Pick a groove and stick with it ???

[MalcolmAmos]

The pick a groove then stick with it is my question. Re-reading Bass Guitar for Dummies. Really some good information in this book, by the way. If I am understanding what is being said is our groove revolves around a groove skeleton. For example the skeleton part could be a R-R for the first two beats then fill with something else for the 3 and 4 beat. The 3 or 4 beat can be triplets, notes from the pentatonic, etc. it does not necessarily have to be just two more notes. For example:
R-R rest 5-8-5-6. That generic groove could be R-5-R-5 or R-3-5-8, whatever. Point being pick one and stick with it. In rhythm guitar we are told to pick a strum pattern and stick with that one pattern through out the song. Pick a generic groove and stick with it seems to be saying the same thing.

When I stop and think about it - that is just about what I've been doing, but, I had not taken it as "The thing to do". Do you guys/gals tend to use the same generic bass line groove through out the entire song.

Thanks,

[Qvist]

I dont really think that much about it, just do what feels right in the moment. Works for me !(so far =P )

[dtiii]

Yes. There is a basic structure that serves as the framework (groove skeleton) for a groove. Some of these frameworks can be considered stock patterns; some are of your own design. The former are the generic grooves that pop up from one song to the next within a certain style or may even cross styles. The way in which a player plays over that framework distinguishes that player or style from another.

I feel it is important to keep track of this type of detail because it prompts you to stay aware on some level of everything that you are playing. This type of awareness keeps your groove from being unknowingly repetitious from one tune or jam to the next. While repetition is important on one level, I know I don’t want to play or hear the same groove all night.

[mambo4]

Sort of...
I tend to view each part of the song -verse, chorus, bridge, etc-as different, but related, grooves.
That way there's a bit of a change-up going from one to the other.
How drastic the change up is depends on what the song needs.
The caution here is that it takes some attention and effort to create the feel of a significant change in rhythm without also creating a speed bump the momentum of the song.
Avoiding 'speed bumps' is probably why most Dance originated styles (Swing, Latin, old R&B, Funk) tend to favor the repetition groove