Module 15 · Advanced

Songs and charts

The last module puts the course to work on real music: how songs are built, how bassists read the charts they are given, and how to analyse a song before playing it.

Before this module

3.4 Reading rhythm on the staff
7.4 Chord symbols
8.2 Roman numerals
8.5 Common progressions
14.5 Changing key

Lessons

15.1
Song form
Recognise the sections of a song and what the bass usually does in each.
Requires: 8.5
15.2
Lead sheets and chord charts
Read lead sheets and chord charts, including repeats and navigation signs.
Requires: 15.1, 3.4, 7.4
15.3
The Nashville number system
Read and write charts with numbers instead of chord names.
Requires: 15.2, 8.2
15.4
Putting it all together
Analyse a song step by step and plan a bass line from the analysis.
Requires: 15.3, 14.5