Writing my first bass line, are there rules?

[sedan_dad]

I read through all the advice. I was shocked nobody asked what the drums are doing? I could care less what the guitar player is doing. It's all about the drums. I don't care what instrument you think you're playing. You're playing drums.

 

[BassLover668]

Some harmony concepts can help you a lot.
I like use some walking bass concepts when make bass lines too.
But for punk not much needed.

 

[MVE]

I agree with lots of stuff ppl are saying here. Use your ears, but do so with your back pocket full of knowledge of basic theory. I often find it helpful, before I even determine what the roots are, to just listen to the tune and hum or think about what I hear for bass. In some cases, the best sounding line won't be roots. For example, often playing the bass note a 4th down from the root can give a part a completely different feel. Some songs have little use for the root in the bass (see, e.g. Emotional Rescue). Get your head into the song and see what it's asking of you.

What do you mean by a 4th down?
Do you mean play the 4th lower than the root (i.e. F in C) or play the 5th that is lower (i.e. G) as in tuning in 4ths?

 

[lermgalieu]

What do you mean by a 4th down?
Do you mean play the 4th lower than the root (i.e. F in C) or play the 5th that is lower (i.e. G) as in tuning in 4ths?

I mean a 4th interval down (i.e. the fifth of the root played down an octave). I should have been more clear). G.

 

[MVE]

I mean a 4th interval down (i.e. the fifth but below). I should have been more clear). G.

Thank you,
Yes, I agree.
When I get the rhythm of the roots, the next thing I would use is the 5th as well and then 3s and finally 7ths.
Not 'rules', just the way my brain works.
5ths are great, because they are more universal than the thirds if you're not yet sure if the chord of the progression is major or minor. So, you're less likely to play a sour note.
Again, not rules, just the way I work.

 

[lermgalieu]

Thank you,
Yes, I agree.
When I get the rhythm of the roots, the next thing I would use is the 5th as well and then 3s and finally 7ths.
Not 'rules', just the way my brain works.
5ths are great, because they are more universal than the thirds if you're not yet sure if the chord of the progression is major or minor. So, you're less likely to play a sour note.
Again, not rules, just the way I work.

I actually get lazy with this sometimes. If there is a long chord progression, for example, I might stick to 5ths and passing chromatics where I should be exploring a bit more. Need to always remind myself to occasionally rethink what I am playing.

 

[2BitHack]

its punk rock, so
1. why even bother tuning at all?
2nd, when the guitar monkey tries to tell you what he's playing or what to play: just punch him in the mouth and tell him to eff-off you will play whatever you damnwell please.
C. did no-one else see the irony in asking what rules to follow for Punk rock?

 

[Badwater]

There are a lot of tutorials on the Youtube on how to create songs. I create songs using a modular technique. Creating parts for verse, chorus, and breaks or prechorus.

If you have music influences, draw upon their approach to songwriting, and use their methods/techniques. Reverse engineer the music. Analyze what it is about their music or specific song, that makes you groove to it. Then break it down into its parts, and you'll find the elements that make those songs great. Then, it's your turn to do the same.

 

[Mushroo]

Hi mbell75, in your other thread I recommended to spend some time learning your major scales. How is that coming? There are only 12 different major scales, so if you learn one a day, you'll be a master in less than 2 weeks. And no, that is not a "rule" just a "suggestion." Good luck!

 

[Badwater]

First time Im writing a bass line around guitar chords. Pop Punk kinda thing. My notes are F, D, C and A#/Bb. So the first time thru Im playing F, on the E string, then quickly grabbing the C and Bb on the A string for a fill in between the chord change before playing the D on the A string. Then the next time I play the F, on the A string, then quickly grabbing the C and Bb on the D string for a fill in between the chord change before landing on the D at the A string again. Got all that? That fill with the C and Ab on the A string are lower notes being played before the D on the A string but then the next time around, the C and Bb on the A string are higher notes than the same D on the A string from the first time around. Is that ok to do from a technical standpoint? I think it sounds cool and better than playing it the same way both times thru. Thoughts?

There are a lot of online resources for song writing. Understanding the concept and structures of songwriting will make it a lot easier to create bass lines. Also, knowing about song writing will allow you to create bass lines more dynamics for a more emotional impact.

 

[mambo4]

start with the roots and then add some other notes like pepper and salt to taste.

If you are writing your first bass line, just use this approach.

The 'rule' is: identify and nail the chord roots (preferably on the 1)
use ears to tell you if other 'in between' notes sound good (or are even necessary)

I suppose another useful point is: pay attention to -be deliberate about - the rhythm
roots+appropriate rhythm = 80% of a bass line's success.

there is plenty of theory describing useful patterns and relationships of notes and chords.
but there are not necessary to know for your first bass line.
Trust your ears, but stay curious and you'll get pick up knowledge as you go.

 

[monkeyfinger]

As others have said there are no rules, but there are guidelines. The only rule I have is that the bass-line must serve the song. How you accomplish that requires lots of open communication with the song writer. Other than that, there are some basic norms you should be aware of:

• Play a chord tone on the downbeat, (1,3). Root notes convey the chord structure the most, followed by fifths, then other chord tones. It is common to play the root note on the one.
• Play a chord tone on the upbeat, (2,4). Same rules apply but it is more common to play non-root chord tones here.
• Note selection should vary between movement to lower notes and movement to higher notes. Something like 1, 5, 8, 5 is very common.
• Your patterns should lock in with the drummer to convey the rhythm of the song. (Pay close attention to the kick pattern.)

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Coming in late and not sure harmony has been mentioned...

The chord is there to harmonize the melody line. Playing notes of the chord let you also harmonize with the melody line.

Assuming 4/4 time. Yes play notes of the chord the songwriter has placed. How many? One per measure gets harmony, two per measure is normally better and three or four per measure is up to you and the song. The song dictates what is needed.

If the melody line and your bass line share some like notes good things happen so, yes it does matter what notes you put into your bass line. .

 

[BassChuck]

Do everything you possibly can not to suck.

 

[mbell75]

This is interesting to come back and look at this because so much has happened. Since the time I posted this I quit bass, picked up guitar again, started a new project, recorded and released an album we made ourselves and we are playing live shows preparing for a fall tour (supporting other bands) and have two independent labels interested in signing us. Crazy.