3.3 BASS LINE WRITING

The bass instrument is the link between the drum groove and the rest of the band. A bass line with a strong connection to the kick drum gives rhythmic freedom to the harmony that the chordal instruments play. Altering the beginnings and the ends of the notes in a bass line changes the sound of a groove.

• Watch the walkthrough video

how are the bass and kick related?

The kick usually plays on beat one of every measure to set up the meter. The bass plays with the first note of the kick to enhance this relationship. Unlike drums, bass instruments can hold notes for a period of time (duration). Altering the length of a bass note changes the sound of a beat. Adding one subdivision of separation between a bass release and an attack adds more punch to the second attack. Removing that separation by having the release on the same count as the attack creates a more connected sound.

Relationship I: Bass and kick play at the same time

Example: The attacks of the bass are on all of the same counts as the kick drum. Separation is added between some attacks to add punch, and the last note is held out for its full value to create a connected sound when moving to the next measure.

Relationship II: Bass plays more than the kick

Example: Bass notes played before the kick attacks support the drum part. The bass note on the and of four leads into the kick on beat one of the next measure.

Relationship III: Bass plays less than the kick

Example: The bass has attacks on beats one and three with no separation between the release of the first note and the attack of the second creating a more connected sound.

EAR TRAINING

Listen to the playlist and try to hear the rhythmic relationship between the bass and kick drum.

• Develop your ability to hear the different kick/bass relationships by listening to music you like. Pay close attention to the duration of the bass notes as well. Remember that critical listening is a muscle. The more you use the muscle, the stronger it gets!