Rhythm Section 101:

How to Build a Bass Line

Part 4: 1-2-3-5 Progression

When learning music, it is sometimes helpful to develop musical patterns that can help us navigate a song. In Part 4 of this series, we explore the “1-2-3-5” pattern of building a jazz bass line. This helps a bass player establish a framework for playing a stepwise, flowing bass line.

Tips:

• Remember to quiz your students on applying numbers to chord/scale notes. The “1-2-3-5” pattern requires that the root of each chord is considered number “1”, so you can ask students such questions as “What’s the 1-2-3-5 pattern on a Bb major chord?”.

• This lesson is an excellent way to begin to discuss chord quality with your students, as the third note of the progression will vary depending on whether a chord is major or minor. Quiz your students on the third of each chord type, to ensure that they choose the correct third in each chord.

Want to send this video to your students? Use this link: https://youtu.be/DnImx62K_9M