How to Build a Bass Line

Rhythm Section 101:

Part 1: Roots

In Part 1 of our “How to Build a Bass Line” series, we explore the first steps for students and teachers to learn how to create their own swinging bass line.

Key Terms:

Chord Symbols - Markings above a written measure that indicate the chord being played at that time. Example: F7, Gmi7.

Root - The note that is indicated by the chord symbol marking. For example, the root of an F7 chord is “F”. The root is the primary note that is played by the bass to correctly identify a chord.

B-Flat Blues Playalong (Roots)

F Blues Playalong (Roots)

How to Build A Bass Line: Part 1 - Roots (.PDF)

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