Article: One of the bass's primary functions is to bridge the gap between the rhythm section (drums) and the other melody instruments (guitar, vocals, piano, etc.) To do so, you have to be locked into both, playing the right root notes to fit the melody and the right rhythm to fit the drums. Good ways to do this are to think in frequencies: Play a lower note to time up with the low-frequency kick drum, hitting this deep bass not together. Play a higher note (like the same note's octave) to fit in with the snare drum. You want to play limited notes, but you want every single note to hit the listener hard. The only way to do this is to keep a strong, regular rhythm, which makes practicing with a metronome essential. You should always focus on landing on the beats, practicing in 4/4, 8/8, and even 3/2 with your metronome. Rock bassists tend to create a rocking, bouncing feel by landing hard on the 2nd and 4th beats. Funk bassists must hit the 1st and 3rd beats harder than the other two -- this is one of the roots of the genre. Reggae and ska bass tend to focus on the in-between beats -- the "1 and, 2 and, 3..." beats.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Time your notes up to the kick and snare drums. Practice with a metronome, as perfect timing is essential for great bassists.