tensions

varunkapahi · #1 09-02-2010, 02:09 PM

i understand what tensions are and the rules regarding their availability. but really what do i with that information?
as a bass player how do i "respect" the tensions or how do i get them into to play for me? or should i just over look the tensions and only pay attention to the chord tones?

MalcolmAmos · #2 09-02-2010, 03:31 PM

Not real sure what tension means to you. Tension to me is anything beyond the tonic - once you move from the tonic you start building tension. You reach climax with the V7 dominant chord, i.e. your tension is at it's highest with the V7. There may be another higher, but, I can not recall what it may be. The tension continues until you return to the tonic to resolve the built up tension.

If you include V7's full chord tones R-3-5-b7 in your bass line you have respected the V7's role. If you play the Imaj7 chord tones -- R-3-5-7 in your bass line you have respected the Imaj7's role. If you play all of the chord's tones not just the root or root five you have taken into account the chord's tension.

Playing all of the chord's tones should accomplish what you want. IMHO.

Is that any where close to what you are asking?

**Pacman** · #3 09-02-2010, 03:52 PM

Tensions are available tones above the 7th, Malcom.

Varun, tensions are available - play them, or don't. Most frequently, you're going to be using them in soloing, but they also can be used to spice up a bassline. My suggestion is to use some sort of accompaniment (I used Band-in-a-Box), and really listen to the sound of those notes. Get used to the sound of a b13 on a dominant chord, really listen to, and learn its character. Then, when you 'hear' it in your head, you'll know it and be able to play it.

varunkapahi · #4 09-03-2010, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

Tensions are available tones above the 7th, Malcom.

Varun, tensions are available - play them, or don't. Most frequently, you're going to be using them in soloing, but they also can be used to spice up a bassline. My suggestion is to use some sort of accompaniment (I used Band-in-a-Box), and really listen to the sound of those notes. Get used to the sound of a b13 on a dominant chord, really listen to, and learn its character. Then, when you 'hear' it in your head, you'll know it and be able to play it.

thanks