Bass ghost notes are short, subtle notes with little sense of pitch, inserted between phrases to add groove. One simple way to program them is to insert notes before the main notes and make them very short. The key is subtlety: keeping them unobtrusive helps bring out the rhythm of the original phrase.
Add Groove to a Bass Phrase
The bass helps establish a song's groove.
Adding ghost notes to a phrase can make it feel more rhythmic.
As the name suggests, the most important point is to keep these notes subtle.
Before adding ghost notes
After adding ghost notes
Creating the Sound
Selected Questions and Answers from the YouTube Video
Is the sample sound available?
Sorry, the sound source used in this tutorial is not available.
Should the velocity be the same as the main note?
We recommend setting the velocity a little lower than the main note. Sorry we didn't mention that in the video. Drum ghost notes in particular often use a lower velocity. We used the Massive software synthesizer for this demonstration. Although the ghost notes in the video have higher velocity values than the main phrase, velocity response was not configured in Massive, so all the notes sound at the same volume.
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Insert Notes Between Phrases
First, create a phrase you like.
Look for gaps in the phrase and insert notes before the main notes.
Adjust the Note Length
Simply inserting notes as above will not yet give you a ghost-note effect. Let's make them subtle.
Shorten the notes as shown to create ghost notes with minimal presence.
This helps bring out the rhythm of the original phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a ghost note?
It is a very short, quiet sound with little sense of pitch or prominence. Inserting it subtly between bass or drum notes can add movement and groove to a rhythm.
Q2. Where should I put ghost notes?
A useful starting point is in the gaps between phrases, especially just before a main note. Rather than filling every gap, add them selectively where you want more groove to bring out the original rhythm.
Q3. Why doesn't simply inserting a note create a ghost note?
A note at its usual length can stand out as much as a main note. Making it extremely short reduces its presence and gives it a subtler, ghost-like sound.
Q4. What velocity should ghost notes use?
A good starting point is a lower velocity than the main notes. Keeping them quiet as well as short can create a more natural groove, provided the instrument responds to velocity.
Q5. Can I use ghost notes with any bass instrument?
The technique can be applied broadly, though the result depends on the sound and its settings. Bass instruments with a range of articulations, such as MODO BASS and Trilian, can combine it with muted playing techniques for a more realistic performance.
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