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Subject: Bass Theory

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Original Message Date: 13-Jun-02 @ 10:18 AM - Bass Theory

Drop

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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 11/16 14-Jun-02 @ 04:01 PM - RE: Bass Theory

Pongoid

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You could also check out Gary Grainger, Trevor Dunn, Mark King, and a slew as long as my arm for great bassists. There's no ONE RULE, and it's not just another drum. The Bass is ALL. The drums set the tempo, and with the bass they form the groove to which all other instruments follow. Look at the drums as an extension of the bass, and you might have more luck. Not necessarily all of the percussion, but the basic drums might be looked at as mute notes of the bass in the groove. You kids these days have it so easy with this software, but you still don't have the pocket locked down. ;)

Ape

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Message 12/16 14-Jun-02 @ 04:57 PM Edit: 14-Jun-02 | 04:57 PM - RE: Bass Theory

Brett

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bass theory has it's place in classical. The 1,4,&5 with a resolution to the tonic is standard.

I make most of my bass out of the 1,3,4 and demished 7th. but do also use the notes in between. This Note display is the bass notes for Cmin that I use.

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Message 13/16 14-Jun-02 @ 05:00 PM - RE: Bass Theory

Brett

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Flea breaks it down! I always liked Adam Clayton's bass lines. Being able to do all the freaky stuff flea can do is cool, but being so damn smooth and consistant is hard as well.

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Message 14/16 14-Jun-02 @ 05:44 PM - RE: Bass Theory

damballah

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maybe try a blemished 2nd with the microscrotal mode.

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Message 15/16 15-Jun-02 @ 12:07 AM - RE: Bass Theory

xoxos

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well said d

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Message 16/16 16-Jun-02 @ 04:00 PM - RE: Bass Theory

proximus

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all I know is that bass is f*ucking difficult

And it's very important.

I wish I could make those 70's funk basslines used in many house tracks.. oh my jolly god

I'm sorry I don't have so much to contribute with, but I try sometimes not to think so much when I make bass (and other stuff), just put a note here and there and see how it sounds. Sometimes it sounds terrible, but I've found out that usually the first *lay* is often very nice sounding. It's like you just lay it the right places.. but on the other hand my basses are pretty simple

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