Bthelick’s CID Tech House Bass Journey

Welcome to Bthelick's World

Bthelick kicks off his video with the kind of welcoming tone you’d expect from an old friend. He sets the stage for a dive into creating those deep, dance-ready bass lines. If you missed the first part, he’s got you covered with a quick recap: it’s all about foundational sounds. No strict rules here; he’s giving you the freedom to tweak and evolve. But beware, trends that don’t evolve will eventually fall by the wayside. The intro is a promise for an exploration of sound, ripe with potential for experimentation.

The Simplicity of Eight

Here’s where it gets juicy. Bthelick breaks it down to the essence – just eight notes and a solid sidechain. It’s a blueprint rather than a rigid guide, because, let’s face it, we all want to create our own flavor, right? The key might affect your outcomes, but this is street music, man. It’s about feeling the bass, not just constructing it. And if you want to dig deep into music theory, Bthelick has another video just for that. You can’t accuse him of leaving you hanging on the edge of your creativity.

"It's called a flat three and to put that in plain English so you don't have to learn any scales all we have to do is count three up from our root note."

© Screenshot/Quote: Bthelick (YouTube)

Navigating Scales and Grooves

"The first problem you're going to have to wrestle with when mixing bass is not the bass itself yet it's the kick drum."

© Screenshot/Quote: Bthelick (YouTube)

When Bthelick talks scales, he’s not just about dry theory – he’s throwing in flavors like a chef seasoning a dish. Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Phrygian become your scales of choice, offering different vibes from dark to cool. He demystifies these fancy words about scales, breaking them down to accessible language. It’s all about counting notes up and crafting with intentional deviations and grooves. And when it comes to groove, subdivision, and syncopation are your partners in crime, shifting the rhythm and vibe of your tracks.

Bass and Kick Drum: The Eternal Struggle

Enter the eternal dance between bass and kick drum. Bthelick doesn’t sugarcoat it; finding the right kick is like a treasure hunt. He’s all about referencing, matching levels, and finding that perfect sonic puzzle piece. It’s about manipulating frequencies, not battling them. And what’s a dance track without its groove? His tips like separating the sub frequencies and using sidechains to avoid distortion are practical gems every producer will nod along to. And hey, referencing with similar keys? That’s gold advice for maintaining that sweet, pulsating rhythm.

Crafting the Perfect Mix

Bthelick doesn’t stop at just crafting sounds; he’s guiding you through the labyrinth of mixing. It’s about ear training more than secret sauce, he says with a nod to seasoned producers. He talks about controlling sub frequencies and choosing the right kick drum. With tips on using FFT analyzers and free tools like STFU and XO, Bthelick arms you with the tools to navigate the soundscape. His advice on using sub frequencies to enhance bass instead of burying it is top-notch, adding clarity to every thumping beat.

Final Thoughts and Farewells

As Bthelick wraps up, he’s inviting you to continue the creative conversation. It’s not just about production; it’s about being part of a community that uplifts, shares, and collaborates. He asks for support in the most genuine way, knowing that his wisdom and tutorials are guiding forces for many. With a link for a virtual cup of coffee, he embodies the spirit of gratitude and creative reciprocity. The video is a reminder to keep learning, evolving, and, importantly, engaging with the music world.