Does every bassline need theory behind it?

[SPAZ5446]

So I read through some of the music theory threads because it's a skill that I'll need to become a more successful bassist. I mean I knew some basics of music theory, but there's still a lot I could learn. This would probably be easier for me if my high school had a music program, but it's a vocational school so they don't. ANYWAY I can understand how some basslines use theory, but I try to apply theory to my basslines that just pop into my head and can't do it. There has to be some theory behind it or else is wouldn't sound good, but do you always have to use theory to make a good bassline?

P.S. I applied to go to this school instead of my towns high school (Which has music programs), and I am majoring in machine tech so I can start a career after high school.

[SnakeKappele]

I think you use your soul to make a good bass line. If theory explains it, OK.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by SPAZ5446

do you always have to use theory to make a good bassline?

No.


And I'm not being sarcastic.

[Billnc]

I know plenty of theory. I prefer to let the artist in me hum a line if the opportunity is there. I could justify anything using theory, but the lines are always pretty good if I've hummed it first. Theory can get you through if you have to wing it or the artist part of the brain is on strike. I've done a few things 'by the numbers' and the lines were enjoyed by bandmates.

If it sounds good it is theoretically correct, period.

[plangentmusic]

All lines are based on a mode and that's theory -- but it doesn't take an understanding of the theory to play it or come up with it.

NEVER base parts on a theoretical approach -- use your creativity. Knowing theory just helps you figure things out quicker.

[snyderz]

I just try to start in the right key.

[projectMalamute]

You've got it backwards.

Music is not derived from theory, theory is derived from music.

[SactoBass]

Originally Posted by SPAZ5446

do you always have to use theory to make a good bassline?

That would be like saying that prior to posting, every Talkbass post should first be evaluated based on the noun, the verb, the prepositional phrase, the past participle, the predicate, the adjective, and the adverb.

[SPAZ5446]

Thanks guys, I was starting to think because I didn't know much theory that I'm a bad bass player. I'm self taught and been playing for 3 1/2 years, and played trumpet before that. Only time I've really been taught by a professional was by my Jazz band teacher in 7th-8th grade. Most of my experience is just learning lots of songs, learning scales, and more recently chord structure.

[klokker]

I'm no expert on teaching theory, and maybe its impractical for you, but learning the keyboard by taking some piano lessons would help the process a lot.

[Matt R.]

No.

[SPAZ5446]

Originally Posted by klokker

I'm no expert on teaching theory, and maybe its impractical for you, but learning the keyboard by taking some piano lessons would help the process a lot.

I actually have learned a little keyboard, and I use it a lot when I'm finding chords or just notes in general.

[slybass3000]

It wouldn't hurt at all. A wrong note on bass is the worst thing that can happen.

[Jazz Ad]

Originally Posted by SPAZ5446

do you always have to use theory to make a good bassline?

As others said, your formulation is wrong.
When you know theory, it is easier to structure your ideas into a coherent line, song, solo or whatever you're writing.
It is this way because working on theory gives you a tighter grasp on music, so things become easier.
Now, thinking of theory when composing is a sure way to produce a blant, uninspired piece.
You think of theory when you practice. When making music, you just let things flow.

[eyeballkid]

YES!!.. and that theory should be "I believe this bassline kicks serious ass!!"

[raymondl3]

Theory puts a name to what you are doing. It can also give you a better idea of notes that will "work" and help you see your bass lines within a larger musical picture. Try to find a teacher who has theoretical knowledge, band experience, knows a lot of bass lines.
Best.

[NickInMesa]

NO. You can't think "oh the guitarist is playing Gm7, what would in *theory* fit that?"

Of course starting on a G would make sense but other solutions are available.

What you are likely to do is try what you've done before and you know works in that type of case, based on the mood of the song and what not.

Theory is something you will use when you doodle and experiment on your own.

As a bass player you can ask another musician what he is playing, but then you have to throw in a bass line which works right away, and go from simple to more complicated.

A lot of it is finger memory, and sometimes can lead to bad habits and the way to break bad habits is to work on your own and that's when you use theory.

[iiipopes]

"Theory" as most people understand it, is the system of harmonizing melodies for diatonic scalar music written between about the year 1600 and the year 1900. Before that, there was the modal system. After that has come a variety of music systems: atonal, 12-tone, jazz and popular structures with chord progressions that are not considered part of "classical" music theory, etc.

What this really means is that what is important is constructing a good bass line depends on knowing the common and accepted and not accepted elements of the particular style.

So no, you don't have to know music theory of whatever type or genre to make a good bass line, but knowing all of the theory and history, and the elements of style of the particular genre you're working in, will help you make an even better bass line.

[SPAZ5446]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

...What you are likely to do is try what you've done before and you know works in that type of case, based on the mood of the song and what not...
... As a bass player you can ask another musician what he is playing, but then you have to throw in a bass line which works right away, and go from simple to more complicated....

That's pretty much what I've done so far haha.

[Muaguana]

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

NEVER base parts on a theoretical approach -- use your creativity. Knowing theory just helps you figure things out quicker.

I'll have to disagree with you, there. I also dispute the insinuation that a theoretical approach and one's "creativity" are a dichotomy; why can't someone use a creative theoretical approach? How can you differentiate between lines devised from "a theoretical approach" and lines devised by "creativity?" By the way, what is "creativity?"

I don't see how knowing theory and applying that knowledge to creating a bass line that fits the music is a bad thing, or somehow not "creative." Whether you use a purely theoretical approach or one based just on "feel," it's still your creativity at work.