Here’s an example of a traditional country bass approach.

Audio Example 1

Audio Example 1 (Drums)

 

IDIOMS

RHYTHMIC:

Generally speaking, country bass lines don’t depart too frequently from the kick drum pattern. In our example, the drum groove has a simple 8th-note feel or subdivision, with light kick drum on beats 1, 3, and the “and” of beat 2: you can see that the bass part definitely lines up with that kick pattern.

There are myriad different country feels. Another one with which most of you are probably familiar is the “2-feel”, which involves playing half notes on beats 1 and 3, alternating between the root and 5th. Note duration is key to the feel: the notes aren’t staccato, but should decay with enough time for there to be a bit of air between them. The tempo of the tune and desired feel will dictate.

For the most part, country bass lines are phrased either slightly back or spot on.

HARMONIC:

Country bass lines are generally not characterized by a lot of tense passing tones. Usually, they’re harmonically diatonic, using scale tones (lots of roots and 5th‘s). Save those “tension” notes for your jazz gig!

The above example incorporated a signature country bass lick in the form of the traditional walk-up going from the I chord to the IV chord (bar 2). A similar line could also be used going from the V chord back to the I chord.

SONIC:

You won’t usually hear a lot of treble “clack” in country bass tone. A warm, round, fingerstyle tone with solid bottom and low-mid’s are normally the best choice.

GENERAL:

You’re probably already aware that the country feel generally calls for a simple and straightforward, yet very solid and foundational type of bass line.

Granted, much of current country music is essentially pop music with lap steel, clever (and usually cleaner) lyrics and cowboy hats...but the traditional country feel is actually somewhat deceptive: some of you may read or hear a bass line like our example and think to yourself, “what a BREEZE!!”...but to play it with proper feel, good phrasing and unwavering time does require a higher level of musicianship than you might think.

If there is a single approach that would work in the broadest range of contexts, it would probably be country bass. Simple lines that lock in seamlessly with the drums, providing solid support without cluttering up the mix...there’s much to be gained from having a good grasp of this approach to grooving.