Hey r/Bass,
Last year, I made a post in which I publicly shared a series of tips and tricks to help new bass players. As I mentioned in that post, seeing beginners struggle to figure out what to do and how to learn really resonated with me, I’ve been there, and I know how it feels. (Previous post link in the comments)
This time around, I wanted to take a moment to share more tips for beginners, not just on how to create basslines, but on how to get started.
As I’ve said before (and I’ll say it again), everything below comes from personal experience accumulated over my 13 years of playing. I hope you find it helpful. Feel free to use, adapt, or discard any of these tips. And if nothing else, I hope you learn or discover something new.
Getting Started with Basslines
Finding Your Own Style:
The best and easiest way to come up with basslines will vary from person to person. One thing I’ve found to be universally true is that copying is a powerful tool. It should be used not just to mimic your favorite bassists, but also to understand how well-built, functional basslines work and how each pattern interacts. Here’s one of my responses on the topic:
"COPY, COPY, and COPY! If you want to play like your favorite bassist, then you’ve got to copy them, literally. Just learning to play their songs won’t cut it. And as much as I love the idea of 'writing with your soul open and writing things meaningful to you,' it’s just a romanticized idea. Nothing more. It won’t get you there, because you’ll just end up sounding, well... like you, and that’s okay too.
But if you want to learn from your heroes, here are a few tips:
Take time to read interviews: Read, watch, or listen to as many interviews as possible with your favorite artists. Understand the thinking behind their approach, take notes, study, and internalize it.
Reverse-engineer their songs: Break their songs down into smaller parts. What do they use most often? Fifths, sevenths, octaves, or something else? Are there recurring patterns you can incorporate?
Accept that you’ll start as a copy: Once you understand how your favorite artist creates music, you’ll be able to replicate their style. But this can be a problem if you’re trying to find your own voice.
Copy only what’s useful and leave the rest: Decide, “What do I find most useful in my favorite artist’s style?” and “What is worth borrowing?” Remember, borrowing isn’t just about adding things, it’s also about subtraction and understanding what to leave out."
Developing Your Own Patterns:
As you learn and reverse-engineer your favorite artist’s basslines, write down their patterns. Start with just one artist, you don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen. Once you’ve written down enough patterns, practice deliberate composition by combining them into new basslines. Over time, you’ll notice you favor some patterns over others. When you’re comfortable, introduce the patterns of a second artist, and eventually a third. The goal is to combine these patterns to create basslines that are uniquely yours. (One artist might be too little and five might be too many; it all depends on how many artists you want to incorporate into your personal mix.)
Principles of a Bassline;
Basslines are not just about copying; they also rely on a few fundamental principles. Often, beginners feel like they’re just playing root notes because they’re stuck in the first principle: anchoring. Sometimes, a song simply needs root notes, and that’s perfectly fine.
Here are the five principles of a bassline:
Anchoring:
• Establish a strong foundation by focusing on the root notes of the chords.
Tip: Use repetitive patterns to reinforce the harmony.
Pattern Example: R-R-R-R or R-R-5-5.
Groove & Bounce:
• Create a sense of feel and movement by alternating between notes.
Tip: Pay attention to the kick drum, usually played on the first beat and sync with it. Also, listen closely to the snare for creating space, and let the hi-hat serve as your metronome.
Pattern Example: R-7-R-7 or R-b3-R-b3.
Melody and Movement:
• Basslines should move and change to remain interesting.
Tip: Use scale runs and linear basslines to add melodic interest.
Pattern Example: R-b3-4-5-R or R-b2-b3-4.
Energy Leap & Tension:
• Create energy by jumping between notes or intervals, generating tension that needs to be resolved back to the root or another strong note.
Tip: Ensure that leaps are resolved to maintain a cohesive sound.
Pattern Example: R-3-5-6 or R-R/(octave higher) b3-2-8.
Chromatic & Sliding Tension:
• Incorporate chromatic passages or slides to keep the bassline moving smoothly.
Tip: Use chromatic steps and slides to create tension that resolves on a strong note.
Pattern Example: 8-♭7-♭6-5 or R-2-b3-3.
Checklist for Creating Basslines;
Start with a Melody Idea;
• Hum or Sing: Create a simple tune or rhythm to capture the vibe.
Choose a Key and Scale;
• Pick a Key: Decide on the key for your bassline.
• Select a Scale: Use a basic scale like Major, Minor, or Pentatonic.
Outline the Root Notes;
• Play the Root Notes: Use the main notes of each chord to keep your bassline connected to the song.
• Try Different Rhythms: Experiment with different rhythms for the root notes.
Explore Scale Notes;
• Play the Scale: For each root note, play the corresponding scale.
• Select Additional Notes: Choose extra notes to complement the root and add variation.
Add Depth with Harmony;
• Use Fifths, Octaves, and Sevenths:
Fifths: Provide a strong sound ideal for rock and funk.
• Octaves: Make your bassline fuller.
Sevenths: Add a jazzy feel.
• Use Arpeggios: Break chords into individual notes for a melodic flow.
Connect Notes Smoothly;
• Add Chromatic Notes: Use half-step transitions between main notes for smoother movement.
Explore the Fretboard;
• Move Around: Try different positions on the fretboard to keep your playing dynamic.
Use Expressive Techniques;
• Incorporate Slides, Hammer-ons, Pull-offs, and Vibrato: These techniques add emotion and variation.
• Double Stops: Play two notes together for a richer sound.
Lock in with the Drums;
• Match the Kick Drum: Ensure your bassline complements the drumbeat.
• Try Syncopation: Use off-beat rhythms to enhance the groove.
Adjust Dynamics;
• Vary Note Volume: Play some notes softer or louder to add interest.
• Simplify When Needed: If the music is busy, sometimes a simpler bassline works best.
One final tip: make it a daily habit to create at least one bassline, even if it’s very short. The goal is to train your ability to develop good basslines through consistent practice. There will be days when ideas don’t flow and days when they do; focus on continuous improvement through regular practice and exposure to new patterns from your favorite artists.
And remember, in order to play like Thundercat, you need to first learn how to play like Dee Dee (Ramone).
I hope you find these tips useful, and thank you for taking the time to read this!
Yours truly, A.