TONEDB

bass guitar from “feel good inc.” by gorillaz | ToneDB

feel good inc.

gorillaz

bass guitar

70% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This iconic bassline, originally a synth bass (Rob Papen Blue), features a deep, round, and funky tone with a highly expressive envelope filter 'wub'. This recreation aims to emulate that synth character using a traditional bass guitar and effects.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass (or similar with strong fundamental)

Amp: Direct Input (DI)

Processing: Envelope Filter (e.g., Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron+), Octave Pedal (one octave down, e.g., Boss OC-5), Compressor (e.g., MXR M87 Bass Compressor), Optional: Bass Synth Pedal (for more authentic synth texture, e.g., Boss SYB-5 or EHX Bass Mono Synth)

Other: Original sound is a Rob Papen Blue synth. This chain emulates that sound using a bass guitar via DI to capture a clean signal for processing, similar to a synth's direct output.

Recording Notes

  • The original bassline on 'Feel Good Inc.' was created by Damon Albarn using a Rob Papen Blue software synthesizer, not a bass guitar.
  • This recreation focuses on achieving a similar prominent, filtered, and groovy bass sound with an electric bass guitar.
  • The core of the emulated sound is the dynamic filter sweep synchronized with the notes, mimicking the original synth's filter envelope.
  • A clean, full-range DI signal is recommended as the starting point for processing, to best emulate a direct synth sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a round, full bass tone; a P-bass with the tone knob rolled off slightly can work well. Ensure your bass has fresh strings for clarity.
  • The envelope filter is crucial: adjust its sensitivity so it opens consistently with your plucking attack. Experiment with attack, decay/range, and Q/peak settings.
  • Use an octave pedal blended in (one octave down) to add sub-bass weight characteristic of synth bass. Ensure it tracks cleanly.
  • Apply compression after the filter and octave to tighten the sound, control peaks from the filter, and provide a consistent foundation similar to a sequenced synth.
  • Practice playing the riff with very consistent dynamics to ensure the filter responds predictably for the signature 'wub'. Even, precise plucking is key.
  • If a pure envelope filter/octave combination isn't 'synthy' enough, consider a dedicated bass synth pedal, which might offer waveforms or filter types closer to the original.

Sources