The recording process for bass guitarists is usually a relatively straightforward process, but there a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure a rock solid low end in your song.
The first element of a solid bass recording is pitch. Pitch comes into play in a few different ways in the recording process but what we’re most concerned with is the intonation (or tuning), and the pitch range the composition is played in. Being a fretted instrument there are several factors which may affect your intonation, including the depth of the string slots on the nut, the position of the bridge saddle, or the placement of the frets themselves.
Even if you haven't noticed any intonation issues its usually a good idea to check that your 12th fret harmonics against the fretted note are playing in tune a few days before your session is scheduled.Be sure to tune up before you start, and between takes. Always remember to bring an extra set of strings just in case! As well as changing your strings a day or two prior to the session.
Before stepping foot in the studio be sure you have your parts practiced and your bass tone chosen (will you be using a pick? Is there any distortion or other effects? What kind of tone does the song call for?). If your unsure about any part of your sound don't be afraid to ask your band-mates, engineer, or producer for their opinion.
Remember that it’s the bassist job to fill in the low end, and that when playing higher notes the bass may become masked or washed out by the guitars or other mid-range instruments. This is not to say you shouldn't play the higher registers of your bass, keep in mind however that when the bass spends to much time playing high notes it can leave a "hole" in the song, and make it sound less impaction. None of these are hard and fast rules however, at the end of the day "if it sounds good" then go with it.
It is also a good idea to pay especially close attention to the timing between the bass and the kick and snare, this will ensure the song has a solid foundation to be built upon. When the bass isn't in time it can become a difficult task for the rest of the band to lock in to the song, sending the entire "sonic structure" tumbling down on itself.
Here’s a quick video with Matt Novesky (Bassist for Blue October, and producer whom we’ve had the fortune of watching produce a session at City Park Studios) on how to get a good tone from your bass which you may find insightful
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