How to Compose a Good Bassline
Know that before the bassline is written, it is essential to know the chords of a song., Find the roots of the chord on the bass instruments or write them out on a bass clef with the melody and chords. , Repeat., To smooth out the bassline, use...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Know that before the bassline is written
Also, the melody is useful to devise the bassline.
Until adequate experience is acquired, this should always be the first step! -
Step 2: it is essential to know the chords of a song.
, From this point, a punk bassline is almost automatically made by playing repetitively on these notes.
To ensure a more interesting line though, it is first useful to smooth out the bassline. , Don't be afraid to invert the chords, or change what note in the chord is on the bottom, to make the line smooth. , See if it sounds independent of the bassline.
Try to use contrary motion, such as when the melody goes up, then the bass goes down and vice versa. , This may do for some, but the more creative will want to embellish. ,, Be sure to focus on the main note though. , If this has a riff, the bass would love to have its turn with it.
Just don't make it a carbon copy of another part, or else the bassline should take the bus home! ,, Keep experimenting until you are comfortable. , Keep experimenting until you find something that sounds good. , It's very important that you work together and put in equal amounts of effort. -
Step 3: Find the roots of the chord on the bass instruments or write them out on a bass clef with the melody and chords.
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Step 4: Repeat.
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Step 5: To smooth out the bassline
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Step 6: use scales or small jumps to connect the chords together.
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Step 7: Check the melody.
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Step 8: At this point
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Step 9: this is a simple bassline.
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Step 10: Experiment with rhythms to get a groove going.
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Step 11: Take the other notes in the chord or tones close to the original note and play those once in a while.
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Step 12: Let the bassline complement the other parts.
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Step 13: Find out what chords your guitarist is playing.
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Step 14: Repeat those notes in time with the guitar.
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Step 15: Using the notes you were already playing as a base
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Step 16: add different notes to create a melody.
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Step 17: Take on board constructive criticism from your bandmates.
Detailed Guide
Also, the melody is useful to devise the bassline.
Until adequate experience is acquired, this should always be the first step!
, From this point, a punk bassline is almost automatically made by playing repetitively on these notes.
To ensure a more interesting line though, it is first useful to smooth out the bassline. , Don't be afraid to invert the chords, or change what note in the chord is on the bottom, to make the line smooth. , See if it sounds independent of the bassline.
Try to use contrary motion, such as when the melody goes up, then the bass goes down and vice versa. , This may do for some, but the more creative will want to embellish. ,, Be sure to focus on the main note though. , If this has a riff, the bass would love to have its turn with it.
Just don't make it a carbon copy of another part, or else the bassline should take the bus home! ,, Keep experimenting until you are comfortable. , Keep experimenting until you find something that sounds good. , It's very important that you work together and put in equal amounts of effort.
About the Author
Theresa Tucker
Committed to making DIY projects accessible and understandable for everyone.
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