How to write distinct bass lines in a two guitar modern rock band?

[triggervision]

I don't want to just follow rhythm guitar...I've never played in a 2 guitar band and we are adding another guitar player so I'm slightly worried it will corner me into "follow rhythm guitar" territory. Which I know when the song calls for it it's what's needed. Any advice on creating distinct bass lines that stand out yet sit in the mix with 2 guitars...Our style music would sit well with the Shinedown / Alter Bridge audience...Thanks.

[bassplayer22]

Hmmm, try playing with the kick drum. That's kind of a tricky question. I'd say that you need to make sure that you are playing within the pocket. You have to play what will agree with the bands sound, musically. Be creative and think outside the box when needed.

Tim

[Wespe]

If you have to lose the pocket to come up with something creative, don't. Conversely, if you find playing the pocket is boring with the kind of music you're playing (not in general) then try something else.

With time, anything creative comes naturally. Just play what fits.

[Step]

this might sound silly, but make sure the rhythm guitarist is following you, not the other way around

the way I envision bands is like a layered system

the drum occupies the lowest layer, the bass is on top of the drum and 'translates' the rhythm to chords, which the rhythm guitarist plays on top of. and then on top of that foundation you can have your lead guitarist/singer/keyboard/horn section whatever.

[Deacon_Blues]

Originally Posted by triggervision

How to write distinct bass lines in a two guitar modern rock band?

It's all about black magic.




Well seriously - to come up with great basslines that stands out and fits the music, you need to inform the guitarists that you want to do that, and hope they will provide you with some extra sonic space to fill out. Otherwise you're pretty much doomed to play the roots or follow the rhythm guitarist.

[MadMan118]

Originally Posted by Deacon_Blues

Well seriously - to come up with great basslines that stands out and fits the music, you need to inform the guitarists that you want to do that, and hope they will provide you with some extra sonic space to fill out. Otherwise you're pretty much doomed to play the roots or follow the rhythm guitarist.

I agree the first step in getting your basslines to really have some "color" and distinction is to have good band communication. Many times our band's guitar solos often find me running fast runs under it with the rhythm guy "sandwiching" himself between. But then again I am a bit of freak.

[DudeistMonk]

I'm not exactly the most experienced with playing with rhythm guitarists...but I've never had a problem with it, they are really limited to that one 1 chords per bar so that gives you a lot of room to shine through via note choice and throwing out fills. You can also choose to play a simpler rhythm emphasizing the key beats with some good note choices (which will also leave you more room for fills).

[Phantasm]

Listen to the band play and try to hear a bass line in your head. Then try to play that bass line as close as you can, accepting you may need to change it a little in practice.

If you can't fit anything in and that bums you out, then it's time for a new band.

[()smoke()]

do what i do--step on one of the guitarists cords as he's walking away...opens the mix right up for a nice bassline while he's fiddling with his pedals trying to figure out what's wrong