Writing a bass line-help!

[Thumpin6string]

I think if you add some distortion and turn your amp to 10, then beat your bass on the ground until it is a splintered piece of shrapnel, that should work.

 

[mikewalker]

I'd go with syncopated whole notes for the win... ( at least till the riffing gets established)

 

[Acoop]

'When in doubt, lay out.' ... Is a good motto when writing/creating bass lines because in many ways it's what works best. ... Moving through the most important notes of the chord, the 1, 3 & 5 through passing tones gives the line movement. ... Then it's long and short tones can give the line a pulse. ... The bass ties the melody to the rhythm. ... Music is a conversation and the bass is what keeps that conversation interesting.

 

[Mushroo]

Here's my advice for this style of music:

1. Ask the guitarist what they want you to play. It's unlikely that a guitarist would put so much effort into writing a song like that, and not already have a bass line in mind. But if the guitarist can't give you any instruction what to play...
2. Tune your strings to match the pitch of the guitarist's strings (an octave lower).
3. When the guitar is playing low notes or chords, copy what they do, using the same fingerings as much as possible.
4. Have reliable gear and good stage presence.

If you have a loud amp, you are good at "doubling" guitar players, and you have a nice T shirt collection, then you will not lack for gigs in this musical style.

 

[thetragichero]

i think there are reasons why bassists write better songs than guitarists and i just heard a handful of them

 

[Frenchy-Lefty]

No experience = Chord roots + 5th is GOODENOUGH

 

[mmon77]

Aww man. Too many people listened to the song, and now it won't let me.

 

[chadds]

Extend strap so bass hangs low.
Play a G then another.
Assume serious frown bass face.
Spread feet add lip pucker.

Move up a whole step.
Repeat.

Listen to drummer.
Repeat.

Bow to audience.
Walk off.
Mill about.
Say thanks to well wishers

Breakdown/load out.

Repeat whole thing.
Enjoy the music.
Listen to every kind of music there is.
Here the bass movement whether it’s polka or pop, classical or metal.

Practice the bass face.

 

[nlilly]

For that composition, I'd just read the charts provided. Hard to improve on this fine example of songwriting brilliance. I guess if anything I'd tell you to mind your note lengths on the 'chugga-chugs.' It's important.

i think there are reasons why bassists write better songs than guitarists and i just heard a handful of them

i wish I could’ve written it instead it might have more rhythm but oh well