Exploring Eighth Note Bass

Right, let's look at another approach to bass. There's this sort of eighth note bass, which is a nice one. It fits nicely under the fingers but covers a larger range, giving it a bit of groove.

Transitioning between Chords

• On the F when it gets to the G, another nice thing about this bass line is that it's easily transposed to A minor to give it that minor feel.
• On the D, when it goes to the E, you could actually use the major on that dominant chord, which, as you might well know, is the bass line used on Bumble Boogie.

Creating with Left Hand Patterns

So let's get creative with that left hand eight-to-the-bar pattern. One thing I do from time to time is use a bass that is based on these harmonies. That's C7, which I'll go into later on in other aspects.

• For example, this bass line outlines a C7 chord, and it's a fun little bass.
• There are millions of different patterns you could play with this kind of eight-to-the-bar feel.

Let's just have a go at something.

Funky Inspiration

You could do something like that! That was just off the top of my head, which essentially outlines a C harmony with a diminished feel going to the C. Sounds kind of funky, I quite like it!

Example from "Unsquared Dance"

Here's another idea in my version of "Unsquared Dance", which again kicks off with a sort of 8-to-the-bar feel, or rather a 7-to-the-bar feel because it is in 7/8.

• It does change to 4/4; let's look at it.
• When it goes to 4/4, there's a chromatic idea that outlines the A minor harmony.

Bass Line Variations

Here it is in 4/4, slightly different on the 5 chord.

• And here it is in 7/8.

Getting Creative

There are a few ideas for bass lines and getting creative with them. Don't feel limited by bass lines that you've heard before or that are commonly used.

After all, those bass lines didn't exist when those people wrote them. So get creative!

I'd love to hear your ideas.