Transcribing Chords as Bassist

ThomasG · #1 10-07-2007, 12:12 PM

How do you fellow bassists transcribe and determine what kind chord you hear when transcribing/learning tune by ear as a bassists ? Do you use a keyboard, guitar or your bass. And what are your procedures/methods to accomplish this. This is unchartered territory for me and appreciate all the feedback from the various players/styles . Thanks !

Deacon_Blues · #2 10-07-2007, 12:59 PM

If you do it by ear you don't need an instrument, right?

Anyway, seriously speaking, I use a guitar when transcribing songs. I played guitar before I started on bass so it's the most natural for me.

Andrew.Glose · #3 10-07-2007, 06:37 PM

I use my bass. For chords, I'll find the root, and run a scale/arpeggio/lick over it. If it sounds like it fits, it'll do.

Knowing modes/basic theory helps.

This being said, I'm a jazz and improv oriented player. After jazz, pop songs are a joke to figure out.

**Pacman** · #4 10-08-2007, 08:04 AM

I transcribe on a piano. I identify root movement, and then chord quality. Knowledge of functional harmony is a huge help.

magnusdeus123 · #5 10-08-2007, 11:31 AM

I hum something along the lines of the root note that'd fit the BG of the song perfectly , compare it to what the song is playing , and then try to figure out the roots that way . Listen to the songs a few times to get all the little bass-walks and improvs and fills that the bassist has done besides the roots . Basicaly I do an overall construction , rather than note by note , that way even Improv. on those songs becomes easier....