Guide
How to write a bass line from chords
The bass line connects the harmony to the groove. You don't need to be a bass player to write a good one; start with the chord roots and add movement step by step.
1. Start with the roots
Play the root of each chord on beat 1 of every bar. For C – Am – F – G, that's C, A, F, G. This alone is a usable bass part for a slow song.
2. Add the rhythm of the style
| Style | Pattern in a 4/4 bar |
|---|---|
| Ballad | Whole or half notes on the root |
| Pop / rock | Eighth notes on the root |
| Soul / Motown | Root on 1, short notes around beat 3, pickups into the next bar |
| Country / two-beat | Root on 1, fifth on 3 |
| Latin (tumbao) | Anticipate the next chord on the "and" of 2 and on 4 |
| Waltz (3/4) | Root on 1 only, the other instruments play 2 and 3 |
3. Add fifths and octaves
Alternate the root and fifth (C and G) or jump an octave for more motion without leaving the chord. It suits country, polka and folk especially.
4. Add approach notes
On the last beat of a bar, play a note a step above or below the next root. Going from C to F: C – C – E – E, then F. That small step makes the bass "lead" the harmony, and it's the start of a walking line.
5. Walking bass for swing and jazz
Play a quarter note on every beat: root on beat 1, chord tones or scale steps on 2 and 3, and an approach note on 4. For example, over C7 going to F: C – E – G – E, then F.
6. Lock in with the kick drum
The bass and kick drum are one instrument. Where the kick hits, the bass usually plays. Write the drum part first, or at least decide where the kick goes. See how to write a drum part.
Range and notation
Bass guitar and double bass are written an octave higher than they sound, in bass clef. The comfortable range is about E1 to C3 (sounding); keep most of the line between E1 and A2 for weight.
Bass in a medley
At a transition, the bass often leads the key change: walk up or down to the dominant of the new key, then land on the new root. That gives everyone else a clear signal. The medley key planner shows the chord to aim for between each pair of songs.
Medley Writer separates the bass from the recording and writes the part as played, or creates a new bass line in the style you choose.
Let Medley Writer do the transcribing
Upload the songs, choose the parts and the order, and get a full arrangement for your band with the transitions written in. Free during the beta.
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