The bass is one of the most critical roles in any track, and especially hip-hop. Along with the kick drum, the bass is one of the primary instruments of the revered "low-end" in hip-hop. In this article, we will discuss the role of the bass, and how it can be used to elevate your beats.
The bass serves as the root of the harmony. It is the core element of the harmony that the pads and the groove sit on top of. Without the bass, the sound of a beat just does not sound as full.
One interesting characteristics about the bass is that it can often change the sound of chord being played on its own by simply changing the bass note. As an experiment, pick out a music chord and have the bass play as a sustained note. For simplicity's sake, have the bass note be the root of the chord. So if you are playing an E major chord, the bass note should be an E. Now, play the same chord but change the bass note to a different note. Try the 3rd or 5th scale degree of the chord that you are playing. So, using our example, if you are playing an E major chord, have the bass note be a G# or B.
In hip-hop, a low sine wave or even a live bass has traditionally been used as bass sounds. However, one interesting development in hip-hop, especially Southern hip-hop, is that the bass has been fused with the kick drum sound. Now, long and sustained kick drums have bass frequencies that play the role of the bass.
Whatever instrument you choose for your bass part, bass lines essentially fall into two categories. The first category is sustained bass lines which are designed to serve as the foundation for the other harmonic elements such as the pads and the groove. With this style of bass, the notes played are usually half-notes or even whole notes on the bass part. There is usually no rhythmic quality to this style of bass. A good example of this style of bass would be "Hard Knock Life" by Jay-Z. The other style of bass would be a more rhythmic style where the bass has an essential role in a song's rhythmic foundation. Think of a funk song and how the bass has a very rhythmic quality to it and you'll understand this style of bass. An example of this style of bass appearing in hip-hop would be "Money Ain't A Thang" by Jay-Z.
Start experimenting with both types of bass parts in your tracks. Try tracks where the bass plays are more harmonic role with long-sustained drones. Then, experiment with tracks where the bass is a part of the rhythm section. Start listening to the bass parts you hear on the radio and cd and try and categorize them into the different styles of bass.
The bass serves as the root of the harmony. It is the core element of the harmony that the pads and the groove sit on top of. Without the bass, the sound of a beat just does not sound as full.
One interesting characteristics about the bass is that it can often change the sound of chord being played on its own by simply changing the bass note. As an experiment, pick out a music chord and have the bass play as a sustained note. For simplicity's sake, have the bass note be the root of the chord. So if you are playing an E major chord, the bass note should be an E. Now, play the same chord but change the bass note to a different note. Try the 3rd or 5th scale degree of the chord that you are playing. So, using our example, if you are playing an E major chord, have the bass note be a G# or B.
In hip-hop, a low sine wave or even a live bass has traditionally been used as bass sounds. However, one interesting development in hip-hop, especially Southern hip-hop, is that the bass has been fused with the kick drum sound. Now, long and sustained kick drums have bass frequencies that play the role of the bass.
Whatever instrument you choose for your bass part, bass lines essentially fall into two categories. The first category is sustained bass lines which are designed to serve as the foundation for the other harmonic elements such as the pads and the groove. With this style of bass, the notes played are usually half-notes or even whole notes on the bass part. There is usually no rhythmic quality to this style of bass. A good example of this style of bass would be "Hard Knock Life" by Jay-Z. The other style of bass would be a more rhythmic style where the bass has an essential role in a song's rhythmic foundation. Think of a funk song and how the bass has a very rhythmic quality to it and you'll understand this style of bass. An example of this style of bass appearing in hip-hop would be "Money Ain't A Thang" by Jay-Z.
Start experimenting with both types of bass parts in your tracks. Try tracks where the bass plays are more harmonic role with long-sustained drones. Then, experiment with tracks where the bass is a part of the rhythm section. Start listening to the bass parts you hear on the radio and cd and try and categorize them into the different styles of bass.
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