Passing Notes On Bass

**Credit for the image goes to the author

Just wanted to start off by saying thank you to everyone for sending in their emails, they are amazing. So continue to send in your emails and questions.

This week, just wanted to cover some more bass material since everyone has been asking about bass and how to use passing notes on the bass. We are going to focus on the key of F. This is only because it's a key that is not talked about as much. However, this mini lesson can apply to all 12 keys. You can use these as gospel passing notes on the bass, jazz passing notes on bass or for any other type of genre.

For example: In the Key of F

F Scale

F G A Bb C D E F
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


We are going to be referring back an forth with the number system just to make it a little easier. If you are not familiar with the number system here is just a quick summary. There are 8 notes in the scale and each one is assigned a number from 1-8. Eight represents 1 which is the same thing.

There are a variety of passing notes that you can use on the bass to get from one destination to another.

Here are just a few ideas:

To get to the 1 which is F

2(G) to 5(C) to #1(F#) then 1 (F)

6(D) to 7(E) to 1(F)

**Note: The letters in the brackets represent the notes in the scale. Be aware that some of the notes may not be in the scale and maybe a half step above or below the note. For example: #2 means a half step above the 2. In the key of F the 2 is G and the sharp 1 is F#.

To get to the 6 which is D

3(A) to 6(D)

#4(B) to 5(C) to 6(D)

7(E) to 3(A) to 6(D)


To get to the 5 which is C

#4(B) to 5(C)

**With this next passing note on bass you need to make sure that you are in sync with your keyboard player or else this won't work.

To substitute for the 5 which is C

Use the flatted 7 which is Eb

In summary, here are just a few passing notes on bass to get to your destination. Please remember that you need to be in sync with your keyboard player to make all of these passing notes work and to also be in time. Also, if you have any questions or concerns send us an email.

Leave your comments down below. Thanks

A Bassist's Worst Friend

A bassist's worst friend is the bad habits. Everyone has bad habits and there is nothing wrong with it. This post is just to encourage someone who is just starting out on bass or who is already a pro on the bass. Here are just a couple of methods to break those bad habits.

1)Stick to the Unfamiliar

I would suggest taking a break from something you already know by heart. What happens is that if you play things you are familiar with, you will quickly jump back into your old bass playing techniques. Break out side your regular routine and try stuff that is new. This may be new bass techniques, exercises for example. If you try this you will be able to apply these new techniques to the stuff you already know and enhance your playing.

One of the things is that if you want to grow you don't want to fall into old. If you are working with a band see if you can try to do something new.

2)Slow Down via Turtle Speed

I have had the opportunity to work with many musicians and one of the things I noticed is that they use speed to their advantage. There is nothing wrong with using speed when you playing but there are just some times when you need to slow down. Sometimes you need to slow down and pay attention to what your hand's are doing. Sometimes the faster you go the more mistakes you can make. There is nothing wrong with going slow. This is what we call turtle speed.

3)Feedback is Essential

Have you ever recorded yourself while you are playing? You can see what your hands are doing from your chording to your fretting hand. See anything that you can improve on.

A bassist worst friend is their bad habits however that can quickly change with some adjustments in the style and feedback.


**Credit for the image goes to the author

This Week's Music School: The Science of Bass Chording

For this week's music school we are going to focus on a different instrument bass. I have been receiving many emails over the past couple of weeks from different musicians with their different requests. Today we are going to talk about the science of chording and to give some instruction on chording.

As we all know there is a science behind music and that not just a skill.

Major bass guitar chords like all chords are made up of 3 or more notes. For it to be a chord you also have to play all the notes at the same time. If you play them one at a time it's called an Arpeggio.

Major Chord Formula (1,3,5)

For example, C Major Chord (C,E,G)

Advanced C major chord (A,D,G) 9,12,14

You can also invert the chord

Keep in mind that every bass is different from a 4 string to a 6 string.

So now you know the basics why not pick up your bass and take a shot at it. Try moving the chord to make different chords. With practice and patience you will soon master ever major chord on bass.

Bass Tip: Bass guitar chords tend to work better higher up the neck. If you play too low the sound will be distorted and not too good!!\

This is just the starting to learn bass chord progressions, and to learn bass lines as well.


To learn more on bass techniques, bass ear training and the art of chording on bass visit:
Urban Bass Techniques

All the Best

P.S. If you want to submit a question and have it answered on our website go to:

www.helpingadvice.blogspot.com/askbizmoderator



Credit for the image goes to the author

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Learn how to play gospel piano by ear. For free gospel piano lessons visit our gospel posts on this blog or go to:

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There are lots of gospel piano courses from beginner to advance out there for musicians.

Musicians, check out gospel piano lessons at:

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Ascending bass run (1-5):

Ab C Db D Eb F Gb G Ab

Descending bass run (1-5):

Ab Gb F E Eb F Gb G Ab

This was a quick breakdown of the left hand bass line. One of the resources that I recommend is that you take a look at Jermaine Griggs blog. He definately breaks this down to a "T".

Generally the bass line go from the one to the four.

Ascending bass run (1-4):

Ab Bb B C Db F Gb G Ab


Play Shouting Music Today!


Thus walking basslines generally consisting of unsyncopated notes of equal value, usually quarter notes (known in jazz as a "four feel"). Walking basslines use a mixture of scale tones, arpeggios,chromatic runs, and passing tones to outline the chord progression of a song or tune, often with a melodic shape that alternately rises and falls in pitch over several bars.

Basslines can be played by any low register instrument such as a piano, upright bass, electric bass, hammond organ (foot pedals or not)


Try these bass lines and give you left hand a much needed workout.

All the Best
-BizModerator

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