8 Tips on How To Make A BETTER Bassline (Hip Hop, Rap, and Trap)

[@NavieD]

For those that want the drumkit from this beat www.itsnavied.com/kits

[@vlogfantasia3424]

What app do you use to make the beats?

[@abishekravichandran2328]

@@vlogfantasia3424 it's not app it's software

[@NotSsteVven828]

was hoping it would be there still

[@RohXO]

Simplicity is key 🔥🔥🔥

[@NavieD]

For sure. The more I produced, the more I realized that executing a complex idea in the most simple way makes for better music

[@Zer0TheProdigy]

This makes me think of RoseGold by Rick Ross and Drake. Not my favorite artists, but the bass line is like 3 notes but it hits hard

[@TheGoldenSwitch]

Needed this. Thanks.

[@unkown_4498]

That's a gem tip, I also try to make the basslines and 808s first, then add the kick and rest of the drums. It's definitely easier to eq headroom in the spectrum after these factors are implemented. As a sound designer, you always need to be taking into consideration the many different devices people will be listening to the end product. Nice work!!

[@NavieD]

Absolutely. It's so much easier not only for production but also for mixing when you think about spacing ahead of time

[@bipolarweekend6193]

I hate the moment when ur beat sounds like crap on a different device 🤦🏽‍♂️💩

[@radiobe4179]

navie this is an absolute gem of a video. it is definitely going to help me. i was doing: note lenght variation, and fills mostly in the "always weakest" endings of 2nd and 4th bar. this tip to always look for space, and the example of you doing it, its just gold. thank you!

[@NavieD]

You're welcome man! I hope this video helps

[@danielporter8588]

Holy shit you actually make tutorials that are not click bait. Very good information! Subbed!

[@NavieD]

🙏🏽 you are a scholar and a gentleman. Thank you for your kind words

[@shokan5414]

0:56 Bass Before Drums 2:01 Start Basic 2:45 Bring It Back To The Root Note 3:12 Picking Other Notes 3:59 Multiple Basses 4:20 Pick Your Spots 6:07 Use Glides/Slides 6:57 Change Velocities

[@allieboy181]

Goat 🐐

[@lamonth9019]

I've watched a lot of tutorial videos from others and so far, yours are my favorites. I really appreciate how detailed your breakdowns are. Thank you!

[@NavieD]

Thank you LaMont! Glad I can be of help

[@yungstoic]

The portamento tip is clutch. 👌🏾

[@NavieD]

Definitely a useful technique to make your bass sound more natural, like its being played by an actual person. Thank you once again for watching bro!

[@craigdaubbeats-rapinstrume9185]

One thing I'd like to add on baselines is don't be afraid to keep it simple depending on the type of beat and melody you got going on. Many of my favorite songs, mostly the less melodic harder grimy trap songs, only have one or two 808 bass notes going on through the whole song. It's kind of one of those things you gotta play by ear as you're going. Usually this type of thing is best used on more aggressive stuff. Not every beat calls for a super intricate complex bassline. But at the same time some do. This melody here definitely called for a beautiful bassline and you did it well. Thanks for another great video man! Playlisting!

[@NavieD]

I agree for sure! If the main loop is melodically complex, it can be a good idea to keep the bass simple. Getting balance in your beat is always going to be key

[@marlopainter8246]

Me: How can I add a bassline to this drumbeat? Navie: "Rule #1, Bass Before Drums." Me: *flips table*

[@NavieD]

Hahah well, I guess it depends. If you do drums before bass, you now have an extra element in your beat that you need to consider and work around. So if you want to make an intricate bassline, maybe starting with the bass is a better way to go

[@xMaSSxHyST3RiA]

I like starting with a loop sample, VST instrument or bassline(VST, one shot or loop) for initial inspiration which is usually my #1 star of the beat. Then whatever is gonna be my #2 star next (drums is usually #3 or #4 star for me, but sometimes #2)

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

What Navie said is key. If you want a BUSY bassline you should do it first.

[@hv2623]

Seriously. Grateful to find it, then mad at myself because how much sense that makes. 😂

[@ii-tx6tw]

Try and match the downbeat kick with the bass articulating flourishes on the snare or your lyricist. and experiment with fitting space over. But yea. Even as a bassist guitarist

[@Darag803]

This has been one of the most helpful videos I've come across. Thank you

[@NavieD]

Hahah awesome, glad I could help man!

[@WillHam_H]

wow I instantly saw a difference in how good my bass was... thank you navie, this really helped me:)

[@NavieD]

Ayyy awesome man, glad you got some tangible results from the video

[@benmansourmahdi9097]

bruv never seen a tutorial this good in a loong while really well done mah man

[@NavieD]

Thank you Ben! That means a lot my friend

[@maxruiter8365]

UR THE GOAT NEVER STOP MAKING THESE VIDS!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@NavieD]

Thank you Maximus! I shall keep on goin

[@marcusgreensr]

Appreciate all of your expertise. You have helped me take it up a few levels

[@NavieD]

Awesome man, glad I can help you improve!

[@bluezy1]

bass lines are everything! if your bass line sucks the whole beat is practically ruined i think 😞 great tips bro!

[@NavieD]

For sure man, it really helps dictates the mood of the track since it can drive the entire melody. Glad you liked the vid!

[@downtime3501]

Man, you are the best, keep up the good work, your work really helps, some of us dont come from rich backgrounds and you are really giving us a chance to make it in music production, you are appreciated

[@mikazand7029]

Great tips

[@NavieD]

Thank you Mika!

[@user-mn2vp6vo7e]

great beat, very chill and the tutorial was great. very informative, I always watch your videos beacuse even if I knew these things your vids just remind me to utilise them more often

[@NavieD]

Hahah thanks man. Sometimes we need a reminder like that

[@deanthomas1900]

Thank you!! I literally didnt even know there was a plugin for basslines

[@pravo.]

tthanks brother really nice

[@ORABeats]

I like adding the bassline first because the kick should match the bass/808 not the other way around. The bass is where the energy comes from so find a kick that fits will make your prod way easier. Getting the overall direction back to the root note is a great tip too. I see Nick Mira doing the same with melodies to keep them transitioning cleaner. It keeps those questions and anwers closer together. Thank you for explaining placements and your theory behind it as well. You gave a what and a how.

[@josephhughhlatshwayo2774]

this was a very fruitful lesson on how to bettering basslines. hopeful I will keep on practicing. I am beginner!!!! THANK YOU!!

[@OfficialLyriqe]

THANKYOU FOR THIS!!! I've been looking for a video exactly like this for programming baselines. It was so cohesive and easy to follow! Defo subbing :) !

[@NavieD]

Ayy thank you Lyriqe! Glad to have you on board

[@OfficialLyriqe]

@@NavieD my genuine pleasure ! Ill be using all the tips you have kindly decided to give, and using the free drum kit, you are highly appreciated !!

[@3ck]

Very helpful.Thank you🙏

[@NavieD]

Excellent, glad you found it helpful!

[@desdoeseverything2366]

Appreciate the info and insight!✌🏾

[@Santheone]

this is so helpful thank you

[@alexrozenberg6077]

Thnx

[@lifegiver8481]

You've helped me a lot on my beat making journey

[@laragalaxxy]

this is so amazing thank you

[@pellhsu2017]

This is very helpful to know what you are doing when it comes to make bassline ，thank you for the video.

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Great tips, thanks! God bless you! :)

[@NavieD]

Thank you Kerwin!

[@lturner7159]

Thank you🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I am so happy and grateful for this tip💯💯😊

[@Garou_BZ]

Great job! Is there any video about mixing bass? I mean what plugins should i use etc.

[@almightyyotto]

Basslines could make or break your beat. I’m always fighting about which one to use

[@NavieD]

For sure, the texture that you choose and how you play it can dictate how your beat can sound and completely change the direction of the song

[@hvrtbeatz191]

very helpful video bro! 💫

[@NavieD]

🙏🏽 thank you for watching man! Glad you got some value out of the video

[@maxgodspeed9896]

very dope have to try this

[@NavieD]

Lemme know how it goes buddy

[@ldvbeats2009]

Thanks, man. Great video!

[@tahcko3140]

idk why but watching this made me realises I shouldn't be adding a drumbeat that goes kick, snare, kick, snare on the 1 & 2 &, with hi hats on every beat, cos that'll limit your music. Also a refresh on making basslines cos I play bass guitar. Navie do you play any instruments?

[@NavieD]

For sure, the spacing you choose between your drums will really dictate exactly what you can do with all of your other instruments. That's why I usually program minimal drums initially and fill them in after I have added the other instruments. I don't really play any instruments fluidly, how about you (other than bass)?

[@tahcko3140]

@@NavieD Bass guitar is my favourite, I also play guitar, keyboard and ukulele. I'm self-taught on them all although bass I did a couple of lessons like 10 or so. I got this aux cord to connect to my laptop from ebay for 20 bucks, it works and records what you play from your guitar/bass guitar, but delays half-second so it ain't really good. Although if I could, I'd buy a better one but for now I'll make do. It's really good to play from an instrument, just adds more soul so you don't have to worry about editing the computerised notes to sound human. But in the end, when playing instruments you do it in your own interest because it's fun. You don't accidentally play bass or make beats all night out of spite.

[@NavieD]

@@tahcko3140 hahah yeah I hear that. Bass guitar seems like one of the better instruments to learn when it comes to beatmaking. Including live/acoustic bass opens up entirely new possibilities and subgenres with hip hop.

[@venomizill]

Navie do you use a bass guitar to your baseline and add 808 or do you use one or three other

[@bawbeatz7401]

Great tips bro

[@NavieD]

Thank you my friend 👌🏽 glad you got something out of the video

[@briankruesi6484]

This is a great video.

[@JimLigon]

This is super dope! Thank you! 🔥🔥🔥

[@VicSmith]

Your FL timer at 5:20 is stopped exactly at 3:33...flawless.

[@NavieD]

That was exactly what I intended to happen. Trust me

[@PatrickObiang]

This Is DOPE! Thanx, Navie!

[@luismora1718]

What a tips dude!!!! Thanks

[@JakjonezDb]

dope video bro I appreciate you 💯

[@NavieD]

I appreciate you appreciating me

[@safeaim]

Thanks for a great tutorial! Were the guitars loops or a sample instrument like Kontakt?

[@GoReallaBeatz]

i watched 4 of you videos sitting here lol . im learning more and more

[@diggin8741]

bro, this beat is insane 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Skiroy]

Great video. So should the long notes cut out for the fill notes?

[@omarjenkins1149]

thank you

[@NavieD]

You are welcome Omar!

[@Hustlin808Studio]

love it bro..thank you

[@NavieD]

You are welcome young king

[@marlethiphopbeats7055]

Thx bro , that helped a lot .

[@NavieD]

Happy to help Marlet!

[@deejaybpmofficiel4152]

i definitely learned something

[@isaihgloria7346]

Nice video, I am very weak in the drums department if anyone has great video recommendations please tag me

[@NavieD]

Thanks Isaih, I have a few videos on drums, maybe those can help

[@isaihgloria7346]

@@NavieD sure I’ll search them up

[@rollingthatloud]

watching this video for like the 20th time lol. thanks G!

[@r.z.danbm1623]

exelente explicacion no lo habia visto de esa manera

[@davidlamar9079]

so informative bro thanks

[@hemanthkishore6647]

Tip 6 helped me 4:32 Thank you navie

[@johncitizen8828]

Re, your velocity changes on the acoustic bass, would you be less likely to have fluctuation in velocity when working with synthesised basslines, and working in electronic genres, as you would generally want to maintain a consistent ‘weight’ to the bottom end of the mix?

[@NavieD]

Hmm, it's hard to say. I wouldn't be opposed to having a synthesized bassline sounding more natural using velocity changes much like an acoustic bass. But this may be a case of me not wanting to color within the lines.

[@fabioparada6775]

very helpfull

[@NavieD]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@wardy2c]

Excellent tutorial

[@NavieD]

Why thank you my love

[@wardy2c]

@@NavieD 😐 eh I’m a dude... 😂 but you’re welcome 👍🏻 very helpful

[@simpdown1404]

The two bass lines make perfect sense like using using multiple keyboards for chord progressions and melodies 😎😎😎😥😎😥

[@IAMDJKOOLROD1200]

Smooth

[@NavieD]

Thank you Kool Rod

[@emmitsthoughts]

you are the goat

[@QUBEATZ]

Would you add a baseline to a trap beat with kick and 808? If so, wouldn't the baseline and 808 fight for the same lower frequencies?

[@NavieD]

That, to me, sounds like it would be really difficult to do well. If I did do that, I would keep each instrument playing at completely separate times. Maybe have one 808 hit at the beginning of the bar, and create a baseline fill or a short riff at the end of a bar, something like that. Trying to fuse both together at once might not be the best way of going about it

[@ZeroGoofs]

Legendary by Joey badass does this there’s a genius deconstructed on it

[@rhythmrighters]

Great tutorial! Subbed

[@NavieD]

I appreciate you my friend. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙏🏽

[@rhythmrighters]

@@NavieD No prob. Come round my way. Beats and rhymes.

[@NavieD]

@@rhythmrighters will do

[@mikescoladeviousmike6377]

I mean obviously I should get a subwoofer, but you got any advice for someone who doesn't have one? Noticed I need to tweek my bass to hear it but later in studio there's way too much, Do you think It's practicle to later just redo bass later but just get my bass line notes at home? Noticed the bass sample I use needs no sound design, no envolope tweeking and sounds proper on a sub just raw. You think it's practicle to tweek my bass at home to hear it then in studio I can just remove those fx or is this just a bad habit?

[@ilsudaka9017]

Thanks genio!

[@NavieD]

Thank you for watching my friend!

[@SauvCityOfficial]

Brother how can you arrange beats perfectly as a track plz make a video on this🔥🔥

[@mikescoladeviousmike6377]

Also gonna ask does anyone get a decent bass sound with headphones? Or is this just a bad thing to be doing? Without a sub I havnt really been able to understand bass as an instrument but recently being able to hear bass on a sub has really helped me train my ear towards bass but I lack a subwoofer.. Any way around this for now or should my goal be to wait till I buy a sub??

[@eriksxo]

alhamdulllilah

[@TitanWave1]

Dope!!!!

[@NavieD]

Thank you Titan!

[@matarmusic]

thank you for the video it's really helpful! I have a question if anyone can answer I'd appreciate it. do I stick to the 3rd and 5th roots of the chords my bass is playing under or can I use other notes as well? from what I've watched here it seems like it's okay to go with other notes as long as they are in the same key.

[@matarmusic]

@@brainderp808 I actually forgot about this question lmao. thanks for the answer!

[@avicenna6407]

Real G

[@NavieD]

Ayeeee

[@Alldvy]

bruh this shit is fire af. str8 player

[@lukezmijewski404]

Yo what bout choosing the right bass line or getting right sound of bass like hip hop sub bass or synth bass ? Sometimes I struggle with getting a good sound bass like tone I can play out one fine on fl tho just getting the right tone ?

[@Virtual-Media]

This is why your the best, good karma on the way..

[@carmiliongr]

How to mix low end for Lofi plz

[@NavieD]

Hmm interesting idea. What problem do you find you have with mixing low end with lofi?

[@carmiliongr]

Navie D. I hey! Big fan ! Personally , i struggle with finding the right balance and volume between kick and bass , which makes it a pain when making lofi hip hop beats, i always find myself sacrificing one or the other

[@NavieD]

Ahh gotcha. Yeah its tough because overall, the low end isn't going to be all that overpowering typically in lofi, so making them both sound sort of "weak" can be hard

[@tefosouthside]

Bro before we even start... What are you making the bassline with... Like the plugin or sum

[@NavieD]

I am using the Native Instruments library I believe

[@kendrickruyten4188]

Can you lend me couple of beats for my songs? Or work on em with me? I'm pretentious enough to say imma going to keep tearing at walls till I get something good going. But i'm afraid im spending to much time on beats etc instead of writing and practicing rapping what I wrote. What do you suggest if you was me ? :)

[@amjad_here0156]

Can we put the 808s and bass, both in a single beat?

[@NavieD]

Absolutely. Many people use both as a layering technique

[@ExplosiveVagina]

Does anybody know how to do that polyphony portamento thing in Logic pro? :(

[@LeOrca14]

what type of keyboard is that

[@NavieD]

My MIDI? It's a Korg MicroKey

[@LeOrca14]

@@NavieD thanks

[@LeOrca14]

@@NavieD yea i was talking about midi sorry for not fully explaining whay keyboard u have

[@leveloneej1858]

Where can I get such a good Bass sound

[@LukeSly91]

Lots of good one in flex & sakura. I also recommend buying the directwave expansion from imageline. Lots of good live bass sounds in there.

[@leveloneej1858]

@@LukeSly91 ok thanks man

[@NitishKumar-fo9pf]

what is the name of the bass?

[@gxdwithamnesia6234]

I remember when I heard Sweet Dreams for the first time

[@DEVbeats]

🔥💯

[@NavieD]

🚒🚒

[@ryanallen1286]

hows that NI maschine working for you

[@NavieD]

It's in the closet now. I basically don't bother using it now that I do FL tutorials

[@rajantmonroe]

You sound like Marty from Social Club Misfits

[@juliab6312]

Don't know how to make melodies for the bass line. And watching the video didn't help.

[@artsyanaa]

LMAOO

[@GhxstGasolinE_PHONK]

Bass line isn't the melody... that might be your first problem.

[@ELLIS-zz7bk]

@@GhxstGasolinE_PHONKbut bass can have melody

[@GhxstGasolinE_PHONK]

@@ELLIS-zz7bk I think the word your looking for is melodic.. yes bass line can be melodic but bass line is not the melody. Big difference. One is a noun and one is an adjective. Go to school and don't drop out lol. It's pretty simple concept in music theory... 🎶

[@austincaruso7596]

Now I'm no master basser. But I like to solo the melody/chords of the track, then mess around with different bass notes. Not overthinking it, eventually you'll get a bass "melody" that fits. If you want the bass melody to be the lead then work on that first and add chords and stabs around it. It also can help I you play the bass in a higher register like the video states. Then transpose down once it sounds right!

[@anthonylockhart6793]

Upness

[@NavieD]

👌

[@aliciabuendia872]

♥

[@ArshDeep-vg3vz]

bai tuc punjabi lgde?

[@imerflores1167]

Damn, what a horse! Made impossible look simple. How much per hour? 😆

[@bratzpoepie254]

You lost me at program... I wanna play Dem basslines

[@PPG2OFFICIAL]

Light sauce. You gave it but you didn't

[@kirkwilson8738]

The music part is not the beat dude.. The kick and drums make a beat.. Beats are Drums

[@NavieD]

Hey Kirk, in hip hop nomenclature, the entire instrumental is considered the "beat".

[@kirkwilson8738]

@@NavieD That does not make sense to me, but thanks for clarifing that.. I magine what Hip Hop would sound like with real instruments

[@bandname]

@@kirkwilson8738 Like good music

[@gxxnie]

In the whip rn Havent watched this, but can confidently add to my "Learn FL" playlist to learn something juicy later tn when I get home

[@NavieD]

Hahah you're driving and watching KZbin at the same time?

[@gxxnie]

@@NavieD 🤫🤫🤫😂😂😂

[@oriontheonion6170]

thank you

[@NavieD]

You're welcome young Onion