob]

My suggestion would be to analyze some bass tracks you like and recognize and understand the elements you like and try to incorporate those elements into what you want to come up with.

When I'm presented with a new tune (whether written by someone else or me) I take a lot of different things into consideration. #1 has to be to give the tune a solid groove and foundation, but beyond that look for little rhythmic or melodic "hooks" that can carry on through the tune and give it an identity. Listen to to the vocal and make sure it's supported properly. If you want to throw some little signature licks in, look for places in the arrangement where it won't get in in the way.

Above all, serve the song. If pedaling whole notes is the right thing to do, do it. You've got your whole career to show everyone what you can do, but if you cut some great tracks being simple, you'll have more opportunities to do that.

[chaosMK]

It just takes time and experience to write really deep bass parts, and to play them awesome.

A little basic theory and knowledge of scales helps.

You can start out by matching up root notes with the guitarist.

As for composing... sit in your room and see what you come up with. Fool around with the sounds and how they make you feel. If you work to gain technical proficiency, that will give you more options. After about 10 years you might start scratching the surface. =)

[rstansfield64]

Originally Posted by chaosMK

It just takes time and experience to write really deep bass parts, and to play them awesome.

A little basic theory and knowledge of scales helps.

You can start out by matching up root notes with the guitarist.

As for composing... sit in your room and see what you come up with. Fool around with the sounds and how they make you feel. If you work to gain technical proficiency, that will give you more options. After about 10 years you might start scratching the surface. =)

no joke about playing for 10 years and just scratching the surface. i've been playing for almost 10 and i feel like im just starting. the more i learn and the better i get the more i realize that there's so much i dont know.