Need help crafting bass line with purpose

[dataBASS5]

Fellow bassists, lend me your ears. . . and theory chops too!

My band has decided to let me write a song. I'm not much of a song writer, but all my ideas are coming together on this one piece. I've been focused on lyrics as of late and didn't have much say in the chords for the song. My band likes the following progressions for this piece:

Em---D---C--- and/or Em---D---C-B-

Now, here's the kicker. I took theory in college and retained (I hope) a little knowledge. I think I could make a smoking bass line if the progression were ascending (backwards from what's above) but in this descending order I can't seem to find a groove that works. This song is kind of blues, kind of rock. Would fit in with Big Head Todd & the Monsters.

Does anybody know any licks or grooves that would work over these changes?

[Snerek]

your over thinking it man! if you know your theory and are well trained you should be able to just play the song with your band, and groove it out!

lock in with the drummer & the guitars - you'll be all set.

dont make it so difficult, its just a song. HAVE FUN MAN!

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by dataBASS5

Em---D---C--- and/or Em---D---C-B-
I think I could make a smoking bass line if the progression were ascending (backwards from what's above)

try non- root tones if you want contrary motion.
Em= E G B, D= D F# A C=C E G

If you want to ascend, try E -F#- G
If you want to ascend in two whole steps, G-A-
Altho abandoning the root tends to bother other band mates...

Also, the chords seem to be in E minor, you could probably come up with a rockin Em bassline that doesn't necessarily follow the chords, but hits that final measures of C or C-B

[alfredpunkjazz]

Remember that we can always use chromatic stuff, and non armonic notes... just use your ear and decide how to use them, there is no wrong or right way on this thing called music.

[dataBASS5]

Originally Posted by mambo4

try non- root tones if you want contrary motion.
Em= E G B, D= D F# A C=C E G

If you want to ascend, try E -F#- G
If you want to ascend in two whole steps, G-A-
Altho abandoning the root tends to bother other band mates...

Also, the chords seem to be in E minor, you could probably come up with a rockin Em bassline that doesn't necessarily follow the chords, but hits that final measures of C or C-B

Snerek & Alfred, thanks for the encouragement! We could all use a little from time to time!

I think Mambo has been the biggest help so far. I'm thinking of a bassline that runs up the neck, RHCP style. Since it's ascending, we'll see how the band feels about not sticking to the changes.

Anybody else got any ideas? Everyone has been so helpful so far!

[chaosMK]

Slapping and Tapping, $20's and $50's.

[dataBASS5]

Originally Posted by chaosMK

Slapping and Tapping, $20's and $50's.

Wait, what!?! $20's and $50's? I'm lost.