Anyone ever have this happen?

[Alun]

As mentioned above, the context is the key. If the A is leading to Bb then I don't see a problem as it's purely a chromatic approach note.

If the bass rests on the A then that will create a dissonance, but that maybe what the composer wants. Any of the 12 notes work if you want them to

Cheers,
Alun

[Jazzany]

I like the idea that 'you must go with your ears' when composing. Man, maybe your music director wanted dissonance?

And what's the name of the song 'Stormy Ears Blues'?

[s.m.80808]

Originally Posted by Alun

As mentioned above, the context is the key. If the A is leading to Bb then I don't see a problem as it's purely a chromatic approach note.

If the bass rests on the A then that will create a dissonance, but that maybe what the composer wants. Any of the 12 notes work if you want them to

Cheers,
Alun

+1

Any sound clip of the song or maybe the title? Sounds interesting.

[Alan Vorse]

Which beat is A on? Which note follows it?

[slybass3000]

I totally agree with with the last couple of replies. The "A" is a passing tone in the Bb7 chord and is the 7th degree of Bb major call the "sensible" in french(I don't know the exact word in english,sorry). We're talking about a Blues in Bb Major here. So, it is natural to play in the bass a descending line like Bb-A-G-F from time to time to reenforce the sound of a Major tonality or a line like F-G-A-C-Bb. So,may be you can give us an example of the written line here.

Hope this will help,

SB

[EliMarcusBass]

I love adding harmonic tension in my playing, especially in my solos (especially on my solos on modal tunes ).

However, altering chords, implieing different chords/tones, and just playing outside the changes and general is a great way to up your playing tools but be warned, creating dissonance is a fragile technique because it can easily be too harsh to the point where its just bad however, if you can pull it off then it really showcases you as a musician, people are often impressed, and hot girls love altered harmony haha (not really )

I suggest the Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine, it will explain all of this and a billion times more. It's a great read.