Bass Lines: Rhythm

The rhythm of the kick drum is supported by the bass instrument.

The rules of the downbeat and note duration

The kick usually plays on beat one of every measure to set up the meter. The bass plays with
the first note of the kick to enhance this relationship. Unlike drums, bass instruments can hold
notes for a period of time (duration). Altering the length of a bass note changes the sound of a
beat. Adding one subdivision of separation between a bass release and an attack adds more
punch to the second attack. Removing that separation by having the release on the same
count as the attack creates a more connected sound.
Relationship I: Bass and kick play at the same time
Example: The attacks of the bass are on all of the same counts as the kick drum. Separation
is added between some attacks to add punch and the last note is held out for its full value to
create a connected sound when moving to the next measure.

1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a
Hihat X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X
Snare
Kick X X X X

Bass C1 C1 C1 C1

Bass and kick Separation Full Note

play on the downbeat For punch Duration

Relationship II: Bass plays more than the kick

Example: Bass notes that are before kick attacks support the drum part. The bass note on the
and of four leads into the kick on beat one of the next measure.

1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a
Hihat X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X
Snare X X
Kick X X X X

Bass C1 C1 C1 C1 C1

Relationship III: Bass plays less than the kick

Example: The bass has attacks on beats one and three with no separation between the release
of the first note and the attack of the second creating a more connected sound.

1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a
Hihat X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X
Snare
Kick X X X X

Bass C1 C1
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