Jazz Chord Changes on Bass

[Johannes Oehl]

Playing chord changes on bass is not very common, but it can help you develop your playing, the way you play solos and your flexibility on the instrument overall.

The general idea is to play voicings that consist of three notes (usually the root, the third and the seventh).

When you are playing V-I changes, the third becomes the seventh and vice versa.

Example: G7 (g,b,f) -> Cmaj7 (c,e,b)

G..........16.(3)...........16...(7).............. ...................
D..........15.(7)...........14..(3)............... ...................
A.............................15....root.......... .....................
E..........15.root................................ .....................

My Website


Jazz Chord Progression

[faulknersj]

Hey! Thanks man! I love instructinal videos! Keep em comin'!

[Johannes Oehl]

Thanks!

I will upload some tabs soon.

[retardedpossum]

very nice

[Johannes Oehl]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Here you go with another example of some jazz changes. It is a MIDI-file, so it sounds not really good, but you should get the idea. Full transcription is suplied, also as a tab.

Jazz Chord Progression

Edit: Added this link to the first post.

[LM Bass]

Todd Johnson is the man for chords on bass.

[Johannes Oehl]

Yeah, I have seen Todd, he is obviously a very accomplished player.

All the Things you are by Todd Johnson

This is an advanced approach on chord playing, he is combining the melody with the chords. A very good example how you can benefit from implying chords in your practice shedule

[devine]

I love doing solo/chord stuff. I love Todd's little rendition of 'All The Things'. Really great voice leading.

Here's a youtube clip I recorded the other day. I'm using a lot of chord substitutions in this piece to get quite a complex harmonic sound.
Here it is... YouTube - ‪Autumn Leaves - Solo Bass Improvisation - Scott Devine‬‏

Enjoy

Scott.

Free Online Bass Lessons - Scott's Bass Lessons
SCOTT DEVINE-BASS PLAYER-COMPOSER-EDUCATOR

[faulknersj]

FYI; The Links are not working.

[Johannes Oehl]

Originally Posted by devine

I love doing solo/chord stuff. I love Todd's little rendition of 'All The Things'. Really great voice leading.

Here's a youtube clip I recorded the other day. I'm using a lot of chord substitutions in this piece to get quite a complex harmonic sound.
Here it is... YouTube - ‪Autumn Leaves - Solo Bass Improvisation - Scott Devine‬‏

Enjoy

Scott.

Free Online Bass Lessons - Scott's Bass Lessons
SCOTT DEVINE-BASS PLAYER-COMPOSER-EDUCATOR

Nice stuff! All links are working for me :-)

[nick_aua]

Thank you very much!

[jazzin0927]

ALAS....links are not working for me I'm in the same boat as faulkner ....Damn this old computer...

[Russell L]

I think one secret to playing through changes is to be able to see where the next change is gonna be on the fretboard before you get there. That way, you work toward it. Knowing theory makes it all easier.

[Johannes Oehl]

I just uploaded a solo arrangement for "All the Things you are" and "All of Me" on my website.

Solo Arrangements

[Mike Dimin]

If you are interested in playing chords, chord progressions and chord melodies on bass, you need to check out my book, "The Art of Solo Bass" (Mel Bay)

Mike Dimin

[Mike Dimin]

Here is a link:

The Art of Solo Bass, The Chordal Approach Book/CD Set - by Michael Dimin - 20845BCD | Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

[Johannes Oehl]

Looks great Mike! I will definately check out your book!

[Pacman]

Moved to General Instruction.

[devine]

Hey guys,

Sorry about the links not working, I think there was an on and off problem with my web host. Anyway, should all be sorted now.

Easy,

Scott.

Free Online Bass Lessons - Scott's Bass Lessons
SCOTT DEVINE-BASS PLAYER-COMPOSER-EDUCATOR