Assistance in working out improvisation progressions and walking bass lines

[mambo4]

From my current working knowledge of theory these comments are a tad over my head,

the concept you first need to grasp is harmonizing the major scale
the pdf in my signature explains it

In short:

Every major Key uses 7 of the 12 notes
(which notes are flat /sharp are in the key signature)

If you build triad chords with roots on each of the 7 notes
(and only use those 7 notes to build the chords)
You get a harmonized major scale

For example C major would have triads built on the root notes C, D, E, F,G A, and B

some of those triads are major, some are minor, some diminished.
there is pattern to this which is universal ( to any major key ):

1. I major
2. ii minor
3. iii minor
4. IV major
5. V major
6. vi minor
7. vii diminished

uppercase roman numerals imply major triads, lower case are minor.
( but not all materials/TB posts adhere to this )

in the key of C for example:

1. C major
2. D minor
3. E minor
4. F major
5. G major
6. A minor
7. B diminished

Thus the triads C A D G are not (strictly speaking) C major
because that requires A minor and D minor

However that root motion outlines a I-vi-ii-V chord progression
which is very common in western music
If you played C Am Dm G you'll hear it, and recognize it as many tunes

seeing chord progressions as these "roman numerals" relative to the key
(aka functional harmony)
is fundamental to understanding chord progressions.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I see IV, II, V, I where the II (A) is a major because it's the secondary dominant of the V. So, to be a little more precise: IV, V/V (five of five), V, I. As you can see, though, lots of ways to go with it. Music is fun!

BBB

 

[shadven]

The D is minor and the A should also be minor. It’s a common do-wop / 50’s progression. The Dm is a substitution for F major chord.

 

[Lamphun_Lamyai]

It should be CEGBb, AC#EEb, DF#AAb, GBDDb. These are all example of approaches that lead down a half step.

Yep - I see that now. Thanks!

 

[Lamphun_Lamyai]

It’s great that you’re curious and wanting to learn more about theory. I would strongly suggest working your way through an introductory theory book.

Yep - I started doing just that shortly after picking up bass. It's currently a work-in-progress which I'm enjoying.

 

[HueyFreeman]

I don't know what those sharps leading into the root note would be called. A nudge in understanding would help?

You answered your own question.

Leading tone - Wikipedia