How to create a bass line

Hey everyone! So today, I’m going to share with you all some tips on how to create a bass line.

Let’s get into it

Bass line 101

A bass line should be something that supports the song that you’re singing.

A good bass line will be something that pays attention to the rest of the song but will also notice a few different elements in the song such as genre and style of playing. 

Let’s talk about some different ways that you could shape a bass line.

Playing only the root

It’s not the only way to play a bass line, but it’s definitely a viable way to play the bass line. 

What you have to pay attention to is that fact that you are a supporting instrument. 

And it’s okay, there is nothing wrong with being the bassist. 

And what you have to really understand is that when you’re playing the root, you can just do a simple yet catchy groove and that would captivate the audiences. 

Some bassists heavily rely on playing the root. 

In certain punk songs that’s literally all that they play. 

The root note of the chords and then they call it a day. 

But the problem with playing only the root note is that it can be too simple. 

Sometimes you need a little more. 

Playing the melody 

This isn’t a one size fits all way to create a bass line, but if you can find different times in the song to play the melody, it can create a really good supporting piece. 

So playing the melody at the right times can sound really good. 

Playing thirds, fifths, and octaves

So what happens is that you should know that when you’re a bassist, you are playing the same chords as the guitarist except they are single notes. 

Most of the time. 

And what happens is that a guitar chord consists of a Root, Third, fifth, and an octave. 

And you should know that when you create a bass line, there is a thing in the bassist arsenal that’s called the skeleton of the bass line. 

And the skeleton is the root, third, fifth, and octave in the chords that is being played. 

And what happens is that when you’re in a jam session, you typically rely on these elements to make the bass line. 

If not all of it, a big majority of the bass line will consist of the skeleton. 

And it makes for a really great bass line. 

So yeah, practice making skeletons and you’ll go a far way. 

Now this doesn’t mean that you can’t get out of the skeleton and play different notes, but it’s a good place to start a song and carry the song in it. 

Broadcast

I sure hope that I have been an inspiration and a hope to you all. Please remember to pray, read your bible, go to church, and love God above all else. Like, comment, share, subscribe, and I will see you all next time.

If you want to go to heaven, then believe in Jesus and you will go to heaven. (John 3:16)

Thank you all for listening in on this blog post. 

German Gonzalez, signing out!