Can you tell me how to fit bass into a melody that was written first?

Question:I just heard tha Bob Dylan used to write his poem first, then add melody, etc. I do them at once, although I'd change the melody if need be.
I've been trained in choir and violin, so I hear melody and need help learning rhythm section. I play a clean bass, but I play melodic riffs in counterpoint by default!
How do I learn to hear rhythm sections, and then use them for simple self-accompaniment so that I can communicate the songs to other musicians, who can put their own special spin on things?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I just heard tha Bob Dylan used to write his poem first, then add melody, etc. I do them at once, although I'd change the melody if need be.
I've been trained in choir and violin, so I hear melody and need help learning rhythm section. I play a clean bass, but I play melodic riffs in counterpoint by default!
How do I learn to hear rhythm sections, and then use them for simple self-accompaniment so that I can communicate the songs to other musicians, who can put their own special spin on things?

Learning to "hear" the rhythm section involves study of music theory. The rhythm section often has chord progressions written in front of them, and their knowledge of jazz chords, walking bass lines, and typical progressions often allowed them to play anything that was put in front of them.
Once you become familiar with what that involves, you know what to listen for.

If you just want to fit a bassline in with a melody, find the chord progressions of the melody and learn how walking bass patterns are created.

If all else fails, buy the "Band in a Box" software.