ACADEMY← Exit to Academy PortalCrafting an Acid Bassline
Learn how to sequence a driving, syncopated TB-303 style acid bassline step-by-step.
The Root Pulse (Constant Root Notes)
Every solid bass groove begins with the root note. To build a driving techno bassline, we sequence a steady, pulsating rhythm.
Here, we place C3 (row 24 on the sequencer grid) on every straight eighth-note beat (steps 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15).
Complete Lesson Steps
Step 1: The Root Pulse (Constant Root Notes)
Every solid bass groove begins with the **root note**. To build a driving techno bassline, we sequence a steady, pulsating rhythm.
Here, we place **C3** (row 24 on the sequencer grid) on every straight eighth-note beat (steps 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15).
Step 2: Octave Syncopation (Building Energy)
To inject energy and movement, we use **octave shifts** on the off-beats. This is a staple technique in acid house and techno.
We change the notes on steps **3, 7, 11, and 15** (positions 2, 6, 10, 14) from C3 to **C4** (row 36, one octave higher). You will immediately hear the bassline start to bounce.
Step 3: Melodic Tension (The Acid Groove)
Finally, we introduce **melodic variation** to create tension and resolve it.
Instead of playing only C notes, we switch to a classic minor scale progression by using **Eb3** (row 27), **F3** (row 29), and **Bb3** (row 34). This gives the loop its signature dark, hypnotic mood.
Click **Load Pattern into Studio** below to load this sequence into your workspace, connect your synth, and start twisting the cutoff filter knob!