How to Compose a Good Bassline

Last Updated: October 8, 2020

Basslines are very important to a song—even if it doesn't seem so at first. They provide that moving feeling and display the song's structure. Depending on the music, there are different methods used to write a bassline, but here are some of the more common ways.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Learning chords

1
Know that before the bassline is written, it is essential to know the chords of a song. Also, the melody is useful to devise the bassline. Until adequate experience is acquired, this should always be the first step!^{[1]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Composing a simple bassline

1
Find the roots of the chord on the bass instruments or write them out on a bass clef with the melody and chords.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Repeat. From this point, a punk bassline is almost automatically made by playing repetitively on these notes. To ensure a more interesting line though, it is first useful to smooth out the bassline.
3
To smooth out the bassline, use scales or small jumps to connect the chords together. Don't be afraid to invert the chords, or change what note in the chord is on the bottom, to make the line smooth.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Check the melody. See if it sounds independent of the bassline. Try to use contrary motion, such as when the melody goes up, then the bass goes down and vice versa.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Advancing the bassline

1
At this point, this is a simple bassline. This may do for some, but the more creative will want to embellish.
2
Experiment with rhythms to get a groove going.
3
Take the other notes in the chord or tones close to the original note and play those once in a while. Be sure to focus on the main note though.^{[4]
X
Research source}
4
Let the bassline complement the other parts. If this has a riff, the bass would love to have its turn with it. Just don't make it a carbon copy of another part, or else the bassline should take the bus home!

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Winging it

1
Find out what chords your guitarist is playing.
2
Repeat those notes in time with the guitar. Keep experimenting until you are comfortable.^{[5]
X
Research source}
3
Using the notes you were already playing as a base, add different notes to create a melody. Keep experimenting until you find something that sounds good.
4
Take on board constructive criticism from your bandmates. It's very important that you work together and put in equal amounts of effort.

Community Q&A

Question

What other instruments apart from Bass guitar play bass lines well?

Community Answer

The upright bass (otherwise known as the double bass or string bass) can play basslines well, especially in certain genres of jazz. The lower register of the piano can also play basslines. If you really wanted to stretch it, you could play a bassline with a low wind instrument, such as a trombone or a bari sax. These two instruments sometimes play basslines, but they often "double" the bass part with an actual bass or the piano's left hand (at least in jazz).

Warnings

Do not give up. This is harder for someone without any formal music background, but it's possible to figure out.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Do not write it one awkward way and be satisfied. It has to complement the parts, not ruin them.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0