Bass... but it involves guitar

[ehuezo]

Ques.
Im in a band. Theres four of us but only two of us know truly (not that truly but) our theory. Im usually the one that comes up with the songs. How could I build an effective bass rythm to go with my songs (our bassist just started to learn how to play and he can't follow yet)? I know about matchen up the bass notes with the chords, but is it just that simple? I think Im boring my bassist with these simple note to note "strumming" HELP!

Is there a rule, a hint... I don't know anything that can make our jaming sesson easier?

Thanx for ur replies... if any

[jimmo]

tell ur bassist 2 learn his instrument

[Jools]

Take a simple fun song you all like and practice it until you know every single itsy bitsy part. I don't know, when I start playing with new people I always say "Learn ALIVE by Pearl Jam, you twits!" :D I noticed that song really helps people to get to know each other well musically. Sometimes even good musicians can't play the simplest thing well just because they haven't got to know each other.

[Mettra]

Originally posted by jimmo
tell ur bassist 2 learn his instrument

Yes, this is the best advice.

Other than that show how intervals work. Thirds/fifths and sixths are sometimes good if he doesn't know what he's doing.

Also, try to teach him a bit too. Meaning force it into his skull if he's not doing his job and learning it.

Good luck.

[danmaftei]

For jazz, yes, there's a rule. Obviously jazz is a free style so you don't have to adhere to that rule but it's good to stick to it. Unless you're a jazz band, I'm not going to post the rules.

Although this won't work too well in rock and metal, I could teach you how to write a walking bassline and that sounds pretty nice in all styles of music if applied correctly.

All in all, keep in mind that the bass is a rythm instrument. Don't get too caught up in making the bass pull out fantastic melodies. Unless you're doing a bass solo or something of the sort.

[GuitarMonky55]

i dont know a bit of theory or whatnot, but i can come up with wicked basslines. heres what i do:

during parts where power chords or other heavily distorted, continuous strumming, just have the bass follow the bass note of the guitars chords. theres really not a whole lot that sounds too pretty in that situation.

in parts that are more down, find all of the root notes of chords being played, or find a few notes within single note riffs that represents each section of notes fairly well. if your bass player can hold the rythym, just let him hop back and forth between several of those notes, moving to new ones when you move on to somethign that doesnt match every few seconds.

[guitar]

whats a bass line and how is it used

[danmaftei]

A bassline, or a walking bassline, is a melodic line for the bass, most often used in jazz. I'm sure you've heard millions (if you listen to jazz) but just don't know what it's called.

Basically it's utilized as a way to get the bass to sound fresh and interesting, but not to stray off from the music. GuitarMonky explained how to make one pretty well. There are more guidelines but unfortunately I've lost the notes I took in music theory so unless I remember them I won't be able to tell you... =/

But generally, what you want to do is (almost) ALWAYS use the root note of the chord when there is a chord change, and try not to skip too much (or go out of key). Go up in full steps, minor major thirds, and fourths only if you want a cool effect. Try this, take this chord progression in 4/4 time:


|: 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 :| 1 2 3 4 | 1 (four beats))
G Em C D G G


Obviously you're in the key of G, so a bassline might be somethines like this:


1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 + 3 4 |
G - F# - E - D - | E - D - F# - E - | D F#-D - C - A - |

1 2 3 + 4 | 1
G - A - G-F# - D - | G


I hope that wans't too confusing. Keep on thumping. Bum bum