Module 9 · Intermediate

Building bass lines

This is where theory turns into bass playing. Starting from the root and adding one idea at a time, you build lines that follow the chords and connect them.

Before this module

2.5 Strong and weak beats
4.7 Consonance and dissonance
7.5 Triad shapes on the bass
8.1 Diatonic triads
8.5 Common progressions

Lessons

9.1
Roots
Play the roots of a progression in time and understand why the root is the bass's main note.
Requires: 8.5, 2.5
9.2
Root, fifth and octave
Use the root–5th–octave shape over major and minor chords.
Requires: 9.1, 7.5
9.3
Chord tones over changes
Use the 3rd, 5th and octave of each chord and move smoothly between chords.
Requires: 9.2
9.4
Passing and approach notes
Connect chord tones with notes from outside the chord.
Requires: 9.3, 4.7
9.5
Walk-ups and walk-downs
Connect two chords with a short scale run.
Requires: 9.4
9.6
Chords and melody
Understand how chords are chosen under a melody and what that means for the bass.
Requires: 9.3, 8.1