Blues bass line architecture

[Geepers]

I like Duck Dunn’s approach which is (more or less) establish the motif for one full round before starting to tinker with it. And even then, tinker slowly … let the complexity build gradually (Jim Stinnett: “don’t show all your notes too soon”).

 

[tb-player]

I think that’s important in most genres. If I have a song that allows me some freedom or creativity with the bass lines, I always start simple & build from there. I probably picked that up from listening to great players like Duck Dunn. He’s so smooth.

 

[Neon Blues]

Yep, plenty of players use a similar approach. Gayden, Shannon, Rhodes.

 

[chris_b]

Start simple and build. Stay simple in the verses, maybe build in the choruses and solos. Don't overplay, that ruins everything.

 

[2saddleslab]

Think of a blues bass line the same as writing a short story. You remove all the unnecessary words and only keep the most essential that allow to tell the story.

 

[iammr2]

I like Duck Dunn’s approach which is (more or less) establish the motif for one full round before starting to tinker with it. And even then, tinker slowly … let the complexity build gradually (Jim Stinnett: “don’t show all your notes too soon”).

Like foreplay, except for basslines.

 

[Neon Blues]

Start simple and build. Stay simple in the verses, maybe build in the choruses and solos. Don't overplay, that ruins everything.

Every Blues band or jam where I get the most compliments is where I play the least. I just like the old Blues lines really. Not looking to play Jaco lines over The Thrill is Gone.

 

[el jeffe bass]

Consistent, predictable bass lines with only enough variation to keep it interesting and moving forward. A good rhythm section is the foundation that the band builds on. Don’t try to be the star.

 

[Geepers]

Consistent, predictable bass lines with only enough variation to keep it interesting and moving forward. A good rhythm section is the foundation that the band builds on. Don’t try to be the star.

Perfect summation of what the great players do and lesser players don’t. Lack of consistency/predictability is really frustrating to listen to and usually makes me reach for the off button.

 

[Neon Blues]

Perfect summation of what the great players do and lesser players don’t. Lack of consistency/predictability is really frustrating to listen to and usually makes me reach for the off button.

I remember when I first really heard Nathan East, I knew a bit about his reputation and was surprised by his "underplaying" then I began to understand.

 

[Geepers]

Yep, plenty of players use a similar approach. Gayden, Shannon, Rhodes.

And one I’ve just discovered: Aron Burton. Very much a “stick to the riff” kinda guy but, like Duck, his riffs are absolutely spot on - both in terms of architecture and execution - so never get old. Loving his work

 

[Nebadon2000]

I played for a couple years at Blues Jams and with many Blues Bands as 'Hired Gun' and took advice of top players whom told me Blues is about 'Feel'

not technical or just staying in pocket [typical bass lines]

 

[Geepers]

I played for a couple years at Blues Jams and with many Blues Bands as 'Hired Gun' and took advice of top players whom told me Blues is about 'Feel'

not technical or just staying in pocket [typical bass lines]

Yep… articulation. So much subtlety involved in good blues bass playing that is under appreciated. Exactly the same line played by two different players can sound like two different lines and make the song feel like two different songs(!)