Bass Versus Geetar

[EmergencyRoom]

Just a few questions:

What are the main differences between composition of bass lines and composition of guitar riffs? Are there any special considerations when composing a bass line that you don't need to think about when writing riffs? Is the Theory any different?

Thanks much

[Akira]

Well guitar riffs are more like a melody - they take center stage. Bass lines should simply accent what the guitar is playing, outline the chords.
Put that said, there are no solid rules of composition. Write whatever you think sounds good.

[janyeno]

You wanna try to be the glue between the guitar and the drums... if that makes sense.

[incubass]

^bassicaly what he said. The drums are like the foundation of a house and then the bass is like the support beams and wall and basic structure of a house. Then the guitar is like the paint on the wall and all the fancy fixtures and stuff.

[mastrrbasser]

match the drums rhythmically while matching the guitar melodically. You are the middle man

[Omega Red]

theory is theory its aplicable to every instrument. the notes from the guitar, and the rhythm from the bass drum make great solid basslines.

[EmergencyRoom]

Thanks all. It seems as if i've been on the right lines. Been playing guitar for three years and i right all my own stuff ( Lyrics, rhythm, harmony, keys and synths) bar the drums. I'm getting into writing some basslines for my songs and i wanted to know if i was headed in the right direction having never practiced bass playing.

:thumb: Help was greatly appreciated