Beginner's questions about a song

[regua]

Hey there,

Even though my technique is not bad, I've been struggling with music theory. I know the basic scales, chords and stuff like that, but I still know that I definitely couldn't make a decent bassline on the spot if someone just told me what chords to base it on. I started looking for examples of simple basslines that do their job very well, and I've stumbled upon a brilliant example in the form of a musical comedy act by Tim Minchin.

The song is called Happy Little Africuns, and you can see/hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5DJVYRiZv0 (warning: it contains some swear words)

I'd be really grateful if someone could tell me how the bassline relates to the chords that are being played (I absolutely suck at transcribing music, so that is out of my reach). It changes throughout the song (most notably at 1:29 and 3:34), so it'd be nice if someone could go through the different ways the bassist plays a bassline that supports and supplements Minchin's piano playing.

Again, I would be extremely thankful if someone could spend some time and break that song's bassline down for me. It'll definitely allow me to finally understand the concepts of providing a solid backing line to a song.

[MalcolmAmos]

You've had 74 hits and no one wants to tackle this. IMHO the song you have chosen is just one jingle after another, and does not lend itself to what you are wanting.

If you would like to know how to compose a bass line from the chords use in a song, just ask. But, let's keep that song out of this.

[Stumbo]

I suggest you possibly get some "slow down" software where the bass line can be isolated. There are several cost and no cost programs available. Lots of reviews on TB. Should help your transcribing skills.

Here are a few links to check out:
~Software: Slow Down, Change pitch/key, Loop, Record, Metronome,Utilities
1 Slow down
2
3
Change pitch/key
BestPractice-PC based, free, easy to use, slow downer/pitch shifter/looper/vocal remover/bass isolator/ backing track maker
Hi-end hard drive practice/recording units

[plangentmusic]

That's cabaret music. It's a lot of disjointed sections you'd just have to memorize.

[Jpeachbass]

Originally Posted by regua

Hey there,

Even though my technique is not bad, I've been struggling with music theory. I know the basic scales, chords and stuff like that, but I still know that I definitely couldn't make a decent bassline on the spot if someone just told me what chords to base it on. I started looking for examples of simple basslines that do their job very well, and I've stumbled upon a brilliant example in the form of a musical comedy act by Tim Minchin.

The song is called Happy Little Africuns, and you can see/hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5DJVYRiZv0 (warning: it contains some swear words)

I'd be really grateful if someone could tell me how the bassline relates to the chords that are being played (I absolutely suck at transcribing music, so that is out of my reach). It changes throughout the song (most notably at 1:29 and 3:34), so it'd be nice if someone could go through the different ways the bassist plays a bassline that supports and supplements Minchin's piano playing.

Again, I would be extremely thankful if someone could spend some time and break that song's bassline down for me. It'll definitely allow me to finally understand the concepts of providing a solid backing line to a song.

Well, ill take a shot. I haven't transcribed this tune, just listened to it.
Most of what he is doing in the beginning is roots. Some of the chords may be slash chords. Meaning a chord placed over a different bass note. Ex. A c cord written as C/G is a c chord in second inversion. So this means for you to play a G while a higher voiced polyphonic instrument would play the c chord. There also may be some chromatic bass movement and other voice leading techniques used. The polka sounding sections are mostly if not all 1,5. Meaning he is playing the root on beat one and the 5 on beat 3. Or Beat one is the root, beat 2 is the five, beat three is the root and beat four is the 5. Do a little study on voice leading if you really want to have a deap understanding of bass movement. Also you couldfind some tunes you have a chord chart to, and transcribe the bass line. Once you have done that figure out how the bass line is functioning. Hope this helps. Asking questions is the best way to learn. Ask away my friend.

[regua]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

You've had 74 hits and no one wants to tackle this. IMHO the song you have chosen is just one jingle after another, and does not lend itself to what you are wanting.

If you would like to know how to compose a bass line from the chords use in a song, just ask. But, let's keep that song out of this.

I chose the song precisely because it's divided into different parts. Each of these parts has a different bassline, and each of these basslines sounds good to me. That's why I wanted to know what the bassist is playing, to be able to learn something from it.

As I explained in my original post, I have trouble with coming up with my own basslines over given chords that are not just root-third-fifth or a pentatonic scale played up and down. I really liked the bass in this song, so I used it as an example.

Originally Posted by Jpeachbass

Most of what he is doing in the beginning is roots. Some of the chords may be slash chords. Meaning a chord placed over a different bass note. Ex. A c cord written as C/G is a c chord in second inversion. So this means for you to play a G while a higher voiced polyphonic instrument would play the c chord. There also may be some chromatic bass movement and other voice leading techniques used. The polka sounding sections are mostly if not all 1,5. (...)

Thanks. I do realise that most simple basslines are just roots and fifths, but I was under the impression that the bassist adds something there that makes it sound better. If I'm wrong, well... how the hell is he playing that, because it surely doesn't sound like your usual root-fifth line.

I will try and have a go at transcribing the song, but I know that there are people here who do it pretty much effortlessly, that's why I asked.

[Matthew_84]

I must admit, I only read the first couple of posts, and just thought I'd tune in. You should go to www.studybass.com and do the bass lessons. I did this a few years back and it really helped me understand music theory and how to use that knowledge to make great basslines. I've really made some awesome ones since.

[Jpeachbass]

Originally Posted by regua

I chose the song precisely because it's divided into different parts. Each of these parts has a different bassline, and each of these basslines sounds good to me. That's why I wanted to know what the bassist is playing, to be able to learn something from it.

As I explained in my original post, I have trouble with coming up with my own basslines over given chords that are not just root-third-fifth or a pentatonic scale played up and down. I really liked the bass in this song, so I used it as an example.


Thanks. I do realise that most simple basslines are just roots and fifths, but I was under the impression that the bassist adds something there that makes it sound better. If I'm wrong, well... how the hell is he playing that, because it surely doesn't sound like your usual root-fifth line.

I will try and have a go at transcribing the song, but I know that there are people here who do it pretty much effortlessly, that's why I asked.

Like i said i didn't transcribe it. The funk line Has more than just root 5. Also as I said before some of it is slash chords or chromatic bass movement . When he is doing one of the two he wouldn't be playing the root necessarily. If you were to play a C/G like i said before. The bass would be playing the 5 of the chord. Or G/F# would be a major 7th with the 7th in the bass.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by regua

I will try and have a go at transcribing the song,.

I suggest you download the audio from youtube and put it through one of the slow down programs.

Seems to me that spending your time improving your skills take you much further than having your TB's buddies do it for you.

but I know that there are people here who do it pretty much effortlessly, that's why I asked

fyi, it only appears effortless because they've put in a few thousand hours into improving their skills.

[Jpeachbass]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

I suggest you download the audio from youtube and put it through one of the slow down programs.

Seems to me that spending your time improving your skills take you much further than having your TB's buddies do it for you.



fyi, it only appears effortless because they've put in a few thousand hours into improving their skills.

This as well.