Bass Lines, Any help advice? Options

[angryman]

I have been making music for a while now and I have started to dapple in drum and bass producing (things like Omni Trio, LTJ Bukem, London Elektricity etc)

I don't have any problems where the drums are concerned (I started in music 10 years ago playing drums) but my bass lines really could do with some work... they tend to be a little "samey" and I need to figure out how to introduce some variation in to my tunes and as you guys have been so helpful in the past I was wondering if anyone would like to share their hints, tips or tricks to help me along with the bass lines?

cheers!

[willismatt]

I can sympathise with your issues when playing bass.
At least by identifying that your lines are a little samey, you realise that there is a wider scope out there. Progression is fantastic.

I always look to the blues when in doubt. Not saying you should rip out a busting blues fill, just rely on the fact that the 'blues' invokes a feeling/reaction in majority of listeners. Am I assuming too much?? I don't think so.

A bass slide here and there does wonders....in the right spot.
Silence is golden....look to add space to a line....
If playing a two bar pattern, think of the first bar as the question, the second bar the answer.
I also dig players who 'lay back' a bit on beat 3 + 4. Someone Pino Paladino (D'angelo, Paul Young etc) does this and it is great.

Keep it low and and keep it mean.

willismatt