Archive for the ‘Bass’ tag
Mastering Bass Music
The classification of bass music was originated by reggae, Caribbean down tempo beats with heavy bass guitar notes. The sound systems of the Caribbean would be heard pumping heavy reggae tunes to the masses who loved the sounds. More recently bass music has been typically associated with dance music styles that originated in the late 1980′s. Hip hop (even earlier than the 1980′s), electro and acid house music had started the trend of bass heavy production which also came with the advent of drum synthesis such as use of the legendary Roland TR-808 and TR-909 electronic rhythm machines.
Bass is an interesting set of frequencies in audio as they are within a range which can be felt as well as heard given high enough SPL’s. As such anyone who has ever been to a nightclub with a bass heavy sound system will know what it is like to be shaken by heavy bass lines. It is exciting there is no doubt about it, the physical sensation of bass on one of your favourite tracks being played out is unlike anything else. So it is with no surprise that it is a common request to have plenty of sub bass on the tracks. Sub bass is predominant since the days of hardcore in the early 1990′s when reggae once again influences the happy hardcore sounds with such groups as Ragga Twins and Mad Ragga Jon.
What in the World is Figured Bass in Music?
Even many musicians haven’t heard of figured bass. Also called basso continuo, a simple explanation of the term is a short way to note chords on a musical score. If you have never heard of it, it’s most likely because the method isn’t used today. However, it could be considered akin to, or a precursor of, a modern chord chart.
Figured bass originated in the Baroque era of the17th and 18th century. Music has evolved over the centuries and still does today. The development of figured bass came in response to one of these early musical style evolutions. The Baroque music period came on the heels of the Renaissance period. Music from the Renaissance was generally characterized by its reliance upon intervals of thirds. Of course, musical trends evolve over a period of time. For this reason, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact year when this trend shifted. Usually a new musical era is well under way before anyone realizes there has been a change. Modal characteristics of Renaissance music eventually gave way to more tonal music. The defining characteristic of tonal music is its use of fifths. This is in contrast to the previous intervals of thirds. This led the way for Baroque style music.
Composers and musicians in this period began using more elaborate instrumentation during the Baroque period. New musical instruments were being developed that contributed to the trend. Many of them had wider range capabilities, allowing for more variety in musical scores. New playing techniques were also developed, lending a distinction to music of this period such as had not previously been heard.
