Transitions

[PBO Blues]

Shake a tree around here and ten guitar players fall out of it, most with better chops than mine, but it seems that folks are always looking for a bass. So, to widen my horizons (and my opportunities), I’m taking a musical detour and spending some time in the lower registers. And while the instrument has a third fewer strings for me to fumble, I harbor no illusions that it’s going to be easy. Let’s face it, the pressure’s actually amplified as the bass and the drums are the bedrock of a band, the foundation of the sound. The rest is just window dressing. I’ve always, subconsciously, known that. Any musician worth his salt should.

Yeah, I’m preaching to the choir here. Spouting cliché. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for humoring this “bass curious” six-string hack for a bit.

I look forward to the interaction.

 

[Malcolm35]

Welcome to the bottom end. Key is called, what notes, and chords can be used in my bassline? Yep, that is step one.

IMO - dirt simple answer - if you are looking for melody start with the key's pentatonic scale notes.
If you are looking for harmony, use the key's chord progression and play the notes of the active chord while that chord is active. As the chord changes, change with the new chord.

If you have a drummer lock with his kick drumbeat. No drummer, the guys now look to you for the beat. In cases like this I look to the vocals for my beat. One beat per lyric word syllable normally works. and was what I based my strum pattern on for the rhythm guitar. Seemed to travel over to the bass without many problems.

Have fun.

 

[PBO Blues]

Welcome to the bottom end. Key is called, what notes, and chords can be used in my bassline? Yep, that is step one.

IMO - dirt simple answer - if you are looking for melody start with the key's pentatonic scale notes.
If you are looking for harmony, use the key's chord progression and play the notes of the active chord while that chord is active. As the chord changes, change with the new chord.

If you have a drummer lock with his kick drumbeat. No drummer, the guys now look to you for the beat. In cases like this I look to the vocals for my beat. One beat per lyric word syllable normally works. and was what I based my strum pattern on for the rhythm guitar. Seemed to travel over to the bass without many problems.

Have fun.

Great advice! Thanks!

 

[AlexanderB]

Great advice! Thanks!

Welcome here. Bass and guitar, instruments have similarities, for you, the challenge is probably the approach and what NOT to play. Plenty of advice and inspiration available here, up to pro/expert level. Good luck.

 

[PBO Blues]

...for you, the challenge is probably the approach and what NOT to play..

Yeah, the first sensible piece of advice I got was "Don't play like a guitar player."

Thanks!