Bassline riffs usually emphasize the chord tones of each chord (usually the root note, the third note, the fifth note, and the octave of a chord), which helps to define a song's key. At the same time, basslines work along with the drum part and the other rhythm instruments to create a clear rhythmic pulse.
In bluegrass and traditional country music, basslines often emphasize the root and fifth of each chord. Minute rhythmic variations by the bass can dramatically change the feel of a song, even for a simple singer-songwriter groove.
In organ trios, for example, a Hammond organ player performs the basslines using the organ's bass pedalboard. In some types of popular music, such as hip-hop or house music, the basslines are played using synthesizers, sequencers, or electroacoustically modeled samples of basslines. In electronic music and house music, basslines are often performed on electronic devices such as the Roland TB-303.
The bassline bridges the gap between the rhythm part played by the drummer and the melodic and harmonic lines played by the lead and rhythm guitarists. Bass players also perform fills in between the phrases of the vocal melody, and they may also perform bass runs or bass breaks, which are short solo sections.
Source: Wikipedia > Bassline
What is QuickyWiki? QuickyWiki blends the depth of Wikipedia with the ease and speed of Cliffs Notes.