Anyone else struggle to create bass lines?

[GodPlayedBass]

(Sorry i didn't know what topic to post this under.) This is especially troublesome because ive never really struggled to be creative before. Ive made up songs and bass lines before and when my band shows me songs I can come up with stuff but if im just home by myself and i want to write a solo piece i never know where to start. Anyone else struggle with this? Any advice? Or is it just hard for everyone?

 

[MonetBass]

What's your writing process? Do you start with a chord progression, or a melody? I usually start with one of those. Do you play other instruments such as guitar or piano? What is your level of understanding in music theory?

 

[Freddy T]

Hey there, if it's just lines you want freshen up then try setting a drum-style metronome (Beat Buddy pedal, drum app) to a beat style you don't normally play, like, let's say, techno, dub, or whatever. Next run your familiar grooves, lines, and excercises against these new beats; the unexpected accents often set you off in a fresh direction. You can then take whatever you develop and run it against your normal/familiar beats.

 

[bass12]

There have been times when bass lines (that I’ve been happy with) have come to me instantaneously. Other times I can try everything I can think of and nothing seems right to me. That’s the creative process though: sometimes the good ideas come pouring out while at other times the well is seemingly dry.

 

[Malcolm35]

Bass lines should harmonize with the melody line -- or -- melody lines should harmonize with the bass lines. Which line do you rely upon? As I came over from 6 string rhythm guitar I think chords first so my lines come from chord tones - built from the chord progression I have decided to use -- or the song dictates.

Yes others use the melody line and then place harmonizing chords through out the melody. I lay down the key and the chord progression first, you of choice can start with the melody if you like.

Need a chord progression? Grab a 12 bar blues progression and hang on.

My point. Gotta have a starting place in mind.

Course it helps to have a good drummer laying down a groove we all can jump on. In walks backing tracks... find one you like and let that lead you.

Happy trails.