Author Topic: Any advice for developing rock bass lines? (Read 272 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** May 22, 2013, 11:23:14 PM »

I'm going to be standing in on bass for a rock band called Khaliq this summer. They are not heavy rock but more like, to my uneducated ears, Paul Weller/ Manchester style indie band with some asian soulful and funk elements.
This is all new to me, although I do listen to rock I've not had much exposure to it from a playing perspective.

Here is some details on the band.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/147660.html?1369289490

They are recording some new material for an album next month and have asked me to play bass on it. So I'd just like some solid practical advice on developing bass lines for rock music. I expect I will be going in the studio cold as I haven't been given any demo tracks to familiarise with.

A good opportunity for my Series II bass.

Jazzyvee

bigredbass · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2013, 12:08:12 AM »

Listen, and play what fits. My only advice vis-a-vis your usual background is more backbeat: Carribean/reggae runs on the 1 and 3. Most 'rock' is from 2 and 4.

That THEY asked YOU is the key here. Do what you do.

J o e y

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2013, 07:02:38 AM »

Yep done the rock thing, just straight on the 2 and 4, no funk shinnanigans or weird time signatures, us a pick(which I don't anymore and turn the low and high up on the amp so it thunders thru'

stout71 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2013, 07:22:50 AM »

Rock is my thing. It really depends on the song and the tempo, but in general (if the song is in 4/4), keep the bass driving, (8th notes) or dotted quarter/eighth. I play with my fingers and rarely have a need for a pick. Just follow the drummer and play ON the beat, not the backbeat. Play along with the kick drum if it calls for it. Any attack that you lose by playing with your fingers will be supplemented by the kick. Nothing wrong with walking basslines with passing tones either.

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2013, 09:05:58 AM »

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DRIVING without losing the groove or abandoning dynamics.

Very few players, with the exception of those like Entwistle & Lee, are successful with incorporatingembellishments into a rock setting. It works for them because their bands accommodated their playing styles. You might not be so lucky.

Re: amp tone - I prefer a crisp, slightly distorted tube tone (SVT, driven Fender, etc.) as it sounds full and the inherent mid bump from the natural overdrive sits nicely in the mix without sounding tubby.

And round wound strings.

To pick or not - personal preference. I prefer not because I feel I have more control over dynamics with my fingers, especially since I've started to incorporate the typewriter tapping style into my arsenal of techniques. This technique works well with the above-mentioned tone and delivers a punchy, ringing sound that really cuts through when needed.

alembickoa · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2013, 08:57:59 AM »

Well, you seem to have no problem describing the musical fundamentals of the band's style(s). Listen to those styles and develop a basic understanding of what makes it move. At that point, play the way you play. They have obviously decided that you have the capabilities, so keep your ears open and do what you do.

And, by the way, any gig is a good gig for a Series II, or any Alembic for that matter. 8^)

that_sustain · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:12:33 AM »

Play along to some ACDC.

pauldo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2013, 05:22:49 PM »

+1 on the driving 8th notes.
Throw in a couple of punctuating slides and you will be golden.

A mullet hair style would put you over the top! :-D

jacko · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2013, 04:18:18 AM »

For some reason I just can't picture jazzy with a mullet :-)

graeme

jazzyvee · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2013, 10:36:03 AM »

LOL..!!! don't try Jacko.... please..... lol

About the closest to a mullet!!

Jazzyvee

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2013, 11:21:57 AM »

Pity da foo dat mess wit JV!