What differentiates a "Solo" from an "Improvisational" bass line

[LowDown Hal]

I have been working through Rufus Reid's The Evolving Bassist" with my instructor.

We have been working the exercises and then I improv over the chord chart for that exercise.

But now I'm supposed to think in terms of "taking a solo"

All I can think of is some pentatonic or chromatic runs? Maybe jump up an octave, maybe try to fit in sixteenths?

So, basically my question is ... What differentiates a "solo" from a improvisational bass line?

THANKS

[mutedeity]

I think this one is a lot about how you interpret the language. Improvisation can occur as part of an ensemble. Also, to improvise you are playing something that is either unprepared or not entirely prepared but may be given a loose structure. On the other hand, a solo could be improvised or it could be completely prearranged. A "solo" is basically where an instrument takes the main voice in a piece of music while any other voices in the ensemble play support to that instrument.

So basically, improvisation means playing music that is not completely prepared and soloing means taking the lead voice in a section of music.

[bongomania]

Right, a "solo" may be improvisational or it may be played identically note-for-note each time you play the tune -it can even be written down- whereas an improvisation is typically a bit different each time it comes around.

Improvisation is taking the structures and patterns you know and re-arranging them on the fly, whereas again a solo is just a section of the tune where one instrument speaks out and calls attention to itself for a length of time.

[DocBop]

A very basic difference is for bass lines you want to hit on the One's and play Roots of chords. When you solo you want to avoid Roots and only hit on One if its part of a long phrase.

Solo are a form of spontaneous composition your trying to come up with new melodies (lines) thru the changes, and even start implying different change based on note choice. As for your source of these lines well there are arpeggios, chord/scales, patterns, and transcribed bits you combine in your own unique way. That why practicing improv isso much fun. I can decide on a tune, a few changes or even one chord and just sit for hours trying to find melodies and rhythms, cool ways to connect the chords. Many times I set a restriction like never play a root, or try to work on nailing a "Juicy" note. Juicy notes are notes great notes to hit and resolve to next chord. A classic is a b13 on a V chord and resolve to the 3rd of the I chord. Try work on getting that right as you cross the barline. Other things like using specific interval. Lots of things to sit and work on and eventually add to your improv vocabulary.

So improvising a bass line you have different things your audience, fellow musicians, and your ear expect to hear than when improvising a solo. When soloing you're are making a musical statement so you can push boundaries, but at same time need to hit some notes now and then to show you are in control and not BS'ing. In other words playing a hot outside lick sounds like crap if you don't come back in and establish where you are.

There are no rules, but the ear has expectations.

[phat daddy]

To me the real difference is in function, plain and simple. Improvosational can imply a bass line or solo depending on the function the line is playing in the music.

+1 on the basslines outlining with roots, while the solos tend to avoid them.

If you are playing a support role while someone else solos or plays or sings a melody, that's a bassline. If you are the melody or featured instrument in the passage, then you're soloing. It's really that simple.

[ras1983]

Originally Posted by phat daddy

...
If you are playing a support role while someone else solos or plays or sings a melody, that's a bassline. If you are the melody or featured instrument in the passage, then you're soloing. It's really that simple.

+1

Sometimes I liken soloing to a conversation. There is usually only one person doing the talking, and people take turns communicating; which collectively forms the conversation; yet sometimes more than one person will talk at the same time to present the information.

Either way, the person(s) who the audience is primarily listening to is the one taking the solo.

Does that actually make any sense? I have a feeling it may seem like a confusing definition to anyone other than myself, lol.

[LowDown Hal]

Thanks guys. That makes sense.

My brain was stuck in "fancy bass line" mode and it didn't feel like it was working.
I've got some household chores today, but am looking forward to getting into my practice room later.

.Hal

[BassChuck]

Originally Posted by phat daddy

If you are playing a support role while someone else solos or plays or sings a melody, that's a bassline. If you are the melody or featured instrument in the passage, then you're soloing. It's really that simple.

+1

Right. And if you are in the supporting role, the choice of notes is closer to chord tones, and simpler in rhythm. Also, if you are soloing, the other instruments are probably not doing all that much..... I suppose thats because most ears hear higher notes as more important, but it could also be because other musicians are used supporting as well as bass players

[Marcury]

Originally Posted by DocBop

Solo are a form of spontaneous composition your trying to come up with new melodies (lines) thru the changes, and even start implying different changes based on note choice.

Sums it up very well.