Writing original stuff...

[bigbass611]

I've been playing bass for a few months now
and I've become an ok player from looking at
tabs. But, now I'm ready to create my own stuff. What is the best way to go about creating original bass lines and riffs? and What is the best way to show someone the things you can do and simply put, show some stuff off?
thanks a lot.

[Bassmonster]

Hmmmmmm...... it's kind of hard to explain how to write original music. I guess I'll have to ask what kind of music do you play. I usually play powerchords and then make a bassline over that. Sometimes I practice with a keyboard first. A drummer is a good thing to have for writing new material.

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I'm the Bassmonster....ROWWAAARRRR!!!!

[john turner]

when i started, a long long time ago (in a galaxy far far away ) i took bass lessons from a guitar teacher. he taught me chord concepts, improv concepts, and the basics of song structure from a guitarists point of view, and he taught me how to apply this stuff to bass. he taught me about modes and scales, and how they applied on bass to what a guitarist might do.

that helped me out since i was going to be playing with guitarists, and i would suggest you try to do the same, learn about what guitarists do, not how to play guitar, but just how they think and how their parts are constructed.

i did the same with drums too, so that now i have a realistic idea of how drums and guitars work, and i can compose realistic parts for those instruments, as well as my own.

good luck

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john

"Bad Muttluk, No Anuses!!" - our own lil'biski




[This message has been edited by john turner (edited July 14, 2000).]

[brewer9]

that IS an interesting question. it seems to me that if you dont know how to think of anything original and transfer it to your instrument, then you may never know how. its more of a thought thing than a bass thing. but to soften my hard as nails response i will say this....

try thinking of something original in your head and then pluck each note or chord out on your bass until you have learned it. or, just play stuff on your bass and see what happens. there is no real solid way of writing original ideas, it just sorta happens.

....give it a try then get back to us. OK?

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(WARNING: THIS IS ANOTHER STUPID TIME WASTING POST BY BREWER9. PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE TOO SERIOUS!)

[bigbass611]

Well, I enjoy listening to and playing music
by Korn, Deftones, Staind, Metallica and other similar bands. I would like to be able to make music up similar to Metallica. I hope that this will help in the replies. Once again, thanks.

[bigbass611]

This is also kind of similar to the recent post I added entitled "WRITING SONGS". Thanks for the replies.

[basserman44]

i know this may sound strange but what i did when i was first starting. draw out tab lines. just write numbers on the lines, think out a rythym and write according to that try doing 4 note songs at first. remember to keep the notes close around each other so it doesnt sound wrong. this may sound totally stupid to u, but it worked for me.

p.s. this is just for a bassis of a song u might want to make changes as u go along.

peace

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Keep on thumpin

[Licketysplit]

Just remember to "write" your songs down or you'll forget them. I did that way too often, anyone else; ever come up with a killer bass groove and then forget it? It's happened to all of us hasn't it?

[Boplicity]

Following along with LicketySplit's statement about writing down the song. If you don't write music or tab, use a cheap $20 Radio Shack tape recorder and, at least, tape your ideas.

By the way, on various occassions I have dreamed wonderful songs in my sleep, but in the morning all I could remember was that I had dreamed a wonderful song and that was all I could remember. Too bad there isn't some way to capture songs you create in your sleep. Jason Oldsted

[Boplicity]

To BigBass611, one idea you might employ if trying to create a song. Take a favorite Metallica song. Then following the same chord progression and same structure...example: intro, verseA, verseB, chorus, solo 1, verse C, chorus, solo 2, outro.

Then using that same structure and chord progression write some other melody or some other rythmn and other lyrics. Maybe throw in a change up. Change the number of bars in the solo or eliminate a solo or add one or play an interlude before the chorus. And, while you are at it, change the key. Also, make that same chord progression, but change the tempo or change the style...how about reggae metal or punk country or rap ska?

Have fun. Make mistakes. Be crazy. But by using pre-existing songs as guides, you may find it a springboard to creative music creation. After awhile, you will not need that crutch, but you have to crawl before you can walk. Jason Oldsted

[me]

Jasons right why be totaly origanal when you can steal little parts form everyone else and attach you name on to it. Most of the popular bands do it.

[frost13]

I've written music for a long time...and still do not know how it gets into my head.....
I would just echo what some others said and by all means...write it down immediately, or use a tape recorder. I am still trying to remember the "best song I have ever written.....I'll have to write it down in the morning."

[nixrick]

Here's an idea that's worked for me (for coming up with grooves, at least) get either a drum machine or a patient drummer, and just have them pound out a beat, and groove to it, with the tape rolling. you'd be amazed with what you can come up with when you're not 'in writing mode' and just doing what comes naturally.