Tagged As: Bass Guitar Note Chord
Question:
What qualifies as acceptable or good notes for me to choose as I write or play for bass? I do study performance, improv, and composition to some degree, but I think that here my question has more of a focus on theory. What qualifies as a bass note? A note that is in the lower frequency range, or the lowest frequency being played? A note that is the root of a chord or inversion? What exactly?
Answer:
You don't say what musical style you are considering. It can matter & telling the readers here will bring the most appropriate answers. The root of each chord, in any register, is usually the first note played by the bass in each bar. Any note in the chord scale, including a repeat of the root tone could follow with good results. Some of those notes will create tension. Other notes will impart continuity or resolution. Some possible notes to follow the root are it's 5th or other chord tones as ascending or descending arpeggio for a linear feel, widely spaced for a more 'angular' feel, or in other patterns that repeat through the chord changes. Tell us more about what you are doing.
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