This step in the music production process is a very personal area, and also quite heavily dependent on the genre of music you are producing, as there is a considerable variety in the bassline sounds across the electronic music genres. If you are proficient in the world of synthesis you should be able to create a usable bass patch out of most instruments, but if you feel less confident it is better to opt for a simple synth with a good choice of presets and a clear interface.

Once you have your basic sound in place, you can then start putting down some ideas that will form the foundation of your bassline. There are a few different approaches that you can take in this area of you music production. Some people like to use purely step based sequencing, inputting notes manually one at a time. This music production technique can create similar results to using classic synths and drum machines such as the TR909 and legendary TB303. Although this is a perfectly valid technique the results can often make your bassline sound mechanical and uniform.

An alternative method that offers good results is actually playing your bassline on a keyboard or other midi controller. This approach can give your music production a much more human sound and impart real feeling in to your track. A mix of these two electronic music production techniques can work really well.