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» Do the fundamental things well
» Number 12: The Arrangement
1. Putting each instrument in its place:
» Keyboards
» Rhythm guitars
[Bass]
» Drums
» Melody instruments
» 2. Putting the parts of the song together well
Bass – the foundation
The pyramids in Egypt are large and impressive only because of their foundations. Foundations do two things: First, they allow a building to grow in size – the pyramids wouldn’t reach so high unless the foundation was there. Second, even though it's often not visible, the foundation supports the final appearance of the building; the big square base of the pyramid is what allows the building to grow to its pointy shape.
1. Growing the building
A bass part fills out the lower frequencies – which adds depth to the sound you’re making, and helps you build a song. It’s the same thing the happens when the keyboard player moves their left hand down an octave. The sounds are “bigger”.
That’s why you sometimes save the bass for a second verse or a chorus, giving the song a chance to build. If you want the sound to be big straight away, go ahead and whack in a bass part from the first bar.
2. Supporting the appearance of the building
Particularly when the bass part works with the bass drum as part of the rhythm section, it can have a big effect on the “groove” of a song (the rhythmic feel that a song settles into). Your average listener won’t notice where this groove has come from – they’re more likely to notice a piano or trumpet part – but the groove would not be well-established if it weren’t for the bass and drums.
What the bass player needs to do
1. Don’t play all the time! Particularly avoid playing from the start unless there is a good reason to.
2. Work with the drummer, and take special notice of the kick drum. Think about the groove you might want to develop and talk about it with the drummer.