Look to the next chord coming up - and base another lick on that chord's notes or move that lick you have and start it on a new root. Same pattern of notes but it's a G lick now, i.e move up a couple of frets and it's an A lick now.......
Last edited by MalcolmAmos : 06-21-2011 at 06:15 AM.
Theory is helpful here. Every lick implies a chord (or chords) of some kind.
So when I come up with a lick I like, I figure out what kind of chord I'm outlining.
Then from there I use theory and knowledge of chord progressions and cadences to come with chords that would fit next.
But honestly, I'm rarely writing songs from the bass line up. If I want to write I start with a sung melody, then grab guitar and find chords...then I reach for the bass. In my band I will often add my part last, waiting for the drummer to come up with something before.writing a bass line
I suggest recording/saving your "lick" for another time. Move on to other things. Sometimes it'll fit in with something else you come up with later. Happens to me regularly.
I use an acoustic guitar to come up with some chords and such. When I'm stuck I won't force it. Go with the flow and see what works out, now or later.
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