Concepts of Bass Line

  • The bassline uses low notes.

    • Provides rhythm and foundation for chord progression.

    • In pop and rock music:

    • Bridges the gap between rhythmic parts (drummer) and melodic lines (lead guitarist, vocals).

    • Connects to chordal parts (rhythm guitarist, keyboard).

Instruments That Play Bass Lines

  • Primary instrument:

    • Bass Guitar

    • Vocal range required for bass lines:

    • F2 to C4

The Bass Clef

  • Definition: The bass clef is a symbol that indicates low-pitched notes on the stave.

    • Typically used in:

    • Left hand on piano or keyboard for playing the bass line.

    • Low-pitched instruments.

Bass Clef Notes

  • Notation: Bass clef notes are positioned as follows:

    • Lines (from bottom to top): G, B, D, F, A

    • Spaces (from bottom to top): A, C, E, G

    • Mnemonic for lines: "Grass Airplanes Fly Above"

    • Mnemonic for spaces: "Cows Eat Donuts"

  • Middle C on the bass clef is referred to as:

    • Low C: Bass C

    • Middle C: C

Bass Riffs

  • Definition: Short, repeated, 'catchy' and memorable bass line patterns.

    • Commonly used in:

    • Rock, Rap, Hip Hop, R’n’B, Popular Songs.

    • Typically performed on:

    • Bass Guitar.

  • Characteristics of Bass Riffs:

    • Use notes from the chord + 'extra' notes (passing or stepping notes).

Examples of Bass Lines in Popular Songs

  • Usher: Bass Line Riff from "Yeah"

  • White Stripes: Bass Line Riff from "Seven Nation Army"

  • Ghostbusters: Recognizable Bass Line Riff

  • DNCE: Bass Line Riff from "Cake by the Ocean"

  • Billie Eilish: Bass Line Riff from "Bad Guy"

Walking Bass Lines

  • Definition: A 'walking bass' is a fundamental bass line often utilized in early rock and roll.

    • Creates a rhythmic foundation based on quarter notes.

    • Incorporates stepping notes that transition through a scale or chord.

Class Activity

  • Play a Walking Bass Line:

    • Key: C major.

    • Accompany with a chord progression.

    • Improvise a melody using the Blues scale that harmonizes with both the bass line and chords.

Variations of Walking Bass Lines

  • Walking Bass line utilizing notes from the Blues scale is a variant often used in early Rock and Roll.

How to Turnaround in Music

  • Definition: A 'turnaround' is a chord progression leading music back to the start or a designated section of the piece.

    • Works in conjunction with repeat signs.

    • Final bar in 12-bar blues:

    • Uses chord I or V.

  • Chord Functions:

    • Chord V: Circles back to the beginning of the chord progression.

    • Chord I: Finishes the blues piece like a full stop!