Question about this bassline in the song "Mirror In The Bathroom" by The English Beat

suitlandkid2005 · #1 02-01-2009, 08:52 PM

First off, the song is amazing. I just love it. It is my favorite bassline of any song I have heard. I like how it drives the whole song. I am dying to know how the hell did the bassist David Steele come up with that. You can see what he is playing in the video from 0:54-1:03 Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTNpaaPHENE

I would also like to know what key and what scale he is playing? I can't stop wondering how did he come up with that to fit so perfectly with the song. I am dying to know because I would like to come up with some cool stuff like that. I would appreciate any info anyone could give me.

dvh · #2 02-04-2009, 05:51 PM

It's basically all within the E minor scale - E F# G A B C# D E. If you were to play only the root notes following the chords of the song (which is all he is doing, mainly) it would be E, C#, F#, D (A on the second time around). Start with the E, seventh fret A string, and you'll find the others close by. The other notes are connecting notes between those basic four. Just fool around with those and you'll get it.

Cool song, one of my faves when I was just picking up bass.

suitlandkid2005 · #3 02-05-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvh

It's basically all within the E minor scale - E F# G A B C# D E. If you were to play only the root notes following the chords of the song (which is all he is doing, mainly) it would be E, C#, F#, D (A on the second time around). Start with the E, seventh fret A string, and you'll find the others close by. The other notes are connecting notes between those basic four. Just fool around with those and you'll get it.

Cool song, one of my faves when I was just picking up bass.

WOW!!!..that seems cool and easy. It is amazing how it doesn't take much to make a cool song. The bassline is 16th notes right? Also, would you say this tab is pretty accurate?:
http://www.bassmasta.net/e/english_b...he/117425.html

dvh · #4 02-05-2009, 05:55 AM

Yes they are 16ths. That tab is reasonably close.

Be careful with tabs! They can be an ok starting point but are often wrong. Let your ears guide you. As you gain in musical knowledge your experience will also guide you.

suitlandkid2005 · #5 02-05-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvh

Yes they are 16ths. That tab is reasonably close.

Be careful with tabs! They can be an ok starting point but are often wrong. Let your ears guide you. As you gain in musical knowledge your experience will also guide you.

Thanks a lot for the info...I appreciate it.