I play in a funk rock/metal band and whenever I'm writing a bass riff I mostly end up going to the root note and then up an octave as the basis for the riff other than a few times where I go to the fifth from the root. Any tips for expanding? It's getting a bit repetitive.
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Fallen into doing the same things whenever I write a bassline
- Thread starter benedictallen
- Start date
When I fall into a creative rut and find myself playing similar bass lines over & over again, I take some time to listen to music with bass parts that are completely different from what I normally play. Example: my band is a jam-influenced indie rock band, so for inspiration I may listen to Latin music or old school R&B for more active, hook-driven bass parts to help me get away from the standard root-octave-5th patterns I'm most prone to playing.
Another good exercise is to practice playing scales in thirds, both ascending and descending. It creates new ideas and gets you away from the kind of patterns you mentioned above.
Another good exercise is to practice playing scales in thirds, both ascending and descending. It creates new ideas and gets you away from the kind of patterns you mentioned above.
Roots, fives, eights, then the correct 3 and 7 make good bass lines. The notes used are secondary to the groove established. AND most grooves are simple repetitive patterns.
We need not re-invent the wheel every time we play something. AND nothing wrong with extending the pattern into two measures or eight to the bar or for that matter a whole note for the entire measure. Use what is best for the specific song. There is not one answer to your question. We do what is right for this specific song. That may be the same ole, same ole...
Of course IMO.
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Another thing I forgot to mention - make a recording of the song without any bass in it, then on your own time give it a listen and picture a bass line in your head. Don't pay attention to what the chord structure is; just take in the song and start humming a bassline that you hear in your head. Get it down and then learn to play it on your bass. Often this will end up being something totally different from what you play on the fly, since it's so easy to fall into a pattern-based style of playing. Some of my best bass lines have been written this way.
Learn which notes go with which chords, and I guarantee you'll come up with more diverse things to play.
Exactly this. When my lines start sounding similar. I listen to songs that are completely different genres.
Always helps.
Yes indeed! For that matter, listening to the guitar and making references to the guitar melody--but on the bass--once during the song can add a nice contrast to what might otherwise be a repetitive bass line.
If the guitars go into rhythm mode the melody is there for the taking!!
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Two things (not already mentioned):
1. Try going down rather than up. Not appropriate every time, but can be a great way to find your way to the next chord.
2. For the next couple of songs at rehearsals, the octave is off-limits before the second chord. Put a jar on your amp, and every time you do it, put a quarter into it - proceeds to buy pizza for the band or some such. Your bandmates will ask. Not only will they get a kick out of it (and probably start listening to try to catch you), but they will appreciate your effort.
I was in a band with a F-up jar, which we even had on stage. Kept everyone on their toes.
1. Try going down rather than up. Not appropriate every time, but can be a great way to find your way to the next chord.
2. For the next couple of songs at rehearsals, the octave is off-limits before the second chord. Put a jar on your amp, and every time you do it, put a quarter into it - proceeds to buy pizza for the band or some such. Your bandmates will ask. Not only will they get a kick out of it (and probably start listening to try to catch you), but they will appreciate your effort.
I was in a band with a F-up jar, which we even had on stage. Kept everyone on their toes.
Don't use the bass to compose. Many times on our instrument we write using muscle memory, so try to use your ears instead. Try to sing some bass lines while listening to the song. Record your singing, and then learn to play some of the lines on bass.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
