5 Step Formula for Great Sounding Bass Lines (fool proof method)

Some people say that scales and modes are the most important aspect to think about when you’re learning how to create great-sounding bass lines. But I’ll arm wrestle anyone who believes that they are the only system that will give you improvisational freedom.

In today’s video I’m going to show you my own 5 step formula that you can use to play killer bass lines, grooves and fills without even thinking about scales or modes!

As always, see you in the shed…

Scott :)

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[johngrahamiv]

Scott, Tony Levin paid you a compliment on his Twitter feed while on tour in Japan with King Crimson ❤️. Thanks for all your inspiration!

[rome]

I always think about using bass lines to get from one chord to the next chord. I also try to emphasize important notes in the chord. So for example, on the A7 of this progression I might do something like A, G, E, C# with the C# leading into the D. Or I could do A, B, C#, E with the E leading into the D in a more linear walking progression. Or you could get chromatic and go A, B, C, C# into the D. Basically, I'd want to emphasize that C# since it's out of the key and is what makes the progression sound cool. But at the same time I'd use its proximity to D to lead the listener into next chord.

Some bassists think rhythmically. I've always thought more harmonically and melodically. My goal with my bass lines is to spell out the relationship between chords for the listener. I don't necessarily think about it that cerebrally though. I can look at two chords and instantly see 20 different ways to get from one to the next in a smooth fashion. It's akin to voice leading on piano.

[damienjacquemin]

Thank you so much. This video taught me more in 10 min about making bass lines than several years of self-teaching!

[osborne]

Hi Scott..Im not a musician at all.. and I shouldn't be here commenting ....but Ive been fascinated by your Bass site and how you deliver the lessons and your amazing enthusiasm to show and teach everyone how cool it is to play Bass.
Its been a stay in doors rainy weekend and Ive watched loads of your vids everyday...so interesting to even a non player....you make me wanna go get a Bass now..!! thanks so much for a great site.

[lalogallu]

Thank Scott for helping us bassists explore new ways to play over a simple chord change sequence. Greetings from Mallorca

[thijs]

It's so applicable to what you're saying in the beginning of the video, I'm commenting now with a irish accent in my head for some reason

[luukderuijter]

Amazing video. I like this format where you get to the point

[BrunoMigliari]

Killer playing with just basic resources. Scott! Great stuff!

[conanshinn]

Excellent lesson!Thanks for getting straight to the content. I kind of already have a handle on these concepts, but nice to know I’m on the right track and how great it can sound if done well.

[BikeRidingBassist]

Thank you Scott!!! This has opened doors!!!

[vjwsav]

Thank you. "Improvement is the greatest pleasure." (Ben Hogan, golfer) Because of your clear approach & "Yes, but how?" teaching style, I'm improving!

[hewolf]

Awesome! Really useful and a great inspiration! Thank you so much, Scott!

[joshbeer]

Really helpful ty. I love the onscreen help ty

[Successbound]

Very well put together, thanks for sharing

[bowlmaned]

THIS IS THE "SCOTT" I NEED TO THANK YOU!!!

[nyfaniloandrianjafy]

I have been watching a bunch of your videos lately and they are mostly about this concept of R + 3 + 5 + C. Thank you for the lessons Scoot!

[reynelorenzo]

This is a great lesson for keeping basslines simple and allowing the FEEL to develop naturally. A true gem of a lesson, allowing your music brain to explore just the groove of things. Excellent content.

I will be joining SBL Academy this year 2022! Been a subscriber for years now.

[kglasbass]

Valuable content Alert!! Thanks Scott!!

[AntonioMeres]

This is pure gold. Briliant! Thanks Scott.

[badmonks]

Outstanding! Great explanation on how build bass line grooves. You make it seem easy, almost. I gotta build the chops to pull it off but I'm in. Thank you.