putting together lines for originals

[dazole]

I'm mostly a cover song player, and I love it, but, every once in a while, I want to do something original. At the moment, I don't have it in me to write bass lines from scratch, however, given a guitar riff, I sometimes can come up with a decent line or two.

So, the question is, does anyone have any suggestions of sites I can use to get original guitar tracks only that I can work through and put basslines to them? I'm not looking to steal anyones work, make a profit, write off as my own, or anything else. I would just like to be able work on my "creative" side.

I'd prefer originals that have no bassline, otherwise I'd get stuck trying to figure out whats already being played, and thats not what I'm looking for.

Thanks!
David

[MonetBass]

What's your background in music theory? I'd suggest you dive into that pool and soak up all that you can. After that, you'll find that writing fun and interesting bass lines will come easier for you. Good luck!

[jay tay]

I always find writing for a drum beat works best, I'll just play a single note, or chord. and try to get a groove going, just on that note, and once its starting to sound funky, I'll start laying down different patterns, and then a riff just usually evolves from there.

[cableguy]

Start simple and feel the groove. Let the "feel" of the music be your guide. Sometimes the simple lines fit the song best, may not be the coolest or flashiest but work for the song. I lot of time I tend to work on different tones that inspire me. Also +1 on the theory. I'm just starting to work on that end myself and it really does open things up.

[dazole]

to answer some questions:
My theory sucks.
I generally start with just getting the roots and work from there.
Eventually I'll get to the point where I can write them from scratch, I'm just not in a hurry to do it

That being said, no suggestions for places to find songs sans bass? The type of music doesn't matter too much (except for funk, possibly).

Thanks again!

[joshmat]

Find some buddies with similar skill and aspirations and get your jam on! Playing with people live is a great way to find original material, will help you spread your creative wings while learning some of the basics of dynamics, should allow you to hear how your lines "fit" and "feel" in the real world and will help you to learn to think of bass lines on your feet. Hopefully, you and these buddies will also help to inspire each other and teach each other some things. Not to mention, it's loads of fun!!!

As far as theory goes, learn as much as you can. It's good for the noodle and will put more tools in your box as you progress.

[Papa Dangerous]

Hey, I have been working/editting a thread that talks about trying to understand the fret board by learning the root to an interval. In it, I touch up a lot of how to outline a chord, and how to put a walking bass line together. It may help you in gather your creativity. Here is the link:
Fretboard Logic via Intervals, Scales and Chords. This is your one spot!