Samashton12 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Hi Guys, I doubt you guys will help me.. but im auditioning to be in this band, they told me too right new lines for the track "Hourglass" i need a push in the right direction.. evoss.bandcamp.com/track/hourglass Sorry for being cheeky, Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I think the key word is YOU need to write new lines for the track Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverBlackman Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 its mostly moving between Em and C. Just play around those chords. Play bits like the intro legato and then try octave and 5th stuff, pentatonic stuff and use mostly 8th notes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judo Chop Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Ask for the chords, or work them out for yourself and go from there. I doubt they're after anything too complicated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirkThrust Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Why do they want you to write a new bassline? Don't they like the old one or are they testing you? IMO the one on the track works very well with that song. Sorry. Not much help really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverBlackman Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 (edited) [quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1342128208' post='1730234'] I think the key word is YOU need to write new lines for the track [/quote] This is a great opportunity to learn how to write basslines though. Lots of people shy away from it but, if you get a teacher and they show you their methods, then its part of the learning curve. Edited for awful grammar. Edited July 12, 2012 by OliverBlackman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1342128208' post='1730234'] I think the key word is YOU need to write new lines for the track [/quote] Yes, no sense in passing the audition and then wasting their time later if you can't cut it. The only way to do this is for you to listen to the song and see what bass lines come into your head, sing them in your head, out loud, whatever, but do that then learn how to play it on the bass. This is the only way to really represent yourself truthfully. Be confident with what you come up with, because that will be truly you. They may not like it but there will be other opportunities. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 That's tough love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I'd say get on to some inspirational you tube vids of great players and be inspired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 (edited) [quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1342128786' post='1730256'] That's tough love. [/quote] Yeah, well, I've been kicked out of a good band through being sh*t and trying to bluff it. I was 19 and it taught me a big f***ing lesson I never forgot. I still cringe thinking about it. Edited July 12, 2012 by silddx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samashton12 Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 Thanks guys.. im gonna go lock myself in my room im self taught and ive never had a teacher or attempted to write lines.. ive just covered stuff.. thanks though.. always a big help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judo Chop Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1342128976' post='1730262'] Yeah, well, I've been kicked out of a good band through being sh*t and trying to bluff it. I was 19 and it taught me a big f***ing lesson I never forgot. I still cringe thinking about it. [/quote] What happened? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike257 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 OK - against the consensus here by telling you how I'd approach it, but here goes anyway. I'm listening quietly on awful laptop speakers (sleeping baby nearby!) so can't hear the bass part at all on the track - blank canvas for me! Listen to what the drummer is doing and build something around that - you don't have to write something spectacularly complicated, they'll want to see how you'll contribute to the sound of the band and that is as much about supporting the melody as anything else. If it was me, I'd be looking at doing something slightly different for each half of the verse - changing my part where the dynamic lifts and the second guitar comes in. I'd also maybe use a different 'first half' part for each verse, so that when it comes back after the first chorus the groove or use of space is a little different. It's a subtle change but makes a difference as the listener isn't hearing the same thing constantly repeated. If you've got a couple of ideas that you're happy with, get them both in, one in each verse, and you could really vary the feel of the song - take control of it and make it yours, but still keep it simple and grooving. I think the important thing is not to overdo it - they'll be looking for someone who fits neatly into the band, not shred over the top of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='Samashton12' timestamp='1342129101' post='1730263'] Thanks guys.. im gonna go lock myself in my room im self taught and ive never had a teacher or attempted to write lines.. ive just covered stuff.. thanks though.. always a big help [/quote] Stick to the roots, use space, not notes, to create a groove and pump that bitch and add the odd clever note. I'm self taught too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wil Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Put some headphones on, listen to the track in the dark and use whatever works best in your head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samashton12 Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share Posted July 12, 2012 (edited) Your all amazing guys, thanks Edited July 12, 2012 by Samashton12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='Jack Cahalane' timestamp='1342129123' post='1730264'] What happened? [/quote] sh*t gear that wouldn't stay in tune, over-confidence, inability, lack of experience .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike257 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1342129308' post='1730269'] Stick to the roots, use space, not notes, to create a groove and pump that bitch and add the odd clever note. I'm self taught too. [/quote] This, basically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPBass Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Get to know the track and it's keys, give yourself some loose options, then have a chat with the drummer once you get there to discuss his grooves and work the notes round his grooves. Don't be flash in the song, if you've got a show piece ask them if they want to hear it, be cool, easy going and smile. That's my advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gub Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1342128563' post='1730250'] Yes, no sense in passing the audition and then wasting their time later if you can't cut it. The only way to do this is for you to listen to the song and see what bass lines come into your head, sing them in your head, out loud, whatever, but do that then learn how to play it on the bass. This is the only way to really represent yourself truthfully. Be confident with what you come up with, because that will be truly you. They may not like it but there will be other opportunities. Good luck. [/quote] This Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverBlackman Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 (edited) Nothing wrong with being self taught, but learn some theory and you'll find the creative process of writing basslines much easier and the results will be more consistent. Thats what a band wants, they want you to rock up to rehearsal, be able to be told the chords, and have a bassline for it after playing through a few times. Your own imagination isn't always reliable and can often lead to stuff sounding the same for every song. Edited July 12, 2012 by OliverBlackman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Jamin Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 The first thing I listen out for when coming up with lines is what the kick, snare and any other rhythm instruments are doing. These provide the fundamental rhythm pattern so working around those should let you know where to fatten up/emphasise a beat with a big low note or two. Generally less is more - the trick is in balancing leaving enough space for everything to stand out whilst taking up enough room to support it and beef it up. Don't worry if your part seems musically uncomplicated - I used to think it was impressive to throw in as many tricks as I could, when infact it only made me sound arrogant and the music sound bad. In my opinion, the real joy in bass playing is just sitting on a good groove. Runs and fiddly stuff sound ace... in the right place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 [quote name='Ben Jamin' timestamp='1342131989' post='1730327'] The first thing I listen out for when coming up with lines is what the kick, snare and any other rhythm instruments are doing. These provide the fundamental rhythm pattern so working around those should let you know where to fatten up/emphasise a beat with a big low note or two. Generally less is more - the trick is in balancing leaving enough space for everything to stand out whilst taking up enough room to support it and beef it up. Don't worry if your part seems musically uncomplicated - I used to think it was impressive to throw in as many tricks as I could, when infact it only made me sound arrogant and the music sound bad. In my opinion, the real joy in bass playing is just sitting on a good groove. Runs and fiddly stuff sound ace... in the right place. [/quote] Great advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceChick Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Ahhhhh, I hear you, but this is such a good opportunity to really develop. I got in a band on Tuesday, and Weds and Thurs nights for me were as much about transposing basslines into different keys (lead singer wanting to sing in a different key) as they were about playing. I'm also waiting for a rough recording of an original track that I need to write a bassline for. embrace the challenge I say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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