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Gospel Instruments => General Music Hangout => Topic started by: jjjoe on March 13, 2008, 05:43:32 PM

Title: playing by the bassline
Post by: jjjoe on March 13, 2008, 05:43:32 PM
I have some people say that they don't understand how to play by the bassline. well lets take a look at bassline. Bassline is a melody play at the lower end of the piano because you play your chords in the middle C area and you play your runs or melody at the high end of the piano. The bassline and melody go hand and hand because they both need each other. Its like koolaid the bassline is the water and the koolaid package is the melody. Well to explain more about bassline: how to hear it. well to hear the bassline on CD, Radio, Ipod, Mp3,..... you try to hear the bass gutair and follow it. I would do is write the bass note in a notebook. and to hear the melody either try hearing the lead gutair or strings or mainly hear the piano sound because likely it is usually a keyboard playing those type of sound. a tip write both bassline and melody with two different ink pen like bassline can be in red and the melody could be in blue. when you finish with hearing the bassline and melody, you try putting it together by your melody being your chords which is your right hand or sometimes it will be both hands or it might be tritones in your left hand but practice make perfect.
hope this help someone. the person who stand the storm will last in the end.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on March 13, 2008, 07:42:54 PM
nice post jjjoe, maybe this should go to the stickies  ?/? coz I've come across this question far too many times.

Keep up the good work mr Koolaid ;)
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: jjjoe on March 13, 2008, 08:08:04 PM
Thanks I will later give chords so yall can try to use with your music later.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on March 13, 2008, 08:53:35 PM
nice post jjjoe, maybe this should go to the stickies  ?/? coz I've come across this question far too many times.

Keep up the good work mr Koolaid ;)

that KOOLAID was so tiny you wouldn't have noticed.. :D

Can't wait for those cool chords from you 8)
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: chevonee on March 14, 2008, 06:41:54 PM
I can hardly wait either




My next order of business would be to learn some more "musalogy"
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on March 15, 2008, 09:00:55 AM
I can hardly wait either




My next order of business would be to learn some more "musalogy"

 :D :D :D :DThere goes Vonne again :D :P

I'm sure you've already covered Musalogy 101 up to 750...

You just have to complete the 1001 series & U'r a master ;)


ps:

What did you do to G/Girl ?/? I miss her..please don't tell me you.. ?/?  :o
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: apostle5 on April 01, 2008, 12:38:33 AM
I need more help on this bassline stuff. I am so use to playing the melody with my right hand and chords with my left, it seems impossible to switch! I tried to play bass with the left and chords with my right hand and my left hand didnt know how to move! :(
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: Fenix on April 01, 2008, 08:37:00 AM
I need more help on this bassline stuff. I am so use to playing the melody with my right hand and chords with my left, it seems impossible to switch! I tried to play bass with the left and chords with my right hand and my left hand didnt know how to move! :(

I don't think he is talking about playing what the bass is playing or playing like a bass player on your LH. I think he means, in order to get the progression of the song, follow the bass-line. More often than not the bass-line gives an indication of what the basic underlying progression is. I do this all the time, i just listen to what the bass player is doing and follow along. THEN i play the chords associated with that bass note and i have the basic structure of the song down.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: apostle5 on April 01, 2008, 11:31:23 AM
I don't think he is talking about playing what the bass is playing or playing like a bass player on your LH. I think he means, in order to get the progression of the song, follow the bass-line. More often than not the bass-line gives an indication of what the basic underlying progression is. I do this all the time, i just listen to what the bass player is doing and follow along. THEN i play the chords associated with that bass note and i have the basic structure of the song down.

I dont fully understand what you mean about getting the progression of a song follow the bass-line. Could you explain it more to me please?
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: Fenix on April 01, 2008, 11:37:21 AM
I dont fully understand what you mean about getting the progression of a song follow the bass-line. Could you explain it more to me please?


Hmm, ok can i ask if you know what a progression is? If you do, then i ca explain what i meant.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: apostle5 on April 01, 2008, 12:07:59 PM
Progression....that is one thing I keep forgetting the definition to. I got so many notes of things here Im loosing myself!
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on April 01, 2008, 05:30:12 PM
Progression....that is one thing I keep forgetting the definition to. I got so many notes of things here Im loosing myself!

A progression is the PATTERN in which chords or a song follows/ is arranged in.

For instance, if you play the chords in the major scale of, say, C, & you play them one after the other, then that qualifies to be called a progression.

Whether you played C-->F--->G--->D-->C   or C->B->A , if it is more than 1 chord, it is a progression.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: apostle5 on April 01, 2008, 06:06:55 PM
So, then basically you are saying that a progression is just more than one chord being played in a song?
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on April 01, 2008, 06:41:39 PM
So, then basically you are saying that a progression is just more than one chord being played in a song?

yes ;)
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: apostle5 on April 01, 2008, 07:31:23 PM
Gotcha, Thanks! ;)
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: jjjoe on April 01, 2008, 09:36:45 PM
A progression is basically what musallio said it is a pattern in music in which you use in songs. it consists of the scale mostly the major scale ;however, it also in other scales. now don't be confused what I am about to tell you but when playing the progression of the scale the progression consists 7 main degrees of the scale for example

in C Major

C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C

C is 1
D is 2
E is 3
F is 4
G is 5
A is 6
B is 7

now there are some sub degree numbers such as in the key of C major

Db which is #1 or a flat 2
Eb which is #2 or a flat 3
Gb which is #4 or a flat 5
Ab which is #5 or a flat 6
Bb which is #6 or a flat 7

Now a progression is the same as the number system like 5-1-4 which is G-C-F  7-3-6 which is B-E-A and 2-1-6 which is D-C-A you are basically using the number system to play music. now mainly you use the scale degree of the major scale for the progression; however, music is abstract and with the progression instead of playing a major offf the 5 you might play a minor off the 5 or you might play 3 chord with a 5 bass, but that is another lesson. With playing by the bassline you use the number system to fill in the chord you hear on the bass gutair like familar patterns of the 7-3-6 or 7-1-4 it depends what you hear on the bass. With hearing the bassline you can establish a foundation for a song.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: apostle5 on April 02, 2008, 08:55:44 PM
thanks jjjoe. Keep the lessons coming. ;D
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on April 05, 2008, 08:10:12 AM
thanks jjjoe. Keep the lessons coming. ;D

CO-SIGN ;D ;DAlways good to have more T-Bones here ;D
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: Virtuenow on April 08, 2008, 12:03:51 AM
Progression....that is one thing I keep forgetting the definition to. I got so many notes of things here Im loosing myself!


Hi Apostle.  The musical progression is very important.  You need to learn the basic progressions in order to build your musical arsenal.  The progressions is a fundamental basis to understanding theory.  Whenever we talk about theory, you will see that "progression" is a term that is used repeatedly as well as the numbering system that comes with it.  Please learn it so that you can take all of this stuff in :)!  I think I finally got it!  Here is the link:

http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,42768.0.html

Click on the links that talk about progressions and the basic progression practice routines.  Of course you should probably get all the other stuff down first.  This link lists all the things that you need to learn in sequential order.  So that you should get your scales and chords/fingering down first.  I know people skip steps but going through each step will give you the fundamentals to take to progression learning.  Here's for theory!
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on April 08, 2008, 10:02:50 AM
Hi Apostle.  The musical progression is very important.  You need to learn the basic progressions in order to build your musical arsenal.  The progressions is a fundamental basis to understanding theory.  Whenever we talk about theory, you will see that "progression" is a term that is used repeatedly as well as the numbering system that comes with it.  Please learn it so that you can take all of this stuff in :)!  I think I finally got it!  Here is the link:

[url]http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,42768.0.html[/url]

Click on the links that talk about progressions and the basic progression practice routines.  Of course you should probably get all the other stuff down first.  This link lists all the things that you need to learn in sequential order.  So that you should get your scales and chords/fingering down first.  I know people skip steps but going through each step will give you the fundamentals to take to progression learning.  Here's for theory!


I wouldn't mind having U as my teacher--that was a candid & crisp explanation..
Go sista 8)
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: Virtuenow on April 10, 2008, 08:12:14 PM
Thanks Musallie  ;D, but I still need to be taught.  I think I am at a level of learning so I can explaining it back to you as I learn.  It helps my understanding to be able to answer questions and explain stuff.  I then have to think of it conceptually.  T-Block taught me that!  For now, Musallio, we can teach each other (deal?) :)!

Bassline & Melody Very Different:

One more thing, jjjoe (I like your name by the way, 3 "j's"  :P), I don't think of the bass as the low end melody.  The bass usually sounds nothing like the melody of the song; and it does not follow the same pattern as the melody.  That is one reason it is so diffcult for me to pick the bass up w/my ears, b/c the melody throws me off (and melody is easier to hear).  I wish it was more like the melody; but the bass line is definitely more unique as far as the pattern.  Often, if you play the bass just by itself, it makes no sense and sounds nothing like the song you are learning---until you add the chords, that is.  Then it makes much more sense.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: jjjoe on April 11, 2008, 12:27:04 AM
thank you for the compliment you said about the name. well yes and no about what you said yes it doesn't sound like the actual melody but the bassline is similar like the melody because the application process is the same. also the bassline follows a pattern that is related to the song same as the melody. the reason alot of people have problem with recognizing the bassline is because there are alot of different instruments that throw people off and you try to follow the path of you sound and some how the instruments you hear on the cd will switch to something that is strong; however, the process is still the same like microsoft word and microsoft works word processor. They both are different programs but they both do the same applications and about close to the same features. similar to bassline and melody they have alittle different sound from each other but they both follow the same patterns to apply to play songs. Therefore, you will need both to apply to songs like Koolaid package and water you both need them to serve the purpose of making koolaid. to have a better understanding read this pdf from jamal for gospel keyboard.com for more on bassline.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on April 11, 2008, 07:57:23 AM
Thanks Musallie  ;D, but I still need to be taught.  I think I am at a level of learning so I can explaining it back to you as I learn.  It helps my understanding to be able to answer questions and explain stuff.  I then have to think of it conceptually.  T-Block taught me that!  For now, Musallio, we can teach each other (deal?) :)!

Bassline & Melody Very Different:

One more thing, jjjoe (I like your name by the way, 3 "j's"  :P), I don't think of the bass as the low end melody.  The bass usually sounds nothing like the melody of the song; and it does not follow the same pattern as the melody.  That is one reason it is so diffcult for me to pick the bass up w/my ears, b/c the melody throws me off (and melody is easier to hear).  I wish it was more like the melody; but the bass line is definitely more unique as far as the pattern.  Often, if you play the bass just by itself, it makes no sense and sounds nothing like the song you are learning---until you add the chords, that is.  Then it makes much more sense.

I get U sis...deal ;)

jjoe:

Kool explanation..But the file failed to download:(
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: jjjoe on April 11, 2008, 09:39:24 AM
Here is what Jamal says below its long

Chapter 1?Patterns in Ab
Introduction
This lesson is probably one of the most powerful and most important lessons out
of all of the lessons. What we tried to do was to give you patterns to use when
playing a song. Many contemporary songs have similar patterns to them. We
base everything from the bass line or bass note and we are applying the righthand
rules to the bass note. For example, if you can figure out the bass line to a
song, then there are usually a few right-hand chords or variations that can be
applied to that bass line. So what we did in the PDF documentation was provide
you different variations of right-hand chords, if you can determine the bass line.
The power of this, is that we did all of the hard work for you. If you can figure
out what the bass note is, then we gave you a choice of 2-3 different chords to
play in the right hand that usually correspond to the bass note that you hear.
Practice and memorize these patterns in Ab, then take them up to the rest of the
keys.
Procedure
The bass line is one of the easiest melodies to figure out, because it is typically
the lowest notes you hear in the song. One good way to pick out the bass
melody is to listen to the bass guitar to determine the bass. After determining
the bass melody, try the different right-hand chord variations that we have
provided to you. Listen to the different chords to figure out which one applies.
Now you have to remember that there is no sure guaranteed way to assure that
we can provide every single chord, but this will give you a good base or ballpark
as to the type of urban worship chords go with certain bass notes.
It is important that you don?t forget to transpose the chords. For example, you
do not have to play the chord in the exact same order as it is on the sheet. Be
creative and transpose the notes. For example, an Ab Major 7th can be played 4-
differnet ways:
1. Ab C Eb G
2. C Eb G A
3. Eb G Ab C
4. G Ab C Eb
So, take the chords we gave you and try different variations of the chord.
Hint: Try to listen to the melody of the song. If you can hear the melody, then
when choosing the chord, choose the chord that has the melody associated with
the singer. For example if the melody note is C#, then try to match the variation
of the chord with the melody note.
Play around with variations
Don?t be afraid to play around with the variations. Become very familiar with the
variations. I did not hold back on what I showed you. Those simple variations
and right-hand chords are the same chords I use on Sunday and in worship
services. Go through each variation and combine different variations so you
know how to form your fingers and how to hear what they sound like.
*Hint: Easy Talk Music?After learning these chords and their variations, you can
create some pretty nice talk music. Try different bass lines and apply the right
hand rules to the bass line. Perform the movements slow and majestic. You will
begin to hear some pretty nice talk music movements evolving from just mere
experimentation.
Title: Re: playing by the bassline
Post by: musallio on April 11, 2008, 09:46:29 AM
Thanks jjjoe..
 8)