Bassline

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In music a bassline, also bass line, is an instrumental part, or line, which is in the bass or lowest range and thus lower than the other parts and part of the rhythm section. "The bass differs from other voices because of the particular role it plays in supporting and defining harmonic motion. It does so at levels organization of a entire work" <ref> Cadwallader, Allen (1998). Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach, p.45. ISBN 0195102320. </ref>. The term may be more common in popular music, being known as the bass voice or part in classical music.

Though basslines may be played by any instrument and in any part of the instruments range they are generally played on bass instruments and in the range roughly at least an octave and a half below middle C.

Though basslines are quite varied the term typically refers to a repeated melody.

1 Instruments commonly used for playing bass lines
2 Basslines in contemporary popular music
3 See also
4 Sources

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Instruments commonly used for playing bass lines

Many types of musical ensemble include an instrument capable of playing low-pitched notes; examples include the cello in the string quartet and the bass guitar in the rock band. Keyboard instruments such as the piano are capable of playing bass and treble parts together, which partly accounts for their large solo repertoire. The pipe organ has the lowest range of all common instruments, and has a set of foot-pedals specifically designed for playing bass parts. Electroacoustic modeling enables countless bass sample instruments. In electronic music, a classic bassline may be a Roland TB-303 bassline.

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Basslines in contemporary popular music

"In any style, the bass's role in the groove is the same: to keep time and to outline the tonality. When developing bass lines, these two things should always be your goal" (Santerre 2001, p.iv).

In modern popular music, the bassline is generally the part played by a bassist. Although the word 'bassline' generally brings to mind a rhythmic, 'funky' pattern of notes, usually in the context of funk, R&B, or similar musical traditions, they can be quite varied. In the former sense of the term, most music in the tradition of funk and R&B, or for that matter, much rock music, features basslines with a heavy emphasis on rhythm, using a series of notes from a key (generally the key in which the guitar chords, riffs or solos are in) played to build tension and accentuate the rest of the music. Players highly regarded for their rhythmic basslines include James Jamerson, Buddy Miles, and John Paul Jones. Bassists usually also incorporate the bass or root notes of the guitar chords being played, making a solid foundation for the guitar part. Most punk rock bass playing consists largely of this simple style, focusing on the melody of the guitar rather than the rhythm of the song. Some rock bassists, such as John Entwistle or Phil Lesh, have developed an aggressive lead sound, perhaps incorporating bass solos along with their rhythm playing.