Inner City - “Good Life”

What is this bass sound?

The short, snappy bass notes in this track are played on a Yamaha DX100 synthesizer.

Most synthesizers, including the DX100, provide a number of different pre-made sound settings (called presets). This specific sound is a DX100 preset called "Solid Bass" and was used on many techno and house tracks in the 90s.

How is this bassline put together?

In this early techno classic, the bassline plays short notes with an intricate rhythm. This creates an interesting contrast with the mostly four-on-the-floor drum pattern.

Experiment with your own basslines that use some of the defining characteristics of the original: short notes and intricate rhythms.