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Subject: Bass Theory

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Original Message 1/16 13-Jun-02 @ 10:18 AM - Bass Theory

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Right, I'm onto bass theory now. I have been learning about constructing better basslines and the general consensus seems to be this:

To only use the 1st, 5th and octave of the chord. Then to add extra interest, you accent using the 4th and 7th. I've been told never to hang on the 3rd for longer than an 8th note every 4 bars. Apparently this can make the bass sound off-key.

Have any of the more skilled musicans got any comments on this way of working?

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Message 2/16 13-Jun-02 @ 12:27 PM - RE: Bass Theory

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yes I have..... "bollocks"

think of the bass like another drum, the notes come second, but when they do come, 3rds & 5ths as a 'rule' is complete rubbish, ANY notes will do if they work with the other parts.

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Message 3/16 13-Jun-02 @ 12:38 PM - RE: Bass Theory

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Oh dear. Maybe this 20 page bass article I downloaded from Harmony Central is a load of rubbish then.

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Message 4/16 13-Jun-02 @ 12:50 PM - RE: Bass Theory

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sounds like it... the idea you can discuss bass theory starting with harmonic relationships is a sure sign it's bollox - bass starts with the rhyhthm and should be treated as a drum first (like ALL instruments) and foremost, melody comes second and is therefore empathic with the rhythm FIRST. A good bassline imo should work with the drums FIRST rhythmicaly, create it's own distinctive melody which works harmonicaly with the overlying melodic structure AND emphasises or supports the vocal meter where it exists. Hard to learn... good bass players are the hardest players to find... drummers next, guitarists & keyboardists are 10 a penny.. and er... we dont mention singers

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Message 5/16 13-Jun-02 @ 12:52 PM - RE: Bass Theory

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Thanks K. Is Flea generally regarded as THE best bass player then?

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Message 6/16 13-Jun-02 @ 02:12 PM - RE: Bass Theory

milan

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or marcuss miller? maybe he�s more of a producer thoguh...

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Message 7/16 13-Jun-02 @ 03:15 PM - RE: Bass Theory

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I dont go for the 'famous = best' theory meself, there's great players around famous and otherwise... and many styles. But if a bassist has fame & character & skills they stand out like primus or flea or rage etc.

You need two things to be a great musician.. a good ear for harmony & melody, but especialy relative harmony, and you MUST be able to play drums or dance well

any RULES that exist are obvious, you KNOW when a discordant note clashes with even ONE note ina chord played by another supporting instrument IF you have a good ear... but for example i play a few fun gigs with a mates band and we started one rehearsal with the one guitarist playing in a different key to the other and he didnt notice until the end!

... (well, until I stopped it going "no no no!!" after about two verses)

the rest is intuition and your ear.... and experience in some respects although if you've 'got it' then that counts less because VERY effective bass can come from relatively simple playing.. tons of notes & scales, modes & technique doesnt make a good bassline. You have to treat the bass AS A BASS, too may players treat it as simply a guitar played an octave lower. The bassist in effect can change the whole groove/feel of a track by the subtlest things, BUT then to do that you also need a drummer who's strong enuff himself to NOT follow the bassist but stick to HIS groove. With weak drummers you come in with an offbeat playing against the kik and suddenly the drummer changes his beat and start to play along to your bassline and the whole groove falls apart... This is EXACTLY the same as working in a vocal harmony group.. each member MUST be able to stick to their bit, un-influenced by the harmonies they hear from the others.

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Message 8/16 13-Jun-02 @ 08:04 PM - RE: Bass Theory

Mindspawn

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Akil Wemusa ain't a bad bassist, nor is Billy Sheenan. Just a couple other names to add to the big two already mentioned...

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Message 9/16 13-Jun-02 @ 08:42 PM - RE: Bass Theory

xoxos

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why try and live up to the standards of yesterdays greats when you can set the standards today/tomorrow?

i think of bass as like a really low pitched melody. uh-hum.

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Message 10/16 14-Jun-02 @ 03:03 PM - RE: Bass Theory

knowa

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Jaco?

listen to the JB's with the bass cranked. not fancy-schmancy Jaco stuff but hot damn! basically the definition of 'funk'.

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