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Need help

T

the evil

Aug 12, 2008
69
0
#1
Does anyone here have the capacity to write a song to the bass.
I mean basically I sit at home and write lyrics then try to write music and create the structure of a song BUT its like impossible. I mean my guitar skills are limited so all my songs basically consist of the same 5 chords but i want to use my primary instrument and Im just getting frustrated.

Does ANYONE ave any pointers on writing a song to the bass instead of guitar.

if you do, do you have any links to videos or recordings of it being done so i can get a visual basics on it (someone singing to JUST bass).

I really think if i can implement my instrument to greater creativity i would get back into it more. Im tired of searching out guitarists just to get frustrated wit them.

thanks

also anyone know a good software for creating music tracks, maybe samples or drum tracks.

I tried sampletank but didnt really like it.
 
#3
well the problem is i tend to just kind of write, not really write lyrics with an intended rhythm cause it changes al the time.

i try to use the bass and even just play roots steadily so i have a tempo but its like singing to bass sounds too weird and throws me off.

its tuff, was really wondering if anyone else ahd this problem.

truly i dont do well with guitar and i would just like to write some songs people might want to hear and it just kind of seems like thats not gonna happen in my current situation.

i met with a guitarist the other day and he was like "lemme hear some stuff you wrote" after he was done playing and i was like "why, its not the same as listening to the guitar alone, it will just sound like space".

maybe im too har don myself but sometimes i get that gyped feeling like i just wanna be able to write and i get stumped and frustrated in not being able to put stuff together cause of this.
 
#4
Personally, I like to write songs on the bass that are a little more guitar oriented in ways, as far as being busier with the melody. Often when playing these grooves with a band i'll pare down the bass lines and let the other instruments fill in the space more, but when it's just me singing to the bass it doesn't seem empty, I can employ the groove and the melody and sing over it.

This may sound corny, but I think the root of it is believing in yourself. Seriously, if you sit down and really want to make it happen, I bet you will. Definitely don't be too hard on yourself, and don't take it too serious. You can keep on writing more even if a song you make isn't totally fulfilling. Believe me, I spent years banging my head against the wall with songwriting and am still trying to rewrite some negative thought patterns about the process. It became a very convoluted experience in ways, so i'm trying to take a much lighter approach now. It can be simple and good, or complex and good, but generally if your having fun and enjoying it (assuming that is what you want to do) then go with it!
 
#5
wish i was enjoying it tho.

sometimes it seems the guitarists i meet all just play some melodies and sing whatever and it sounds like ****ing gold but i try to write kick but lyrics and create the music i get no where (and i have been told my lyrics are very good, not to mention most the bands ive been in love to use my writing).

what i am basically asking is how do you play the bass as if you are writing the song to it as you would a guitar? the bass really does sound like a dead fish when its all by itself. its like when you play a guitar by itself you get those chords and effects and multiple sounds but when im playing my bass and writing its like words just coinciding with someone banging a stick against a wall.

not trying to sounds insulting its jsut getting very frustrated for me to write my stuff wihtout having to deal with ANOTHER annoying guitarist. and not to go into that "failed guitarist" thing lol, but i did even go for like 6 months of steady guitar lessons and books and jsut DONT seem to have the finger control for it. bass is jsut so much easier to handle, whether thats what attracted me to it, i guess ill never know.

but anyway does anyone have any videos of people playing bass and singing cause i checked youtube and got nada/.

thanks
 
#6
There is good advice here from djero44 and from RickenBoogie.

It is possible to play chords on bass I for one find it difficult. What I do is play an arpeggio of the I III and V notes: so if it's in the key of C I play C, E, G quickly for the chord C Major. You can do it for any chord there is. Sometimes it will take 4 notes instead of three, or VERY rarely it will take more than 4. By doing this it gives me an idea of what I am singing will sound like over a particular chord. Yes, you have to sing the melody while doing this. It's not the same as playing chords but it does help.

Something else: I usually begin with the lyrics. Then I will say them over and over until a rhythm emerges. If some of the lyrics don't fit the rhythm then usually I will tweak them until they do. After I have the rhythm I look for a melody., and develop the song.

Yes, it's important to believe in yourself and don't give up, if you keep at it it gets easier. Try not to criticise yourself, just keep writing. If you write A LOT then some of it will be c**p, some just ok, but some will be just what you want.
 
#7
i understand what your saying about chords and arpeggios, i was actually doing that last night to no avail.

i even hooked up my zoom pedal and went through an assortment of effects just to see if any could synthesize me something to make it easier and more pleasing to the ear while i play. maybe thats the whole problem is that the bass alone to vocals is just not pleasing to the ear like a guitar or keys would be so it throws me off.

why i keep asking if there are some vids out there. ive tried google and youtube.

anyone know any good effects i can use to help make this work. are there any mid priced pedals to synth a guitar while playing the bass?
 
#9
rosanne said:
Have you tried the free software Band-In-A-Box?
Click to expand...

I have sample tank, but i will look at band in a box. thanks

update and question:

so after forevers time i find this guitar player who can play on the level i can bass but doesnt write or sing, so Im like "cool". I really liked the idea of just one on one with another player, no distractions and getting the chance to branch more into even practicing singing a bit fo rmy own stuff.

so we start throwing stuff back and forth and then I ask him "do ya have lyrics for these songs, would you mind if i write some"
the reply was basically "well i usually rely on my buddy ******* to write my lyrics. he is another guitar player with a great voice who i play with as well. but if you write something lyric and tune wise we can put guitar to it for you"

so in my head Im basically saying "if i could write to the F*****NG bass i wouldnt need you!".

so im wondering do i just quite before i start or get into what i feel is just two guitarists who are looking to find someone..... anyone to make a bass track for their stuff?
 

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