How'd you do it?
I'm putting this in a separate thread so as not to clutter the BassIAB submissions thread.
So can we discuss the creative process as it applies to composing a bass line? You can make reference to BassIAB or just in general terms as you like.
For me it goes like this.
The first thing I usually do if I have the chords is to plug them into BiaB and set the style, key and tempo. This way I have something to play along with. Very occasionally I'll just use an mp3 but it's nice to have the chords to follow in real time.
The first time or two I just play root notes and concentrate on the rythym. It's the drums that usually give me clues as to what will sound good. I definately try to incorporate space and unusual rythymic patterns during this stage.
Usually I find myself playing the occasional safe note or two along with the rythym quite early on, even before I've totally settled on a rythym.
After 3 or 4 runs through I find that I have at least an outline of what I want the bass line to sound like. I don't record or write anything down at all, just remember it in general terms. At this point I'll just play along fairly loosely over and over. As I play the song I find I make little mistakes. Most sound bad but occasionally one sounds good and I'll incorporate it into the line. I know that sounds goofy, composing by making errors, but it works for me.
I'll have something pretty definate within a dozen or so repeats. From here on in I just rehearse the line until my timing is good enough to record. Through out the process I don't generally worry about an outro. For some reason I find that's best left for after I've recorded the main bass line. Then I'll work on the outro by looping the end of the song and just playing it over and over 'til I find something I like. Then I record it quick before I forget (as I did on YYC). hahahaha
Then I post it and wait 'til Jaymie or Wheat put up theirs so I can judge how bad I was. LOL
So that's it, that's my creative process. Not much, I'll admit, but if even one step is useful to someone then I'm glad I shared it. So how about the rest of you?
Interesting
Interesting thread.
Sometimes I'll just pick up and play what I hear in my head. That's always the most fun but it doesn't always work that way. Other times I'll hear something in my head for a day or two and then I'll play the basic outline. I'll add more and more parts as I go.
This is how I usually do it:
1. Basic line. No chorus, verse, bridge, or transitions have been developed. The basic line is usually a rhythm that I’m grooving to and about 4 notes.
2. Variations. After I solidify the basic line, I develop the variations. Some variations become part of the basic line. From the variations come bridges and choruses and verses. Or I’ll pull in some part of a line I’ve been working on that didn’t have a home and find that it works with the new line.
3. Arrange. Then I arrange the order of the variations, decide on number of repetitions, identify the chorus, verse, and bridge, and develop transitions.
4. Rock out. Once I have the bass line structured and arranged how I like it, I start into the funky rhythms and patterns. I’m working on one right now that has me sliding up and down the neck; something I don’t normally do. But it’s cool.
I hardly ever think of guitar chords or the melody that goes along with it. If I have guitar chords in my head, I’ll just play them on the guitar and then try to find someone who can play them for me. If I can get someone to play the chords then I’ll develop the basic outline. I’ll get that down so I can play it well enough without the guitar. That’s the old fashioned way (i.e. no recording equipment).
-Ann-
Thanks for the input Ann. It
Thanks for the input Ann. It seems you do somewhat the same as I do, at least in terms of finding the basic rythym first. On the other hand I don't really think in terms of arrangements. That's a good idea that I should think about more. That would be a way of making my bass lines more interesting.
Do you find some of your ideas come from small mistakes like I do? That's how I find those little odd notes that work well. I basically make a mental note when a slip up sounds better than what I intended and then play it next time around. It's maybe a bit weird but it works for me. : )
Jays way
I like to jam over the song a bit just to get ideas and see where the chords are going; this helps me to loosen up with the song so I can play what I can hear in my head later. I like to find key points in the song where it builds, plateaus or comes down a bit for dynamics and work around these as points to work towards.
I also look at the start and ending as the 2 most important parts of the song because most people remember these, start tight, end well.
I also try add in some hook lines, parts that you remember because they made you feel a certain way, I find these can separate a boring song from a interesting song.
Once I'm happy with the basic idea, I then record the whole thing (roughly) in one go, just so I can get an idea what’s going to work, then I change, add, fix or whatever needs to be done.
That’s my way of doing it but don’t ask me about the mixing part, I still haven't got that one figured out yet.
Peace, j.
That's interesting Jaymie.
That's interesting Jaymie. It seems your approach is a little different than mine. I generally like to look at the chords first, or at least know the progression, before I try to jam with the song.
Also your comment about the beginning and ending of the song is an important one that I should pay more attention to. I have a tendancy to leave beginnings and endings, as well as difficult passages, until I've got the main parts down. I'm thinking that's maybe not such a good idea. I should learn to think of those parts as well.
Thanks for your input. It's nice to see how other people approach composing bass lines.
No worries, it’s
No worries, it’s interesting to see how people do it, good forum idea bro.
You are right about looking at the chord structure first, when I say that I jam with the song, I mean jam using the chord voicings that are needed. It’s a good way to do it because it can give you ideas and you can see ways of playing other notes in the chord apart from the root. A basic example for those that don’t know what I mean: say if the chord is a C7 or a Cmin, then you know that the 7 in these chords are gonna be Bb, so you could walk through the Bb to your next chord change.
Ah, I see, that's closer to
Ah, I see, that's closer to what I do than I thought then. That's where having Band in a Box works well for me; I can follow the chords in real time.
I try to dream basslines
I try to dream basslines just before I fall sleep, when my brain has reached alpha frequencies. Works wonders. Tough to remember the next day though. Gotta keep a little recorder under my pillow. :0)
@lex.
Now you just need a way to
Now you just need a way to record the bass lines in yer dreams and they will be perfect every time.
Hazz
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I just use my one track
I just use my one track mind.
I can't remember the ones I
I can't remember the ones I think of when I'm awake! LOL