12 Techniques to Spice Up Your Bass Lines

Introduction

• Aim: Learn techniques to make bass lines more interesting than just following the root note
  • Utilize all 12 techniques, a combination, or none based on the style desired
• Example: Transforming a basic bass line into a more complex one
• Shoutout: Jack Parker’s success story from Accelerator program

Techniques for Bass Lines

1. Eighth Shift Technique

• Change the timing of some bass notes by moving them an eighth note forward or backward
  • Set grid to eighth notes
  • Move beginning of some notes by an eighth for forward groove
  • Example: Pushing bass notes before or after beats enhances groove

2. Adding Syncopation

• Works well with pluck basses
• Set grid to 16th notes
• Shorten notes and skip every two 16th notes
• Combine with other techniques like Eighth Shift
  • Enhances funkiness and groove
  • Example: Adjust volume envelope for slightly longer note release

3. Separating Sub Bass and Mid Bass

• Avoids phase cancellation and maintains energy
• Duplicate bass line, turn off sub oscillator in mid bass, roll off low end below 120Hz
  • Allows separate control over sub and mid frequencies
  • Example: Bump sub bass up an octave for low notes

4. Non-Root Notes

• Experiment with thirds, fifths, and sevenths
• Use scale feature in DAW for guidance (e.g., e minor natural)
  • Avoid strictly following root notes to add tension or a jazzy feel

5. The 80-20 Rule

• Move away from the root note 20% of the time
• Adds interest without distracting from the main melody
  • Example: Use 16th notes with syncopation for a funky style

6. Octave Jumps

• Adds variety by dropping or raising notes an octave
  • Enhances the funkiness or interest in the bass line

7. Tweaking Note Length

• Adjust the length to leave small gaps for added interest
• Important for creating a funky or dynamic vibe
  • Example: Ensures continuity by repeating patterns

8. Layering with Staccato Elements

• Layer with different instruments for added texture
  • Example: Using a staccato rickenbacker bass for a funky texture

9. Adding Flourishes

• Add small, funky elements at the end of a loop
  • Example: An eighth note flourish in the second section

10. Using Envelopes

• Manipulate filter envelopes for dynamic changes
• Use LFOs for subtle variations in attack and sound
  • Example: Different envelopes for each bass hit

11. Eight-Bar Switch

• Change bass line in the second section of the loop
• Avoid root note the second time for variation
  • Example: Create a little run down or a new pattern

12. Pitch Bend

• Add movement to bass lines with pitch bends
• Set pitch bend range to +12/-12 for octave shifts
  • Example: Bend notes to make them more interesting

Bonus: Call and Response

• Use two different bass lines that interact
• Avoid both playing at the same time to prevent a muddy mix
  • Example: Use different instruments for varied textures

Conclusion

• Recap of how these techniques make bass lines more interesting
• Encouragement to experiment based on the track’s vibe/style
• Call to Subscribe and Like the channel
  • Appreciation and sign-off with "happy producing"