How many songs have you heard in which the bass sounds either like it’s being played by a frustrated guitarist who wants to rip out and solo, or that the bass is playing the same line as the guitar an octave lower? Bass is an essential and expressive instrument all its own, and it can add breadth and life to a song, not simply fill out the soundscape. Here are some tips for making sure your bass line is not simply a lower-octave guitar line:

Play percussively. Don’t just strum or pick your bass. Pluck it, slap it, and snap it. Think of it more like a drum you can play melody on than a low-tuned guitar with a few less strings.
Don’t let your notes ring out. Guitarists tend to sustain notes. As a percussive, rhythm instrument, sustain isn’t nearly as fundamental. Play shorter, staccato notes.
Think below the fifth fret. Other than metal rhythm players, most guitar players think about harmonics and melodies in the upper registers, and this can lead to playing more guitar-like bass lines. Keep your bass lines low, and let the guitar and keyboards have the upper registers.
Lock with the drummer. It’s all about the groove when you’re playing bass. Many guitar players play ahead of the beat. Play your bass slightly behind, in order to really lock in with the drums.
There’s nothing wrong with adding some guitar-like techniques to your bass playing, but don’t let your bass be nothing but an octave-lower guitar. Play bass like a bass and your music will be that much more dynamic.

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