writing and creative process

[project_c]

This question is for bass players who write songs and solo material especially.

I am interested in how you begin your creative process, if you have a standard method that works every time, or if it's usually just a result of noodling and playing around. For example, my process is very simple, it's based around taking a simple 1 or 2 bar loop (usually based around stuff I am studying at the time), and improvising on top of it, until things fall into place. The more layers I add, the more ideas form in the process, and eventually I have enough 'bits' to make some kind of an arrangement. So do you have a method that works for you? Do you use software like Band in a Box or Logic to help you write? If so, how do you begin? Do you just sit down, think of a couple of chords and start jamming? Do you stick to theory or just play and see where things go?

(Having other bandmates there doesn't count - I am interested in the creative methods of people who write material by themselves).
thanks!

[ThorGodOfBass]

For me it usually helps to just hear a note. I literally pluck one note. Anywhere. And just listen. Listen for a harmonics and how it "bounces" and "feels". Then another. It dosent mater. unless your going for a specific sound, just about any two notes ca be strung together, after this the song will tell you what it needs and how to proceed. I usually play in drop d and having two d strings really helps because of the easy harmonics and idiot proof octave jumps you can do. Other then that I try to make up lines that are as complex as possible. To the point of ridiculousness. and then pare it down to simpler riffs and grooves. Those extra notes can then be added I to fill or speed up as needed. (I hate being repetative) but what's most difficult is being creative with rhythm. But as jack London said "you can't wait for inspiration, you have to go out and chase it with a hammer" dont be afraid to steal a rhythm or beat you like at first, if you play it enough you'll eventually change it to fit what you want. Hope this helps. Rock on!

[sin_yes]

I first smoke with all seriousness, then I'll noodle around using different scales styles whatever. If anything I like sticks i'll turn on logic and record what i'm doing. I end up doing what you do. Writing a few bars looping and proceeding till I got something tangible. Sometimes the bars end up being full takes but for the most part it's a collection of writing sampling and re-writing till I have something. I play with a rhodes so that helps a lot during my writing process. I'll map out progressions on the piano or bass depending on my mood. I use logic and a external pads for drums and misc. I'll sit wit my amp on ready to hear what happens and fiddle with a moog synth. I really try to take advantage of all the gear I have during any type of writing process. I Trash 99% of what I do.

[Soul Power]

I write on staff paper in a completely RANDOM fashion EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I TRY to make something that will sound bad, there is no order or anything in what I write-----and out of that I ALWAYS get a great lick.
Just be sure to do it everyday, and one day====pick what you want and edit what you want. But NEVER THROW IT OUT!
You never know if 20 years down the line you take a look at the notebook and find something that you once thought was terrible, but with your new perspective you can make it musical.

[JimmyM]

songs come to me in all ways...idea for a melody, then i try to come up with words and chord changes, or i might come up with a title and start writing around it. or sometimes it can all happen where i get everything all at once.

[sound of bass]

I usually noodle around on different scales..or fuse 2 different scales until something sounds "cool" to me, then I tab the riff etc., into Guitar Pro and mail it to the other band members who also have GP. Everyone will listen to it, critique it, add something of thier own to it and we progress that way until we have a quality song. One of the unfinished works titled "Noise" was taken directly from the "banging" pattern the roofers were making one day while replacing the roof! lol. It needs work but has alot of potential. Ya' never know where / when inspiration will strike.