Creating Basslines

Benno · Post by **Benno** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 8:50 am

Im a bit of a novice so I usually just bash away on my keyboard until i come across something i like. Unfortunately i often tend to come up with similar patterns using very similar keys. Any tips on how to vary this? It can get very uncreative very quickly. What techniques do you guys use or are you all fantastically gifted musicians!!

robbmasters · Post by **robbmasters** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 11:02 am

Try using a different composition technique - for example, try writing on a guitar (even - or maybe especially - if you can't play guitar) or by using a matrix editor. I find each method gets me to behave in a different way and therefore come up with different lines.

globalgoon · Post by **globalgoon** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 11:10 am

if you're using a sampler for the bass, you can make a Cb on the keyboard play an A# , D play Ab etc -- mess it up

or use the scale midi effect in live to do a similar thing

montrealbreaks · Post by **montrealbreaks** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 12:10 pm

globalgoon wrote:if you're using a sampler for the bass, you can make a Cb on the keyboard play an A# , D play Ab etc -- mess it up

or use the scale midi effect in live to do a similar thing

If you don't know any musical theory at all, that's your first step. There's dozens of websites to help with that.

Then I agree with Globalgoon. Use the "SCALE" effect. Decide what key you're in. Set it up, and then use your synth (or tone generator or Simpler, or whatever) in MONO mode (or whatever they call it in your product). Essentially you want every new note to cut off the last. Basslines and harmonics GENERALLY (again not written in stone) don't go together. Most bass sound better without chords or harmonies.

Now mash the keyboard with your fist, or randomly poke keys on the left side of your keyboard.

voila.

thetonewrecker · Post by **thetonewrecker** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:30 pm

Leave a single note being triggered and "mold" the bassline by simply altering its parameters with automation. Of course the Oscillator tuning will yield your first obvious changes, but work with all the parameters to create a groove that you wouldn't get from just playing a melody on the keyboard.

noisetonepause · Post by **noisetonepause** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 6:43 pm

Just steal one you like...

Or if you're feeling creative, steal one and play the notes in the opposite order or summat.

... and I'm only sort of kidding - if you try recreating a bassline from a record, chances are you'll stumble on something good while you're fucking it up

-Paws

Vercengetorex · Post by **Vercengetorex** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 7:43 pm

Place random pitched 8th notes sequentialy (no chords) throughout a 2bar Live MIDI clip. Add MIDI sustain CC throughout. Now remove the notes that donot belong. The notes that are left are a bassline.

montrealbreaks · Post by **montrealbreaks** » Wed Sep 29, 2004 9:59 pm

Vercengetorex wrote:Place random pitched 8th notes sequentialy (no chords) throughout a 2bar Live MIDI clip. Add MIDI sustain CC throughout. Now remove the notes that donot belong. The notes that are left are a bassline.

That's a neat trick - I like it!

Fiendishly simple, too...

Benno · Post by **Benno** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 7:49 am

Am a bit of a novice when it comes to this terminology. Could you explain what you mean when you say "Place random pitched 8th notes sequentialy (no chords)". I do understand a little music thoery. Sorry if its a silly question. Cheers

Vercengetorex · Post by **Vercengetorex** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:16 am

Just draw in random (whatever pitch you happen to click, giving it no forethought) notes, one after the other, without any two notes sounding at the same time.

The key to this whole technique is not to overthink (obviously).
Do not look at this as an exercise in lazyness, or dissregard for thoughtful composition, it is simply a very good way of quickly overcoming writers block. I like to call this act of taking chaos, and imposing meaning upon it "Reverse Creativity".

Benno · Post by **Benno** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:20 am

Do you mean put 8 random notes per bar, add sustain and then remove the ones that do not sound in key?

Vercengetorex · Post by **Vercengetorex** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:24 am

you are still overthiking.

Replace "dont sound in key" with "dont sound like what I want"

Benno · Post by **Benno** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:28 am

Ahh i see, thanks a load for taking the time to explain that.Very much appreciated.

noisetonepause · Post by **noisetonepause** » Thu Sep 30, 2004 9:25 am

Vercengetorex wrote:you are still overthiking.

Replace "dont sound in key" with "dont sound like what I want"

Alternatively, spend a few years learning to play an instrument AS WELL AS music theory so you have an actual intuitive understanding of how the notes work together, both on a theoretical level and from just playing around on a physical instrument (piano is probably best for this). I guarantee you, your music will be better.

-Paws