# Roots

*Module 9 · Lesson 1: Building bass lines · BazzLow*

> Play the roots of a progression in time and understand why the root is the bass's main note.

Before this lesson: [8.5 Common progressions](https://bazzlow.com/en/harmony-in-a-key/common-progressions/) · [2.5 Strong and weak beats](https://bazzlow.com/en/rhythm-1/strong-and-weak-beats/)

Before you add any other note, learn to play the root well. It is the most important note a bass can play.

## The root on the beat

The **root** of the chord, played on the beat where the chord changes, is the most important note in most bass lines. It makes the chord sound clear and stable, and it tells the band where “one” is.

Roots can be played with any rhythm: one whole note per bar, half notes, quarter notes, or steady eighths, typical of rock (“chugging”, lesson 2.4). The note choice stays simple; the rhythm carries the groove.

> **Diagram:** The roots of C, Am, F and G on the neck: C at fret 3 and A open on the A string; F at fret 1 and G at fret 3 on the E string.

> **Diagram:** The progression C – Am – F – G, one root per bar as a whole note.

> **Diagram:** The same roots as half notes: two per bar.

> **Diagram:** The same roots as steady eighth notes.

## Harmonic rhythm and pedal

The **harmonic rhythm** is how often the chords change: every bar, every two beats… The bass usually changes note exactly when the chord changes. A **pedal** (pedal point) is a single bass note held or repeated while the chords above it change. It builds tension or a feeling of stillness.

> Playing only roots well is not a beginner’s compromise. Many great bass parts are essentially roots with a strong rhythm.

## Try it

Play the roots of I–vi–IV–V in C at 80 BPM: one bar of whole notes per chord, then quarter notes, then eighths. Keep every chord change exactly on beat 1.

## New terms

- harmonic rhythm
- pedal point

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/building-bass-lines/playing-roots/